Save the world:Look what they done to my river Ma.

http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/
This Friday is World Blog Action Day and the topic is water. I have done my draft on the river I grew up in even before I read a flurry of emails and photos and blogs. This Rejang River is 350 miles long in Sarawak, Borneo. The river I swam in, the water whose water I drank.

When you see these photos, you will be singing and crying with me: Look what they done to my river Ma."
The photos are not mine. But I am sure they are genuine.

Please go on to this link of Sarawakiana who has videos.
http://sarawakianaii.blogspot.com/2010/10/debris-of-logs-and-branches-floating.html
http://sarawakianaii.blogspot.com/2010/10/more-videos-on-rajangs-log-clogged-flow.html


http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/state-minister-says-rajang-logjam-an-ecological-disaster/

State minister says Rajang logjam an ecological disaster
By Melissa Chi
October 08, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Sarawak Land Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr James Masing blamed loggers today for the Rajang river clog-up, in what he said was the worst logjam he had seen in the state’s history.

Masing said he had just gone to Kapit, one of the affected towns along the river, before speaking to The Malaysian Insider today.

“Although there is less debris in the water, it is still dangerous to travel along the river,” the state land development minister said.

However, he was optimistic that the river would clear up by tomorrow and that the busy Rajang river would see regular transporting activities.

“I want the relevant authorities to find out who the culprits are and once they find them, take them to task (otherwise) it will happen again,” he said.

He said there was a lot of logging activities near Balleh river, one of the main tributaries of the Rajang river, and Masing suspected that the logs and debris came from that location.

“There must be some erosion up there that caused the debris to float down the river.

“This is because some of the logging operators do not follow the rules of the game,” he said.

He said the Natural Resources And Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak and the Forestry Department of Sarawak should look into this matter.

He said the towns affected are Kapit, Song, Kanowit and Sibu.

Calling it an ecological disaster, Masing said he had noticed a massive number of dead fish which literally “drowned”.

He explained that the debris had clogged up their gills.

In addition to transportation activities which had to be stopped, fishermen were also affected by the logjam.

The estimated cost of the disaster is still unknown.

*******************************************************


So, if you have a friend or family member who blogs, or are part of a blogging community, we need your help in spreading the word about Blog Action Day. It doesn't matter how large or small a blog is or what topics it covers – we want everyone involved.

You can help spread the word three ways:

1. Send an email to friends: At the end of this email, we've included a sample letter you can send out to your blogging friends and family members letting them know about Blog Action Day.
2. Post to a blogger forum or listserv: If you're part of a blogging community, listserv or forum with lots of bloggers, you can use the same information below to encourage everyone to participate.
3. Write an early blog post: In addition to posting on Blog Action Day this Friday, consider writing an announcement post earlier in the week letting the readers of your blog know about Blog Action Day. Many of your readers are likely to have their own blogs, and this will give them time to register before the big day.

If you have any questions or additional suggestions of your own, please reply to this email and let us know.

Thank you for your continued commitment and support – Blog Action Day would not be possible without you.

Thanks again,

Maria & the Blog Action Day team

P.S. A number of bloggers have asked whether or not they would have to re-register if they blogged last year. The answer is yes: your Blog Action Day registration doesn't carry over so you will have to re-register your blog. But the good news is it takes less than 60 seconds!

Hey,

I wanted to let you know about an important online event I'm taking part in on October 15th, called Blog Action Day. Each year bloggers from more than 100 countries come together and blog about a single important issue, and this year's topic is clean water. The event includes thousands of blogs - including the White House blog and The Official Google Blog - and they're looking for as many blogs to participate as possible, regardless of their size and focus.

I hope you'll think about joining me for this event. If you want more information, check out the Blog Action Day site at http://blogactionday.change.org/.
Hope to see your post on the 15th!

My World Tuesday: Sky City at night

This photo was taken in August. At 328 metres the Auckland Sky tower is the tallest tower in the Southern hemisphere. You can walk doing a 360 degree turn, watching the sunset.

http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/
SKYCITY’s Sky Tower is by turning pink this October leading the charge in support of one of New Zealand’s most significant charity campaigns. October is Breast Cancer Action Month and this year, for the tenth year, landmarks around the world are going pink to raise awareness of the disease and funds for the cause in the Global Illumination campaign.

The Sky Tower was the first New Zealand monument to join in the campaign, accompanied in 2010 by many others including Canterbury Museum, Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre, the Nelson Cathedral and Invercargill’s Water Tower. New Zealand’s antipodean time zone ensures it is the first to light up in support of the worthy cause.

The Global Illumination campaign was initiated by Evelyn Lauder of The Estée Lauder Companies and, since its launch in 2000, more than 200 prominent landmarks in more than 40 countries around the world have participated, including the Empire State Building, Kensington Palace, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Table Mountain and Niagara Falls.

Sunday stills: Bill boards

http://sundaystills.wordpress.com

Yep, those annoying monstrosities that ruin landscape pics advertising everything from lawyers to hotels. So this weeks challenge is to find the most annoying billboard, maybe one that has ruined a great shot of a sunset or beautiful vista. For a bit of fun look for an old or dilapidated billboard that should have been tore down a long time ago.

Signs on buildings don’t count, good luck…Ed
Sorry Ed, I can't find annoying billboards. Though to many, these election campaign bill boards are annoying enough for people to deface or tear down.

Today, we just had our Local elections, and these are the "Vote me" bill boards.

Save the world/Save our women 2;Friday Shootout

For this week's shootout, I am posting one photo as this is a serious topic.

This month, I wear my pin to make a difference to support awareness for breast cancer.

http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP03844/Signs-of-Breast-Cancer.html
Do you know the signs and symptoms that might indicate breast cancer? While personal and family histories of breast cancer and lifestyle habits (including diet, exercise and how you handle stress) can all affect breast-cancer risk, learning to recognize the signs of breast cancer may save your life - early diagnosis is key to treatment and recovery. Performing a monthly self-examination is still recommended by many health professionals, as is having a yearly exam performed by your doctor. In addition, the National Cancer Institute suggests keeping an eye out for the following signs:
A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
A change in the size or shape of the breast
Nipple discharge or tenderness
An inverted nipple
Ridges or pitting on the breast (resembling an orange peel)
A change in the look or feel of the breast, areola or nipple (such as temperature, swelling, redness or a scaly feel)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor for a diagnosis and possible treatment. If you are over 40, talk to your doctor about mammograms.

In New Zealand, during September and October Firestone Tyres are selling pink tyre valve caps for raise money for The New Zealand Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

The pink tyre valve caps cost $2 each and all of the money raised goes to the foundation with Firestone covering the cost of the caps.

Today Firestone

presented the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation with a cheque for $63,950 on behalf of all the New Zealanders who participated in the Firestone Pink Cap Drive.

Both Firestone and The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation are thrilled with the fantastic response from the campaign and look forward to reaching an even bigger target next year.

In August I did this post http://annkschin.blogspot.com/2010/08/save-worldsave-our-women.html

I am very passionate about this topic. Thirty one years ago, I found a little pea sized lump in my left breast. I did not panic because I didn't realise the implications. The doctor just said," I will send you to the hospital to check it out." At the hospital, the junior doctor just said," We will do a little biopsy."

At the ward before I had the procedure, elderly women came and hugged me and cried, saying," we are sorry for you." I was still very innocent telling them I was in for a biopsy." Fortunately, I was in only for a biopsy.

Six years later, I had another cyst. This time, the doctor and the counsellor talked a lot of consequences if it was malignant and if I wanted to remove the breast if it was. That was really scary. Thank God when I woke up, I still have my breast.

I have a two inch scar to show for the battle I underwent. It is better to have the scar than to have the disease. I know a young woman E who is bereaved twice with the same terrible Campomelic Displasia that robbed me my late son Andrew. Now she is is inflicted with breast cancer.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/campomelicfamilies/


CaringBridge provides free websites that connect people experiencing a significant health challenge to family and friends, making each health journey easier. It takes just a few moments to create a personal and private CaringBridge website.

I want to add that breast cancer affects men as well.




http://mytownshootout.blogspot.com/

This week's shootout: Reflection
http://mytownmrlinky.blogspot.com/

Outdoors Wednesday: Goodbye winter

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com

Spring at last, families come out in droves to Coyles Park at Pt Chevalier.

My World Tuesday: Hospital's children's waiting Room

http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

I am very impressed with the KK Children's hospital in Singapore. The chairs are very attractive, and the whole place is very spacious.

My sister Grace writes after her son Michael was there : This room is for the day surgery waiting room. Not all the clinics are like this. But I hear that the wards are pretty and very children conducive, better than some people's home.

Save the world: Reduce pests

http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/
The threat of rats, http://annkschin.blogspot.com/2010/06/outdoor-wednesday-volcanic-rock-walls.html

This year, we had not had infestation of rats inside the house. This could be we got rid of them by placing baits the moment we saw traces of them visiting us. My New Zealand friends say the rats will always be here as we have volcanic rocks in the city.

The Department of Conservation carries out extensive baits in public parks because of the threats of rats. In many parks, users are asked to take their rubbish home with them, so they don't leave behind food for the rats.

Rats have a major impact on New Zealand’s wildlife because they eat birds and their eggs and chicks, lizards, and invertebrates. They also eat a wide range of native fruits and other plant material, which puts them in competition with native wildlife for food.

Rats are introduced pests which threaten the long-term survival of native species. They include the kiore (Pacific rat), ship rat (Black rat) and Norway rat.

Ship rats are causing the most damage to our wildlife because they are good climbers, so they are able to get access to most bird nests high in trees. Norway rats are large enough to kill nesting adult seabirds and prey on animals that live, roost or nest close to the ground.

Rats are introduced pests which threaten the long-term survival of native species. They include the kiore (Pacific rat), ship rat (Black rat) and Norway rat.

Kiore,(Pacific rat) introduced by early Maori voyagers, predate rare weta, snails, frogs, lizards, tuatara, birds, eggs and chicks and bats, as well as other insects and the flowers, fruits and seeds of plants.

Ship rats and Norway rats also eat any small animals and plant material, including the adults, eggs and chicks of many rare birds