Wild Tiger Conservation!!!

Tiger program at Soka U

2011-07-19T21:42:00.001+09:00

Soka U's Judo Club won the national championships, so the banner is recognizing them! Way to Go SUJ!

I was able to present two Tiger Powerpoint Presentations at Soka University in Japan. There were about 30 students in the English class and many of the students were able to get participation points for asking me questions. The student's assignments are to present posters about endangered species from all over the world, and I was a sort of example for their project. I made it interactive and for the first class, I was a little bit too nervous and spoke too fast. I was calmer and more prepared with interactive portions, so the students were much more receptive to my talk.

Unfortunately, I didn't get photos of my activities, but I had good responses from the students and a few that want some more information!

I talked about my background. I studied Wildlife Biology at Clemson University and worked with the US Fish and Wildlife Service for 12 years. I really miss my work in Florida, but I am enjoying this new opportunity to live and reach out to Asia with my Tiger Conservation work. I was doing this work as a "hobby" of sorts in the US, but now that I'm a housewife I can dedicate more time towards my activities and networking which I also enjoy!

I presented the basics about Tiger Biology and World Population Status. The Tigers used to number more than 100,000, but there are now only 3200 left in the world. The populations are threatened most by Habitat loss, Poaching, and Man-Animal Conflict. All over the world, the Tiger populations are crashing directly linked to human activities. Many deaths could be reduced or avoided if there was a little more care.

The reason why I have decided to take on saving the tigers in the wild is because of the loss of natural habitat, all over Asia. Not just the home of the Tigers, but the elephants, Leopards, Jungle cat, many species of Deer and all the other animals that deserve a chance to live a life of freedom. If we ruin the ecosystem to the point where the tigers cannot survive in the wild, there will be nothing that can life there, including the humans. We depend on the same resources Tigers do, and we must work to protect these areas for the future generations of Earthlings.

I am also working with Clemson University Students who are in the planning stages for a National Conference of all Tiger schools (Universities with the Tiger as a Mascot). We want to unite everyone's efforts and branch out a world-wide network for good and support Tiger conservation on many fronts. As a united network, the Tiger schools can all work towards saving their mascot, the Majestic Tiger! I am promoting for support from my fellow Alumni as well, in order to raise money for a successful conference!

We don't want to see this legendary creature disappear from the jungles where they belong!

In March, ever since the earthquake happened in Japan, I have been dividing my time between fund raising for the tsunami victims in Touhoku and working on my Tiger Conservation projects. I hope I can continue to work for a better tomorrow with everyone!

Finally posted my videos & some photos but you'll have to Friend me on facebook to see them all!!!

My Facebook Photos

My Ongoing Tiger Activities

2011-05-31T07:40:00.002+09:00

After getting back from India, I still am going through photos and videos! Posting them soon on Facebook, for my many friends.

On April 28, I attended the "Elephant Day" Charity Party hosted by the Japan Tiger and Elephant Fund "JTEF." This is a Japanese organization that I found in Dec 2010 and have been working with a little. This was the first major event I ever attended of theirs and was hoping to volunteer, but they had more than enough hands to get things going. There were well over 80 people, who were from all walks of life. Most were older folks, financially able to pay the 5,000 yen fee to attend the event which was held at the Garden Plaza in Yebisu's "Beer Station." A nice venue for our big group!

I especially enjoyed the musical performance by the guest presenter & volunteer for JTEF, Matsuda Yoko, who sang three songs for us during the evening. She has an inspiring book out called "生きてるだけで価値がある" or "There is Value In Just Living" which I am reading. It talks about her battle with breast cancer, divorce and raising her daughter.

I am working towards translating their reports from Japanese to English. I have been able to get help from some students who were off for their Spring Break. They were celebrating "Elephant Day" by the way, because in 1729 the first elephant came over from Vietnam as a gift for a high ranking samurai. JTEF celebrates this day to connect people to history, the cultural significance of the animals and to have a reason to have a party! It was enjoyable meeting other JTEF members & volunteers!

I continue to share my activities with my friends. I have made an informal presentation of my photos and videos to over 20 people.

One person asked me what their 8 year old daughter can do to support my activities. I suggested having her draw me some pictures that I can exchange with Indian school kids similar to the project I did with my English class students before I left!

They are so cute - and proud of their art! I was able to encourage a mother who lives and works near the National Parks because she wants to have her son write a book with his stories about living with the wild tigers. She was inspired by the art I gave her because the boy is not too good at drawing. I will let you know when we get started on that project! It'll be super fun to help make a book!

They drew these pictures and I took them with me to India and shared them with people there. I also gave some pictures to the Clemson students who will use them for the Cubs for Cubs educational programs in South Carolina! If you have an interest in exchanging photos with me, please contact me on this site or in a facebook message and I'll follow up with you!!

Exciting news on the Clemson's Tigers for Tigers student club! We are planning the first National Conference of Tiger Schools at Clemson in Early 2012! We will gather students and faculty from US schools (mostly universities) in order to start discussions on how they can develop Tiger Clubs, research projects and more in order to support wild tiger conservation. Uniting with the tiger as our mascot, the schools will work on creating action items that they can take back with them. In the Fall of 2012, we propose a gathering of interested parties to join a tour of India's national parks, lead by Tiger Trust. We hope to make this an annual event, bringing back all the participants in 2013, hosted by a different Tiger school! If you know someone that might be interested in attending, please contact me.

I continue working with Tiger Trust towards updating their website and posting news items for them about our program in March. It is a little late, but we will get there. There is a possibility we will start a newsletter for Tiger Trust! If you are interested in learning something in particular about Wild Tigers, please let me know this as well! It would be great to start a list of topics to cover in our newsletter, so please contribute your ideas!

Here's our website just in case!
http://tigertrustindia.org/

Tiger Trust has been working hard to keep me focused because many distractions like Hiking and enjoying the warming weather have kept me from updating my blog and sitting at my computer for too long! I will try to keep up!

Indian Update #4, Mission Report - Accomplishments

2011-04-29T02:41:00.001+09:00

Here's the report I submitted to Tiger Trust on March 30, upon my departure for Japan. I just can't believe it! As of April 1, Tiger Trust was awarded 70,000$USD Grant money from the US Fish and Wildlife Service for 2 Proposals we submitted!!! We will be able to continue conducting legal trainings from 2011-2013! These will cover the states of Assam and Rajasthan in India.

Mission Report 2010- 2011

Since March 2010, I have been working for Tiger Trust as a consultant to explore and to help out with new and ongoing projects. I supported the completion of the 2009-2011 Final Report for the “Hunting the Hunter Capacity Building Training Program.” This was the first grant awarded to Tiger Trust which supported and continued the legal training that the Trust had been giving for many years.

I helped with development and submission to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) of 2 new 2011-2013 proposals of additional training programs in the states of Assam and Rajasthan. (Which were approved on April 1 2011!!!) For these projects alone, I worked over 240 hours for Tiger Trust. I have been networking in the USA and Japan to promote Tiger Trust and pursuing possible partnership opportunities and developing connections with people who may in the future be interested contributing to Tiger Trust. There were over 300 hours of these types of efforts even before arriving in Delhi in 2011.

I arrived on 27 Feb, 2011 in Delhi but started working with Anjana on 1 Mar 2011. I worked with her everyday until March 24, when I completed the Environmental Education & Cultural Exchange Program with the Clemson and Delhi students at Kanha National Park. Nearly 40 participants (19 Clemson Students and 14 Vasant Valley Middle School Students, plus teachers and supporting adults). More on this later. I probably worked over 189 hours while in India.

In Delhi, on 9 March, I made a presentation to prepare the 9th grade students who would be attending the education program in Kanha National Park. Over 90 students participated in the talk, and some of the students expressed an interest after the program.

During the travels to Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks, I was able to develop, lead and support Anjana in leading programs for exchange programs between 50 participants from Clemson University (19 students) and Vasant Valley (14 students) and their teachers. This program took place on 22 & 23 Mar, and a first draft of a Tiger Trust Brochure and other commemorative items were produced and presented to each student, with the hope that there could be some future involvement in the creation of a Tiger mascot at Vasant Valley. This program was successful with a single tiger sighting for all the participants to share, united in awe of the majesty of the wild Tiger.

The Environmental & Cultural Exchange program: The climax of the education program was the tiger sighting were all the participants were able to see the same Wild Tiger & it's kill.

The students saw the tiger laying in the grass, then watched her get into the water to cool off and drink, then run off- chased by angry honeybees! This was re-capped in the evening with my video footage on the big screen.

It was an exciting way to complete the program! Everyone watched "The Truth About Tigers" DVD program and they were captivated by it! http://www.truthabouttigers.org/home

The Clemson students presented Tiger Trust with a donation of $1600USD, to support future programs as well. For many of the Clemson students, this program was one of the highlights of their trip to India.

During my time in Delhi and while traveling to Ranthambhore, Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks, I met with various people to discuss the feasibility of future project ideas for Tiger Trust. I wanted to make sure there were projects lined up in the future, even if the grants do not come through from the US FWS. My projects are yet to be summarized, but many of the ideas are centering on continuing with the present course. The legal trainings for the Forest Department, satisfies a long-term view of Tiger conservation for India. However, Tiger Trust must strengthen it’s public image and build up more core supporters who can diversify it’s activities more. There are lots of opportunities for involvement of volunteers, through programs like the Medical camps, environmental education programs, and improving National Park and local villagers’ relationships. I would like to primarily focus efforts to reduce man-animal through direct conflict resolution & additional compensation programs.

While traveling with the Clemson group, more discussions were made about the details of future plans to conduct a National Tiger Conference hosted by Clemson University in the next year or two. I will assist in planning as a consultant for this effort as well, via internet and phone as well as reaching out to fellow alumni from Clemson for additional support.

Upon my return to Delhi on 28 Mar, I was able to record a nationally televised live interview of Trustee Anjana Gosain where she was discussing the newly released results of the Tiger Census 2011. (Video will be available in Hindi) Hopeful results of an increased population were released, giving us some feeling that perhaps our efforts were being rewarded, however the grim reality is that now, more than ever, more efforts towards man-animal conflict resolution will be needed. There was some arguments about the analysis of the "increase" but overall, the positive outlook is a welcome change of pace from the previous censuses. There is still much that needs to be done, especially in the government's relationship with the local people.

I also reviewed the financial utilization report which will be submitted with the final report to USFWS. There were changes that needed to be made to this report. This Final Report will be sent out by April 15, 2011 via e-submission and hand delivered to Fred Bagley during his visit in April 2011.

I appreciate Tiger Trust for all the work they are doing to help the Wild Tigers of India. I believe that through these efforts, it can serve as a model for other countries and tiger territories. I thank the Trust for its’ support during my stay in India and the networking I was able to accomplish was invaluable during my time here. I will use this experience to expand Tiger Trust in new ways with the faith that our united efforts will bear fruit and bring the Tigers back from the brink of extinction.

Here's some more photos from my journey around the National Parks.

Black stork taking flight at a pond in Kanha National Park.

Guar enjoying the fresh shoots of grass growing in the area after a prescribed fire.

A sapling growing back after a fire, everything seems to be rejuvenated by a fire coming through and clearing off the dead leaves and increasing the light hitting the forest floor.

A Shikra stares back at me as if to say, "Um, you're ruining my hunting cause I can't hear anything! Can you shut your engine off?"

A beautiful bird that was feeding at the lodge in the morning during my walk towards breakfast.

India update #3, Educational Exchange Program

2011-04-15T00:13:00.001+09:00

From 22-23 March, 2011 US and Indian students met at Kanha National Park to participate in an cross-cultural exchange program based on conservation problems and presentations and discussions about what can be done to resolve them.
The Clemson students presented about the Bald Eagle & Wolf as having similar conservation issues as the Tiger, India's National Animal. The Middle school students presented a power point about the Tiger and threats to its survival.

There were 19 Clemson University students and 14 Vasant Valley Middle School Students plus Tiger Trust's Anjana Gosain & consultant Takako Sato, and other teachers and participants; totaling ~40 people participating.

The activities included Park visits on jeeps. Tiger Trust was able to get permission to allow special tours where the Indian and US students could ride together while talking and touring the parks. There were also evening programs where the students could discuss conservation topics and ideas about how to improve the situation for the Tigers and Villagers.

The students from Vasant Valley performed skits and presented a powerpoint presentation about Tigers called "Don't Strip the Stripes."

The Clemson students presented a powerpoint about conservation issues in the US that mirror the same challenges that saving the Tigers in India face. It was called "National Symbols and Their Comebacks: The Bald Eagle, the Grey Wolf, and the Tiger." This insightful presentation showed that there were many similarities between the challenge with image that wolves and tigers have with killing livestock and being threatening to people. The Clemson students shared ideas on the need to overcome these challenges and create and enforce more laws to protect these species for the future.

India update #2, Bandhavgarh & Kanha Nat'l Parks

2011-04-10T04:05:00.001+09:00

I joined the Clemson Students for their tours of these two amazing National Parks!
This was my second visit to the same parks I came to 5 years ago, but they looked totally different to me. There have been lots of changes in Park Management, using fire more as a management tool and cutting the tiger grass in the fields.

I will start with my field observations then get into the education program in the next blog:
I only got to see one tiger at each park, a rare occurrence that so few tigers were sighted at BOTH parks. The tiger sightings were scarce but some people were more lucky with other sightings too, like Dhole, Jungle Cats, Leopards, jackals, mongoose, and lots of other bird species as well! But we got to see the usual list of characters - the animals on the lower part of the food chain - the vegetarians!
Enjoy!

I will post these photos first - my Tiger photos aren't great so I will borrow some from others that were on the trip with us.

Gaur

Silly Gaur face!

Sambar deer battling during mating season.

A Cute Baby Languar monkey eating lunch.

The BIRDS: Hoopoe with that wild crazy hair!

A week old Cheetal baby

Adult Cheetal keep their spots, so they are called spotted deer as well. So cute!

A full moon - we celebrated the spring time with a harvest dance with local villagers! I will post videos eventually.

This Sambar was not shy~

It was eating along the road side.

Perhaps a serpent eagle? There were many species of raptors that caught our attention~more videos on that later!

Grey Hornbills were very common but very hard to get a photo of, so these shots were lucky ones!

A King vulture has a nice view of his kingdom -he rules from above. There were three different kinds of vultures cultures, King, Egyptian and I will look this up later!

This peacock may have been trying to dry his tail feathers after the rain.

A peacock looking for some tasty treats in the grass. It's really amazing to see them take flight with that Long long tail! They roost in the trees where nothing can attack them.

Peahens - females on the lookout for some long tail feathers!

This is the original chicken! Red Jungle Fowl and they also have a spurfowl but I only got a glimpse of them.

The tiger photos are coming up - there is video I will post soon as well! Stay tuned!

Living in India & Eating Rose Petals!

2011-03-17T16:38:00.000+09:00

Sadly, on March 12, there was a horrible “Great” earthquake in Japan, the largest scale disaster since WWII, which wiped out whole communities- with a countless number of lives lost, and where the surviving people continue to be affected! The International Community is rallying around Japan as all are pitching in towards the efforts to recover from and comprehend what has happened. In the midst of the nuclear melt-down threat, I’ve received many heartfelt messages from around the world, like “hope you and your loved ones are safe” and “have been thinking of you all day.” We live >240km away from the center, but we are keeping a watch on the events as they unfold. I was able to contact my husband right away, even though the phone lines were down, thanks to Google Chat! It was so comforting to be able to see him and talk to him. This reminds me that our network of friendship and connectivity (thanks to the internet) is a blessing in itself. I am rich because I have such good friends.

Thankfully, all my family members and friends (I don’t have many in that region of Northern Japan) were ok so far as I know, but I continue to send prayers to the millions of lives- people, plants & animals- that were affected by this tragic event…with many many more lives will be at stake.

A Languar Mother looks down at her baby.

I am tugged by guilty feelings of being here in India, enjoying a sweet life of doing nothing more than working on my Tiger Projects. Well, I have been doing things other than that, I have been eating (not cooking), shopping, touring Delhi, and going to Yoga or walks in the park! I also visited the International Peace Center, SGI’s community center here, and had a great time with the members who took me home for dinner!

Today, at the house where I’m staying, the grandson came to visit the family as part of the celebrations for his upcoming wedding. Naturally, the conversation turned to the earthquake, and the mood became a little somber. But being around family and over a delicious dinner, it brightened up again and we enjoyed a lively meal with laughter, arguments and talking about family history.

For dessert, the grandson had brought some really fine sweets, including one made of fig, cashews and rose petals. It’s my first time to eat rose petals, and it was a very delicate sensation of fruits and nuts! Very tasty!

My entire experience here has been so warm and welcoming, I feel like I’m part of the family. I have not updated my blog so much because I’ve been so busy. Everyday I am working on my computer with this project or that, and I am spending late nights up working on them as well.

A Cheetal or Spotted Deer looking back at me.

Since my last update, over a week ago, I visited Ranthambore National Park, where we had 4 tours of the park (Anjana was participating in the Park’s committee meeting).

Commemorative photo of the Park Committee Meeting with a backdrop of a 500 year old tree. Anjana, Officers of the Park, and the Park Director lined up for a photo op.

A local villager waiting for the national park guard.

Then, I finally got to see a wild Tiger! For this trip, it was the first of many I hope to see while I’m here, but she was really beautiful…sitting on a hill and we were on the opposite side of the hill, just far away enough to barely see with the naked eye, her facial expressions.

With the binoculars the view of her was great, because she was out in the open. It was too bad she wasn’t closer for better photos, but I liked that I could take in the whole landscape, surrounding her – an amazing throne to be sitting upon!

I say she, but we don’t know for sure if it’s a he or she…but to me it looked like a she. It doesn't really matter, as the tiger is only one of many amazing animals in India's forests that need help. Her survival depends on a whole ecosystem, including the humans that are killing her. Many people go to these parks to see the tigers, but really, what is being done for the WHOLE forest? I would like to use the Tiger as a catalyst for change in the way of thinking and taking care of the habitat.

She made a big yawn, and was enjoying looking around. We watched her for 30-45 minutes, maybe more. Perhaps she's bored with my THOUGHTS and wants to see my ACTION?

It looked like she was going to go somewhere, but she decided it wasn't worth it and just laid back down.

I have also met with and talked to many amazing people who are working hard to protect the resources and inspire others to conserve our precious remaining ‘postage stamps’ of natural areas.

This was one person that I missed the chance to meet, was Fateh Singh, known as “Mr Ranthambore” as Gandhiji called him. He was an institution, literally with a school named after him, in the area around Ranthambore. He was at one time the Park Director, and then went on to establish Tiger Watch and take up the fight for various issues regarding conservation. On March 3 at 73 years of age, he passed away from cancer which took over his body quickly but his family said he passed peacefully. We went to visit them to offer our condolences and I was sad that I didn’t get to meet him.

I am sure the park animals he worked so hard to protect will dearly miss him

Sambar walking in the lakes of Ranthambore that support lots of bird and animals through the dry season. Freshwater Crocodiles also make their home in these lakes.

Thanks to Anjana’s extensive network of people, I had interesting conversations and ideas to share with them.

This is the Dev Villas Hotel Manager, who is working hard to bring the community together and support the parks as well.

I need more feedback! So my problem is that I’m not from here. I don’t know what’s been tried and failed, or not tried at all. I don’t know what might work, and what’s a pipe dream…to me all my ideas are pipe dreams until someone says, “Well, that’s something new & we’d like to try it!” So here I am vetting all my ideas until I can come up with something solid to work on as a future project. The hardest sell is to Anjana, who’s got to help make it happen and do the actual work…because I live long distance away. I am only trying to help with new projects that can be worked on.

Visiting Gonesh temple, just outside the park, which is another popular point for local visitors.

On March 9, I gave a powerpoint talk to about 90 students from Vasant Valley. Unfortunately, I don’t think I told them anything they didn’t already know about Tigers! But I talked about my motivations and how I came to love Tigers so much. I hope that something I said touched their hearts, and helped them feel some sense of pride in being home to the majestic Tigers! It’s been so long since I gave a talk in front of this level school kids…I had dumbed it down too much! I learned so much from this talk it’s too long a list for here, but I only hope to improve from this point forward!

A cute bird that was hunting for bugs around the 500 year old tree.

I only have a few days left in Delhi, and things are very coming quickly to a close, so I have to work extra hard! I also need to prepare for the Clemson group and Vasant Valley Exchange program! Goodnight for now!

Jumping from one tree to the next, this Languar was showing off his athletic abilities!

A fast running striped hyena was a rare sighting during the day! It was hurt, perhaps attacked by a tiger?!?

India - the first few days!

2011-03-04T01:28:00.000+09:00

After five years of being away, I know now why I love India so much! I'm in FOOD Heaven! I arrived in India on the eve of Feb 27, enjoying the sights and sounds, but mostly the warm welcome I recieved from my friends! So far I have stayed in two different homes, both very spacious and the hospitality is beyond royal treatment! Every meal is an adventure with spices and smells I am experiencing for the first time. Potatoes and peas may not sound too exciting, but my mouth waters at just the thought of it.

I brought a bag of clothing that I cannot use in Japan, and donated it to GOONJ - http://www.goonj.org/. This is a photo (on the right) of my first host, Gita Krishnan with the drop center at Tender Feet Nursery's Head Principle (left).

oh yea, but this is a blog about Tigers! Let me get to my updates!

So far I have been meeting people who to me, have only been names (that I can't pronounce) via email. I believe my name is just as difficult for them! It's so great to put the names with the faces, and to be able to work in the same room on a document that is usually sent 6,500 km via electrons and the internet!

Fatima and I, with Anjana standing behind us, at her office.

It's refreshing to see the process as it is happening and being created. I am amazed also at the quick thinking and skill of Anjana Gosain, the main thrust of Tiger Trust, with whom I have been working so closely. She is usually juggling 4-5 concepts in her head at a time, and it's up me to catch up with what she is talking about. I usually start off on one topic and then "by the way" we will complete discussions on 2-3 other things. I guess I am "A-D-D" like this as well, but usually I'm staring at birds, plants or TV and thinking very very simple thoughts.

Yesterday I started on my Conservation projects, meeting with HSBC Bank reps, Delhi School reps with Anjana and other volunteers to discuss new programs that we are coming up with over this weekend. I will be writing up the proposals based on our notes from the meeting tomorrow.

Also I am wrapping up a report for Law enforcement training that Tiger Trust conducted at Sariska National Park on Feb 11-13 this year. We will complete this by Monday or so and send that out.

On the day I arrived, this article was in the paper about Tigers. It got me brainstorming about supporting Anti-poaching initiatives on a bigger scale then what we are doing right now. I have started researching leads and will try to meet with people to find out about incentive programs to turn poachers in.

I have shown the educators here the pictures that my English class drew and they were very excited about it. I will arrange a time to meet with Indian school kids to talk to them about Conservation and ask them to draw pictures as well, to reply to the sincere efforts of my 9 year olds. It's so fun to exchange art across countries! So far, from Anjana's extensive network of people she knows, I've got 2-3 places next week where I can give programs to school kids! I am very happy to have a chance to talk to various age groups and find out what the Indian students are thinking!

Anjana is a lawyer in the High Court of Delhi, so I follow her to the office, and today I had a glimpse of the Federal Court, and was shocked to find people walking in and out of the proceedings the whole time. It was really interesting, but I didn't get a good idea of the case being heard other then - it was about taxation and property. I was there for nearly an hour, and just enjoyed being a fly on the wall. I am glad my Tiger Conservation efforts are MUCH more than that. I love being a part of an organization, Tiger Trust, where I know I can make a difference and a real solid contribution to a team that is working so hard to do good things!

Packing and Preparing!

2011-02-25T00:16:00.005+09:00

I've packed one of my bags, and sent it to the Narita Airport!
I've just got one more bag to pack! I'll stuff with goodies for India!

Here are my English students holding a message "Let's Save The Wild Tigers!"
Watch them on Youtube as they color in the sign! :)

They are so cute (~8 years old & the little guy is 4y.o.) I am teaching English as a volunteer. These kids colored this sign and made their own drawings. They are contributing them to my educational program with the kids in India! I hope to collect drawings in India as well, and pass them along to my students, when I get back!

I will post more photos on facebook!

I have collected 18 Signature cards from people around me, talked to an additional 6 people since my last update. We talked about India, Tigers, and how helping the Tiger means helping the forests and all the wildlife that depend on them!

Recent links and news that have come in:
Are tiger conservation efforts targeting the right areas?
http://bushwarriors.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/the-big-elephant-in-the-room-are-tiger-conservation-efforts-targeting-the-right-areas/

Closing a Deadly Gateway - youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC9CATzZCO4

An email from a great supporter - My big sis! (there's some nice links and promo message about a movie that just came out last FRI! Check it out and leave comments here!)
========================================================
Hey Takako-- Thanks for all your info about your efforts!

You'll be nicely surprised to know that yesterday was my Big Cats Day!
I went to see the National Geographic movie--The Last Lions (http://movies.nationalgeographic.com/movies/last-lions/). If you go see the documentary or even if you watch the promo on YouTube, proceeds go to support NatGeo's Big Cats Initiative. It's a great movie about a lone African lioness (she lost her mate when a pride of lions took over their territory) and her struggle to raise and feed her three lion cubs while fending off a pride of lionesses and an aggressive bunch of water buffalo, which are also supposed to be her dinner. If you get a chance to see it, I highly recommend it. According to the movie, there are only 20,000 lions left in the wilds of Africa. NatGeo also has a website--causeanuproar.org--that is for promoting awareness of the plight of big cats. You can buy cool t-shirts to help raise awareness :)

Then, last night, I was watching PBS--yeah, me and my nerdy self--and watched a documentary called Broken-Tail: A Tiger's Last Journey (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/broken-tail-a-tigers-last-journey/introduction/6351/). It's about a tiger named Broken-Tail who was born and raised in the Ranthambhore National Park. At two and half years old, he managed to travel 150 miles or so outside the park where he got struck and killed by a train. The guy who was documenting the growth of Broken-Tail then made it his goal to figure out how and why this happened as a way to shed more light on the diminishing tiger population and pose the question of how to better protect tigers and their habitats.

Of course, you may already know about these things, given that you're much more "up" on these things than I am. But, through both documentaries, I was shocked how quickly the big cat population is dwindling in our world and was impressed again (after hearing about this from you before) how urgent this matter is. I thought you'd like to know....

Love,Rika
=========================================================
Thanks for the update, Rika, I didn't know but now I do, and so does whoever reads the blog! I will be going to Ranthambore National Park March 4-7th and look forward to seeing who's in charge there now as the dominant male and female!

Thanks for reading these updates! See previous blogs for ideas about what more YOU can do! I sure can't save them alone...

My Favorite Question is "What can I do?"

2011-02-22T05:46:00.003+09:00

I am collecting signatures for my "Tiger Support Cards"

This is from my "simple idea #1 & 1.b" on my blog yesterday.
If you'd like to join in this effort, it's a great way to start talking to people about the DIRE situation for Tigers. I am collecting these cards in Japan. Sorry if you're in Japan, I'm leaving on Feb 27, so I can't collect cards quickly enough to mail them...If you're in the US, you have until March 12 to get them to Clemson.

Please open the link for the "Tiger Support Cards"
and get people to sign them. I am not sure how they will print on American Sized paper, so please test print it before you do anything. Let me know if it needs adjustment.

When I go to India, and as I meet people who are working hard to protect India's wildlife, I will hand them a card, letting them know that someone far away is rooting for them. No matter how hard tough things may get, perhaps this little reminder can be something that helps them get through the day.

I will also make "thanks for your support" cards which I can get back to you in the mail, to give back to the people who signed your cards, so perhaps you want to keep a list for us to use! This will in a very very simple way connect the two people who have just written the cards...giving them a feeling that they have done something for the wild Tigers. Now, I know this doesn't mean crap to the Tigers...but if this network can be created, it can also be built upon. By the way, I don't tell anyone about the "thank you card" coming, cause then it's not as nice a surprise when they get a reply card back! haha

I am of course making it an option they can donate money, but if they are students or do not want to, then just signing their name and city, and writing an optional message is something that is easy to do. I imagine that if people want to write their email on there, the Indian person that gets their card might be inclined to write them! I don't know. so far no one has been willing to write their email.

=========
I find that quality interactions are the key to really winning people's hearts. If you can help answer their questions and teach them about the DIRE situation the tigers and Indian wildlife are in, then I think you can help convince them that SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING.

In Japan, most people are very easily able to separate themselves from major issues. There's a big gap between understanding an issue and doing something about it. In the US it's similar but in Japan, it's extreme. I could go into a million examples, but I won't. I just think this is ONE way to open people's hearts to the idea that "wow I just did something good for the Tigers!"

I am planning to meet again with the people who signed my cards, and ask them for additional support in the future. Perhaps there is more, I am just not thinking of right now. Comments welcome!

As I've initiated this project, I've been able to connect with people in a very interactive way. I don't just dump a bunch of bad news on them, but I give them something they can do, and perhaps in return, I will be able to bring something back for them other than a cheap trinket.

I am trying to create a one page fact file for Tigers, but haven't done that yet.

Basics: The Tigers are being poached, loosing habitat, and the habitat is being disconnected from each other so much that they are only living in 7% of their original habitat.

There used to be an estimated 100,000 tigers worldwide, and now there's only 3,200 and that count is quickly becoming smaller. We are thinking that UNLESS something is done, they will be extinct in less then 11 years (before the next year of the Tiger)

In fact, where I am working, India has the largest population of tigers in the world, but they imagine that within 2-5 years, the Tigers could be completely wiped out of the ecosystem. It's due to their 'easy access' (lack of good law enforcement). The prosecution rates for poachers are too low, and missing tigers are a huge concern. IF there were more deterrents for poaching, I am sure it would help. That is the work Tiger Trust is doing.

Also of concern are the rates of leopard poaching - for every 1 tiger poached, there are 10 leopards killed illegally. source for this info is another blog Wild Tiger Watch

In a landscape where there's so many species of grazing animals, if there's not enough predators to keep them in check, their populations could skyrocket and seriously mess up the balance of the fragile ecosystems of India's parks. If the grazers are allowed to increase, they will eat everything they can reach, and then when the food runs out, there is a severe population crash. We've had many examples of this in the US with deer and the lack of predators. So saving wild tigers, means you save the forests and all the species that depend on these natural areas.

There are so many species of animals in the natural landscape of India, but because there are so many people and very little habitat, they are all forced to live in little patches scattered throughout the country. There are efforts now underway to better protect the corridors and improve the status of the areas connecting the national parks, so Tigers, bears, leopards, and other animals can disperse safely to other areas. This is the work that JTEF is doing. The places where wildlife are flourishing, but so many times, they are stuck on little islands of habitat. With no where else to go, the genes cannot flow and many other problems are occurring that force humans to intervene.

If only nature could take it's course. The tigers don't want to be cuddled and cared for...it's in their nature to roam, be solitary and independent. However we've created the situation where we need to be involved and track them and move them around...it's too sad. Their legacy is too amazing to be left with a tragic ending. I don't want this generation of tigers to be the last that knows what it means to be free. That's why I try to do something EVERYDAY. I try to talk to someone everyday and I don't ever want to tell someone, that I've failed in my mission. I cannot bear the thought of saying, "The very last wild tiger was poached today."

So please collect signatures and mail them to the address below before March 12.
There are Clemson students coming to India bringing the money raised from the 5K run being held there.
*******Register here today! http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1915375*******

Tigers for Tigers *Mail to India before March 17 Tiger Trust c/o Takako Sato
132 Long Hall 206 , Rakeshdeep
Clemson, SC 29632 11, Commercial Complex,
Gulmohar Enclave, New Delhi- 110 049 ( INDIA )

IF people are interested in supporting the cause, Checks should be made out to Tigers for Tigers and sent to Clemson.

Thanks for the idea...I got it from a collective of people who inspire me!

-- Takako--

Tiger Support Cards linked online
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B4gY1ZIAvFCNYjIzODllYzktZTJmOS00Nzc5LWI3M2UtM2NmMzBjN2VmZjZj&hl=en&authkey=CLKp3ucP

Updates on my daily activities since the last post!

2011-02-21T02:15:00.000+09:00

Hello! Quick update on my Conservation efforts for the Wild Tigers.

-I have continued reviewing the project reports that Tiger Trust is going to submit to the US FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE to complete the grant requirements. It's exciting to see so many wonderful accomplishments from Tiger Trust!

-I translated my English slide show into Japanese (Photo is of the lead slide) so I can present this to people before I leave. If I can find groups to present to!

-Today, I spoke with more people (+32 people ~of which 12 people saw my photos of the beautiful wild Tigers in their forests) about my project and shared my photos from the 2006 trip. I collected more signed "Tiger Support Cards" to take with me to India.

Simple idea #1. Tiger Support Cards
Simple business cards with

"I support wild tiger conservation! Thank you for your efforts to save the wild tigers of India!" NAME____________
City_____________

The person from far away signs and writes an optional msg on the back. I will take this with me to India. When I meet someone there who is working hard for conservation, this is a little vote of confidence for them, to remind them that there are others who care about Tigers too, supporting them, even though things may be difficult!

Today, I thought of a second part of this project!
Simple idea #1.b Thank you cards!
I will bring back with me from India, replies from the people who got the signed support cards. "Thank you for your support! Let's work together for a brighter future for Wild Tigers" Name ________________ City_____________________

Also I had these thoughts, while talking to people. Just thought I'd share my mind-set.

In a very mystic way, we are all connected. We are responsible for each other, for this is what living in a society means. Even if we like it or not, we are all connected to what is going on outside of our own little lives.

Environmental issues can be overwhelming and we may feel too small to do anything about it sometimes. We may feel helpless. However, I believe in the power of making a cause, because everything is based on cause and effect. If we humans are causing so many ecological disruptions and messing things up so, THEN we must also be the source of the solution as well. To be overcome by the enormous task ahead is to believe in the weakest, darkest part of ourselves. If I can believe in me, as the source of change- the POTENTIAL for the solution, then I can make waves that will ripple out to transform my environment.

It is up to each person to see out, how they can, in their daily life, become part of the solution. If we can take action, towards making our future better, then more people will be inspired, and we will see changes even MORE QUICKLY!

Each cause becomes an inspiration to the people around you, so tell others about your activities. Don't be shy to share your amazing life. Empower those around you and let's keep challenging together!

10 days to go!

2011-02-18T02:27:00.000+09:00

I leave on Feb 27th, so I have less then 10 days to go...

I didn't get done as much as I needed to:
Reviewed the Final Report we will submit to FWS for the grant they awarded us. Got a word version of the doc (instead of the PDF version) so now I can make changes directly to the document!

I went to a party for Shinjiro's coworkers, and talked to 3-4 new people about my activities in India. I am excited to tell them more about what I am doing and sharing my photos from the 2006 trip!

I spoke with Anjana on skype this evening to get the latest update on the progress of our final reports. We'd like to get them out of the way, ASAP upon my arrival so I can hurry up and focus on setting up the next effort we will kick off next year!

More TO DO items got added to list of course!
Finalize powerpoint (In Japanese) for 2/20 mtg where I will talk about my trip to India and ask for donations and support!

Create a "Motivational speech" and powerpoint for the Clemson students to get an idea of how I started the club and how I am came to be working with Tiger Trust now.

Make more Tiger support cards to take with me to India. I regret I took them with me to the party but I didn't get the students' signatures! >:P boo

Praying for Success

2011-02-17T02:34:00.000+09:00

Today was a good day to do my Buddhist Chant, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
So I focused on that for 4 hours today, with my fellow Women's Division members! I feel refreshed, re-energized and POWERFUL! If you've ever wondered where I get the super positive energy, it's from calling out to the Universe and pulling out my inner Buddha! :) I didn't get sleepy at all cause I have a long list of people and endangered creatures to send prayers to!

The EE program posted on 2/16, got some comments via email.
I have to brush up on my "Integration" of the various participants from diverse backgrounds!

Someone has been working on the translation of the document online (from the 2/15 post).
*Thanks Haruka! yay for your efforts!!!*

From the TO DO list on 2/15: I cleaned out a closet, starting with my beloved Tshirts! Now that I'm in the habitat of the "Tokyo Metropolitan Woman" my years of training wearing "conservation casual" is worthless! I am happy to know that someone who NEEDS the threads can use them because I'll donate them to an abused women's shelter in India. So far I have a large box of unused and stylishly inadequate clothing that I love & will miss dearly!

Tomorrow, I will pick up where I left off, reviewing Tiger Trust's Final Reports (for the grant we got from the US Fish and Wildlife Service).

And I will continue with designing the brochure for Tiger Trust, which will be finalized in India.

I am in the process of updating my gmail address book, which is an exercise in futility, b/c I will never actually write anyone, as busy as I keep myself! However, I wish to think that one day, I will send my friends some form of snail-mailed love to show my appreciation for being in their lives! It's one reason for me starting up this BLOG - now you know the reason I'm not contacting you, even though I am thinking about you often! And I hope you can be proud of me, for what I'm doing.

As of Feb 13, it is 1 year since I quit FWS to move here to Japan. I really miss the work and the people there!

However, I can see that no matter where you are, if you have a dream, and a willingness to work towards that dream, everyday, you can accomplish something great- even after only one year! I believe in transforming the impossible to possible though the power of my prayer and sincere action. Of course, there were times I thought of giving up on my silly dreams and trying to work (at a job I don't care about in Japan). If it wasn't for choosing to take a risk, giving up my career, then I wouldn't be here. You must learn to take a new path without letting fear hold you back!

My life's "fortune bank" has given me a chance to support my hubby in his paying job, yet still explore the world of opportunity as a volunteer. The universe responded by giving me a plane ticket and an "expenses paid" working vacation to India! That is why I can sit for hours at a time in prayer, and just offer my humble "Thanks." So then I make more deposits into my "fortune bank!"

After I sent out the emails, I got an outpouring of support and love from all over, and I ask you- If you really want to support a good cause, there's a REAL bank looking for REAL $ fortune. Checks should be made out to Tigers for Tigers and sent to this address:

132 Long Hall
Clemson, SC 29632

Please send it before March 10 so we can get it to India in time for the program! I promise it will go towards the EE program (2/16 post) and the effects will reverberate long after it's been spent!

Raising the Cubs Together!

2011-02-16T02:24:00.000+09:00

I've planned the following Environmental Education Program that will happen in India while we're there. It's one of many that will take place, so please leave comments, suggestions or encouragements after you've looked it over. Sorry it's a little long...

Landscapes of Hope

Planning Outline for Exchange Program at Kanha Jungle Lodge: 23 - 24 March 2011
Who: Clemson Students (15) and Vasant Valley Students (16) students (3 Teachers, 2 vols)

Goals:
1. To create a strong connection between the students and the wildlife and their habitats based on environmental education & fostering a sustainable connection to the Tiger Trust.
2. To balance learning materials and hands-on workshops & activities
3. To develop awareness, knowledge, thinking skills and a lifetime commitment to conservation

Objectives:
1. To create “problem solvers” by making informed decisions for the future
2. To instill a sense of pride in country and self
3. To inspire constructive action to conserve wildlife and the environment
The activities for the students include tours of the National Park and the following educational “attractions” during lunch and dinner gatherings. After Hours activities will take place informally.

22 March 2011

6:20pm Gather all students at Kanha Jungle Lodge
6:30 Welcome by Tiger Trust Anjana Gosain (10 mins)
Includes Park Update: What the animals are doing, new park project updates, Interesting Ranger sightings, poaching concerns, etc
6:40 Ice Breaker game lead by Clemson Students (20 mins)
Break students and adults by table to ensure cross-cultural exchange
7:00 Dinner (Informal discussions)
7:30 Presentation by Clemson Students (10 mins-see below)
7:40 Delhi Students presentation (10 mins)
7:50 Film: “Journey of the Indian Tiger”
8:30 Close this portion of the program

Optional evening activities with students:
Have an “Open Mic session” for participants to share their expectations, thoughts, impressions of the evening program, discuss the film, brainstorm solutions. (limit 4 mins per speaker to keep things moving). Each participant should keep a journal of their daily activities.

Discussions based on conservation topics: Terrestrial, Marine, Energy, etc. Letting participants choose which topic they want to discuss in detail.

Discussion based on “What made you interested in environmental conservation?” “If you could run a huge company that would change the world, what kind of company would it be?”

23 March 2011

After our 1st morning visit to the Park

11:20 am Gather everyone together and enjoy lunch while doing the program
11:30 What we saw this morning report by group leaders (~10 groups, 1 min each)
11:40 Present T4T activities (10-15 mins) & encourage club formation at the high school) Then, while eating lunch engage in discussions per table, provide a list of discussion questions on each table.
“How to promote Conservation and Awareness to more people?”
“What made you interested in Environmental topics to begin with?”
“What are some activities you want to initiate at your school?”
“What is the environmental challenge you think is the biggest problem for India/USA”
“Why do you think our parents did not solve these problems? How can our generation solve these problems?”
12:40 Summary of Discussion Topics per Table – Share and record these ideas for later use (5 mins per table)
1: 25 Delhi students presentation (less than 30 mins)
1:55 Game Time! Possible interactive sport events explained below
2:25 Change gypsy groups or keep them the same? Optional group change
2:30 Close this portion of the program

Evening Program
6:30pm Pick a card to be in a group by table (to divide groups)
6:35 – 45 Short Ice breaker activity lead by Clemson Students (10 mins)
6:45 – 8:15 “Commercials” Activity #1 (~1 hr) Groups present
7:00 Discussions continue into dinner time “How to set up school club”
8:15 – 8:30 Concrete Action Plan for students when they return
8:30 – 9:00 Wrap up Closing words by Tonkyn, Delhi teachers, and/or Anajana
9:00 pm Close this portion of the program

Optional evening activities:
Open Mic Session to share impressions, “Best Sighting” what you saw in the park, What you can take back to your peers and family about this trip. Read journal entries to each other & share deep thoughts.

Planning how to keep this exchange going, even after you get home: Write down some goals you would like to accomplish within the year on a piece of paper. Put it in the envelope with your own address on the front. Takako will mail these to you about 2 months after your trip, reminding you of what your goals were and to encourage yourself to stay focused on your goals!

Clemson Presentation
A presentation about conservation efforts in the USA, as an example (Bald Eagle & Wolves) for India. For the first presentation, the tone should be serious and educational, in order for there to be a meaningful cultural exchange. The method of delivery can of course be fun! The Delhi students will prepare something similar with updates on the tigers and conservation planning happening in India.

Activity #1 Commercials
(40 mins) The students will be asked to create a 60 second commercial, developing a theme and based on topics studied during this trip or during the exchange program. A written version of the skits can be prepared before the exchange program, so supplemental materials can be prepared if needed. Perhaps a few props could be used that will enhance the skit, which can be left with the students in case they want to re-create the performance for their peers, later on.

The idea of this is to enable the students to teach their peers what they learned, when they have returned to their respective schools. Most people need a 30-60 second story to capture their attention, move them to think one way or another and then to take action based on that information. This is good practice for being in front of others and sharing a concept.(2 mins each, total: 20 mins) Presentation time:(30 mins)

During the meal discussion sessions, the topics would be based on the issues brought up in the program. Three topics could be expanded upon by the college students, to the grade school students. This could be adjusted if time limitations do not permit. In order to encourage an interactive session, this could take the form of games, quizzes, or power points, according to the topics. This will be planned in Feb after the skits have been created. Takako can support enhancing this section. (Total Time: 1:00 hr)

Optional Discussion time could cover topics such as:
-Water Conservation
-Reforestation/Restoration of Wildlife Habitats
-Corridors and importance of connecting the Parks on a landscape level
-Global Issues: Climate Change, Endangered Tigers, Illegal Trade, Economy’s affect on Conservation

Sports Section

Possible games w/a ball: Select a preferred activity or recommend your own!

1. “Word Volley” The games will each have around 6 participants at a time. They will ask a question of each other. Tossing the ball to the grade school students, they will shout the first answer that pops in their head and pass the ball to the next questioner as quickly as possible. Then the next participant will ask the next question. Eg. Player 1: While throwing ball: “favorite sport?” Player 2: Catches ball, replies quickly “cricket!” and throws ball back to player 3. I can come up with sample questions to help get things started.

2. Another option would be to divide the group into teams, naming them after one of the tigress’ in Kanha. They could battle each other in a elimination soccer game w/someone as the referee. We can see which Tigress Team ends up being the alpha Tigress!

3. Water balloon or Ball toss – Pair up (should be random). One line of people moves backwards after every toss. The people who are the farthest away and can throw their ball without dropping it is the winner! Perhaps the top three pairs get a special prize.

4. Other Sport Ideas: Soccer, Cricket, Volleyball, Rover-Red-Rover, Duck Duck Goose, etc

Gettin' Roaring to Go!

2011-02-15T02:55:00.000+09:00

I'm getting prepared for my trip to India, and with everything going on, I thought I should keep a Blog to help myself keep track of everything I have going on!

FOR TIGER TRUST

* Fund Raising & Planning Environmental Education Programs
Cultural Exchange Programs for Clemson University and Vasant Valley High School in Delhi. Location: Kanha National Park

* Preparing Power Point Presentations (in Japanese) for local organizations and talks to Kids and Adult Audiences before I leave for India to support the EE Programs.

* Preparing Presentations for Students while touring India

* Drafting Brochures to promote Tiger Trust in English, Hindi, and Japanese

* Cleaning out my closets to take donation items to Indians in Need. Also Collecting items to give to street kids- Pen, Pencils, Paper, etc.

* Reviewing Final Accomplishment Reports which will be submitted to Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Grant Committee to show how funds were used.

FOR TIGERS FOR TIGERS
* Supporting via the internet the 5K Run (March 12)
Eventbrite sites to help with Registration.
Tigers 4 Tigers 5K Run/Walk Event

For Japan Tiger Elephant Fund (JTEF)
* Translation Project (Online)

* Connecting with Soka University Students who might be interested in supporting Tiger Conservation Awareness Projects in Japan.

IF you're interested in supporting the cause, Checks should be made out to Tigers for Tigers to address:

132 Long Hall
Clemson, SC 29632

2008.03.02 Wedding Shower Ref

2010-10-01T00:07:00.000+09:00

Remembering old times...Wedding photos are posted on Picasa!

First blog in a year!

2010-09-12T02:23:00.000+09:00

This is a blog introducing the idea behind my own Travel Blog/Photo Journal! :P I'm hoping to record funny or useful details of my trips around the World so they might invite people to inquire about the places I've been. Also I'd like to just have a place to put my photos...I have millions...but I dunno what to do with them...so a photo-journal of sorts will be Born!

Please feel free to comment!

I usually am staring at nature- Ants, trees, stars, the movement of the people through our natural environment...and I figured, as long as I'm at it, I might as well capture those moments with my camera! :)

2009-04-19T13:59:00.000+09:00

I had a great First Year Anniversary Celebration with my Hubby! March 28, 2009. :) He's such a wonderful guy and so supportive of his really independent-minded wife!!! If only every girl could be this fortunate!

It doesn't come easily or without it's own internal challenges! I must admit I am not the easiest person to live with or communicate to. I am full of my own contradictions, ego and selfishness! However through learning how to love someone, I'm able to challenge all of my shortcomings and become a better person.

Here's a quote to help you through any difficulty! It is so true of any relationship, work situation, school or anything in life! It's so easy to look around you and not take credit for what's going on - good and bad! There is a sense of hope in knowing that no matter how bad things get, your power to change your perspective to see what's positive in a situation, is the first step towards resolving the problem~

" It is senseless to blame others or your environment for your miseries. Change begins from the moment you muster your courage to act, when you change, the environment will change. The power to change the world is found nowhere but within your own life." Daisaku Ikeda

Caterpiller sitting- Monarch Raising

2008-08-15T11:35:00.000+09:00

Here's a series of photos of Jeanne and my project to help raise more Monarch Butterflies - from the host plant - the Milkweed. This is not one of the native milkweed plants~ but it provides food for the growing butterflies! :)

reach me here...

2007-11-26T14:07:00.000+09:00

www.myspace.com/ecotakako
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=506760101
photobucket - ecotakako; ringo - takako
http://my.care2.com/vov4all
http://ecotakako.zaadz.com/

2007-11-25T18:19:00.000+09:00

2007-07-29T18:31:00.001+09:00

Photobucket Album

Student Division FNCC 2007

2007-07-26T15:07:00.001+09:00

Photobucket Album

New photos to post!

2007-07-26T14:57:00.000+09:00

Finally taking time to blog my life away...establishing
yet ........ another ........... website .............
dedicated to me! ecotakako

try my 31 other flavors on:
www.myspace.com/ecotakako,
facebook,
http://ringo.com/photos/albums.html?memberId=131038671
photobucket= ecotakako (http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ecotakako/)
http://ecotakako.zaadz.com/

I look forward to boring you to death with pictures!
[URL=http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ecotakako/Clemson%20Tigers%20for%20Tigers/?action=view&current=1180691875.pbw][IMG]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ecotakako/Clemson%20Tigers%20for%20Tigers/th_TillmanSunset4.jpg[/IMG][/URL]