Suffocating among the dead.

By: Daniela Silva
To an inspector's dismay over 1600 animals were found tightly packed in crates in a south african airport earlier today. The smell had caught the inspectors attention and he immediately opened it to discover hundreds upon hundreds of reptiles and amphibians crammed into small containers with other species. One third of the animals were found dead and decomposing, crates and boxes included  vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered species. Many are in critical state but are slowly but surely stabilizing, some may not recover.

It is believed that the animals are supplied from Madagascar; a country that is well known for its diverse multitude of wildlife and was destined to arrive at the united states. It is believed that the animals were predestined to be sold in exotic pet markets. It is being determined whether or not this it animal cruelty, however it should not difficult to conclude.

Animal cruelty is an appalling reality in our world. We have a duty to protect innocent beings, and this should not be limited to our people. Many animals could not turn around  in these containers, nor were they given food or water for their journey. These animals were left for five days in conditions that had taken the lives of many due to cannibalism, organ failure, dehydration and skin infections from the decomposing animals beneath them.

Safety cannot be sold.

By: Daniela Silva

An innovative article of clothing is presumably one of the most liberating article of clothing that any woman will feel safe in; the anti-rape undergarment. Not only will this ensure young vulnerable ladies will not be at risk for potential rape however to what degree is this really liberating?

The garment is made out of a strong material that is resistant to cutting and pulling, it is built in such a way it can not be pulled off without the consent of the wearer nor can it be pulled or moved in the thigh area to gain “easy” access. It locks like a chastity belt with over 1,000 different combinations, this garment is comfortable, adjustable and obviously a great choice for those living in statistically high-rape countries.The garment has been created to give the victim more control of the situation; but since when was this in the control of the victim?

Anti-rape wear is a depressing reminder to all, that no matter in whatever situation the victim, may it be your mother, your sister or your daughter is responsible for the attack. One in thirty rape victims actually see their attacker prosecuted and in a world where men are blindly convicted as not guilty it is only a matter of time until we have to hide away and become unseen in the public eye. Anyone can be a victim; Men, children, trans-gender and handicapped persons are also vulnerable. The entire population should at this point be anxious.

Anti-rape underwear is great, but it is only a temporary solution to a drastic pandemic. We must push and fight for rape-culture to be abolished; for the true liberation of our people. We will not be free until a mother has no worry of her child having their innocence taken away.

Honey; not so sweet anymore.

By: Daniela Silva

Honey becomes more valuable after every drop consumed, due to the astonishing decline of our apinae friends. Honey bees of all different species are dropping dead from various diseases and viruses, yet; this has not become a serious concern for many. With the rapid collapse of hives and species it has become brutally detrimental to our ecosystem and our flora; and detrimental to our future perseverance. Colony collapse disorder and many other diseases are contributing to the demise of our bees; a crucial part of life.

Colony collapse disorder; also known as spring dwindle, fall dwindle disease, autumn collapse and disappearing disease has been observed to  affect beehives worldwide creating disastrous effects for the apinae. The bees become hesitant to eat, young bees will take over most of the workforce until the hive becomes dormant of adult bees.Many disappear without a trace and are presumed dead. However the hive is not completely left alone, capped brood still remain and the queen remains in the hive

It is presumed that pesticides and insecticides may be the prime source of colony collapse disorder, however scientists are not certain and continue to study this phenomenon. Without bees, we are looking at the endangerment of a vast majority of our flora, ecosystems and animals who depend on bees for the pollination of their food source then have to completely alter the way they live; possibly leading to the endangerment of animal species.

The way this can affect us is through pharmaceuticals; due to the fact that most medicines are plant based.Without the production of plants we would lose many different medications that people depend on such as morphine. Bio fuel will become scarce; making us dependent on fossil fuels and non renewable energies. Most importantly, the air we breathe will become polluted and life will become unsustainable. Our ecosystem relies on this species, and we need to further take charge and protect these small creatures. Do your part and limit the use of pesticides and insecticides. Your life may depend on it.

Extinct... and stolen?

By: Daniela Silva

It has been a dreadfully long week for the smallest and critically  fragile species of water lily, which has been stolen from the royal botanic gardens in London. This lily is widely believed to be extinct in the wild  due to a laundry that had opened up and acquired the water source the lily flourished in, since then only 50 in the world are carefully preserved  within facilities.

With the obliteration of this species Mr. Fischer had kept careful precautions, and keeping the flowers in fair condition had given him time to figure out how the species procreated and flourished. It was a dreadfully timely process that was sure to eradicate the rare and elusive water lily; suddenly  Carlos Magdalena had resurrected the dying species.

Carlos Magdalena had helped the procreation of the 50 in captivity today; and back in africa it seems as though the tiny water lily had braced through the toughest of times and made a comeback. Hopefully the naturally germinated seeds will flourish in the mud a few hundred  feet away from its native home.

Police unfortunately have no insight as to where the previously captive flower would have been taken and further report that there is likely no chance of recovering the lily; dubbed as a priceless and crucial part of the conservation of the species.

They've stopped counting the dead

By: Daniela Silva


It hard to really catch on the current events, especially on Syria; thinking about it, I myself sat in confusion as to what really was going on. Syria is located in western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean sea. It is a giant melting pot of diverse ethnic and religious communities, including Arab Alawites, Arab Sunnis, Arab Christians, Armenians, Druze, Kurds and Turks. Arab Sunnis make up the majority of the Syrian population of 22.4 million people.

With this in mind, Syria had peaceful protests in which the people asked for democratic and economic reconstitution within the government and in return the government had overthrown this peaceful protest with military force on the people openly shooting children and women. The civil war then came into motion in March 2011, when fourteen to fifteen teenagers were arrested, six,allegedly tortured and two brutally killed for vandalizing school property with an anti government statement. Since then the people have taken a stand and have began a civil war-which goes on to this day.

Over 130,433 people have lost their lives; the UN has decided to refrain from counting anymore. Fathers, mothers and children have been brutally killed on a day to day basis, and the war has shown no signs of breaking. Shootings of people, snipers that prey on children and chemical warfare have been used against the people. The chemical inside the deployed rockets, is called the sarin nerve agent; twenty times more deadly than cyanide. The Syrian army is believed to have 1,000 tonnes of chemicals for use in warfare, including the sarin chemical; It is highly believed by the United states of america that the Syrian government is responsible for this attack.

This right here is unethical, inhuman and gruesome; a lot of people still have no idea as to why.

Syrians need a voice, the people need aid and care. Stand up and voice what is going on; we need to step in. Below, a child is treated after a bombing.