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“Crocodile Tears” How the Myth Came to Be

crocodile

Some rights reserved By http2007 on flickr

How many times have you heard the saying “Oh, they just were shedding some crocodile tears”?  Interestingly enough this is an ancient myth that a crocodile grieves hypocritical tears when he takes his victim and that has been brought into modern culture.   Humans do not sympathize or shed any tears over the crocodile though.  Instead the saltwater crocodile has been hunted without mercy for their skin or hide which is very valuable.

Saltwater Crocodile

The skin of the saltwater crocodile is some of the best leather that is highly sought after. It is exceptionally soft and  is very durable.  A ladies handbag in places like London can sale for $15,000 and that is at a reduced sale price! It is a noticeable symbol because of the skin and has a very high social status.  Man’s boots are another much sought after item made out of this material.

With crocodile hides being so valuable,  it has threatened the very survival of these creatures.  It has been estimated that between the years of 1945 to 1971 some 113,000 reptiles had been killed in the Northern Territory alone.  In the 1970′s the hunting of these crocodiles were limited so as to not wipe them completely out of existence.  As a result the numbers increased and it was not an endangered species in Australia anymore. The threat is still what many other endangered species are faced with and that is their natural habitat.

Farming of crocodiles

In recent times the farming of crocodiles and the emphasis of education led to conserving these animals that tourist love to visit.  These farms allow breeding so that the skin and meat can still be processed without affecting the wild crocodile population.

November 11, 2010 Posted by | Animals & Pets | , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

Panic Attacks

Panic attack medicine

Some rights reserved By Bhumi on flickr

Another name for panic attacks is agoraphobia.  Our bodies are made to respond to danger by a response we naturally have which is to panic. If you were crossing a street with a car speeding fast toward you, your natural instinct would be to run to safety. But what about having that same feeling but for no obvious reason?  Panic attacks are brought on when the brain has been deceived into thinking that there is danger. You could be in a restaurant or standing in line at a bus stop and out of the blue without warning your inner emergency switch is activated for no apparent cause!

Panic and fear

Only people who have had this happen can identify with a  feeling many describe as an adrenaline rush that races through your body and can last a few short minutes or up to an hour or more and then leaves as abruptly as it came. A person can be left  feelings of panic and fear of experiencing another one.
If your panic attacks have made you isolate yourself to your home you may be able to be helped by being exposed to therapy.  This is done by addressing what you fear and stay there until the panic goes away.  However, this should never be done by those who are known to have asthma, peptic ulcer, heart trouble, or any other similar conditions.  You should consult a doctor before trying any treatment on your own.

Some causes of panic attacks

Relaxation remedies  can help lessen the buildup of stress and anxiety.  Attitudes and low self-esteem can be a root cause of panic.  Talking to a trusted family member or friend often helps in resolving a problem that is causing you undue stress.

There are many kinds of panic related causes such as rape, child abuse and war.  But not all are brought on by trauma.  It helps to write down each one and work on them one by one instead of all at the same time. Handling them in this way could help you to identify what it is that panics you and learn to recognize and to be able to tell your doctor so that he can better know and prescribe what would be best if you needed medication for your symptoms.

November 11, 2010 Posted by | Health | , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

The Matterhorn: a Perfectly Balanced Mountain

Matterhorn in Switzerland

Some rights reserved By mer de glace on flickr

The Matterhorn which is located on the borders of Switzerland and Italy,  is one of the most photographed mountains because of it’s extraordinary peak which is perfectly balanced in proportion. It has a height of 14,692 feet with two peaks that are 330 feet apart.  The Matterhorn stands alone even though it is part of the Central Alps and has no close neighbors. This is one of the reasons that make this mountain one of the most beautifully photographed mountains world wide due to the view accessible from all around.

Elements of the Matterhorn

Despite the size of the Matterhorn’s peak it is not always found covered with snow. In the spring time the Matterhorn has a rocky side that is exposed to the sun leaving the snow like that of a skirt and that lasts year around.  Many admirers have wondered how this mountain was originated because there is no evidence of rubble.  It seems to have been washed away many thousands of years ago by such amazing forces of power that could only have added to a most extraordinary sight.

Climbing the Matterhorn

Many have attempted to climb the Matterhorn and at a great price.  Some have died in the process.  It has been estimated that there have been around 600 deaths on just this mountain alone.  Despite being experienced climbers with the right equipment and ropes that are solidly secured in the rocky walls and the narrow crevices.

Weather related conditions is the biggest danger. What may seem to be a beautiful sunny day can change so quickly without a person even realizing it.  Dark heavy clouds can come without warning and a frightening terrible storm can come raging through.

Climbers may be forced to spend the night in temperatures that can go below 30 degrees.  Another danger that presents itself is that of falling rock.  Many stones can fall because of the climber but more often it is done by natural causes.  Mostly because of ice, snow, hot temperatures, rain storms and even hot sun.  It is ever changing on the mountain and you never know until you are upon it what you might find. Many marvel at how this mountain has withstood all of this and still remains so beautiful it in perfect form.

November 11, 2010 Posted by | Miscellaneous, Society | , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

   

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