It is profoundly unfortunate that the Home News Editorial Board has decided to equate slaughtering New Jersey's native black bears with good science. Killing bears is not the answer as there are neutering programs developed by scientists that keep bear populations in check, in addition to programs that teach homeowners how to keep their garbage secure from bears. Why not call for implementing these non-lethal programs instead of justifying unnecessary bloodshed in our last, remaining woodlands? And why not at least acknowledge that the recent bear hunt in New Jersey resulted in hunters shooting any bear that they came across: from bearcubs to mature males. Thousands of New Jersey residents who may have been indifferent to the bear hunt were revolted by the heart-sickening image of the mortally wounded bear cub who was shot by a hunter and died a slow, painful death on a New Jersey highway. We are not convinced that one stray bear means that there is an overpopulation of bears in our area, as your editorial contends. You have lost our respect as you have chosen to advocate violence over non-violence.
P.S. When Albert Schweitzer was only seven or eight years old he already discovered an intuitive form of his "reverence for life" philosphy: "One spring, a friend invited him to go to a place where they could shoot birds with a sling-shot. Though the idea was repugnant to the young Schweitzer, he went along, fearing that his friend might laugh at him if he didn't. They found a bird singing in a tree. His companion put a stone in the leather catapult and Schweitzer, determined to be brave and manly, did the same. At that very moment the bells of a church began to ring. Schweitzer felt it was a voice from heaven, reminding him of the wrongness of senseless killing. He shooed the bird away and ran home."
Audubon Society and the Star Ledger Editorial Board wants the state of New Jersey to kill more deer
In the March 16, 2005 Newark, NJ Star Ledger, I was outraged to read that both the Audubon Society and the Star Ledger Editorial Board wants the state of New Jersey to kill more deer. What is wrong with both of you? Do you have itchy fingers and think killing will solve the problem? It won't!!! Sterilization is the only humane way to approach any deer or other animal overpopulation, not trophy hunts for violent and greedy hunters! That is what I hate about America...don't like something or someone...just blow it away!! Are we a nation of Rambos? Not if I can help it!!!
The story and editorial are below...
Audubon Society labels deer a threat and pushes for hunt Monday, March 14, 2005 BY BRIAN T. MURRAY AND LAWRENCE RAGONESE Star-Ledger Staff
For the first time in its 108-year history, the New Jersey Audubon Society is taking a stand on hunting and will ask the state to reduce the population of white-tailed deer.
In a special report to be released today, the bird-watching group says white-tailed deer have become an ecological "stressor" for birds and other wildlife by eating away the natural landscape. Hunting, the report says, is a viable option to bring the deer population down to a manageable number that doesn't eat through thousands of acres of forest underbrush.
The group is also considering opening some of its own preserves to hunters.
"I can't look at myself in the mirror anymore," said Eric Stiles, vice president for conservation and stewardship of New Jersey Audubon. "As stewards of the forest, we have to do something to stop this disaster."
In advocating deer hunting, New Jersey Audubon is breaking its silence on the issue.
"It's good to see Audubon coming out on this issue because we all see that the deer are causing a major problem for other forms of wildlife," said George Howard, a biologist and former director of the state Division of Fish and Wildlife, which monitors wildlife populations and hunting. Howard is now the conservation director for the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs.
The Audubon Society is calling on state wildlife authorities to revamp deer management strategies, and claims hunting policies are geared too much toward keeping enough deer around for sports hunters rather than seriously reducing the state's herd of nearly 200,000 white-tail.
The report also concluded deer management methods such as fencing and birth control have very limited impact, and that the state's entire ecology is at stake.
"We are not demonizing deer. Humans created the perfect habitat for deer, with no checks in New Jersey except for your car bumper," Stiles said.
LOSS OF SPECIES In the report, the Audubon Society underscores the voracious foraging habits of the white-tail. For decades, deer have munched away at New Jersey's plant life, leaving other creatures that depend upon it to disappear.
"We have lost 14 bird species alone," Stiles said.
One place that has been ravaged by deer is the Audubon's 3,000-acre Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuary in Somerset and Morris counties.
Rick Radis, an environmental consultant and naturalist, said he led botanical walks there for 30 years, and especially loved the early spring, when some 30 species of wildflowers and some 20 species of ferns bloomed in the forest. But he has stopped leading the walks.
"Over the years, it got harder and harder to find anything out there," said Radis, who lives in Rockaway. "The deer ate everything -- the wood anemone, the dwarf ginseng. The ground used to be carpeted with trout lilies and other flowers. They're just gone now. It's sad."
In the report, titled "Forest Health and Ecological Integrity -- Stressors and Solutions," the group also criticizes massive overdevelopment as a major problem for all wildlife.
ECOLOGICAL CRISIS "An analysis of landscape change conducted by Rutgers University has indicated that in about 40 years, New Jersey will become the first state to reach build-out. Clearly this is the most imminent threat to natural habitats in New Jersey," the report stated.
However, the Audubon Society contends, even if all remaining open space were protected today, native plants, birds and other wildlife still face an ecological crisis because of the foraging white-tail and the invasion of foreign plant species.
As the deer eat away native plants, the ground is being reclaimed by more resilient Asian and European plant species like Japanese stilt grass and purple loosestrife, which the deer do not eat. In turn, native insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals are affected.
"These forest systems in the Highlands of North Jersey and some in Central Jersey are in a state of collapse," Stiles said. "This is ecological Ground Zero."
Other environmental groups have also begun to take aim at deer.
"It is our obligation to do something about it, to deal with the deer. White-tailed deer are a threat to our conservation areas," said Mike Van Clef, director of science and stewardship for the Nature Conservancy in New Jersey.
His organization will open its 14 North Jersey preserves, totaling some 5,000 acres, to deer hunting this fall.
Audubon recognizes reality Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Bambi's voracious appetite is endangering Tweetie and a whole lot else in the forest. Hunting has a valid role in keeping the herd from decimating the woodland ecology. This is not a new conclusion but startling, nevertheless, because it comes from one of the most buttoned-down conservation groups: the New Jersey Audubon Society.
The society is dedicated to fighting any threat to the state's natural ecosystem, and the deer threat ranks right up there with habitat-gobbling sprawl, invasive plants and insects and global warming.
Deer are destroying the "understory" of growth that nurtures young trees, plants, birds and many other organisms. The growing problem can be seen at Jockey Hollow in Morris County, the Watchung Reservation in Union County and many other woodlands around the state. Deer damage to the undergrowth can knock out bird and other species, altering the forests forever.
Audubon worries current state hunting policies may be designed more to keep deer available for hunters than to trim the herd to where forests remain healthy.
It is a legitimate concern, and state Environmental Commissioner Bradley Campbell has acknowledged it. His department is reviewing hunting boundaries and other regulations to better control the state's deer herd. He also is encouraging major landowners, such as the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, to allow hunting.
The Audubon Society ought to follow the example of the Nature Conservancy, which is moving to allow deer hunting on some of its lands this fall.
Research on affordable, effective animal contraception should continue, but practical deer contraception is a long way off. The danger to the woodlands is immediate and serious. The New Jersey Audubon Society is only the latest group to recognize that hunting is part of the solution.
The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, the Rutgers University Program In Cinema Studies, and Eastman Kodak present the 2005 New Jersey International Film Festival sm •Call For Entries• DEADLINE for the receipt of entries is Friday, APRIL 1 @ 5PM EST
The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center proudly announces the 10th Annual 2005 New Jersey International Film Festival. The 2005 festival, held in June and July, will showcase the best in independent film and video, featuring premiere screenings of award winning works, seminars, panel discussions, and guest appearances by recognized film and video makers. Winners will be showcased during the 10th annual New Jersey International Film Festival at Rutgers University. For more information go to www.njfilmfest.com , call (732) 932-8482 or e-mail us at NJMAC@aol.com!
ALL PACKAGES AND INQUIRIES MUST BE ADDRESSED TO: 2005 New Jersey International Film Festival Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center Rutgers University Program In Cinema Studies 72 Lipman Drive - 018 Loree Hall/Douglass) New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901-8525 U.S.A. (732) 932-8482 phone; (732) 932-1935 fax; web site: www.njfilmfest.com NJMAC@aol.com e-mail
ENTRY CATEGORIES: Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Short Narrative, Feature, Music Video, and Student Film/Video Maker (College or younger)
ENTRY FEES: 1. Works up to 20 min: $35.00 2. Works between 20-50 min: $45.00 3. Works over 50 min: $65.00
ENTRY REGULATIONS: This competition is open to U.S. and International entries. Only films originating on 35mm or 16mm (optical sound or silent) and videos on Hi8, Beta, 3/4” or Digital. Maximum film/ video age is 24 months. No repeat entries. Send entries in video mailers, reusable containers or bubble wrap envelopes. Note: Please do not use fiber-filled envelopes or oversized boxes when sending entries, as they can cause serious damage to video tapes and, subsequently, to video equipment. Entries that we receive that have been damaged or otherwise compromised in this way may be rejected from entry.
ENTRY FORMATS: Film entries: Submit DVD or 1/2” VHS videocassettes for pre-screening. Mark videos submitted prominently as ‘films,’ with title and makers name. If chosen for festival screening, 35mm or 16mm format must be sent on shipping reels (heads out) with a countdown leader. We cannot accept PAL or SECAM formats, only NTSC. Video Entries: Submit DVD or 1/2” VHS videocassettes for pre-screening. If chosen for festival screening, 1/2”, 3/4”, DVD, or Beta video must be sent for festival screening. Mark mailing case, inside tape cover, with title and maker’s name. We cannot accept PAL or SECAM formats, only NTSC.
REQUIRED ENCLOSURES: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MUST ACCOMPANY FILM OR VIDEO: • 1/2” VHS Video cassette/DVD pre-screening entry, placed inside mailing case or shipping carton. • Entry fee via check or money order (in US funds) made payable to: Rutgers Film Co-op/NJMAC • Official entry form, completed and signed. • Short synopsis of entry, biography of maker/actor(s), and still photos (optional). • Self-addressed and stamped postcard for notification of receipt of entry. • Stamped, self-addressed, and insured return packaging for each entry. Tapes will not be returned without a Self-addressed and Stamped envelope.
LIABILITY: Although every possible care will be taken with tapes and films while in our possession, however, we cannot accept responsibility for unforeseen loss or damage of entries. Please do not send originals.
REPRODUCTION AGREEMENT: Submission of an entry gives the festival permission to have accepted work photographed, locally telecast, and reproduced either in part or whole, for educational or publicity purposes, unless otherwise requested in writing by the filmmaker.
Funding for the NEW JERSEY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALSM has been made possible in part by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies, Johnson and Johnson, and Eastman Kodak. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 NEW JERSEY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALsm COMPETITION ENTRY FORM
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT. Enclose entry form and fee in mailing carton. Only one form per entry. Exact photocopies of entry form will be accepted.
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US Sec't of the Interior Gail Norton has her head up her a**
Gail Norton's "Call of the Mild" editorial [in today's - March 14, 2005 - NY Times] stating that drilling for oil in a "sliver" of the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve no longer means destroying tundra was laughable to say the least. The Bush Administration just doesn't get it. We don't need more oil from at home or abroad. We need to find other alternative sources of fuel not only to reduce the toxic emissions which ARE destroying the earth's ozone layer, but to remove our dependence on oil from foreign countries. Sorry Gail we aren't blinded by your naive smokescreen.
I have been focusing on another horrible animal cruelty case today. Stanley Kubrick used to say that "man is still in the process of becoming civilized." Sorry Stanley ... man isn't even close yet...See my letter and related AP wire story below... Also Mno Haya Lita Iz!!
3 January 2005
Cumberland County Prosecutor
Juvenile Unit
ATTN: Sarabeth Abrams
43 Fayette Street
Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302
Fax: 856-451-1468
Phone: 856-453-4666 or 856-453-4667
I am writing in reference to the two 13-year-old step-sisters charged with stomping, suffocating a kitten in Commercial Township, N.J on December 5, 2004. I read of this story on the AP newswire today and must say I was horrified and disgusted to read about this incident. Even more disturbing is the boasting of this animal cruelty by the two girls. I urge you as prosecutor to charge these two for every possible act of cruelty. Each act should be a separate charge and there should be a 4th degree for the torture (stomping) and a 3rd degree for death (burying alive, which killed the kitten). I also urge you not to agree to a continuance and urge you to seek the maximum penalty, including detention. Finally, I kindly ask for an order prohibiting the juveniles from caring for or having animals in the future. Animal cruelty carries mandatory counseling for juveniles. We need to educate these children immediately that what they did was horribly wrong and they need to be sternly disciplined.
Thanks you for your attention!
Sincerely,
Professor Albert G. Nigrin
Girls charged with stomping, suffocating kitten
December 30, 2004, 2:32 PM EST
COMMERCIAL TOWNSHIP, N.J. -- Two 13-year-old girls have been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly stomping on a kitten and then burying it up to its neck, killing the animal.
The girls, who are stepsisters, took two 8-month-old kittens that had been offered for adoption, faking a permission slip from their father, said Beverly Greco, Cumberland County agent for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
When the girls' father said they could not keep the kittens, they stomped on one of the animals and then buried it in a wooded area, Greco said. The other escaped after the alleged attack Dec. 5.
The kitten that was killed was found with a red tank top tied around its neck; a veterinarian determined it probably died because of the pressure of the dirt packed around it, Greco said.
The girls have not been identified because of their ages. They each were charged Wednesday with three counts of animal cruelty and a disorderly persons offense.
The buried kitten, with its head above ground, was discovered by the son of its original owner. The girls bragged in school about what they had done, Greco said.
I notice I have been using the word "hell" a lot in my recent writing... Is ths perhaps a subliminal message come to the fore??
For those of you interested I will be showing The Furies -- one of my recent films -- at the NJ Historical Society in Newark, NJ on January 26th at Noon...I'll have more info on this next time and it will also be screened in China at Creek Art Center, (Shanghai, China). Thanks to Thom (QIN DAO) For more info go to http://www.creekart.cn/eng/1/1/fuxiang.htm
Experimental Films
Exhibition Title: Floating Images
Organizer: Creek Art Center, (Shanghai, China)
Production: Dao Chang Productions (Guangzhou, China)
Production Manager: Xiao Fei
Curator: Qin Dao
Artists: Michael Brynntrup (Germany), Dimitry Lurie (Russia), Albert G. Nigrin (US)
1. Michael Brynntrup
Sudden and Unexpected
2002, 16mm, black & white, Sound, 29min
2. Albert G. Nigrin
The Furies
1997, 16mm, black & white, Sound, 26min
3. Dimitry Lurie
The Aftertaste
2000. 35mm. black & white, Sound, 15min
Artists’ Introduction
Michael Brynntrup
Born in 1959 in Munster, Germany. Studied Law, Philosophy and Art History (1977-1987) in Munster, Freiburg, Rome and Berlin. Attended film and video classes of Birgit Hein and Gerhard Buettenbender between 1987 and 1991 while studying art at the Braunshweig School of Art. Brynntrup was awarded his Masters Degree in 1991. Since 1977, he has been active in experimental poetry, painting, photography and reproductions. He started experimental writing in 1979, and in 1980, began working on installations, performance art, and curating art events. From 1981 till now, he has produced over 60 experimental short films and videos, as well as 3 feature films. He showed in film exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (1987, 1992 and 1999), and many solo retrospective shows in different film festivals. Besides winning numerous film awards, he also organized several main film events, including the Third Bangkok Experimental Film Festival (2001).
<>Albert G. Nigrin
Albert Gabriel Nigrin is an award-winning experimental media artist whose work has been screened on all five continents. He is also a Cinema Studies Lecturer at Rutgers University, and the Executive Director/Curator of the Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, Inc. -- a non-profit organization which screens and promotes independent, experimental and artistic cinema in New Jersey via the New Jersey Film Festivals, and the United States Super 8mm Film + DigitalVideo Festival. The famous experimental film critic Steve Anker stated in the catalogue of experimental film exhibition “Big as Life”(1998-2000, Museum of Modern Art New York), that Nigrin’s 8mm films occupy a prominent place in US film-making.
Dimitry Lurie
A young independent filmmaker, Lurie currently lives in Norway and is active in Scandinavia.
In any case wishing you bloggers and blog readers out there a wonderful 2005.. can it be any worse than 2004?
Well it looks like Yushchenko and his team in Ukraine have overturned the fraud-laden Presidential election run-off in November. Now only one hurdle left to covercome and that is the impending Supreme Court appeal..this time by Yanukovich..He will not win this either! At least Ukraine's Presidential election turned out ok... unfortunately, in the USA, we will be stuck with the right-wing ideologue (that is giving him to much) or the emperor with no clothes/prose GW Bush for another 4 years..if the country survives his injustices that long...
Our hearts, here in the Nigrin-Fizer household, go out to the millions of people impacted by the recent Indian Ocean Tsunami... perhaps the human race can finally band together in a common purpose and help one an other in times of trouble.
On a more regional note our local newspaper the Central NJ Home News and Tribune listed the cancellation of the Bear Hunt as one of the top 10 bad things that happened in the state during 2004. They called the bear hunt protesters zealots? What a bunch of hypocritical idiots... On one page of the paper they do the humane thing and try to get people to adopt stray animals ...on the other they ask for bears to be slaughtered for no good reason.
May they rot in hell!!
To all Yushchenko supporters: Don't give up the fight! As an American interested in politics and your election, I urge you to not let Yanukovich and Kuchma steal the Presidential Election! Ukraine needs honesty and openess, not corruption in its government. Change is needed.. We are with you and hope Yushchenko will, in the end, be declared the true winner of the Presidency. Let the Orange Revolution begin and to hell with Kuchma and Putin!!
