Tailpiece
Hi again,
Herewith, some snippets from various sources.
I appeal to you to send me items to distribute to our members for both the Cleft Stick and to be posted on the web site. It is your magazine and website, so ensure it gets the news that you would like to see in it.
Please let me have any changes to your physical address, phone no. or e-mail address to keep the database up to date.
Thanks to all of you who have made the effort. Please will any of you who know of members who do not get this “electric” Cleft~Stick, & have access to e-mail, pass their address along to me.
Don Yunnie
7 Chalet Drive, Hilton, 3245, South Africa Local Tel & Fax (033) 343 1534 Int. Tel & Fax (+2733) 343 1534 cell 082 377 7562 E-mail dyunnie@xsinet.co.za.
News from the Ivory Coast
(and we think we have troubles! Ed)
Dear All,
Sorry for not having giving news from me since a long time. I have been very busy by helping militaries on the front of the war to maintain the operational capacity of the governmental troops to stop any attack from the rebels.
As you probably know the political situation in my country is extremely bad. The country is still divided in two parts and I don't know when this situation will be ended. Tension is very high on both side and at any moment military fights can begin again.
The mediation of President THABO MBEKI of South Africa is now on a "impasse"(I don't know how you call it in English, but that's the word in French). And we approach to the end of the "mandat" of the current President (October 30, 2005), all the people are afraid because at this time many bad things could be done.
For the Scotland Congress, I hope I could be there to celebrate with my fellow rangers throughout the world this meeting.
I look forward to hear from everybody very soon.
Joachim Kouamé.
Game Rangers Association of Côte d'Ivoire, BP V178 Abidjan - Côte d'Ivoire.
Mozambique's Dugongs
Hello all
As a final effort to get some 11th hour help for Mozambique's beleaguered Dugongs I contracted a resident film maker to produce a documentary on these mermaids for Mozambique national television. This will include interviews with the Ministers of Fisheries and Environment, WWF(Moz) and local Port Captain officials in the Inhambane province. I will keep a low profile in the production because of my altercation with those responsible for caring for the animals. But I will continue to provided data from my own earlier surveys.
As I think I told you that I have been banned from doing any further air surveys the last being in 2003 when I estimated less than 30 animals down from a population of 180 in 1990. The current population comprises two small breeding groups whose demise will mean the final extinction of Dugong in the South Western Indian Ocean. The majority of the population comprises isolated non breeding males. WWF(Moz) inflated the numbers by means of statistical wizardry to enhance its image to garner donor funds and get the Paul Getty Award plus $100 000 for one Antonio Reina "for saving th Dugongs" . Reina's only role in this was when he administered my WWF (Int) funding when I was establishing the Bazaruto Archipelago as a marine national park 1990 to 2004.
I recently took EWT's director Dr Nick King to task after his recent visit to Mozambique where he was conned by WWF(Moz) that the Dugongs "were doing well " He did eventually acknowledge that he was none too au fait with the situation en situ.
I believe that it would be most useful for the GRAA and IRF to ask WWF(Moz) to give an account of the Dugong situation in the Bazaruto National Park. Helena Motta who is director of WWF (Moz) can be contacted at hmotta@wwf.org.mz.
Give it a go
Regards
Paul.
Articles for inclusion in the Game Ranger
The next edition of the Game Ranger is due to be printed before the end of the year. If any readers have articles, or have a story, that you think are worthy of inclusion please forward them to Wayne Lotter at waynelotter@iafrica.com before 25/10/2005.
Awards
will be an agenda item at the next Africa Committee meeting on 5 November 2005. Late submissions cannot be discussed by the committee and therefore will not be considered.
Please let me, or your regional chair, have any award nominations well in advance so as to be included in the selection. The awards will be made at the AGM 2006. Hereunder is a brief reminder of award categories. If you require the full constitution version let me know and I will forward it to you.
AWARDS OF THE ASSOCIATION:
Norman Dean Award - Gold medal:
The highest award and honour that the Association can bestow upon anyone.
This award can only be given to one person in any one year.
Silver medal:
An award made to an Honorary Member, Professional Member or Member of the Association for outstanding achievement and excellence in the profession of Game Ranger, or in furthering the profession of Game Ranger and/or the Association.
Bronze medal:
An award to any person or grouping of persons, member/s or non-member/s, for outstanding achievement and excellence towards furthering the conservation, the profession of Game Ranger and/or the Association.
Honorary Membership:
An award made to a Professional Member or Member who has made a significant contribution towards conservation, the profession of Game Ranger and/or the Association, and who, at the discretion of the Committee, is deserving of Honorary Membership.
Life-Time Achievement Award (“Spirit of Africa” Award):
An award made to any person for an acclaimed significant and enduring legacy towards conservation in Africa and/or the Association and/or the profession of Game Ranger
Certificates
Although the Association shall strive to seek excellence among its membership on a continuous basis, if there are no nominations, or nominations are not worthy of the award, no award need be made in that year.
CRITERIA FOR AWARDS:
The awards of the Association are for made for outstanding achievement and excellence in the profession of Game Ranger, or in furthering the profession of Game Ranger and/or the Association.
. All awards, except for Honorary Membership, are made for performance or action/s by the recipient, which took place during the twelve months prior to being nominated for the award.
FAW UK
Has Released A Report On Wildlife Trade Conducted Over The Internet:
Article Based on report Originally published by BBC and reprinted by ENS on 8/16/05 Under the title – "Cyber Black Market Dims Outlook for Endangered Species Survival"
Report finds Top Five Categories Traded on Internet - live primates, ivory items, turtle and tortoise products, bags and fashion items made from endangered reptiles, and wild cats
Report can be downloaded at
http://www.caughtintheweb.co.uk/atf/cf/%7B9FDE63D6-73CA-4D8C-BB39-D60BCCC83E28%7D/INTERNET%20TRADE%20REPORT%20FINAL.PDF
LONDON, UK, Cyberspace is being used as a platform to buy and sell endangered species - both alive and dead - investigators from the International Fund for Animal Welfare found during a three month in-depth look at English language websites. The conservation group warns that the illegal Internet trade in endangered animals is lucrative and easy to conduct without detection.
"Within an intensive one week survey, we found over 9,000 wild animal products and specimens and live wild animals for sale, predominantly from species protected by law," writes IFAW's Jenny Hawley, author of the new report, "Caught in the web: wildlife trade on the Internet."
IFAW investigators found a seven year old gorilla being offered for sale in London on a classified ad website that has a page dedicated to "exotic animal adoption/placement in the UK." The website of the National Alternative Pet Association www.altpet.net, based in the United States, advocates the rights of people to keep exotic pets, with the slogan "animal use is not animal abuse."
The asking price for the gorilla started at £4,500 and the seller claimed a health certificate is available. No mention was made of the fact that commercial trade in gorillas, like all great apes, is prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and UK law too would prevent the gorilla being sold.
IFAW passed information on the gorilla advertised for sale in London to the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit for investigation.
Live animals sold as "pets" included a Siberian tiger on a U.S. website, IFAW said. While only about 5,000 tigers remain in the wild, there are an estimated 10,000 tigers kept as pets in basements and backyards across the United States, said IFAW's Chris Cutter. Keeping tigers in the United States is legal, and it is legal to sell them, although not across state lines. But "just because it's legal doesn't mean it's right," Cutter said. "It does nothing to help tigers in the wild."
The report shows that the "growing and largely unchecked Internet trade could spell disaster for endangered species," IFAW warns.
The Internet trade supports the poaching of endangered animals, says Cutter. "Where there's an economic incentive, there'll be someone who takes of advantage of that incentive."
Animal body parts for sale found by IFAW include hawksbill turtle shells, shahtoosh shawls from the Tibetan antelope, and taxidermy specimens of lions and polar bears. Ivory items and traditional Asian medicines containing the parts of endangered tigers and rhinos were commonly found for sale.
In less than an hour, ENS found for sale on the eBay auction site endangered animal parts that include elephant feet and tusks, a male African lion skin and whole dried seahorses as well as elephant ivory jewelry and carvings.
Phyllis Campbell-McRae, director of IFAW UK said, "Trade on the Internet is easy, cheap and anonymous. However, it is clear that unscrupulous traders and sophisticated criminal gangs are taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the World Wide Web."
"The result is a cyber black market where the future of the world’s rarest animals is being traded away. This situation must be tackled immediately by governments and website owners before it is too late," said Campbell-McRae.
Trade in endangered species is regulated globally under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), but while CITES personnel monitor and enforce person-to-person transactions involving endangered species, cyber sales have been beyond their capacity to control.
In a self-congratulatory statement released on CITES' 30the anniversary, July 1, 2005, the organization said, "Thanks to the effective implementation of CITES by those who harvest, produce, trade, transport, buy and regulate the wildlife species covered by the Convention, new emergency listings of species have become increasingly rare. Moreover, no CITES-listed species has ever become extinct as a result of trade."
But CITES has not yet grappled with the cyber black market in endangered species.
In light of its findings in this investigation, IFAW asks that governments worldwide support a Resolution to the 14th Conference of the Parties to CITES proposing an international action plan to tackle the issue of the cyber black market in endangered species. The 14th CITES conference is scheduled for early 2007.
IFAW found some of the world’s most endangered species advertised online, from websites based in the UK, USA, India, Israel and Germany, and almost all of them were being traded illegally, the organization said.
The IFAW search was restricted to five categories of animals - live primates, ivory items, turtle and tortoise products, bags and fashion items made from endangered reptiles, and wild cats - which leads the investigators to conclude that their findings represent "the tip of the iceberg."
"Each one of us also has a responsibility to stop buying and selling wild animals and wildlife products. Trade in wildlife is driven by consumer demand, so when the buying stops, the killing will too. Our message to online shoppers is simple: buying wildlife online is as bad as killing it yourself," said Campbell-McRae.
Investigators found a lack of adequate and straightforward information about wildlife trade and the law. IFAW has launched its own website to provide the public with clear guidelines at:
www.caughtintheweb.co.uk for more information.
IFAW is calling for greater international co-operation between governments, including ensuring sufficient enforcement capacity, working closely with Interpol, and greater monitoring of the illegal online trade.
IFAW is also calling on website owners to take greater responsibility for illegal items posted on their sites, such as more information, effective reporting mechanisms and close co-operation with enforcement agencies.
IFAW recommends that the UK government and enforcement agencies, especially the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the National Wildlife Crime Intelligence Unit promote the concept of wildlife crime as a "serious crime."
The UK has a new, stricter version of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (COTES) Act that gives police stronger powers in fighting wildlife crime, including powers of arrest, entry, search and seizure.
Under the amended COTES Act, which entered into force July 21, people convicted of trading in endangered species, their parts and their derivatives will face up to five years in prison, a stiffer penalty than under the previous version of the law.
In view of information revealed in its new report, IFAW recommends that the British government improve the legal framework relating to Internet wildlife trading, including a legally-binding code of practice for Internet auction sites and other sites where wildlife is sold.
The UK government should also establish and promote a hotline for easy reporting of any suspicious trade by Internet users, IFAW says.
On the EU level, an action plan is needed to reduce illegal wildlife trade on the Internet within the EU, including introduction of an EU wide ban on the advertising of Annex A and B specimens to the general public, the conservation group recommends.
In the United States, IFAW says, a similar action plan is needed to reduce illegal wildlife trade on sites based in that country.
IFAW recommends that the owners of sites on which wildlife may be traded provide easy access for site users to user-friendly information on the legal requirements for Internet wildlife trading and actively promote awareness of this issue among their users.
"Although some of the products we documented could be traded legally, we wanted to assess wildlife trade on the Internet generally, not just illegal trade," Hawley writes. "It can be almost impossible for the seller, buyer or the law enforcement official to know whether traders are acting legally or not. Even legal trade can have a negative impact on endangered species and animal welfare."
Website owners should establish an effective reporting mechanism to allow users to report any suspicious items easily and receive prompt feedback on action taken, and also establish close cooperation with enforcement agencies to facilitate reporting of suspicious items for investigation, IFAW recommends.
Cutter says IFAW is in dialogue with eBay management, who he describes as "very helpful" and "so far willing to discuss these things."
eBay does not permit trade in live animals, and the popular auction site's policy statement says, "Animal pelts and skins: Animal parts, including pelts and skins from endangered species (such as leopards, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, sable antelopes, mountain zebras, and Hartmann mountain zebras may not be sold in interstate commerce and therefore are not permitted on eBay."
Cutter says that "to be fair to them even if eBay does increase monitoring and take action more quickly, it won't shut down the trade either. eBay is only one site, there's a whole host of sites."
IFAW's report is consistent with the findings of many other conservation groups and enforcement agencies including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, TRAFFIC Europe and WildAid.
In the UK in 2004, the parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee noted the "significant switch to the internet as the preferred method for trading in protected and endangered species."
Cutter said IFAW published its report although other research has previously exposed the problem because, "Trade is still going on. A lot of people still don't realize this is happening. To get website owners to take the steps we are asking them to take we need to show there's in interest in the problem."
US launches campaign against Asia wildlife trade
Saturday, 24 September , 2005, 18:19 HYPERLINK http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=13947970
Washington: Amid the danger of an avian flu pandemic, the United States launched a global coalition to lobby Asian governments to tighten enforcement on wildlife trafficking.
The growing trade in smuggled wildlife, according to experts, has increased the risk of infection by the avian influenza virus, which has killed at least 63 people in Southeast Asia.
The US-led global Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking "will focus its initial efforts on Asia, a major supplier of black-market wildlife and wildlife parts to the world," the State Department said.
The coalition "will focus political and public attention on growing threats to wildlife from poaching and illegal trade," it said.
Seven major US-based environmental and business groups with global interests and programs have joined the coalition, the department said, adding that government and non-government partners from Asia and Europe were expected to join in the coming months.
Deputy US Assistant Secretary of State for Environment Claudia McMurray announced the formation of the coalition at the conclusion of the prestigious Wildlife Film Festival in Jackson Hole in Wyoming state on Friday.
Unchecked demand for exotic pets, rare foods, trophies and traditional medicines is driving tigers, elephants, rhinos, unusual birds and many other species to the brink of extinction, threatening global biodiversity, a State Department statement said.
"Added to this is the alarming rise in virulent zoonotic diseases, such as SARS and avian influenza, crossing species lines to infect humans and endanger public health," it warned.
Three patients under observation with symptoms of bird flu in Indonesia had visited a zoo infected with the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) believe the dreaded disease is spread by wild species, which carry the virus from infected areas and pass it to other flocks at stop-off points along their globe-crossing migratory routes.
In Europe, animal welfare organizations have reportedly appealed to the European Union to halt imports of wild birds, claiming that the exotic pet trade is increasing the risk of bird flu reaching the continent.
Leading environmental and quarantine agencies in Australia say the lucrative trade in illegally obtained wildlife presents a significant disease risk in the country.
Partners in the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking are already working with the government of Thailand and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the State Department said.
The Thai government will in October host a regional wildlife trafficking workshop for law enforcement officials and officials responsible for compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
"Soon after the workshop, Southeast Asian environment ministers are expected to announce the development of a regional wildlife trafficking law enforcement network," it said. No details of the network were immediately available.
William Armbruster, a State Department spokesman, said the coalition "expands on the CITES effort by forming a structure to work with non-governmental organizations to address the same issues and concerns."
Last year, ASEAN member states -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- agreed to develop a regional action plan on trade in wild flora and fauna.
Wildlife trafficking is a soaring black market worth 10 billion dollars a year, second only to arms and drug smuggling, according to the State Department.
Graham Root’s books
My thanks to all of you who have supported me by buying Roots of a Game Ranger and the first two animal stories – Book One If only I Gnu and Book two Algernon The story of a white rhino’s travels.
The next four animal stories are now available:-
Book Three Bubesi, King of the lions
Book four Fussy Hyena
Book five Hambemeven, Walk among thorns
Book six Tag, The ‘bandit’ mongoose
These animal stories are selling at the same price as the first two i.e.R25.00 each plus postage of R10.00. We fit four books into an envelope.
These animal stories make ideal Christmas gifts as they are economical to post, even overseas. We have found not only do the children enjoy them but also their Grandparents as they are nice light reading.
We look forward to hearing from you,
Our contact numbers are in the books but just to recap our email address is tuftrade@lantic.net otherwise cell 0834096152 or landline 034 9075312
Best wishes to you all,
Graham & Coleen Root.
WILDERNESS CONCEPTS & PRACTICE COURSES
Fostering the enduring values of wilderness for people
The Wilderness Action Group, in partnership with the Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development in the University of KwaZulu-Natal, will be holding two courses on wilderness conservation and its management at WESSA’s Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve near Howick.
The basic course begins on Monday 7th to Friday 11th. November 2005 and is designed to give participants a good understanding of the concepts, benefits and values of wilderness, wilderness management principles and the appropriate use of wilderness areas by visitors.
The course is structured to give participants more in-depth look at the philosophy and the role that wilderness plays as a protected area category and through a wilderness planning process. The aim is to equip them to initiate planning exercises in their wilderness areas. The course begins on Monday 14th .to Friday 18th. November 2005. The Advanced level course is only open to those who have completed a basic course.
FOR BOOKINGS & FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT
Drummond Densham
Telephone No (033) 330 4039 H or Cell 083-321 7959
E-mail:- densham@sai.co.za
POSITION(s) AVAILABLE
Carnivore Conservation Group Manager
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has grown over the past thirty-two years into one of the major non-governmental conservation organisations operating throughout southern Africa. The EWT’s Carnivore Conservation Group was established to address the need for research into the behaviour, biology and ecological needs of southern Africa’s carnivores and concerted conservation action to address the causes of their decline.
The EWT seeks to appoint a new Manager for its Carnivore Conservation Group (CCG). This challenging position requires a dedicated, experienced and organised individual who is able to lead this well established Working Group and oversee and/or implement its various projects relating to carnivore conservation and research in southern Africa.
The CCG Manager is expected to develop and implement a strategic plan for the group and manage effective working relationships with the private sector, conservation/environmental organisations, governmental agencies, staff and volunteers.
The successful candidate is also expected to develop, guide, oversee and implement CCG research projects producing quality peer-reviewed publications on CCG projects and ensuring timely delivery of effective conservation outcomes from all projects.
Strong fundraising skills/abilities are required to ensure the financial stability of the CCG and effective administration skills to ensure the smooth running of the Working Group. Strong communication skills are also required and bilingualism is an advantage. The successful candidate will have a minimum of a Masters degree in Zoology, Conservation Biology or a related, relevant field and will have a proven track record in applied research and field work as well as in publishing peer-reviewed publications. Management experience of at least 5 years is also required.
Applicants must demonstrate a passion for conservation and the environment, a sound knowledge of the threats facing carnivores throughout the region, a proven scientific track record and an understanding of and/or willingness to work in a non-governmental organisation.
This is a contract appointment. Position effective from 03 January 2006
The remuneration package is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
The Endangered Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunity employer.
Successful applicants will be required to attend interviews in Johannesburg and the selected candidate will be based in Johannesburg
Applicants are to submit a comprehensive CV, as well as a motivation as to how they see their role in this post.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Candidates who have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date, must please assume that their applications were not successful. The EWT reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Closing date: Friday, 11 November 2005
To apply please e-mail your CV and a letter of motivation to alisond@ewt.org.za
Or post to “Administration Manager”, Private Bag X11, Parkview, 2122. Or fax to +27 (11) 485 1506
Marine and Coastal Conservation Working Group Coordinator
The Endangered Wildlife Trust, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has grown over the past thirty-two years into one of the major non-governmental conservation organisations operating throughout southern Africa.
The Endangered Wildlife Trust seeks to appoint a Marine and Coastal Conservation Working Group Coordinator (MCCG). This challenging positions requires a dedicated and organised individual who is able to develop the group and oversee implement various projects relating to marine and coastal conservation and research in southern Africa.
The successful candidate is expected to develop and implement a strategic plan which will address gaps in marine and coastal conservation throughout the sub-continent. Strong communication and negotiation abilities are required to develop and nurture effective partnerships with the private sector, conservation/environmental organisations and governmental agencies.
The successful candidate is also expected to develop, guide, oversee and implement MCCG research projects producing regular peer-reviewed publications on MCCG projects and ensuring timely delivery of effective conservation outcomes from all projects.
Strong fundraising skills/abilities are required to ensure the financial stability of the MCCG and effective administration skills to ensure the smooth running of the group. Strong communication skills are required and bilingualism is an advantage. The successful candidate will have a minimum of a Masters degree in Zoology, Conservation Biology or a related, relevant field and a proven track record in applied research and field work as well as in producing peer-reviewed publications. Management experience is also required.
Applicants must demonstrate a passion for conservation and the environment, a sound knowledge of the threats facing the marine and coastal environment throughout the region, a proven scientific track record and an understanding of and/or willingness to work in a non-governmental organisation.
Applicants must demonstrate a passion for conservation and the environment and an understanding of and/or willingness to work in a non-governmental organisation.
This is a contract appointment.
The remuneration package is negotiable based on experience.
The Endangered Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunity employer.
Successful applicants will be required to attend interviews in Johannesburg. MCCG office base negotiable.
Applicants are to submit a comprehensive CV, as well as a motivation as to how they see their role in this post.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Candidates who have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date, must please assume that their applications were not successful. The EWT reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Closing date: Friday, 21 October 2005
To apply please e-mail your CV to alisond@ewt.org.za
Or post to “Administration Manager”, Private Bag X11, Parkview, 2122. Or fax to +27 (11) 485 1506
The Nature Conservation Corporation
Vacancies: Environmental Control/Site Officers
The Nature Conservation Corporation has vacancies for young, dynamic Environmental Control/Site Officers for work throughout Southern Africa. You will need a minimum qualification of an Environmental Sciences Degree or a National Diploma in Nature Conservation/Environmental Management. The individuals we are looking for must be prepared to be away from home for periods of time, be self motivated, at least bilingual (English & Afrikaans), but a third language would be advantageous, with good report writing and communication skills. You will also need a valid drivers licence.
The work function entails ensuring compliance with the Record of Decision and the Environmental Management Plan, approving Method Statements and assisting the various project proponents in completing their projects, whilst ensuring environmental integrity. At the end of each month a report is to be prepared for submission to our various clients.
Remuneration will be negotiated with each individual and will be commensurate with qualifications, experience and specific job function.
If you are interested in getting involved with a rapidly growing dynamic company in a field of work that will take you around Southern Africa, please forward you abbreviated CV to
info@natureconservation.co.za or fax it too 021-7156498. For more information about us please go to our website www.natureconservation.co.za or contact Dean, Justin or Sheridan on 021-715 6498.
Tailpiece-
Understanding Engineers - Take One
Two engineering students were walking across a university campus when one said, "Where did you get such a great bike?" The second engineer replied, "Well, I was walking along yesterday, minding my own business, when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes and said, "Take what you want!" The second engineer nodded approvingly and said, "Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn't have fit you anyway."
Understanding Engineers - Take Two
To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
Understanding Engineers - Take Three
A priest, a doctor, and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers. The engineer fumed, "What's with those blokes? We must have been waiting for fifteen minutes!" The doctor chimed in, "I don't know, but I've never seen such inept golf!"
The priest said, "Here comes the greens keeper. Let's have a word with him." So he accosted the greenskeeper with, "Hello, George! What’s wrong with that group ahead of us? They're rather slow, aren't they?"
The greenskeeper replied, "Oh, yes, Father. That's our group of blind fire fighters. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime."
The group fell silent for a moment. Then the priest said, "That's so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight." The doctor said, "Good idea. And I'm going to contact my ophthalmologist colleague and see if there's anything he can do for them." But the engineer said, "Why can't they play at night?"
Understanding Engineers - Take Four
What is the difference between mechanical engineers and civil engineers?
Mechanical engineers build weapons. Civil engineers build targets.
Understanding Engineers - Take Five
The graduate with a science degree asks, "Why does it work?"
The graduate with an engineering degree asks, "How does it work?"
The graduate with an accounting degree asks, "How much will it cost?"
The graduate with an arts degree asks, "Do you want fries with that?"
Understanding Engineers - Take Six
Three engineering students were gathered together discussing the possible designers of the human body. One said, "It was a mechanical engineer. Just look at all the joints." Another said, "No, it was an electrical engineer. The nervous system is so complex, with many thousands of electrical connections." The last one said, "No,
actually it had to have been a civil engineer. Who else would run a toxic waste pipeline through a recreational area?"
Understanding Engineers - Take Seven
Normal people believe that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Engineers believe that if it isn't broken, it doesn't have enough features yet.
Understanding Engineers - Take Eight
An engineer was crossing a road one day, when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess." He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket. The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week." The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket.. The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a Princess, I'll stay with you for one week and do ANYTHING you want." Again, the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket. Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, and that I'll stay with you for one week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?" The engineer said, "Look, I'm an engineer. I don't have time for a girlfriend right now, but a talking frog,now that's 'way cool."
Matter of Fact
This is an electronic newsletter of the Game Rangers' Association of Africa. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association, nor of the Editor. This is intended to be an exchange of news snips, ideas and communication between members. Newsletter content may be copied and re-distributed without authorisation. Correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at dyunnie@xsinet.co.za
