Ways to Help Animals Survive This Winter



I wore 'The Dress' for an evening – and a week on, some people still think it's white and gold

It's 9pm on a Thursday evening and I'm having a heated discussion with a waiter named Thomas about what colour my dress is. It’s an argument you’ll be familiar with: he teasingly suggests it might be white and gold, I think differently.

Earlier in the evening, Thomas’s manager Daniella visited our table to discuss my outfit. In person, we agree it is clearly black and blue and Daniella floats the theory that the original image, which went viral last week, was somehow touched up. Her colleague Stan meanwhile is adamant that the people who thought it was white and gold were colour blind.

There's a certain glamour to wearing the dress that divided social media, even if it has been a week since it went viral (essentially a full year in internet terms) and even if only to Wagamamas.

When I try it on ahead of my date in the work toilets a woman I co-opt into zipping me up asks "is that THE dress?". The rest of the office is similarly excited, but then again we are journalists. Three colleagues shout "Dina!" while taking pictures of me on their smartphones as I walk to a friend's desk for lunch and there is another impromptu photo session by my desk. This, sadly, is the closest I will ever get to celebrity.

But aside from Wagamamas staff, the public seem less thrilled when I wear it out that evening. In the slightly dark and dingy pub my boyfriend and I head off to before our meal, I get stares but no one comments. On the tube back home, no one gave me a second look but the dress was competing with a busker playing what looked like a short didgeridoo.

My boyfriend was fully briefed on my attire and acted as official photographer for the evening. So what colour does he think the dress is now? "Blue and black. I can’t believe we ever thought it was white and gold."

As well as confused, this dress also made me feel deeply self conscious - and not just because I’m wearing last week’s viral sensation. This is tight, synthetic fabric (according to the manufacturer it is 68 per cent Viscose, whatever that is) and I feel like the bodycon design highlights every lump and bump.

By the end of the night I am itchy, uncomfortable and my stomach hurts from sucking it in all day.

'The Dress' sold out just minutes after it broke the internet with makers Roman Originals quickly restocking 300 dresses in a variety of sizes and making it in actual white and gold for Comic Relief.

 

Isabella Bird: Tales of a pioneering adventuress in 19th century China

Isabella Bird’s journeys in China were the first that she made where creating a photographic record of a place was her prime aim. Her photographs show China on the cusp of change and under pressure from foreign influence. After arriving unprepared in 1894, she returned frequently over a three-year period, fascinated by the order and way of life in China, its culture and its people. It was only when she returned home that pressure from friends prompted her to write about her experiences. The resulting book was The Yangtze Valley and Beyond, which was published by John Murray in 1899.

In the history of photography, it is unusual to have such a detailed record of the working practices of a travel photographer active at this time, often improvising in the most difficult of circumstances.

The book that brought her fame and fortune was The Hawaiian Archipelago: Six Months Among the Palm Groves, Coral Reefs and Volcanoes of the Sandwich Islands, published in 1875. More than just an adventure story, it was packed with interesting information, presented in an easy-to-read form. Her books were engaging, accessible, and entertaining, and she opened up a world of travel to the armchair explorer.

The adventuress who travelled and rode in all weathers, exploring remote and dangerous regions, was writing about a life in sharp contrast to the one envisaged for her. Isabella had been born in 1831, into a relatively wealthy, religious family. During her younger life, her father, the Rev Edward Bird, moved progressively to parishes with smaller stipends, his dwindling income being subsidised by inherited money. In 1848, the family moved to Wyton, Huntingdon, where they lived in reasonable comfort. There was enough income to fund her travel to America in 1854, aged 23, for her health and to mend a broken heart.

Isabella’s life changed abruptly two years later, in 1858, when her father died of influenza, forcing the family to quit the rectory. Mother and both daughters eventually settled into a flat in Castle Terrace, Edinburgh.

After her initial success with The Englishwoman in America, Isabella wrote mainly on religious subjects. At this time, she was dogged by depression and poor health. In 1872, her doctors suggested the climate of Australia. Unfortunately the journey was grim. Isabella was ill, felt homesick and lonely, and hated the heat. However, it was on her return journey that she stopped in Hawaii and her fortunes changed forever. From then on, she concentrated on writing travel narratives, her books were never out of print and she received an annual income from John Murray Publishers for the rest of her life.

As a respected international traveller, her views were sought by prime ministers, ambassadors and the newspapers of the day. By the time she took up photography, her international reputation was firmly established.

Isabella’s uniqueness as a traveller was recognised by George Curzon, Royal Geographical Society Council member, in his letter to The Times of 30 May 1893, in reaction to a debate about women Fellows at the Royal Geographical Society. She was in the first group of 15 women to be made Fellows (by 1892, she had married and been widowed, so is mentioned as Mrs Bishop):

“We contest in toto the general capability of women to contribute to scientific geographical knowledge. Their sex and training render them equally unfitted for exploration: and the general professional female globe-trotters with which America has lately familiarised us is one of the horrors of the latter end of the 19th century.

“In our teeth are thrown the names of one or two distinguished ladies, such as Mrs Bishop, whose additions to geographical knowledge have been valuable and serious. But in the whole of England these ladies can be counted on the fingers of one hand: and in the entire range of modern geography I question if history will preserve the names of half that number.”

Curzon changed his mind 20 years later.

At the beginning of the 1890s, China was vulnerable to foreign powers who wished to expand into and exploit its markets and territories. The country’s reluctance to adopt Western ideas was in sharp contrast to Japan, which had undergone great change and was looking for opportunities to extend its influence.

Known as the Hermit Kingdom because of its closed policy to outsiders, Korea had relied for centuries on China to defend its borders, but this changed in 1884 when a convention between Japan and China reduced Korea to a virtual co-protectorate of the two countries. It would become the battleground for future tensions in the area.

Setting off from Liverpool on 11 January, 1894, Isabella Bird was unaware that she was heading straight into a war zone, or that she would spend the next three years absorbed by travel in China, Japan and Korea. She would spend those years in the Far East with her camera developing a deep fascination for China.

The Yangtze Valley and Beyond is quite different in tone and style to her earlier publications. Her admiration for the country and its people shines through. One reviewer of the book described it as “one of the most thoroughly documented accounts of late 19th- century China ever written”. Not bad for an account of a journey “undertaken for recreation and interest solely” or “but to satisfy her curiosity and love of travel.”

Ways to Help Animals Survive This Winter

Winter is just around the corner! This extremely beautiful season can carry the lives of many animals away, because they often cannot find a suitable place to spend the winter. People are able to use various facilities of a modern and civilized world. A cozy and warm house, a cup of tea and your favorite music can make your winter better and more comfortable. Most animals have no chance to enjoy this cold winter. They live in hope to receive help from us.

Unfortunately, only tender-hearted retirees or active workers of different animal rescue groups feed and take care of animals. Young and busy people find charity pointless and unnecessary. They’re often not interested in animal welfare because they cannot make profit on it. What a pity that the society has set new and cruel priorities, but wise people still remember that both bad and good things have a tendency to come back. Parents should be a role model for their children. They should teach their kids to love animals.

According to the statistics, thousands of animals die during the winter months. The most common causes of animal deaths are starvation and cold. I don’t want to lecture you about unfairness in life. I just want people to realize that without our support many animals are doomed to sufferings and painful death. It’s high time to turn our twinges of conscience and ideas into concrete actions to save the lives of animals. Here are 5 effective steps to comfort and inspire our little and shelterless friends.

1. Join or support animal charity organizations

Today there’re lots of animal charity organizations that dedicate all their time, money and energy to help animals survive in this harsh world. They’re groups of kind-hearted personalities, united by a common purpose to shelter and protect as many animals as possible. The most difficult thing in their activity is to find money and other useful resources, because these organizations aren’t financed by the government. They also have to attract other people and sponsors in order to get a specified amount of money to cover their activity expenses.

If you have some free time and you’re mentally ready to look into the eyes of a stray animal, then you should join an animal charity organization. For sure, this heartful activity will help you experience a full range of positive emotions, because rescuing lives is a wonderful thing. Those who have no time to join charity organizations can provide financial support, sending money to animal organization’s bank account. Plus, you can supply these organizations with all necessary medicines and foods. If you don’t prefer to cooperate with charity organizations, you may take a different tack.

2. One animal – one life

Without a doubt, you meet many stray animals on your way to work, college or school. You may begin to feel a liking for a sweetie cat or a nice puppy. This little and pure creature is always glad to see you. Its positivity makes your mood better. Now it’s your turn to do a good deed. Try to protect those animals from severe cold during this winter.

The first thing you should do is to feed them every day, because regular and substantial nourishment is crucially important. Satisfactory nourishment helps the body of a little tomtit bear even a severe frost. Many dogs and cats aren’t resistant enough to a biting cold. They have practically no chances to survive. Use your skillful hands and imagination to build a small warm box for a stray animal to live in. Ask your friends to help you construct the box. This shelter will protect your favorite animal from wind, rain and snow.

Moreover, such insignificant acts of kindness will give life and hope for many animals from all over the world. My friend is a talented needlewoman. She spends all her free time to embroider warm vests for dogs and cats. At the end of autumn, she sends beautiful handmade clothes to different animal shelters.

3. Use social media

Not long ago I got acquainted with a disabled person. I was pleasantly surprised to get to know that her main hobby and occupation was to rescue animals. This young and beautiful lady uses her computer and the Internet as an effective tool to save animals from suffering. Her volunteer activity gives stray or abandoned animals a second chance to find a new and caring family. She cooperates with various animal charity organizations in order to draw the attention of the communities to the problem of animal homelessness and hunger. She adds the photos and information about animals to different forums and social network websites. I think that such people are from heaven.

You should also take into consideration that using social media is a great opportunity to find good people who will support your charity plans and purposes. Let all people know about what’s happening to stray animals. Invite your friends to join animal charity groups.

4. Take a stray animal into your home

Are you ready to take a direct responsibility for the life of at least one stray animal this winter? I hope, yes. This miracle will quickly get used to your house and become a new family member. It will love you with all its heart and bring tenderness, sincerity, protection and harmony in your family. If you’re afraid of all possible consequences, you can take the animal and go to the local animal shelter. The veterinarian will quickly examine the ‘patient’ and give you all necessary instructions. This step is extremely important, because your safety is the main priority. If you don’t want an animal become a part of your family, then try to give it shelter and provide an opportunity to spend the cold winter months in your warm house. I’m sure that animals won’t cause you too much inconvenience. My friend and workmate has 7 cats in the house. This cat person might have a big and kind heart.

5. Spend time with them

Hey, people! Don’t be so unsympathetic and callous toward animals. We are not obliged to donate time and money to animal charities, but if we completely lose our moral values, our kids and future generations will suffer from the sins of their ancestors. Nowadays it’s so hard to find correct words that can melt the ice in the hearts of those who’re still indifferent to the sufferings of weak and unprotected creatures.

If you have no money and will to take care of animals, you can at least go up with a smile and stroke a stray cat on the head. Play a bit and share your good mood with an animal. One minute of sincere and open communication with the cat will help the animal understand that they’re not alone in this world. They’re as smart as human beings. Animals can feel, worry and get offended as well. Don’t find it odd to please stray animals, because they also need friendship, communication and joy. Also don’t forget to give them some delicious treats!

6. Feed birds

Birds are those little animals that also need our help. It’s not so difficult to feed birds in your garden, on your balcony or even at your window sill. Don’t forget about warm water for them. They can’t say “Thank you” and they may not show any signs of love. But they will definitely appreciate you and you will see them every day and may even love them as your pets.

This is not just an article; it’s an appeal to every reader. This winter is going to be cold and snowy. If people decide to take the seasonal problem of animals upon themselves, this winter will bring only positive emotions to both human beings and animals. We still have time to build more bird-feeders, warm boxes and other accessories to protect animals from the vagaries of the weather. Do you have any other ideas on how to help animals this winter? Have you ever given shelter to stray animals? Share your experiences!

 

Я одягла цю "сукню" лише один раз ввечері - і на протязі цілого тижня деякі люди все думають, що вона білого і золотого кольорів

В четвер о 9 вечора я мала гарячу суперечку з офіціантом по імені Томас про те, якого кольору моя сукня. Познайомлю вас с коротким змістом: він, дратуючи мене припускає, що, можливо, сукня білого з золотим кольорів, я думаю, по іншому.

Раніше ввечері, менеджер Томаса Даніелла підійшла до нашого столику, щоб поговорити про мій наряд. Особисто ми згодні, що наряд явно чорний з синім кольорів, і Даніелла вивела теорію, що оригінальний образ, який був популярним минулого тижня якимось чином зачеплений. Тим паче, її колега Стен твердо переконана, що люди, які думали, що це був білий і золотий кольори мають дальтонізм.

Так же це напевно дуже ефектно носити сукню, яка була розповсюджена в соціальних засобах масової інформації, навіть якщо це було тиждень тому, як це відбулося через популярність (в основному за цілий рік один з випадків в Інтернеті) і навіть якщо тільки в редакції «Wagamamas».

Навіть на сьогоднішній день, коли я намагалась відвідати жіночу вбиральню, жінка з якою я працюю зупинила мене і запитала: «Це та сама сукня?». Інша частина офісу аналогічно теж стали збудженими, але потім ми знову стали працювати, як журналістами. Під час фотографування мене на свої смартфони три колеги викрикнули "Діна!", коли я йшла до стола друга щоб пообідати, і є ще один експромт фотосесія за моїм столом. На жаль, не близько і до того щоб стати знаменитістю.

Але, окрім персоналу редакції «Wagamamas», громадськість здається менш схвильовано, коли я одягла сукню цього вечора. Мій друг і я відвідали злегка темний і брудний паб і до того як повернутися до нашої їжі, я побачила погляди, але без коментарів. В метрополітені по дорозі додому, ніхто не кидав інші погляди на мене, але плаття за своєю унікальністю може конкурувати, на зразок, з короткою диджерідою на якій грають вуличні музиканти.

Мій друг був повністю проінформований про мій одяг і виступав в якості офіційного фотографа у вечері. Так який колір сукні він гадає зараз? "Синій з чорним. Я не можу повірити, що ми коли-небудь думали, що сукня білого з золотим кольорів."

Так само як ця сукня заплутала, вона також змусила мене дещо усвідомити глибоко в собі - і не тільки тому, що я ношу це плаття, яке було популярним минулого тижня. Це щільна, синтетична тканина (за заявою виробника, вона становить 68 відсотків віскоза, що б це не було), і я відчуваю, що дизайн бодікон ("в обліпку") підкреслює кожен вигін тіла.

До кінця ночі я відчувала свербіж, дискомфорт, а також голод на протязі усього дня.

"Сукня" була проданою всього за декілька хвилин після того, як повідомлення про неї зламало Інтернет, а виробник Римські Оригінали швидко поповнив запаси 300 сукнями різних розмірів і робив їх реально білими з золотими кольорами для Comic Relief.


Дата добавления: 2018-02-15; просмотров: 318; Мы поможем в написании вашей работы!

Поделиться с друзьями:






Мы поможем в написании ваших работ!