Here we have some pictures to honor Alphabe-Thursday letter "E"
"E" is for Elephant. I found these plush toy elephants at our local Toys"R"Us® store at the Woodlands (Texas) last night.Please note that both sizes are FAO Schwarz toys that are now being carried at the Toys"R"Us® stores. The small size is $13.99 while the larger one, picture on the right here, is $149.99. Elephants weren't on our shopping list so we didn't buy any.
The rest of the pictures below (you can click on the pictures to make them larger) are of some of the elephants that we saw at the circus this summer (our pictures and story with KP). I have a 'special place' for elephants, they are such remarkable animals. Their memories are remarkable too.
Before the circus we were 'up close' for the first two pictures when we got to watch the lone elephant, Asia, paint a picture. After Asia finished painting she proudly showed her art work to the audience. (YouTube Video link of this act)
Unfortunately elephants are often physically abused by their impatient caretakers. The ivory from elephant tusks sells at a premium. Poachers, mainly in the wilds and preserves of Africa, are killing the elephants for those tusks. I believe a few are cut off while the lovely beast is alive.
A nice book about circus elephants is Water for Elephant, a historical novel by Sara Gruen. Gruen originally wrote the novel as part of National Novel Writing Month. It later was made into a movie. I have read the book but haven't seen the movie (link). The book is about a circus elephant and her trainer. I am giving it a BIG thumbs up.
==>The Alphabe- Thursday portion of this post will be critiqued by Head Mistress Jenny.
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Now for my Thursday Two Questions.
Last week was about a couple of "D" words, Dum Dums and Donuts. I enjoyed the way you discussed your sweet tooth or lack of it.
Now for my Thursday Two Questions.
Last week was about a couple of "D" words, Dum Dums and Donuts. I enjoyed the way you discussed your sweet tooth or lack of it.
My Two Questions for this week (you can answer just one if you wish):
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1. Have you read the book, 'Water for Elephants' or seen the movie. If so, what did you think about it?
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2. What do you think might be done to eliminate or reduce the cruel treatment of animals?
Bonus Question: What is your favorite "E" word?. .
==>My Thursday Two Questions post is for Amanda.
1. I've not read the book or seen the movie.
ReplyDelete2. That's a great question that's never had a legitimate answer up to now. It would be great to come up with some solution.
3. Elation is my favorite "E" word. I love the feeling of elation.
Have a terrific day. :)
I haven't read the book, but having just completed a NaNoWriMo novel I'm glad to hear of a success story.
ReplyDeleteJim, your elephants are so endearing. They just make you want to pick them up and cuddle them, they toy ones that is. I hate cruelty in any form and our country is reeling over the recent school massacre of 5 and 6 year olds in their school. Gun violence is ridiculous and there was absolutely no logical reason behind it. Yhe gunman killed first his mother with a shot to the face then went on a rampage in a school killing 26 innocent lives.
ReplyDeleteoops, hate it when I publish before I edit. It should read "the" toy ones not they. I don't type as well when upset and tired, which this shooting has me. I haven't read your book but would like to, and I like E for Emanuel.
ReplyDeleteI think the toy ones would be easier to manage!
ReplyDeleteHi Jim, I did see the movie Water for Elephants. I thought there was a humanity side from the people toward the elephants, and that I like very much. I am not sure if I finished seeing the whole movie. I got bored with it - mainly because the actors / actresses didn't keep me interested. I do like Reese W.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if there is anything more we can do to eliminate the cruelty all together. Just like the crimes of this world, there will always be the bad apples. It is like saying I wish there is only good people in this world...
The price jump dramatically on those elephants from small to big. :-)
I have a couple of questions about your blog, as I haven't been able to figure these out. 1) How can I obtain a permanent link to a specific post on your blog? I could not get to your post, because you did not imput a permanent link on the Linky. "Jim" was entered for the URL. I tried edit it for you by going your blog and clicked on the title of your post, I could not. I don't mind doing this at all, so please don't take these as complaints. 2) I wanted to visit the other posts on your blog, and was looking for the "older post" link, I could not find it. I am used to the other blogs having these options. I would be very grateful if you could help me out with these, as I would like to read more of your posts from time to time. Sincerely, Amanda. amanda@selfsagacity.com
ReplyDeleteSorry, Dr Jim. We've not read the book nor watch the movie. Educate is my favourite "E" word.
ReplyDeleteAll the cell phone providers in Singapore do not have any stock for iPhone5 now. Most probably, the stocks had been diverted to China where 5 million sets were sold during the first weekend of release in the country. Hopefully, iPhone5 is available for Mrs Jim in USA :)
Those little stuffed elephants are so cute.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book or seen the movie yet, maybe I check for it on Netflix or Amazon.
The only way to prevent cruelty to animals is to get involved. Start at your local level. Do some research and make contacts. Even the smallest thing can make a difference.
My favorite E word is Equal.
Hi Jim!
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting *E* post – great shots. No, haven't seen the film & totally agree with comment above ref cruelty to animals. We must all get involved!
(And yes, I do minimum 30 mins per week walking or, if possible, running!)
Have a great Alphabe-Thursday and weekend too,
Visiting from Alphabe-Thursday
We just saw elephants at our zoo yesterday.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent post and wonderful photography ~ Happy Holidays ^_^
ReplyDeleteSupport for elephants safety ~ There are several organizations to donate to that might help save the elephants and overall we as a world need to change and stop the greed and violence to humans, animals and the earth ~
(A Creative Harbor ~ aka ArtMuseDog and Carol ^_^
Thanks for coming by ^_^
what a brilliant elephant show! :)
ReplyDeleteThat elephant on the right really costs $149? It looks just like he $13 dollar one.
ReplyDeleteRalph
Imagine elephants painting ! :) Have not seen Water for Elephants yet...reminds me that I should! : )Merry Christmas to you and your family
ReplyDeleteHi Guys ~~ The $149 elephant is in the PICTURE on the right, next to top shelf. It stands about two feet tall.
ReplyDelete..
Elephants are amazing creatures and very intelligent, and I like that some are artists!
ReplyDeleteI have not read the book, but have seen the movie. The cruelty was hard to watch -- both to the elephant and to Reese Witherspoon's character, but it ended well, with love for the elephant. A really good movie. Not sure I'd want to pay $149 for any stuffed animal, no matter the size!
merry christmas.
ReplyDeleteI like donkeys better :)
I have never read or seen that movie - I heard it was good.
ReplyDeleteHow do we stop the mistreatment of animals and children?
Ever hear of the white elephant in the room or a gift?
Elephants are really cool. My daughter's class is all about elephants. Her teacher loves Elephants.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the movie about water for elephants. Sometimes you wished you had read the books first. I think in the movie, they put too much focus on the people and romance and not the animals, but it was an interesting movie.
I think as long as earth is, you'll have a balance of people who cares deeply and will fight to keep animals safe and the others who will fight to use them for gain. Let's hope good wins all the time.
Have a Merry Christmas!
I've read the book, and I liked it very much. I think elephants are amazing animals, and I wish they were treated with greater respect. Thanks for your post!
ReplyDelete=)
I read the book Water for Elephants. It was sad, very sad. Humans can be incredibly greedy.
ReplyDeleteI ave read that book, and in fact, I read it in one sitting! It was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIf only the laws governing the use of ivory were upheld, and poachers prosecuted to the full extent of the law, all would be well in elelphant land!
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ReplyDelete° * _██_*˚°。°/♥ \*˚°。°*。°*★*˚°。°*。°*★*˚°。°*。°*★
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★*˚°。°*。°*。★ MERRY CHRISTMAS..!!! ★*˚°。°*。°*。★
Awww...what exquisite elephants.
ReplyDeleteSo cute!
And I've never seen an elephant laying down before. That picture was interesting!
Thanks for an excellent link to Alphabe-Thursday!
Happy New Year!
A+