skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Animal Conservation:
Under the patronage of Prince Gaston, 17th in line to the Belgian throne, and in cooperation with the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren the Zoological Society of Ixelles on 25 July received Commune approval for a project on the selective introduction into Ixelles green zones of wild animals from Africa.
Professor Mavis Lovel, president of the Zoological Society and head of the Natural Sciences Department at Brussels University, told journalists at a press briefing on Saturday morning that this would be very different from traditional animal conservation policies, including zoos and animal parks dominated by walls and fences. This project is about becoming one with nature again and not continuing the separation of humans from nature, she insisted.
Lovel emphasised that the project and the process of animal release would be very carefully and professionally managed; only those types of wild animals would be released in Ixelles parks, woods etc. that did not pose any danger to local residents and their pets. Indeed, the decision on which wild animals have already been chosen, as well as the one on future selections, was made solely by the Society and its team of advisers, including Prince Gaston.
This project will enable people to not only broaden their horizons in terms of coexisting with animals and sharing nature, i.e. thinking beyond rats, pigeons and mosquitoes, but also mentally prepare for the necessary adaptation to the consequences of climate change, which is on our door step, the Professor claimed.
According to schedule, on Saturday evening the first wild animal from Africa was released in the area of the Ixelles ponds. Reports of a first sighting in the very late hours of Sunday reached Planet Lasse today.
END
Anti-Social Behaviour:
Massive public protests have erupted yesterday across Belgium after the Belgian king accepted the resignation of prime minister Yves Leterme and appointed cardinal Pius Keusniet-Deugniet to lead the federal government until the next federal elections, which will be held in November 2017.
Reason and cause of the widespread protests was the first new law that the new government introduced only hours after they took power. The prime minister, during his first press conference, identified as the main problem of Belgian society, including the political establishment, a lack of moral strength and good public behaviour.
To stem the drift towards ever more anti-social behaviour, Keusniet-Deugniet explained, the new law would make it a federal crime for citizens to challenge the public order by behaving immorally, recklessly, and disrespectfully, which included, above all, all kinds of intimate exchanges. As is the case with fruit beer and crack use, scientific studies have proven that there was a direct link between public kissing and formula one style pornographic nazi orgies, the Cardinal insisted.
Planet Lasse can confirm that the protests, which have been particularly strong in Brussels, have seen the pelting of churches and government buildings with condoms and playboy magazines, the hacking of government websites, and in-disguise public re-acting of scenes from avant-garde films, such as 9 ½ Weeks, Wild Orchid, and Emmanuelle. Protesters told Planet Lasse that their actions would continue to intensify until the law was withdrawn.
END
Arrivals
The spokesman of the government of the Brussels region announced live on TV Brussels yesterday that representatives of the government and Zaventem national airport have agreed to introduce new airport rules to improve the reputation of Belgium as a whole and Brussels in particular.
Brussels has always warmly welcomed visitors, but it was felt that there was nevertheless room for improvement, the spokesman quoted the final report of the task force that had worked out the new rules. Implementing and complying with the new rules will not only make arriving visitors very happy and feel most welcome, but will also result in economic growth and increased employment in the Brussels region.
A first new rule has already been implemented as of 1 July: drivers of private cars, taxis and buses are required to step out of their vehicles when dropping off departing travellers and personally and passionately greet and welcome at least one arriving visitor. Only then are they allowed to get back drive off again. As a minimum arrivals should be kissed on the right cheek. Reminder signs have been put up in relevant locations outside the airport building. END
