[Symbiosis: close and long-term interaction between two biological species; relationship in which both species benefit from the other]
     One of the most intriguing of all symbiotic alliances is that of the clownfish and the sea anemone.    Clownfish are very poor swimmers by nature, and therefore are an easy target for any predator.  Sea anemones, though the clownfish's protector, are generally dormant/neutral creatures. Their tentacles do, however, have nematocysts, which sting  when provoked (this is very rare),  but the anemone is incapable of harming the clownfish.  Marine biologists have studied this pair since the early 19th century, but still have not come to a certain understanding as to why the anemone doesn't sting the clownfish.

[Parasitism: relationship between two biological species in which one benefits at the expense of the other]
     Within parasitism is a relationship known as social parasitism.  This is when the parasite takes advantage of interactions between its host and one of the host's symbiotic partners.  For example, Pseudoatta ants are the parasites to "cuckoo" birds (these birds have a symbiotic relationship with another organism as well).  The ant and the bird will have a symbiotic alliance for over half of the bird's life-span, and then the ant detaches from the bird and takes the bird's symbiotic partner away.  Ultimately, while the bird was giving of itself as a host, the greedy parasite used and harmed the bird to join with another organism.

[Please know, this post is a parallel to very common relationships in life, especially the changes in a relationship that occur.  Sorry if you were excited that I had genuine interest in Marine Biology.]

**5/12/10 - I take back this post.  I must have been in a weird mood.

In life, people wait for some sort of passion to enter their souls. Actually, they're waiting for the impetus to draw out the passion instilled in their souls from the very beginning. I believe (and yes, this is a rather mainstream belief) that every human being on Earth enters the universe bearing an intrinsic and valuable gift--one that will serve for the betterment of mankind. As a person develops and matures, this gift may surface, and compel the person to follow the path the gift intends for. Some consider this a vocation, a calling. A calling to a certain way of life may be evoked by talents discovered early in life, provocative events occurring in one's life, or even just an unexplainable burning desire to pursue something.

But how do you know exactly what your calling is? Doesn't it seem like you've had a myriad number of these "epiphanies" already? I definitely feel that way. People ask me what I want to do with my life and what I want to study in college, and there are different answers continually coming out of me like clockwork. It's to the point where some may think I'm a compulsive liar or a schizophrenic...seriously. But over the past year, I've finally come to the point of realizing what I need to be doing. Actually, it's what I truly want to be doing. I know it is my calling because I would be happy doing it every day for the rest of my life, salary or not; this calling is what brings out the best in me and empowers me to try and change our world.
I think the best way to know if you've found your calling is to trust your intuition. I.e., it will just feel right, like a lot of things in life. Sometimes there is no logical reasoning for our decisions; we just "go with our gut" and roll with it.
And, still, sometimes, you discover much by simply taking a risk. Why hold back if the best thing for you is out there waiting? Those who play the card of fate are those who will find the most success and enjoyment in life.  So don't just jump; dive.

I am he as you are he and you are me and we are all together.

Wildlife as Canon Sees It

"Fearsome, yes.  But fragile, too.  The hippopotamus is built like a tank, runs far faster than a man, and defends its territory with massive, razor-sharp tusks.  Yet the enormous herbivore has a sensitive side; it spends all day in the water to prevent its thin skin from drying out, and secretes an oily reddish-pink substance to protect it from sunburn.  It is also the linchpin in a finely balanced wetland ecosystem: if the hippopotamus and its natural fertilizers are removed, local fish populations crash.  Facing both habitat loss and poaching for meat and tusks, the hippopotamus is disappearing from its former range on a frighteningly large scale.

As we see it, we can help make the world a better place.  Raising awareness of endangered species is just one of the ways we at Canon are taking action - for the good of the planet we call home.  Visit canon.com/environment to learn more."

[-Canon Camera]

Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibus)

Size: Body length, 118.1-212.6 inches; shoulder height, 51.2-65 inches; tail, approx. 22 inches  Weight: 1,444-7,055 lbs.  Habitat: Found in most major rivers in sub-Saharan Africa; requires a permanent supply of water near large grazing areas  Surviving number: Estimated at 125,000-148,000