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Tuesday, June 26, 2007Al Cecere, Founder & President of American Eagle Foundation, responds to the Bald Eagle losing Endangered Species Act protection and related future funding.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2007
Contact:
Al Cecere, Founder/President
American Eagle Foundation
P.O. Box 333, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868
865-429-0157 (office) or 865-256-0372 (cellular)
http://www.eagles.org
savetheeagle@aol.com
Pigeon Forge, TN – June 26, 2007 -- With the bald eagle scheduled to lose its Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection and related federal funding before June 29th, the American Eagle Foundation wants to inform concerned citizens and conservationists that their national symbol still needs help.
Al Cecere, founder and president of the American Eagle Foundation, is making himself available for interviews and appearances through June 29th in anticipation of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s proposed and upcoming "delisting" of the bald eagle.
The Tennessee-based conservation group led by Cecere has a clearly defined vision to continue safeguarding
Cecere is confident the bald eagle still faces daunting post-delisting challenges - from loss of crucial nesting and foraging habitat to the threat of various contaminants, viruses and diseases. "The bald eagle will soon come off the ESA's threatened species list, but that doesn't mean it has fully recovered and won't continue an
up-hill fight for survival,” Cecere explains. “In an era of government budget cutting, it will cost millions of dollars to monitor and protect eagle nests and adjacent ecosystems on private lands nationally for the remainder of this decade and beyond."
Cecere, who has championed the eagle cause for 23 years, points out that the Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 and Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 will provide some significant protection for eagles after the delisting. But, he says, neither law has strict provisions for buffering and securing nesting habitat located on private property, like the ESA presently does. Cecere adds, "Recovering this special species is only half the battle. Now, we must fully secure its future livelihood. The majestic bald eagle is a precious national treasure that has symbolized our country's democratic ideals and freedoms for over 230 years. As a lasting legacy for
The following sample questions and answers from Al Cecere, founder and president of the American Eagle Foundation, can be used in publications and on the Web without restrictions.
Q: What led you to create the American Eagle Foundation?
“In the early 80’s, I got my calling to get involved with helping eagles. At that time, I was living in
Q: So, what did you do? How did you respond to that experience?
“I got on the phone right away and called the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. I asked to speak to the person in
Q: What is the purpose of the American Eagle Foundation?
“The American Eagle Foundation was established as a citizen’s effort to restore and protect our national bird and its habitat. Of course, when we first began, the eagle was on the brink of extinction in the lower 48 states. It was an endangered species. So, our whole effort has largely been to educate the public about eagles and our environment and to encourage everyone to conserve the natural wonders God has created and entrusted to our care. When I travel coast to coast with Challenger, our trained eagle ambassador that can no longer survive in the wild, we reach people from all walks of life…young and old, rich and poor, and all colors. And they’re all touched in a special way by the awesome beauty and intensity of the eagle when they get an up-close look at it. Whether they know it or not, they’re actually seeing a glimpse of the Creator’s own handiwork and majesty. We want them to realize we’re here on Earth to be good stewards and to care for the gifts God has given us, not neglect its importance and trash it for selfish reasons”
To schedule an interview with Al Cecere and/or a TV appearance with Al and the bald eagle Challenger, contact the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) at 865-429-0157, 865-256-0372 or savetheeagle@aol.com.
To learn more about the AEF, write to
To obtain an abundance of info about bald eagles and their proposed delisting from ESA protection, visit the AEF’s private “Media Eagle Info” webpage. Go to:
http://www.eagles.org/MediaEagleInformation/media_eagle_information_login.php
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About The AEF: The American Eagle Foundation (AEF) is a not-for-profit charitable organization established in 1985, dedicated to the care, recovery and protection of the bald eagle and its habitat. Headquartered at the Dollywood entertainment theme park in Pigeon Forge,
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Thursday, April 19, 2007Virginia Tech Tragedy – Rise To Leadership
With an academic background in Psychology and decades of experience in working with exotic animals, I generally feel fairly confidant in my understanding of both human and animal behavior. However, in light of the tragedy that has occurred at Virginia Tech, I, like so many others, must face my own lack of understanding in some areas of the human psyche.
What I genuinely do understand though, and more fully than ever, is that there is inherent within each of us, a capacity for leadership. And leadership ... authentic leadership is what I see as having been exhibited by some, and as having been born in others, during this tragedy. Professors and students alike placed themselves directly in harm’s way, serving as human barricades that they might save others.
BUSINESS TAKEAWAY: Sometimes there simply is no business takeaway, but there is always a human takeaway, especially in times of tragedy. The survivors of this horrendous event will, in time and with much support, rise upward like the
PERSONAL NOTE: My deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of all the victims who have lost their lives at Virginia Tech. May you find comfort in your memories and in knowing your loved one’s life touched countless others.
Posted By: Dan Stockdale @ 7:47:15 PMTop
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Saturday, April 14, 2007The Law of Attraction - Bears Accept Invitation to Suburban Picnics
Newspapers across the country are carrying stories about recent bear sightings. Unusual? No, not given that it is spring, when bears emerge from hibernation. What is unusual though, and also a common thread among many of these features is where the bear activity is occurring ... suburban neighborhoods, including those in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Now to some, this could cause speculation that the bear population is out of control. However, I think it’s more a lack of understanding about the law of attraction. Case in point, some residents don’t realize that they are actually inviting the bears to a literal picnic of sorts simply by not properly disposing of household trash containing leftover food.
BUSINESS TAKEAWAY: The law of attraction works the same way in business ... companies often unwittingly lay out the welcome mat for negative results and poor performance. You invite failure when you don’t provide effective leadership backed with ongoing support. Do you think your executive team can go it on their own in the asphalt jungle? If so, you may as well sign, seal and deliver a written invitation to your company’s demise. Instead of creating a culture that breeds negativity and lack-luster performance, focus on intentionally designing a creative culture that attracts success!
Read more @:
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Saturday, April 14, 2007Death of Right Whales Result of Human Involvement
Two of the highly endangered species known as Right Whales have been found dead on the beaches of North Carolina’s scenic Outer Banks within the past month. According to statements made by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) official, both whales exhibited gashes, lesions and soft tissue trauma, definite signs of entanglement with fishing gear or possibly having been struck by ships. The coordinator for the Right Whales Recovery Program in NOAA’s southeast region explains that the only way to save the approximately 300 remaining right whales is to concentrate on what can be controlled, which in this case is human-induced factors.
From working with corporate leaders in various industries, I have discovered that some business leaders don’t focus enough on the factors within their control. Instead, they invest too much energy, money and time on things they can’t do anything about while failing to focus positive energy on the issues that are firmly within their control ... for instance, becoming frenzied over a new company that has hit the ground running full speed ahead, rather than focusing on how they can inspire peak performance in their own sales staff.
BUSINESS TAKEAWAY: There will always be a “new fish in the pond” ... that’s one of the wonderful things about the free enterprise system. Instead of worrying so much about another business, concentrate on your own business assets and how you and your sales staff can deliver the highest possible level of service to clients/customers. By exercising control over your operation, chances are much better you’ll be the “big fish” long after the former “new fish” is floating belly-up, washed ashore by the ever-changing tide of business.
Read more @: http://obsentinel.womacknewspapers.com/articles/2007/04/05/top_stories/tops2711.txt
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Tuesday, April 10, 2007Wanted: Cute Female Polar Bear for Knut
Record numbers of visitors flocked to the Berlin Zoo over Easter to see Knut, the extremely popular male polar bear cub. The first polar bear cubs born at the zoo in 30 years, Knut and his twin brother were rejected by their mother. Sadly, his brother died at just four days old, but the now three and half month old Knut is thriving incredibly well, thanks to around-the-clock care by his dedicated keeper and trainer Thomas Dorflein. In fact, zoo officials are already thinking about potential mates for him, with zoos from around the world expressing intense interest in pairing Knut with their young female polar bears.
As an exotic animal trainer, I know how critical it is to select the best possible partner for an animal. The same is true in the business world. It is essential for business owners to forge productive partnerships with other companies whose products and/or services compliment their own ... and, the earlier the better. A spirit of cooperation, even amongst competitors, can result in more growth than a competitive environment. Forge productive, cooperative partnerships!
BUSINESS TAKEAWAY: Maximize your company or organization’s potential for success and longevity by developing solid relationships with other businesses that operate in your industry or arena. It’s a win-win situation that produces outstanding results for business of all sizes. Instead of concentrating solely on how to beat out others in your industry, consider how each of you could benefit mutually by working together in a cooperative environment. Who knows, by working together, you could each become a pride of proud lions that rule in your respective markets!
Read more @: http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,475964,00.html
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Saturday, April 07, 2007Chained Bear Cub’s Growth Inhibited
A recently rescued black bear cub was found chained by its owner between two trees. According to law enforcement officials who found the cub, the one-year old bear is less than half the size of an average cub of that age. I’m not surprised, from my own experience in raising and training wild and exotic animals, at the bear’s diminished growth ... nor am I surprised that the bear’s neck appears severely deformed by the extremely heavy, restrictive collar attached to its neck.
Also no surprise, I see the same inhibited growth and negative results in the business world when companies don’t feed, or in this case, foster and cultivate professional growth within their organizations. And the point here? A significant element of decisive leadership includes providing on-the-job opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Not providing employees with decisive leadership and opportunities for growth severely inhibits their growth and performance.
BUSINESS TAKEAWAY: Some business owners fear that offering employees what they consider “too much” by the way of professional opportunities can result in a “the more you give, the more they want” scenario as well as being costly. “Not true”, I say. What I do say is that by providing chances for growth and advancement within your company, you are maximizing the potential for peak performance, especially among your sales staff – the people who are out there doing business for you in what is a wildly competitive jungle. Nurture your organization to make it flourish and grow beyond your wildest expectations!
Read more @: http://wcco.com/local/local_story_091135613.html
Posted By: Dan Stockdale @ 10:30:15 AMTop
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Sunday, April 01, 2007Valmiki Tiger Project Audit Indicates Decline
The Valmiki Tiger Project in Bahar has proven as a whole to be ineffective in conserving and protecting the tiger population, according to a report released this week by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. Although initiated for the purpose of conservation, the report reflects a significant decline in the tiger population from 56 to 33 over a three-year period. Findings further outlined three specific reasons for the negative results, which included deficient planning, withholding of funding and non-adherence to project guidelines.
Sound familiar? The fact is that this is an all too familiar outcome for many in the business world ... and for the exact same reasons. Many in business simply don’t plan well, don’t finance the project adequately and don’t stick to project guidelines.
BUSINESS TAKEAWAY: Lack of planning dooms your project from the start! You’ve got to create a detailed plan that outlines the specifics and also includes plans for the unexpected circumstances that can occur. Flying by the seat of your pants won’t suffice here. Once you’ve established a project budget it’s important to stick to it, and don’t cut corners in essential areas. Think long and hard about deviating from your project guidelines – they were set for a reason. Sure, there are always going to be some instances in which we have to take a different route to reach a specific destination, but make certain that the destination you reach is success and not some side-of-the-road spot in the middle of an even more harsh jungle.
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Sunday, December 03, 2006Malayasian “Snake King” Dies from Cobra Bite
The man known as the Malaysian "Snake King" has died following a snake bite from a cobra. I have to admit, I have never worked with a cobra, nor do I have a desire to. This incident, however, clearly demonstrates the consequences of using poor judgement in working with wild animals. Taking risks? Sure, we all do it everyday in our business lives and personal lives. Sometimes we all get bitten by the 'snakes' around us. But failing to take the proper safety precautions with animals is a disservice to the animals and reflects poorly on those who work with animals. BUSINESS TAKEAWAY: Taking unnecessary business risks can be lethal! Consider carefully every decision you are making. Know well the personality of those your are working with and consider how you would react if they try to infect you with their venom. Know your present dangers and take the necessary precautions to prevent the equivalent of a cobra bite to your business!
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