Cat Crap
After hacking a small clearing from a tangle of nasty ‘cat’s claw’ vines, soft-spoken Jim Connor smiles and points his machete upriver towards his farm. “Since we’ve moved out, it’s a bit overgrown,” he apologizes. In truth, the farm is a model of order compared with the surrounding anarchy of the jungle. But to reach the smooth-walled mud buildings thrusting their thatch roofs through the greenery, there’s still the matter of fording the surprisingly swift river.
Last year there was a small footbridge which even small children could use to cross to Whispering Seed, the children’s home cum community education center set up in 2004 by Jim and his Thai partner, Saowanee Sangkara. Things were going nicely before floods hit 43 of 76 provinces during the 2006 rainy season. The normally placid river bordering the farm swelled to 5 times its width and swept away the footbridge, some nearby school buildings, and a great deal of the riverbank. With their bridge access gone, Jim and Saowanee had no choice but to pack up their projects and move into a rented house in the nearby town of Sangklaburi.
Set in the hills wrapping around the northern tip of Khao Laem reservoir Sangklaburi looks something like the Mediterranean with bamboo. When it’s not pouring, at least. It’s the last outpost before the infamous Three Pagodas Pass, the Thai-Burmese border crossing known for its unstemmable flow of black-market goods and narcotics. The area is home to a mix of ethnic Thais and Burmese, as well as minority groups such as the Karen, Mon, and Karenni, many of whom were forced to flee the Burmese army with its repressive policies of forced labour and relocation. Minority people have lived in this area for generations but live on the margins of mainstream Thai society, facing discrimination because of their different languages and practices.
Jim and Saowanee started the Whispering Seed to support displaced peoples and minority groups by teaching sustainable living and promoting traditional knowledge. Rather than working in refugee camps, they have chosen to help individuals and communities use local skills, knowledge, and resources to heal themselves and adjust to their present situations so they can work together to better their own lives.
The center teaches locals about mud-brick building, low-impact technologies (even surprisingly odourless composting toilets), and traditional crafts and arts. Jim’s education background has also led the center to double as a nurturing home for abused and orphaned children and disadvantaged families. The Whispering Seed acts as a metaphorical bridge between traditional communities and modern sustainable philosophy, but to do this, a real bridge is needed.
To the rescue has come Architects For Aid, a UK charity lending professional planning and support to building projects internationally. A4A has already surveyed the riverbank and has drawn up plans for a sturdy wood and bamboo span “from up here to the yellow banana tree,” Jim puts it, indicating through a gap in the foliage. Jim hopes to use A4A’s guidance to turn the November bridge-building project into a teach-in for locals so that “they can fix the bridge if it breaks or build one of their own with what they’ve learned here.” Thailand-based company Dragonfly is supporting the project with volunteers and funding. According to founder Martin Walsh, “this is an opportunity for people from different parts of the world to come together to challenge themselves, gain a new ‘worldliness’, and make a real difference.”
Dusk begins to settle over the hills as Jim’s ancient Landrover bounces along the muddy rutted road back towards Sangklaburi. Locals wave and call greetings in at least three languages, Thai border police stop their football game to smile and ask him how his home is, and he stops in on a neighbour to borrow a large pot to cook extra rice for a group of teenaged UK ladies visiting to learn about mud-building. His contributions and inclusion in the community is obvious and so is the need for the bridge and more similarly dedicated individuals to follow in Jim’s hard-working footsteps.
Whispering Seed http://www.whisperingseed.org provides a safe home for children in need and community education for marginalized people in the Thai-Burma border region.
Architects For Aid http://www.architectsforaid.org work with building projects across the developing world.
Dragonfly http://www.thai-dragonfly.com organizes placements for international volunteers throughout Thailand.
Cat Crap
|
|
FAKE POO DOG / CAT CRAP VERY REALISTIC REALLY WEIRD POPULAR FUNNY JOKE PRATICAL $4.12 |
|
|
CAT CRAP LENS GOGGLES ANTI FOG SUN GLASSES CLEANER $7.30 |
|
|
The Most realistic Puppy / Cat Crap Guaranteed dog turd joke prank fake poo poop $3.69 |
|
|
CAT CRAP ANTI-FOG GOGGLE AND LENS CLEANER POLISH $6.40 |
|
|
Rubber plastic fake dog cat kitty doo poop poo crap practical joke gag gift $2.00 |
|
|
Rubber plastic fake dog cat kitty doo poop poo crap practical joke 12 piece lot $9.98 |
|
|
(2) Kitty Crap Doo Pet Poop Fake Rubber Cat Poo Dog Trick Joke Prank Gag Gift $6.61 |
|
|
(24) Kitty Crap Doo Pet Poop Fake Rubber Cat Poo Dog Trick Joke Prank Gag Gift $25.88 |
|
|
(3) Kitty Crap Doo Pet Poop Fake Rubber Cat Poo Dog Trick Joke Prank Gag Gift $7.13 |
|
|
GUN DUNG..painball lube ha#er sauce/cat crap/slick buy 2 get 1 free $2.99 |
|
|
New CAT CRAP ANTI FOG $5.99 |
|
|
Life Is Crap CAT DRAPES Kitty Clawing House New T-Shirt $16.99 |
|
|
Life Is Crap CAT DRAPES Kitty Clawing House New T-Shirt $16.99 |
|
|
Life Is Crap CAT DRAPES Kitty Clawing House New T-Shirt $16.99 |
|
|
EK USA Cat Crap Anti-fog Treatment: Spray-on $8.99 |
|
|
Cat Crap Lens Cleaner Anti-Fog $10.09 |
|
|
Kitty Crap Doo Pet Poop Fake Rubber Cat Poo Dog Trick Joke Prank Gag Gift $6.12 |
|
|
Rubber plastic fake dog cat kitty doo poop poo crap practical joke 12 piece lot $12.00 |
|
|
Rubber plastic fake dog cat kitty doo poop poo crap practical joke 6 piece lot $7.00 |
|
|
Rubber plastic fake dog cat kitty doo poop poo crap practical joke gag gift $2.00 |
|
|
123624 Cat Crap Blister Pack $22.99 |
|
|
EK Cat Crap Spray-on Anti-fog Treatment $12.96 |
|
|
MAGNET Animals Kittens Kitten Cat Cats Crap Rope Hanging Free Shipping $4.70 |
|
|
FAKE KITTY CAT KITTEN POOP Poo Doo Crap Turd & Joke Dog Prank – Made in the USA $9.00 |
|
|
Rubber Fake Plastic Dog or Cat Poop – Crap doo doo poo Gag Gift Practical Joke $3.49 |
|
|
EK USA Cat Crap Anti-fog Treatment: Spray-on $5.15 |
|
|
CAT CRAP Anti-Fog Lens Cleaner $5.99 |
|
|
Fake CAT-KITTY CRAP-TURD PILE-poo-poo Funny Prank Gag Classic $1.49 |
|
|
CRAPPY CAT – BEATER CRAP – Van Beater – Series 1 – 2.75″ tall vinyl mini figure $12.99 |
|
|
Life Is Crap MAGNET – KITTY CAT TANGLES ITSELF – MEOW! $4.95 |
|
|
Clarity Defog It Care Kit 5mL concentrate and microfiber cloth $5.99 Clarity Defog It anti-fog is for dependable, long-lasting clear vision for work, play and everyday. In lab tests, treated lenses didn’t fog after being held over hot steam for 60 minutes, or moved between hot and cold environments 100 times. Safe and effective on sports goggles, dive masks, sunglasses, faceshields and shooting glasses. Use on regular and anti-reflective (AR) coated eyeglass lenses… |
|
|
Ek Usa Ekcessories Cat Crap Lip Balm $1.99 Can’t-ignore packaging and an effective product make Cat Crap Lip Balm the perfect â and perfectly amusing â way to keep your lips protected and moisturized. SPF 15. Features: SPF 15 Item Specifications: Net Weight:.15 oz…. |
|
|
Sports Accessories Cat Crap Spray On Lens Cleaner Anti-Fog – 1 Ounce $6.95 Now in a spray, Cat Crap anti-fog treatment for sunglasses, ski glasses and goggles is easier than ever to use. easy to carry in your pocket or pack, the one-ounce spray container holds enough Cat Crap for multiple uses. Simply spray on cleaner and wipe off with a soft cloth; safe for use with all lenses and lens coatings…. |
|
|
Yucky Poo Pet Kiss Yucky-Poo was developed with 100% all natural ingredients that make the smell and taste of feces bitter and unbearable to your pet. You can stop stool eating naturally by simply sprinkling this miraculous product onto your pet’s food daily! Please allow 3-4 weeks for results… |
|
|
Hexbug Crab $11.95 The robotic creature that reacts to light and sound. Colors may vary. Batteries included.Features include: •Nano – Micro Robotic Creatures•The robotic creature that behaves like a real bug•Colors may vary•Go online to register and track your Nano collection•Additional bugs, track, habitats, carrying cases and more are available separately … |
|
|
Realistic Kitty Crap Fake Cat Poop Practical Joke $0.95 Bad cat! Looks real…. |
|
|
Set of 12-Fake Kitty Cat Crap Poo $12.00 Our fake kitty crap looks just like real cat poop…. |
|
|
EK Ekcessories 10003P-AM Cat Crap Anti-Fog Lens Cleaner and Paste – ½ oz. $5.99 The ultimate cleaner and anti-fog paste for all eyewear, goggles binoculars and scopes. Cleans, protects and is safe on all lens types and coatings. This cleaner has easy application and is made in USA…. |
|
|
EK Chain Cat Crap Anti-Fog Lens Cleaner 10003C $5.95 Cleans and polishes glass and plastic while repelling dirt and dustPrevents fogging of the lensesSafe on all lenses and coatingsSold to dealer as 12-pk; sold to consumer as each… |
|
|
Cat Patrol $12.00 … |
|
|
Ek 123622 3mm Cat Crap Lanyard Red $20.25 The Lanyard is a 3mm red rope specifically made for Cat Crap Lip balm. You ll find it useful in all weather conditions. Cat Crap Lip balm not included. |
|
|
Ek 123629 Cat Crap Lip Balm 15oz. $17.89 Keep your lips from looking and feeling like crap. Perfect handy size to take just about anywhere. SPF15 Net Wt: 15 oz. The Cat Crap Lip Balm Display holds 48 Cat Crap Lip Balms. |
|
|
Ek 123621 Cat Crap Lip Balm Display 48Pc $128.95 Keep your lips from looking and feeling like crap. Perfect handy size to take just about anywhere. SPF15 Net Wt: 15 oz. The Cat Crap Lip Balm Display holds 48 Cat Crap Lip Balms. |
|
|
Ek 123625 Cat Crap AntiFog $20.25 Cleans and polishes glass and plastic. Repels lint and dust. Prevents fogging of lenses. Great for eyeglasses ski goggles swim goggles face shields sunglasses and binocular lenses. Available in Blister pack or Litter Box (which holds 24). |
|
|
Crap. Crap I Say. $19.99 Crap. Crap I Say. – T-Shirt |
|
|
Cut the Crap! $9.87 Cut the Crap! |
|
|
A Ton of Crap $12.65 A Ton of Crap |
|
|
Cut the Crap $6.09 Cut the Crap |
|
|
Crap Tee Life is Crap – LARGE $15.99 BodyCandy Crap Tee Life is Crap – LARGE |
|
|
Oh Crap $59.99 Oh Crap – Wall Decal |
|
|
Step In Crap $19.99 Step In Crap – T-Shirt |
|
|
Same Crap $21.99 Same Crap – T-Shirt |
|
|
Ek 123626 Cat Crap Litter Box 24pieces $161.68 Cleans and polishes glass and plastic. Repels lint and dust. Prevents fogging of lenses. Great for eyeglasses ski goggles swim goggles face shields sunglasses and binocular lenses. Available in Blister pack or Litter Box (which holds 24). |
|
|
Ek 123710 Cat Crap SprayOn Lens Cleaner $20.59 Cleans and polishes glass and plastic lenses repels lint and dust and significantly reduces fogging. Simply spray your lens and wipe clear with a chamois or micro fiber cloth. |
|
|
Ek 123624 Cat Crap Blister Pack $20.25 Cleans and polishes glass and plastic. Repels lint and dust. Prevents fogging of lenses. Great for eyeglasses ski goggles swim goggles face shields sunglasses and binocular lenses. Available in Blister pack or Litter Box (which holds 24). |
|
|
Crap $7.43 This clever self-help book takes a humorous approach in advising teens on how to learn to take it all in stride and deal with many of the challenges of adolescence. Filled with many examples of the common frustrations of teen life—including difficul |
|
|
Useless Crap $2.99 Useless Crap Vinyl Sticker Black and white sticker |
|
|
Life Is Crap 2012 Calendar $10.44 Life Is Crap 2012 Calendar |
|
|
New Age Crap $4.31 New Age Crap |
|
|
Lady Justice Takes a C.r.a.p. $18.65 Lady Justice Takes a C.r.a.p. |