Feature Story |
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'TRAVEL AGENT' EASES ANIMALS INTO AFTERLIFENEAR SUMMERSIDE, PEI, Canada -- Hard-hearted people may scoff at Kent Simpson for devoting much of his life to pets – dead ones at that. “Those people probably shouldn’t own pets,” said Kent, the founder and operator of Angels Haven, a crematorium and pet cemetery. His motivation arises from a life-long love and appreciation for companion animals. Kent’s work starts with receiving or picking up remains and consoling pet-owners. Tears may flow. “I cry with them sometimes,” he said. “People’s reactions may be different. I need to be aware of their thoughts and feelings. “Some people come to leave their dog’s body with me and then almost need to be dragged away. They may have a cardboard casket, often with flowers. Some are really emotional. I try to adjust to each situation. “One lady needed more than a day before her family could convince her to take her dog’s body off the bed where it died. She brought the dog to me and then stayed for two hours, crying.” |
Editorial |
Letters to the Editor |
Gone Fishing For |
Mao's Shadow Looms |
Much like last summer, Cairns Media Magazine will temporarily switch its focus from publishing stories in favor of research. No new material will appear in July. But we look forward to returning with “fresh fish”, namely new ideas and content, starting in August. Submissions and correspondence remain welcome. Writers who submit material should take note of the slight time lag until it may appear. As always, we extend a hearty “thank you” to all our readers and contributors. Now where’s the “Gone Fishing” sign to hang on the office door? We know that it’s here somewhere – assuming none of the resident cats have swiped it. See you again soon. |
A new book, Out of Mao’s Shadow by Philip Pan, takes readers inside the dramatic battle for China’s soul and into the lives of individuals struggling to come to terms with their nation’s past -- the turmoil and trauma of Mao Tse-tung’s rule -- and to take control of its future. Capitalism has brought prosperity and global strength to China, but the Communist government still resists its people’s demands for political freedom. Pan is a foreign correspondent for The Washington Post. Janet Chan, Pan Macmillan Asia, Hong Kong |
Fiction |
Book Review |
RANCID RAIN |
King Hui |
By Jay Scott Kanes Escorting his dog Dancer on early walks across Lamma Island’s hills often highlighted his day. Today they followed a new route. Stumbling slightly, David returned his attention to the dirt trail. His sandals dislodged a pebble and sent it bouncing down the slope. Leading the way, Dancer, a medium-sized, brown mongrel, looked sure-footed. She’d been named for her always-happy gait. David’s wristwatch showed 29 minutes until he needed to catch a ferry to work in Hong Kong’s Central Business District. “Let’s quicken the pace,” he called ahead to Dancer, who obliged. |
The book follows Peter Hui (1914-1993), a man typical of the eccentric characters taking refuge on Hong Kong’s outlying islands. Long a dabbler in business, love, crime, violence and even espionage, Hui retreated to Cheung Chau, a tiny place linked by ferry to the Central Business District. For many hours, the author listened as Hui reminisced, keen to tell of an eventful life that took him from rags to riches to rags. |
