paws and reflect...

laughingwolf · at 7:12 PM

Illegal aliens live first in U.S., then try to get status in Canada: Wikileaks...

– 1 hour 39 minutes ago

VANCOUVER - American politicians have long believed Canada is a gateway for illegal immigrants, but an internal U.S. consular memo suggests the gate is likely swinging the other way.

A recent cable, released by online whistleblower Wikileaks, says immigrants are living illegally, for several years in the U.S. first, then crossing into Canada, frequently, trying to gain legal status in Vancouver, B.C.

U.S. consul in Vancouver, Phillip Chicola, writes in a cable to the White House, immigrants show up in Canada with new passports and different names, to cover up previous orders of removal or unlawful presence in America.

Authorities in both countries have long referred to their boundary as being the longest unfortified border in the world.

U.S. officials have previously accused Canada of being an easy stepping stone for illegal aliens to get into the States.

B.C. immigration expert, Don DeVoretz, says U.S. politicians have often thought of Canada as their "back door for waiting terrorists".

laughingwolf · at 4:15 PM

10 Unbelievable Origami and Papercraft Sculptures...

If your origami skills are limited to a paper plane or a rudimentary box, I’m going to advise getting some practice before trying these:

1. “Ryujin 3.5″ by Satoshi Kamiya.

Kamiya is widely acknowledged as one of the most advanced origami masters in the world, having begun origami at age two.

This stunning dragon is one of his more famous designs, which take up to one month to fold.

2. Hawaii-based origami artist, Won Park, is also known as the “money folder,” a reference to his medium: United States one dollar bills.

While his designs may not be as elaborate as Kamiya’s, his life-like shapes, such as this koi, exude charm and detail.

3. “Castle on the Ocean”, by Wataru Itou, and, wow, just freaking look at this.

This jaw-dropping castle and theme park took four years for Itou to craft, and even features dozens of lights to illuminate the scene.

4. Star Wars AT-AT Walker (artist unknown, but check out this site for more of his/her Star Wars work).

5. “Icosahedron”, by Richard Sweeney.

British papercraft artist Sweeney specializes in reproducing geometric shapes that make my head hurt just looking at them.

Rather than just folds, there are sweeping curves and arcs aplenty.

6. “Origami Swan”, by deviantart contributor, BopBob.

This gorgeous creation took two weeks to fold and build.

7. Papercraft artist, Ingrid Siliakus, based this stunning papercraft palace on a real building in Madrid.

Most of her work focuses on either architecture, or mind-bogglingly abstract shapes and designs.

It’s worth going here to check out her portfolio.

8. “Snail”, by Eric Joisel.

This piece by French origami master, Joisel, came from one sheet of wet-folded, rectangular paper.

9. “Link”, by Haywan.

This 831-piece model of the hero of the Zelda series required 206 pieces of card (and god knows how many ink cartridges).

Simple Origami...

These classic simple origami designs can be made and mastered in a few minutes.

They are no less enjoyable than the more complicated designs, but one must begin somewhere.

These items are among the first experiences many have with paper folding.

Grownups usually remember the fun, but forget the "how-to" part.

It's our job to remind grownups... and teach kids!

Below are some easy and simple origami designs to get started with.

We use a 6" x 6" (or 15cm x 15cm) square origami paper for the models unless, stated otherwise.