Tanthology

Octopus walks on land at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

2011-11-27T14:03:00.000-08:00

If you consider the fact that an octopus has no skeleton whatsoever--endo or exo, this feat is nothing short of amazing (I know, I say everything is amazing on this blog, but it really is! That's why I put it all here!). And then there's the fact that the octopus cannot breathe the entire time it is out of water. What would inspire it to leave the water? Looking for food? A new territory? Escape? We can only speculate. You may wish to mute the sound while you watch b/c the excited commentary is....difficult for me to endure!

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a marine protected area just south of San Francisco.

The Little Owl Who Loves Love!

2011-11-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

OMG so sweet! How cool would it be to pet an OWL?!? And this little guy (maybe a little Sawhet?) obviously LOVES it! I'm so jealous--of the person petting the owl and the owl!! :) Please don't try this at home, folks.

Bat World Raises an Orphaned Fruit Bat, Lil' Drac

2011-11-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

If you are afraid of bats, please watch this. It is a really beautiful little story about hand-raising an orphaned baby bat at Bat World Sanctuary. The video is really well-done and explains almost everything they have to do to help the bat survive. One thing they didn't explain is the rubbing of the lower abdomen which I know in other baby mammals simulates the mother's licking, which stimulates elimination processes. I find it amazing how we learned to do these particular things that are all essential for its survival. If you have ever tried to raise a wild baby animal--and I unsuccessfully have, before the invention of google--you will know it is not easy and there are very particular things you have to do or the animal will die, quickly.

Here is another rescue story from Bat World of a bat covered in a glue-like substance (Tanglefoot) intended to "repel" (slowly kill) birds and whoever else comes across the substance. Sad.

Inside the mind of the octopus | Orion Magazine

2011-11-15T16:54:00.000-08:00

Another great article to demonstrate to the disbelievers that ALL animals have intelligence, feelings and personalities! I just took part in a live discussion on animal intelligence with Sy Montgomery, Scott Dowd and Marc Bekoff--all people who have worked extensively with different animals and published many books and peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals. If you have interest in learning more about this side of animals, google their names!

Inside the mind of the octopus | Orion Magazine

Life in a Day

2011-11-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

Great concept for a film: have people around the world film what they did on July 24th, 2010 and send it in to be made into a movie. What you get is an assortment of similarities: love, fear, anger, hope, ritual...sunrise and sunset. Just another day on planet Earth! The trailer does it far more justice than my words so watch it instead. If you like it, you can watch the whole movie online for free here: http://www.youtube.com/user/lifeinaday

Trailer:

When my sister lived on the 21st floor of a big city apartment building that looked out across a green space to a couple of other apartment buildings, I had a similar sensation as I looked out. All these people stacked up in boxes, oblivious of one another yet so close, just living their lives simultaneously. Someone is writing a letter, someone else is watching TV, another is sleeping, people are fighting, eating, laughing....You are never really conscious of others just going about their lives at the same time as you and everyone else, until you actually watch them doing it. It was an interesting perspective for me.

A Brazilian Musical Interlude

2011-11-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

I went to a great Brazilian concert on the weekend which reminded me of Seu Jorge and Ana Caroline's wonderful rendition of Damien Rice's "Blower's Daughter". I just love it. Brazilian voices are so rich and passionate yet soothing and mellow. I find it interesting how distinct black people's voices are from white people's. I really noticed recently when my partner was watching episode after episode of "The Wire" and I was listening from another room. You can always distinguish the two; they never sound the same. Interesting. I think black voices are maybe deeper on average. Anyway, in the case of Seu and Ana, his is deep and rich with some edge, hers is low and warm, like a cello. Great combo.

How British People Greet You at the Airport

2011-11-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

I can't embed this video into my blog but following the link is well-worth the extra click.

You should find a video of a flashmob-style welcome at an airport with people singing and making ALL the instrumental sounds with their voices. Another example of the amazingly creative ability and potential we humans have. I seem to like these kinds of stories, the wonder of all life on this planet!

Enjoy!

To experience a Murmuration...

2011-11-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

...would be PHENOMENAL! You can tell by how breath-taken the girls are at the end as they laugh in astonishment. As I said on Facebook, Nature is the most amazing choreographer. Flocks of birds and schools of fish; how do they move en mass so synchronously?! We will probably never know and that's OK but most of us will never experience such a marvel of nature, and that is sad. It is hard to imagine that the Passenger Pigeon, who was once even more abundant and flew in flocks so large they blackened the sky for HOURS at a time, is now extinct. If it can happen to them, it can happen to anyone. Let's not forget that many birds and fish species once flocked and schooled in such numbers. Not many do now. Don't let your baselines shift! Do what you can to protect wild birds and fish, and their habitats so we can all experience such natural phenomena!

Online Scrapbook

2011-11-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have realized that those who don't have a Facebook account don't get to experience the sharing of videos, ideas, and other online content as readily so I am going to post some that I have come across there that I find inspiring or interesting. I apologize to anyone who was following my blog that I have been quite inactive here. Facebook has kind of partially filled this niche but I have decided that I am still going to keep a repertoire of things here, like a scrapbook of my favourite online things, mostly videos, so others can share in the delight too.

Thanks for stopping by :)

Darth Vader kid practicing the Force!

2011-02-05T21:13:00.000-08:00

I love love love this commercial! The Darth Vader kid is priceless and adorable!! I can feel his frustration and disappointment so acutely. Reminds me of wanting to believe so badly in all things magical as a kid--flying/hovering with only an umbrella, smurfs, faeries, santa, and yes, the force! Brilliant!

Changing Education Paradigms

2010-12-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

Endangered

2010-12-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

In addition to my friend Niki being a part of this video, I love the animation and the message--ya, why not give the narwhals some love--they are AMAZING creations of nature! Check out more short films on Babelgum and iThentic Originals. Thanks Niki!!

Inspiring Reminders of our Physical Potential, the Bike Version!

2010-10-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

Awesome Bikerobatics @ Yahoo! Video

This guy can dance better on a bike than most off a bike! Amazing balance, coordination and rhythm, of course!

Awesome Bike Jumps Into Lake @ Yahoo! Video

I am always amazed by the things young people can do, fearlessly. The energy, strength, focus and fearlessness (sometimes recklessness) of young males is particularly remarkable. I find myself wondering how society could best harness those abilities for good things rather than the trouble young males often get into with no significant place to direct their energies and talents. Watching people do things like these people are doing in the videos above, or watching a Cirque de Soleil show, reminds me of the great potential we each have as a human, but how little we do with it.

The music is good in both videos and you can even download the song (Cool Summer) in the second video for free by going to www.cantstopwontstopmusic.com

Pretty Good Poetry!

2010-10-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

Plastic Bags...

2010-10-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

A brilliant David Attenborough-style nature mockumentary on the life cycle of the majestic plastic bag! I always wanted do one on the life cycle of the noble cigarette butt but I think these guys would do a better job! Good work Heal the Bay!!

Another cool plastic bag video--complete with plastic bag crabs, a plastic bag gull and a plastic bag wave!

Pamela Anderson and Cruelty Doesn't Fly

2010-07-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

Humor and sex sell well:

'Cruelty Doesn't Fly'—Learn More at PETA.org.

'Cruelty Doesn't Fly'—Learn More at PETA.org.

Warning: some very disturbing images.

'Cruelty Doesn't Fly'—Learn More at PETA.org.

Pillow Line

2010-03-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

I am completely in love with this stop motion photo/video by Kari Medig--from the creativity in the interpretation of the theme to the music. It is perfect! I am so amazed and inspired I can't help but want to share it and try it myself someday! Like my old art teachers used to say, ideas come from ideas. Thanks to my friend Jen who shared her friend's creation with me! I tried to share it with my film-making friend in Newfoundland but she had already seen it. Small world. Great video! And to top it all off, Medig donated his prize money! Cool. This is what he says about the video:

Here's a show I put together for the 2010 Coldsmoke photo competition that happens every year here in Nelson BC. It was inspired by an amazing stop motion concept and technique used by Tel Aviv based photographer Eyal Landesman. I took it a step in a different direction that gave me a chance to show the world of skiing in a different way. Money's awarded were donated to Medicin san Frontiers Haiti Earthquake Relief and Reporters Without Borders. Enjoy!

If you would like to see a bigger version of this video in HD, it is definitely worth watching.

Home

2010-03-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

Yann Arthus-Bertrand's amazing arial footage movie of the earth-animals, plants, people, geology and water. Beautiful.

"In 200,000 years on Earth, humanity has upset the balance of the planet, established by nearly four billion years of evolution. The price to pay is high, but it's too late to be a pessimist: humanity has barely ten years to reverse the trend, become aware of the full extent of its spoliation of the Earth's riches and change its patterns of consumption."

Watch the full movie on You Tube.

The Story of Cap & Trade

2010-02-09T13:43:00.000-08:00

Annie Leonard's back with her engaging and simplified explanation of complicated topics...in this case, cap and trade. She understands distraction!

I know I still have not clarified my position on carbon but there are things that need to be posted (faster than I can formulate my explanantion) that support my sentiments.

Carbon Comments

2010-01-06T18:10:00.000-08:00

I just want to thank people for commenting on my last post (Carbon Distraction). It is great to have feedback, conversation, and to know what I did not make clear and should have--much sooner than now! With xmas and being away, I have not had time but I want to let readers know that I DO need to clarify some things, most importantly, that I DO NOT deny climate change at all. Please check back again soon!

The Great Carbon Distraction

2009-12-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

If you truly love nature, you should forget about "carbon" and "global warming" and focus on the more serious and imminent threats facing ALL life on Earth, not just us.

The greatest threat to all life on Earth is human over-population.
Over-population makes EVERY environmental issue worse, including global warming (if it's really happening). We are 6.8 billion people going on 9 billion in a mere 40 years. All other species' populations are limited by disease, predators and the resources available to them (food, water, mates). Thanks to our technological innovations in medicine and agriculture, we have temporarily defied our natural limitations and think that we can do so indefinitely with more technology.

Other world-wide threats more important than carbon and global warming:

-Clean fresh water shortage
-Food shortage
-Dying oceans (dead oceans = dead land)
-Honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder (bees pollinate >1/3 of our food)

There are many issues that are more important than "carbon" and "global warming" but no one is paying any attention to them. There is no world summit on over-population, nor is there any media coverage of it. It's a political hot potato, and you can't profit from population reduction. In fact, the predominant economic growth model depends on ever-increasing numbers of humans for its "success", even though our resources are finite.

Carbon on the other hand, can be profitable through cap and trade programs, and taxation. It is becoming a commodity soon to be featured on the TSX, I'm sure! Frankly, I am tired of hearing about it. Even if our carbon emissions are* causing global warming, they are a complete distraction from the more important issues.

*there are scientists who challenge this idea, but those brave enough to do so, do so at their professional peril unless they represent the obvious benefactors--the oil and gas industry.

I am extremely frustrated that everyone is jumping on the carbon-global warming band wagon. With all the media coverage it's hard not to but it sure feels like everyone drank the Kool-Aid and forgot about the most serious threats. So I want to take back environmentalism. I want to take it back from global warming hype, distraction, political platforms, economic agendas, hypocrisy and everything that prevents us from discussing and acting on the most difficult and serious threats facing our planet. Thankfully Sir David Attenborough is on nature's side and has put his energy into creating a wonderful video that does just this. I'll leave it to him....

BBC: How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth?
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

The Fun Theory!

2009-12-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

The Fun Theory: "something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better". Oh this is PERFECT! I love it! Go to the site and check out the other FUN videos or enter one in their contest--deadline December 15th!

Posted in honour of and with thanks to Kel on her B-day!

Nutured by a Leopard Seal

2009-11-19T20:06:00.000-08:00

In continuation of my posts to show that animals are intelligent and have feelings similar to our own, more proof courtesy of National Geographic photographer, Paul Nicklin.

Aquacalypse Now | The New Republic

2009-10-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

It's blogging season again (for me) and I begin with an article that touches on an issue I feel is FAR more important and imminent than "climate change": depletion of fish from the oceans. If you think government organizations comparable to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans world-wide are saving fish or even effectively managing "fish resources", read this article to find out how it really works. Think: Ponzi-scheme!

Aquacalypse Now | The New Republic

An Ant Colony Excavation: cruel but cool

2009-06-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

If you don't think ants are absolutely amazing, watch this video and see if you change your mind! I think it is super-cruel to pour cement into an ant village but if the end result is that many more people will have a greater appreciation for the complexity, intelligence and miraculousness of the lowly ant and its colony...then I forgive just this one time. It is truly amazing to see what it looks like underground and how vast the network is. Nature is truly amazing.

Playing for Change

2009-05-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Stand By Me:

Playing For Change: Peace Through Music is an amazing project! You will feel happy, inspired and hopeful after you listen to/watch just one of the many songs/videos that were compiled by the crew at PFC. They travelled around the world recording street musicians playing the same song and then put that music together to create one powerful song sung by many. The result is a wonderful example of the beauty and peace we are capable of creating.

Mark Johnson and the PFC crew believe that "music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race." I believe it too. If you want to learn more or participate, go to: Playing For Change

Thanks for sharing this project, Suzanne! I dedicate this post to my mom.

Green Porno

2009-05-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

Since the videos cannot yet be embedded on anyone's site, I MUST at least point you in the direction of Isabella Rossellini's "Green Porno" on the Sundance Channel. It is a hilarious as well as informative re-enactment of animal sex: Green Porno

Amazing Piano-Amazing Animation

2009-04-12T00:19:00.000-07:00

The Piano- Amazing Animation!
Uploaded by aniboom

Green Your Underwear!

2009-01-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Carbon Wash

2009-01-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

Monitoring climate change and being aware of the consequences is defintely not a bad thing but when most people only have the capacity to glom onto one environmental issue at a time (remember recycling in the 90s?), it becomes a problem. Climate change and carbon emissions have become the poster children for all issues environmental. However, there are other issues that will affect us all that are far more important. Unfortunately, while everyone is hypnotized by the distracting hand of carbon, the other hand of water--the only compound required by ALL living creatures from protozoa to blue whales--is being destroyed piece-meal. It's being polluted, privatized, depleted, usurped, damned...

Carbon won't kill us. Technically, neither will warmer temperatures. Long before the majority of us succumb to the direct consequences of climate change (sea level rise, more severe weather, etc), we will die from lack of fresh water, lack of food. We'll have contaminated and over-fished the oceans to the point where they no longer bear life. There are now more than 400 dead zones in the world's oceans and the number has been doubling each decade since the 60s. Climate change certainly doesn't help these issues, in fact, it exacerbates them, but there are things far worse than carbon to worry about.

Here are a couple of short videos about changes in the ocean from one of my favourite sites: Shifting Baselines

Emptied Oceans:

Shifting Baselines in the Sound:

If you are wondering what these ocean videos have to do with loss of fresh water, all water is part of a flowing cycle and thus, all polluted. These videos fit. :)

Happy Hollow Days to You!!

2008-12-23T23:01:00.000-08:00

How to Help Animals at Shelters and Wildlife Refuges

2008-12-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

As Xmas approaches, businesses are all competing for your dollars. Even the NGOS and non-profits amp up their pleas b/c they know that it is a time of year when people are committed to throwing around some cash. Unfortunately it is also a time of year when well-intentioned people make very irrational gift choices, like the kitten or puppy under the tree. Pets are a long-term committment--cats can live beyond 20 years (avg 12-15), and dogs beyond 15 (avg 10-12). Very few people can imagine what they will be doing 1 year down the road, nevermind 5 or 20! So, if you LOVE animals so much but can't make that long-term committment (be realistic now!), here are lots of other things you can do to help them, as well as enjoy them in your life without making that committment. Animals at shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centres will be so thankful. Remember, they didn't choose to be born, abandoned, abused or given up. They deserve a good life too.

Donate:
•Towels, blankets, duvets
•Laundry soap, bleach, pet odor removers
•Good quality food (dry and canned), treats, litter
•Fresh veggies for small animals (rabbits, etc)
•Pet toys
•Money for spaying/neutering programs, foods and medications
•Paper for printing
(Check websites for wish lists)

Visit SPCAs, Human Societies or other shelters and:
•Pet, hold and brush the cats
•Pet, walk and brush the dogs
•Cuddle the small animals
•Hold and pet the birds
•Volunteer to take photos of new animals for their websites

If you would love to have an animal but can't provide a long-term home:
•Give a final home to a senior animal
•Give a final home to an animal with a terminal-illness (cancer, viruses, etc)
•Be a temporary foster parent for animals who have a good chance of adoption, but are too young, injured, pregnant, under socialized or emotionally stressed to survive in the shelter environment. This is a great option for parents who want their kids to experience animal birth but can't make the committment.

MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN DO:
•Vaccinate your pets (Parvo, FeLV, etc)
•Spay/neuter your pets (A single pair of cats and their kittens can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just 7 years!)

How to Help Animals for FREE!
How to Help Animals Without Bringing Any Home
Helping Animals

The Sexy Message:

The Reality Message:

Canadian Animal Assistance Team
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
International Fund for Animal Welfare
World Parrot Refuge (BC)

Animal Emotions, Intelligence and Consciousness

2008-11-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

I recently finished reading Temple Grandin's "Animals in Translation. Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behaviour". Great insights on animals for sure! Anyone who lives or works with animals should read this book. Finally, more and more people with "credibility" are proving that animals do have emotions, intelligence and consciousness. They aren't always the same or even similar to our own emotions, intelligence and consciousness but are there nonetheless. This is not a surprise to anyone who pays a lot of attention to their animals but for those who maintain their fearful grip on the idea that to attribute such qualities to animals is to anthropomorphize, they will soon realize that their fear and application of the term is far too simplistic and absolute.

Grandin supports the idea that animals have these qualities with scientific studies of the brain in normal humans and animals, brain-injured humans, and humans with conditions like autism. Her own experience as an autistic person has given her much insight into how animals perceive the world (as evidenced by her employment), and inspiration to seek scientific support for her ideas. Regardless of your opinion, you will find this book fascinating and if you are an animal-lover, you will love it!

Here's a glimpse of what she does:

Animals in Translation Blog
Temple Grandin's Website

The Cat Who Was Raised by a Crow

2008-11-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

My next several posts are going to be about animals. They really are FAR more intelligent and complex than many give them credit for and I hope to reveal that over the next while through my posts. Let's start with this story about the cat who was raised by a crow--very unusual, funny and of course, cute!

Remembering

2008-11-11T13:05:00.000-08:00

Since it is Rememberence Day and my feelings haven't changed since last year's Rememberence Day posts, I would like to redirect you back to some powerful imagery, shocking facts, and cause to abandon war as a means of resolving differences:

Rememberence Day. Remember This.
After Afghanistan
Iraq Veterans Against War
The Gulf War: Beyond Treason
The Enduring Legacy of Agent Orange
Sir! No Sir! The GI Revolt (Vietnam)
Canadians and Atomic Testing

We Sing the Forest Electric

2008-11-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

Isn't this Grickle animation just the truth about humans? It doesn't seem to matter how amazing, mysterious or beautiful nature is, we all intentionally or unintentionally make choices to cause its wide-scale destruction every second of every day. Maybe Graham Annable could do a similar animation of the last sockeye salmon slithering up a toxic river from Bristol Bay, Alaska towards Pebble Mine while grizzly bears wait hungrily along riversides for the return of the formerly-largest salmon run and Sarah Palin drives a pack of wolves over the edge of the half-mile deep open-pit mine in a maverick helicopter! Ugh!

Matt Damon on Sarah Palin

2008-10-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

"I need to know if she really thinks dinosaurs were here 4000 years ago...I wanna know that, I really do, b/c she's gonna have the nuclear codes!"

In our star-obsessed world, I would encourage stars to start taking a stand and using their leverage to get through to people...seems to be the only way to reach most people....sadly.

I'm Yours-Jason Mraz

2008-10-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

What a sweet voice with lovely, crafty lyrics! If you haven't heard the song before, listen to it without watching the video first, then you can focus on the wonderful lyrics and melody. Believe me, I'm not one who notices lyrics first EVER; I always notice the rhythm and melody first. Sometimes I often know all the lyrics to songs but not what the songs are even singing about...just the way my brain works! Anyway, in addition to the melody and reggae rhythm, I noticed the lyrics the first time I heard this song...which, isolated as I am, was just this week. I am so happy to have discovered it. It's happy, hopeful, beautiful and fun. And he seems like a real, solidly-good person who likes to be goofy...just like me and you! :) Enjoy the song.

You Have a Choice

2008-10-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

A group of Canadian musicians from Sarah Harmer to K-OS came together in an attempt to inspire people to inform themselves and vote...anything but Harper. If you don't take an active part in democracy, you have no right to complain. And taking part doesn't mean that after you vote you are finished; it is continuous!

Listen to the song and take a peak at the video. Some inspirational and nostalgic images. Thanks to all of them for caring and trying. Good luck in your decision-making tomorrow! Happy voting!

Making your vote count in Canada

2008-10-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

Having troubles deciding how to vote? Here are a few resources to quickly help you decide!

VOTING STRATEGICALLY:

Vote for the Environment
If you are worried about Harper and his anti-environment policies, type in your area code here to find out which local candidate is most likely to defeat the conservative representative.

Anything But Conservative
"A toolkit for making your vote count and removing a government that most Canadians don't want and didn't vote for."

Election Prediction Riding-by-Riding predictions.

Democratic Space
If you aren't sure whether you should vote strategically or not, read some info from this site. According to Greg Morrow, you should only vote strategically if the following 3 conditions can be met:

1. It's a close 2-way race between your 2nd choice and the unchoice (within 5%)
2. The chances of your party winning the riding are remote (< 25%)
3. A small number of votes will make a difference (< 1 in 3 voters)

SWAP YOUR VOTE:

Pair Vote

Facebook Anti-Haper Vote Swap (must be Facebook member)

ABOUT HARPER & THE CONSERVATIVES:

Stop Harper
Information about the Conservatives and their policies.

Harper Cuts
What has Harper really cut?

Harper's Record
What has Harper done?

Love the Latin Versions

2008-09-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

I heard the 2 following songs on CBC radio's "The Key of Charles". Being a Latinophile I couldn't help but love these Latin versions of 2 great songs: The Beatles' "And I Love Her" and Nina Simone's "Ne Me Quitte Pas". Not on iTunes, the song files are hard to find so I ended up ordering the 50-something dollar album I think they both came from: Claude Challe's "Lover-Dose". I ordered my copy from Canada's Indigo-Chapters and at least got free shipping...whatever that really means (free for me but not the environment!).

Thanks to You Tube, we can all enjoy both songs online!

Ne Me Quitte Pas - Yuri Buenaventura:

Mi Gran Amor Le Di (And I Love Her) - Jose "El Canario" Alberto:

Robot animation: Defective

2008-05-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

I am such a sucker for animation and for robots so when they come together, even better! It is the first thing that has inspired me to post in a while. This is partly b/c it doesn't require extensive research like the issue-based posts (I'm busy, not lazy) but also, b/c I like it! :)

Rupa & the April Fishes

2008-04-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a Saturday night drive home with CBC's "Apropos", I discovered Rupa & the April Fishes--a multi-talented band out of the San Francisco Bay Area. With songs in French, Spanish, English and Hindi, they remind me of Lhasa, Django Reinhardt, a less electronic-sounding Gotan Project, and Tom Waits' carnivalesque songs (except that Tom seems to convey the dark underbelly of the carnival whereas the April Fishes embody the magic of it).

Cumbancha records says the music "...echoes with influences of classic French chanson, Argentinean tango, Gypsy swing, American folk, Latin cumbias, and even hints of Indian ragas...the songs offer a magic carpet ride through time and place and embody Rupa's goal of breaking down borders both real and imagined."

So, what do they sound like? Here is a video:

And this is who Rupa is:

If you want to hear and know more, here are some websites:

Rupa & the April Fishes Official Site
Rupa & the April Fishes MySpace
Rupa & the April Fishes on Cumbancha Records

Back in Action!

2008-04-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Phew! I finally have my computer back and running great so it is time to get back into the blogosphere. There is much to do and say so I will get straight to it, starting with a positive musical post: Rupa and the April Fishes!

No this Blog is not dead!

2008-02-25T15:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I have not posted anything for quite some time. My beloved Qosmio laptop has been in the shop for some repairs and it is taking TOO LONG!!! Please stand-by for new interesting posts soon...

Thanks,
:)

Oceans of Plastic

2008-02-02T20:02:00.000-08:00

Plastics, like diamonds, are forever. They might break down into smaller and smaller pieces but they never break down completely. Ultimately, much of the land-based plastic ends up in the ocean where it is accidentally consumed by sea turtles, sharks, fish, sea birds and other creatures. Their digestive tracts either get blocked or filled with empty nutrients and they die. This is a very effective little ad.

Pangea Day-Films to Change the World

2008-01-28T15:42:00.000-08:00

If you had the world's attention for just a few minutes, what story would you tell? On May 10, the opportunity is yours.

We're looking for short films that will make people laugh, pause and think. They can be fiction, non-fiction, real-life, or animation. Above all, they should tell a story that someone else on the other side of the world will be able to relate to.

We will be offering a $3000 licensing fee to every featured Pangea Day filmmaker. Visit www.pangeaday.org and submit your film today. The world will be watching…

Death In Memphis - The Mysterious Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

2008-01-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

In honour of yesterday's Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Landmine-maker moves to Vancouver

2008-01-15T23:58:00.000-08:00

The following letter was written by Tony Thompson, Professor Emeritus, Department of Mathematics, Dalhousie University.
tony.thompson@dal.ca

Last week there were a number of news reports (The National, Globe and Mail, Chronicle Herald) about the proposed sale of the space division of MDA (MacDonald, Detweiler and Associates) to a US company.

The headlines usually referred to the Canadarm and the content of the reports said little beyond the fact that "it will still carry the Maple Leaf".

This trivializes several important issues. More important than the Canadarm is Radarsat-2, Canada's newest radar satellite which was launched with much fanfare from the federal government in December. This satellite is a state-of-the art Canadian scientific achievement. It can survey the arctic, report on ice conditions, spot unauthorized shipping and detect oil spills. It was built with government money and was to be wholly owned by MDA in a typical public-private partnership. It will now be wholly owned by the US parent company. As Marc Garneau said, it is ironic that a satellite that was billed as a great boost to Canadian sovereignty should now be foreign owned.

But the worst aspect of the proposed deal is the nature of the US company that will benefit from this purchase of Canadian assets. It is Alliant Tech Systems (ATK) which is a major player in the US military-industrial complex.

It took over from Honeywell the manufacture of many types of military equipment, especially weaponry. In particular, this company continues to manufacture various types of land-mines. In view of the land-mine treaty that has been acceded to by 155 countries, this violates international law. In addition this company is reported to be "the largest supplier of depleted Uranium munitions in medium and large caliber sizes". Finally, it is a major supplier of cluster bombs. To learn more about this company, visit www.alliantaction.org. This group of dedicated activists has been demonstrating outside the company's head office in Minnesota every week (Wednesdays from 7-8 am) for the last 11 years. During that time they have been subjected to 699 arrests (more than one/week).

Given the nature of this company, one must also question the uses to which data from Radarsat-2 might be put. But even without that, it is deplorable that material assets (Radarsat-2, Canadarm), manpower and expertise built up with Canadian government funds should be transferred to this company.

MDA bills itself as "Canada's space company". As such, a major portion of Canada's space budget goes to MDA. It is clear that ATK expects that to continue. Do you want your tax dollars to support this company? If not, please write to your MP, write to the media and generally make a fuss.

Coming Soon....

2008-01-15T23:46:00.000-08:00

...The Chalk River radioisotope/maple reactor crisis! (Takes a lot of reading!) Stay tuned!

Just in Time for Xmas: The Story of Stuff

2007-12-18T20:12:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking lately about what kind of documentary I coud create that would show people in a fun, interesting and compelling way, the complete costs of shoppng. Well, thanks to Free Range Studios I don't have to! They have produced "The Story of Stuff", a 20 min animation on precisely this topic...just in time for Xmas!

The following 02:37 min clip is the intro chapter to the film followed by the rest if you chose to continue watching. You can also watch or download the entire film on "The Story of Stuff" website.

Nice and Light for Friday Night!

2007-12-14T18:33:00.001-08:00

"Theme Planet": Cool animated video by Michael Sormann.

Human Rights Day

2007-12-10T23:03:00.000-08:00

To mark the 59th Human Rights Day, take a look at "Witness", an organization that uses video and internet to reveal and stop human rights violations around the world.

Go to the Hub to view, upload and discuss videos and issues: http://hub.witness.org/

Exercise Your Signature

2007-12-04T22:01:00.000-08:00

Directed by Philippe Grammaticopoulos.

A graphic illustration of how powerful your signature can be when applied to issues of torture, oppression, violence, injustice, the environment...take your pick!

Starter Kit:
Care2 Petition Site (International)
Go Petition (International)
Petition Online (International)
World Wildlife Fund Campaigns
Tanker Moratorium Petition
Western Canada Wilderness Committee Petitions
Sierra Club of Canada Petitions

Shifting Baselines in the Surf

2007-11-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

If you spend any time in the water, you'll want to check out this 4 min. video on changes in ocean and human health. How much has the ocean changed in your lifetime?

A joint production by Shifting Baselines, Surfrider Foundation, Pro Surfer Pat O'Connell and Director Randy Olsen.

Remembrance Day. Remember this:

2007-11-11T19:20:00.002-08:00

War begets war.

If all prior wars have been fought for greater causes like peace, freedom and democracy, why are we still fighting?

Apparently, war is not the great arbiter of justice and equality that we would like it to be, not for the countries invaded, not for the countries invading, and not for the well-intentioned soldiers, as you will see in the six examples below.

These examples of wars and military testing, show that veterans and soldiers are consistently treated terribly by their own governments. Those lucky enough to return home from duty don't realize that their toughest battles may still be ahead. Many veterans lack proper health care, financial compensation, and the skills to return to normal life. Many of them also become the greatest opponents of war.

So, today, I dedicate the following posts to the pursuit of peace, truth and justice.

After Afghanistan

2007-11-11T19:20:00.001-08:00

Greater than 28% of soldiers are returning from Afghanistan with one or more mental health problems. Numbers are on the rise.

Listen to this shocking and sad story of how the Canadian Military is handling it on CBC's "The House".

Note: The show starts at 18:15 mins on Realplayer and runs for 10 mins.

Interestingly, if I even TALK to someone who has seen a dead body at work I get critical incident stress debriefing...poor soldiers.

There are endless articles on Canada in Afghanistan. Here are a couple:

Rough Waters for Canada's Role in Afghanistan

War in Afghanistan: Canadian Soldiers Are Being Deceived

Iraq Veterans Against the War

2007-11-11T18:54:00.000-08:00

Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW)
Top 10 Reasons they are against the Iraq War

The Gulf War: Beyond Treason

2007-11-11T18:37:00.001-08:00

2 min Trailer:

This film examines Gulf War Veterans' illnesses and deaths as a result of exposure to depleted uranium, and chemical and biological weapons.

Watch the full length movie:
Part 1
Part 2

Visit the Beyond Treason Official Site

The Enduring Legacy of Agent Orange

2007-11-11T16:33:00.000-08:00

Veterans' Affairs Canada offered $20,000 compensation to those who were exposed to Agent Orange during 7 days of US sprayings at CFB Gagetown, NB in 1966 and 1967. It turns out, DND actually sprayed 1.3 million litres of Agents Orange, Purple and White between 1956 and 1984. Veterans feel the offer is a diversion, a means of placating people to prevent a full public inquiry.

Watch a video of 2 personal accounts from Gagetown.

While US Vietnam War Vets received a settlement from Dow Chemical in 1985, Canadians still await their class action lawsuit, as do the Vietnamese:

Source:Nov/Dec 2007 edition of Adbusters.

Want more info?

Read Canada's one-time compensation offer and the narrow criteria for qualifying.

Read the American-approved list of eligible illnesses

Sir! No Sir! The GI Revolt

2007-11-11T16:26:00.001-08:00

2 min Trailer:

"The suppressed story of the GI movement to end the war in Vietnam."

Full Length Film:

For more info, visit the official Sir! No Sir! website.

Canadians and Atomic Testing

2007-11-11T16:23:00.001-08:00

"In the spring of 1957, 40 young Canadian soldiers from the Queen's Own Rifles were sent to Nevada on a top secret mission. These young men did not know they would be used as guinea pigs in the most important nuclear test program of the Cold War: Operation Plumbbob"...(more)

Trailer
Official Website
Global Currents Trailer.

Read how these veterans are still trying to access information and compensation 20 yrs later: Ottawa Citizen.

Flying with(out) Surfboards

2007-11-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

As of Nov 6 2007, you will no longer be able to fly with surfboards on British Airways...

PVC

2007-11-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

What is PVC and who cares? Sam Suds and the good people at Free Range Graphics are on the case for you!

Dupleggcated

2007-11-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

If you had copycat brothers or sisters you will love this awesome animation by Robert Huth.

The Shock Doctrine

2007-11-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

A short film by Alfonso Cuaron, inspired by Naomi Klein's book by the same name.

Great Episodes of CBC

2007-11-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

With most of these, you will be redirected to a Real Player page. Just click on 'start' beside the logo.

Alberta Hunting Day -Alberta declares Sept 4th Hunting Day to inspire more people to hunt.

Endangered Vultures -The Vital role they play in their ecosystems.

Naomi Klein (part 1) -Journalist Naomi Klein discusses her new book "The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism".

Naomi Klein (Part 2) -Debate about the idea of a shock doctrine.

The Great Lakes are Shrinking -Lake levels are at record lows. How is that affecting the people who live, work and play on the Great Lakes?

Farley Mowat -Long-time activist and author Farley and his wife Clare, donate their land to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust for conservation.

Hunting -an interview with Newfoundland's 87 yr old controversial bear-shooter, Cecilia Smith and Shane Mahoney, the province's Executive Director of Sustainable Development and Strategic Science.