September 1st was International Save Japan Dolphins Day. Congrats to everyone who participated from those of you on the shores of Taiji to those of you who wore your memorabilia and spread the word locally. Everything counts. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this year the cove will not bleed red with the blood of our friends. So far there has not been a lot of action going on in the cove, so lets hope it stays like this throughout the slaughter season.
California Coastal Clean up Day is approaching fast! September 17th, 2011 from 9am to noon, volunteers from around California will be cleaning up thousands of pounds of trash from our water shed systems. Last year alone in San Diego, 8,800 volunteers came together and removed 200,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from over 165 miles of shorelines. It makes a difference. This huge event is once a year (although other clean up days are bimonthly if your interested). Not only is CCD (Coastal Clean Up Day) a fun and rewarding event, but it also reminds other people who see us volunteers that every little piece of trash makes a difference. If you are interested in volunteering please refer HERE. I hope to see you all there!
Showing posts with label The Cove. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Cove. Show all posts
Monday, September 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
My personal favorites...
I get a lot of questions about what my favorites are so here it is. Please feel free to let me know if you have been inspired to explore one of my favorites and have found it just as enjoyable as I have.
Movie: "The Cove" not only because I got the honor of interviewing the co-found of the Oceanic Preservation Society, but because of the fact that it is the only movie that has brought tears to my eyes and at the same time made me feel so empowered that I wanted to hop on a ship to stop these fisherman myself.
Song: Michael Jackson's "They Don't Really Care About Us" for so many reasons. It is just the right amount of realism without being to sugar coated in optimism or too doused in pessimism. This man is an inspiration to me and many more across the world and his innocence and strength is missed.
Book: This is a really hard one for me because I am a bit of a book nerd but for the moment I have picked my top book, although please excuse the fact that it is very tentative. "The Whale Warriors" by Peter Heller is a captivating text about Peter's exploration on an Eco-pirate ship to stop the slaughter of whales and other sea life. This book also plays into my fantasy of living on a ship for a years length conquering the world with direct activism.
Food: Avocado because it is amazing just plain with a spoon and a little salt. I could live off these delectable morsels.
Animal: Either a whale or a cat. I can't decide. A cat represents independence, grace, beauty, and many cultures even worshiped cats to the extent of preserving them after death. Whales are so majestic to me, living in a place that we as humans know little about, and so in control of there own life that they can decide if it is time to take another breathe of air.
Place to Visit: This is an easy one for me. I dream of visiting Egypt however I have not had the chance to yet, so until then Haiti is the most wonderful place I have ever visited. It is so beautifully rural and enchanting is the best word I can think of to describe it.
Theme Park: Six Flags Magic Mountain. The rides are thrilling and I am beyond proud when I go on them because they horrify and excite me at the same time.
Person you look up to: Bill Maher because he ventures to say what people are thinking but are too afraid to actually say.
Got any more good idea's?
Movie: "The Cove" not only because I got the honor of interviewing the co-found of the Oceanic Preservation Society, but because of the fact that it is the only movie that has brought tears to my eyes and at the same time made me feel so empowered that I wanted to hop on a ship to stop these fisherman myself.
Song: Michael Jackson's "They Don't Really Care About Us" for so many reasons. It is just the right amount of realism without being to sugar coated in optimism or too doused in pessimism. This man is an inspiration to me and many more across the world and his innocence and strength is missed.
Book: This is a really hard one for me because I am a bit of a book nerd but for the moment I have picked my top book, although please excuse the fact that it is very tentative. "The Whale Warriors" by Peter Heller is a captivating text about Peter's exploration on an Eco-pirate ship to stop the slaughter of whales and other sea life. This book also plays into my fantasy of living on a ship for a years length conquering the world with direct activism.
Food: Avocado because it is amazing just plain with a spoon and a little salt. I could live off these delectable morsels.
Animal: Either a whale or a cat. I can't decide. A cat represents independence, grace, beauty, and many cultures even worshiped cats to the extent of preserving them after death. Whales are so majestic to me, living in a place that we as humans know little about, and so in control of there own life that they can decide if it is time to take another breathe of air.
Place to Visit: This is an easy one for me. I dream of visiting Egypt however I have not had the chance to yet, so until then Haiti is the most wonderful place I have ever visited. It is so beautifully rural and enchanting is the best word I can think of to describe it.
Theme Park: Six Flags Magic Mountain. The rides are thrilling and I am beyond proud when I go on them because they horrify and excite me at the same time.
Person you look up to: Bill Maher because he ventures to say what people are thinking but are too afraid to actually say.
Got any more good idea's?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Interview with Oceanic Preservation Society
Oceanic Preservation Society
71 percent of the earth’s surface is covered in seawater so it is no wonder that organizations such as the Oceanic Preservation Society have sparked the interest of millions of people worldwide.
Viki Psihoyos started out her professional career by dancing ballet for 13 years. Although she gained popularity through her dancing, it was not until she and her husband Louie Psihoyos decided to found the Oceanic Preservation Society that she really took center stage.
Viki claims it was an organic journal. "Like most of us, I loved visits to the beach but with my husband, I became a diver" she said, "That is when you really get to see what lives, or no longer can live, in the ocean. After several dive trips to depleted areas, we joined forces with several parties to create the Oceanic Preservation Society."
The most rewarding moment thus far in Viki's life came in 2009 when the Oceanic Preservation Society's first film, "The Cove" won the Oscar for best documentary. “The Cove” is an action packed film about the investigation of the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan that claims the lives of about 23,000 dolphins annually.
Viki Psihoyos started out her professional career by dancing ballet for 13 years. Although she gained popularity through her dancing, it was not until she and her husband Louie Psihoyos decided to found the Oceanic Preservation Society that she really took center stage.
Viki claims it was an organic journal. "Like most of us, I loved visits to the beach but with my husband, I became a diver" she said, "That is when you really get to see what lives, or no longer can live, in the ocean. After several dive trips to depleted areas, we joined forces with several parties to create the Oceanic Preservation Society."
The most rewarding moment thus far in Viki's life came in 2009 when the Oceanic Preservation Society's first film, "The Cove" won the Oscar for best documentary. “The Cove” is an action packed film about the investigation of the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan that claims the lives of about 23,000 dolphins annually.
"Although the social media strategy of The Cove is receiving recognition," said Viki, "I always feel like there is more to learn. There is so much to learn in this evolving field."
Currently, Viki and the team are working on their next film titled "Singing Planet". This film will focus on the next mass extinction event to occur on earth. It will be the sixth in earth's history, but the first caused by one species: humans. This movie is expected to hit the big screen next year.
Currently, Viki and the team are working on their next film titled "Singing Planet". This film will focus on the next mass extinction event to occur on earth. It will be the sixth in earth's history, but the first caused by one species: humans. This movie is expected to hit the big screen next year.
Viki and the rest of the Oceanic Preservation Society have done their best to live up to their name.
"Everyone has their personal 'homework.'" said Viki, "We went solar a few years ago, no regrets. This is a result of us reviewing ourselves, as a company, and Louie realized that making a film on the environment is one of the dirtiest things you could do, flying massive crews and gear around the world. We felt the need to offset that."
We all can take part in the preserving the oceans like Viki. Every choice we make is an extension of our values. Viki suggests that those who are looking for a way to reduce their carbon footprint should simply lessen the abusive practices that they employ.
"Everyone has their personal 'homework.'" said Viki, "We went solar a few years ago, no regrets. This is a result of us reviewing ourselves, as a company, and Louie realized that making a film on the environment is one of the dirtiest things you could do, flying massive crews and gear around the world. We felt the need to offset that."
We all can take part in the preserving the oceans like Viki. Every choice we make is an extension of our values. Viki suggests that those who are looking for a way to reduce their carbon footprint should simply lessen the abusive practices that they employ.
Monday, October 25, 2010
My "issues" with urging civil rights
"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death."
-Albert Einstein
Mull it over. Do these inspiring quotes mean anything to you? They do to me. Are these things implemented into your life or are they simply words you read? Are your ethics based on what your heart tells you, or are they based on an outside source like religion? Religion is not a bad thing, but it can become a dangerous thing if people believe that religion makes a person ethical or moral. Fear or punishment and the hope for a reward is something we are taught as kids by our parents when they want us to clean our rooms, "Tommy, go clean your room or else you are grounded. If you do a good job and keep it clean, I will buy you that new video game you wanted!" Come on folks, I think it is time we grow up.
The second quote I have to give a little thanks to Leilani Munter for her work in The Cove. She posted this quote on one of her videos regarding the slaughter. Evil things are going on across the world right now. People are starving, being beaten, wrongfully accused, mislabeled, stripped of civil rights, murdering, and so on, yet some of us simply sit in front of the television and watch it all unfold. Do something. You do not have to go and personally stop a murder, but show you care, get educated, spread the word, start a blog, do something. I have recently been persecuted for "having an issue with protesting for gay (civil) rights." Nothing will stop me from being me. No one will make me lie down and take all the in justices in the world. Silence shows that you have either given up, or that you do not care. I care.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
10/14/10 International Save Japan Dolphins Day
Today, I write with a heavy heart. Tomorrow is the International Save Japan Dolphins Day. If you are unaware about the yearly dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan then please follow this link to discover a small synopsis of what is making my heart so heavy. The Cove .
I few nights ago, before I turned in for the night, I sat with my handy recyclable pen in hand and made a list, and not just any list. I made a list that was titled "If I could, I would..." I continued to make this list several pages long, with some bullet points listing several detailed explanations, but the one that lay the heaviest, was ironically the simplest and shortest.
"If I could, I would put an end to "The Cove" in Taiji, Japan."
I ordered a beautiful bracelet from EcoJoia which arrived after only a few anxiously awaited days. It is a beautifully crafted, platinum coated and satin corded bracelet with the words "Save Japan Dolphins". It has been on my left wrist since I eagerly tore the package open at the mailbox, since I couldn't wait long enough to walk back home and use a proper utensil. And there on my wrist it will remain.
When I first saw the movie "The Cove", I was not only brought to blubbering tears, but I was also greatly motivated. I wanted nothing more than to have the money to hop on a red eye flight to Taiji, Japan and stop the injustice myself. However, I live paycheck to paycheck, meaning no paycheck would permit me making this flight unless I skipped out on my lavish need to heat and electricity. So plan B, I did research, and I did, and am still doing, everything I can from my home front in San Diego. Here are the steps I took:
1.) I did ample research before I started running my mouth off to people about it. There is something so true, yet so overlooked in Gandhi's famous quote, "An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching."
2.)I started spreading the word by having my family and friends realize how much I cared about this cause. I asked them if they would watch the movie with me on family nights. Some turned their heads and took the ostriches approach with their heads in the sand, while others became as touched as I was, and am. We must respect those who choose this ostrich approach, as infuriating as it may be. You can't force someone to care.
3.)I donated time and money. I know what your thinking, another monetary donation, another thing sucking my wallet dry. Karma says we must give to receive, so if it is a few dollars, it is more then enough as long as you give it with your whole heart. The cause does not care how "well-off" you are, they care how much YOU care. As for donating time, it can be as simple as picking up trash in a small section of the beach after your family spends a fun filled day under the sun, or can be as elaborate as joining the front lines of ending this bloodshed in Taiji, Japan. Both are just as important.
4.) Now this one is optional, so tailor it to your life. I personally gave up 100% of seafood. No more fish, shrimp, crab, and even Caesar dressing (all too often listing anchovies as the main ingredient). Love your sushi too much? Try cutting back. Anything helps.
5.) And here is where my list of steps takes center stage, educate others about getting educated!
This is where YOU come in, get educated, don't just take my word for it. If I can inspire just one person in this world to care about this injustice, then I know I have done my job. And don't take that the wrong way...my job in this effort will not be over until The Cove in Taiji, Japan no longer bleeds red.
Here are a few links to get your started on your research:
The Cove Movie Website
Take Part-The Cove
Save Japan Dolphins
Follow "Save Japa Dolphins" Blog
I few nights ago, before I turned in for the night, I sat with my handy recyclable pen in hand and made a list, and not just any list. I made a list that was titled "If I could, I would..." I continued to make this list several pages long, with some bullet points listing several detailed explanations, but the one that lay the heaviest, was ironically the simplest and shortest.
"If I could, I would put an end to "The Cove" in Taiji, Japan."
I ordered a beautiful bracelet from EcoJoia which arrived after only a few anxiously awaited days. It is a beautifully crafted, platinum coated and satin corded bracelet with the words "Save Japan Dolphins". It has been on my left wrist since I eagerly tore the package open at the mailbox, since I couldn't wait long enough to walk back home and use a proper utensil. And there on my wrist it will remain.
When I first saw the movie "The Cove", I was not only brought to blubbering tears, but I was also greatly motivated. I wanted nothing more than to have the money to hop on a red eye flight to Taiji, Japan and stop the injustice myself. However, I live paycheck to paycheck, meaning no paycheck would permit me making this flight unless I skipped out on my lavish need to heat and electricity. So plan B, I did research, and I did, and am still doing, everything I can from my home front in San Diego. Here are the steps I took:
1.) I did ample research before I started running my mouth off to people about it. There is something so true, yet so overlooked in Gandhi's famous quote, "An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching."
2.)I started spreading the word by having my family and friends realize how much I cared about this cause. I asked them if they would watch the movie with me on family nights. Some turned their heads and took the ostriches approach with their heads in the sand, while others became as touched as I was, and am. We must respect those who choose this ostrich approach, as infuriating as it may be. You can't force someone to care.
3.)I donated time and money. I know what your thinking, another monetary donation, another thing sucking my wallet dry. Karma says we must give to receive, so if it is a few dollars, it is more then enough as long as you give it with your whole heart. The cause does not care how "well-off" you are, they care how much YOU care. As for donating time, it can be as simple as picking up trash in a small section of the beach after your family spends a fun filled day under the sun, or can be as elaborate as joining the front lines of ending this bloodshed in Taiji, Japan. Both are just as important.
4.) Now this one is optional, so tailor it to your life. I personally gave up 100% of seafood. No more fish, shrimp, crab, and even Caesar dressing (all too often listing anchovies as the main ingredient). Love your sushi too much? Try cutting back. Anything helps.
5.) And here is where my list of steps takes center stage, educate others about getting educated!
This is where YOU come in, get educated, don't just take my word for it. If I can inspire just one person in this world to care about this injustice, then I know I have done my job. And don't take that the wrong way...my job in this effort will not be over until The Cove in Taiji, Japan no longer bleeds red.
Here are a few links to get your started on your research:
The Cove Movie Website
Take Part-The Cove
Save Japan Dolphins
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