Sunday, November 1, 2009

At The End Of The World ~ Wakatobi Dive Resort



















Depth Magazine
, an online internet scuba publication, has published my story, "At The End Of The World ~ Wakatobi Dive Resort" in their November/December 2009 issue. I was also awarded the magazine's cover shot.

This issue also marks the frst time that my own full page advert was published.


Saturday, October 31, 2009

All Hallow's Eve...


"Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,
Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing,
For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble."

~ William Shakespeare

Thursday, October 29, 2009

It Was A Beautiful Night with U2!

Vancouver, BC - Oct 28, 2009: Irish rock band, U2 closed out the second leg of their 360 Degree World Tour Wednesday night at B.C. Place Stadium. Every U2 show I have ever seen (my 3rd U2 show, and my wife's 1st) has been nothing less than spectacular!


The New York Times described U2’s circular stage as being "part insect, part spacecraft, part cathedral." Resembling a contraption that one might see in a sci fi movie like “War of the Worlds”, the Claw as it is known houses all the lighting and speakers in its four, giant legs, and at the very top there is a huge video screen. It simply has to be experienced to truly appreciate it.


Our only minor critique is I felt their setlist leaned far too heavily on tracks from their last three albums while leaving out classic tracks such as Desire, Angel of Harlem & New Year’s Day to name just a few. All things considered, U2 is surely one of the few rock acts on the planet that can always be counted on to deliver up some pure spectacle and showmanship.


Setlist

1.Breathe
2.Get On Your Boots
3.Magnificent
4.Mysterious Ways
5.Beautiful Day "Blackbird" snippet
6.I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For "Stand By Me" snippet
7.Happy Birthday for Bill Gates
8.Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of
9.No Line on the Horizon
10.Elevation
11.In A Little While
12.Unknown Caller
13.Until The End Of The World
14.The Unforgettable Fire
15.City Of Blinding Lights
16.Vertigo
17.I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight remix version,"Two Tribes" snippet
18.Sunday Bloody Sunday
19.MLK
20.Walk On "You'll Never Walk Alone" snippet

Encore 1:
21.One "Amazing Grace" snippet
22.Where The Streets Have No Name

Encore 2:

23.Ultraviolet (Light My Way)
24.With Or Without You
25.Moment of Surrender


video

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Scuba Diver Australasia - Extraordinary Dives













Scuba Diver Australasia gave a full page spread to one of my photos in their November 2009 issue. Scuba Diver Australasia is a scuba magazine dedicated to the underwater world in the Asia Pacific. The official publication of the PADI Diving Society in the Asia Pacific, Scuba Diver Australasia was first published in 1979 under the name Scuba Diver. In 2000, it was renamed Scuba Diver Australasia. As of April 2009, the magazine has a readership of 90,000 across 48 countries.

Decorated Warbonnet
Deserters Pass, Queen Charlotte Strait, BC , Canada

With a cirri crown on its head resembling that of an North American Indian Chief’s Warbonnet, the aptly named Decorated Warbonnet (Chirolophis decoratus) ranks as being one of British Columbia’s signature fish species. Found at depths between 15 to 90 metres, this seemingly elusive fish hides in sponge burrows or crevices by day and tends to be seen out in the open during night dives.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

SHARKS are worth more alive than dead!













Source: read the following article at a very informative shark news site http://www.sharkdivers.blogspot.com

New research shows the ocean predators draw a healthy chunk of the tourist dollar. WWF Australia spokesman, Nick Heath, says shark tourism is on the rise but shark numbers are declining, with estimates placing reef shark populations at three to 12 per cent of their original size in some parts of the Great Barrier Reef."We must do more to protect these top predators from disappearing on our watch, if not for the benefit of the environment, then at least for the benefit of the back pocket," Mr Heath said.

"A guaranteed shark sighting is worth its weight in gold to the tourism industry."

He said recent research by James Cook University found potential shark sightings were a major drawcard to the diving sector, with tourists willing to pay thousands of dollars to see a shark in the wild.

The researchers estimated up to 25 per cent or $1,375 of each visitor's expenditure in Cairns and Port Douglas in far north Queensland went towards the opportunity to see a shark.

Divers mostly want to see hammerhead sharks followed by whale sharks and tiger sharks, the study found. The group says more than 70,000 sharks are taken by fishermen each year in waters off north Queensland, many inside the Great Barrier Reef area.

Sharks thus come under particular threat because of slow growth rates, late sexual maturity, long gestation periods and birthing only a few young at a time.


Complete Story

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Thank you, Palau!!!


“The strength and beauty of sharks are a natural

barometer for the health of our oceans.

Therefore, I declare today that Palau will become

the world’s first national shark sanctuary, ending

all commercial shark fishing in our waters and giving

a sanctuary for sharks to live and reproduce

unmolested in our 237,000 square miles of ocean.

We call upon all nations to join us.”


Johnson Toribiong, President of Palau,

in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly

on friday, September 25, 2009


For the latest information on Palau Shark Sanctuary click here http://sharksanctuary.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Shark News…without the sensationalism

Here's an excellent ocean conservation video from a site I just came across called, The Dorsal Fin

Overfishing from greenforum on Vimeo.

Friday, October 2, 2009

On Avoiding Writing

Came across this while surfing the Internet tonight. This was not only funny - but rings very true at times...


"Usually, writers will do anything to avoid writing. For instance, the previous sentence was written at one o’clock this afternoon. It is now a quarter to four. I have spent the past two hours and forty-five minutes sorting my neckties by width, looking up the word “paisly” in three dictionaries, attempting to find the town of that name on The New York Times Atlas of the World map of Scotland, sorting my reference books by width, trying to get the bookcase to stop wobbling by stuffing a matchbook cover under its corner, dialing the telephone number on the matchbook cover to see if I should take computer courses at night, looking at the computer ads in the newspaper and deciding to buy a computer because writing seems to be so difficult on my old Remington, reading an interesting article on sorghum farming in Uruguay that was in the newspaper next to the computer ads, cutting that and other interesting articles out of the newspaper, sorting... by width... all the interesting articles I’ve cut out of newspapers recently, fastening them neatly together with paper clips and making a very attractive paper clip necklace and bracelet set, which I will present to my girlfriend as soon as she comes home from the three-hour low-impact aerobic workout that I made her go to so I could have some time alone to write."


— P. J. O’Rourke

The Wit and Wisdom of P. J. O’Rourke

Friday, September 25, 2009

John & Yoko & Me

With the Beatles back in the news so much lately... I was reminded of a time back in the early 70’s when John & Yoko conducted a spirited campaign for me to join their Plastic Ono Band.. Ahhh… we all shine on!


Saturday, August 29, 2009

AC/DC: Dirty Deed Done Dirt Cheap at BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, August 29, 2009!













Legendary Australian hard rockers AC/DC shook their audience all night long at BC Place last night. Last time I saw them play was back in 1979 with their original lead singer, the late Bon Scott. On that night AC/DC was an opening act, for the last time, as they absolutely blew the headlining act, a heroin-riddled Aerosmith, off the Pacific Coliseum's stage. They were supporting their hard rock classic album, "Highway to Hell". I can still picture it in my mind, Angus Young dressed in his schoolboy's uniform riding the shoulders of singer Bon Scott as he walked through the crowd.

















Flash forward to last night's show at BC Place. The band can still deliver the hard rock sonic goods and could easily outperform rock bands half their age! Wow... what a show! My ears are still ringing... as are I'm sure... the ears of the other 60,000 AC/DC luvin' head bangers who attended last night's rock show.

Setlist:

1. Rock N' Roll Train

2. Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be

3. Back in Black

4. Big Jack

5. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

6. Thunderstruck

7. Black Ice

8. The Jack

9. Hells Bells

10. Shoot to Thrill

11. War Machine

12. Anything Goes

13. You Shook Me All Night Long

14. T.N.T.

15. Whole Lotta Rosie

16. Let There Be Rock

Encore:

17. Highway to Hell

18. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Sleigh, Lady, Sleigh: Bob Dylan's Christmas Gift










Bob Dylan will release a Christmas album on October 13th. It's worth mentioning again... Bob Dylan will release a freakin' Christmas album on October 13th!!!

Entitled Christmas in the Heart, the collection will feature holiday standards including “Must Be Santa,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Here Comes Santa Claus.” All U.S. royalties from the collection will benefit the charity Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Other proceeds from the disc will benefit hunger relief organizations around the world.

Christmas In The Heart will be the 47th album from one of the greatest songwriters of our time.

His Bob-ness stated on his website - www.bobdylan.com











“It’s a tragedy that more than 35 million people in this country alone ~ 12 million of those children ~ often go to bed hungry and wake up each morning unsure of where their next meal is coming from. I join the good people of Feeding America in the hope that our efforts can bring some food security to people in need during this holiday season.”

Ho, Ho, Ho!, Mr. Dylan!! I'm a long time fan and will purchase my copy of Christmas From The Heart from ITunes when available.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

The Mai Tai goes Hawaiian


One “must do” when in Honolulu is to imbibe in a traditional Mai Tai served at the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach.


During the early 1950's Victor Jules Bergeron, Jr., founder of a chain of Polynesian-themed restaurants that bore his nickname, Trader Vic, invented the Mai Tai drink. Victor took the Mai Tai to Honolulu while creating drinks for the Matson Line Hotels. As legend has it he introduced ten exotic drinks in the Royal Hawaiian's bar. The Mai Tai caught on and within 30 days everyone had forgotten the other nine alcoholic concoctions.


This is the original Mai Tai recipe that was created and made famous by the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, otherwise known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific"

Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai Recipe

Combine all of the following ingredients in the order listed in an Old Fashioned style glass over shaved ice. Stir with a swizzle stick. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.



1 oz. light rum

1 oz. dark rum

1/4 oz. Orange Curacao

Dash of orgeat syrup

Dash of rock candy syrup

Juice of one-half lime or lemon (depending on your zing)

Orange juice

"Most places use pineapple juice as their mixture base. We use orange juice. That makes it less sweet and more tangy. Always start with a glass full of ice cubes. Put the light rum on the bottom. Then take everything else and mix it up. Pour that in next. Finish with the dark rum. Use good rums. We use Bacardi light on the bottom and Myers Dark on the top. We always make ours pretty strong. It helps to have a good kick to it." ~ Cheryl Souza Toyofuku, bartender at the Mai Tai Bar


Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Paradise, Hawaiian Style - Elvis in Hawaii


















April 2008: Paradise, Hawaiian Style is the third of three films Elvis Presley filmed in Hawaii. This shot of Elvis from the movie shows Chinaman's Hat in the background. Chinaman's Hat is the tiny island situated just off the shore of Kualoa Park, in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu. This cone shaped outcropping of lava resembles the peasant's chapeau worn by rural Chinese - hence the name, Chinaman's Hat.

The beach park looks much the same today as it did in the movie, except maybe for that dashing 50 year old bon vivant striking a pose for his darling young wife while on their honeymoon…


Monday, August 10, 2009

Beauty Bait in a sea of hungry men and monsters? - Vintage Scuba Movie Posters













Sunday, August 9, 2009

PRO Galleries: By Invitation Only









A few days ago, I received an invitation from Jason Heller to post some of my images in the PRO Galleries at DivePhotoGuide.com, a unique internet portal serving the global community of underwater photographers & videographers of all levels.

This “By Invitation Only” part of the website allows DivePhotoGuide.com visitors to explore portfolios from, in their words, the best of the best. The PRO Galleries represent the top professional underwater photographers in the world. These photographers’ photography styles run the gamut from wildlife to fashion. Their images are regularly published in editorial or advertising, and appears in museums and in galleries around the globe. DivePhotoGuide.com is honored to provide a comprehensive destination with such a depth of talent and spectacular imagery.

Jason Heller is the savy internet guru who owns and operates DivePhotoGuide.com. He is also a very talented commercial and wildlife photographer based in New York City. His work is regularly published in scuba, travel and mainstream editorial and advertising worldwide. Jason is also a special correspondent for Sport Diver magazine and his work has also been recognized and honored by numerous advertising and marketing publications including Advertising Age magazine. Jason's photo website can be viewed at: www.jasonheller.com

You also would not be reading this blog if I had not attended one of Jason’s presentations (The Underwater Imagery Handbook: The Internet) at the Boston Sea Rovers dive show in 2008. I was also a guest speaker at the same show and can recall saying to my wife that we must sit in on Jason’s presentation. I came away so inspired and had learned just enough that when I returned to our room that evening at the famed Fairmont Copley Plaza, I designed and set up this blog site in just a few hours.

Certainly, an honor for my imagery to garner such high recognition. My portfolio at DivePhotoGuide.com can be viewed at: www.divephotoguide.com/user/jett/gallery/jett_britnell

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Mars on Ice, Venus on Fire


August 6, 2009: Some days one's life can take an interesting turn...

My wife Kathryn is a newly minted member of The University Womens Club of Vancouver. She was offered some free tickets for a talk last night
by best selling relationship author John Gray at The Chan Centre TELUS Studio Theatre at UBC. Dr. Gray is the author of 16 best-selling books including Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: one of the best-selling books of the last decade. In the past fifteen years, over 40 million Mars Venus books have been sold in over 45 languages throughout the world.

Anyhoo, turns out the event was for a taping of a future PBS broadcast of Dr. Gray's talk for his soon to be released book, Mars on Ice, Venus on Fire. An entertaining speaker who provided some hilarious observations on men and woman and how they can more successfully understand and relate to each other. Observing the taping process of one of these PBS programs was quite interesting. My wife noted that one of the video cameras was focused upon us about 8 times during Dr. Gray's presentation. I can just see it now... our beautiful mugs appearing on late night John Gray PBS re-runs for the next decade or so. "All right Mr. De Mille, I'm ready for my close-up!"


Sunday, August 2, 2009

We stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon!














July, 28, 2009: Often hailed as being one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is an immense gorge located in the state of Arizona in the United States, that was carved by the natural water flow of the Colorado River.

Although not the steepest nor the longest canyon in the world, the Grand Canyon is recognized as a natural wonder because of the overall scale and size combined with the beautifully colored rocky landscape. The canyon offers a variety of lookouts and experiences that provide visitors with spectacular views that cannot be matched.

My Wife's Grand Canyon Experience:


As I stood taking in the sights and watching Jett photograph the canyon, he was several feet away from the edge and in no way beyond any fence or barrier. An older man walked up the path, muttering under his breath "they don't recover your remains when you lose your balance and fall over", however no one nearby reacted or paid any attention. He then walked directly toward me, stopped and approached me face-to-face. He then said "tell your husband that they won't recover his remains when he loses his balance and falls over the edge". I just quietly nodded and he walked on, seemingly perturbed with my lack of alarm...
Kathryn Britnell















Grand Canyon Quick Facts
  • The canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long
  • The width ranges from 4 to 18 miles (6.4 to 29 km)
  • The depth is over one mile (1.83 km)
  • It was first discovered by a European in an expedition in 1540
  • The Grand Canyon National Park occupies 1,218,375 acres and was created in 1919
  • About 600 deaths have occurred in the Grand Canyon since the 1870s. Some of these deaths occurred as the result of overly zealous photographic endeavors, some were the result of airplane collisions within the canyon, and some visitors drowned in the Colorado River. According to "Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon", 53 fatalities have resulted from falls; 65 deaths were attributable to environmental causes, including heat stroke, cardiac arrest, dehydration, and hypothermia; 7 were caught in flash floods; 79 were drowned in the Colorado River; 242 perished in airplane and helicopter crashes (128 of them in a horrific 1956 mid air airplane disaster; 25 died in freak errors and accidents, including lightning strikes and rock falls; 48 committed suicide; and 23 were the victims of homicides. And yes, despite rumours to the contrary, Park Rangers make every attempt possible to recover bodies.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

"Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign is 50 years old!















Located on the Las Vegas Strip just south of Russell Road, the iconic sign famously reads, "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" on the front and "Drive Carefully" and "Come Back Soon" on the back. The sign was designed by Betty Willis while she worked for Western Neon Company and cost $4,000 to build and install in 1959.

On May 1, 2009, the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign was added to the US National Register of Historic Places.



Mirage Volcano - erupting since 1989

Since 1989, the Volcano Show at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas has been voted as being the cities Best Manmade Wonder!

video

The Venetian - the World's Largest 5 Star Resort


The Venetian Las Vegas Resort-Hotel-Casino, one of the "all-suite" hotels on the Vegas Strip, was our home away from home during our recent visit to Sin City.

The Venetian stands where the infamous Sands Hotel once stood. During its heyday, the Sands was the hub of entertainment and Rat Pack cool on the Strip, and hosted many famous entertainers of the day. The Venetian continues that fine tradition and offers shopping along its Grand Canal and numerous restaurants. Every meal was superb! The Venetian is a wonderful place to stay!














































Friday, July 31, 2009

"LOVE is the answer, and you know that for sure" ~ John Lennon

Mind-blowing, raw, energetic and ethereal, I’ve wanted to see Cirque du Soleil’s LOVE show since it first opened in Las Vegas in June 2006. Celebrating the musical legacy of The Beatles, the specially built 2,013-seat, 100 million theatre at The Mirage in Las Vegas boasts more than 12.000 speakers!!!

Perhaps Sir Paul McCartney said it best when he attended the after show party after the Gala opening. Sir Paul spoke to the performers and said, "Good night everybody, you're all great… I used to wear some of those clothes. It's fantastic, it just gets better and better, it's just beautiful, the energy is fantastic and the love you're putting into it and the skill, beautiful, thank you very much! I don't think we can say thank you enough. Thank you!"

We thoroughly enjoyed sitting in Row B for this amazing show. If you happen to find yourself in Las Vegas, this is a “must see” show that epitomizes the Beatles lyric... "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Las Vegas - Fremont Street Experience

July 2009: Some grab shot images from Fremont Street Experience, Las Vegas!













Saturday, July 18, 2009

No Doubt about it... they were Hella Good!!!













July 18, 2009
- Kathryn and I saw the NO DOUBT show at GM Place tonight. Awesome! Gwen Stefani is a true blue show girl and the band simply rocked. So many hits, great tunes, and ohhh sooo very many great moments. Wow!



video

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Paradise, Fiji Style - July 2009


Northwest Dive News published my story & images, Paradise, Fiji Style, in their July 2009 edition.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

High Tea at the Empress













June 2009: Victoria, British Columbia: The Fairmont Empress Hotel is one of Victoria’s oldest and arguably most famous hotels The Empress (as it is known by purists) is a majestic establishment that has catered to kings, queens, Hollywood movie stars and many other famous celebrities since it opened for business in 1908. For more than 100 years, the opulent Tea Lobby of this landmark hotel has also been delighting visitors with one of England's much-loved pastimes - the ritual of taking Afternoon Tea. At the Empress, high tea is a major production wherein different blends of tea are deemed to be on par with a fine vintage wine.


Upon our arrival, my wife and I were led into the elegantly appointed Empress Tea Lobby and were seated in two cozy wingback chairs at a table for two in front of a large bay window that presented a majestic view of Victoria’s inner harbour. Our decadent indulgence began with a serving of fresh strawberries topped with a dollop of Chantilly cream. A silver teapot steeping with signature Empress Blend tea was poured into exquisite Royal Doulton tea cups. This rich, coppery-gold blend tea incorporates Chinese, Kenyan, Indian and Ceylon components. A magnificent, silver tiered server was placed in the center of our table with the following mouth-watering delicacies.

Afternoon Tea at The Empress Menu


Fresh Seasonal Fruit with Chantilly Cream
Warm Raisin Scones served with Strawberry preserves and Devonshire Cream

Finger-sized Sandwiches

Smoked Salmon Pinwheel Mango and Curried Chicken Carrot and Ginger (cream cheese) Cucumber with light Horseradish Mayonnaise Multigrain Crostini topped with mixed Mushroom Pate, drizzled with Truffle Oil (open-faced)

Pastries
Battenburg-Vanilla and Chocolate Sponge Checkerboard wrapped in marzipan Chocolate Cake-Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Butter cream, topped with Ganache
Lemon Tart- Lemon Curd with Berry Garnish Earle Grey Tea Shortbread
Marble Chocolate Tulip- a cherry hidden under milk & white Chocolate in a Chocolate Tulip Cup

The Empress Tea Service costs $ 55.00(Canadian Dollars) plus 5% tax per person. Due to popular demand, reservations are often required one or two weeks in advance. Please remember that a “smart casual” dress code is enforced and allows for dressy jeans but no baseball caps, athletic wear, ripped jeans or beach sandals. Punctuality is recommended as reservations are only held for fifteen minutes.

High Tea at The Empress is one of life’s guilty pleasures that should be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime with a loved one, family or friends. Once you've finished your tea service, the servers will bring a complimentary canister of the "Empress Blend" tea for you to enjoy at home. Impressive!

The Empress opened her doors on January 20th, 1908 and has been serving high tea service ever since. Afternoon Tea is served daily, 365 days of the year. Reservations are required: locally (250)389-2727; within North America 1-800-257-7544 or www.fairmont.com

Thursday, June 25, 2009

It was all Farrah! R.I.P. 1947-2009

Actress, model, sex symbol extraordinaire and Hollywood bombshell, Farrah Fawcett passed away today after a 3 -year battle with cancer. Born Farrah Leni Fawcett on February 2, 1947 in Corpus Christi, Texas, she was just 62 years old.

And so we think of “the poster”. That iconic image of perhaps the most famous pin-up girl ever in a red bathing suit, brandishing a killer smile and that infamous mane of hair. Stirring the hormones, err… imagination ...of a countless number of males around the globe, Farrah’s iconic poster, which was released the same year as when she played Jill Munroe on the TV show Charlie's Angels, went on to sell a record 12 million copies making it one of the most famous pin-ups ever. Like many teenage boys at the time, I purchased one and it adorned my bedroom wall for several years. Yes, Farrah had made it big and ruled the 70’s.

When the photo was taken, Fawcett was still an unknown actress wanting a big brake into stardom. She hadn't yet signed on for her hit show Charlie's Angels but got some work doing commercials. Bruce McBroom, a freelance photographer, had worked with Farrah and wanted a bikini shot of the blond beauty. However, Farrah instead chose the now famous red one-piece swimsuit to cover a childhood scar on her stomach. Legend has it that Farrah used ice to enhance her prominent features, the photographer, McBroom, has always dispelled the rumor saying, "It was all Farrah,”


Farewell, Farrah. You came, You saw, and You conquered!

Monday, June 22, 2009

KODACHROME R.I.P.

Kodak announced today that after 74 years, KODACHROME slide film will no longer be manufactured. I used Kodachrome 25 & 64, and occasionally 200, extensively in my underwater photography right up until I made the the leap into digital SLR photography in 2004. Perhaps the best way to bid a fond adieu to this iconic slide film is to quote some lyrics from Paul Simon's hit song, KODACHROME.

Kodachrome
You give us those nice bright colors
You give us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world's a sunny day, oh yeah!
I got a Nikon camera I love to take a photograph
So Mama, don't take my Kodachrome away

Sunday, June 14, 2009

"Manifesto: Denouncing Discovery Communications for Victimizing Sharks for Profit"


Just helping to spread the word for a very worthwhile cause...

Since 1987, Discovery Channel has annually presented 'Shark Week.' This week-long series of programs featuring sharks claims to present facts about sharks, and its popularity has earned the company millions of dollars. In reality, Discovery uses sharks for the horror-show effect that draws a wide audience. Shark Week dramatizes shark attacks, blood and the animals' unusual dentition, to frighten viewers.

"We call for an International boycott of all of Shark Week's programs until Discovery Communications stops using sharks dishonestly for profit in horror shows, and starts presenting them as the important marine animals that they are, now in danger of extinction."

Please everyone sign the Manifesto, and pass on the link and information to your own friends and networks: "Manifesto: Denouncing Discovery Communications for Victimizing Sharks for Profit"

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Boycott-Shark-Week

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Inspiring Photography Quotes













Below is a selection of inspiring photography quotes by famous photographers about the art of making photographs.

“You don't take a photograph, you make it.” – Ansel Adams

“Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk.” – Edward Weston

“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” – Ansel Adams

“When people ask what equipment I use - I tell them my eyes.” – Anonymous

“It's not the camera, but who's behind the camera.” – Anonymous

“Of course it's all luck.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson

“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson

"Keep it simple." – Alfred Eisenstaedt

Amateurs talk about equipment. Professionals talk about photos. – Anonymous

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

"If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough." – Robert Capa




"I have discovered photography.
Now I can kill myself.
I have nothing
else to learn." – Pablo Picasso



Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Healthy Oceans Need Sharks