Jett Britnell Photographics

Our World Underwater 2012 - "Won't You Please Come To Chicago!"

2012-01-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

“From the bottom of the ocean 

To the mountains on the moon

 Won't you please come to Chicago

 No one else can take your place”

  - lyric from CHICAGO by CSN&Y  

OUR WORLD UNDERWATER 2012 in Chicago is now less than one month away. If you believe the Mayans have accurately "predicted" the end of the world on December 21, 2012 with one of their calendars, then this will surely be the last Chicago Dive Show you will have the opportunity to attend. This annual consumer dive show features two excellent Film Festivals, over 80 Seminars and Workshops and Special Events, including an Art Fair for the adults and the Radio Disney Road Crew Show for the kids at the Show on Saturday.

  Kathryn and I are presenting three seminars:  

Shoot Like an Underwater Pro: Tips for Getting Your Images Published in Scuba Diving Magazines.
  Working with U/W Models: Tips & Tricks for U/W Models & Photographers.  
Descent into the Maelstrom – British Columbia’s Nakwakto Rapids.

  For more information, go to the OUR WORLD UNDERWATER website: http://ourworldunderwater.com

The Alaskan Ronquil: Bathymaster Caeruleofasciatus.

2012-01-12T22:41:00.000-08:00

Alaskan Ronquils inhabit rocky reefs and retreats into holes or crevices. They are found only in North Pacific and Arctic waters and are most closely related to eelpouts and prowfish. The name, ronquil, derives from the Spanish ronquillo meaning "slightly hoarse". The family name Bathymasteridae can be translated from the Greek to mean "deep searcher". Not sure what this has to do with this particular ronquil that I photographed on an Alaskan shipwreck other than I was pumped to see my first one.

Whispering Words Of Wisdom.

2012-01-12T22:39:00.000-08:00

Great words of wisdom. I would add, "Strive to be noble and, by your words and deeds, make those who love you, proud."

"Do One Thing Everyday That Scares You." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt.

2012-01-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

Randomly came across this today and liked the message it conveys...

Seeing Red - Light & Motion's Sola 600 Dive Light!

2012-01-10T22:49:00.000-08:00

Canada's DIVER Magazine published our review of Light & Motion's SOLA 600 Dive Light on their October 2011 issue. The review is now posted on DIVER's website at the following link:

www.divermag.com/seeing-red

James Dean As Jett!

2012-01-08T21:36:00.000-08:00

Throughout my entire lifetime, people have often asked, "Where does your name come from?"

My first name, Jett, comes from the name Jett Rink, a character James Dean portrayed in the 1956 movie, "Giant", which also starred Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor in an epic tale of a multi-generational Texas cattle baron family led by Hudson and Taylor. "Giant" was the last of James Dean's three films as a leading actor, and earned him his second and last Academy Award nomination – he was tragically killed in a car accident before the film was released. Nick Adams was called in to do some voice-over dubbing for Dean's role.

Following his untimely death, Dean was nominated for two Oscars – one for "Giant" and one for "Rebel Without A Cause". In 2005, the film "Giant" was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Underwater Council Of British Columbia: Dropped Weight Replacement Program.

2012-01-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

The Underwater Council of British Columbia (UCBC) recently implemented a FREE weight replacement program for any diver who drops their weights in an emergency situation. Establishing positive buoyancy at the surface is one of the most important things you can do to survive a diving emergency. Please note the fine print:

"Requests to replace lost weights can only be accepted from certified divers who are current residents of British Columbia (proof required). Weight will be replaced at no cost to the individual but UCBC request consent to publish for educational purposes, a report detailing events and conditions that led to the emergency situation."

Please share this and help UCBC spread the wordto all your buddies. More details about this program can be found at: www3.telus.net/smeixner/ucbc/weights

Cressi Sub - Travel Light Buoyancy Compensator.

2012-01-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

Picked up a Cressi Sub Travel Light BC before leaving for our Cozumel adventure and I've got to say I'm really very pleased with it. Apart from packing up small, it performs well above and below the surface.

Caribbean Puffer Fish - Up To 1,200 Times More Poisonous Than Cyanide.

2012-01-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

Although they look cute, Puffer fish are generally believed to be the second–most poisonous vertebrates in the world, after the golden poison frog. Certain internal organs, such as liver, and sometimes the skin, are highly toxic to most animals when eaten.

Almost all puffer fish contain tetrodotoxin, a substance that makes them foul tasting and often lethal to fish. To humans, tetrodotoxin is deadly, up to 1,200 times more poisonous than cyanide. The toxin paralyzes the muscles, including the muscles in our diaphragm, which is essential for breathing. The victim eventually dies of asphyxiation. It is estimated there is enough toxin in one puffer fish to kill 30 adult humans, and there is no known antidote.

Symbiotic Fish Behavior.

2012-01-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

Witnessed a lot of symbiotic fish behavior during our Christmas trip to Cozumel. Kathryn and I did one dive in front of the resort over the eel grass bottom and photographed numerous fish species. This Puddingwife wrasse was being closely shadowed by this Bar Jack. The Bar Jack is using the wrasse for cover to be able to get close to unsuspecting prey species. This is similar to what trumpetfish do.

Feliz Año Nuevo 2012 From Cozumel!

2011-12-31T15:10:00.000-08:00

Feliz Año Nuevo 2012! to all our friends and family. We'll be in downtown San Miguel, Cozumel tonight ringing in the new year. Have a safe New Year's Eve and we hope 2012 brings you much joy, success & happiness!

Christmas in Cozumel - The Gifts Are Underwater!

2011-12-29T21:12:00.000-08:00

Palancar Reef is Cozumel’smost famous diving attraction with massive housed-sized coral buttresses.Palancar’s reef structure is comprised of a three and a half mile long stretchof patch reefs, sand channels, impressive drop-offs and towering coralramparts, the peaks of which rise to within 60 to 100 feet of the surface. The walls of these monolithic edifices arehoneycombed with tunnels, ballroom-sized caverns and passageways. Look over the edge ofPalancar’s abyssal drop-off and you will be gazing at the Undersea Temple ofthe Mayan Gods, the 3,000 foot ocean trench that separates Cozumel from theYucatan Peninsula.

Juvenile Spotted Drum - They're a bitch to photograph!

Nassau Grouper - famed underwater photographer, Stephen Frink, kindly commented on this image: "Outstanding composition, Jett. Makes you want to be there."

Palancar Reef

Splendid Toadfsh - they are indigenous to Cozumel and not easy to find.

Kathryn's photo of Jett at work.

Kathryn diving Palancar Reef.

Christmas Eve in Cozumel - Midnight Mass.

2011-12-28T19:33:00.000-08:00

Cozumel, Mexico: December 24, 2011: The alter at the beautiful Cathedral of Corpus Christi in San Miguel, Cozumel. I took the family here for Midnight Mass. Though the service was entirely in Spanish, everyone enjoyed the once in a lifetime experience. The church was beautifully decorated and there were children dressed for their Christmas pageant, with little Mary, Joseph and Angels & Shepherds.

Feliz Navidad! - Christmas In Cozumel 2012

2011-12-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

As I was taking this picture of my mom and Kathryn on Christmas Eve with one of the local police officers on Cozumel's main street, I was thinking, "Yup, if I had an Uzi submachine gun, I'd hang it over my chest for all the world to see too!"

One Of Our Images Used For A Puzzle!

2011-12-27T21:13:00.000-08:00

Majestic Puzzles, in Kansas City, Missouri, used one of my images for one of their puzzles about this time last year. I only came across this photo of the puzzle while doing a random Google search. Photo was taken while diving with the Wakatobi Dive Resort, Indonesia.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

2011-12-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

"Vancouver, My Name Is Prince. Are You Ready For Me?" Apparently, We're NOT!!!

2011-12-17T18:30:00.000-08:00

While many in the audience were deliriously excited with what Prince was delivering on stage at Rogers Arena last night, I gotta say he fell well short of our expectations. And, I know, I'm not alone in that opinion given the negative reviews voiced by others during his "Welcome 2 Canada" Tour.

What a disappointing performance from someone of his caliber. I would highly recommend that Prince takes in a Taylor Swift concert as soon as possible to witness a true star who respects and appreciates their fans. Miss Swift puts on a show that WILL BLOW YOU AWAY. Regretfully, last night was my first... and LAST... Prince concert.

Absolute highlight of the evening last night was having a pre-show dinner with Kathryn at the Black & Blue Restaurant on Alberni Street. Great food, wonderful atmosphere, and the prettiest view of all, my darling wife!

Prince, here's what I'm ready for. I'm ready for you to reimburse us $123 Canadian dollars for having to witness the PRETENTIOUS train wreck you were trying to sell at Rogers Arena last night. Dinner with my wife is happily on me.

BC Association Of Travel Writers - Director At Large.

2011-12-10T13:49:00.000-08:00

"Congratulation!" to my wife, Kathryn, who is now serving as Director at Large for the BC Association of Travel Writers.

The BC Association of Travel Writers (BCATW) is a non profit association duly constituted under the British Columbia Societies Act. Presenting a platform for BC-Based travel journalists to network together in the common cause of promoting the profession. As a group, and through travel industry contact, to support members in marketing their work.

Continuous Lighting in Underwater Still Photography.

2011-12-04T23:14:00.000-08:00

An excellent article on Continuous Lighting in Underwater Still Photography by fellow underwater photographers, Andy Sallmon and Allison Vitsky, is posted on the DIVE PHOTO GUIDE website. Their story features Light & Motion’s Sola Lights which are awesome!

Here’s the link: www.divephotoguide.com/underwater-photography-techniques/article/still-photography-continuous-lighting/

Broughton Islands Cruising Guide: A New Book By Peter Vassilopoulos.

2011-12-04T21:24:00.000-08:00

Peter Vassilopoulos, former publisher of Canada’s DIVER Magazine, has released an updated version of “Broughton Islands Cruising Guide”, one of his popular boating guidebooks. To celebrate its arrival, Peter and his wife, Carla, held an informal book launch/social at their home in Tsawwassen today.

Peter has long been an avid boater and has authored several Pacific Northwest boating guidebooks. I first met Peter & Carla over two decades ago when they added me to DIVER Magazine’s masthead as a contributing editor. Peter & Carla became good friends who always lent support and encouragement as I learned the craft of writing scuba diving magazine editorial. I was happy to contribute three photos to Peter’s latest book and welcomed the opportunity for Kathryn to finally meet them today.

“Broughton Islands Cruising Guide” is available at many local bookstores and Amazon at: www.amazon.com/Cruising-Broughton-Islands-Desolation-Discovery/dp/0919317464

Our World Underwater 2012: Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town!

2011-12-03T23:14:00.000-08:00

Just learned that Kathryn and I have been selected to present three seminars at OUR WORLD UNDERWATER in Chicago in February 2012. We're thrilled as this marks the third time we will be participating in this annual consumer dive show. We're also looking forward to dining out at some Chicago's fine Italian restaurants.

The seminars we're presenting are:

Dive with A Pro Seminars:

Shoot Like an Underwater Pro.

Working with U/W Models: Tips & Tricks for U/W Models & Photographers.

Dive The World Seminars:

Descent into the Maelstrom – British Columbia’s Nakwakto Rapids.

For more information, go to the OUR WORLD UNDERWATER website:

www.ourworldunderwater.com/Attendees/Saturday-Sunday-Seminars/

Northwest Dive News - Published Our Nakwakto Rapids Story in December 2011 Edition.

2011-11-30T23:09:00.000-08:00

Dive News Network just published our story, “Life in the Fast Lane - Descent into British Columbia's Nakwakto Rapids” in their December 2011 issue of Northwest Dive News.

My Cup Runneth Over!

2011-11-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

Winning! Today, I got to fondle Canada’s Grey Cup! The Grey Cup is both the name of the championship of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the name of the trophy awarded to the victorious football team each year since 1909.

UASBC Vancouver Meeting "Sea Explorers": Jett & Kathryn Britnell.

2011-11-21T00:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas At Hycroft Mansion.

2011-11-20T21:17:00.000-08:00

November 20, 2011: This morning we attended the “Christmas at Hycroft” traditional holiday event (Nov 17 -20). Located in the uber upper class neighbourhood of Vancouver’s Shaughnessy district, the magnificent Edwardian Hycroft Mansion is a 20,000 square foot, 30 room manor that was built for politician and war hero General Alexander Duncan McRae in the early 1900′s. In it’s heyday, the parties held at Hycroft were legendary, especially the New Year's Eve masquerade balls. The guest book at Hycroft read like a Who's Who of the 20's and 30's; it contained names of visiting royalty, well-known business associates, politicians and the social elite of Vancouver. It was said to be an honour and a delight to be invited to Hycroft.

Today, the mansion is owned by “University Women's Club of Vancouver” of which my lovely wife happens to be a member. The University Women’s Club holds this annual fundraiser to support its many scholarship and bursary programs and a number of charity and advocacy groups locally, nationally and internationally. The Club is also responsible for maintaining the stewardship of the grounds and buildings of Hycroft – a designated Heritage House.

Evening With the Authors & Artists - Dive Industry Association of BC.

2011-11-20T21:16:00.000-08:00

Kathryn and I attended the Dive Industry Association of British Columbia’s “Evening With the Authors and Artisans” fundraiser last night. Local diving legend, Neil McDaniel, gave an entertaining presentation on his 2003 Bowie Seamount Expedition. In keeping with the evening’s theme, several authors and artists were signing and selling their crafts. We came away with a few of the silent auction items, so a great evening with friends and local dive industry folks. Congratulations to the event organizers for pulling together this exciting event!

The Civil Wars at The Vogue: Two Voices And One Guitar.

2011-11-14T21:21:00.000-08:00

November 13, 2011 - Nashville-based country-folk duo “The Civil Wars” (Joy Williams and John Paul White) owned the stage at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver last night. The fact that it was my birthday didn’t matter, Kathryn and I wanted to see this dynamic duo who are on the rising curve to stardom. Touring in support of their latest release "Barton Hollow", the Vogue Theatre provided an intimate setting for Joy & John Paul’s exceptionally haunting vocals, sweet harmonies and exceptional songwriting.

The opening act, “Milo Greene” was a real surprise too! Delightfully entertaining, there was not a bad song in their set. Anyway, if The Civil Wars are performing on any stage in your town, go see them! They are quite simply, AMAZING!

"With their playful banter and exquisite harmonies,

they create music that is as haunting as a nocturne,

soothing as a lullaby."
-USA Today-

"The Civil Wars" - The Best Of What's Next!

2011-11-12T00:14:00.000-08:00

WOW, going to see “The Civil Wars” perform on Sunday night! I only discovered their music when they appeared on Letterman two weeks ago. Downloaded their CD and have been listening to it in the car. The buzz is they are “The Best of What’s Next”. Purely by accident while searching for a guitar tab of their mesmerizing hit, “Poison & Wine”, I stumbled across their website. Low & behold, it said they’re playing Vancouver’s Vogue Theatre on November 13th, which coincidentally happens to be my birthday. I said to Katie, ”We’re, going!”

Check them out. http://thecivilwars.com/

Remembrance Day: In Flanders Fields The Poppies Blow.

2011-11-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae (1872-1918) is remembered for what is probably the single best-known and popular poem from World War I, "In Flanders Fields." On May 3, 1915, Canadian physician, McCrae penned his most famous poem after witnessing the death of his friend, 22-year-old Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, the day before. McCrae was a Canadian physician who fought on the Western Front in 1914, but was then transferred to the medical corps and assigned to a hospital in France. He died of pneumonia while on active duty in 1918. McCrae's rank was Major when he composed “In Flanders Fields.” He was up for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel when he died in January 1918.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

As McCrae wrote his poem, Sergeant-Major Cyril Allinson was delivering mail when he noticed McCrae sitting at the back of an ambulance parked near the dressing station beside the Yser Canal, just a few hundred yards north of Ypres, Belgium. Allinson silently watched as McCrae wrote his poem and later recalled, “His face was very tired but calm as he wrote. He looked around from time to time, his eyes straying to Helmer's grave." Within moments, John McCrae had completed his poem to a fallen friend and when he was done, without a word, McCrae took his mail and handed the poem to Allinson.

Allinson was deeply moved. “In Flanders Fields was an exact description of the battle front. McCrae used the word blow in that line because the poppies actually were being blown that morning by a gentle east wind. It never occurred to me at that time that it would ever be published. It seemed to me just an exact description of the scene." A collection of his poetry, “In Flanders Fields and Other Poems), was published after John McCrae’s death in 1918.On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians pause each year in memory of the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives in military service. Lest We Forget, that in Flanders fields the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row.

Canadian soldiers in Flanders fields.

Eat, Drink And Be Scary!

2011-10-30T22:44:00.000-07:00

Kathryn Britnell: British Columbia Association Of Travel Writers Newest Member!

2011-10-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

Kathryn's published travel writing has earned her a membership in the BC Association of Travel Writers. I'm sooooo proud of her!

Congratulations, Kathryn Britnell - You're A Nitrox Diver Now!

2011-10-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

Kathryn passed her PADI Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) Speciality Course this week which will now allow her to dive for a longer time at a given depth without an increased risk of decompression sickness.

Nitrox specifically denotes a gas mixture that has a higher percentage of oxygen than normal air (more than 21% oxygen); it is essentially air that has been "enriched" with additional oxygen. While EANx may contain any percentage of oxygen greater than 21%, the most common mixtures for scuba diving are EANx 32 (NOAA Nitrox 1) and EANx 36 (NOAA Nitrox II) which have 32% and 36% oxygen respectively. Special training and certification and required to dive with EANx.

Way to go, baby!

What's Your Name?, Whose Your Daddy? - The Zombies & Strawbs at the River Rock!

2011-10-14T01:03:00.000-07:00

October 13, 2011. Went to see The ZOMBIES & STRAWBS tonight at the River Rock Casino Showroom. The ZOMBIES were a British pop group in the 1960s. Following The Beatles in 1964 as part of "The British Invasion" of the USA, they were the second UK group to score an American #1 hit. Their performance was impressive and their hits, "She’s Not There”, Tell Her No and Time Of The Season” brought everyone to their feet. Tonight's band featured original members Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent. Jim Rodford(founding member of Argent and longtime member of the Kinks on bass). Guitar: Tom Toomey. Drums: Steve Rodford.

The STRAWBS, formerly a 60s folk and medieval band, became one of the better British progressive music groups during the 70s largely with the influence of Dave Cousins (the heart and soul of this group). I saw STRAWBS perform at the Ottawa Civic Centre during their “Bursting at the Seams Tour” when I was a teenager. Ever since then, I've listened to the Bursting at the Seams album regularly.

We actually got to meet and speak with Dave Cousins, along with the other band members. Very nice blokes! Mr. Cousins is without any doubt one of the most distinctive, brilliant and enduring talents to emerge out of the mid to late 1960s British folk-progressive rock era. He is a rock icon and true poet. I was "absolutely thrilled" to meet him as I have been a fan of his work since I first saw the STRAWBS perform in Ottawa during the early seventies. What an honor! And I'm sure happy my wife was there with a camera.

Here I am after the show with Dave Cousins (leader, singer and most active songwriter of the STRAWBS since 1967).

An iGenius This Way Comes: Steve Jobs Dies At 56.

2011-10-05T23:06:00.000-07:00

"Almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." ~ Steve Jobs

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." ~ Steve Jobs

"My model for business is The Beatles. They were four guys that kept each other’s negative tendencies in check. They balanced each other. And the total was greater than the sum of the parts. Great things in business are not done by one person, they are done by a team of people." ~ Steve Jobs

"We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be here?" ~ Steve Jobs

The Marshall Islands Creates Worlds Largest Shark Sanctuary!

2011-10-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

The Marshall Islands have joined Palau, the Maldives, Honduras, the Bahamas, and Tokelau in creating a shark sanctuary in their territorial waters. Encompassing nearly two million sq. km of ocean and imposing a ban on commercial shark fishing, the Marshall Islands' new legislation includes fines ranging between $25,000 to $200,000 for anyone found to be fishing for sharks, or in possession of shark fins. AWESOME!

aquabionic Warp 1 - The World's Most Advanced Fin.

2011-10-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine, Simon Morris, has partnered with two others and founded a new company, CETATEK Products Inc., to manufacture a new diving fin using the world's newest technology. The "aquabionic warp 1" (Water Adapting Responsive Propulsion) is unique in the world, and is a patent pending design that is a departure from all others. Please see the computer animated video that explains the concept, at http://cetatek.com/scuba-diving-products/

They will be introducing the fin to the diving trade at the Diving Equipment Manufacturers Association Trade Show (DEMA) in Orlando, Nov. 2-5, at Booth 2471. As a brand new company, they're trying to get the word out around the world and are looking for retail dealers in North America and international distributors on the other continents. For more information, contact, Simon Morris, VP Marketing & Sales at simon@cetatek.com

Congratulations To My Wife, Kathryn Britnell!

2011-09-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

Kathryn has been welcomed into the illustrious ranks of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association as a Regular Member.

Founded in 1956, the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) strives to be a gathering point and resource base for an active membership composed of professionals engaged in the food, wine and travel industries. The association's membership includes professionals in culinary arts and sciences, the wine growing and production industry, destination travel, and in the hotel and hospitality management industries.

The Eye Of The Octopus.

2011-09-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

Octopuses have highly complex eyes that compare to human visual acuity. Focusing is done by moving the lens in and out, rather than by changing its shape as the human eye does. A unique characteristic of the octopus eye is its rotational ability and its consistent orientation in relation to gravity. Using their statocyst, (a balance organ common to many invertebrates), octopus always maintain their slit-shaped pupils in a horizontal position. Hence, their brains can always safely interpret visual information on the basis that the eyes are horizontally aligned, though the body may be at any angle in the three-dimensional water column.

Crazy, Stupid, Dives - An Evening In The Depths WIth Jett & Kathryn Britnell

2011-09-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

As part of the UASBC Vancouver Meeting “Sea Explorers” Speaker Series, Jett and Kathryn Britnell will be presenting their show, “Crazy, Stupid, Dives - An Evening In The Depths.” Divers are known to travel far and wide in search of adventure. The Britnell’s will share some of their undersea experiences from around the globe with sharks, shipwrecks and remote reefs, oh my!

The Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia (UASBC), is a non-profit group, who have worked systematically since 1975 to search for, locate, identify, survey, and protect many historic shipwrecks, and other historic resources, for the benefit of future generations.

Date: November 30, 2011
Time: 7:30PM

Vancouver Maritime Museum

1905 Ogden Avenue

Vancouver BC  V6J 1A3

Keep Close To Nature’s Heart: Alberta’s National Parks

2011-09-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

"Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." - John Muir

Over the last few days of August and into the early days of September, Kathryn, Alex, and I took off for 5 day road trip to visit Banff & Jasper, Alberta and numerous points of interest along the way. We journeyed from Banff to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway and saw many beautiful sights and even drank some glacier water while standing atop the Athabasca Glacier.

Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park in the Rocky Mountains, whereas Jasper National Park (est. 1907) is the largest national parks in the Canadian Rockies. Both parks are comprised of mountainous terrain, with numerous glaciers and ice fields, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls, dense coniferous forest, and alpine landscapes. Wildlife in the park includes elk, caribou, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, grizzly bear, black bear, beaver, pika, hoary marmot, grey wolf, mountain lion and wolverine.

As much as I love the sea, there is also something spiritual about being in the panoramic heart of the Canadian Rockies. It does, indeed, wash your spirit clean.

Peyto Lake, Alberta

Peyto Lake Snowman, Alberta

Athabasca Glacier Ice Bus

Kathryn and Alex atop Athabasca Glacier

Jett and Kathryn Britnell atop Athabasca Glacier

Castle Mountain, Alberta

View from Bow Valley Parkway, Alberta

Moraine Lake, Alberta

Athabasca Falls, Alberta

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

Bow Valley Summit, Alberta

Mistaya Canyon, Alberta

Bravo! Florida Bans Killing Of Tiger Sharks and Hammerhead Sharks.

2011-09-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has approved a ban to prohibit the killing of tiger sharks, great hammerheads, scalloped hammerheads and smooth hammerheads as a measure to protect predators that have suffered from overfishing. Unfortunately, catch and release fishing will still be permitted.

Over the past 20 years shark populations worldwide have sharply declined due to shark finning, a despicable practice now illegal in U.S. waters in which the valuable fins are cut from the living shark, which is then tossed back into the ocean to die. China and other East Asian countries fuel the senseless demand for shark fin soup, a delicacy that has generated a lucrative market for shark fins.

“Florida has been recognized as a pioneer and a leader in shark management efforts for nearly 20 years,” said the wildlife commission’s chairwoman Kathy Barco, in a written statement. “We recognize that maintaining healthy shark populations is critical to the sustainability of our marine ecosystem. The additional protections we are proposing would help preserve Florida’s valuable marine resources."

Way to go, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission!

Where Were You When Taylor Swift Left Vancouver Awestruck?

2011-09-17T00:49:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2011: I have enjoyed the opportunity to see many performers since I was a teenager, but I must confess that Country superstar, Taylor Swift, in concert ranks as probably one of the top three concerts I have ever seen. The other top two would be the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan whom I have both seen maybe 9 or 10 times. Yes, Miss Swift’s Vancouver “Speak Now” concert tour is definitely a must see!

At the tender age of 21, Grammy Award winning artist, Taylor Swift, is clearly at the top of her game. We have never attended a concert where the audience sang along to some of the tunes with the fervor that Swift’s fans did. A role model for young teen girls, her wholesome demeanor is endearing. Her greatest songs were inspired by her unrequited love with some very high profile celebrity romances. She is a brilliant songwriter, classy and talented performer. On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, my wife and I were enchanted to be thoroughly entertained by Taylor Swift. She’s the real deal!

WTF!? Japan Hunts 195 Whales In Northwest Pacific Ocean.

2011-09-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

(AP) TOKYO September 15, 2011 10:51 AM — Japan says it has caught 195 whales in the Pacific Ocean this season under a research program opposed by activists who call it commercial whaling in disguise. Japan's Fisheries Agency said Thursday that the fleet harvested 49 minke, 95 sei and 50 Bryde's whales and one sperm whale during its three-month Pacific expedition.

I'm sure there a good people in Japan who are opposed to slaughtering whales. We could use more of them.

“It is meat and drink to me to see a clown" ~ William Shakespeare.

2011-09-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

The Pink Clownfish is pinkish-orange with a white bar down either side of the face, and a white stripe along the back. It has a white caudal fin and is found on coral reefs at depths from 3m to 30m. Usually associated with the anemone, Heteractis magnifica, this fish feeds on benthic algae and zooplankton and inhabits tropical marine waters of the Western Central Pacific, from the Philippine Islands, north to Japan, throughout Micronesia, south to Australia and east to the Samoan Islands. This particular image was shot somewhere in Southern Leyte, Philippines.

California Wins One For The Sharks!

2011-09-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

Bravo California! Assembly Bill 376 passed by a vote of 25-9 which effectively prohibits the sale, trade, and possession of shark fins within the state and effectively shuts down one of the biggest markets for shark fins outside of Asia. Good times!

Dive News Network Published Our Story: Bahamas Shark Diving.

2011-09-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

Dive News Network just published our story, “Bahamas Shark Diving Safari” in two of their September 2011 editions (Northeast Dive News & Midwest Dive News). I was surprised to learn my images graced the covers of these two issues. The story is from a 10 Day Bahamas shark diving trip organized by Eric Cheng of Wetpixel (www.wetpixel.com) with Jim Abernethy’s dive operation (www.scuba-adventures.com) in West Palm Beach Florida. If you’re a shark photography fanatic, Abernethy knows all the best shark diving sites…and then some. Both highly recommended!

Prowfish: Alaska's Rarely Photographed Fish?

2011-09-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Seldom seen as adults, and rarely photographed in the wild, Prowfish were once thought to be an exclusively deep-water species that inhabited ocean depths between 300 to 650 feet. However, in Southeastern Alaska, they are increasingly becoming a common sight for cold water adventure divers who are diving aboard Mike Lever’s Nautilus Swell.

Initially, Prowfish were seen fairly often at depths of approximately 115 feet on the Princess Sophia shipwreck. The images posted here are some that I shot of these fish on this amazing shipwreck in April 2011. However, divers are now discovering these fish at numerous other dive sites as mentioned in this weblink: Alaskan Prowfish

There is only one species of Prowfish (Zaprora silenus). They range along the Pacific coast of North America from the Gulf of Alaska to Monterey Bay, California, and also to Japan. Greyish in color with a blunt, rounded head with numerous large sensory pores that look like dots, Prowfish measure about two feet long and have no apparent scales. Their diet consists of gelatinous zooplankton and jellyfish, of which we saw many drifting in the water column.

Another Book Review For A Book In Development.

2011-08-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

Focal Press publishes some of the best Photography and Digital Imaging books written by creative experts for creative people. Last month they approached us again to do a book review for them on a book in development that focuses on Travel Photography. Unfortunately, I'm unable to disclose specific details. :(

Taylor Swift - Back To September In Vancouver.

2011-08-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

Since "The Monkees" unceremoniously bailed on performing in Vancouver, Kathryn and I decided to attend one of Taylor Swift's upcoming shows. And we're thrilled to do so as Taylor is without doubt one of the most talented singer/songwriters to grace a stage. Famed Celebrity Juice commentator, Perez Hilton, said last week on his website, "The "Speak Now Tour" is truly one of the best concerts we've ever been to - and we go see A LOT of shows!"

Here's a video of Taylor Swift's plaintive love song, "Back To December." A shame that you must experience the break up of a relationship to come to this realization, but hey, she's smart enough to figure it out and turn her life experiences into art!

If Our Marriage Was A Hollywood Movie.

2011-08-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

If our marriage was a Hollywood movie, it would most definitely be categorized as being a chick flick! Cept, the movie would feature the occasional shark dive, a moose and squirrel, some zany mad cap adventures with a happy, fuzzy, ridiculously unrealistic ending. What can I say, I simply luv my wife!

Thought For The Day.

2011-08-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

The Doug Mowat Memorial Golf Tournament

2011-08-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

On July 11th, 2011, I participated in the 21st Annual Doug Mowat Memorial Golf Tournament for the fifth year in row.

Douglas L. Mowat, C.M. (1929–1992) was a visionary pioneer and leader in opening doors to opportunity for British Columbians living with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. His decades of work with the BC Paraplegic Foundation and BC Paraplegic Association resulted in a tremendous legacy of service and achievement.

Doug was also a former Chairperson of the Vancouver Parks Board and later became the first MLA in British Columbia who used a wheelchair for mobility. Elected to the Legislature in 1983 and then again in 1986, he was responsible for many initiatives that improved the quality of life for British Columbians with disabilities. Doug’s impact was immeasurable, as was his energy and passion. An outstanding spokesperson and advocate for people with disabilities, he blazed a trail that will benefit generations to come.

In British Columbia there are over 12,000 people living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), and each year about 500 hundred more are injured. These injuries affect every aspect of people’s lives and are permanent. Established in 1975, The BC Paraplegic Foundation (BCPF) has supported thousands of people with spinal cord injuries by supporting and working collaboratively with BCPA on many important initiatives.

For more information about the golf tournament, go to www.mowatmemorial.com

"I Think, I'll Call It A Vesper." - James Bond.

2011-08-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I mastered the famed James Bond Vesper Martini after finding one of its prime ingredients, Lillet Blanc.

In Ian Fleming's 1953 novel, Casino Royale, James Bond invents and orders a Kina Lillet martini, which he named the "Vesper" after his love interest in the story. The now infamous drink appeared in both “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace" films.

At the Lillet Distillery you will see a quote prominently placed on the wall that says, “Casino Royale, Ian Fleming, 1953: "Dry martini in large champagne glass, three measures of Booths, one of vodka, one measure of Kina Lillet... shake ... then add zest of lemon.” Lillet Blanc (formerly Kina Lillet) is one of the prime ingredients in the Vesper Martini, an aperitif wine that was created in 1887 as a tonic for whatever ailed you. Lillet is still made at, La Maison Lillet, in the town of Podensac, South of Bordeaux, France, where the original distillery and cellars have been located since 1872.

The exact recipe for Lillet Blanc remains a secret. In all, the drink is 85% wine, and around 15% fruit liqueurs which include a base of sweet oranges from Valencia in Spain, green oranges from Morocco and Tunisia, bitter oranges from Haiti and cinchona bark (or quinine) from rainforests in the Peruvian The recipe is relatively straight forward.

"James Bond Vesper Martini for Two."

6 parts gin
2 parts vodka
1 part Lillet Blanc
Lemon Twist

And, of course, shaken, not stirred.

Damn fine!

Dialogue from movie, "Casino Royale"

James Bond: "I think, I'll call it a Vesper."
Vesper Lynd: "Because of the bitter aftertaste?"
James Bond: "No, because once you've tasted it, that's all you want to drink."

WTF? The Monkees 45th Anniversary Tour Cancelled!? Business reasons!??? Really!???

2011-08-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

The official statements from Dolenz and Tork both say, "Remainder of tour cancelled due to business reasons." Business reasons!??? Really!??? Man, I was looking forward to this trip down Nostalgia Lane. Ahhh well, one of Taylor Swift's upcoming shows at Roger's Arena may just have the Britnell's in the audience afterall.

Shaken, Not Stirred: I Have Perfected The French Martini!

2011-08-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

Nailed it! Kathryn first tried a French Martini during our wedding anniversary dinner at Vancouver's luxurious French restaurant, Le Crocodile, last April. I decided I would try to master blending this fine martini. Well, tonight, after a few marvelous attempts during the past month, Kathryn stated, "Wow, that's it!"

Watch as we now set our sights upon the famed James Bond martini, "The Vesper". I just need to source the French ingredient, Lillet, an aperitif wine that is a blend of Bordeaux wines and citrus liqueur.

Life is sooooo good!

Two Tickets To Rusty Rockets: Russell Brand Is A Stand-up Guy!

2011-08-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

(Russell with his incomparably beautiful, young wife, Katy Perry)

From the moment that outrageous British comedian, Russell Brand, strutted on stage at the Boulevard Casino on Friday night he owned the room. From our 4th row, centre stage, seats (one of several birthday baubles I recently bestowed upon my own deliriously attractive young wife.) we could plainly see Brand’s swagger, mischievous smile and the glint in his eyes.

Brand openly admits “My life is essentially a string of embarrassing and shameful incidents punctuated only by telling people about the embarrassing and shameful incidents." His discourse on his sexual prowess and escapades are clearly the cornerstone of his hilarious shtick.

Having seen Don Rickles, Conan O’Brian, Jerry Seinfeld, Martin Short, Lewis Black, Dennis Miller, Dame Edna, Cheech & Chong, Joan Rivers and Jon Lovitz to name a few, it is abundantly clear there’s no one quite like Russell Brand in stand-up comedy. Tonight, we were thoroughly entertained and laughed the night away with the "Jack Sparrow of Comedy!"

Tomorrow Night At The Red Robinson Theatre In Coquitlam!

2011-08-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

Northwest Dive News Magazine Published Our Story: "Ghostly Depths - Exploring Alaska's S.S. Princess Sophia Shipwreck."

2011-07-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Our story, "Ghostly Depths - Exploring Alaska's SS Princess Sophia Shipwreck" appears in the August issue of Northwest Dive News. One of my pictures was selected for the magazine's cover and I'm thrilled to add that this issue also marks Kathryn's official mention as a Travel Writer on the magazine's masthead!

The link to the online edition is: http://www.divenewsnetwork.com/home/northwest-dive-news/nw-digital-editions.html

INXS ~ The Original Sin Tour July 16, 2011.

2011-07-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

July 16, 2011 - River Rock Casino, Richmond, BC: “Ahhhhhhhh, elegantly wasted.” Today was just another rainy day on Canada’s wet coast. Dropped off some dry cleaning, got some scuba tanks filled and picked up my new Liquivision Xeo dive computer. Afterwards, we enjoyed an intimate dinner for two at a French bistro in Vancouver that garners great reviews with a beautiful wife whom I’m engaged in a torrid inter-marital affair, Then we rocked away the evening at the River Rock Casino with, INXS, one of Australia’s most successful rock exports.

INXS continues to perform to sold-out audiences worldwide. With the release of their latest album, Original Sin, the band reinvented their biggest hits with guest vocalists. However, J.D. Fortune was again front and center as their lead singer for this tour.

While I never saw INXS perform with their founding lead singer, Michael Hutchence, I have seen them twice now with J.D. who does a wonderful job fronting the band.. Seeing INXS in a venue that seats approximately 1,000 is pure joy. This band ROCKS live! My wife, Kathryn, was all smiles. Thanks boys, that was a great gig!

Here are some images I shot along with a You Tube video that someone else shot during the show:

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Say No To Shark Fin Soup: We Will Never Dine Again At Wah WIng Restaurant In Port Coquitlam, BC.

2011-07-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

I’ve been fighting a flu bug the past few days and Kathryn got home late from work tonight, so we decided to go out for a bite. She was craving something with noodles so we decided on Szechuan at a local dining spot we had dined at before. Usually, we just order without looking at the menu. However, tonight Kathryn perused the menu and was disgusted to find various shark dishes on the menu. “We’re outta here,” she said. As soon as she said that, I thought, “That’s my girl!”

Reducing demand for shark fin soup is the most important thing we can do to protect sharks from being driven to extinction. For more Information go to: www.sharksavers.org

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER on WAR.

2011-07-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

April 16, 1953: "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron."

Underwater Photographer At Work.

2011-07-10T23:01:00.000-07:00

August 1993: During an overseas diving editorial assignment for Canada's DIVER Magazine, another underwater photographer made this picture of me as I was composing an image of this lionfish. If you look closely in the diver picture, you can make out the lionfish against the reef. Good times!

The First Time Ever I Saw Her Face.

2011-07-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

My wife is such a hard worker and one who always gives unselfishly to others. A day never passes without me thinking how blessed I am to seize the day knowing I am married to this marvelous woman. When I was driving home today, I heard Roberta Flack singing, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." A simply lovely song that made me instantly think of Kathryn. I will always remember... the first time ever I saw her face.

Folk singer, Ewan MacColl, wrote this song in 1957 for Peggy Seeger, who was later to become his wife. She was in a play and phoned him for suggestions on a song for a romantic scene. MacColl wrote this on the spot in less than an hour, playing it over the phone for his future wife to use in her play.

The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the empty skies, my love,
To the dark and the empty skies.

The first time ever I kissed your mouth
And felt your heart beat close to mine
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love
That was there at my command.

And the first time ever I lay with you
I felt your heart so close to mine
And I knew our joy would fill the earth
And last till the end of time my love
It would last till the end of time my love.

The Great White Shark: Our Ford Edge Gets Us There.

2011-07-06T22:45:00.000-07:00

As a scuba diving duo / underwater photographer / underwater model team, I needed a vehicle that had enough cargo space to transport all our dive gear and underwater photography equipment. In the past, I owned a Ford Explorer, but the gas guzzler got to be too expensive. In 2007, I switched to a black Ford Edge. Loved it!

Three months ago, it was time to upgrade. I chose to go with another Ford Edge, only this time a white model. I named it the Great White Shark. Kathryn said, "Get it, loaded!", so we went for the digital dashboard, leather seats, sunroof, etc. The car's ride continues to impress and the interior is roomier than the previous model. Luv'in it, even more!

Hendrick's Gin – Certainly Not Your Average Gin.

2011-07-03T00:29:00.000-07:00

Wow!, we recently tried Hendrick’s Gin – a Scottish small-batch spirit made by William Grant and Sons distillery, a Scottish company world-renowned for its acclaimed Glenfiddich and Balvenie single malt scotch.

What makes Hendrick's Gin unique are hints of coriander and citrus and a very pronounced cucumber taste. Some of Hendrick’s unique flavour is owed to its vapour-infusion process. The distillers revived a 19th century gin-making process using an antique 19th century Carterhead still that has been restored. Rather than boiling the raw botanicals – elderflower, orange and lemon peel and juniper, to name a few – “bathes ” the raw botanical in vapours. Bulgarian hand-picked rose petals and Dutch cucumbers are distilled and added after the bath. The gin’s dark bottle is modeled after a Victorian medicine bottle. From first glance you have some notion this isn’t your average gin.

Hendrick’s Gin is a fine spirit and one that my lovely wife now prefers over that ole stalwart standby, Bombay Sapphire Gin.

Northwest Dive News Published Our Story - Splendor In The Pass: Queen Charlotte Strait's Seven Tree Island

2011-07-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Northwest Dive News Magazine, July 2011, Editorial Comments nicely said:

"We will also take you out to Queen Charlotte Strait’s Seven Tree Island as Jett and Kathryn Britnell explore it. Harboring a rich assortment of marine invertebrates, Seven Tree’s bountiful feast of undersea shapes, textures and colors provide a visually stunning backdrop for underwater photographers and videographers; the Britnell’s do a great job painting a picture of the area for our readers."

Rick Stratton, Editor / Publisher, Dive News Network

Sportdiving In Australia - Published Our Story In Their June 2011 Issue.

2011-06-28T00:44:00.000-07:00

We just learned that one of my images was chosen for the cover of the June 2011 issue of Sportdiving in Australia. Now that the postal strike in Canada is over, we may get to see the actual magazine rather than this low res image of the magazine's cover published online. Kathryn and I also have a story about diving in British Columbia in the same issue about diving in Queen Charlotte Strait.

True Love ~ Comes Once In A Lifetime.

2011-06-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

... open your eyes and your heart and see the miracle in front of you.

Once Upon A Valentine's Day

An old man got on a bus one February 14th, carrying a dozen
roses. He sat beside a young man. The young man looked at
the roses and said, "Somebody's going to get a beautiful
Valentine's Day gift."

"Yes," said the old man.

A few minutes went by and the old man noticed that his young
companion was staring at the roses. "Do you have a
girlfriend?" the old man asked.

"I do," said the young man. "I'm going to see her right
now, and I'm going to give her this Valentine's Day card."

They rode in silence for another 10 minutes, and then the
old man got up to get off the bus. As he stepped out into
the aisle, he suddenly placed the roses on the young man's
lap and said, "I think my wife would want you to have these.
I'll tell her that I gave them to you."

He left the bus quickly. As the bus pulled away, the young
man turned to see the old man enter the gates of a cemetery.

Here They Come…

2011-06-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

The Monkees are playing the Red Robinson Show Theatre / Boulevard Casino on September 23, 2011. Kathryn and I will be there in row 6!

Responsible for some of the biggest hits of the 60s, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork will be celebrating their 45^th Anniversary Tour. Michael Nesmith will not be joining the tour.

Selling 50 million records with hits such as Daydream Believer, Last Train to Clarksville, I’m a Believer and (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone, The Monkees provided the soundtrack to teenage lives on both sides of the Atlantic from the ‘60s onwards. With the TV series being repeated throughout the 1980s, a whole new legion of fans were exposed to their crazy antics.

Happy Birthday To The Love Of My Life!

2011-06-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

June 12, 2011 - The only thing sweeter than drinking a Baileys with a 10,000 year old glacier ice cube is... sharing this life with my wife, Kathryn. She is AMAZING!!!

Happy Birthday, baby!! XOXOOXO

WTF!!!! IS WRONG WITH JAPAN???

2011-06-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

Japan launches research whaling in the NW Pacific

AFP, TOKYO

Japan sent a whaling fleet to the northwest Pacific for what it called a research hunt yesterday, four months after cutting short a similar mission in the Antarctic due to obstruction by activists.

The three-vessel fleet, led by the Nisshin Maru, plans to catch 260 whales including 100 minkes until late August to study their stomach contents, DNA and other information, according to the Institute of Cetacean Research. The government-affiliated institute has organized such operations since 1987, citing a clause in a 1986 international moratorium on commercial whaling that allows hunts for scientific research. Anti-whaling nations and environmentalist groups condemn the activity as a cover for commercial whaling, but Japan said it is necessary to substantiate its claim that there is a robust whale population in the world. The institute said the mission would be its 18th scientific expedition to the northwest Pacific.

On Feb. 18, Japan halted a research hunt in the Antarctic Ocean for the 2010-2011 season, which had been due to run from December until March, because of obstruction by militant environmentalist group Sea Shepherd. The US-based Sea Shepherd, which says its tactics are non--violent but aggressive, hurled paint and stink bombs at whaling ships, snared their propellers with rope, and moved its own boats between the harpoon ships and their prey.

Japan’s four-ship fleet killed 172 whales in that season, only about one-fifth of its target, the fisheries agency said at that time.

Australia — which last year launched legal action against Japan’s whaling program at the International Court of Justice — and New Zealand said they hoped Japan had given up whaling for good. The institute told Japanese media that there has been no instance of obstructive activities in the northwest Pacific so far, but that “we cannot automatically consider the area safe.”

Sea Otter: What Purple Teeth You Have.

2011-06-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

Source: eNature.com

Another mammal with unusual teeth is the Sea Otter. It’s not their size, though, that distinguishes a Sea Otter’s teeth but their color: purple.

The color, it seems, is derived from Purple Sea Urchins, a favorite Sea Otter food. Even before they can munch and crunch sea urchins for themselves, baby Sea Otters get purple-stained teeth, presumably from their mother’s milk. Of course, Sea Otters in areas that lack Purple Sea Urchins have white teeth.

My First Dive - It Was A Gas, Gas, Gas.

2011-06-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is what my infamous Gas Mask looked like.

When I was five years old I happened to watch a TV episode of a scuba diving adventure show called Sea Hunt.I was so inspired that I grabbed a war surplus gas mask that I had begged my dad to buy me at the county fair and ventured out into our backyard. We had a large iron cauldron that was filled with water and goldfish. My gas mask had goggles and a long hose attached to a canister. Surely it would work underwater, or so I thought. After putting on the gas mask I heaved myself up on the lip of the cauldron and dunked my head in the water. Not only could I clearly see the goldfish swimming, but I also could see the rust flakes on the bottom of the caldron. Soon enough, water began seeping into the mask. “No worries”, I thought, “I have a breathing hose.” Of course, the gas mask flooded with water and I had to abort. No one was there to witness my first underwater adventure, but I can remember it as if it was yesterday.

From that moment, I was hooked on the idea that one day I would become a scuba diver. While growing up I was drawn to watching scuba diving oriented documentaries such as "The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau" and the shark diving adventures of Australia’s Ron & Valerie Taylor. These were my boyhood heroes. During my childhood, I can’t tell you how many garden hoses I cut up to use as a breathing hose attached to large 26 ounce Coke bottles. While none of these makeshift devices ever worked, it never dampened my desire to one day breathe underwater. I eventually learned to scuba dive in British Columbia’s Emerald Sea when I was 22. My interest in underwater photography soon followed, as I wanted to bring back images of the things I saw beneath the sea to show family and friends. I actually learned photography and how to adjust a camera’s f-stops and shutter speeds 60-feet beneath the waves.

My Product Review: Light & Motion SOLA 600 Dive Light

2011-06-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

Light & Motion's Sola 600 Focus Light is by far one of the best diving lights I have ever used in my 30 years of diving experience. Here's a link to my recent product review in the June 2011 issue of Northwest Dive News Magazine. SOLA 600 Review.

Feedback On Our Presentation - 2011 BC Association Of Travel Writers Symposium.

2011-06-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

May 28, 2011 - The BCATW Symposium provided great tips and a wonderful networking opportunity not to mention some fabulous prizes. Jett Britnell inspired the crowd with his slide show on underwater photography and dive travel writing. He addressed issues of composition (such as how to shoot potential cover photos), using models in your shots, what editors expect of him and the usefulness of using online social media to create a presence for yourself on the web. Of particular interest was his explanation of how he packages his material in order to be the most useful for magazines.

Baila Lazurus

President

British Columbia Association of Travel Writers

Speaking Engagement: BC Association of Travel Writers Annual Symposium

2011-05-27T00:25:00.000-07:00

We have been invited to present at the BC Association of Travel Writers Annual Symposium this Saturday. Here's the schedule:

Date: May 28, 1- 4 pm
Location: Listel Hotel, 1300 Robson Street,Vancouver.
Fee: Members $20, Non-members $40; payable at the door.

Speakers:
Jett Britnell (one of Canada's most frequently published underwater photojournalists) & Kathryn Britnell a professional husband and wife diving photojournalist team who specialize in underwater photography, dive travel, and marine related subjects and stories. They will have a slideshow of their work and discuss getting published.

Jayne Lloyd-Jones or Liz Sperandeo of Spectacular Ink a travel industry PR specialist, whose clients include Echo Valley Ranch and Baddrutt's Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. The focus will be on how they see the tourism industry, impact of the recession from the media / PR angle, the role of local travel writers, changes in expectations, how social media now plays a far more important role.

Carolyn Walton, member of the Travel Bloggers Exchange, will look at the role of travel blogging in our industry - tips on what to do/what not to do.

Ruth Kozak has been instructing writing classes for over 15 years. One of her specialties is travel memoirs. Learn how to truly capture the feel of a place, whether for your own personal diary or a published piece. If you fell in love with a place, if it changed your world or came at a particular time when your world was changing, learn how to draw the reader into your experience.

Scuba Diving The Island Nation Of The Philippines - by Stewart Sy.

2011-05-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Stewart Sy has published a great article about diving in the Philippines over at www.Atlasomega.com. Stu knows these exotic reefs like few others. A "must read" if you are contemplating a diving vacation to this wonderful island nation.

Scuba Diving The Island Nation Of The Philippines

Who Woulda Thunk? - Sea Urchins Can Sing!

2011-05-09T23:05:00.000-07:00

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald, May 10, 2011

IF WHALES are the lead singers of the ocean, sea urchins are the back-up vocalists.

While it may surprise some that these spiky marine creatures make noise, a Sydney marine biologist plans to measure the contribution they make to the soundscape of the sea. Natalie Soars, a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney, said sea urchins produced a loud clicking noise as they fed or scraped up against rocks.

Vancouver Canucks Green Men Vs Nashville Predators

2011-05-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

May 7th 2011 - Kathryn and I attended Game 5 of the Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators Stanley Cup Semi-Final on Saturday Night. While the Canucks went down to defeat, the infamous "Green Men" provided a few laughs for all in attendance a few days after a complaint was filed with the NHL, asking the Vancouver Canucks' "Super Fans" to tone it down, according to a report.

From Canadian Press:

"Sully and Force, who wear full neon green bodysuits, have been asked to stop touching the glass and doing handstands. The popular paying fans usually sit close to the Canucks' opponents in downtown Rogers Arena and their act has been described as a circus sideshow."

Needless to say, Vancouver Canucks fans support the Green Men! They even have their own website: Green Men

Happy Mothers Day! ~ This Video From Annie Crawley Deserves To Be Shared.

2011-05-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

Our friend, Annie Crawley, posted a very inspirational video she made in honor of Mothers Day. Annie's shout out to her mom was, "Love to all of our Mothers and of course to Mother Ocean. Thank you Mom for the spirit you gave me."

Watch & enjoy...

Annie is such a talented woman who happens to be one of the nicest people you could ever meet. You can "Dive Into Your Imagination" at her website to see more of the brilliant and spirited caring work she does.

www.diveintoyourimagination.com

"Beyond Vanuatu" ~ My Story Published In ScubaDiver Australasia!

2011-05-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

Scuba Diver Australasia magazine (Singapore) has published my story, "Beyond Vanuatu ~ Bali Ha'i in the South Pacific" in Issue 2, 2011. The story is also posted online. Place your cursor over the picture for link.

A Single Reef Shark Can Be Worth Nearly $2 Million In Tourism Revenue Over Its Lifetime.

2011-05-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

Discovery News has posted an informative story about how a single shark can bring in millions of dollars worth of revenue over its lifetime as a tourist draw. Follow the link below:

Million-Dollar' Sharks Boon to Tourism : Discovery News

"Who hears the fishes when they cry?" - Henry David Thoreau (1839).

2011-04-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today on WET PIXEL, http://wetpixel.com, Adam Hanlon posted a link to a story that Australian Geographic has online about the state of the World's oceans. It's a worthwhile read.

Here's the link to the Australian Geographic story: Australian Geographic State of our Oceans

"Ice Ice Baby" - It's Totally On!

2011-04-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

For our upcoming diving editorial assignment Kathryn will be putting her brand spanking new “Whites Fusion Drysuit” through its paces diving in ... ALASKA! “Nautilus Swell”... it won’t be long till we’re there! www.nautilusswell.com Hmmm, I wonder if we can see Russia from there?

Words To Live By.

2011-04-27T23:29:00.000-07:00

"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self."

~ Ernest Hemingway

Afternoon Tea At Chicago’s Famed Drake Hotel.

2011-04-27T22:34:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh… one of life’s guilty pleasures is savoring traditional English afternoon tea with scrumptious finger sandwiches, fruit breads, scones, and French pastries with my beautiful wife & Tea Sommelier-in-waiting, Kathryn. Hence, during our recent trip to Chicago, the Drake Hotel’s high tea service was on our hit list. Kathryn enjoyed the service so much she proclaimed The Drake was "one of the finest places I have ever dined."

A Chicago landmark, the Italian Renaissance-styled Drake hotel was founded in 1920. If only these hotel walls could speak as Queen Elizabeth enjoyed high tea at The Drake in 1958 and other notable hotel guests include Winston Churchill, Prince Charles, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Hugh Hefner, Frank Sinatra, and the Empress of Japan. Diana, Princess of Wales was a guest here during her only visit to Chicago in 1996, one year before her untimely death. Baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and Hollywood screen legend, Marilyn Monroe, carved their initials into the wooden bar of the Drake’s Cape Cod Room.

Afternoon Tea takes place daily in The Drake’s traditional “Palm Court” Tea Lobby, and features live harp music performed 365 days a year. There are several seatings per day from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each seating lasts approximately an hour and a half and reservations are recommended.

The Queen Of Gems And The Gem Of Queens - Philippines Pearl Market.

2011-04-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

"Errors, like straws, upon the surface flow; he who would search for pearls must dive below."

John Dryden (1631–1700) All for Love. Prologue.

Well, there's truly no need to dive to great depths anymore because you can shop till ya drop and find pearls galore at the famed Philippines Pearl Market located at the Greenhills Mall in Manila. Definitely a "must see" when in the Philippines. If you dare to take your spouse or significant other, be sure to bring a pocketful of pesos.

Seeing Underwater - Custom Prescription Scuba Masks.

2011-04-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

For the past six years whenever I have needed a prescription dive mask, I have ordered mine from Rob Hamilton at “Ozbob Custom Face Masks”.

Located in Sydney Australia, with an office in Kuala Lumpur, they have been making custom made Prescription Scuba Masks for over 30 years. Manufacturing time is approximately 2 to 3 weeks Their lenses are made to the highest quality standards and custom made to suit your Optical Prescription, With over 30 years experience you can have confidence in dealing with people who know what they are doing! If off the shelf lenses are not suitable then custom made is right for you. Best of all, Ozbob will ship anywhere in the world!

I recently ordered my third prescription dive mask from Ozbob and Rob has always provided me with exactly what I needed. No fuss & no bother. I highly recommend Ozbob's products and services.

For more information: www.ozbobscuba.com

Nothing Says “I Really Don’t Care How I Look Anymore” Like A Pair Of Crocs On Your Feet.

2011-04-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

Arguably the ugliest shoes on Earth, Crocs serve as an excellent idiot barometer as you can tell a lot about people who actually are so brazen as to wear them in public. For example, Amazon.com suggest products that other customers have purchased based on the item you're shopping for. Here are the suggestions for Crocs:

A picture is worth a thousand words. Fortunately for me, my gorgeous wife always looks Über sexy wearing her black stiletto pumps!

The Red Balloon Florist In Oshawa Ontario Is Amazing!

2011-04-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

For those in Ontario who may be in need of the services of a first class florist , Kathryn & I would highly recommend "The Red Balloon Florist!" Fresh flowers and balloon bouquets delivered daily. Easy online orders and payment methods 24/7! Daily flower and balloon specials. Satisfaction guaranteed! We're very impressed with the quality of their arrangements and customer service.

www.theredballoonflorist.com

SLS Photography Knows All About Diving In The Philippines!

2011-04-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

After many, many, years of successfully organizing and guiding scuba diving photo tours to the Philippines, SLS Photography (Stewart Sy) is now officially endorsed by the Philippine Department of Tourism!

SLS Photography is also an authorized dealer for Aquatica, TLC, ULCS and Ultramax. You can find SLS Photography on Facebook at:

SLS Photography Facebook Link

Losing Nemo? - Species and climate change

2011-04-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

Climate change is set to be one of the major drivers of species extinctions in the 21st century: approximately 20 to 30 per cent of plant and animal species are likely to be at increasingly high risk as global mean temperatures rise. Clownfish are one of the species they have highlighted.

IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings governments, non-government organizations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy, laws and best practice.

If you want to learn more, download this fact sheet: fact_sheet_red_list_clownfish_v2.pdf

Underwater Modeling 101 - My Wife Is An Ocean Goddess!

2011-04-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

I happened to be reviewing some underwater images today from the Philippines. Here are a few pictures I made of Kathryn during her first descents after she was certified as an Open Water PADI Diver. As far as underwater modeling goes, she nailed it! She is truly a natural and the best novice underwater model I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Of course, there are many glorious fringe benefits for an underwater photo pro when your wife happens to be so talented both above and below the ocean depths. Oh my, did I say that out loud? LMAO!

"Instant Karma's Gonna Get You. Gonna Knock You Right On The Head."

2011-04-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

John Lennon knew. Deepak Chopra knows it too.

For those who are not in the know, read this & weep...

Sold Out!!! - Tacoma Dive & Travel Expo Film Festival

2011-04-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

Tacoma Trade & Convention Center

It was standing room only last Saturday night at the Tacoma Dive Show’s Saturday Evening Film Festival. Interestingly, out of five presenters, there was only one film about marine life in Puget Sound with the other presenters showing digital images of the Galapagos, Pavilion Lake’s Mars Project, British Columbia & Fiji.

ANNIE CRAWLEY, an award-winning producer, filmmaker, photographer, author, and inspirational speaker specializing in documenting the underwater realm and a Women Divers Hall of Fame member was the Master of Ceremonies for the Film Festival. Annie rocked on stage and worked tirelessly throughout the day to make the show the absolute best it can be. She also makes what is a very hard task look easy. Apart from all this, she is, above all, a truly nice person.

Browning Pass HideAway Dive Lodge crew.

Annie tweaking her presentation just before show time.

Annie Crawley & Rick Stratton on stage.

Kathryn and I, as usual, had a blast during the show and it was a distinct pleasure to be presenting on the Saturday evening program in front of fellow Pacific Northwest divers!

2011 Tacoma Dive & Travel Expo is next weekend!

2011-04-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

This is the fourth year for this fabulous Pacific Northwest dive show and also the fourth year we are presenters. During the Saturday Night Dinner & Film Festival, I will be presenting a digital slide show, "Out of British Columbia - Raptures of the Emerald Sea."

On Saturday morning at 10AM I will be presenting a seminar, "Working With Underwater Models - Tips & Tricks for Underwater Models and Photographers." So, come to the show and say hello to Kathryn and I.

Le Crocodile Restaurant - Our 3rd Wedding Anniversary Dinner!

2011-04-02T22:47:00.001-07:00

OMG! Kathryn and I just returned home from out wedding anniversary dinner. This year we wanted to dine at the best French Restaurant in Greater Vancouver we could find. We chose "Le Crocodile," a classy establishment that blends traditional French cooking with innovative West Coast style.

Having dined at many fine restaurants in Vancouver over the past 37 years, I have to say on this romantic occasion my wife and I enjoyed one of the best dining experiences I have ever enjoyed. Kathryn started the evening by ordering a French Martini while I selected the famed James Bond (circa Casino Royale) Vesper martini. The food that followed was nothing less than divine and the service was impeccable! An expensive evening, but worth every penny.

We shall return!

French Martini

·  2 oz Vodka

· ½ oz Chambord

· 2 ½ oz Pineapple Juice

Back a shaker full of ice and add all ingredients. Shake or stir*. Stain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Vesper Martini

· 3 oz Gin

· 1 oz Vodka

· 0.5 oz Lillet Blanc

Shake with ice and strain into a wine glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.