A Professional Archaeologist Applauds My Editorial Work!

“It was a well-written and respectful article. I couldn't have said it better- and that's my business! I'm going to have my employees read it as well. Maybe I can convince one of them to take up diving with me!” ~ Garth

Rick Stratton, editor of Dive News Network, passed along the following email to me today. Professional archaeologist, Garth Baldwin, is referring to a side bar story of mine (Sacred Burial Sites of British Columbia's First Nations) that was published in the January 2010 issue of Northwest Dive News,

From: Garth Baldwin [mailto:garth@draytonarchaeology.com]

Sent: Friday, January 28, 2011 3:30 PM

To: rick@nwdivenews.com

Subject: Jan 2011 issue Q

Sir,

I was reading through the latest issue and noted on page 17 and article on Native burial sites. The author was not apparent. I want to offer you my utmost thanks for that article. It was respectful and to the point. I'm a professional archaeologist and have worked for many tribes here in the States. The issue of looting (and simple disrespect for our collective human past) is a daily part of my job. I thank you and if you are not the author- extend my thanks to them as well.

Cheers,

Garth

___________________________

Garth L. Baldwin, M.A., RPA

Principal, Drayton Archaeology

www.draytonarchaeology.com

WRECK OF DREAMS – HMCS CHAUDIERE

Scuba Diver Australasia magazine has published my photo of a diver exploring one of British Columbia's premier artificial reefs in their "Extraordinary Dives - Inspiring Your Travel Plans" feature.

HMCS CHAUDIERE is a sport divers dream.  Purposely sunk as an artificial reef on the fifth of December, 1992 in British Columbia’s Sechelt Inlet, this vessel was destined for the scrap yard until Canada’s Minister of Defense sold the war ship to the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (ARSBC). For decades now, the ARSBC has been sinking retired warships and making them diver-safe, providing a habitat for marine life on an otherwise featureless bottom.

Vancouver Aquarium’s 12th annual “Divers’ Weekend”

Today, Kathryn and I attended the Vancouver Aquarium’s 12th annual “Divers’ Weekend” celebration which offers both divers and non-divers a place to explore the oceans, expand their horizons, and exchange ideas.  Our day started off with an informative presentation by Tech Diver,  Lee Newman, who presented some images from his recent cave diving training and explorations of the Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula cenotes.

Also saw many old and new friends.  Stewart Sy was there promoting Aquatica underwater housings. John deBoeck of Browning Pass HideAway Diving Resort, Bill Klickach from Dive & Sea Sports, Greg McCracken of Ocean Quest Dive Centre, Andy Lamb of Cedar Beach Dive resort and Petra Hermes of Fly and Sea Dive Adventures.

Death By Cephalopod ~ The Blue-Ringed Octopus

It is a fascinating creature... The blue-ringed octopus is the size of a golf ball but its poison is powerful enough to kill an adult human in minutes. It’s been said the last thing the victim sees are the blue rings – visible only when it is about to attack.  Extremely poisonous, these tiny octopus can kill a person with one bite from their tiny parrot-like beak.  The "victim" dies quickly.  First you would feel nauseous and your vision becomes cloudy. Within seconds you would go blind and you will have lost your sense of touch. You are now unable to speak or swallow. Three minutes later you are paralyzed and are unable to breath.  With no known antidote, the only treatment is hours of heart massage and artificial respiration until the poison has worked its way out of your system.

Northwest Dive News Published Two Of My Stories

Northwest Dive News has published two of my stories in their January 2011 issue.  The stories are "Where The Wild Things Are - British Columbia's Queen Charlotte Strait" and "Sacred Burial Sites of British Columbia’s First Nations".

10 Quotes About Writing From Writers

"It took me fifteen years to discover that I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up because by that time I was too famous." ~ Robert Benchley

"All writing comes by the grace of God." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” ~ Tim Cahill

 "I'm not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter." ~ James Michener

"Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass." ~ Anton Chekhov

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug." ~ Mark Twain

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. " ~ Scott Adams

"Becoming a writer means being creative enough to find the time and the place in your life for writing." ~ Heather Sellers

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." ~ Winston Churchill

"This morning I took out a comma and this afternoon I put it back again." ~ Oscar Wilde

2011 - It's A Good Life!

Last night, Kathryn and I were discussing all the live performances we have seen over the past three years. The following list does not include opening acts.  It's a good life, indeed!  Onward and upward in 2011!

Bob Dylan
Leonard Cohen
Scorpions
Ozzy Osborne
Kiss
Etta James
April Wine
Johnny Rivers
Bon Jovi
Billy Idol
Paul Anka
Alice Cooper
Glen Campbell
New York Dolls
Tony Bennett
Elton John (Seattle)
Billy Joel (Seattle)
No Doubt
Eric Burdon & the Animals
B52’s
Van Halen
Tom Jones
Beatles Love Show (Las Vegas)
Phantom of the Opera (Las Vegas)
Russell Brand
Lewis Black
Dame Edna
Don Rickles
Jerry Seinfeld
Conan O'Brien
Cheech & Chong