Strange Realization Today...

Strange realization today.  After seeing Johnny Rivers perform last weekend, I gave his best-selling 1968 Gold album, “Realization”, a good listen.  It was hauntingly familiar.  The album featured several chart hits such as "Summer Rain" (No. 2) and an amazing version of "Whiter Shade Of Pale" and one of the best covers of Bob Dylan’s, “Positively 4th Street” I’ve ever heard.

Of course, I remember.  I can vividly recall my dad having this album in his record collection and playing it often during the evening hours when I was, I’m guessing, between 11 or 12 years old.  It was the gift of music that my dad always brought into my life.

So what does all this have to do with a scuba diving / underwater photography focused site?  Well, simply this. The connection between music and creativity is undeniable.  Artists have long understood that music influences creativity.  So why not consciously influence your own creativity by listening to some great music while you’re plotting your next adventure or artistic endeavor?  It works!

Thanks, Dad, for sowing the seeds of love throughout my lifetime. You live on forever in our hearts...

Happy 70th Birthday, Ringo Starr... Peace & Love!

 

And a very special birthday surprise from a Beatle!

Depth Magazine - Published My Story On Diving With Bahamian Tiger Sharks

Depth Magazine, an online internet scuba publication, has published my story, "Ocean Tiger, Angry Dragon ~ Shark & Awe Encounters With Bahamian Tiger Sharks" in their July/August 2010 issue. The cover shot is also my image of a Caribbean Reef Shark.

Welcome Back Johnny Rivers To The Poco Side Of Town

Back in the mid-'60s, Johnny Rivers popularized the discotheque scene through his live recordings at Los Angeles' famous Whiskey a GoGo nightclub. In 1967, Rivers performed at the legendary Monterey International Pop Festival. During his career, he has charted seventeen songs in the top forty between 1964 to 1977.

Last night, we saw Johnny Rivers perform at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Port Coquitlam, BC. And what a performance it was. Tearing through his former hits as well as several blues-influenced numbers, Rivers had the house on its feet. There is always something rewarding in seeing a music legend on stage performing the tunes that made them famous. Johnny Rivers literally just lays it out there and let's the music stand on its own merits. We dont see shows like this much anymore. We're glad we saw this one!

Fun Times!

While in Chapters this past weekend we found several copies of the December 2009 issue of Scuba Diver Australasia Magazine, which is published in Singapore. This issue featured one of my stories, "Tropical Splendour in A Cold Sea." It is June 26, 2010. Fun times!

Tea For Two ~ Victoria’s White Heather Tea Room

Victoria, BC - June 26, 2010: While my wife and I were visiting Victoria this weekend we were hell bent on discovering a new tea house...something a little different than the notable High Tea service that the Empress Hotel routinely provides. Our internet search uncovered a quaint establishment called the White Heather Tea Room. The reviews from patrons were highly complimentary so we decided to give it a whirl.

We ordered the tea house’s best-selling “Big Muckle Giant Tea for Two.” Offering a delicious assortment of tea sandwiches, scones and other tasty treats accompanied by a selection of mouth-watering sweets, the tea service was excellent and at a cost that was less than half of what the Empress Hotel’s Tea Service costs. Taste-wise, our tea for two experience was exceptional. Kathryn sampled the exotic Balmoral tea, a blend of black tea with soft hints of Earl Grey and jasmine. while I selected the House Blend, a classic orange pekoe with a breath of Earl Grey.

Victoria’s White Heather Tea Room proved to be a hidden gem just a 10 minute drive from downtown Victoria. We will certainly make a return visit. Reservations recommended. For more information, www.whiteheather-tearoom.com

BEWARE!: "NAUI’s Unethical Underwater Photo Contest Rights Grab"

A warning to underwater photographers around the world to steer clear of an annual underwater photo contest that is sponsored by NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors). The rules of this photo competition contain a clause that is designed to acquire “perpetual, non-exclusive rights to use the photo in any way, including but not limited to advertising and promotional use.” This single clause, from a respected dive training agency no less, is nothing more than an attempt to dupe unsuspecting underwater photographers into surrendering all rights to their image.

Well, the proverbial shit hit the fan when Jason Heller of www.DivePhotoGuide.com, fired off a formal complaint to NAUI about the unethical image rights clause in their photo contest rules. A seemingly unrepentant Jed Livingstone of NAUI responded to Jason with some rather disparaging remarks stating “They don’t have to enter if they don’t want to.” You can read the written exchange between Heller & Livingstone at Scubaboard: www.scubaboard.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-340537.html

Bravo Jason Heller for spearheading this matter and a big “shame on you!” to Jed Livingstone and NAUI. All underwater photographers should “BOYCOTT NAUI's PHOTO CONTEST” until they rescind their photo contest's “copyright rights grab” clause.

"Raptures OF The Emerald Deep- British Columbia's Diving Wonders"

Underwater Photography Magazine, a bi-monthly web based magazine published in the United Kingdom has published my story, "Raptures of the Emerald Deep - British Columbia's Diving Wonders" in their July-August 2010 issue which has just been released to the world.

Editor & Publisher, Peter Rowlands commented, "It's another bumper issue thanks to your contributions and I'm very pleased with the way it has turned out."

UwP is a FREE web magazine aiming to give a platform for existing and new talent in underwater photography. In order to establish an accurate number of downloads, you must subscribe with a valid e mail address to download. The issue my story appears in can be downloaded at: www.uwpmag.com/download

Mission Impossible?

"The impossible missions are the only ones which succeed."

- Jacques Cousteau

Grand Canyon SKYWALK ~ 4,000 feet above the Colorado River!

During our recent visit to Las Vegas, we took off on a day trip to visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Located at Grand Canyon West on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the Grand Canyon Skywalk opened to the public on March 28th, 2007. Sturdy enough to hold the weight of a dozen fully loaded 747’s, and strong enough to withstand winds up to 100mph, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is a unique U-shaped glass-bottomed cantilever bridge that spans 70 feet (21.34 meters) over the Grand Canyon’s rim and sits 4,000 feet (1219 meters) above the Colorado River.

The Skywalk at Grand Canyon West has quickly become one of the best day trip destinations from Las Vegas, NV and Kingman, AZ and has become the most recognizable cantilever structure in the world. While the Skywalk offers a truly amazing experience, be forewarned that the owners do not allow you to take pictures while standing on the bridge. There are photographers there to take your picture for posterity, for a hefty fee, of course.

Would we go back? Yes, for the first time experience, but would not return for a second visit due to their draconian policy of banning cameras and cell phones on the bridge.

For a video segment and more information: www.grandcanyonskywalk.com

Pretty Vegas!

June 9 - 14, 2010: We spent several pretty days & dirty nights in Las Vegas with my lovely young wife, Kathryn. Apart from celebrating her birthday, we enjoyed some very fine dining at several notable restaurants.

On this trip we also attended the World Tea Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, took the elevator to the top of the Paris Hotel's Eiffel Tower, and also made it to the dizzying heights of the Stratosphere Tower. On Sunday we rented a car and made a day trip out to the Western rim of the Grand Canyon.

Once again, we chose to stay at the luxurious Venetian and were glad we did when the hotel graciously upgraded our room to one with a view. For Kathryn's birthday dinner I took her out to dine at her favorite Vegas French restaurant, Bouchon. Afterward, we decided to attend a stellar performance of "The Phantom of the Opera" at The Venetian's 40 million dollar theatre. Awesome!

Funny story. While we were passing through airport security at McCarran Airport for our return trip home, the airport security official reviewed our passports and boarding passes and then looked up at my wife and sternly said, “We got a problem.” The blood rushed from Kathryn’s face before he could say... “So where are you planning to take your husband away to for his birthday?” Where, indeed?

Here are some random images that I made...

Mrs. Valerie May TAYLOR - Member of the Order of Australia!

June 14, 2010: I just learned that famed shark diver & marine conservationist, Valerie Taylor, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to conservation in today’s Queen’s Birthday honors list. Certainly a deserving honor and one that is long overdue in my opinion. Her husband, Ron Taylor, was honored in 2003.

The official release reads:

"For service to conservation and the environment as an advocate for the protection and preservation of marine wildlife and habitats, particularly the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef, and as an underwater cinematographer and photographer."





























Valerie and her husband, Ron, have for more than 50 years promoted the protection of marine life species. In particular, the great white shark and the grey nurse shark. Valerie has also lobbied for the conservation of marine habitats such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park in Western Australia. She has also been vocal about securing protection for the potato cod, sea lions, southern right whales and sea turtles.


















Ron & Valerie Taylor were my boyhood heroes and without them knowing it, contributed much to my lifelong passion & admiration for sharks. Their ocean work continues to inspire many the world over. While I once had the opportunity to speak with Ron briefly at a film night in Vancouver, I have only exchanged an email with Valerie. By any measure, Ron & Valerie Taylor are a class act!

For more information: www.ronvaltaylor.com

"Il faut aller voir." ("We must go and see.") - Jacques Yves Cousteau

June 11, 2010: Today would have been Jacques Cousteau’s 100th birthday. I can fondly recall tuning in to watch "The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau," on TV whenever it played in the late 60s and early 70s. This television series brought the undersea life beneath the world’s oceans into millions of homes. No doubt, there will be many platitudes and celebrations honoring of the great man who not only helped to invent the scuba regulator, but he also helped raise the public’s awareness of the unique problems faced by the world’s marine habitats.

In 1961 when President John F. Kennedy presented the Society's Special Gold Medal to Captain Cousteau for his undersea exploration, the medal bore an inscription that symbolizes the pioneer's life work: "To earthbound man he gave the key to the silent world."































It just so happens that I’ve been reading Brad Matsen’s novel, Jacques Cousteau: The Sea King. A great read thus far that details the exploits of one of the world’s most beloved oceanographers. All I have to say on the anniversary of Mr. Cousteau’s birthday is, “Merci Beaucoup!” You took us on many great adventures, both while sitting in front of a TV set, and in my boyhood imagination.

"Bowls of Blood" - a video by Gary Stokes about the making of Shark Fin Soup

Gary Stokes has posted a superb short movie from Oceanic Love that shows the path from the ocean to the bowl. The video shows what goes into the creation of shark fin soup. and takes you behind closed doors into a Chinese restaurant's kitchen in Kowloon, Hong Kong. The video shows how pointless this bowl of soup is and also reveals the carnage required to make it.

WARNING - Scene's of a graphic nature, viewer discretion is advised.

http://vimeo.com/11928920

Tacoma Dive & Travel Show 2010 - It's A Wrap!

Kathryn and I have returned home safely from the Tacoma Dive & Travel Expo. Thanks to all those who attended my seminar on "Getting Published - Tips For Getting Your Words & Images Published in Scuba Magazines." I noticed several attendees making notes during my talk so lets hope that leads to some getting their work published for the first time.


Crazy time as we ran into several old diving friends who I had not seen for more than 20 years. Also, made some new industry connections. Another great dive show!




























Kudos to Rick Stratton and his team of volunteers for putting together such a successful event for the Pacific Northwest diving community. Rick promised that the show would get even bigger and better over time and he surely delivered. Congrats to all!

Amuse Consulting is 5 years old!

May 19, 2010: Vancouver’s Harrison Galleries was the place to be last Wednesday evening when founder of Amuse Consulting, Marc Smith, threw a an amaze-balls party to celebrate the anniversary of being in business for five years. Amuse Consulting is a full-service event planning company.

My wife, Kathryn, and I had a most enjoyable evening and we were particularly pleased to participate in one of Marc's featured events; a wine tasting that demonstrated the fine art of wine blending.

Proceeds from the evening, along with a generous donation from Marc, went to two very worthy charities that he supports, Kids Up Front Vancouver & A Loving Spoonful. If you're looking for an experienced event planning company, that provides exceptional service, look no further than Amuse Consulting. For more information go to: www.amuseconsulting.ca

Chalk Up Another Book Review!

Focal Press has been a leading publisher of Media Technology books for 70 years. They specialize in publishing high quality books filled with practical hands-on information, dealing with cutting-edge and converging technologies from the experts in the field.

Through a strange twist of fate, I became one of their go to people to provide feedback on new books that are being developed. This past week, I was asked to review a book draft for two very well known wildlife photographers. Unfortunately, I cannot yet mention who these individuals are, or say anything about the book in development. But I do enjoy doing these reviews and eventually seeing how the final product turns out.

Get a FREE copy of the Diving Almanac at the Dive & Travel Expo!

Jeffrey Gallant (Editor-in-Chief) of the Diving Almanac & Book of Records has just announced he will be handing out a free copy of the Diving Almanac & Book of Records to the first 500 attendees at the Dive & Travel Expo in Tacoma, Washington (May 21-23), the largest consumer dive show in the Pacific Northwest!

Jeff has done an excellent job with gathering all the information that is pressed between the pages of this book. I happen to have a copy myself and I can state that it is well worth twice the sale price. So...this free offer from Mr Gallant makes getting to the show early a must!

For more information, go to: www.divenewsnetwork.com/expo

An Early Mothers Day Treat - Dinner at Little Billy's Steakhouse!

Kathryn and I enjoyed a sumptuous steak dinner at Little Billy’s on Hastings Street last Friday night. And, as always, what a superb meal it was. In my opinion, this is one of the best mouth-watering steak houses in Metro Vancouver. Quaint, out of the way, and exemplary service!

Little Billy's is a hybrid steakhouse with an "uptown" feel. It offers a cutting edge menu of the finest prime steaks and fresh seafood and a touch of traditional Greek food accompanied by great dining music seven nights a week.

Just before we were about to leave, Billy came by our table to ask how our dinner was? He then asked if we would like to sip some special blueberry wine he had just come across. We were delighted when two glasses of wine arrived at our table with smoke from dry ice cascading over the lip of the glasses. This wine reminded us of some fine ice wines we had enjoyed in the past. Exceptional!

Billy does not know that I am a card carrying member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. As I said the service and quality of the menu items are the hallmarks of their business... and something they take enormous pride in delivering to their dinner guests.

Little Billy’s is one of our favourite places to dine when we want to go out for a romantic dinner. And since the romance in our marriage seems never ending... we will surely be back again and again. For more information: www.littlebillys.com

2010 BC Travel Writers Association Annual Symposium

May 8, 2010: We attended the annual travel writers symposium at Robson Street’s boutique Listel Hotel. This symposium provides an opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow BCATW members. During the afternoon we were able to speak one on one with two of the travel writing panelists who were chosen to present at this event.

JOHN LEE, spoke about cultural travel. John is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in the Lonely Planet Travel Guides, National Geographic Traveler, the Globe and Mail, Chicago Tribune and US Airways in-flight. As well, he has written the books Walking Vancouver and Drinking Vancouver.

LORI HENRY, spoke about ecotourism/adventure travel. Lori is the Western Canada Travel Writer for www.Suite101.com. Her guidebook work includes publication in Fodor's Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada. She has also written for Reader's Digest, Western Living, VIA destinations, West, FLARE and Western Living.

Always an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon and come away with a few gems of wisdom. This year, my wife, Kathryn, and I won two different prize draws. The first was a two day Hop-on, Hop-off, city tour of Vancouver with The Vancouver Trolley Company (www.vancouvertrolley.com).

The second prize was a romantic weekend for two at Adventure B&B at Rockwood Retreat (www.adventureb-b.com) in Powell River, along with the choice of either doing a nature hike or an ocean kayaking adventure with a local nature tour operator. There is also a 9-hole golf course next door and Powell River's ocean shores also has some very fine scuba diving sites. We can’t wait!














For more information about the BC Travel Writers Association go to: http://www.bctravelwriters.com