By now you’ve probably heard about Tilikum the killer whale who killed his trainer last week in Sea World, Orlando.  This tragedy, of course sensationalized in the media, is at least raising some important questions about captive marine mammals like dolphins and killer whales.  These are not new questions; these questions were raised in the 1993 film Free Willy, the 2009 film The Cove, and after each news event of an accident involving a captive show Orca.  I’d like to say it’s nice that people are talking about this, but we’ve talked about it before.

Personally, I am not necessarily against having a wild animal captive.  However, when it comes to marine mammals like Orca whales and dolphins, it is tough to justify their jumping through hoops for thousands of audience members daily in the name of conservation.

Here are a few at-a-glance concerns:

• Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are extremely intelligent.  We don’t know just how smart they are or what their linguistic abilities are in large part because the data scientists have gathered is so complex.  It’s hard to justify capturing a wild animal we suspect to be as intelligent as we are, putting them in a pool, and expecting them to stay content.
• Marine mammals live in three-dimensional environments.  While you and I can only go forwards, backwards, and side-to-side in our environment (planes don’t count), marine mammals do all this and also swim up and down – that is, in the wild.  A pool at (more…)

Looking our best doesn’t have to cost the Earth, or all our cash.  Our pals over at SHEfinds have uncovered the Top Five Stylish Vegan Shoes — designer footwear on sale.  Get in step with the times @ SHEfinds.com

• Perhaps it’s a good time to stop sunbathing on the lawn…Common Herbicide Turns Male Frogs into Females – scientific american
• Is that just my stomach or is the room actually shaking? Earth’s Earthquake Hotspots – livescience
• On-the-spot rebates are smart business.  Money talks…Obama Spells Out Rebates for Energy Efficiency – msnbc
• Could be a bad summer for New England beach lovers…Red Tide Alert – sciencedaily
• And I thought it was because friends are hard to come by…The Real Reason We Dress Pets Like People – livescience
• Low-Fat, Mediterranean and Low-Carb Diets “Help Heart” – bbc
• Sad ending…Mad Emu Attacks El Paso Deputy – myway

Molo Designs’s Paper Softseating is made of kraft paper – a stiff, robust unbleached paper that is 100% recyclable and is constructed of 50% recycled fiber.  Each piece of furniture has magnetic ends so similar pieces can be strung together into larger geometric shapes.

Very, very cool looking.  Longterm use is said to give the furniture a lovely patina.  No smoking please.

I pose the question: Now that it appears production of the bloated Hummer has been discontinued, can we convince the rich and aimless that they don’t need to tool around town in expensive race cars?  Just asking.

In any case, Ferrari has developed the experimental HY-KERS hybrid to meet the restrictions of future emissions guidelines, (particularly in urban areas), without losing its claim to the performance traits and driving characteristics that have always exemplified its cars.  City driving is traditionally where sports cars are most penalized (and rightly so) as their engines are designed for maximum efficiency and performance at high revs, whereas the urban cycle involves low revs and low engine loads; (too much car for the city?).  (more…)

It’s Oscar Time — that time of the year when the movie industry gives itself a big pat on the back for a job well done.  I thought I’d list some of our favorite ‘Eco Films’ of all-time.  Here it goes:

Documentaries / Movies

• How Cuba Survived Peak Oil.  In 1990 Cuba was faced with a situation the whole world will see soon: peak oil.  This film addresses how they countered the crippling effects it had on the economy, agriculture and culture, and is a must-see for those thinking ahead to the day when we all will be in the same situation.
• Flow.  One of the better documentaries on water out there, Flow will make you think twice before you tout the cleanliness (and sustainability) of bottled water.  You won’t buy bottled again.
• The Gods Must Be Crazy.  Not a documentary, but a great commentary on cultural understanding (and misunderstanding) about consumerism and the growing gap between corporations and our roots.
• Planet Earth (the whole series).  You cannot conserve an earth you do not respect, and if you do not respect the earth after watching these… well, I don’t know if you’re a real person.
• The Cove.  Not for the weak stomached, The Cove addresses the dolphin fisheries in Taiji, Japan where fishermen roundup and slaughter dolphins. Shot undercover, it’s filled with suspense.
• Food, Inc. Director Robert Kenner serves up a heaping portion of reality about the sad state of our food industry.  With cinematic style, he prepares a feast for the eyes and disturbing content for the mind. Don’t miss this important film. (more…)

Zero Motorcycles officially announced today the launch of its 2010 product line of state of the art electric motorcycles, including the Zero S, DS, X, and MX all featuring added power, increased acceleration, and enhanced power pack technology.  The street legal models are equipped with performance enhancements that allow for higher top speeds and greater acceleration.

The entire lineup also features improvements in power pack technology and color graphics for the first time.  The 2010 launch makes Zero Motorcycles the first electric motorcycle company to launch four distinct models, worldwide.  (more…)

Stretch you mind, body and dollar at Strala Yoga in New York City, where founder Tara Stiles cuts classes to $10 all day every day; or sign up for unlimited monthly access for $120.  Located at 623 Broadway, (bet Bleeker & Houston; 4th floor).

Want to expand your home, add an in-yard office or small cabin, but light on cash? Add usable, stylish space to your home with one of these small footprint sustainable structures from San Francisco’s Modern Cabana.  These tiny buildings feature:  optimized framing, FSC-certified lumber and siding, bamboo flooring, recycled denim insulation and a waste-reducing manufacturing process.

Most of these prefabricated base units are single room, without bathroom. You can customize the larger models to include a bathroom as well as room dividers.  Those with building experience and a few friends can probably put up one of these in a few days.

It’s recommended that you mount the structure on cement piers.  And the roof, as shipped, is not suitable for supporting heavy snow loads.  Sizes range from 10′ x 12′ to 12′ x 25′ and basic kits prices range from $500 for a dog house, to $31,000 for the largest model (you customize doors, windows, etc. and accessorize from there).  Installation and shipping are extra.