newcastle nsw au photos, city, port, valley : Goddess Of The Sea

Friday, January 19, 2007

Goddess Of The Sea

Touted as the world's largest private yacht, the Athena, (www.yachtforums.com/forums/royal-huisman-yacht) is here for servicing or repair.

Classic, uber high tech with lovely bowsprit and stern, this is a three masted schooner with gaff rigging and more. The masts are clinical looking but at 61 metres high would need to be indestructible and are a different story under sail.

The movie, Master and Commander or The Far Side of the World, is a successful swashbuckling adventure on the high seas and more, the soundtrack is a real bonus and includes works from Yo Yo Ma and his cello.

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THE future.... restating the obvious at the time of the Copenhagen summit Dec 09

Outstanding films are made about natural history. We know much more about nature than ever before. Every aspect of habitat and biodiversity is demonstrated before us in stunning images.
Yet, it is perverse. Does this influence our reactions to nature? To the global community? Are we influenced towards conservation and towards lessening the pressures on the environment by significant change to our lifestyle. We are interdependent with nature. It is vital. What is the excuse for inaction, for instance, loss of species, for one, would be self-evident to believers and unbelievers of climate change alike.
Who will change the impact of their western lifestyle? It takes much more than doing away with plastic shopping bags!
Perhaps the glossy wildlife films about bounteous and rich, remote environments are really only a form of entertainment and escapism. The reality of our local communities and their stand offs with nature will never be related in our mind with the glamourous nature films nor seen as every bit as vital.
To rehash: Climate, conservation, economy, global warming and sustainability are not separate concerns. An organic approach makes the most sense, nay, is the only valid approach to a combination of challenges.