Zephyr Illusions photo by donna October 1992. The view atop Chasseral, Jura Mountains looking across Switzerland to The Alps on the horizon. Fog, intensely thick, rising from Lac Bienne and stretching its fingers high onto the Lignières-Plateau de Diesse after wholly filling the valley below the plateau.

Monday, January 30, 2006

Are We Taking Too Long In Recognizing The Serious Implications Of Global Warming?


Global warming is one of the largest and prevalent environmetal issues that has caught my attention over the years. i think we are already seeing the effects, but yet we, as a world community, are burying our heads in the sand... or melting glacial waters or bitterly cold snow or tropical storm debris, depending upon which region of the world we are living.

Have a look at these articles and their related stories for more details....

In the report's foreword, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair writes that "it is now plain that the emission of greenhouse gases... is causing global warming at a rate that is unsustainable."


Earth - melting in the heat?


Climate: What science can tell us

Global Warming Risks Severe

Saturday, January 21, 2006

'The Day After Tomorrow'?

The extreme winter weather that Russia and eastern and northern Europe is experiencing has been on my mind for the last couple of weeks. Snow, strong wind and frigid temperatures as cold as -33C (-28F) are making for severely harsh living conditions for the citizens inhabiting this part of the world.
Reading these stories about the weather and the harsh conditions it brings makes me think of the science-fiction film 'The Day After Tomorrow' and i cannot help but to believe that we are in the very midst of experiencing the long talked about, albeit controversial, effects of global warming speeding up the advancement of the next Ice Age....

... it may be too late to reverse that which Mother Nature has in store for us, but I send out my sincerest thoughts that those affected by this harsh winter will be able to find a way to stay warm and safe.

Friday, January 06, 2006

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club



My next roadtrip will be a short one to historic Philadelphia in mid-February to hear/see Black Rebel Motorcycle Club play a gig at Theatre for the Living Arts.

Even though Black Rebel Motorcycle Club has been around for a few years and have made a few releases, i've only recently been turned on to them by a friend. B.R.M.C. comprises only 3 guys, but these 3 guys produce a big, a very cool and a rather unique sound... something that i find refreshing in a time when there are so many bands being promoted that only seem to recycle all the same tunes.

B.R.M.C. creatively mixes and blends an Alternative electric vibe with an acoustic Folk-cum-Rock sound, sometimes throwing a little bit of an Industrial edge into the mix. an added bonus is good meaningful lyrics. this may sound chaotic, but somehow B.R.M.C. manages to capture and harness the energy of chaos and produce songs that make musical sense and throw you only a little bit off balance... and, sometimes, being a little bit off balance puts a new and exciting spin on life.
and, i dig it when music adds a new exciting spin to life :)

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's latest album, 'Howl', is characterized by strong rhythmic acoustic guitar with a hard raw edge punctuated with harmonica laid over an even foundation of solid drumming. if i were to relate 'Howl's' sound to other musicians, i'd say the overall vibe is like Bob Dylan-meets-The Dandy Warhols.

you can hear some songs from 'Howl' here. [you'll need Real Player]

Monday, January 02, 2006

Most Incredible German Production Facility








Wow... this has to be one of the most beautiful and cleanest production plants to be found! not only is the architecture of the buildings aesthetically pleasing, the facility is impeccably clean and bright. check out these photos and text describing the Volkswagen Phaeton factory in Dresden, Germany.
amazing!

hehee, almost makes me wanna go into debt just to own a Phaeton rather than my dream car... '80's era blue Volvo stationwagen with roof rack :D

Sunday, January 01, 2006

Starburst of Colors










Soaring through the sky
Feeling at peace
On a natural high
She watches clouds of doubt
And grief fading away,
Disappearing,
Into the bright sunlight

The last stormy raindrops
Wash softly over her face
No longer stinging,
No longer drowning,
In a well of despair
But floating ever higher,
And higher,
Into the crystal clear air

Deep visions of darkness
Long held closed inside
Escape through awaking eyes
Now wide open,
Blinded no longer,
Embraced,
In a starburst of colors
Riding the arc of the rainbow
Over,
Beyond the horizon
Into the radiance
The new day’s fresh glow

Soaring ever higher,
And higher,
Sleeping senses awaken
From the frozen winter ashes
Thoughts and memories
Of times shared
Melt over her like warm honey,
No longer bitter, but sweet,
Fragrant as lilac and lavender
Adrift on the summer breeze

Love not to be forgotten
Not to be discarded,
Never disregarded,
Fills her once empty soul
With the brilliance of
Long lost buried treasure
Newly rediscovered,
Shining bright,
Not tarnished,
In shimmering light

Flying through the sky
Feeling so content
Floating free and happy
Among the stars
Over the moon, past the sun
Thoughts become the music
Words are the song
Her heart filled with peace
Soaring ever higher,
And higher,
Into a starburst of colors