Microcosmos

Recently watched this visually stunning and dream-like documentary made in 1996 by French filmmakers.

Feel the need for some beauty and wonder in your life...watch this film.

More journalists killed in Iraq than Vietnam

According to media rights group, Reporters Without Borders, more journalists have been killed in Iraq since the war began in March 2003 than during the 20 years of conflict in Vietnam.

Since U.S. forces and its allies launched their campaign in Iraq on March 20, 2003, 66 journalists and their assistants have been killed, RSF said.

The latest casualty was a Reuters Television soundman who was shot dead in Baghdad on Sunday, while a cameraman with him was wounded and then detained by U.S. soldiers.

The death toll in Iraq compares with a total of 63 journalists in Vietnam, but which was over a period of 20 years from 1955 to 1975, the Paris-based organization that campaigns to protect journalists said on its Web site.

Big Fish

I just finished a book where a 9 yr old girl devoted tremendous energy into catching "old mother," a giant pike that was said to live in the river that ran through her French village. If you caught old mother, you were entitled to make a wish.

This fisherman earned $2,000 for his giant catfish pulled from the Mekong River in Thailand. This is an enormous amount of money in rural Thailand. Big fish - big wish.

Friday Cat Blogging: Riley's Debut

Riley's interests include flower arranging (he is shown in a double tuck after 'arranging' the flowers in the vase until they were suitable), eating, watching birds, lizards, wild turkey & squirrels, napping, playing and film review. Strangely, he's not at all interested in politics.

We saw a great film last night with a performance worthy of mention. If you've seen "Broken Flowers" no doubt you'll recall the character of "Ramon." It takes a talented kitty to steal a scene from Jessica Lange and Bill Murray, and this handsome tabby makes it look easy.

What the world needs now/is another folk singer

I was reminded of this Cracker song when deciding to create a blog. Yeah, the world needs another blogger like a hole in the head. Despite this, I've decided to go forward, and, so, a new blog is born!

Now, I'm reminded of a line from a Paul Simon song: "The planet groans every time it registers another birth ..."