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Whales, Pirates, and other Sea-worthy Matters
A couple blog entries ago, I had linked an article about a rise of toxic algae along the California coast that was threatening sea life. And now it seems two very large denizens are out to prove that point, traveling to within a couple miles of where I live. For those who don't know, I live in Sacramento... which lies about a hundred miles inland from the coast. And as I'm sure many people DO know (considering the media coverage), we have a couple visitors in Sacramento this past week: two humpback whales, a mother and a calf. And while it is all strange and exotic and amusing (except to the whales, I'm sure), I think the event does deserve a counterpoint.
As the article linked previously describes and is also related in this summer's book, our oceans are rapidly "devolving" into primordial seas (of toxic algae, poisonous slimes, and stinging jellyfish). As we continue to screw up the oceans, is it any wonder that we're seeing a rapidly escalating number of beachings of whales and dolphins around the world? Case in point here in Sacramento, as the seas sicken, migratory patterns and navigation are becoming compromised in these largest of sea-faring mammals. And while it might all seem a novelty to have these visiting whales, it's also once again an alarm bell for the health of our seas. And let's hope we can hear that alarm bell through the blitz and glitz of media attention.
Okay, enough sturm und drang, and onto more frivolous matters. I spent last weekend down in Los Angeles attending the World Premiere of the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. I joined a friend of mine, Carolyn McCray, for the festivities. Having never done this before, it was strange to walk down the red carpet. The carpet extended down Main Street and circled in front of Cinderella's castle. To either side, it was PACKED with people at the ropes and in stadium seating. Reporters from all around the world flashed and hollered questions. Massive cameras swung overhead on dolleys. And then there was Carolyn and I strolling down the carpet, dodging celebrities, while people called out to see if we were anybody important (which we were not...still that didn't stop me from demanding that the paparazzi stop taking my picture). And speaking of pictures, there does exist a picture of me wearing Mickey Pirate hat (may it never see the light of day...ahem, Carolyn).
But more than anything, it was also cool to have the park to ourselves. The rides were all empty. We rode the Indiana Jones ride three times in a row without getting off (and had the car all to ourselves). All the concession snacks (churros, sodas, cotton candy, ice cream) were free. There's something both strangely liberating and illicit to step up to a Disney ice cream trolley, open the freezer door yourself, grab an ice cream cone, and stroll away.
As to the movie itself, it was projected onto a giant outdoor screen over Tom Sawyer's landing. It came with a whole pre-show, including an orchestra and a parade of the the cast and production people. But the most spectacular event was the fireworks in the sky as the credits rolled. Now THAT was magical.
As to the movie itself: flawed but a great deal of fun!
So that pretty much was my week: whales and pirates.
Also just a reminder, BLACK ORDER comes out in paperback this Tuesday (May 29th)!~
all the best,
Jim
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