Manta Ray Born in Captivity

A baby Giant Manta ray was born in captivity yesterday at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan. The baby, the first ever in its kind to be born in captivity, stretched out to about 1.9 meters. The picture on the left shows a baby with her father.

This event gives researchers an excellent chance to study and learn more about this rare species.

• Watch the video! (click on the link in the CNN article)
  
• News Release from the Aquarium
  

Music For Relief

Music For Relief is a group of music industry professionals seeking to promote awareness and raise support for those in need. The organization began as a response to Tsunami relief needs by musical group Linkin Park. LP reached out to their musical peers and then to the community, forming Music For Relief. MFR has raised over 2 million dollars for victims of the tsunami and hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Not only does MFR respond to natural disasters, they also seek to bring awareness on global climate issues and the environment.

For more information, visit musicforrelief.org.

A Thought For Flag Day

Artist Spotlight: Lucia Micarelli

I first heard Lucia Micarelli at a Josh Groban concert earlier this year. She accompanied him on "Mi Mancherai". Her stunningly beautiful playing gave me chills. She did a solo cover of one of my favorite songs, "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin.

This artist exhibits a true passion for her craft, and she makes this obvious in every fluid move with the violin. The instrument becomes a part of her, and if you are lucky enough to be in the audience, you can prepare to be amazed.

Find out more about Lucia at her website, and grab a copy of her album, "Music from a Farther Room". Each piece on the album is fantastic, but I especially enjoy "Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody".

"Kashmir":

"Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody":

Five From My Playlist - 06/01/2007

1. "The Story" - Brandi Carlile. Brandi packs a lot of raw emotion into a simple song.


2. "Working Class Hero" - Green Day. This Lennon cover is a feature on Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur. Green Day's interpretation is right on the mark.


3. "First Time" - Lifehouse. This is a group that releases consistently good music.


4. "Wild Is The Wind" - Amel Larrieux. Amel's soothing voice alone makes the whole "Lovely Standards" album a must-have.


5. "Beautiful Flower" - India.Arie. Inspired by a school for girls in Africa, India wrote this song to empower young women.