Bald Eagle Comeback

After thirty years of intense conservation efforts, the US national bird soars off the endangered species list. Scientists estimate that there are now 9,789 breeding pairs of Bald Eagles.

Scientists blame the dwindling population in the 1970s on hunting, habitat destruction and food contamination.

While the removal is a tremendous victory for conservation, the bald eagle's habitat will no longer be protected.

For the next five years, the species will be closely monitored to insure it continues to thrive.

More info:

• American Bald Eagle Information
• Red List of Threatened Species
• Help Save Endangered Wildlife (WWF)
• Endangered Species Act (US Fish & Wildlife Service)

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.

Discovery & PlanetGreen!

Discovery Channel announced a rebranding of the "Discovery Home" network, creating the first all-green channel! The movement, titled PlanetGreen will bring environmental issues to the limelight, and will provide ideas and information on living the Green Life!

Here is the Press Release.

Junk Your Junk Mail

For a $15 one-time fee, you can stop your junk mail. greendimes will do all the work involved to get your name off of the mailing list for dozens of direct marketers. They will create an online account for you so you can set your catalog screening options.

The numbers at the right were taken as of publishing this, but go to their site to see the constantly increasing savings!

Artist Spotlight: Jon McLaughlin

"After all, we're only human
Always fighting what we're feeling
Hurt instead of healing
After all we're only human
Is there any other reason
Why we stay instead of leaving
After all"

So goes the refrain of the beautifully poignant "Human" by Jon McLaughlin, a talented singer/pianist from Indiana.

Be sure to grab a copy of his amazing new album "Indiana". Highlights are "Human", "Indiana" and "Beautiful Disaster".

Five From My Playlist - 05/01/2007

1. "If Everyone Cared" - Nickelback. Outstanding lyrics. Example - " And as we lie beneath the stars / We realize how small we are / If they could love like you and me / Imagine what the world could be". If you have not seen the video - check it out - the statistics pointed out are staggering.


2. "What I've Done" - Linkin Park. A song of taking responsibilities for one's own actions. Another world-changing concept.


3. "Nothing Left to Lose" - Mat Kearney. Great song for a care-free summer.


4. "Stolen" - Dashboard Confessional. DC's Chris Carrabba has a voice like butter, and this song showcases it.


5. "Boston" - Augustana. A lovely song with a lovely piano part.