This past Wednesday I went to a lecture on China by Orville Schell who is a guru on everything China. What is happening in China is so very interesting and will undoubtedly affect us all.

Some facts I jotted down from the lecture.

- China and USA have an unstable and strange relationship.

- China sells North America tons of 'stuff' that we need, and in this way the USA is empowering Chinese economy and making China wealthy. China then uses money from USA to buy US Treasury Bills, giving China some big influence in US economy. China recently threatened to shift it's investments into Europe, which would have a significant effect on US economy. This threat was seen as somewhat empty since relationship between US and China mutually beneficial and they are very much codependent. But this codependency does not exclude such events from happening, if in the future the US economy seemed no longer economically viable to China.

- China is running out of natural resources, like everyone else. Glaciers in Tibet are melting which means China will have no fresh water source in the future. To cope China is working to re-plomb the whole country with aqueducts.

- China is polluted from so much industrialization and economic growth, much of this pollution travels by air to North America. Often in China the sun isn't visible for weeks on end. China's economic growth is measured at 11%/yr versus US 2-3%.

- 70% of China's energy comes from coal (50% in USA). 1-2 new conventional coal power plants are built every week! Coal is huge contributor to greenhouse gases, and thus China is a major contributor to global warming.

- If China and USA don't sign Kyoto and fight to combat climate change, other nations efforts will make very little difference. These two big players must be on board to make any real change.

These guys saved me a ton of work by getting this up online! If you have the time, please take the time to watch the lecture! It gets really good once you get into it.

Click Here: Steve Running: Five Stages of Climate Grief

peace,
d

So I'm sitting here trying to edit some new vids and write a blog.. and I'm being bombarded by amazing content. Here's some from Grant in Spain, I've always had a love for James Lovelock, until I once saw him promoting nuclear power as the only way forward. I dunno if that's still his stance, and I still love him anyway since I agree with the original Gaia Hypothesis. Anyway, article attached below Grant's intro email, peace,d
_________
Dan, here is a great article for you. James Lovelock, if you don't know already is one of the most renown earth scientists on the planet and is the father of the Gaia Hypothesis, that the earth's biosphere functions like a living organism, with positive and negative feedback mechanisms. His outlook is big time doomsday, but he could just be right... notably he says, we shouldn't be talking about sustainable development, but rather, sustainable retreat. He thinks we are past the point of no return and we are fucked as a civilization. He predicts something like 6 billion deaths in the next 40 years... sobering to say the least. After all, the earth will be just fine without us... it has been for 4.6 billion years. His latest book pits the earth against mankind (indeed all life) in Revenge of Gaia.

Peace,
Grant

PS. I forgot to mention the stark irony in the advertising below the picture of Dr. Lovelock. funny...
Click HERE for article

This is the second time I've posted this quote, but the question I've been asking myself is, if the quote is right, why do we all keep listening to the money talk.

“When all the trees have been cut down,
when all the animals have been hunted,
when all the waters are polluted,
when all the air is unsafe to breathe,
only then will you discover you cannot eat money.”

--Cree prophecy

Click Below for the Article.
Global Warming: The Rich Opt Out

Thanks for the email Ken,
peace,
d

So yesterday I went to Steven Running's lecture on Global Warming. Professor Steven Running received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The people of the University were great in letting me capture the entire lecture on video, my audio patched directly into the university sound board. I'll have a video made up of lecture fragments up here soon.

The overwhelming sense I got from the lecture is... our world is falling to pieces. This sense has left me ruminating on thoughts of impermanence. Everything around us impermanent so why bother trying to hold on? Well as much as we ARE holding onto consumer habits, oil and gas depletion, and the resulting comfort zone, We ARE NOT holding onto the very thing that sustains us, we are not holding onto biological diversity, our ecosystems, clean water, clear air, you know the rant.. I've said it all before. So again it's paradoxical, while we need to let go to hold on, our current letting go of traditional knowledge and environmental consciousness and a willingness to be innovative instead of being comfortable is shattering our world.

I'm not a scientist, and I have huge issues with science and the compartmentalization of knowledge in a holistic universe, but that being said, I can't throw the obvious out the window. Throughout Professor Running's presentation the science is clear, and the evidence isn't based on single studies, but independent studies of independent natural systems. It's not just the glaciers that are telling us our climate is shifting, it's the oceans, the northern and southern ice packs, the rivers, the forests, and everything in between.

Now, I'm not making a film about global warming, I think global warming may be a moot point, but I AM interested in human behavior and how we are subject to nature's ebb and flow. I think our willingness to adapt is key to our survival, but what I don't see in this day and age, are those very important survival instincts at play. Regardless of the facts surrounding Global warming, we are not taking action. And we are not taking action on a number of fronts, forget the big picture, as a whole, we are not reversing trends of bottled water, we are not looking at our consumption rates, we are not taking control of our governments, we are basically just being complicit and letting go; letting someone else worry about it.

Newsflash: The powers that be, are more concerned with who is going to get through the upcoming mess alive, not in working together as a global community to find the necessary solutions. Hence documentation from the Pentagon within Steven's talk, citing Global Warming as a threat to national security.

I would propose that if all of us don't get out alive, none of us do. It's all or nothing. Everything and everyone is simply too interconnected.

At the beginning of Steven's talk he mentions Montana and the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, and how it left Montana covered in ash, but what most people at the time didn't notice is, only twelve days later, another layer of ash appeared. Well scientists like Steven were running trace experiments at the time and the conclusion was, it took only twelve days for that ash/air to circle the globe. Therefore what occurs in Iraq, Canada, the Arctic, or anywhere else on the globe may just affects us all. But maybe this isn't always apparent as we speed down the highway listening to Rush Limbaugh.

I heard this story recently, told to me by Narcisse Blood. Recently Yellowstone National Park reintroduced wolves into the landscape, and while there are innumerable impacts caused by this human intervention, the one that Narcisse spoke to was in relation to elk and their drinking habits. Before the wolves the elk would stand around in the rivers and streams, often along the banks, trampling plant life underfoot and thus causing significant erosion issues. Now, with the wolves back on the landscape, the elk only spend enough time near the river to get the drink they need, and then it's back into the dense bush. Thus the wolves have affected the elk, and in turn the plants along the river banks have returned; the erosion problems solved.

Anyways, I find all this quite obvious, as is the fact that we don't really seem to care, or have the impetus to change the patterns detrimental to our very existence. The scary part of the lecture, is not Global Warming.. what is scary is to see the predictions of what is to occur if we do nothing at all. Professor Running points to the high end of a climate change graph, "Here is where we end up if we continue with business as usual, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change chose not to comment on that science, because frankly, we don't even know if the biosphere will be able to function at all by this stage."

peace,
d

1.Missoula Hunter bringing back fond memories of the Northwest Territories.
2,3,4. Early Mornings with Mr. Jack Frost

First things first, some music for you people given to me by my new friend Paula who kinda showed Moses and I the Missoula L Hiking Trail. After talking about the project Paula insisted I give this song a listen... it's very appropriate in relation to my journey.

The song is Society from the Into the Wild Film Soundtrack, Music by Eddie Vedder.. Damn I love it!
08%20Track%2008.mp3

So crossed the US/Canada border safe n sound. They took an eagle feather from me, which was given to me by a guy at the Sun Dance this past August. Eagles are an endangered species and unless your Native American it is illegal to carry them across international borders. I knew this, but when I asked Grandma Rosie about it.. she told me to take it, since it was a gift for me, and eagles don't understand human-made borders anyway. So this is what I told them, but at the same time I understand the need to curb international eagle hunting for shady trade.

Anyways it's only one eagle feather, and it happens sometimes that a sacred natural laws doesn't always work in unison with those created by us humans. But it's not about creating negatives, so I put down some tobacco as instructed by Rosie, so no harm comes to those who know not what they do.
___

Coming across the US border the first thing that strikes me, aside from the anxiety of being in a different country, is how similar we are. Like the eagle, I don't feel I've really crossed any border at all. Whether this speaks to the land, or whether this speaks to the success of the capitalist monocultural machine, I'm not quite sure... but aside from some different signs, a different flag, and the fact that I have no idea how far I've gone, how fast I'm going, or how much diesel I'm getting at the pumps, it's pretty much uniform with where I've come from.

Pushed on by anxiety and a need to get as far away from customs as I can, in case they have delayed notions of searching the rest of my van, I put some serious miles on Veronica. She carries Moses and I down through the sunset in Browning and into the cold of the mountains. We sleep that first night in the frigid cold of East Glacier where we find a nice girl Molly at a corner store and a friendly fellow named Joe with amazing fries next door. After some chit chat and no real leads, we head to bed, me deep in my sleeping bag, Moses at my feet, not a care in the world, the husky in him happy as a lark.

Then we're off and running.. down to Missoula where we've been ever since. It's cold here, and from what people tell me, it'll be cold for a long way south too. So I'm thinking I might as well get used to it and adapt. I wake up in the mornings reaching out of my sleeping bag to run a finger across the window... ooooohhhh brrrrr as the frost slip until my nails. Sometimes we're lucky and Veronica starts after a few unconvincing overturns, then it's back in the bag until the air warms inside. Other times we're not so lucky, and I have to get dressed, shaking and shivering, and head outside, onto the roof, start the generator, plug in the block heater, plug in the battery charger, and then go walk the dog in circles trying to stay warm until she's ready. It's a rough life, but beautiful in its challenges and in it's ability to make you appreciate modern comforts. And if I'm right in this idea that our world is headed towards a serious shift, then, there's one thing we better all get used to, being a little colder and less comfortable than we currently are.

It may be cold here in Missoula, but the people are warm. I love this place already. Aside from walks up to the L with Paula, I was also invited to US Thanksgiving Dinner with two other new friends Dan and Kit. Moses leads me to these people when we're out walking and in that sense he's my guide dog.

In speaking with Dan about my work, he made one comment that left a deep mark on me. He said, "Well you have to think about it, we know we're in trouble and even we are having an awfully hard time not being complicit. And I think we're the minority, most other people aren't all that concerned, they're only worried with making the next dollar and buying more toys." I think Dan's right, and I think like him, we should take it all smiling, no point in letting it ruin your life, you can still make changes, but fear, doom and gloom gets us nowhere. And like he also said quoting his mother, "It's always been bad, it was bad in the 30's, it was bad in the 60's, it's always 'bad' but we find a way to muddle through!"

Me I'm not so sure we'll find our way through this time, but it's ok, as there's always an upside to every down.

peace,
d

Pictures
1. The Road to Missoula
2. Old Rail Bridge in Missoula
3. What can I say.. I have a thing for building bridges ;-)

I don't necessarily agree with the way it's done, but the content is dead-on!

It will 'cost' you seven minutes of your time, but it might save much more in terms of awareness.

Watch it!

peace
d

Click Here: The True Cost of Food

A friend of mine Mike Judd on CBC Radio. Mike and Friends of Mount Bacchus are fighting Sour Gas mining in the Southern Rockies. I stand behind Mike and hope to make a future documentary on the subject of Sour Gas in Southern Alberta!

Peace,
d

Mike%20Judd%20Interiew%20Nov%2021%20%2707.mp3

Funny how sometimes pictures just don't come out right.. like this opening shot of Morris. I can't get it to upload and be clear.. weird.
peace,
d

Go see this film! Period.

LIONS for LAMBS

Everything runs full circle...

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit a large Sun Dial just northwest of Iron Springs, Alberta. I spent the beginning of my visit with Narcisse Blood and his students from Red Crow College, then stayed behind afterwards to spend some time with the place itself.

(Pic: Powerlines with Sun Dial rock cairn atop hill in distance)

Believe it or not, there is a feeling to this place.. a feeling a can't quite explain.. a presence. I decided to do as my guide had recommended to take a walk down to the Little Bow River flowing close by. As I walked down through the ravine that led to the river, Moses caught sight of something up ahead, then in a flash he was gone, deaf to my protests. Up ahead an immense buck bounded up the hillside out of view, dog racing afterwards.

Pissed at my pup and his deep-rooted chase instincts I decided to carry on without any effort to bring him back. I let go of my fear of some rancher shooting him, or perhaps the buck turning back and giving him a taste of it's massive antlers.

I traveled down to the river bottom, shot some footage, and still ten minutes later, no sign of Moses. I took my time heading back up the incline to the sun dial and the van. Upon arriving back to the field, I could see and hear off in the distance, at the base of the sun dial hill, a dog pacing, searching, and crying. A good lesson, I thought to myself as I trod along, stay close. Then I saw him.. a large coyote between me and my destination, then... what's this... beyond the coyote, there are two dogs up there circling the van, pacing and searching... shit... what's going on...

A fear of unknowing confusion came over me... is he alright.. did he get attacked by other dogs.. is one of them him...?

The coyote, seeing me, moved off to the right down into a coulee, and then... again there was only one dog. I blinked trying to visually close the distance.

As I got closer, there was only Moses up there, but I could have sworn...

When we had first arrived with Narcisse that morning, he had told us, 'This is Sun Dial, we don't have a name for it, since our people have only recently returned to this site."

Not being from here, and being non-native, I have no claim and only a limited connection to this place of power... but to me.. it will always be known as the Two Dogs Sun Dial...

peace,
d

I've been delayed in my plans to head into the U.S. by an opportunity to have an on-camera dialog with Narcisse Blood. And Narcisse has asked if he may interview me for his research into ideas of Place and Placelessness.

Friday, November 9, 2007
Location: Farm 4, Blood Reservation

The past twenty-four hours have been hard on me. My stay at the Littlewolf Ranch on the Peigan Reservation lasted slightly longer than originally anticipated: just over ten months. I had gone there for a sweat and to interview an elder, but now I realize I was there for much more.

A few months back I finally did an interview with Morris, but afterwards, a realization overtook me. I told him, “Although I originally came here for an interview, I’m realizing now that this part of my journey isn’t about my film, it’s about my own personal growth and finding my place in all things, it’s about you and I, and our relationship.”

Of course, my growth as an individual greatly informs my project, every experience along this journey becomes deep background or perhaps narration if appropriate to the overall work. Everything I am is also in some way the project itself, the project a mirror for me, and hopefully, in time, for others.

I’m finally learning what it means to not worry about capturing everything on film. I’m learning that everything I’ve been through is embedded in my being. All of this informs the storyteller and helps me to create something quite extraordinary.

As I struggle back into a wheeled life of no running water, a frugal diet, and early morning dog walks, I thinking that’s it exactly, although this is difficult, it’s also quite extraordinary. And the nature of the process is changing the way I see the world, now again, it about the project as it takes me out of the comfort zone.

I believe this life as a drifter, somehow does hold some profound answers.

As I travel southwards, stopping to do interviews or to capture reality as it unfolds before me, there is only one thing I can do…

… continue Searching for Dragons, and have faith that if I don’t find them, they will certainly find me.

peace,
d

... has dug it's claws into me.

Now as I leave, I feel like a pierced Sun Dancer preparing to tear myself free.

A part of my spirit will live here for the rest of time.

I'm so grateful for everything and everyone.

I will be back before you know it.

I love this place far too much.




Picture: Me, Morris, Allen (Warrior & Baldy)
___________________________________________________________________
I'm back out on the road living in the van. Both Moses and I are working hard at adjusting. It's only been a few hours and I don't really feel like writing.

Tomorrow I'll head south to Standoff to sit with the old lady.

After a few interviews/days I'll be heading down through Cardston and across the border into Babb and Browning.

Into the United States.

peace,
d

1. Brrrr, time to get moving.
2. Morning with Moses.

Every once in a while Canadians have a chance to directly influence the course of our country's history in a concrete and meaningful way.

We are being asked to help determine the fate of a far away and unbelievably beautiful swath of wilderness deep in the mountains of the Northwest Territories -- the great Nahanni.

At the heart of this wilderness lies Nahanni National Park, a place so special it was designated by the United Nations as the very first World Heritage Site in 1978. The park protects a corridor along the South Nahanni River at the heart of this wilderness, but is too small and narrow to secure the region's wildlife, water and limestone caves and canyons from encroaching development.

I know that the Nahanni strikes a chord among the many outdoor enthusiasts who live in the Ottawa area. Public presentations on the Nahanni that I have attended in this city have consistently been sold out, and the enthusiasm for the place has been infectious. Many local wilderness lovers -- paddlers, photographers or hikers -- have been touched by a trip to the Nahanni or dream of a future pilgrimage to this iconic wild place.

Tonight, Parks Canada is hosting a public meeting in Ottawa to consult residents of this region on the Nahanni's future. The essence of what we are being asked to consider is this: should the Harper government take the visionary step of protecting the entire South Nahanni watershed in the expanded Nahanni National Park, thus securing clean water, healthy populations of grizzly bear and woodland caribou, globally significant limestone caves and canyons, and one of the last great wild watersheds in the world? Or should they compromise and leave parts of the watershed open to mining development and its long-term environmental impacts?

I vote for the visionary option. I hope residents who care about this place will take a minute to let our government know how they feel. Parks Canada's public consultation meeting on the new Nahanni Park boundary is tonight at the Ottawa Public Library main branch, 120 Metcalfe St. between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., with a presentation scheduled for 7 p.m.

This is one chance we have to influence the course of history. Visit the website at www.cpaws.org/nahanni to learn where to voice your opinion.

Alison Woodley,
Ottawa
Northern Program Manager
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

Why the fuel crisis we're heading towards is no laughing matter with few simple solutions. Another example of how we have to remember that EVERYTHING is CONNECTED.
peace,
d

Biofuels 'crime against humanity'
By Grant Ferrett
BBC News

Food prices have risen as more land is used to produce biofuels A United Nations expert has condemned the growing use of crops to produce biofuels as a replacement for petrol as a crime against humanity.

The UN special rapporteur on the right to food, Jean Ziegler, said he feared biofuels would bring more hunger.

The growth in the production of biofuels has helped to push the price of some crops to record levels.

Mr Ziegler's remarks, made at the UN headquarters in New York, are clearly designed to grab attention.

He complained of an ill-conceived dash to convert foodstuffs such as maize and sugar into fuel, which created a recipe for disaster.

Food price rises
It was, he said, a crime against humanity to divert arable land to the production of crops which are then burned for fuel.

He called for a five-year ban on the practice.

Within that time, according to Mr Ziegler, technological advances would enable the use of agricultural waste, such as corn cobs and banana leaves, rather than crops themselves to produce fuel.

The growth in the production of biofuels has been driven, in part, by the desire to find less environmentally-damaging alternatives to oil.

The United States is also keen to reduce its reliance on oil imported from politically unstable regions.

But the trend has contributed to a sharp rise in food prices as farmers, particularly in the US, switch production from wheat and soya to corn, which is then turned into ethanol.

Mr Ziegler is not alone in warning of the problem.

The IMF last week voiced concern that the increasing global reliance on grain as a source of fuel could have serious implications for the world's poor.

With the rise of the Canadian dollar, I can't help but think back to my interview with Andrew Nikiforuk and his predictions of Canada becoming a Petrol State governed by the laws of petropolitics.

I was watching the news yesterday and was not too surprised to see an economic celebration at the state of our currency. "Christmas is coming!" they declared, "and spending should be up 4% in Alberta and BC."

What bothers me is no one is asking the important questions of how all this spending is contributing to pollution, environmental degradation, and global warming. On one hand the media is saying "We're in BIG TROUBLE" while on the other hand, it's business as usual.

Like CNN in the last few weeks.. running the series "PLANET IN PERIL" which is focusing on how our planet is essentially deathly ill... then during the breaks, they run commercials for luxury sedans, SUV's, and materialistic junk...

HELLO? Is anybody home...?

In the wake of this blissed out Canadian consumer craze, I have to say, I'm a little pessimistic regarding our future.

peace,
d

James P. Carse's six year-old son ponders geese migrations.
peace,
d