Hippoworks!

How do we create the next generation of conservationists? Cartoons, of course! Don't we all remember the allure of the animated image? Going on a digital campaign to stop animal extinction, Hippoworks has generated some thought-provoking messages aimed at the pre-tween set while being smart and sassy enough to entertain their parents. And how can you beat the message-- the alarming rate of overdevelopment of natural territory is causing mass extinction of species. Powered by sun, wind and poop, this website is one which practices what it preaches.

Conservation and Disney's Project Green

Olivia with the cast of Camp Rock; far left is Beth Stevens, Disney's Environmental Director; center is Vikki Spruill from the Ocean Conservancy.

Olivia and Jackson were on hand for the filming of a public service announcement for Friends for Change Coastal Clean-Up event and discovered all sorts of hidden trash on the beaches of Tampa. From soggy blankets to torn-up tarps, about 30 burlap garbage bags were filled with garbage.
Disney World has adopted several visible ecofriendly practices: paper straws, lidless drinks, brown paper towels, and an increased recycling program. But what was behind the scenes was even more impressive. The conservation efforts behind Animal Kingdom, from breeding a near-extinct species of kingfishers from Guam to rescuing oil-soaked sea turtles from the Gulf of Mexico, were evidence of a serious committment to the environment on a global scale. One collaborative project included Kenyan farmers, whose crops were being trampled by elephants. The farmers, unable to restrain the elephants, needed to find a way to keep the animals off their property without harming them. Disney scientists were able to discover how an elephant's fear of bees could keep them at bay. By working together, the Kenyan farmers and the scientists were able to create a border of bee hives that not only kept elephants off the farms, but generated a money-making crop of honey. This was just one of the many projects shared with us while we toured their facilities.

Meet the Sea Tuckers!

Plans for the Seatuck fundraiser on September 4th are moving right along with bird postcards arriving and the press releases being sent out. Don't worry though, there's still a week to participate in the open call for artwork. Send your postcard-sized bird images to Seatuck, PO Box 31, Islip, NY 11751.
Meanwhile, the jazz band, aptly named the Sea Tuckers, has been holding weekly rehearsals in my living room-- love that! Every living room should be able to host a nine man band at least once in its life. With musicians Jesse Neuman and Jon Pierra directing, it's been amazing to see how quickly the group pulled itself together and worked through their playlist.
Looking forward to a fun event and to raising money for a great conservation organization.

Sweet Home Alabama

James took these great pictures of the kids while visiting his parents at their camphouse in Tunnel Springs, Alabama this weekend.

Winter Concerts

This past week was full of music. Jackson rocked out at his winter concert and Olivia had a blast playing sax with jazz trumpet player and educator Jesse Neuman at his fundraising concert this Saturday at the Bowery Poetry Club.

Looking to volunteer in Equador to teach his second seminar in music to underprivledged children, Jesse created a fantastic afternoon in his efforts to raise money. With an impressive enemble of seasoned and successful musicians, Jesse brought his student crew of Olivia, Eve, Jordan, and Pauline to the stage. From solos to songstresses, everyone had a hand in making great music and making the dreams of children in Equador possible. If you'd like to support Jesse's program, please check out his site.

At the show I picked up the new CD by trombonist Ryan Keberle called Heavy Dreaming. I have loved Keberle's trombone since the night at Barbes in Brooklyn when my head was a mere inches away from his horn at that very petite venue. Although few jazz bands are led by the trombonist, this CD is a conversation in sound that might change that.