#toronto outdoor picture show

[sarahtran]

Toronto Outdoor Picture Show, July 5th 2022. Toronto, ON.

Photographed by Sarah Tran.

#toronto outdoor picture show #tops 2022 #sarah tran #event photography #photography #outdoor movie #drive in theatre #drive in movie #picnic #summer #street photography #christie pits park #toronto #toronto photography

[dandelionrevolution]

Good News - March 8-14, 2024

Like these weekly compilations? Support me on Ko-fi! Also, if you tip me on here or Ko-fi, at the end of the month I’ll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn’t use each week - almost double the content! (I’m new to taking tips on here; if it doesn’t show me your username or if you have DM’s turned off, please send me a screenshot of your payment)

1. Colorado could bring back wolverines in an unprecedented rewilding effort

2. heat pumps slash emissions even if powered by a dirty grid

“Installing a heat pump now is better for the climate, even if you run it on U.S. electricity generated mostly by fossil fuels. […] Across the 48 continental states, RMI found that replacing a gas furnace with an efficient heat pump saves emissions not only cumulatively across the appliance’s lifetime, but also in the very first year it’s installed.”

3. Bald eagles seen nesting in Toronto for first time in city’s recorded history

“Presence of birds proof of improving health of city’s green spaces, as they are highly sensitive to environmental disturbances”

4. Good news for coral reef restoration efforts: Study finds 'full recovery' of reef growth within four years

“"We found that restored coral reefs can grow at the same speed as healthy coral reefs just four years after coral transplantation," says Ines Lange of University of Exeter, UK. "This means that they provide lots of habitat for marine life and efficiently protect the adjacent island from wave energy and erosion."”

5. The rewilding project bringing back an ancient breed of cattle to Portugal

“For millennia, grazing aurochs created open spaces for other species to thrive. As the closest to the extinct auroch depicted on the prehistoric engravings, Goderie says tauros can fulfil [sic] a similar ecological function that is vital for biodiversity. "Natural grazing will lead to more natural processes that are missing from local ecosystems, more habitats and more biodiversity," he says.”

6. Sycamore Gap: New life springs from rescued tree

“The horticulturalists also successfully planted seeds from the Sycamore Gap tree, now its descendants. Five months on, they are looking after nine surviving grafted plants and 40-50 seedlings.”

7. Massachusetts library will excuse overdue book charges in exchange for cat photos: ‘Feline Fee Forgiveness’

““Some of the staff were in a meeting and they were coming up with ways to bring people back to the library, and they thought, ‘What if we removed as many barriers as possible and told people they could show us a picture of a cat, draw a picture of a cat or just tell us about a cat?'””

8. Lesbian couple give birth to each other’s baby in UK first

“Their success marks the first time the procedure – which allows lesbian parents to simultaneously share in the pregnancy process, with one supplying eggs and the other carrying the baby – has been carried out in the UK.”

9. Biden-Harris administration has established four new units in the National Wildlife Refuge System

“The new four-million-acre conservation area will provide crucial protected wildlife corridors, enhance outdoor recreation access to the public and bolster climate resilience in southwest Florida.”

10. New truck front to save lives

“[B]etter truck designs can reduce passenger car compartment deformations by 30-60 percent, which reduces the risk of injury for the car occupants. Deformation of the truck was also reduced in sensitive areas and improved truck driver safety and cargo security.”

March 1-7 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

#hopepunk #good news #bald eagle #eagles #trees #sycamore gap #aurochs #portugal #cattle #heat pump installation #wolverine #colorado #coral reef #library #cats #lgbtqia #lgbtq #ivf #florida #puma #cougar #wildlife #habitat restoration #trucks #safety #animals #ecology #tauros #rewilding #uk

[tbkenvs3000w24]

My Relationship with Nature 

Hi, I am Tess, a third-year Environmental Science Co-op student at the University of Guelph. Welcome to my first post on my nature interpretation blog where I hope to share my ever-growing love of nature and opinions on environmental suitability.  

I would describe my relationship with nature to be one of respect, curiosity, and love. Being outdoors, whether I am at my Muskoka cottage, hiking a new trail or simply sitting in my backyard brings me a sense of peace that I do not find anywhere else. When I am in nature, I allow myself to slow down and take time to be present with my surroundings by admiring the landscape and listening to the sound of leaves rustling, water flowing and the animals in the distance.  

Photograph I took at my cottage located on Six Mile Lake in Muskoka, Ontario. The evening was cold and windy, but the sunset was beautiful. 

My love for nature stems from my access to the outdoors as a child. I am incredibly lucky to have built positive experiences outdoors through having access to nature, recognizing this as a privilege not everyone has as a child. My favourite memories come from my family cottage, camping trips, the numerous trails in my hometown and hours of watching Animal Planet growing up. I spent hours playing outside with my sisters chasing butterflies, catching frogs, swimming in the lake at our cottage and walking through the woods. These experiences as a child have fostered my appreciation and curiosity for nature and our environment.  

A picture I took of Eramosa River from the top of a cliff during a hike at Rockwood Conservation Area just outside of Guelph. 

My sense of place in nature comes from my parent's exposing me to the outdoors from an early age. My parents took my sisters and me out on the water at our cottage, where they showed us around the lake, taking us into swamps to see loons, swans, frogs, turtles, fish and more. They taught us the landmarks on the water and the history of different cottages on the lake. They helped build my knowledge of the place where we spent our summers. Also, my mom and dad took us camping and hiking in many Ontario Provincial Parks. showing us the beautiful landscape our province has to offer. My mom shared her knowledge of plants and birds with me allowing me to recognize distinct species. The opportunities my parents gave me in natural areas built my positive relationship with the environment and gave me a sense of place. 

This is a picture of the Uxbridge Brook I took last summer while on a hike in my hometown, Uxbridge, Ontario, with my mom and sister.

As I got older and started to pay attention to environmental issues, my general fascination with nature shifted to focus on problems such as climate change, pollution, and species at risk. The foundational experiences I had as a child in nature helped fuel my want to help protect our natural world. I moved away from being someone who simply enjoyed nature to someone who tries to conserve it. This is one of the main reasons I decided to study environmental science at the University of Guelph. Through my schooling, I have further developed my love for nature and sense of place while building tools that will help me pursue a career working to solve environmental problems.  

Snowshoe race at the Etobicoke Outdoor Education Centre.

Through co-op, I worked as an outdoor education intern with the Toronto District School Board at the Etobicoke Outdoor Education Centre. Here, I worked with students with varying levels of experience outdoors and interests. Through this four-month position, I helped provide hundreds of students from the city the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities such as biodiversity hikes, night hikes, winter activities and outdoor games while teaching them about sustainability. Here, I used my personal love for nature and knowledge from my program to help children develop connections with nature. 

A photograph I took at my Cottage in February a few years ago.

I look forward to further exploring the natural world in diverse ways and sharing these experiences with others throughout this course. 

[seraphic-sapphic-safehaven]

"We had been dating for five and a half years on our wedding day. Like many queers in the 2010s, we met on OkCupid. Our first date was at a bowling alley/arcade in London, Ontario, where Emily was going to university. Tarisa Gabe was studying in Toronto, so the first stage of the relationship was long-distance. After going on a few dates to the movies, miniature golf, and craft fairs, we officially started dating in December 2015 – and the rest is history."

"We always planned on an outdoor wedding, which meant that the week leading up to the big day was spent freaking out about the weather. It was supposed to be stormy and rainy on our wedding day, and we initially set up for the ceremony inside the winery since it was overcast in the morning. However, while we were getting ready, the weather took a turn. The forecast showed clear skies for the rest of the day, which led to us texting our family at the winery to move everything outside a couple of hours before the ceremony began. By the time we walked down the aisle, it was a beautiful, sunny day. Everything fell into place perfectly after that."

"We have been through a lot throughout our relationship. We have been to far too many funerals together, and yet the first wedding we ever attended together was our own! We’ve navigated long-distance, grief, questioning gender, house fires, floods, and career burnout. It simply felt right for us to celebrate our incredible love with a lifelong commitment to each other in front of our favorite people.

There are a lot more challenges the world can throw at us, but we know we’ll always have each other." 💛

Check out the blog for more pictures of this beautiful couple!

Venue by Small Talk Vineyards in Ontario, Canada

Photography by Cara Chapman Photography

#lgbtq positivity #sapphic positivity #wlw wedding #gay wedding #gay marriage #lgbtq+ #sapphic #wlw #wlw positivity #my posts

[clairehadenough]

No this is her excuse:

“SO . based on his HAIR in the commercial where he's driving the thing , and the outdoor scenery showing some Toronto shots , It's likely he filmed this above part in Toronto, which we know Gully/Ilaria were there the weekend before NYCC , then we see his pictures on the "stool" and his hair is much darker and fuller, so its likely the Stool was filmed in a studio Around Seattle con. And since the photographer who shot the stool moments and the talking video said "Recently" it's more likely that part, was end of February . “

🤦🏻‍♀️

there is no way in hell she is for real 😂😂😂😂😂

[lantern-hill]

the toronto outdoor picture show @ fort york

#film tag #film photography #35mm

[thiswaycomessomethingwicked]

I showed my family pictures of Watson the cat, and now they're convinced that she's actually related to my cat Caroline. They want to know how old Watson is and where she was found. 😂 Also how big she is. My cat's like over 7-8 kg and they want to know if they're around the same size.

Hahahaha they’re spiritually related!

Watson is roughly 7 years old and perhaps 4-5 kilos, so quite a bit smaller! She’s generally petit and only having three legs doesn’t help. (The vet also recommends her staying at her current weight as tripods are prone to arthritis.)

I rescued her three years ago at the Toronto humane society. I don’t know where her previous family was located, but I believe it was somewhere in the GTA.

They had declawed the poor lady, because they’re monsters, and then let her be an outdoor cat. She somehow broke her leg and they didn’t notice until it was too late to save it. When the vet told them the amputation price they surrendered her to the humane society who paid for it. I got her maybe two months later.

I personally wish bad things upon her original family and they clearly don’t deserve to have animals.

So that is Watson’s story in short! Now days she likes to explore the condo hallway (she’s a neighbourhood favourite—and by naighbourhood I mean my floor on the building), sit on my stomach and rumble her little purr machine, chomp my ankles at 3am when I go to the bathroom, chase the gay pride mice a friend of mine bought her, and scream at me when I’m not playing “chase the feathered snake toy” with her.

Her festive activities include sitting under the Christmas tree and pretending to be a fierce tiger or something, getting high on nip and looking at Christmas lights, and dunking her face into the homemade eggnog.

❤️❤️ I hope Caroline is doing well and living her best Holiday season self!

#cats #reply #ask #cat cat cat #watson the cat

[mediatrucksinc]

Understanding the Dynamic Impact of Digital Mobile Billboard Truck in Toronto ON

Change is nothing new to Toronto's streets, particularly when it comes to advertising. Digital mobile billboard trucks have just been added to the cityscape, adding a vibrant touch. These moving billboards give the way we view advertisements in the city a new, exciting twist. While keeping things easy enough for everyone to comprehend, we'll explore the technological wonders of digital mobile billboard truck in Toronto ON and contrast them with LED advertising trucks and conventional mobile billboard trucks.

The Evolution of Outdoor Advertising

Billboards used to be stationary and provided a static view of advertisements. However, the game has now evolved. Digital mobile billboard trucks are changing the face of advertising by giving messages motion and vitality. Along the way, we'll talk about classic mobile billboard trucks and LED advertising trucks, each of which adds a certain flair to Toronto's changing outdoor advertising landscape.

Technological Features of Digital Mobile Billboard Trucks

Let's go right to the point: what makes these mobile digital billboard trucks unique? Vibrant and striking pictures are ensured with high-resolution LED screens. Advertising is elevated by dynamic content capabilities, which enable instantaneous changes and interactive elements that quickly capture viewers' interest.

LED Advertising Trucks in Toronto

We'll also peek at LED advertising vehicles as we investigate. Imagine them as the intelligent sibling of mobile digital billboard trucks, sharing the spotlight with eye-catching, colorful displays. We'll see how these vehicles differentiate themselves and add their own technical know-how to the advertising mix.

Mobile Billboard Trucks in Toronto

Of course, it's impossible to overlook the established participants: moving billboard trucks. These trucks are charming, even if they aren't as ostentatious as their digital counterparts; they go through the streets in a more direct manner. We'll examine how they integrate into the city's advertising scene and provide an alternative, although no less potent, means of delivering messages.

Advantages Over Traditional Static Billboards

Why did dynamic mobile displays replace static billboards? Real-time updates, adaptability, and the capacity for dynamic attention-grabbing are the keys to the solution. The advantages of digital mobile billboard trucks, LED advertising trucks, and mobile billboard truckin Toronto ON make life in Toronto more interesting and dynamic for locals.

Navigating Toronto's Streets

Have you ever wondered how these trucks manage the busy streets of Toronto? We'll go behind the scenes and look at traffic patterns, best routes, and strategic spots where these dynamic displays really shine. Not only is what's on screen important but so is the location and manner in which these vehicles traverse the city.

The Impact on Audience Engagement

Let's discuss you, the audience. These vehicles have dynamic content, and it's not just for show. It's been thoughtfully created to interest and bond with you. We'll look at how interactive elements and moving images, whether from an LED advertising truck, a digital mobile billboard, or a standard mobile billboard, make for a more memorable and powerful advertising experience.

Challenges and Solutions

Every invention has difficulties. We'll talk about the challenges that digital mobile billboard trucks can face, such possible visual congestion and regulatory issues. But worry not—there are ways to ensure a seamless transition into Toronto's metropolitan setting. We'll also talk about the difficulties that mobile billboard trucks and LED advertising truckin Toronto ON confront, emphasizing the ingenuity required to get over these barriers.

Data-Driven Campaigns

The secret to knowing what works is data. This section will discuss the role that data analytics plays in developing customized and targeted campaigns for LED advertising trucks, mobile billboard trucks, and digital billboard trucks. Providing material that connects with the audience is more important than merely sticking up advertisements.

Future Trends and Innovations

What does dynamic advertising in Toronto have ahead of it? We'll take a look into the crystal ball and forecast future developments in technology and market trends. LED advertisement trucks, mobile billboard trucks, and digital mobile billboard truck in Toronto ON are all expected to see interesting improvements in the future, bringing innovation to the streets. Digital mobile billboard trucks are gaining prominence in Toronto's dynamic outdoor advertising market. Not only are they displaying messages with their dynamic displays, but they're also changing our perception of streetside advertisements. Every technique adds to the dynamic tapestry of Toronto's advertising scene, whether it's the bright light of LED advertising trucks or the uncomplicated attractiveness of mobile billboard trucks. It's certain that as time goes on, the streets will remain a blank canvas for creativity, including locals in a way that is both straightforward and significant. The advertising landscape in Toronto is ever-evolving, and the future is no exception.

#digital mobile billboard truck in Toronto ON #LED advertising truckin Toronto ON

[zdenvs3000w24]

Mother Nature's Mixtape

Imagine yourself by a serene lake, where the water mirrors the sky and carries the sound of a gentle breeze. As the wind weaves through the trees, it brings with it distant melodies, blending with the symphonies of the ecosystem. In these moments, music and nature merge, where nature reflects music just as music reflects nature. 

This is a picture I took from a hiking trail in Milton!

Howard Gardner’s work on multiple intelligences shed light on the diverse ways individuals interact with the world around them. Through his theory, Gardner illuminated the rich tapestry of human potential, categorizing different intelligences that manifest in various degrees within each individual (Beck et al., 2018). Among these intelligences lies the musical domain which he describes as a realm of individuals who have a sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, meter, melody, and tones and can potentially come in handy as a tool for interpreters (Beck et al., 2018). But, what if the theory of multiple intelligences, specifically the musical domain, extends beyond humanity alone? 

Music in nature expresses mixtures of joy, sorrow, and desires that we perceive as mere symphonies, blissfully unaware of the secrets it whispers. Consider the deep melodies of humpback whales, echoing through the depths of the ocean. Their sounds, reminiscent of human compositions, reveal a striking similarity in structure and form (Gray et al., 2001). Like our own musical traditions, whale songs follow patterns of rhythm, tone, timber, and melodies (Gray et al., 2001). Now some believe that musical instruments are exclusive to humans, given their intricate design and usage in human culture. However, this assumption can be challenged when observing the behaviors of certain birds, such as the palm cockatoo of Northern Australia and New Guinea (Gray et al., 2001). Palm cockatoos use “instruments” like twigs to drum on hollow logs as part of their courtship ritual (Gray et al., 2001). These behaviors illuminate the diverse ways in which creatures engage with musical expression, expanding our understanding of music’s origin and universality. 

On the other hand, nature in music reveals itself both explicitly and implicitly. It can show itself through compositions, mimicking or taking inspiration from the elements of nature. Some music might transport listeners to a natural setting, evoking emotions or memories of specific landscapes or experiences. From the lens of interpretation, music can be a powerful tool. It possesses the ability to evoke profound emotions within listeners, to anchor words and information in one’s memory, and to transport individuals into vivid mental landscapes, bringing the outdoors to life within the sanctuary of one’s mind  (Beck et al., 2018).

A song that does just that for me is Counting Stars by OneRepublic. While the song itself doesn’t explicitly evoke images of nature, it reminds me of memorable family road trips. I recall us heading to a cottage nestled amid lush forests and serene lakes. The morning sun painted the landscape in golden hues, while the crisp breeze greeted us through rolled-down windows. As we journeyed mile by mile, the song played softly in the background, harmonizing with the tranquil beauty outside. It was a refreshing change from the city life in Toronto that I’m accustomed to, and it created memories of tranquility and a sense of adventure.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world. Sagamore Venture. 

Gray, P. M., Krause, B., Atema, J., Payne, R., Krumhansl, C., & Baptista, L. (2001). The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music. Science, 291, p. 52-54.

[lbenvs300w24]

My Ideal Role as a Interpreter

My ideal role of an environmental interpreter would be a role where I am able to share my knowledge, use my skills, and adapt to the needs of and engage with my audience. I have experience working as an interpreter running outdoor education programs for the Toronto District School Board at Mono Cliffs Outdoor Education Center. This experience allowed me to learn from talented interpreters and work with a diverse group of students and teachers. I loved giving guided hikes and running campfires and team building programs. In my ideal role I would be able to work with both children and adults and help them learn and think about nature and enjoy the beauty of Southwestern Ontario.

(Photo: Animal tracks in Winter, Mono, ON)

The most important things I would try to bring to my nature interpretation would be the opportunity for questioning and freedom. I agree with our textbook that the use of a theme is important and a theme's true purpose isn't to be spelled out - it's to stimulate thinking about and around the theme (Beck et al., 2018). When I was working at Mono Cliffs, I chose to create a mycology program for visiting students. This was a direct result of questions I would get on our guided hikes about mushrooms we would see along the trails. I wanted to create a program that would prompt students to ask questions about the mushrooms along the trails and have the freedom to explore and take pictures of mushrooms (or decomposers) that interest them. I would love to create more programs that offer an opportunity for questioning and freedom. I will also work to gain the knowledge to answer questions that come up naturally in the group. 

(Photo: Witches Butter (Tremella mesenterica), Mono, ON)

From our textbook I learned that love for a place and love for its visitors are key ingredients that override any principle of interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). For myself I have a love for and knowledge of nature found in and around urban areas in Southwestern Ontario. Even cities like Toronto, London, and Windsor have an abundance of nature to enjoy if you know where to look! I would love to work as a nature interpreter in any of these locations. 

(Photo: Sifton Bog, London, ON)

Patience, adaptability, and enthusiasm are all skills needed to be a good interpreter. It is also important as an interpreter to be a lifelong learner yourself. People bring different skill sets, knowledge, experience and interests to your group and you must be adaptable in order to best match your teaching to your audience. I believe that incorporating all three learning styles is best practice. Even if a student doesn’t fit into the three categories of learning, using auditory, visual, and tactile teaching methods in combination helps anyone understand a concept better. For example if I were teaching about bird identification at a city feeder, I could play audio clips of birdsong (auditory) and show pictures of different bird species (visual). Then I could incorporate a project where we build and put up bird feeders (tactile). 

[sarahtran]

Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (Dog Show), July 18th 2022. Toronto, ON.

Photographed by Sarah Tran.

#toronto outdoor picture show #tops 2022 #photography #event photography #sarah tran #outdoor movie #film festival #drive in theatre #drive in movie #toronto #toronto photography #street photography #summer #corktown common #cn tower #sunset #city photography #pet photography #dog #corgi

[philipcastletonphotography]

3 Reasons Drone Photography Is Ideal For Small Businesses

In the world of digital marketing, visuals are a crucial factor in capturing the attention of potential customers. Small businesses, in particular, seek innovative and cost-effective ways to showcase their products and services. This is where drone photography comes in. By utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with high-resolution cameras, this form of professional photography provides small businesses with a unique and impactful method to enhance their visual content. Here’s why drone photography is an ideal choice for small businesses:

Provide a fresh perspective

Drone photography offers a fresh and captivating perspective. By capturing images and videos from above, drones provide a bird's-eye view that cannot be replicated with traditional photography. Small businesses can showcase their locations, facilities, and products from unique angles, resulting in visually stunning content that grabs attention. Whether it's a real estate agency showcasing properties or an outdoor adventure company highlighting scenic locations, drone photography adds a wow factor that distinguishes businesses from their competitors.

Tell a story

Drone photography also enables small businesses to tell compelling stories through visual content. Drones can capture dynamic footage and create cinematic shots, evoking emotions and engaging viewers on a deeper level. For example, a tourism company can utilize drone footage to showcase breathtaking landscapes; a fitness studio can capture outdoor workout sessions, or a fashion boutique can highlight the latest trends in a unique outdoor setting. These captivating visuals enhance brand storytelling and leave a lasting impression on potential customers.

Show off your best angles

Drone photography proves to be an essential tool for small businesses in the real estate industry. High-quality aerial shots of properties provide potential buyers with a comprehensive view of the location, surrounding amenities, and notable features. This significantly enhances the marketing efforts of real estate agents, attracting more potential buyers and facilitating faster deal closures. Drones allow for stunning aerial shots of properties, showcasing their best angles and emphasizing their unique selling points.

An real estate photographer in Toronto can help

By incorporating drone photography into their marketing strategies, small businesses can elevate their brand image, attract more customers, and drive business growth. Embracing the power of drone photography allows small businesses to stand out from the competition and make a lasting impact on their target audience.

If you’re looking for a professional commercial and architectural photographer in Toronto, Philip Castleton has got you covered. This award-winning photographer has produced a wide variety of dynamic pictures for interior designers, architects, and real estate agents across Canada. He also specializes in industrial photography, interior design shoots, and business photography.

Reach out to him for more details!

#photographer

[jamesrobertblog]

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Douglas Day Stewart sued over allegations of sexual exploitation

The proceedings against Douglas Day Stewart were dismissed in October 2021. The dismissal is to be treated the same as if the proceedings had been dismissed following a trial. Original article follows.

Hollywood screenwriter Douglas Day Stewart is being sued over allegations that he sexually exploited an underage girl he met on a Vancouver Island film set back in the 1990s.

In a civil claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court this month, the 42-year-old plaintiff says she was just 17 when she was cast as an extra in the "The Scarlet Letter," a movie partly filmed in and around Campbell River in 1994.

Stewart, who co-wrote the film, "played an active role on the set of the movie," the court documents claim, adding that he allegedly began to show "increasing attention" towards the plaintiff after she and another female extra had been asked to appear topless during an outdoor scene.

According to the suit, Stewart invited the plaintiff to a wrap party once filming was done where, despite being under B.C.'s legal drinking age, she was allegedly "given alcohol, first by other party attendees, and then by Mr. Stewart."

By this point, the plaintiff had already told Stewart – who was 54 at the time – that she was just 17 years old, the lawsuit claims.

"Once (the plaintiff) was intoxicated, Mr. Stewart told her to come to his suite at the Coast Hotel," the court documents allege. "Mr. Stewart then gave (the plaintiff), who was already intoxicated, more alcohol, and proceeded to have sexual intercourse with her. (The plaintiff), who was intoxicated and unfamiliar with the effects of alcohol, did not have the capacity to consent to sexual intercourse."

The plaintiff alleges that, the next day, Stewart invited her to Nova Scotia, assuring her that he could get her a role in the remainder of the filming of "The Scarlet Letter."

The court documents claim that the plaintiff ended up staying in a private bungalow with Stewart in Peggy's Cove, N.S. and that she never got work as an actor on "The Scarlet Letter" again.

"Mr. Stewart introduced (the plaintiff) to marijuana. They would often get high and drink alcohol together," the lawsuit alleges. "Throughout the time in Nova Scotia, Mr. Stewart continued to sexually exploit (the plaintiff)."

According to the lawsuit, Stewart – an Oscar nominee who is also known for "The Blue Lagoon" and "An Officer and a Gentleman" – took her to Mexico in January of 1995 and then to Los Angeles the next month.

"(The plaintiff) was by now in a foreign country and completely reliant on Mr. Stewart for money, housing and emotional support," the suit claims, adding that Stewart would allegedly fly her to Hawaii and leave her alone for weeks at a time, only returning on weekends.

"The hostility between them intensified, as did the (the plaintiff's) dependency on alcohol as a coping mechanism, which Mr. Stewart facilitated and cultivated," the suit claims.

The plaintiff eventually fled the situation, her lawyers claim, but was forced to turn to sex work because she was not allowed to legally work in California and Stewart had stopped supporting her financially. She was arrested in Las Vegas at the age of 18, according to the court documents.

"In one year, (the plaintiff) went from being an innocent 17-year-old high schooler with no significant sexual experience to an alcohol-addicted sex worker," the court documents read. "Mr. Stewart's predation was the intervening factor."

CTV News has reached out to the Toronto law firm representing Stewart, but was told in an email that his lawyer was overseas and would not be available for comment until March 25.

The lawsuit also lists the Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney Studies and Hollywood pictures as defendants "vicariously liable" in the case.

None of the allegations against Stewart, now 79, or the other defendants have been tested in court, and none of the defendants have filed a response to the suit.

The plaintiff's lawyers would not comment on the case.

[tbkenvs3000w24]

Role of Nature Interpretation in Environmental Stewardship

Before starting this course and my placement as an Outdoor Education Intern, I put greater emphasis on scientific evidence as one of the most important ways to get people to care about environmental issues. I thought that if everyone knew the alarming facts of climate change or the rapid decline of wildlife, people would strive to make the drastic changes needed to address these issues. However, by focusing on only the science many people become disinterested or so overwhelmed that they feel powerless. Whether at a National Park, school or online forums, nature interpretation programs allow people to build emotional connections to nature while learning about the natural world and the importance of sustaining the earth's resources.  

While working as an Outdoor Education Intern at the Etobicoke Outdoor Education Centre (EOEC) for my first 4-month co-op placement, I got to work with Toronto District School Board kids from grades 4-8. School groups would visit EOEC for three days where they got to take place in curriculum-based outdoor programs. Additionally, during the school trips students participated in an ecological footprint challenge that focused on reducing food waste and water and energy conservation.  

A picture I took of the main classroom at the Etobicoke Outdoor Education Centre.

At the start of my placement, I remember feeling disheartened by the number of kids who showed little interest and even apathy for being outdoors. I would wonder how these kids could not love being surrounded by the beautiful natural world. I quickly realized that many of these kids had never spent extended periods outdoors. This was due to limited access to the outdoors because of location, financial reasons and other limitations. These kids had little opportunity to gain a connection to nature, so it only made sense that few of the students had positive feelings toward natural environments. However, every week during this co-op placement, I got to help students with varying levels of outdoor experience explore new activities and gain a greater appreciation for nature, which was truly fulfilling. 

A picture of a school group cross-country skiing at EOEC. This was many of the student's first-time cross-country skiing.

This course has allowed me to reflect on my time as an outdoor education intern and better understand the significance of nature interpretation in Environmental Education. As emphasized by Beck et al. (2019), interpreters work to communicate to people the importance of resources in a way that forges emotional and intellectual connections. Environmental education should provide emotional context that allows people to think ethically, creatively, and critically about environmental issues, solutions, and personal environmental stewardship (Wals et al., 2014). Environmental education is a form of nature interpretation that connects people emotionally with nature while providing them with tools to better understand environmental problems and solutions.   

Connecting scientific knowledge with place-based and indigenous knowledge is essential for getting people to actively engage in sustainability (Wals et al., 2014). Nature interpretation programs such as those at outdoor education centres and National Parks create positive emotions toward nature and provide people with a sense of place (Beck et al., 2019). Nature interpretation provides individuals with the emotional connections and curiosity that allow people to appreciate the environment. Through interpretation, people may be inspired to learn more about nature and find ways to participate in environmental stewardship daily.  

This is a board students used to track their class's eco-footprint challenge results while at EOEC. Students tracked the amount of food waste produced at the end of each meal, how many lights were left on before each program and water usage.

Additionally, nature interpretation programs that supply individuals with chances to engage in stewardship efforts on their own help people continue to build strong relationships with the environment. For example, in Washington Wachira’s Ted Talk, For the Love of Birds, he conveys to the audience the beauty and significance of birds by touching on the formative experiences that led him to his passion for birds (2017). Near the end of the TED Talk, Wachira tells the audience about citizen science programs around the world that people can take part in to help bird conservation efforts. This is an excellent way to show people that they too, have the power to help protect wildlife.  

Citizen science enables people to participate in environmental stewardship by assisting with scientific research within their communities (Merenlender et al., 2016). Citizen science is a part of environmental education that further develops a person's scientific knowledge and sense of place in a fulfilling way (Merenlender et al., 2016). Like the eco-footprint challenge students participate in at EOEC, citizen science allows people to feel like they can take part in meaningful environmental stewardship efforts that make a difference.  

Providing people with profound experiences outdoors through nature interpretation, environmental education, and citizen science is vital to environmental preservation. Nature interpretation provides the spark of inspiration needed to see the beauty in nature and the desire to preserve the environment that science alone cannot provide. 

References  

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2019). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing. 

Merenlender, A. M., Crall, A. W., Drill, S., Prysby, M., & Ballard, H. (2016). Evaluating Environmental Education, citizen science, and stewardship through naturalist programs. Conservation Biology, 30(6), 1255–1265. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12737  

Wachira, W. (2017, August). For the love of birds. Washington Wachira: For the love of birds | TED Talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/washington_wachira_for_the_love_of_birds 

Wals, A. E., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence between science and environmental education. Science, 344(6184), 583–584. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1250515 

#nature interpretation #envs3000 #environmental education

[themoderndana]

Washington DC

This week I spent six wonderful days in the seat of the empire, Washington DC. I wish to share some highlights here before I go back to "real" life and they are forgotten.

I arrived last Thursday morning after a night spent in Toronto Pearson, curled up on a leather loveseat, trying to sleep. Actually this was the most awesome option as most people where slumped over in chairs, curled up on the floor or on air vents. The leather couches were hidden behind some partitions. I got about two and a half hours of shuteye before 4AM local time when I decided to face airport security and get to my gate for my 715AM flight. It took grim resolve, but I got through, got Starbucks and sat at the obnoxiously overstimulating gate for an hour before my flight (it's all restaurant seating with iPads at every station, and top 40 playing loudly.) After the small amount of sleep it was all I could do to show up on time without blowing up at the inanity of airport rules etc.

I took the above picture after de-planing to applause (a bunch of veterans or astronauts were behind me) and a children's choir to welcome the vets (or astronauts). Then I walked through the impossibly small airport to the fresh air and sunshine outdoors. I was feeling excited and overwhelmed on the verge of tears (this happens often of late): I was really in another country and really getting ready for the vacation I was really looking forward to. Shortly thereafter, Stan's banana yellow Acura pulled up, I got in and we drove away.

Last time I saw my friend Stan was probably in 2014 when he visited before I started my last year of law school. We met through campus radio - I think when I went to U of C the first time in 2008-2010 - and have been friends for around 12 or 14 years. In fact, I knew Stan when CJSW was still in the basement at Mac Hall, and that's a long time ago. There is no one like him, which may be why we have remained friends so long. This trip was my last chance to see him in DC before he moves to Michigan, MN, a city of 2500 people with a Pomme de Terre Park which is a fancy way of saying "Potato Park."

Stan at tacos on Sunday.

The first day in DC was a day on bikes. We rode through Howard University, got blackberries for lunch at a grocery store from a clerk named Ms. Wanda, visited Malcolm X Park (where that man delivered a speech after MLK was shot), got two flat tires, (which Stan rode home to fix while I wandered around and napped in the park) but made it downtown and managed to visit the White House and laugh about what would happen to a streaker on the WH lawn (immediate takedown, potentially by the president's own dog).

The picture isn't great but you get the idea.

After the White House lawn, we also stopped to see the Washington Monument, which has 50 flags around it for the 50 states, and changes colour halfway up due to a change in the source of the stone during the Civil War. Stan did a touristy yoga pose.

We also saw the Second World War monument which was very affecting and again almost elicited tears from me. Stan saw it as a monument to victory and I saw it as one to lives lost. I think both are right. It's very well designed with a giant column for each theatre of war (Pacific/Atlantic), and a giant fountain ringed by 50+ columns for all the states and colonies that participated for the USA.

Each column has a wreath on it and the name of the state in capital letters. That's what made me teary! There are quotes inscribed in marble all over the place and one funny one about how women's contributions to the war effort equally (making it sound like they did a lot better than expected from a bunch of... women.) We also saw the Lincoln Memorial. The memorials here are grandiose to say the least.

You would recognize the Lincoln Memorial probably from spy shows or movies (above and below).

Below half of the National Mall is visible, including the Reflecting Pool (full of ducks), all the way to the Washington Monument. On the other side it extends to the Capitol.

There is no shortage of marble and impressive buildings in this city. It's just not enough to put any organization in a boring old administrative building. Here is the Organization of American States, with a statue of Queen Isabella who sent Columbus to the Americas, out front. Controversial choice nowadays.

That evening, we grabbed Peruvian food on the way home and it was awesome. I managed to stay up until 11 then dropped into bed for a 10 hour sleep. Remarkably long day for a 4AM wakeup!

Thursday October 6th.

Dana

[justmicro]

Roger waters st paul

#ROGER WATERS ST PAUL FULL#

Gilmour appeared at the show at The O2, London playing lead guitar on "Comfortably Numb" and mandolin on " Outside the Wall", on which they were also joined by Nick Mason on tambourine. Following a charity gig Waters performed with his former Pink Floyd bandmates on 10 July 2010, he confirmed that David Gilmour would guest on " Comfortably Numb" at one show during the tour.

#ROGER WATERS ST PAUL FULL#

On 23 April, the full band line-up was announced on Roger Waters's Facebook page. He was replaced by cousin Pat Lennon, also of Venice. Kipp Lennon, Mark Lennon and Michael Lennon of the band Venice were confirmed for backing vocal duties, but Michael Lennon withdrew from the band due to rehearsal difficulties. Snowy White (who was a session and tour musician with Pink Floyd in the 1970s, and was in the tour band for the original 1980–81 tour for The Wall) and Dave Kilminster were the first musicians confirmed to be in Waters's touring band. Waters, a pacifist, incorporated an increased emphasis on the show's anti-war message, and he requested fans to send him pictures of loved ones who have died as a result of wars. After the 21 September 2013 Paris show he claimed on stage this to be possibly the last The Wall show, confirming rumours that there will be no further tour dates planned for 2014. The tour returned to European stadiums again in summer 2013. This last show in Quebec City was the second largest outdoor production of "The Wall" ever – the largest being the Live in Berlin show in 1990. It was confirmed by Waters during an interview with Jimmy Fallon that he would be returning to North America for yet another leg of The Wall tour, beginning 27 April 2012 in Mexico City and ending 21 July 2012 in Quebec City on the Plains of Abraham, a former battlefield. In 2012, the tour included Australia, New Zealand, and South America, resuming 27 January in Perth, and ending 1 April 2012 in São Paulo. The European tour began 21 March 2011 in Lisbon, Portugal, and ended 12 July 2011 in Athens, Greece. The tour opened on 15 September 2010 in Toronto, and moved through North America before ending the first leg of the tour in Mexico City, 21 December 2010. It is currently the 7th highest-grossing tour of all-time. In 2013, the tour held the record for being the highest-grossing tour for a solo musician, surpassing the previous record holder, Madonna (the record was later eclipsed by Ed Sheeran). It was the second-highest-grossing concert tour in North America in 2010 and the third-highest-grossing concert tour worldwide as of 2013. The first leg of the tour grossed in North America over $89.5 million from 56 concerts. The tour is the first time the Pink Floyd album The Wall has been performed in its entirety by the band or any of its former members since Waters performed the album live in Berlin 21 July 1990. The Wall Live was a worldwide concert tour by Roger Waters, formerly of Pink Floyd.

#Roger waters st paul