About five years ago I started spending a lot of time in Los Angeles for work. I remember how much of an alien I felt like out there. Everyone always looked hip, partied harder than everyone I knew, and never seemed to be doing anything, yet were "successful." They were always working on "projects" that had "buzz, heat, and momentum". Suffice to say I felt like I didn't fit in.
So I was very relieved to receive an invite to a charity whose mission it was to clean the oceans. Understandably, Angelinos, who get to gaze at the lovely sea every day, are passionate about the issue.
I put on my cutest suit and made the pilgrimage to the home of, objectively, the most successful producer in Hollywood -- I felt like a million bucks. The place was stunning and teeming with interested, curious people engaged in conversations ranging from film, novels, politics, international affairs, to their kids. After the event I was to go to a late night meeting for another eco group -- this was going to be OK after all. (See, I'm thinking, there are word people, nerdy people in LA -- everyone else is wrong about them!)
Well, about 20 minutes into the event when people were getting situated to hear the speakers, a stunning six-foot-plus glamazon was shimmying her way toward me with a 60+ year-old guy, maybe younger, who looked hipper than any 20-year-old New Yorker. She leaned over to him and said "so are we, like, for the oceans?" And just like that my LA dreams went up in flames.
The story is just a funny one I wanted to share, but after the jump check out the great news on our oceans --which, by the way, I am, like, totally for!
Scientists are now saying that Ocean currents can power the world!
A revolutionary device that can harness energy from slow-moving rivers and ocean currents could provide enough power for the entire world.
"This is a totally new method of extracting energy from water flow," said Mr Bernitsas. "Fish curve their bodies to glide between the vortices shed by the bodies of the fish in front of them. Their muscle power alone could not propel them through the water at the speed they go, so they ride in each other's wake."
"If we could harness 0.1 per cent of the energy in the ocean, we could support the energy needs of 15 billion people. In the English Channel, for example, there is a very strong current, so you produce a lot of power."
UPDATE: As I might have known, it turns out Earth to Philly got to this before I did, but I had to make sure everyone got a chance to see this story.
Comments (6)
I have always wondered about that. Happy they seem to be figuring it out. The story was funny. Keep the faith.
Posted by: Bob on December 16, 2008 16:25
thanks for posting such a great little story Flavia.
i'm so glad that you continue to update your site on a regular basis.
just wanted to say thanks so much for all your posts this year and for espically wirting you piece in support obama, which i feel is one of the best and most beautifuly written articles i've read.
i hope you have a wonderful and happy christmas, and i look forward to read more of your amazing work in the new year.
god bless flavia
Paul
Posted by: Paul on December 16, 2008 19:42
never really thought of oceans, but the story was so funny that i read it. Will look into it--not sure it is a top priority for me since so many things to worry about , but thank you for letting me know
Posted by: Mary on December 16, 2008 20:39
Love the piece. I am sure I should have seen this somewhere else before this since I just saw this came out a few weeks ago--not trying to dis --I am just saying. In any case I had not seen it so thank you for catching me in the net--I will give money. So busy can't volunteer will try to get other folks to though. Thax as always flav you are really something my friend. Can't wait till I get to meet you
Posted by: Lisa on December 17, 2008 01:25
Very interesting.
Posted by: Dan on December 17, 2008 14:35
dudette, i am so, like, for the oceans. like, totally awesome blog entry.
Posted by: Greg on December 21, 2008 00:29