Arctic Fox in Illinois

Just came across this stunning photo of an Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) on the shore of Evergreen Lake near Hudson, Illinois: 

Photograph: Lenore Sobota/AP

The arctic fox is infinitely adaptable, living its life in one of the world’s most extreme climates. People who have the Arctic Fox as their totem tend to be sly, graceful, and have a near magic ability to make something out of nothing, utilizing even the most limited of resources. Arctic fox as a totem can teach us the ability to go with the flow of life, changing ourselves to suit our ever-evolving environments.

Caribbean sardine collapse linked to climate change

Getty Images

Climate change, overfishing and plankton decline may have contributed to collapse of fisheries, risking dire consequences for Caribbean:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2012/nov/07/caribbean-sardine-collapse-climate-change

Top 10 fire festivals around the world

"Remember, remember, the fifth of November,

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

We see no reason why the Gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot!"

Today is November 5th - Guy Fawkes Night/Bonfire Night in the United Kingdom. This is a celebration to commemorate the failed gunpowder plot by Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night

Here is an old article about the danger to Hedgehogs on Bonfire Night:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2009/nov/05/hedgehog-bonfire-night

Photo: Graham Turner @ www.guardian.co.uk

And here's a new article about the top ten fire festivals around the world, including Diwali in India and Sadeh in Iran:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/02/uk-travel-picks-firefestivals-idUSLNE8A101N20121102

The Roaring Dragon

http://www.accidentaltravelwriter.net/accidental-travel-writer/

Some fascinating facts on the Chinese economic miracle and accompanying rising energy consumption and environmental costs at this recent BBC link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-20069627

Mahler Symphony # 3

Went to the CSO last night for the Mahler Symphony Number 3. Semyon Bychkov (conductor) and Bernarda Fink (mezzo soprano) were amazing! It can be seen again tomorrow night, November 3rd.
http://cso.org/TicketsAndEvents/EventDetails.aspx?eid=4902

"A symphony must be like the world," said Mahler, "it must contain everything." No work better exemplifies this than his epic Third Symphony, scored for massive orchestra including off-stage post horn and snare drums, women's and children's choirs and various bells. Our guide to Mahler's universal piece is Semyon Bychkov, acclaimed for his ability to grasp both the largest architectural sweep and the smallest detail." Mahler composed this symphony at his composing hut on a lake in upper Austria... the Komponierhäuschen (composition hut) in Steinbach am Attersee (photo below).

Photo: Wikipedia

All Soul's Day

All Soul's Day in Sweden

Today is November 2nd which is All Soul's Day...a solemn feast day in the Roman Catholic Church commemorating all those who have died and are now in Purgatory, being cleansed of their sins and punished for the mortal sins that they had confessed to, and atoning before entering into heaven...or being granted the vision of God in Heaven (called Beatific vision).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Souls'_Day

Apparently the reasoning behind this stems from the notion that when a soul leaves the body, it is not entirely cleansed from venial (minor) sins. Through the power of prayer and self-denial, the faithful left on earth may be able to help these souls gain the Beatific vision they seek, bringing the soul eternal sublime happiness.

Photo: Al Jazeera

A mannequin's head, bottles and and other debris lie in the Madrid Arena venue car park on Thursday November 1st.  A Halloween stampede killed three women and critically injured some other people. Someone set off a firework or flare in the arena where thousands of people were attending a Halloween dance party, causing a stampede:   

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2012/11/2012111213553749.html

Day of the Dead

Today is the Mexican "Day of the Dead" holiday or "Dia de los Muertos" which revolves around reunions of family and friends gathering around to pray, visit the graves of loved ones with offerings of flowers, food and candy skulls. The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago has a special Day of the Dead exhibit until December 16th. 
http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/exhibits/featured/d%C3%AD-de-los-muertos-2012