Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Image of the Day


Penguin Posing
Originally uploaded by Lord Biro

Monday, August 30, 2010

Image of the Day


Gentoo penguins
Originally uploaded by clintnosleep
AWWWW!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Friday, August 27, 2010

Book Review--The Tourist Trail by John Yunker

Yunker, John. The Tourist Trail. Byte Level Books, 2010. Reviewed by Lin Kerns August 27, 2010.


______________________________________________________________________________



I feel privileged.

A while back, I became acquainted with one John Yunker through his online short story, "The Tourist Trail." I was impressed with his thoughtful prose, even then. When John told me that he was expanding the short story into a novel, I became excited. Finally--someone who can write and who knows their penguins. Truly a novel mix.

A couple weeks ago, John sent me a copy of his new novel and although I had other commitments at the time, I eyed the book, trailed my hand along the cover, peeked at John's autograph on the first page... I allowed the book to tease me with anticipation. At the first opportunity, I grabbed the book, made a pot of coffee, put the computer on "sleep," and then settled in on the couch to indulge in, what I hoped, was a good read.

Consensus: I couldn't put the book down; I devoured it in two days.

The plot: The story is populated by 4 major characters--Angela, Aeneas, Robert/Jake, and Ethan. Angela studies, counts, and tags Magellanic Penguins at the Punte Verde Preserve; although she loves her profession, she doesn't realize the vastness of the void in her life until she meets a raft-wrecked Aeneas. She follows Aeneas back to his ship and learns the largest lesson of her life. Robert/Jake works for the FBI and he is hot on the trail of Aeneas, who roves the seas in order to cause havoc and mayhem to would be whalers. Robert has a past, which becomes significant as the story moves towards a convergence of all the characters. Ethan is the young man who searches for meaning and purpose in his life; what he discovers will alter his life irrevocably.


Of course, the backdrop of the main storyline is inhabited by penguins and whales. Be prepared for a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye as your read how horrible the conditions are when these creatures meet their end at the hands of fishermen and whalers.John's perspective is a personal one and you are right there with him to see it all.



Overall, The Tourist Trail is a testament to how humans and the inhabitants of the sea interact and affect one another. As the characters learn and adapt, so does the reader. I promise that you will finish the book with a different perspective regarding our responsibility to life in the sea. John's prose is effective, succinct, and definitive. You will know these characters he has created and you will live their lives until the final page.


Let us hope that John Yunker will continue to write and gift us with his thoughtful insight; he is decidedly an author to watch. I also hope that The Tourist Trail will garner the eye of a Hollywood producer. I eagerly anticipate this novel converted to the big screen. Indeed, the book would be perfect for a big budget flick and the message within would touch so many more lives.


If that happens, I'll buy the popcorn.




PS

(You can purchase this book HERE)

Image of the Day

Uh, that's not an Adelie Penguin. lol

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Image of the Day


047_IMG_6552crop
Originally uploaded by rrm998

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Image of the Day


Penguin
Originally uploaded by B Primrose

Monday, August 23, 2010

Image of the Day


046_IMG_6541crop
Originally uploaded by rrm998

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Image of the Day


Gentoo Penguin
Originally uploaded by Ben Moat
Port Lockroy, Antarctica.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Image of the Day


Just visiting
Originally uploaded by Rafael Matias
Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) colony visited by a Rockhopper (Eudyptes chrysocome, the second smallest penguin species); 6 November 2009, New Island (Falklands)

This Week's Pencognito!

http://pengcognito.com/pengtoons/zombometer-1.jpghttp://pengcognito.com/pengtoons/zombometer-2.jpghttp://pengcognito.com/pengtoons/zombometer-3.jpghttp://pengcognito.com/pengtoons/zombometer-4.jpg
Click here to see Jen and her pengies home page!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Image of the Day


Stare
Originally uploaded by StevieG88

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Image of the Day


drippy gentoo
Originally uploaded by >*Jan*<

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Monday, August 16, 2010

Image of the Day


Young Penguin
Originally uploaded by csam
Finishing a molt

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Friday, August 13, 2010

Image of the Day


¡Se viene la ola!
Originally uploaded by grace3737

Thursday, August 12, 2010

New! Bird Island Webcam

In celebration of the new cam  on this blog, here's a video of what wildlife you may see there:

Image of the Day


Gentoo Mother and Baby
Originally uploaded by Graham Canny

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Image of the Day


We're freeeeeeeee!
Originally uploaded by Leisa Roberton
Penguin Parade, Edinburgh Zoo.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Image of the Day


Waiting for the bus
Originally uploaded by jeroenf

Monday, August 9, 2010

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Image of the Day


Gentoo Penguin
Originally uploaded by Bob the courier

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Monday, August 2, 2010

Sunday, August 1, 2010