Queen of the Sun: What are Bees Telling Us?

QUEEN OF THE SUN: What Are the Bees Telling Us? (Trailer) is a profound, alternative look at the global bee crisis from Taggart Siegel, director of THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN. Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world including Michael Pollan, Gunther Hauk and Vandana Shiva.

Screening Information.

Music Made with Bees

Einstein once predicted that the human race would survive no more then 4 years after the extinction of bees due to their keystone role in the entire ecosystem. Hope you enjoy it.

I wanted to see how far I could take the recordings of bees into the realm of music. The bee produces about 200-230 wing flaps pr. second, which is enough to generate a nice, rich sounding buzz.  I then decided to add some more human elements to it (vocals, guitars, grooves etc) and wrapped it up by adding full symphony orchestra and choirs on it during the end.

Reflections of a Green Business Pioneer with Yvon Chouinard
Most people think "green businesses" provide or support the use of alternative energy or energy efficient products. Yvon Chouinard recounts how Patagonia grew from a retail climbing equipment business operating out of the back of his van to a successful global business based on sustainability and social responsibility principles. Chouinard and Patagonia's story demonstrates how any business can be a green, sustainable and socially responsible business. Series: "UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability" [5/2011] [Business] [Show ID: 21368]

Sustainability and Public Works: the Leader's Role by Mary Anderson
Mary Anderson has twenty five years in municipal government and Public Works and is currently the Director of Public Works for City of Highland Park, IL (Chicago suburbs) and is one of the original appointees to the APWA Center for Sustainability. In this panel presentation at the APWA Sustainability in Public Works held in Portland, Oregon in June, 2011 Ms. Anderson emphasizes the APWA Framework for Sustainability and the APWA initiative, the Center for Sustainability.

The session was videtaped by Ruth Ann Barrett, EarthSayers.tv, the voices of sustainability.

The Evolution of the Public Works Manager by George Crombie

Speech before the American Public Works Association (APWA) Sustainability in Public Works Conference, July 27, 2011 in Portland, Oregon. Too often the debate over sustainability is brought down to a level of minutiae or a debate over whether or not climate change is real or not rather than understanding the importance of keeping the balance between the natural and  man-made environment. He cites Rachel Carson, Jane Benyus, and David Orr as models of integrity and vision.

George Crombie is President of the APWA and a senior faculty member for public works administration in the MPA program at Norwich University military college in Vermont.

He was interviewed by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv, voices of sustainability.

Can A Green Business be a Profitable One by Gary Hirshberg

Stonyfield Farm CEO Gary Hirshberg argues that environmentally sustainable business practices can lead to financial benefits in the long run.

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2008/02/20/How_to_Make_Money_and_Save_the_World

Exploring the Oceans Hidden World by Robert Ballard
Ocean explorer Robert Ballard takes us on a mindbending trip to hidden worlds underwater, where he and other researchers are finding unexpected life, resources, even new mountains. He makes a case for serious exploration and mapping. Google Ocean, anyone?

Netherlands Sustainability Green Plan by Huey Johnson
Green Plans are comprehensive management plans that have the final goal of achieving environmental and economic sustainability.^[1] They are integrated, all-inclusive strategies that replace traditional single-issue policies.^[2][3] Green Plans have been implemented in several regions of the world including New Zealand, the Netherlands and other European Union countries.^[4] Huey Johnson, a long time advocate of these plans, has introduced them to parts of the United States. Mr. Johnson stands behind the idea that these plans are capable of managing Climate Change. Adopted in 1989, the National Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP) of the Netherlands has been the longest running example of a green plan. With life-threatening environmental problems such as congestion and heavy industry the Netherlands is a microcosm of the threats facing this planet today, but by implementing these plans they have recovered from environmental problems in less than 20 years.

Excerpt from Sense of Wonder Bio Play
Famed environmentalist writer of "Silent Spring", Rachel Carson has been honored by a biographical play titled, "A Sense of Wonder". Actress Kaiulani Lee acts an important scene from the play.

Building Sustainable Places by Steve Mouzon

Author and architect Steve Mouzon gives a brief definition of new urbanism and relates it to building a sense of place. Mouzon Design is headed by Steve and his wife, Wanda Mouzon and is located in Miami. Steve is also a principal of the New Urban Guild. The New Urban Guild is a group of architects, designers, and other New Urbanists dedicated to the study and the design of true traditional buildings and places native to and inspired by the regions in which they are built. The Guild was instrumental in the creation of the Katrina Cottages concept, and continues to foster the movement, including sponsoring a website (no longer available).

The Guild Foundation has hosted Steve & Wanda’s Original Green initiative, which is plain-spoken, common-sense sustainability.