I'm working. Really.

[supplyship]

OK, I'm procrastinating! Yay!

I watched some Whale Wars this weekend... it's interesting. The crew is this weird mix of a few actual experienced sailors and then a bunch of granola-y activists who just want to stop whale hunting, omg! but don't really know anything about working on a ship. Hijinks ensue, like let's take this zodiac out in arctic

Comments

[mrspollifax]

Oooh! Oooh! Peppermint Bark! We got some as a gift and my husband had to hide it from me, lol. And if you like that, I'd also recommend Trader Joe's dark chocolate covered peppermint Joe Joe's. Mmm.

[supplyship]

Oh, that sounds *fabulous*! I will have to swing by Trader Joe's this evening. Thanks for the tip!

[sjhw_tolerance]

I didn't meet Capt. Watson in person but I heard him speak at Gatecon. He is very charismatic and persuasive, he has a very moving and impressive story about how he got so personally involved with whales and I think I do believe his sincerity. And I can see why people donate money and go on these whale voyages, you are that mesmerized by his story and his commitment to saving these creatures. He does impressive and *big* things to save the whales (an seals) with little regard for his life, which is why I think I can see him making that kind of comment about the crew, because to him, it really is *all* about the whales. I need to try and catch those specials the next time they're on.

[supplyship]

Neat! I bet he does have some amazing and moving stories. And I am in awe of his dedication to the cause. It definitely takes a special person to devote their life like that. His methodology was a little shocking to me, because it's either you are with us or you are against us. There's no middle ground. He definitely warns the crew of his expectations, but I don't think some of them really *got* it until they were out there in the ocean. They had to make port in Australia for some repairs, and there was some significant crew turn-over.

I will definitely watch the finale (which is Friday, I believe)!

[majorsamfan]

They play each episode about 3-4 times in a week. In fact I think Friday they are playing a marathon up to the finale?

I didn't meet and speak with him personally either - and you're right, a charismatic speaker.

I'm sure that when RDA visited, he was insulated from all the petty bickering and ineptitude. But I can't image what he thought about over $400,000 in engine repair bills, helicopter repairs etc.!

[a_loquita]

Oh my! You make this show sound freaky! Is it freaky???

I'm totally addicted to peppermint ice cream this time of year. Mmmm.

[supplyship]

It is a little freaky! To me, anyway. All these really forceful personalities mashed together on the same ship... it gets exciting, and I don't just mean boat/helicopter chases. There's a near-mutiny in one episode!

OMG, peppermint ice cream is sooooooooo good.

[majorsamfan]

It totally *IS* freaky!

[majorsamfan]

ZOMGosh! Yes! Watched all the WW episodes this weekend (except for the finale that comes this week, of course). People calling the first mate inept and "there only because he's Paul's friend". The "if you want to leave when we dock, you're all expendable" speech. And all those things you mentioned. Triple digit engine repair bills?

I am seriously reconsidering my support, RDA or not.

Did they not train the people how to lower the boat first while the ship is standing still? Let them get that down and THEN try at sea, FCOL!

That they would choose to get arrested or to die for the whales, ok. But that they expect each and every crew member to feel the same?

My friend is supposed to go on a mission with them, and ZOMGosh! I'm so scared for her now! And would RDA *REALLY* die for a whale? Hmm.

[supplyship]

I have a pretty cautious personality, so it was really eye-opening to watch the show. They'd never let me on board, lol! The injuries people incurred due to lack of training/experience was a shocker. But training takes time, and they don't want to do that, they just want to throw more (human) bodies at the cause. And the repair bills - I was wondering if they called RDA for help then. It sounds like they got the Red Hot Chili Peppers to donate a big chunk.

I will be saying a little prayer for your friend - I hope she's watched the show and knows what she's getting into!

And would RDA *REALLY* die for a whale? Well, a dog maybe... ;)

[majorsamfan]

And would RDA *REALLY* die for a whale? Well, a dog maybe... ;)

ROFL!

Yeah, it's um, not for the feint of heart, that's for sure! Yeah, the RHCPs did a benefit, I think? Plus they kicked in 100G? (Aus$?)

I definitely felt like they didn't train and expected people to pick up on what they needed to do on the first go. And that 1st mate... *shakes head* just...no. I really do wonder what RDA's experience on board was really like. And what kind of bunk they tried to shove him into - ;p all 6'3" of him.

[rdamel]

I can see, I guess, a cause being very important. But I'd think it would make a lot more sense to use your human resources more wisely than it sounds as if they are doing.

When did RDA visit them, do you know? One of my RDA internet friends is a supporter of Sea Shepherd's, but she's also worried that RDA will go to Antarctica with them, as it's so dangerous and of course he is NOT expendable to any of his fans. Not to mention it sounds to me as if doing something like that would be a foolish risk, with a young daughter still to raise. I hope his love for her will keep him away from a dangerous anti-whaling ship.

My favorite book in defense of the oceans is Diane Duane's Deep Wizardry--a good book, aimed at teens but enjoyable at any age.

Melissa M.

[ireth_e]

This sounds interesting.

[supplyship]

*Very* interesting! Don't know if you can get our Animal Planet channel? The show does look to be on DVD in February too...

http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/about/