All posts by Intellicurious

News, Views and Reviews for the Intellectually Curious

New Wildlife Films: “From Kurils With Love” – Kuril Islands In Eastern Russia

Vladimir, a scrappy Russian marine biologist, stows away aboard a boat filled with adventure junkies and a world-renowned cybersecurity expert to help fulfil his quest to understand and protect the Kuril Islands. Set in one of the most inaccessible volcanic island chains in the world, the film introduces us to a true warrior for the planet on an intimate journey of visual bliss, sea lion chaos, and ultimately a greater hope for the Earth.

Watch longer version below:

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The Kuril Islands or Kurile Islands is a volcanic archipelago in Russia’s Sakhalin Oblast that stretches approximately 1,300 km northeast from Hokkaido, Japan to Kamchatka, Russia, separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the north Pacific Ocean. There are 56 islands and many minor rocks.

Ocean Technology: The “Mayflower Autonomous Ship” To Launch Sept 16

Powered by AI and the energy from the sun, the Mayflower Autonomous Ship will be able to spend long durations at sea collecting critical data about the ocean. Working in tandem with human oceanographers and other autonomous vessels, the new-generation Mayflower provides a flexible and cost-effective option for deepening understanding of critical issues such as global warming, ocean plastic pollution and marine mammal conservation. The Mayflower Autonomous Ship is led by marine research organisation Promare, supported by IBM and a global consortium of partners.

New Aerial Travel Videos: “Bern, Switzerland” (2020)

Bern Switzerland, the capital city of Switzerland is built around the Aare River. Bern Switzerland traces its origins back to the 12th century with medieval architectures preserved in the Altstadt (Old Town) of Bern Switzerland. The Switzerland Parliament and diplomats meet in the Neo-Renaissance Bundeshaus (Federal Palace) in Bern Switzerland. Top views in the Bern Switzerland 4K UHD include Aerial Switzerland Bern Sunny Day 90mm Zoom 4K Inspire 2 Prores Aerial video of downtown Bern in Switzerland on a beautiful sunny day with a zoom lens. Timelapse of the Bundeshaus in Bern, Switzerland at Night. The Bern Minster, a Swiss Reformed cathedral in the old city of Bern. The Bern Minster, a Swiss Reformed cathedral in the old city of Bern. View of the Old City of Berne in Switzerland.

World News Podcast: California Fire Deaths, Afghanistan Peace Talks & India’s Covid Cases Soar

CBC Radio reports: The search for the dead in California wildfires, peace talks for Afghanistan, a surge of Covid cases in India and other top news.

Top Hotel Video Tours: “Hotel Splendido” In Portofino, Italy (2020)

Belmond Hotel Splendido is one of the most enchanting hotels in Portofino. Gaze across the rugged coastline, enjoying prime position above the bay. Delve into the spirit of irresistible glamour at the finest of all Italy resorts as you embrace all that’s best about the Ligurian Riviera.

Experience Italian dining at its best while making the most of the facilities at both our Portofino properties. Start the day with an invigorating motorboat ride or a soak in the saltwater swimming pool. End it with a candlelit dinner and a starlight stroll through the lush flower gardens.

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Political News: “Shields & Brooks” On The Stalled Relief Legislation (Video)

Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks join Judy Woodruff to discuss the week in politics, including the congressional stalemate over pandemic relief legislation, revelations from Bob Woodward’s interviews with President Trump and the political impact they may have and whether Joe Biden’s campaign message is resonating with voters.

New Travel Videos: “Top Ten Mountains In Europe”

The mountains of Europe are my favorite region in the world! I’ve spent the last few years exploring Europe’s mountains and I want to show you my favorite places to visit. From the Swiss Alps, to Mount Elbrus in Russia, Europe’s mountains offer so much variety and diversity!

Technology: “How Apple Became Most Valuable Company In The World”

Apple reached a staggering $2 trillion market valuation in August, despite years of doubt from critics over whether the tech giant could continue to succeed after the death of Steve Jobs. Here’s a look at Apple’s rise to the very top.

Illustration: Jacob Reynolds/WSJ

New Podcast Interviews: Whale Shark Scientist Brad Norman – “Ecocean”

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, recognisable by its celestial markings. Australian scientist Brad Norman has been tracking this elusive and endangered creature by using technology designed to study stars, as well as images collected through ecotourism.

ECOCEAN (Australia) is a globally recognised, non-government, not-for-profit organization based in Western Australia working towards scientific research, education and conservation of the marine environment.  It’s flagship species, the whale shark, is an iconic animal for marine conservation being the world’s largest fish.

ECOCEAN (Australia) was founded in 1995 by marine conservation biologist Brad Norman and was incorporated in 2006. Brad also helped in the establishment of the partner organisation WildMe (USA) who manage the global whale shark photo-identification library –  Wildbook.

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Top New Travel Videos: “North Cascades National Park” In Washington (2020)

Filmed and Edited by: Milosh Kitchovitch

The North Cascades is a mountain range located in the northern part of Washington state, USA. North Cascades National Park’s raw beauty is characterized by stunning peaks with hundreds of glaciers, cascading waterfalls and forested valleys below.

In the video: Cascade Pass Trail (0:01), Cascade Pass (2:40), Doubtful lake (2:38), Sahale Mountain (4:17), Mount Baker – views from Park Butte trail (6:17) located in the Mount Baker Wilderness in the North Cascades but a bit outside of the national park, Maple Pass Loop trail (7:26), Lake Ann (7:26), Rainy Lake (8:19), Nooksack Falls (9:01), Mt Shuksan view from Picture Lake (9:36), Diablo Lake (10:19), Ross Lake (10:33), Washington Pass Overlook (10:41), Skagit River (11:25).

Recorded July 2020 and September 2015 (Maple pass Loop) in 4K Ultra HD with Sony AX700, Sony AX100 and DJI Osmo Pocket.

Music: David Modica – Near Distant Future – 5 – Serendipity David Modica – The Water is Wide – 3 – Road Less Traveled

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