Latest news with #Attenborough
Irish Examiner
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Seafood Made Simple: Try Aishling Moore's monkfish cheek and chorizo rice recipe
I was thrilled to hear that at the age of 99 the environmental icon David Attenborough's latest National Geographic documentary would focus on the place where all life began, the ocean. I was even more delighted to learn I could go and see this in the cinema. After a lifetime of exploration and discovery, Attenborough explains he now understands the most important place on earth is not on land but at sea. Over 3bn of us across the world depend on the ocean as our primary food source. Some 2,000 new marine species are discovered every year. The film exposes the destruction of overfishing, trawling, and the devastation of dredging the ocean bed, destroying ecosystems of incomprehensible beauty and complexity. The illogical aggressive fishing of krill, a species of high importance within the ecosystem of the ocean, being used today in pet food, highlights the very real need for legislative reform. The documentary offers solutions to this carnage. Establishing marine protected areas or 'no take zones' is a proven tactic which has regenerated parts of the ocean and seen species reemerge in areas. Currently, less than 3% of the ocean is protected. According to scientists, to save and regenerate the ocean we would need to protect at least one third of it. Great success has been achieved in the Channel Islands marine sanctuary with migratory species of fish from the protected area spilling over into nearby areas increasing stocks. World leaders will meet this month in France at the 2025 Un Ocean Conference, where 'accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean' is on the table. Establishing marine protected areas must happen now. David Attenborough's Ocean will be available to stream on Disney on World Ocean Day, June 8. Monkfish cheek and chorizo rice recipe by:Aishling Moore This dish would also work well swapping the chorizo for smoked bacon lardons and peas for sautéed mushrooms. Servings 4 Preparation Time 10 mins Cooking Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins Course Main Ingredients 2 tbsp rapeseed oil 1 onion, finely diced 3 garlic cloves minced 90g chorizo, diced 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp dried oregano 320g Carolino rice 75ml white wine 1.2l fish stock 100g frozen peas 200g monkfish cheeks or monkfish tail cut into chunks 2 sprigs flat leaf parsley Sea salt Freshly cracked black pepper Method Preheat oven to 190˚C. In a large pot or ovenproof dish sweat the onion and garlic in rapeseed oil on a low heat for a couple of minutes until translucent. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Add the chorizo and increase the heat slightly. Cook for two minutes. Next add the smoked paprika and dried oregano and mix well with a wooden spoon. Add the rice and stir to coat it in the lovely chorizo-flavoured oil. Cook for one minute. While that's happening warm your stock in a separate pot, this will speed up the cooking process. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the white wine to the rice and cook until completely evaporated. Next add the warmed stock, stir well, and bring to the boil. Taste for seasoning at this stage. Place the pot in the preheated oven and bake for 12- 15 minutes until all the stock is absorbed and the rice is cooked. You're looking for a moist, risotto-like consistency here, with the surface of the dish beginning to catch. If all the stock has been absorbed and the rice is still a little undercooked, add water and return to the oven. Once confident the rice is cooked, place the monkfish pieces and frozen peas across the top of the rice. Drizzle with a little rapeseed oil and season with sea salt. Return to the oven to bake for 3-5 minutes until the monkfish is cooked through. Finish with chopped parsley and serve. Fish tales I've used Carolina rice for this recipe but any short grain rice like bomba would also work. Instead of monkfish cheeks you could use chunks of cod, hake and pollock or skinned fillets of brill, megrim and plaice which will cook just as quickly. When warming the stock, be careful not to over reduce which will upset the quantities of liquid needed to cook the rice. I like this method of finishing in the oven as you achieve a variance in texture between the exposed surface area colouring and catching a little and the risotto-like texture beneath. You could cook this the whole way on the stove. If you do so, stir regularly to prevent the base of the pot from catching. I've used a fish stock for this recipe, but vegetable stock or a light chicken stock would also work. This dish would also work well swapping the chorizo for smoked bacon lardons and peas for sautéed mushrooms. Read More Seafood Made Simple: My chilli oil recipe is perfect for salads, rice and these steamed mussels
San Francisco Chronicle
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
New to stream in June: 'The Bear' returns, ‘Squid Games' ends and a new vision for ‘Predator'
The weather isn't the only thing heating up in June. The Netflix cultural phenomenon 'Squid Game' is set to launch its final season and the Hulu comedy-drama 'The Bear' is returning for its highly anticipated fourth season. Meanwhile, crime comes in both comedy and drama flavors this month thanks to 'Deep Cover' and 'Echo Valley.' Whatever your taste, streaming offerings on Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video have something for everyone. 'Predator: Killer of Killers' Director Dan Trachtenberg ('Prey') returns to the 'Predator' franchise with an animated anthology film that explores more humans who have dueled the alien hunters throughout history. This time, a ninja in feudal Japan, a young Viking warrior and a Black American World War II pilot all try to survive encounters with alien stalkers bent on acquiring trophies. This is the first time a film in the series has been animated, but the Predators look no less terrifying as drawings than they do in real life. Watch it: Animated. Streaming on Hulu and Disney+ starting June 6. 'Ocean with David Attenborough' David Attenborough is synonymous with quality nature documentaries, and 'Ocean' looks like no exception. In this new film, Attenborough looks at the increasingly dire state of the Earth's sea, plagued by overfishing, reef bleaching and other manmade catastrophes. However, Attenborough also highlights remarkable recent discoveries that make him feel a healed world is still possible. 'Deep Cover' Imposter syndrome got you down? Check out the adventures of three British improv comedians who get recruited by the police to infiltrate the London underworld. Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed star as three hapless and struggling actors who agree to play the role of their lives: criminal masterminds. Despite having the law enforcement instincts of Sunday school teachers, they managed to 'yes and…' their way deep into the local rackets. Tom Kingsley ('The Darkest Universe') directs. Watch it: Comedy. Streaming on Prime Video starting June 12. 'Echo Valley' From writer Brad Ingelsby ('Mare of Easttown') comes a new crime thriller about the lengths a mother will go to in order to protect her daughter. Julianne Moore ('Still Alice') wakes one night at her remote horse farm to find her daughter (Sydney Sweeney, 'Euphoria') at her door, covered in her boyfriend's blood and begging for help. The two navigate a rocky relationship and the consequences of murder as suspicion grows. 'The Bear,' Season 4 The chef comedy 'The Bear' has quickly become one of the most compelling watches on streaming, and Season 4 is rumored to be the final entry. Last season left off with a cliffhanger as an all-important review of the family restaurant in the Chicago Tribune threatened to close the doors. Meanwhile, head chef Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) alienates everyone around him with antisocial behavior. Season 4 will show him trying to rally his family, friends and coworkers once again to turn the Bear into something special, if he can only curb his self-destructive tendencies. 'Squid Game,' Season 3 The long and twisted Korean survival drama 'Squid Game' is ending this month on Netflix. Last season ended with a cliffhanger as Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) led an uprising against the terrifying Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), who runs the deadly games that players compete in for a large cash prize. The last season will deal with Gi-hun's continued quest to end the games against impossible odds. If you've been holding off exploring the 'Squid Games' world, now is the perfect time to dive in. Jef Rouner is a freelance writer.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Having more wayside trees benefits urban environment
The tabebuia tree is more than just 'a pretty face in the landscape'. It is a symbol of resilience, sustainability and harmony with nature. — Photo from RECENT destruction of trees along some roads in Kuching for transportation development has really given me some perspectives. Sir David Attenborough, in his book, 'A Life on Our Planet', presents a review of the natural world throughout the past 70 years. According to him, 'the world is heading for disaster if no redemptions are taken now'. Attenborough, who just turned 99 earlier this month, is hailed as the most active researcher and broadcaster of natural heritage, covering all parts of Earth, so he truly knows what he is talking about. His 'no redemptions' statement reflects the global situation where human beings have destroyed vast areas of forests, grasslands, icebergs, and even the great reefs in Australia resulting from the rising temperature and levels of acidity in the environment. There are now alternative energy options other than fossil fuel, which is regarded as a source of pollution and global warming. In this respect, Sarawak is heading towards utilising hydrogen technology, as well as solar energy for electricity generation. Having said this, it is known that leafy trees absorb carbon dioxide and in the process, release oxygen that rejuvenates air quality. So, why don't we have more trees around the city, especially over the open spaces? The authorities did plant some beautiful wayside trees around Kuching in the 1970s. One of them is the 'Tabebuia rosa', or 'trumpet tree'. I see this species, which is native to the Americas, as 'a gift of beauty to the world' with its bell-shaped blooms. These majestic trees are planted across the tropics and the sub-tropics not only for their visual appeal, but for their environmental and ecological benefits. In Kuching, they used dot along the Jalan Simpang Tiga near the Spring Shopping Mall, but recently, several of them were felled to make way for the ongoing Automated Rapid Transit (ART) project. Fortunately, we have some other trees elsewhere in Sarawak. The trumpet tree is a natural showstopper. The specular flowering display in hues of pink, yellow, purple and white, comes in dramatic bursts during onset of a dry spell in our weather. This tree species plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity. The blooms attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds that are crucial for pollination. Additionally, it provides good shade for humans and birds, contributing to healthy urban and natural habitats, respectively. The tabebuia contributes to environmental sustainability in several major ways: Air purification – like all leaf-borne trees, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, helping to combat climate change; Urban cooling – the leafy canopies provide shade, reduce the 'heat island' effect in cities, and lower energy consumption, and; Soil health – the deep roots help prevent erosion and improve water retention. The tree is known for being drought tolerant and relatively easy to maintain once it is established. This makes them an excellent choice for reforestation, as well as for planting in areas with low-water retention or environmental stress. It is also a good timber tree, as it yields hard durable wood good for decking, furniture-making and the construction industry. The tabebuia tree is more than just 'a pretty face in the landscape'. It is a symbol of resilience, sustainability and harmony with nature. By planting and preserving more of this tree, we are not only beautifying our surroundings, but also contributing to the planet's ecological balance and well-being. Another great species is the 'Jacaranda mimosifolia', native to South America especially Argentina and Bolivia. The trumpet-shaped flowers are in vibrant purple or bluish lavender hues, and the leaves are fern-like bipinnate and offer light dappled shade. The tree can grow up to 50 feet (over 15m) tall, and it is a fast-growing plant. It is moderate drought-tolerant once it reaches maturity. The jacaranda is, in my opinion, a great urban landscaping choice for the streets, parks as well as large gardens due to its large canopy and stunning flowers. Happy Gardening!
RTÉ News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
How David Attenborough reshaped how we see the natural world
Over the course of seven decades, Sir David Attenborough's documentaries have reshaped how we see the natural world, shifting from colonial-era collecting trips to urgent calls for environmental action, write Neil J. Gostling and Sam Illingworth. His storytelling has inspired generations, but has only recently begun to confront the scale of the ecological crisis. To understand how far nature broadcasting has come, it helps to return to where it started. When Attenborough's broadcasting career began in the 1950s, Austrian filmmakers Hans and Lotte Hass were already pushing the boundaries of what was possible by taking cameras below the sea and touring the world aboard their schooner, the Xafira. In one of their 1953 Galapagos films, a crewman handled a sealion pup, having crawled across the volcanic rock of Fernandina honking at sealions to attract them. A penguin and giant tortoise were brought on board Xafira. And as Lotte Hass took photographs, she'd beseech some poor creature to "not be frightened" and "look pleasant". This is a world away from today's expectations, where both research scientists and amateur naturalists are taught to observe without touching or disturbing wildlife. When the Hasses visited the Galápagos, it was still five years before the creation of the national park and the founding of the island's conservation organisation Charles Darwin Foundation. Now, visitors must stay at least two metres from all animals – and never approach them. At the same time, television was beginning to shape public perceptions of the natural world. In 1954, Attenborough was working as a young producer on Zoo Quest. By chance, he became its presenter when zoologist Jack Lester became ill. The programme followed zoologists collecting animals from around the world for London Zoo. Zoo Quest was filmed in exotic locations around the world and then in the studio where the animals found on the expedition were shown "up close". Attenborough has since acknowledged that Zoo Quest reflected attitudes that would not be acceptable today. The series showed animals being captured from the wild and transported to London Zoo – practices which mirrored extractive, colonial-era approaches to science. Watch: David Attenborough's Zoo Quest for a Dragon aired in 1956 Yet, Zoo Quest was also groundbreaking. The series brought viewers face-to-face with animals they might never have seen before and pioneered a visual style that made natural history television both entertaining and educational. It helped establish Attenborough's reputation as a compelling communicator and laid the foundations for a new genre of science broadcasting – one that has evolved, like its presenter, over time. After a decade in production, Attenborough returned to presenting with Life on Earth (1979), a landmark series that traced the evolution of life from single-celled organisms to birds and apes. Drawing on his long-standing interest in fossils, the series combined zoology, palaeobiology and natural history to create an ambitious new template for science broadcasting. Life on Earth helped cement Attenborough's reputation as a trusted communicator and became the foundation of the BBC's "blue-chip" natural history format – big-budget, internationally produced films that put high-quality cinematic wildlife footage at the forefront of the story. The series did not simply document the natural world. It reframed it, using presenter-led storytelling and global spectacle to shape how audiences understood evolutionary processes. Watch: Sir David Attenborough tells the story behind Life on Earth For much of his career, Attenborough has been celebrated for showcasing the beauty of the natural world. Yet, he has also faced criticism for sidestepping the environmental crises threatening it. Commentators such as the environmental journalist George Monbiot argued that his earlier documentaries, while visually stunning, often avoided addressing the human role in climate change, presenting nature as untouched and avoiding difficult truths about ecological decline. What makes Attenborough stand out is the way he speaks. While official climate treaties often rely on technical or legal language, he communicates in emotional, accessible terms Building on the legacy of Life on Earth, Attenborough's later series began to respond to these critiques. Blue Planet (2001) expanded the scope of nature storytelling, revealing the mysteries of the ocean's most remote and uncharted ecosystems. Its 2017 sequel, Blue Planet II, introduced a more urgent tone, highlighting the scale of plastic pollution and the need for marine conservation. Although Blue Planet II significantly increased viewers' environmental knowledge, it did not lead to measurable changes in plastic consumption behaviour – a reminder that awareness alone does not guarantee action. The subsequent Wild Isles (2023) continued the shift towards conservation messaging. While the main series aired in five parts, a sixth episode – Saving Our Wild Isles – was released separately and drew controversy amid claims the BBC had sidelined it for being too political. In reality, the episode delivered a clear call to action. Ocean With David Attenborough was recently launched in cinemas. Doug Anderson/Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios Attenborough's latest film, Ocean, continues in this more urgent register, pairing breathtaking imagery with an unflinching assessment of ocean health. After decades of gentle narration, he now speaks with sharpened clarity about the scale of the crisis and the need to act. A voice for action In recent years, Attenborough has taken on a new role – not just as a broadcaster, but as a powerful voice in environmental diplomacy. He has addressed world leaders at major summits such as the UN climate conference Cop24 and the World Economic Forum, calling for urgent action on climate change. He was also appointed ambassador for the UK government's review on the economics of biodiversity. On the subject of environmemtal diplomacy, Monbiot recently wrote: "A few years ago, I was sharply critical of Sir David for downplaying the environmental crisis on his TV programmes. Most people would have reacted badly but remarkably, at 92, he took this and similar critiques on board and radically changed his approach." Attenborough not only speaks. He listens. This is part of his charm and popularity. He is learning and evolving as much as his audience. What makes Attenborough stand out is the way he speaks. While official climate treaties often rely on technical or legal language, he communicates in emotional, accessible terms – speaking plainly about responsibility, urgency and the moral imperative to protect life on Earth. His calm authority and familiar voice make complex issues easier to grasp and harder to dismiss. Frequently named Britain's most trusted public figure, Attenborough has become something of an unofficial diplomat for the planet – apolitical, measured, and often seen as a voice of reason amid populist noise. Despite his criticisms, Attenborough's documentaries walk a careful line between fragility and resilience, using emotionally ambivalent imagery to prompt reflection. He shares his wonder with the natural world and brings people along with him. Ocean shows our blue planet in more spectacular fashion than Lotte and Hans Hass could ever have imagined. But it is also Attenborough's most direct reckoning with environmental collapse. With clarity and urgency, it confronts the damage wrought by industrial trawling and habitat destruction. After 70 years of gently guiding viewers through the natural world, Attenborough's voice has sharpened. If he once opened our eyes to nature's wonders, he now challenges us not to look away. As he puts it: "If we save the sea, we save our world. After a lifetime filming our planet, I'm sure that nothing is more important."
Sunday World
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
David Attenborough's latest doc could be the 99-year-old's best yet
RALLYING CRY | This is one of the passionate documentaria most ambitious projects to date – and it is stunning Now in his 100th year after celebrating his 99th birthday this week, broadcasting legend David Attenborough has another story to share with us - and it might be one of his greatest yet. The passionate and no-nonsense documentarian is bringing one of his most ambitious projects to date to cinemas with this feature-length tale. Ocean is a rallying cry for action, a story of righteous anger in some of its details, but primarily a tale of hope in the power of nature. It helps that it features some of the most stunning and groundbreaking images of the natural world ever brought to our screens, and some highly entertaining, charismatic and knowledgeable contributors. Using the latest cutting-edge filmmaking technology, Ocean takes audiences deep below the surface of some of the world's most unchartered waters. Coral reefs, kelp forests, dolphins, sea turtles, krill and albatrosses practically line up on screen for their close-ups in images that are both jaw-dropping and intimate. A bait ball in the open ocean near Azores. (Credit: Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios/Doug Anderson) There is darkness, too. In a filmmaking first, we see the shocking impact of bottom-trawling on the ocean's sea bed, the colour of underwater life being drained from the screen before our eyes. A film on a mission without ever feeling preachy, Ocean is a no-holds-barred account of what humanity is at risk of losing - and a positive and hopeful rallying cry about how some of our oceans are already returning to their former glory. A humpback whale breaches. (Credit: Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios/Steve Benjamin) Ocean comes to our cinemas just as the UN moots the idea of getting countries to sign up to 30x30 - a plan to designate 30% of the world's oceans as protected areas by 2030. In some parts of the world, this is already being enacted - and the results, to Attenborough's joy, are remarkable. Several positive examples are cited but the most fascinating is the recovery of Papahanaumokuakea, north of Hawaii, currently the largest fully protected area on the planet. New footage recorded by the filmmaking team depicts an abundance of life above and below the waves, from whale sharks to the mōlī seabird, which went from being perilously close to extinction to becoming the largest albatross colony in the world. Read more Our oceans, Attenborough reckons, are tougher than we thought. 'After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea,' he says. 'Wherever we have given the ocean time and space, it has recovered faster and on a greater scale than we dared to imagine possible. And it has the power to go even further. 'When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity. Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true.' The Verdict : One of the great documentaries - a stunning looking tale of the power of nature from one of the screen's greatest storytellers.
