Lucy Noland

15/01/2024

"In fact, when you run the math on this, every time the Philadelphia Eagles run this play, it slightly changes the rotation of the Earth." Wait. What??

Astrophysicist extraordinaire, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson has been doing a lot of thinking about the vaunted Eagles play, the T**h Push or my favorite name, the Brotherly Shove. Of course, for Tyson, Newtonian physics come into play, specifically Newton's third law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Ergo, Tyson's quote about the Brotherly Shove affecting Earth's rotation — ha! Except that he's serious. He also observed that certain things in the universe cannot be stopped: super novas, black holes and, quite possible, the Brotherly Shove.

NFL Game Day on the NFL Network just ran one of the best produced, fascinating and entertaining stories I've seen in a long time. Kyle Brandt's interview is fantastic. (And, yes, I'm a wee bit jealous — or a lot a bit jealous — that I didn't do it.) Of course, I'm a space geek and I happen to love football, so when those worlds collide, I'm one happy camper.

Thought this would be a great pre-game warm-up for you! FYI, though I do love Matt Stafford and all those hard years he tried to lift the Detroit Lions, I am thrilled that Jared Goff and Dan Campbell's Lions finally won a playoff game. Woo hoo!!! Now, let's go Eagles!

24/12/2023

So, I had decided not to post this but then today happened.

For years now, my brother, sister-in-law and their two sweet girls tenderly wrap Christmas presents just so for my children and me, box them up and send them from the West Coast to the East. There's always a hint of origami to the wrapping with heartfelt notes attached to each gift. And so when I saw the package on my stoop last week, my heart fluttered just a bit. I love this season of giving, of warmth, of kind gestures, and new hope.

Swinging open the door, that fluttering turned into a sinking. The box was open. The only thing inside: bubble wrap with some packing material flapping in the winter wind.

I sure hope the thief who cut open the box sitting on my stoop, saw the wrapped presents with the inscriptions to my children, and then still decided to stuff them into his oversized coat and ride off on his bicycle appreciated the love and care that went into those presents. I especially hope he cherishes the cat mug that my nieces made for my feline-loving son. Guessing that might be too much to ask, though.

A couple of nights ago, my daughter and I met my son for dinner. It was a frigid night and my son's hands were freezing. "Where's your gloves, bud?" I asked.

"Oh, I lost them, but I'm okay," he assured me.

That night, I ordered a pair of warm gloves to put under our Christmas tree for my son. Today, while we were at church, the thief who had struck before, decided to double dip. Hope the gloves can at least keep his hands warm, though I suspect that it's his heart that needs to warm.

Anyhow ...

Small reminder that it's now a felony in Pennsylvania to do what this dude did.

Bigger reminder, that — no matter what — this is a glorious season that brings the promise of new life, new hope and renewed light in our world.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, my friends!

02/12/2023

Exciting news: A Wabi-Sabi World has just made its worldwide debut! This gentle book is about finding perfection in imperfection and happens to be set at a little slice of heaven: Avondale, Pennsylvania’s own Chenoa Manor Animal Sanctuary.

Join us at Barnes & Noble today to meet the author, illustrator and Chenoa’s founder at 11:00 A.M. We’ll have storytime, an art project and you can have them sign your book.

Archimedes' Printing Shoppe & Sundry Goodes is so proud to have helped this book come to life! Hope to see you there!

Join us for an in-store event, Storytime: A Wabi-Sabi World , on Saturday, November 04, 2023.

30/11/2023

A couple of weeks ago, I witnessed a miracle.

Scratch that.

I witnessed two miracles: In a playpen, next to a cozy, warm fireplace, a brother and sister — newborn piglets — snuggled into a fuzzy blanket, side by side. Had fate and a few good humans not intervened, these chubby pink babies would not have survived.

This is their story — a story of a man determined to save their little lives despite risking his job, the story of a friend determined to help him, and the story of an animal sanctuary that stepped up in the nick of time. Let's head to Dalton, Pennsylvania's Indraloka Animal Sanctuary for, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story.

(Oh, and about four minutes in, you'll see the sweetest video of the piglets playing just like puppies. So cute! And, by the way, if you'd like to help the cause and "Party With the Piglets," head here:
https://indraloka.org/party-with-the-piglets/ Much thanks to Isabell Albert for taking the video of my interview with Indra Lahiri and Robin Olsen!)

20/10/2023

A little bird told me that tomorrow at Philadelphia's Barnes & Noble a magical storytime and art project is unfolding at 11:00 A.M.! Susan Russell and I are reading our new release "To Bird or Not to Bird" and then ... and THEN we'll pull out our best crafts and all the kiddos can make their own beautiful bird. So fun!

Here's hoping you and your little ones can join us! We'd love to sign your books. 🐦🐦🐦

Here's where you'll find us: Barnes & Noble, 1708 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

12/10/2023

First off: GO Phillies!!!

Secondly: This Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at South Philly's legendary Mifflin Tavern for some Eagles pregaming to benefit kitties and pitties! Kelly and her tavern team are whipping up their usual incredible drinks and dishes. We've got raffles galore, a 50/5, Aladdin Nation's Michele Schaffer will be selling Laddy Daddy's books and merch, and I'll be there with all my Archimedes' Printing Shoppe & Sundry Goodes' books and apparel (oh, and holiday cards)!

This is all about helping two great nonprofits: LIFE: lifesaving initiative funding efforts which is all about keeping people and pets together (among many other amazing things) and Mac's Fund which focuses on helping community cats and all those caring for them.

If you bring dog or cat food with you, you'll get a free raffle ticket! Please help these two organizations stock their pet pantries. A portion of the proceeds of our merch sold will help both LIFE and Mac's Fund, so come on out, pregame for the Eagles as they take on the Jets and help out kitties and pitties!

No tickets required! Just bring you, some friends, and pet food! (Oh, and the cute kitten in the the thumbnail was my foster, Beau, and the adorable pittie puppy was part of Don't Bully Us Rescue's family whom I could not stop cuddling. ❤️)

11/10/2023

What fun! Enormous thanks to all of you who joined us for our third annual Kegs for Cats at the Philadelphia Brewing Co. this past Sunday! We raised thousands of dollars for Morris Animal Refuge’s and Mac's Fund’s community cat program — Purrfect!

We could not have done it without all of our generous partners! Algorithm Vegan Grill, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Kitty Rotten, Hammer & Stain Haddon, Nancy and her Philadelphia Brewing crew, Lewis, Grace and the Morris team, Preston and Steve Studios 93.3 WMMR’s Steve Morrison and his better half Clare 😄, Aladdin Nation, all of our volunteers and, of course, you!

From my Archimedes' Printing Shoppe & Sundry Goodes crew to you: Thank you!!!

09/10/2023

Soooo, I'm on a pet supply website searching for something, anything that will get my Henry Robert to eat more and what do my wandering eyes land upon? This. Courtesy of Temptations Cat Treats. Ha!

I literally did a double take. Does that say “tasty HUMAN?” Yep. Five stars, too. For a limited time.

Well, maybe if Hannibal Lecter had a cat (but you’d have to throw in fava beans and a nice Chianti) ...

Happy halloween! (Yes, I spared you from the obligatory "Howloween." You're welcome.) 🙂🎃🍂

05/10/2023

Got an idea: This Sunday, let's pregame for the Birds together, along with a bunch of adorable, adoptable kittens! I'm talking Philadelphia Brewing Co. beer and ciders, Algorithm Vegan Grill tacos, cheesesteaks and hoagies, fun fall make and take crafts with the amazing Hammer & Stain Haddon, incredible raffles, a kitten cuddling station, cat-themed merch from my own Archimedes' Printing Shoppe & Sundry Goodes, desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes and on top of all that? Kitty Rotten's going to rock the stage and Preston and Steve Studios 93.3 WMMR's Steve Morrison will be emceeing.

Talk about pregaming before the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Rams in the late afternoon! And — bonus! — you're helping community cats through Morris Animal Refuge and Mac's Fund.

Tickets are $25 which will score you a free beer or cider, your choice of taco and three raffle tickets.

VIP tickets are $50 which lands you an open beer and cider bar, your choice of sandwich and an arms length of raffle tickets.

The place: Philadelphia Brewing Company at 2440 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

The time: Noon to 3:00 PM EDT

The link for tickets: https://go.rallyup.com/kegsforcats23/Campaign/Details

Hope to see you there!!! (I'll be the one in a boot, hobbling about with my walker. Snapped my ankle in half a couple of weeks back as evidenced by the pic. Yee haw!)

13/08/2023

Gotta love goats!

Whether it's my GOAT dad (with apologies to all other dads since I am obviously just slightly biased), my feline hero GOAT, Henry Robert Noland, who actually saved my family from toxic fumes by herding us — yes, like cats — out of our home (true story, I'll elaborate another day), or the beautiful actual goats at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary which brings me to this question (in what might just be the GOAT run-on-sentence): "Can you help a goat out?"

Mere hours are left in the 3rd annual Goat Games, and goats all over the country are asking for your help. Our very own Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, just a couple hours north of Philadelphia, is home to a friendly herd of rescued goats, all saved from abuse, exploitation, and slaughter. Your support of the Goat Games will help ensure that these goats and countless others, are seen as beautiful beings — individuals — whose lives are worth living. Please join me in supporting the Goat Games by giving now — before midnight — and sleep well knowing that you are saving lives. Here's the link: https://app.donorcharm.org/campaign/Telethon/5lKYr

Love this picture of animal advocate rockstar Indra Lahiri and a few of the residents of Indraloka!

07/07/2023

So I'm walking into Philadelphia's new flagship Barnes & Noble at 1708 Chestnut Street today and what greets my eyes?? A whole display of my wee publishing company, Archimedes' Printing Shoppe & Sundry Goodes, just nationally released children's book To Snail or Not to Snail!

How wonderful is that?! And, tomorrow at 11:00 a.m., SJ Russell, Kaity Lacy and I will be presenting at Barnes And Noble Philadelphia with a fabulous art project right afterward. We'd love for you to join us with your little ones or join us just because we're fun to hang out with — ha!

Of course, we'll also be signing books!

Hope to see you tomorrow, Saturday, July 8 at 11:00 a.m.!

06/07/2023

Back home from an incredible journey in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, and I am inspired. I cannot wait to share the film which will tell the story of a couple of college kids — Philadelphians — who traveled to the treasure that is Kibale National Park for a research project on primates. Michael Stern and Rebecca Goldstone left Kibale with a deep love for not only the rainforest and its vast web of life — it is, after all, the primate capital of the world — but also for the incredible people living in the surrounding villages. But how to balance the needs of the growing communities with the needs of the threatened rainforest?

Michael and Rebecca founded New Nature Foundation and 20 years later, it has profoundly impacted communities and wild spaces in Uganda and Northern Vietnam in the best of ways. Last year alone, its programs saved more than 10.4 million pounds of wood, protecting vital habitats for countless endangered animals. So how can it do this? Through education at its many science centers that welcome people of all ages and through empowerment such as showing people how to build their own fuel-efficient, cleaner-burning stoves. And that just scratches the surface of what Philadelphia's own New Nature Foundation does.

Stay tuned to hear all about it but in the meantime, why don't you check out their page and see what you can do to help. Guaranteed you'll be smiling a mile wide.

27/06/2023

Greetings from Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve! It's a verdant little jewel of rainforest surrounded by farms and homes in western Uganda. The nonprofit cooperative that protects this treasure hopes to actually expand the forest with the blessings of the local community and through the funds raised by eco-tourists who stay at its cottages and campsite.

Here's a video tease from my just-launched YouTube channel that captures Africa's most-endangered primate. To see the full video — which includes baby monkey cuteness! — I humbly invite you to head on over and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/

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“I can smell them. Come this way.” Our guide, David, hiked deeper into the patch of rainforest that hugs Lake Nkuruba in western Uganda, his eyes scanning the canopy of trees overhead and the treetops stretching up from the crater lake below. Nkuruba is one of many crater lakes in this region formed long ago by erupting, now-extinct volcanoes. The soil is fertile and so is the plant and animal life.

David was headed down toward the water, quite literally sniffing out the most endangered primate in all of Africa: the red colobus monkey. “Do you smell them?” In fact, I did smell something — perhaps, a musky odor, not unpleasant, just noticeable. Before I headed to Uganda, I chatted with a couple of primatologists who had both focused on these rusty-red monkeys for their research papers. One of them had seen them at Lake Nkuruba 20 years ago. In the years since though, most of the rainforest around the lake had been cut down and there was no longer any wildlife corridor to nearby Kibale National Park. She said she’d be surprised — pleasantly — if any red colobus monkeys still swung through the trees around the crater lake. The other primatologist flatly stated that there was very little chance that any of them remained.

And, yet, here we were sniffing out these elusive beings. A crash through the trees to our right and a rusty-red flash caught my eye. David exclaimed in a hushed voice, “There! There they are!” And, there they were. One sat in the foliage snacking on the leaves. A baby rolled over his mom’s back. Others swung through the branches looking for the perfect spot to sit back and munch away. We were surrounded. I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears. I actually tried to text the primatologists as these enchanting beings swirled around us (to no avail since cellular service was sketchy at best).

Of the many good things about Lake Nkuruba Reserve, for the red colobus monkeys at least, it’s that no chimpanzees call it home. Chimps hunt various creatures and the red colobus is their main target when it comes to monkeys. Perhaps, the lack of chimps combined with the protected reserve is why the red colobus monkeys of Lake Nkuruba are alive and well.

Across Africa, these monkeys range from forests in Senegal to the islands of Zanzibar. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2020, every form of red colobus monkey is threatened with extinction, and 14 of the 18 species are listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered. As the IUCN says, “... the general public is largely unaware of these monkeys and their plight.” So it has launched an action plan to save these incredible beings which you can find on the IUCN’s website.

The greatest danger facing red colobus monkeys is continuing human encroachment, human-wildlife conflict and the need for firewood. Thank goodness, organizations like the New Nature Foundation and Conservation to Coexist are working to help humans coexist in harmony with nature. More on that soon …

Thanks to the amazing Sam Chevalier, photographer extraordinaire who was part of my film crew, for the thumbnail still image.

20/06/2023

So, I forgot my lucky Indiana Jones hat at home as I raced to the airport. Maybe that’s why at the TSA checkpoint I promptly dropped my phone which immediately shattered my camera’s lens. Normally, that would not be a big deal but since I was headed to Africa for a film shoot, it was a very big deal. Fixing it involved calling an audible in Qatar which involved getting an emergency visa then racing through the streets of Doha and trekking through back alleyways. More on that later …

I wanted to share this incredible moment with a young chimpanzee in the Pearl of Africa’s Kibale National Forest. You can find the full video, including a magical encounter in the Ugandan rainforest with a 22-year old chimp named Ruhweza and discover more on the biological treasure that is their home on my brand new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/

I would love for you to subscribe! From here on out, it’s where I’ll be sharing the wonders of our spectacular planet. Please join me 💚🌍❤️

24/05/2023

Man, four years flies by! Way back when, before most anyone had heard of a coronavirus, a bunch of cat-loving, buccaneer-inspired folks gathered on the historic tall ship Moshulu for the Mac's Fund’s catastic mission of helping community cats.

Well, it’s time for Mewtiny on the Moshulu once again! The date: June 8. The time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

You’ll be able to cuddle kittens from the amazing Morris Animal Refuge; scarf down delish food from Algorithm Vegan Grill, the Moshulu and Philly Pretzel Factory; desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes in Wynnewood, Zsa's Ice Cream, Insomnia Cookies, Rosie's Kettle Corn, Tuck-ins S’mores; and libations from Stateside Vodka, KLYR Rum, Yards Brewery. Chaddsford Winery and incredible frozen coffee from Aladdin's Beach Brew. Whew!

Entertainment? Oh yeah! DJ Perry Angelozzi, Bad Idea Entertainment’s juggling, Bizarre Bryn the contortionist, strongman Todd Jones, tarot card readers, a caricature artist, DIY from Hammer & Stain Haddon and a 360-degree Photo Booth from Philly Photo Booth and Philm!

Raffles, silent auctions, a liquor pull, 50/50 aaand … wait for it … FREE PARKING!

Hope you can join us and help our community cats!

For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/macs-funds-mewtiny-on-the-moshulu-mew-3-back-to-the-sea-tickets-635517258227?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

Here’s the recap of our chat on the Moshulu.

14/05/2023

What a glorious Mother's Day! I hope you get a chance to get out and soak it in whether you're a mom of two-legged kiddos, four-legged kiddos, whatever-legged kiddos, or not a mom at all. The sun and the birds are calling!

What a change from yesterday's drizzle, though that didn't dampen the Mummer magic that rolled through the streets of Northeast Philadelphia and South Philly on a flatbed truck. So. Much. Fun!!! I've never had the honor of hanging out with a string band all day long. And to see the smiles on people's faces? Fantastic!

I've also never publicly endorsed a candidate for anything before, but now that I'm not tethered to the anchor desk and because this great city is in so much need, I'm helping my dear friend Allan Domb — a man with a servant's heart who has never failed to help with my various projects over the years from housing for those experiencing, or in danger of experiencing, homelessness to four-legged Philadelphians in trouble.

Regardless of who you're voting for tomorrow, let's please, please keep things civil here, I hope you can enjoy the music of the joy-filled, all-star string band, Mum's the Word featuring Barry Hess on drums from Fralinger String Band, Bob Stango on banjo from Joseph A. Ferko String Band, Gary Stachowicz on alto sax from South Philadelphia String Band, Chris Roetz on bass from the 2023 Champions Quaker City String Band, Bobby Flaherty on the accordion from the Avalon String Band and Loretta Hess who oversees all things Mum's the Word!

10/04/2023

Wednesday’s the day! This Wednesday, April 12, my wee Archimedes' Printing Shoppe & Sundry Goodes team is part of the grand opening of Barnes & Noble's new flagship Philadelphia store and you’re invited! The bookstore has all kinds of festivities planned and we’ll be there from noon to 3:00 p.m. signing our three debut national releases: To Bird or Not to Bird, To Snail or Not to Snail and Wrestles With Wolves: Saving the World One Species at a Time. Susan Russell, Kaity Lacy and I are the team behind the To Be series.

We’re proud to have published Wrestles With Wolves authored by legendary conservationist Bill Konstant. It’s a glorious memoir with spectacular photos from around the world of beautiful beings from glass frogs in Panama to gorillas in Rwanda. Dr. Jane Goodall—yes, that Jane Goodall—loves the book so much, she decided to write a few words of endorsement: “Bill Konstant, an animal behaviorist and wildlife conservationist, is a gifted storyteller and writer with a great sense of humor. You will meet many enchanting animals as well as kindred spirits who are dedicated to saving animals and the natural world. A perfect gift for anyone interested in wildlife.” I’m still pinching myself over this!

Of course, Bill will be with us signing books. We’d love for you to join us for the grand opening. We’re at the new Barnes & Noble at 1708 Chestnut Street in Center City. Hope to see you there!

09/04/2023

An enchanted encounter in an enchanted Pennsylvania wood—I could not believe my eyes! As I hopped over a log in the Wissahickon, a flurry of activity around the bottom of a tree grabbed my attention and then my breath. I had stumbled upon what I thought was the courtship dance of two pileated woodpeckers. North America’s largest woodpeckers mate for life and put on quite a show as they prepare to welcome new life into our world.

Though these two looked to be in the throes of romance, it seems they were in the throes of a territorial dispute. My birder friends say by the looks of their crowns, it seems as if these are two males, looking to establish their home base.

Still, a sight to behold!

20/03/2023

It has been way too long—waaay too long! But finally after two missed pandemic-ridden years, the Tiny Paws Rescue gala is back! In fact, it’s the 6th Annual TINY GALA! Only a few tickets are left for this banquet that includes an open bar, dancing and 100 amazing raffle baskets. Yours truly has the honor of emceeing this fundraiser which helps Kimberly Price Astringer and her dedicated, compassionate team save the lives of the tiniest of little dogs (and even kitty cats too)!

New location: Philadelphia’s Southampton Room

C’mon over right now and meet some of these little sweethearts!

18/03/2023

A funny thing happened on the way to the forest. Muffled knocking grabbed my attention as I hiked into one of my favorite patches of forest. I’m used to hearing the rat-a-tat-tat of the various woodpeckers in our woods. But this sound was different and I soon learned why.

Near the very top of a long-dead tree, I saw the backend of a big bird. Aside from her tail and the rump it was attached to, she was pretty much entirely in an old hole pecking away which explained the muffled knocking.

The glorious pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America next to the ill-fated and most likely extinct ivory-billed woodpecker. And here I was on this brisk and beautiful day watching a pileated woodpecker doing some spring cleaning. What a blessing.

Speaking of birds, as you’ll see at the end of this video, the latest in our To Be series, To Bird or Not to Bird was just honored with a rare, wonderful and prestigious Kirkus Reviews star marking a book “of exceptional merit.”

“Illustrator [Kaity] Lacy’s watercolor animals are exquisitely detailed; Worm look not only real, but somehow thoughtful. The book is an ideal mix of easy storytelling followed by comprehensive yet accessible factual information—the perfect blend for beginner naturalists. A great book for young nature lovers showcasing two unique ecological niches.”

—Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

It’s available now on our website (signed by SJ Russell and yours truly with an original doodle by phenomenally talented Kaity Lacy) or unsigned: https://archimedesprintingshoppe.com/collections/frontpage/products/to-bird-or-not-to-bird

You can also find it at Chestnut Hill’s fabulous bookstore Booked and we’ll be at the grand opening of the new Philadelphia flagship Barnes & Noble at 1708 Chestnut Street on April 12th from noon to 3:00 p.m. signing both of our spring children’s releases and we’ll be showcasing our adult book written by legendary wildlife conservationist Bill Konstant, Wrestles With Wolves, Saving the World One Species at a Time. And, yes, Bill will be with us! Here’s to a glorious spring!

20/02/2023

Adoptable kitten cuddling. Delish delicacies from Harvest Seasonal Grill and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Libations from Revivalist Gins, Resurgent Whiskeys, Chaddsford Winery, KLYR Rum & Dewey Beer with master mixologist, Ray Albert, and his “manager” Isi Albert working their magic.

It’s this Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. at The Living Room in Ardmore! And, drumroll please … The party benefits Mac's Fund and its mission to help Philly’s community cats and all those who love and help them!

Oh and did I mention all the raffles?! (Big thanks to Lynn McCash Mullin!)

Thank you also to The Restaurant Store for supporting the cause and always to 𝐂𝐨𝐰𝐛𝐨𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐫 for all things community cats and bringing in his adoptable kittens today!

For tickets and more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/macs-fund-presents-a-kitty-cuddle-party-tickets-531170484217?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

26/01/2023

On this blustery, winter day, how about a little taste of spring to take the edge off? May I present Archimedes' Printing Shoppe & Sundry Goodes' newest release “To Bird or Not to Bird” by SJ Russell and yours truly and illustrated in pen and watercolor by the one-and-only Shelter Art by Kaity Lacy!

Praise for To Bird or Not to Bird:

"Melodious words. Dazzling illustrations. The book’s true message lies in the importance of doing your part to make the world a better place. Truly, is there any better lesson to convey right now?"

— Ellen Labrecque, New York Times Bestselling Children’s Author

"The To Be series brings home the importance of nature's intricate orchestration through the invaluable work performed by two very different and unlikely new friends, Red-winged Blackbird and Earthworm."

— Bly Brown, Retired Librarian

Our presale is now on with delivery in April! However, and this is a fabulous however, if you bundle a signed (with original Kaity Lacy doodle) To Bird or Not to Bird with a signed To Snail or Not to Snail, you’ll also receive a signed giclée of one of Bird and Worm’s forest friends: Rabbit. But wait there’s more! You’ll also receive a set of our Snail and Friends Nature Cards all for a 20-percent discount. You'll receive everything we have in stock ASAP and your delivery of To Bird or Not to Bird in April is free!

These sweet beings will warm your soul right down to your toes! And we could all use that on this wintry day!

Here’s the link:
https://archimedesprintingshoppe.com/collections/gata-unbound-a-series-for-ailurophiles-of-all-ages/products/signed-to-bird-or-not-to-bird

12/01/2023

I have been chomping at the bit to share something with you. It’s a biggie.

Drumroll, please …

Imagine theater curtains sweeping open and the words "Project Coexistence" lighting up the big screen. Remember the pics of the Bloody Marys and my Indiana Jones hat I shared with you as I headed off to New Mexico and later South Africa? Well, this documentary is the culmination of those adventures.

Project Coexistence is a sweeping cinematic short film that showcases the untold story of the porcine zona pellucida (PZP) vaccine. The what?? It’s a non-hormonal fertility control and it’s as misunderstood as it is fascinating. The kicker: It’s transforming conflict between humans and wildlife into coexistence from Africa’s vast savannas, through New York State's suburban neighborhoods, to the American West's rugged mesas.

Historically, humans have attempted to manage animals such as wild horses, deer, and elephants through relocation, fear tactics, or culling (killing) — techniques that can backfire and, in fact, spur population growth. (All of my cat TNR friends know this well.)

Our film journeys across continents as scientists Dr. Audrey Delsink in South Africa and Dr. Karen Herman in New Mexico prove that a far more humane and effective way of coexisting with animals has arrived.

My partner is Abby Rodriguez, who produced films for National Geographic for a decade. When you have a moment, please check out our website to meet our whole team, learn more about PZP’s extraordinary promise (we also tackle some of the myths surrounding it), and see what we call our "sizzle" for the film. I'm thrilled with our original score from the incredible composer Ryan Moore, so as Spinal Tap would say, turn up the volume to 11. (Small note, make sure to hit the volume button on the actual video.) Of course, we’d love for you to join our mission. We’re currently raising funds for post-production and every bit helps! If you'd like to donate, you'll see a tab on the website.

Enormous thanks to our film crews, Clive Morris Productions CMP in South Africa and LENZ-works Productions in New Mexico. Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible Burket-Plack Foundation, Humane Society International and Sky Mountain Wild Horse Sanctuary. And, Zoeann Campbell, thank you for introducing me to Burket-Plack’s dynamo animal advocate, Barb Riebman!)

Project Coexistence delves into the world of fertility control—the single most effective way to end the suffering of animals as their habitats shrink. Fertility control holds the promise of transforming human-wildlife conflict into human-wildlife coexistence on a planet where all life is elegantly...