relaxAI Unveils "PetTalk" – The AI Breakthrough That Lets You Chat with Your Pet

I suppose it had to happen.  Today, I spoke to Bruce.  To say that he got the surprise of his life is an understatement and he was reluctant to answer for a while.  Once we got going, he couldn't shut up.  Turns out he had a lot to tell me.  Bruce is a dog.  I am a human. Hey, they're just labels. From  now on, we can all have all conversations great and small with the creatures we live with.

How is this possible? Today, relaxAI, the advanced AI assistant platform, introduced PetTalk, an experimental new feature designed to translate pet vocalizations into human language in real time. Even more exciting? It allows humans to reply in their pets’ own "language."  You can try it for yourself using this link.  Just click on "pet mode" when you get there and you're away!

Powered by deep learning, speech pattern recognition, and a specialized natural language model trained on thousands of pet audio samples, PetTalk aims to revolutionize human-pet communication.

According to Mark Boost, CEO of relaxAI, the concept came straight from users who wanted to strengthen their emotional bond—not just with AI, but with their beloved animals.

“PetTalk is an exciting and ambitious step toward expanding the boundaries of AI-human interaction,” said Boost. “We’ve been working with leading academic researchers and animal behavior specialists to make what once seemed impossible… just a little less impossible.”

The feature was developed in collaboration with Dr. Emily Petrichor, Professor of Animal-Human Communication at the University of Ashwood, whose research into animal vocalization patterns helped shape the project’s foundational AI model.

Dr. Petrichor explains:

“We’ve identified acoustic patterns in animal sounds that indicate intent or emotion. Full interspecies conversation is still a distant dream, but with machine learning, we can make an educated guess about what your dog or cat might be trying to express. Whether it’s right or not—that’s for the pet to decide.”

While PetTalk isn’t (yet) scientifically or medically certified, early testers have shared entertaining results—from a Labrador pleading for “a bigger bed” to a cat demanding “a sunbeam that lasts all day.”

Confessions Of An Idiom

Thinking about it, I suppose it had to happen at some point: an animated short film starring the elephant in the room and the skeleton in the closet – giving us the best of both worlds.  Here, Mollie Helms and Amanda Koh of Ringling College get to grips with as many idioms as they can fit in to two and a half minutes.

No doubt they burned the midnight oil to finish it.  Yet actions speak louder than thoughts, of course, so give it a watch. The ball is in your court.

Freaky Flowers: Echinopsis Cacti in Bloom

Echinopsis may disappoint you.  After all their flowers bloom in the middle of the night and then last only for a day with the flowers at a peak for just an hour or two before they wilt.  So, if you are on holiday when this happens you have missed out.    Fortunately, however, we have EchinopsisFreak who must have the patience of a saint but who creates amazing timelapses like this one for those of us too lazy to sit through the night!

The Long Game

As the world moves faster, so do our expectations.  We live in a youth centered society but this video essay in two parts by delve, looks at how, perhaps, things should really be.  In order to be a genius, do we need to achieve it while we are still youthful? Taking perhaps the genius of geniuses, Leonardo Da Vinci as an example, this may give any of you reading this who feel it is to late to achieve something more than just a glimmer of hope.

The Century Old Color Photographs of Prokudin-Gorsky

In 1909 a remarkable project was initiated by Russian photographer Sergey Mikhaylovich Prokudin-Gorsky. His mission was to record – in full and vibrant color – the vast and diverse Russian Empire. Here, with his story, is a selection of his amazing century old full color pictures.

Just over one hundred years ago a Russian photographer, began a remarkable project. With the blessing – and funding – of the Tsar, Nicholas II, he embarked on an extraordinary journey to capture the essence of Russia in full color photographs. Many of these pictures look as if they could have been taken yesterday, with only the costumes worn by the people captured in their moment of time betraying the age of the work. The first shows two men crossing a small river.

These are Magpies? You’re Kidding, Right?

No, we’re not.  There are a number of magpie species which confound the notion that the whole lot of them are black and white.  They come in a number of different colors. Yet, despite this gorgeous plumage they still seem to be rather thuggish members of the bird world, robbing nests and eating chicks and so on.  Our sibling site , the Ark in Space, has the lowdown on these quite different (appearance wise at least) species of magpies.

Lucky Numbers: The Mathematics Behind Modern Slots

Slot machines might seem like games of pure chance, yet they rest on a foundation of complex mathematics. Many players might consider the math behind these games irrelevant, but understanding these principles can offer invaluable insight into how they operate, enriching one's gaming experience.

The Role of Random Number Generators

At the heart of every slot machine is a random number generator (RNG), a sophisticated algorithm that ensures each spin is entirely random and independent. RNGs generate thousands of numbers per second, even when the slot isn't played. The RNG halts at a specific number upon spinning to determine the outcome.

This inherent randomness means each spin is unique and independent of previous ones. Thus, the notion that a machine is 'due' for a win is a fallacy. The thrill and unpredictability of slots emerge from this randomness, making it impossible for players to predict or influence outcomes. While luck is pivotal, grasping the mechanics of RNGs encourages a more informed approach, reminding players that each spin is a singular event with no assured result.

The Concept of Return to Player (RTP)

Return to player (RTP) percentage is another mathematical cornerstone. RTP indicates the expected payout a slot machine offers over time. For example, a slot with a 96% RTP is designed to return £96 for every £100 wagered over a prolonged period.

RTP is crucial for players choosing which slot to play. While higher RTP values suggest better long-term winning odds, it's essential to understand that RTP is calculated over millions of spins. Short-term results can be significantly different. Therefore, RTP should guide rather than guarantee returns. It's prudent to assess RTP alongside bonus features and game volatility before selecting a slot that best suits one's preferences. Real money slot jackpots offer extensive information for those interested in exploring pokies for real money.

Understanding Volatility in Slots

Volatility or variance describes the risk level associated with a slot game. Low-volatility slots deliver frequent, smaller wins, appealing to players who prefer consistent payouts. In contrast, high-volatility slots can yield substantial rewards but with less frequency, enticing those tempted by the prospect of considerable jackpots.

Understanding a slot’s volatility helps align gameplay with personal risk appetite and expectations. Players with modest budgets might favour low-volatility options to maximise playtime, whereas those pursuing substantial wins may opt for high-volatility games. Making informed volatility-related decisions can significantly boost enjoyment, allowing players to select experiences matching their gaming style and risk tolerance.

The Impact of Bet Size and Paylines

Bet size and active paylines are strategic elements in slot gaming. Raising bet size can amplify potential winnings, and activating more paylines can improve winning chances. However, players must weigh these decisions against their bankroll to avoid premature depletion.

Effective bankroll management involves comprehending how bet size and payline choices affect gameplay. By adjusting these elements, players can devise strategies aligning with budgetary constraints and risk preferences. This approach extends gameplay and instils a sense of control and personalisation, heightening overall satisfaction.

The Psychology Behind Slots

Beyond mathematics, the psychology of slot machines is another fascinating aspect. Developers captivate players by integrating sensory elements such as lights, sounds, and vibrations. Combined with the mathematical underpinnings, these features create an immersive experience that engages players.

Understanding this psychological aspect adds a further dimension to the gaming experience, enabling players to become more aware of how these elements influence their play. By appreciating slots' mathematics and psychology, players can enjoy a more balanced and informed gaming session.

Exploring the mathematics and psychology behind modern slots allows for a more profound and strategic gaming experience. While luck remains a fundamental factor, understanding these elements empowers players with the knowledge to make informed decisions, shaping their gameplay to suit personal preferences and enhancing overall enjoyment.

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The Fascinating History of Graduation Announcements

 

Graduation announcements didn’t just pop up overnight. Long ago, way back in the Middle Ages, schools like universities in Europe started holding ceremonies. These events marked when students finished their studies. People wanted to shout it from the rooftops—or at least tell their friends. So, they sent little messages. They weren’t fancy, just notes saying, “Hey, I did it!” Back then, only a few could read, so it stayed small. Imagine monks scribbling on parchment—that’s the vibe.

When Things Got Official

Fast forward to the 1600s, and stuff changed. Universities, especially in England, got more organized about graduating. They held big public events. Families and townsfolk showed up to cheer. Soon, students—or their parents—wanted to spread the word wider. Written announcements started looking official. Think wax seals and curly handwriting. By the 1700s, colonial America caught on. Harvard and Yale sent out notices too. Still, it was mostly rich folks doing it. Paper and ink weren’t cheap.

Printing Makes It Pop

Here comes the 1800s—a big shift! The printing press got better and cheaper. Suddenly, announcements weren’t just for the elite. Regular people could afford to tell everyone, “My kid graduated!” Cards became simple but classy—names, dates, schools. Sometimes a quote or prayer was tossed in. Families mailed them out, proud as peacocks. Around this time, high schools started graduating kids too—not just colleges. More announcements flew around towns. Everyone wanted in on the action.

The Style Explosion

The Victorian era hit, and whoa—things got wild. People loved flair back then. Graduation notes turned into art pieces. They had frilly edges, gold lettering, and even little drawings of caps and gowns. Some added poems—super dramatic ones. You’d open your mailbox and bam, a masterpiece. But it wasn’t all fancy. Poor families stuck to plain paper; it still got the job done. By the late 1800s, stores sold pre-made ones. Convenience started creeping in—sound familiar?

Early 1900s: Keeps Getting Bigger

The twentieth century rolled up, and graduations boomed. More kids finished school than ever. Announcements were everywhere now. Black-and-white photos sneaked onto some—a big deal back then. Companies saw dollar signs and jumped in. They offered templates—pick your design, add your name. Mail got faster too, so these cards zipped across states. People saved them like treasures. Scrapbooks from the 1920s show tons—yellowed, but proud.

Mid-Century Modern Vibes

After World War II, everything changed again. Suburbs grew, and schools multiplied. Graduation announcements turned kind of sleek—fewer frills, more clean lines. The 1950s loved bold fonts; think typewriter vibes. Color printing kicked in by the ‘60s—pastels and brights popped up. Hippie grads in the ‘70s? They’d DIY them—tie-dye paper, peace signs. Still, most stuck to store-bought ones. And invites started mixing in—like a grad party invite slipped into the envelope. Two birds, one stone.

Digital Age Shakes It Up

Then, boom—the 1990s and computers crashed the party. Families could design announcements on clunky PCs. Clip art of diplomas was everywhere. Email joined the game by 2000—some ditched paper entirely. Social media later? A total game-changer. Kids blasted “I graduated!” on Facebook and Instagram. But physical cards hung on—people love that touchy-feely nostalgia. Companies now offer cheap graduation invites online—customize, click, done. It’s affordable and fast—wild compared to parchment days.

Why We Still Care

Today, it’s a mashup—old and new. Some grads mail fancy cards; others post TikToks. The point remains the same as always—bragging rights. Parents cry and friends cheer, and that moment gets locked in time. Announcements evolved from monk scratches to glossy prints to digital pings. Yet, the heart stays unchanged: “Look what I did!” Every era added its flavor—wax seals, photos, emojis. It’s kind of cool how a simple idea stuck around, huh?

What’s Next?

The future is coming fast—holograms maybe? Virtual reality announcements? Who knows? Whatever it is, grads will keep sharing the win. History shows they always find a way. From dusty scrolls to Insta stories, it’s a thread that won’t snap. Next time you get one—or send one—think about it. You’re part of something huge, stretching back centuries. That’s pretty dope for a piece of paper—or a pixel.

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Miniature Mountain Magic: A Tilt-Shift Journey through Four Seasons in the Alps

 

The Alps: at any time of the year an incredible place to visit.  And if one is to capture its intrinsic beauty, then it will take time and patience.  In this case, it too film-maker Joerg Daiber a year to capture a specific part of the Alps through all four seasons.

Schloss Elmau is a five-star hotel and national monument, nestled between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald in the serene Bavarian Alps, Germany. Located at the foot of the Wetterstein mountains, it is the only venue to have hosted the G7 Summit twice.

Daiber was fortunate to be invited to capture footage of the various activities in the area surrounding the hotel across different seasons.  The result is quite phenomenal.

Why Children Need to Keep Quiet on Trains

If you know a child who persists in showing you up when traveling on trains then show them this immediately.  It is something of a tall tale, created by Kilogramme is an animation company based in Manchester, England.  However, once you have plonked the errant infant down in front of this joyous animated short they shouldn’t bother you again – at least when on a series of connected railway carriages or wagons moved by a locomotive. Hurrah!

Dalek Made From An Egg - Eggsterminate!

How cool is this?  A Dalek made out of an egg – looks like a brilliant homemade present for a friend or a member of the family who just can’t get enough of the Science Fiction TV show Doctor Who.  But just how do you make one?  We just know you want one, right?

Image Credit Flickr User PugnoM

Here is a step by step guide, from egg carton right back to the egg carton - courtesy of Flickr User PugnoM.  Yes, you too can create your own species of Daleks from the original race, the Kal-eggs (ouch).  You won't even need a sonic screwdriver.

The Very Near Future – (or How AI Will Really Take Over)

Do you worry about artificial intelligence taking over? Do you think that we already live in The Matrix? Or are you one of those people who believe that we will all be destroyed by a Judgement Day kind of event, accompanied by a couple of million robots who look like an old Austrian?  Well, think again.

We’re all going to live, apparently.  Yet AI is going to make our lives such a living hell that we might as well be dead.  Take Joey (played by Marcel Romeijn) as an example.  All he wants to do is to order a luscious, chewy, mouth-watering but completely unhealthy XXL Triple Cheese Pizza online.  However, his AI assistant has other ideas.  Joey’s supper turns into some serious trouble.

The Very Near Future“ was written, shot and post-produced within 36 hours at Kinokabaret in Hamburg, Germany.  It was written and directed by Sebastian Egert. Without any irony whatsoever, the voice of Joey’s AI assistant is played by a human, Julia Casper – a very well-known video game voiceover artist.  The fight back begins…

Newton’s Three Laws of Motion – Animated

I don’t know about you, but if I was asked what Newton’s Three Laws of Motion are, I would probably garble something that might approximate to one of them.  So thanks goodness for animations like this.  Created for the Royal Observatory Greenwich, director Amael Isnard has come up with this wonderful animation that illustrates Newton's 3 Laws of Motion with some lovely 2D animation and astronauts Bella, Isaac, Neeva and Max.

The astronauts take on a mission to Mars – and seem like a pretty diverse lot which probably means the mission was funded outside by someone other than a well-known car manufacturer. During their trip they experience all three laws in action, making this a fairly straightforward way to get a grip on the laws and to retain them – once and for all – in one’s head.

Wait, what was that third law again? Better press play once more, and sit through Bella and the others having their little jaunt to Mars. There’s worse things you could be doing, after all.

Hammer Rock (Qingchui Peak) – Chengde’s Geological Landmark

From a distance, something looks vaguely odd. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Chengde, Hebei Province, China, Hammer Rock, also known as Qingchui Peak (literally "Uplifted Hammer Peak"), is one of the region’s most striking geological formations. This towering natural rock, resembling a sledgehammer or wooden club, has fascinated visitors for centuries with its unique shape, cultural significance, and breathtaking views.  When you get close up, you can see why people usually scratch their heads when they first catch sight of this bizarre formation.

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Hammer Rock stands at approximately 598 meters above sea level, with a relative height of about 60 meters from its base. That little bit of green you can see poking out about half-way up is actually a rather large tree. The rock’s shape is a result of millions of years of weathering and erosion, sculpting the sandstone and granite into the vertical column we see today. The smooth yet rugged surface of the formation adds to its distinctiveness, making it an iconic feature of Chengde’s landscape. Due to its shape and prominence, it has been dubbed the "Thumb of God," inspiring local legends and myths over the centuries.

Regular Rabbit

 

A year after its whirlwind festival tour, Regular Rabbit has now captivated audiences at over 60 international film festivals, including prestigious events such as Newport Beach, Annecy, and Pictoplasma. The film was handpicked by Whoopi Goldberg for the renowned Tribeca Film Festival, with legends Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro in attendance. It also claimed top honors at the Portland and Oxford International Film Festivals and received nominations at Fastnet, Worldfest, and Flicker’s International Film Festival.

Regular Rabbit creatively challenges our willingness to accept absurd misinformation by deliberately separating visuals from narrative. The mismatch between the two encourages us to reflect on our own gullibility in the face of even the most outrageous claims.

Written and Directed by: Eoin Duffy
Voiced by: Rory McCann

The Watch - A Short Film by Will Ross

The Watch is a short film made by one of my young students, Will Ross.  I should hasten to add that I don’t teach film studies, film-making or – honestly – anything to do with the silver screen.  However, I do teach English when people listen and part of that is the structure of something short, sweet but very creative. I wanted to share this short as I think it shows great promise both in terms of the way it is structured and put together in general, given that I suspect it was made on a budget of approximately… let’s see… zero pounds.

Created under the Willitham Films™ global trademark(!), this comedy short tells the story of a young chap (a kind of everyman for psychopaths) who has lost his precious watch, and the extremes to which he will go to have it back in his possession.  You do need to watch it to the end to really appreciate its structure, but it has a running time that even a gnat wouldn’t find too challenging.  So, please watch it!

Hats off to Will here.  It’s an entertaining and engaging short, well-paced and with a number of familiar tropes from film history thrown in.  Will is clearly highly visually literate, with a voice perfectly suited for the expressive, wordless performances of the silent film era.  Sorry, I meant face (one colleague who watched this said he was reminiscent of Harold Lloyd). Joking aside, this is the kind of film that only someone who loves film would make.

I am now looking forward to the day that Will is able to extract huge amounts of license fee payers’ money from the BBC (possibly by force) and wreak his own kind of comedy-havoc on to the world in general but on a budget.  I am fairly certain that this will come to pass.

The Anti-Slavery Alphabet: A Remarkable 1846 Primer for Children

In 1846 a pair of Quaker sisters came up with an idea.  They were abolitionists and actively campaigned against domestic slavery in the United States.  However, Hannah and Mary Townsend came to realise that in order to ensure the end of the oppressive servitude of so many of their countrymen and women that educating the young was vital. A child, they decided was not only able to fight against slavery in their adult years but as youngsters too.  They produced a new way for the 26 letters to be taught by rote – the Anti-Slavery Alphabet.

The Amazing Gecko: 20 Interesting Facts about the World’s Most Species-Rich Lizard

The gecko is an extraordinary lizard, a triumph of both adaptation and diversity. Out of the 5,600 species of lizard on the planet, over 1,500 belong to the gecko infraorder called Gekkota. So, what is so interesting about a line of lizards which is, apparently, so ubiquitous? The Ark in Space today has 20 interesting facts about the gecko, as well as some amazing pictures of 30 gecko species that you may not have come across before.

The pictures are not as frivolous as the one above, but they shed light on gecko species I had never heard of, some of which have marvelous names.  Gold Dust Day Gecko anyone? No? Then what about the Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko? More over at the Ark in Space.

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The Suit of Light

A humble janitor becomes a matador for a day and finds himself face to face with his ferocious opponent in the bullring.

Yet there is something about the animal which sparks a memory – will the bull remember too?  This rather affecting animated short was created by a very talented group of students at the George Meliès School, Damien Duprat, Paul Lavau, Gonzalo Graca and Frederic Juvigny.

Song of the Knight

Once upon a time there was a knight who owned the most irritating magical sword in the world – it just wouldn’t stop singing!

However, there might just come a time when this infuriating habit has its advantages. 

Song of the Knight was created by Steven Ray at the Ringling College of Art and Design.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about DNA but were Too Overawed to Ask

DNA is a complex subject.  Yet if you ever wanted to have all the important facts about DNA squished in to three minutes, then look no further.  This animated short by Territory Studio takes a look at the history, biology and concerns around DNA.  Reminiscent of textbook diagrams and old science documentaries, this will enable you to understand not only DNA’s form and function but how our understanding of these discoveries has affected the wider world.

GCSE English Language Paper 1 Question 4: A Scaffolded Approach

GCSE English Language Paper 1, Question 4 (AQA board) presents several challenges for students – to say the least.  For a number of mine it means cognitive overload on the question even before they get to any kind of attempt to answer it. Of course, it is the only question that explicitly assesses Assessment Objective 4 (AO4: Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references) and so has to tick all the right  boxes in terms of the skills that the markers need to see the students using.  This set of scaffolded resources covers the skills needed for this question.

Why develop a scaffolded resource? The question itself contains a sometimes overwhelming number of instructions, a quotation reflecting a “student’s” opinion, and a specific placement within the exam that can be daunting.  By the latter, I mean that it’s almost perfectly positioned for short answers to be offered by learners as it is the fourth and last of the reading questions.  However I advise, whatever I say, there are still kids in my cohort who will spend twenty minutes on the more approachable Question 2 instead (but which is only worth 8 marks).  There’s a research paper crying out to be done on that particular, peculiar psychology…

The scaffold asks students some multiple choice questions and then goes on to give them some options to consider when writing their own paragraph.

Who Are The Fastest Racehorses of All Time?

Horse racing is often considered to be a sport where you can miss out on the action if you blink.

That is none more so the case than when it comes to considering the fastest racehorses that have appeared on the track. Superstar performances are what fans of the sport crave, as they love to have the opportunity to say that they saw something breath-taking.

Fortunately, there have been no shortage of legendary stars that have graced the dirt and turf throughout their careers, giving fans of racing something to remember in the process. But, which racehorses rank among the fastest of all-time?

Winning Brew

When it comes to ranking the fastest racehorses of all-time, it is hard to overlook the record-breaking Winning Brew.

The runner set the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed ever recorded by a racehorse after hitting a staggering 43.97 mph in 2008. The mare was trained by Francis Vitale, and was a prominent performer in her home state of Florida.

She may have achieved a Guinness World Record during her career, but that wasn’t reflected by her results on track, as she failed to make an impression in stakes company in the U.S. when finishing fifth in the G1 Spinaway and seventh in the G1 Frizette.

Secretariat

Secretariat is regarded by many as one of the greatest racehorses of all-time, with only Man o’ War ranked higher in the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20^th Century by Blood-Horse magazine.

The superstar was the Triple Crown winner in 1973, and set speed records in each of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. His record in the Derby remains to this day, while no horse has every came close to matching his time at Churchill Downs. However, it was his run in the Belmont Stakes, which clocked a speed of 2.24, which is most fondly remembered.

The time remains the quickest that any horse has completed the Classic trip on the dirt, and it smashed the time of 2:26 that was set 16 years earlier by Gallant Man. Such was its impression; it would have earned a world-record high Beyer Speed rating of 139 had the calculation being developed during that time.

You can check here how he ranks among the Kentucky Derby winners: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/winners/

The Green Monkey

The Green Monkey was a record-breaker before even stepping foot onto the racetrack after he cost a staggering $16 million at auction. That price was the highest ever paid at an auction for a thoroughbred.

The Todd Pletcher runner showcased his talent during workouts, clocking a staggering speed of 55 mph when running over an eighth of a mile. Hopes were high after that staggering turn of foot was evident as a two-year-old, but it always appeared as though he needed to be a level above that to ensure that he returned the staggering investment made.

However, hopes that he would become the next superstar faded after finishing only third on his debut over six furlongs at Belmont Park. Two further poor efforts followed before he was retired in early 2008 after failing to break his maiden. Despite costing a staggering $16 million, he won just $10,000 in earnings.

Black Caviar

Black Caviar was one of the most talented thoroughbreds to ever compete in Australia.

On track, she was unbeaten in 25 starts, and won a staggering 15 Group Ones, which remains an Australian record. Black Caviar’s speed ensured that she was able to land top level victories across the world, which included a memorable success in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

However, the vast majority of her success would be achieved in Australia. On home turf, she won the Lighting Stakes on three occasions, and recorded two wins in each of the T J Smith Stakes, Australia Stakes, and Schweppes Stakes. Such was her dominance on track, Black Caviar was named World Champion Sprinter on four occasions, and the European Champion Sprinter once.

The horse passed away in 2024.

Frankel

When it comes to turf horses, few were as talented as Frankel. The runner trained by Sir Henry Cecil won on all 14 of his starts under rules, and retired from the sport as the highest-rated racehorse in the world. Frankel’s first notable win came after dismantling a field of subsequent Group One winners in the Royal Lodge Stakes.

He would later dominate a Classic field in Britain to win the 2,000 Guineas by a staggering six lengths. Frankel’s dominance would continue over a number of difference distances, winning the Sussex Stakes on two occasions, the Queen Anne Stakes, and the International Stakes.

He was named the European Horse of the Year on two occasions, and was inducted into the British Champions Series Hall of Fame in 2021. Frankel’s legacy continues in retirement after producing notable winners, including Derby victory Adayar, and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Alpinista.

The World's Tallest Statue - The Statue of Unity

 
Some statues are big but The Statue of Unity in India is breath-takingly huge.  In fact, it is the world’s tallest statue, looming over the town of Ekta Nagar (previously known as Kevadia) at 182 metres (597 feet). What makes this different from the rest of the world's tallest statues is the fact that it represents a person rather than a symbol of religion or culture.  This is the monument to the life and works of Sardar Patel.  With the best will in the world, if you live outside of India you might just shrug and ask “Who?”.

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Sardar Patel (1875-1950) was the first deputy prime minister of the newly independent India, coming to power in 1947. Although he dies just a few years later, his role in the independence movement and that of one of Gandhi’s earliest political lieutenants together with his commitment to national integration earned him the title “The Iron Man of India”.  Without irony, the statue is made of steel framing, reinforced by concrete and brass coating, with bronze cladding.

I Met the Walrus

John Lennon's death in 1980 remains for many a pivotal moment in their lives. For a certain generation they remember where they were when he was shot rather than, say, the JFK memories of an older generation.

Jerry Levitan was 14 in 1969 and somewhat braver than your average teenager. He managed to sneak in to the hotel in which Lennon was staying armed with his tape recorder (remember those big heavy almost suitcase sized ones?). This is the film of that moment in time - with the interview illuminated by a visual narrative, produced by the grown up Levitan in 2007. We think that Lennon would have approved.

At the time Lennon was working through his notorious 'bed in' stage where he and Yoko Ono took to their bed and maintained they would stay there until world peace had broken out. He was also having continuous trouble with US immigration policy and this is refleced in the film, directed by Josh Raskin.

The message is both caught in time and timeless - the marriage of the wonderful pen work of James Braithwaite with the digital illustrations of Alex Kurina come together in a magical way. Even if you are not a huge fan of Lennon you may want to watch this to the end just to see how many ways in which his words can be ingeniously animated. 

The movie was nominated for Best Animated Short Film in 2008 and while it didn't bag the Oscar it did receive many other prizes - which is not surprising.

They Grow Up

Did you ever have an imaginary friend? Can you remember the time that they disappeared, were no longer necessary as you started the process of entering the adult world? They Grow Up centers on such an occasion when childhood innocence comes to an end. It stars Christa B Allen, best known for her role as Charlotte Grayson on the ABC drama series Revenge and was directed by Emma Holly Jones.

Mobile: Multi Award-Winning Animated Short you will Love

I think the moral of this particular animated short could be love will find a way or, at the risk of getting all Shakespearean on you, Love's Labour's Won.

Originally, I thought that I had stumbled upon a new Pixar short when I first started watching it, such is its quality, but soon realised that it was created by a group of students at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.  It was written and directed by the very gifted Verena Fels, aided and abetted by a host of young talent (please go to the Facebook page for full credits).

The strapline for the short is at the edge of society, a cow tips the balance of destiny with quite some impact... and as you watch you will see just how true this is.  This is one of those rare animated films that three year olds will enjoy but grown-ups will adore.  Technically highly accomplished and with very clever action (it must have taken a math degree to figure out the weights and balances!), this animated short has a beating heart full of joie de vivre. Needless to say Mobile has won a raft of awards at film festivals across the world.

Helping to End Oppressive Child Labor in the US – The Photography of Lewis Hine

The 1900 United States Census showed the population of America growing by over 20% since the previous census ten years before. Good news for a still expanding, young country. Yet there was another astonishing figure which appalled many. One in six children aged between five and ten were recorded as being in gainful employment.

May 1910: Bundle boy. St. Louis, Missouri.

Yet there was worse. This number, shocking in itself, represented a massive increase of 50% over a twenty year period in the number of children in this age group who worked, often in appalling conditions. America’s children were working in greater numbers than ever before - 1,752,187 of them all told between the ages of five and ten. With the country seemingly going backwards in its treatment of its children from poorer backgrounds, a group of people decided that something had to be done.