This entry is a solo performance (by me) because I stumbled upon an excellent documentary the other night, when Barbara was protecting our community from intruders. I saw THE COVE, a film that begins with an epiphany experienced by Ric O'Barry (former trainer to the Dolphin Stars known collectively as Flipper) and ends with another successful, amazing covert operation, funded completely by volunteers who simply believed they were doing the right thing. This real life, undercover operation was so suspenseful in fact, Pierce Brosnan (007 to many of us) called the movie, "the best spy movie I've ever seen."

The film follows a crew as they try to document an annual slaughter of dolphins in Japanese waters. Most Japanese were completely unaware of the activities that have been going on in the cove near Taiji, so our heros (and there are several) take it upon themselves to produce the indisputable evidence, using hidden cameras, tiny helicopter drones, satellite imagery and good old fashioned gumption. Against a very determined opposition, this group not only proves that this annual slaughter takes place, but reveals the usual motivation...money.  We also are privy to the collateral damages of greed, in this case the school-aged children of the Japanese city. To promote the sale of their wares, the company at the core of the operation has been giving dolphin meat to the local schools, so that they will develop a taste for it. One complication is that dolphin meat is 2000 times higher in mercury than the accepted standard for human consumption. In other words, the people who might be hurt the most (children) are being FORCED to consume as much dolphin meat as their tiny bellies can hold. 

Speaking of bellies, if you are worried about not being able to stomach a movie about dolphin slaughter, I have to tell you that that topic only takes up about sixty seconds of air time in this film. It is really a heartwarming example of a successful operation motivated completely by conscience and a sense of duty and honor. Hopefully, you will leave the theater wanting to do something for the cause. That's good, because if you read on, you'll see that the producers of the film and other businesses have joined together to make your activism, completely painless. 

Naturally, we could concentrate on the question: Why is it that the movie industry and animal rights activists seem to be the only ones who can successfully coordinate a Black OP?  But, that may be fodder for another article and might take away from the point I want to make here. And, that is: how would you like to help save dolphins from slaughter and all you have to do is be entertained?

Well, that is the proposition that is being offered in the Southern and Northern California markets right now. There are a number of Dolphin Adventure cruise lines that take people out to see the large pods of dolphins that gather in our waters at this time of year. Many of these same Adventure Cruises, are operated by members of families with long traditions in Whaling and Dolphin Capture. These same cruise ship operators, now realize that there may be something morally wrong with the prospect of hunting dolphins (or keeping them in captivity) for sport, food or entertainment. That's why, if you bring a ticket stub from a viewing of the movie THE COVE, some of these boat captains are offering up to 1/2 price off fares. 

Literally, it is a win-win situation for the average and cash strapped consumer. You can see an excellent film, help protect dolphins and take an adventure cruise at a discount. Activism has never been easier. See this movie. I beg you. Do the right thing.

NOTE:Join Barbara and Gordon on Twitter! Go to http://twitter.com/TwoViewTogether.