Kelp is a fascinating plant. What we see on the surface has little in common with what's actually there. Californian harbor seals are mammals but they do a lot of hunting underwater.

Every fall, the monarch butterflies migrate back to their breeding grounds in California. These fascinating and stunningly beautiful creatures weigh only a gram, yet travel extraordinary distances to complete their lifecycle. In the early spring, deep in the Yosemite valley, the sun warms the wet ground, forming clouds of misty fog.

Alive since ancient times, the giant sequoia trees stand colossal and majestic. Deep in the valley, a pair of coyote hunt in the winter snow, while in the Mojave Desert, Joshua trees and cactus plants have adapted to survive the searing heat.

Life can be hard in the Californian desert, but many plants and animals are adapted to survive the hot, dry conditions. Jackrabbits, owls, hummingbirds, and the green stick tree all thrive in this harsh climate as they wait for the rare blessing of rain.

The harbor seals gather in a sheltered cove to give birth. But even hidden from predators, there is no guarantee of survival, and we witness the tragic death of one newborn that gets trapped in its amniotic sac. Within a few hours, the pups that survive the birth are already into the waves, getting to know their new watery world.

Off the coast of California, an island of floating kelp provides refuge for fish in the open waters. The many small fish then attract larger species, including the ocean sunfish that seek relief from their parasites, and the predatory blue shark.

Queen: Very funny “interview” with Freddie wearing a Jimmy Carter mask.

This song from the album “A Night at the Opera” is considered one of the greatest rocks songs of all time. Music industry producers thought it was too long, at just under six minutes in length, and that no one would listen to it. Instead, it is the most streamed piece of music from the 20th century.

This memorable song by legendary British rock band Queen was part of the soundtrack to the movie Flash Gordon. It was the only single released from their first soundtrack album, under the title “Flash.”

This is the trailer for Quentin Tarantino's indy noir masterpiece that made him one of America's most respected filmmakers, made stars of Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson, and revived John Travolta's sagging career. The film combines the stories of four groups of hoods in Los Angeles.

R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe talks about the band’s new album, his view on and experience with lip syncing and why he is unlikely to do a live album.

Michael Stipe talks about the tour called “The Work Tour”, and how the album “Document” is tied to the American work ethic.

This is the second part of the IFC commercial featuring Michael Stipe.

Check out this cool trailer for the Live At The Olympia tour of world-famous rock band REM.

Preview songs from R.E.M.’s upcoming album prior to its scheduled release on April 1, 2011.