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.

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 video for R.E.M.'s hit single "The One I Love" was directed by artist Robert Longo. Singer Michael Stipe has noted that the lyrics portray a very cynical view of relationships, stating, "It's very clear that it's about using people over and over again."

"Shiny Happy People" is a song by the American rock band R.E.M., released as the second single from their seventh studio album, Out of Time (1991). It features guest vocals by Kate Pierson of the B-52's, who also appears in the music video. It was used as the theme song for the unaired pilot of the sitcom Friends, before it was replaced by the Rembrandts' "I'll Be There for You"

While most people sing about love, Rachel Platten's "Fight Song" is a song about will. The US singer-songwriter's motivational hit single from her album Wildfire is all about believing in yourself.

Rachel gives some helpful tips on sounding more like a native speaker when you introduce yourself in English.

Rachel takes us through different ways of pronouncing the "you" in the phrase "Nice to meet you," and introduces us to a new friend of hers.

Nisha Vora, chef and creator of the vegan food and lifestyle website “Rainbow Plant Life," shares her top ten tips for improving your home cooking! And these tips aren't just for vegans, but really for anyone who would like to become a better cook.

Nisha continues with more ideas to enhance our home cooking. Moving from herbs to acidic ingredients such as citrus zest, she suggests surprising ways to balance and bring out flavors in our food.

Nisha rounds off her top ten tips for home cooking with suggestions related to both technique and ingredients and ideas for achieving the right mindset for future culinary success!

This vegan red lentil curry is a dish that can even convince people who don't believe they like to eat vegan food. It's easy, quick, and extremely delicious.

As the vegan red lentil curry dish comes together, it certainly looks inviting enough to entice anyone to try tasting it. Nisha recommends serving it with basmati rice and Indian bread.