New Scientist 14 April 2007

Sometime last year, I was asked if my picture of a mangrove tree could be used in one of the issues for New Scientist. They were doing an article about Pulau Semakau and I guess it was cheaper to get pictures already taken by visitors to the island than send a photographer all the way to Singapore to take some shots.

Anyways, not wanting to go into details of the interesting exchange that took place, I had find my own copy of the magazine. Was kind of tough considering that I didn't know which issue the picture was going to be used in. A year (and several months later) I found an online company that had back issues of New Scientist and managed to order a copy (found the issue by doing some major googling).

And today, it arrived! New Scientist 14 April 2007 Issue. And excitedly flipped through the pages and found the page with my picture. And the saga continues. Too small to be seen here but I checked the name that they printed and they spelt my name all wrong. Mind you, this is New Scientist Magazine not one of those printed in some dark alley and yet they managed to mess up my name (among a few other things). Well, nothing can be done I guess.

And if you're interested in the original shot, I have included it below. It's been awhile since I last went to Pulau Semakau. Maybe it's time for a visit...

Night Festival 2008 Opening Ceremony

Singapore National Museum launched the Night Festival by having The Dancing Sky by Studio Festi, a performing troop from Italy. The show was on 18-19 July 2008, and they had two shows each night.

There was a delay because there were people standing at the traffic area and the poor emcee made numerous appeals for them to move over to the SMU Green but either the crowd there didn't understand simple English, or they were just too stubborn to MOVE and thanks to them, the rest of us had to wait 30 minutes. It's a good lesson for the organisers cuz if they didn't want people to stand at certain areas, cordon it off or make better use of the security officers to get the people moving. Saw a lot of security officers standing around when they could have actually gone to help the emcee to move the people around.

So at 9.30pm, the show finally started and it was awesome as the crowd oohed and ahhhed. We saw a huge ship 'flying' in mid air moving smoothly while an acrobat was dancing as she floated about. If you look close enough, you can spot how there are cables attached to the acrobat as well as the props and there are runners who are constantly pulling and making sure that the different parts didn't crash into each other, while making everything look so smooth and effortless. From the second picture on top, you can see water spray to give that effort of the ship being out at sea and caught in a storm. Nice!

Yes, that's an actual piano floating mid-air with a pianist playing while a dancer performed, dancing on the piano while moving from one end to another. Was just amazing lah..

What is interesting about this is that there were two acrobat dancers at either end with the sphere in the centre. For all three to remain horizontal, the two ladies have to be of equal weight to balance the whole thing. It all looked so simple but the work that goes behind each act must be real huge.

Instead of zooming, I took a picture with the whole Museum at the background and you can see how it provided a magnificient backdrop to The Dancing Sky. And unfortunately the moon wasn't out cuz it would have been even more awesome. Slawek was there during the rehearsal the night before and he had a great picture with the moon around. Will have to see if I can borrow that picture.

This was the hightlight of the first part of The Dancing Sky when two HUGE spheres came out with two acrobat dancers and they moved about, even coming close to the audience at one point.

The spheres were constantly moving and it's a shame but I didn't managed to get a clear picture of the reddish sphere. It looked really gorgeous up in the sky and these pictures aren't doing the whole show any justice. You just had to be there and enjoy the whole experience :o)

The second part was a display on SMU Green which used the different elements - fire, water and air. The two pictures (above and below) show different images which were reflected on the water sprays and it was fun trying to figure them out as they came on.

And below, there was an acrobat who used water as part of her act and she was splashing water at the audience while she dived in and out of her bowl. And have to say that I am totally impressed how she looked good even when drenched wet!

And here's a picture of her and her splashes. Very clever way of playing with water to give a cool effect. Yes, we the audience were impressed.

And the glass on the bowl helped to magnify her too. What we noticed during our two hour wait, one of the crew member had to monitor the water temperature. Guess had to make sure that it was just right and comfortable enough for the acrobat.

And another shot of the water lady in her bowl. The word FISH BOWL kept popping my mind as I watched her swim about...

The last two pictures show the fire display where you can dancers performing with props that were lit up. First one did an 'umbrella' dance where the spokes were flaming and looked nice when she spun that around.

Thankfully, it only started to drizzle some after the first set was over. Am not sure if they could carry on with the second show which started at 11.30pm and was suppose to go on till about 2am. I sure hope they managed to cuz there would have been people disappointed if they had to cancel the show.

I would definitely love to see Studio Festi perform again but hopefully in a different setting where we didn't have to fight for good views, wait two hours before just to get a spot or wait 30 minutes for people who didn't know how to follow given instructions....

Always Be My Baby...

I like Mariah Carey's Always Be My Baby (yes, there are some of her older songs that I actually like) but I love David Cook's rendition of the same song. It's haunting and have been listening to it quite a bit when I drive to school these days and love it more and more each time I hear it. I think I missed it when he performed it on American Idol. So if you missed it too, here you go ....

World of Charms ...

When I was much younger, my aunt gave me a sterling silver charm bracelet when she came to visit the family in Singapore. My aunt has lived in New Zealand even before I was born and we kept in constant touch either by weekend calls, frequent letters and we also took turns to visit. Back then, it wasn't a rage in Singapore and infact it became the rage only recently because some celebrities were spot wearing them.

My aunt selected the charms and one of it had a Maori Tiki and a Kiwi bird that reminded me where the bracelet came from. She started me off and at that time, I managed to find some awesome charms and added on to the bracelet. I have one more space left and I am looking for the right charm to represent my aunt :o)

And the bracelet means the world to me and is one of my precious worldly possessions because it's from my aunt. She passed away about four years ago in New Zealand and unfortunately, I wasn't able to be with her then because I couldn't get away from work. But my parents were with so that was comforting. She was my favourite aunt because she understood me so well. I could talk to her about anything and I knew she would always be supportive. The bracelet reminds me of her and although I don't wear it as often (because I am worried of spoiling some of the charms), it always makes me smile and think of her when I do.

Clockwise: Love Story Book that opens up to reveal two hearts, a Kiwi bird, an egg that opens up with a lil birdie in there, a spinning charm that says I LOVE YOU, a Sphinx with a mummy inside, bird cage that opens up at the base, a dunny that opens to reveal a man reading the papers and a Maori Tiki.

The world of charms is so intriguing. Just go to ebay and see some of the fascinating things that they have there. And recently, after my trip back from UK, I decided to start another charm bracelet to capture my travels. So that's work in progress and I am enjoying hunting for charms that represent the different countries I have been to (and have stretched it some to include places that I would like to visit in the near future). I also have a few other ideas for bracelets that I would like to work on. Yes, it's very addictive. What I love about charm bracelets is that it's unique to the owner. Each charm comes with a story. Yes, you can get 'ready made' ones which are cute. But I rather have the ones with stories to go with each charm.

Recently, I gave my bracelet a good clean. I tried using a polishing cloth but that didn't work as well. A friend Sima gave me this super effective tip for cleaning Sterling Silver. Line a bowl or plate with aluminium foil. Put the bracelet on the foil and try and get as much of the bracelet to be in contact with the foil. Sprinkle some bicarbonate soda onto the bracelet and charms. Pour boiling water to cover the pieces and cover the bowl or plate. And after five minutes or so, you'll see how shiny your pieces will be. For pieces that have tarnished badly, you may need to do this several times but I did it once and was amazed by the result.

I googled some and managed to find how Charms came about from 925silvercharms so take a read:

History Of Charms

From ancient times charms have been crafted out of precious and common materials with animal figures and other charms being used to bring good luck. Many cultures made charms from lapis lazuli, crystal and other gemstones and inscribed them with small spiritual and animal designs.

As far back as the Ancient Egyptians collections of charms appeared on bracelets, necklaces and even crowns. Such charms were often made of precious metals as well as being inlaid with gems. In ancient societies charms were thought to bring good fortune and special powers and were often known as Talismans or Amulets.

By the beginning of the 20th Century charms had become a highly sort after fashion item. Even Queen Victoria wore a charm bracelet with locket charms containing family pictures.

With the Queen wearing charms they quickly became popular throughout much of Europe and from here the popularity has spread Worldwide.

Charms are now firmly established both as a traditional gift, with many new and inventive designs. A charm bracelet is a beautiful gift for a young child and over the years new charms can be added to mark special occasions and achievements. A ballet shoe might mark a new hobby or passing an exam, a 18th or 21st key charm will ensure that a special birthday is fondly remembered and a stork can mark the birth of a new baby.

Bracelets are passed on from Mother to Daughter and often become a valuable part of family history. Today there are many ways to collect and wear your charms. A single charm worn on a chain makes an elegant and individual necklace.

A charm bracelet is very unique to the owner and with an endless choice of charms to choose from you will never get tired of collecting them!

A Sterling Silver Charm lasts forever, commemorates any occasion, reminds you of priceless memories, lasts for generations and makes a wonderful gift!