Night spent re-visiting a childhood icon....

Last night marked my first visit to Marina Bays Sands, and it was to catch Thriller LIVE, a 2h 20min tribute concert to the music of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5.


We got seated just in time for the start of the show. It started with a couple of familiar tunes, as well as a summary of MJ's hits and chart toppers... and then came the Jackson 5 songs. So tickled by the costumes and the amazing voice of 14-year-old Kieran Alleyne. Pity that the crowd was either not quite warmed up or were not quite as familiar with the songs... Felt like I was one of the few who were swaying n synching along to "ABC" :( First half covered hits until the 80s (I think. Not THAT huge a fan that I know which era the songs came from, just enough of a fan to sing along to the the chorus, at least, for most of the songs ;p)


After the intermission, we were treated to hits that I remember hearing over the radio or from my uncle's stash of music while growing up. Such nostalgia~~ To be treated to live rendition of "Smooth Criminal", "Dirty Diana", "Beat It", "They Don't Care About Us" etc. And as more and more familiar tunes came along, you could tell that the energy and excitement was spreading from the stage to the audience (*yay!*)


Ricko Baird's another name to remember from the cast, with his spot on performance of MJ's classic dance moves, and as one of the four main onstage "MJs". By the time they got to my #1 favorite, "Heal the World", everyone (onstage and off) were really enjoying themselves, and THAT'S when the HUGE faves came up! "Bad" and "Thriller"!! With the crowd grooving on their feet (and some of us joining in with the Thriller zombie moves ;p) the 2h 20min tribute concert came to a close :'( Thought it would feel long, but when it ended on such a high, I couldn't help but hope that it could go on for *just* a wheeeee bit longer....

Other little details that I liked about Thriller LIVE was the effects and vids on the display screens. The precise timing of what's on the screen and the real life dancers was really superb! Also, I love how they also remind us about the hardworking team doing all the jamming and fast fingerworks on the guitars when the screens part or the few times the guitarist(s) took centre stage for a while. *thumbs up* Certainly felt like a big party/jamming session that we were all part of, rather than *just* another stage performance ^_^

Here's what some of the audience at one of the earlier shows had to say about it:

I'm not a fan of MJ per se, not with the scandals and troubles that plagued the latter bit of his life, but I know I'll be digging out my collection of MJ's hits to listen to it all over again, in pure celebration of MJ's music ^_^ Just 'coz his music is still mighty amazing!

So, join in the fun and catch Thriller LIVE for yourself!

Click for the rambling...

《城市生命线》City Footprints - the Marine Champions episode!

It's been a while but it's time for another installation of dj's quick-n-rambly local nature documentary synopsis/review ^_^ This time tackling a Mandarin programme produced by threesixzero productions!

It starts off by introducing the three "stars" (and intertidal veterans) Chee Kong, Sijie, and Siti, as the protectors of our sea. First portion of this episode is spent tracking the Star Trackers on a monitoring trip to Cyrene reefs. SJ mentions a bit about the insanity of intertidal enthusiasts going out in the wee hours of the morning (like 2am at times!) since we can't choose the timing(s) of the tides.


Note that this trip out to Cyrene coincided with showers of blessings, and as the show indicates out 1h-or-so wait on the boat, SJ explains the hazards of going out to the intertidals whilst it is pouring. Other than getting a thorough soaking, one would also be risking lightning strikes....



A quick introduction to Cyrene's locality (middle of all those petrochemical industries and shipping lanes), and how it is still full of biodiversity (e.g. the new seastar record, Pentaceraster mammilatus we had earlier this year), and it's off the boat for a quick hour's worth of star tracking! The challenges faced are certainly highlighted. First, the temperament of the weather... Then the missing transect marking poles (likely washed away with the tides/currents)..... Taking GPS points, measurements and photographs in a race against time as dusk falls and the tide rises..... (Though the episode *did* leave out the sometimes tricky amphibious landing and boarding...)


And as we are treated to the dusky Cyrene, we are introduced to the second section featuring Siti and TSG.... This time with a fieldtrip to Tanjung Rimau at Sentosa. They have a slightly longer working window than the Star Tracking trip but are still pressed for time. TSG is one of the few groups that collects "scientifically sound data" through transect and quadrat studies.... Some useful insights that came up where the concerns of family members on pursuing marine biology in Singapore. Also, TSG work *doesn't* stop at the data gathering (well, for the bulk of the volunteers it probably does) but the data needs to be analysed, and samples of seagrass also need to be identified and/or deposited at the Singapore Herbarium at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.



Unlike the Star Trackers who focus mainly on Cyrene, TSG actually covers a number of shores, so for the third, and final portion of the show, we are whisked away to Chek Jawa (situated on the eastern side of Pulau Ubin), where all three of them are out for TSG monitoring session. It's no surprise to see Chee Kong and Sijie there since they are one of the first few that joined TeamSeagrass as volunteers! (Yet again demonstrating the multi-hatted facet of many of the shore enthusiasts. How else do you think we get to know each other? ^_^)


On this particular trip, around half the volunteers were TSG and/or CJ virgins, making it easy to link to the need for sharing and training. Capacity building is absolutely necessary for out local NGOs to continue doing their job of sharing and caring for our marine environment. Saving the environment is certainly not a individual's job. General support from the public is needed to make things happen. Just look at how the planned 2001 reclamation of Chek Jawa was postponed for 10 years (and hopefully indefinitely) from the efforts of a group of nature enthusiasts who created a ripple effect, causing everyday Singaporeans to start speaking up for our shores.

And the episode ends on this note. On how the limitless zeal and love these three young people have resulted in them walking the path of shore volunteers, and that their stories have only just begun!

Click for the rambling...

The Legend 太王四神記 [태왕사신기]

I don't really do drama reviews in general but somehow after blitz-watching Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi, I can't help but have this need to try and make some sense of all the thoughts floating around in my head at the moment (or maybe it's all part-n-parcel of sleep deprivation...)


WARNING: Plenty of spoilers and psycho-analysis ahead, mixed in innocently amidst the rambles.... Read at your own risk though I will try to organise the mess of thoughts as best I can.

(1) Mixing fantasy with history....
Tae Wang is loosely based on the reign of the 19th monarch of Goguryeo (ancient Korea), Gwanggaeto aka Go Damdeok, with elements of the four guardian beasts gods (Baek-Ho 白虎, Jujak 朱雀, Hyeon Mu　玄武, and Cheong Ryong　清龍) brought in as well. (The wikipedia entry on this MBC 2007 series states that this "addition of fantasy to a Korean historical drama (사극) makes this series unique and distinguishes itself from its predecessors in Korean television series".) Well, it's actually the mention of these 4 guardians that pipped my interest, especially reading about them in Chinese and Japanese manga and books. (Respective Chinese and Japanese names corresponding to the Korean ones - Bai Hu/Byakko, Zhu Que/Suzaku, Xuan Wu/Genbu, Qing Long/Seiryuu). Not sure about the Korean 4 guardians but the Japanese and Chinese ones are definitely referring to the same 4 celestial guardians (having Chinese origins) that rule/protect the 4 compass directions.

The ending in the drama series really diverts from the actually demise of Damdeok where he "dies" around his mid-20s after he breaks the Heavenly Bow. The real life benevolent ruler died of an illness in his 40s. Was a kinda abrupt ending, when he kinda just left in that white light. I was expecting some slightly more reluctant expression since he's yet again separated from his beloved Sujini soon after their reunion...

(2) main characters...
I must say, Bae Yong Joon did a good job on acting out Damdeok. Wasn't impressed by his acting in Winter Sonata but at least Tae Wang here left me with a good impression. He acted Hwanoong in the earlier episodes as well but I guess portraying a god means that you just need to look cool and majesty (and tear on demand too) but Damdeok really demonstrated a number of dimensions, making the character even more believable. This wise, merciful, peace-loving ruler actually CAN make mistakes (and also spends a hell lot of time grieving on his mistakes), yet still does his bestest to keep true to his naively idealistic beliefs. Unlike the two semi-villains (Kiha and Hogae, will talk about the good guys first ^_^). He actually made my heart melt in a few of the scenes, so NOW I finally understand why he's so popular with ladies.... Slow, aren't I? But yar, the way he treats every single of his subjects lives as important, and some of the really wise decisions makes me think of Juuni Kokuki. Such a brilliant ruler should be allowed to live and maintain peace and prosperity for like a few centuries if possible! What I like is how Damdeok judges tense situations and relieves the tension by saying something playful and light-hearted, putting his followers at ease. Really charismatic leader,and from the drama it is easy to see how and why history remembers him as one of the great rulers.

Next, we have the 4 guardians of the 4 symbols - Hyeongo (Hyeonmu), Chero (Cheong Ryong), Jumuchi (Baek-Ho) and Kiha (Jujak). Each of them is endearing and loveable in their own way (yes, even Kiha, though I only liked her before she went batsy after Damdeok's dad's death...). Oh Kwang Rok's portrayal of the blurblur-cannot-really-fight-but-real-good-at-strategising Hyeongo is just perfect! Him as the slightly-out-of-it fatherly village elder, as well as Sujini's guardian just reminds me of a gruff teddy bear, really nice grandfatherly figure. A tad bit too insightful at times, he also comes across as clumsy Gandalf, especially when his Hyeonmu symbol (in it's staff form) reacted to Damdeok's "dark rage" and bright light shined forth (in LOTR2 fashion, just that Hyeongo had no white horse to charge forth on!) Easily my favorite of the lot!

Chero (played by Lee Phillip) is the brooder of the guardian quartet. Guess that's what being behind a mask for 17-18 years can do to one. Looks great in his blue aura and blue-themed armor. ^_^ But still think he lacks expression, even when he recalls Cheong Ryong's memories of Sae-Oh and looks like he's at least half in love with Sujini.... *resists urge to give Chero a nice big hug* How to describe this character? Would appear to me that his heart was frozen since that fateful day his father plunged the Cheong Ryong symbol into his heart in a desperate bid to protect it from the clutches of the Hwacheon. And after Damdeok came and broke his "curse" by retrieving the symbol, his heart slowly thawed (with the help of the ever lively Sujini)....

Park Sung Woong acting as Jumuchi some how just reminds me of Abe Hiroshi in TRICK. They don't look anything alike but... Could it be the facial hair and the "I'm tall big and kinda stupid" look on their faces? ^_^ Still, to see such a big, strong, courageous fighter be reduced to a blubbering idiot in front of his lady love is kinda cute, yar? And to see all his friends rally around him and creating opportunities for the couple is just as sweet~~

Which brings me to Kiha (played by Moon So-ri). Really didn't like her as the war-crazed Kajin but her Kiha is really complex. I place her in the semi-villain category because you can see her constantly wavering between good and evil, much like many of us in our daily lives. Of course, we don't have such a heavy burden or curse or power resting on our shoulders but still. Am pretty amazed that she didn't turn completely insane after she recalled her childhood memories that were sealed by the Hwacheon. Betcha she would have turned entirely evil by the end of the series if not for her recalling her sister and her mother's last words. Am also pretty amazed that she wanted a chance to fall in love with Hogae in her next life. Would say that the two of them are perfect for each other, as two people played out by fate/destiny, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, and slipping down the slope of darkness.

And since I've brought up Hogae, the other semi-villain, let's discuss him next. Just to get this off my chest. Yoon Tae Young looks so hot in the last few episodes in his beard and shorter wavy hair, just like some Spanish pirate of sorts! Too bad it was just for a couple of episodes *dang* With that fangirl moment outta the way, yes, I would say that Hogae deserved better. He was so endearing and cute as a kid (before his mum died. stupid woman, so power hungry and desperate for her son to be king....). Pity he let his vengence drive his life from that point in his life. Personally, I think either Damdeok or Hogae could have been the next Juushin king. Look at their inherent characters and qualities as little boys at eleven. Just that Damdeok had a more "normal" upbringing prior to his dad being crowned king, whilst Hogae was basically THE prince in everybody's eyes. Too cosseted for the blow that was dealt when his mother's death. Must have felt like a double betrayal since he's cousin and close friend Damdeok was actually playing the fool in front of everybody at that point in time. Since then the bitterness, in addition to his reckless hotheaded nature..... Poor kid. If he and Damdeok were on the same side Koguryeo would truly be a prosperous country.

Last but not the least, there Sujini (Lee Ji-Ah), the incarnation of Hwanoong's love, Sae-oh, and Damdeok's second love. Also, the sister of Kiha, which is probably what brought some balance to Kiha's unstable existence with/against the Hwacheon. Sassy, brave, outspoken, streetsmart, forgiving, loving, charming. The kinda heroine I like! Can't stand those porcelain "princesses" who just know how to look pretty and be bitchy. Sujini is truly a real beauty, and it certainly was fun seeing the love blossom between her and Damdeok. Especially when (they reunite years later and) Damdeok finally admits that she is where his palace is. *melts* She's just one of those characters that brings the sunshine and cheer into a scene. Kinda difficult to believe that Tae Wang is LJA's debut drama. Looking forward to see how she fares in Beethoven Virus when it starts airing next month. Pity she spent most of the series with short hair. She looks way better with her long locks!

(3)some bloopers caught on screen...
Despite the general praise I have for the series, there were also a number of bloopers that made it on air. What's the editing and post-production team doing?! Pretty sure that these aren't the only ones present, especially since I tend to fastforward during the slower moving scenes....

First one that got me cringing, the scene where Hwanoong's teaching Sae-oh how to control the power of the "Eye of the Pheonix". He asks her to hold the pendant in onw hand (she uses her left), while he raises her right hand to direct the fire power. The wide angle shots shows her left hand constantly on the pendant BUT the close-ups of Hwanoong lifting her right hand show that her left hand's actually still hanging by the side of her torso! Obviously taken in a few different takes but must the editing and checking be so sloppy?

Still in the time-frame of 2000 years ago, when we see Kajin pouting over the loss of her power, her shoulder tattoo and single strap on her dress seem to change sides as they like when the camera shows her front and back views......

Fastforward to the scene when Damdeok and his followers are confronting Hogae in the streets of Khitan, Chero launches an attack and and in the closeup of him on the ground, you see him wearing black woollen gloves(?!) when the scene started with everybody in their bare hands..... Hmmm.....

The last blooper that I noticed was in the scene taking place at the Hoyeon minister's place. Where it's like 8-9 years later and Sujini is basically doing some hiding from Damdeok and co. You see her at a doorway observing Damdeok, and the next thing you know, there's one of those big grey woolly microphones doing a little peek-a-boo behind her.

Pretty sure that there are even more slips as I only notice these "mis-adventures" upon re-watching, so it's either this were just too obvious, or those parts of the story made me bored that I started to notice all these random things. Seeing how much I like the show, think it's more of the former than the latter.......

Pictures taken from http://wiki.d-addicts.com/

Click for the rambling...

Once Upon a Tree: Tides and Coastlines Episode 06 - Hopes & the Future

Oh no~~ We have reached the end of the series. Definitely a fast 6 weeks it has been! This very last episode starts off with Dr Nigel Goh talking about the role of NParks in the conservation of our wild places, such as to minimise the impact of development. All said in an orange and black wetsuit aboard a diveboat. Why? Because in this last episode, the audience is actually brought underwater into Singapore's wonderful murk! Times are changing such that there is a more proactive approach to conservation, as compared to the traditional method of protecting. The coral nursery project is one such example where we as humans are taking a more active role in (hopefully) reversing the damage done to our environment. Nigel takes on a really optimistic attitude that the coral nursery is setting the stage in preparation for the day when our waters regain some of its clarity that has been lost over the years of development. I certainly hope that this would actually happen!

Then comes a short mishmash interview of sorts of a group of children, all less than 10 years of age! How good it is to hear from the mouths of the babes on what they like about the sea and ocean, about what they think of sharks, crabs, octopus, killer whales and such.

Following which, BOTH hosts head over to Pulau Hantu where Debby shows them around. At the intertidals for Shawn, and getting wet by diving right into the action for Sue-Lyn! This is an extra thrill for me since I am still high from the brilliant series of dives we had at the Hantu anniversary on Sunday. ^^
(Photo taken by JeeMee Goh)
Not much surprise here since the filming of both portions were blogged about, but I do like the portion where Debby highlights the ecosystem services rendered by coral reefs, such as serving as a nursery ground for many marine animals, and acting as a natural coastal protection.

The ecofootprint reducing section did a quick sum up of all the previous 5 episodes, from reducing trash to taking the initiative to volunteering... And what's the message for this very last episode? "The future is tofu" (What the?!) Basically quickly highlights TofuTech that you can wear your tofu and eat it. Alternative resources for us to use, and the re-thinking of how we use natural products I guess. Shawn ends with a positive, forward looking note on how there's a legion of youth that's ready to go out there and share with others about the marine aspect of our natural heritage, and it's not just the earlier generations just reminiscing about times long gone of pristine waters etc. It does seem that Singapore has started on the road to becoming island people from the people that live on an island that we were. Do hope there really is a cascade effect and even if not everybody finds going out to wild places and sharing their piece of cake, even just reading up and being more environmentally conscious of your actions goes a long way!

Here's the pre-show blurb as usual on the WildFilms blog. And a special treat from me.... A sneak peek on some of the people behind the scenes camera and action. Kudos to these folks for putting in the many months of work to get this informative short series out!
Alvin and Yean filming from the back of the boat

And even from the top of the boat!

Am sure that anyone who has dived in Singapore before would agree with me in saying that it's no easy feat to film underwater with all the sediments floating around! Cheers to Alvin for the nice underwater footage!

Setting things up and all for the "easel scenes"... (Photos by Khoo Minsheng)

Discussing things over with the director (Photo by Khoo Minsheng)

Director, sound personnel, video guy all need to go down to the intertidal. With the equipment and all! (Photo by Khoo Minsheng)
And this was only a part of the outdoors filming. Goodness knows how many more hours were spent looking (and re-looking) at the footage, editing, and deciding on the final cut. And with this, it's a wrap!

Click for the rambling...

Once Upon a Tree: Tides and Coastlines episode 05 - Lost Connections

After a 2 week hiatus, the divejunkie review is back!! And this time round I even managed to catch the very very start of the show *beams* Even included a quickie history class by Sue-Lyn that started off with her in front of a Google map that had an arrow pointing to Raffles' landing spot.

In first section, we head down to Labrador Park and hear Prof Leo Tan, "marine guru" talk about the need to actively build this rapport and affinity for the sea. This affinity needs to start from young, so that the appreciation of nature can be ingrained, along with some national pride. Since it is "part and parcel of our home". And once we can appreciate it, "commitment will come when there is love". I think he spoke the heartfelt thoughts of all intertidal volunteers guides who guide the public at Kusu, Semakau, Chek Jawa, Sungei Buloh, Labrador Park..... How can we NOT agree with him? He really puts forth an eloquent, passionate stand about how we shouldn't loose our connection with the sea. Speaking of which, I need to admit that those photos of Labrador Park rocky shore was taken nearly 4 years ago when I first started my love affair with the shores when otterman got woceht and me to start of the Labrador Park blog. Things cropped up and I have long since retired from the blog but here's their first guided walk held earlier in the month, kindly posted by Justin.
The long-gone-days when 3 utterly blur undergrads were sent out to document the flora and fauna of Labrador's rocky shore
Then came the advert before we joined Sue-Lyn and Siti at the seagrass lagoon located next to our very own offshore Landfill!! Quotable quote to take home from this section "Wait, what's a photic zone?" "Excuse me, nerd talk..." Just SOOooo candid! And yes, when you talk to volunteers who also do research, there is a tendency to go into "nerd talk". ^^ Using the example of tape seagrass and needle seagrass, Siti explains about seagrass strategies on maximising limited space, and talks a little about the complexity of seagrass beds, enabling them to be areas of shelter and nursery for our little marine critters. And then a quick demo on the kind of monitoring that TeamSeagrass does. Type of substrate the quadrat falls on, percentage seagrass cover etc.... Am glad that the film crew managed to get shots of the seagrass submerged in water. They do look way more impressive! =^-^= Please correct me if I am wrong but was the thing that was labeled as a "marine worm" actually a synaptid sea cucumber? Only caught a glimpse as I glanced up from my mad scribblings.... (KS, do help me check when u watch the recording you took~~ Thanks!) After a quick discussion with the few other who caught the episode, that was a rather glaring mis-identification of a synaptid sea cucumber.... May some how have been confused with the collar worm aka Eunice sp. marine worm... Since the online photo of the worm looks a tad bit like the synaptid....
Yes, this is our synaptid friend of a cucumber that is common spotted in the seagrass lagoon at the Semakau intertidal.
Then it was back to Shawn and Labrador Park. This time focusing on coastal forest... Their uniqueness - ability to thrive despite being subjected to the drying effects of a constant breeze, the salt spray, and the thin soil cover. How we should really treasure and appreciate this habitat as we have little of it left, and some of the plants being really rare (didn't manage to catch the names that slided off Shawn's tongue...).

What I like best about this episode is actually the take home message in the "Reducing Ecological Footprint" section. It was done in the style of some rather old Mastercard (?) advertisement, placing a price on material things, and the price of memories being priceless.... Like getting a new handphone with an effective lifespan of 8 months would cost you $300-odd while an intertidal walk with BWV would cost $15 that would give you memories to last ages; cost of a game center and gaming compared to being a NHC volunteer.... Gosh! I really miss that series of ads! Drives home the message of how connections and memories and stuff that REALLY matters cannot have a price tagged onto it!

Words from the producer on the episode on the wildfilms blog.

So then, the last and final episode would air next week, featuring an intertidal walk with Debby of the HantuBlog and some diving action at our very own coral nursery!! Here's Debby's entry about the filming.

Click for the rambling...

Yet another episode missed...

This is getting to be a bad habit.... I SHALL NOT MISS THE LAST TWO EPISODES OF ONCE UPON A TREE 2~~~ Been thoroughly rained out this week. Not to mention still recovering from my Fri-Sun nature stints of diving and intertidal guiding at Semakau. Back from yet another really rainy, cold, wet dive.... And am glad to see my "lovely assistant" KS picking up the reviewing baton! Thanks bro~~ Especially since it was a kinda last minute arrowing at 2130h last night on MSN while I was still hunting down ID charts and various miscellaneous things for today's dive. Missed seeing Siva on TV. o(TT.TT)o

Here's Ria's usual preview summary,
as well as the review done by KS.

On a side note, I really need to clear this backlog of "should-blog-entries" about stuff. There's one on nudibranchs (as those following me on Flickr may have guessed from the influx of photos) that would hopefully come up over the weekend. Draft of the entry in english is done up but having a little trouble putting it into Japanese.... *koks own head*

Click for the rambling...

Apologies....

A big sorry to everybody who was expecting/waiting for my review on last night's episode of Once Upon a Tree on seafood. Don't know why I was so tired yesterday that I just KO-ed on the bed. Think that was around 9 or so... (Remember looking at the clock then and thinking that I won'd miss the episode) Whoops... Seems like the lure of seafood and seeing our very own chatterbox of a tidechaser at Changi wasn't enough to keep me awake... And after I told sassy-jiejie that I would.... Real sorry folks. Guess any comments and discussions of the show would have to go to the wildfilms' pre-show summary over here. Unless someone recorded it and I can still watch? If not, will just try and catch the 4th instalment next week..

On a side note, ashira made it to the top 100 on the nature blog network~~~ Thank you all for your blog stalking readership!

Click for the rambling...

Once Upon a Tree: Tides and Coastlines episode 02 - Old Singapore

After a day spent at sea, baking in the sun hard day's work diving, this divejunkie of a fish grabbed a quick meal after a much needed de-salination. Following which, promptly sat down in front of the tv. This time with a notebook and pencil in hand to scribble things down (and hopefully make this week's summary and review a tad bit more coherent. Timing today was utterly impeccable since the screen came on mere seconds before the episodes theme/title came on...

Old Singapore
We are given a quick history 101 by Assoc. Prof. John Miksic (Dept. of South East Asian Studies, NUS) who specialises in coastlines. The few minutes given to him really was an eye opener for me. Hearing about Pulau Saigon (that has since long been absorbed into this large solid mass of land that is mainland Singapore), one of the islands that used to be in one of our rivers, how the size of our shellfish has decreased not so much due to overfishing but more to the overall decline in water quality..... The decrease in fish sizes and the long gone days of amazingly clear waters aren't news to me, largely due to the time spent on local boats, with elderly boatmen who are more than happy to share stories from their good old days. Good to know that a few more people in Singapore get to hear about this not-so-wellknown heritage we have. Liked how he summed up on the connection/outlet to the sea being important to the wellbeing of our modern society.

Focus then shifts to probably the most wellknown of our intertidals, Chek Jawa. Quick history on CJ for those who don't really know about it. Gazetted for reclamation in 1992, saved at the 11th (or maybe even the 12th hour) in 2001 due to public outcry, currently a protected area managed by NParks, status up for review in 3 years.... Zaki's acting as Sue-Lyn's guide this time. Don't know him, and haven't had the chance of meeting him but has a write-up on him here.

CJ being an utterly unique area that includes a number of ecosystems, they are kinda all mentioned in this portion of the episode. All with little stories about seahares, garlic bread sea cucumbers, horseshoe crabs (aka king crab), crab moults, and tubeworms woven together nicely.


Shawn brings us back to the presence of the past through a series of nostalgic reminiscence of times long gone when Singapore had pristine, clear crystallin blue seas. Times when Beach Road WAS at the beach, when Thian Hock Keng temple had the sea lapping it's steps, when Raffles Hotel attributed its popularity to having a beachfront.... All part of our UNwritten history. After hearing that the actual target audience for this series is actually 15-year-olds, this "hidden" history and heritage of Singapore feels even more important. Especially the need to preserve at least part of it to be passed down for generations to come...

This week's take-home message is to take notes (as detailed as possible with sketches, descriptions, colors etc.) instead of bringing an organism home.... Love to say this while guiding, and I'll say it here again. Take nothing but photos and memories, leave nothing but footprints. Also, taking notes and stuff also help in the learning process of understanding our environment (coastal or otherwise). Definitely of great help for guides-in-training and guides-to-be!

Shawn rounds things up with a story familiar to all of us. How as a child, a simple seashell would seem to hold the sea, beckoning to us.... "Tides give inspiration" How apt that is, even if tides also represent changes.....

Interesting how the episodes start off with an academic, then some form of guided walk at an intertidal area, and ends with a take-home message in the form of how to reduce our ecological footprints.... Super structured, and in a way good to know roughly what to expect when the advert ends. Here's to looking forward to the future with my Draco sp. friend form CJ, and may the tides continue to inspire us even as we reflect on the past that they have observed.... More to come next week!


Ria has also provided a quick sum up/preview at the wildfilms website here:
http://wildfilms.blogspot.com/2008/02/once-upon-tree-episode-2-on-26-feb-tue.html

Click for the rambling...

Once Upon a Tree - Tides and Coastlines episode 01

Just caught the first episode of the new season of Once Upon a Tree. Not that I knew about watched the first season that focused on Singapore's terrestrial environment.... Thanks to Ria for pointing out the screening of the first episode (as well as a synopsis)! How apt that the second season is on our marine and intertidal environment, especially with the International Year of the Reef and ADEX 2008 in Singapore.


I may have heard wrongly but I think This new season marks the beginning of a 6 week journey with Dr Shawn Lum and Ong Sue-Lynn as they talk to people and find our more about our shores and intertidal life. A real quick 30 minute slot targeted at the general public with enough snippets of information on our intertidal and marine life, yet rich in messages. Way too general for the usual buncha intertidal/diving enthusiasts that I willingly squander time, sweat and whatever else with. But hey! This show's not aimed at us! In fact, a few of us are involved (or actually) in it!! Did try to memorise the scientific names of critters that flashed by on the screen but there were too many.... There's always my guiding notes for those anyway. ^^

Nice pacing from the start with Shawn introducing little links that tie our lives with the shore, as well as the quick sharing/interview with Dr Beverly Goh. Then we were whisked off to Kusu with co-host Sue-Lynn, to get to where the action life is. The intertidal flats!!! Kusu being one of my more frequented intertidal abodes, it was thrilling yet a little weird to see it onscreen. A quick introduction of the island (which I should take more from to weave into my guiding script...), and off she goes to meet YC, her guide for the day. Interesting how he has this bag with all those interesting (and familiar) looking apparatus hanging that wasn't put to use. Yet another guide that I can learn loads off. Pity they could only fit in a general introduction to anemones, marine snails, and hermit crabs. So much more that we can see!! But for that, I guess you'll have to join BWV on their next guided walk there. Hopefully there would be more critter introductions as the season progresses. Ria has also posted some feature articles on Kusu at the IYOR Singapore blog:
Isle of History
Isle of Shrines

We bounce back to Shawn in the heart of town where he hears a bit more about the marina barrage that is being built (and expected to be completed this year). Also introduces us to the shelled (and not shelved) life that's along Singapore river despite the canalization and all. That's before we end off with the take-home message of not littering and thoughlessly chucking out rubbish since somehow the trash all ends up in our waterways and sea....

See what I mean by rich in messages? Definitely hitting breadth (and as many issues as possible) instead of depth. Stay tune for the next installment next week!!

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The way it should be ^^

Kudos to Nat for putting this up on his blog. Really strikes a chord in my heart, reminding me that CNY's more about spending quality time with family and loved ones rather than anything else.... Actually, LIFE should be lived this way and not just CNY~~

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Story of Stuff

Found this site via my friend's posted link on Facebook, features a quick 20min look at consumerism in light of environmental and social issues. Truly the "Story of Stuff"! Here are some teaser videos. For the full clip and more information, be sure to visit the site yourself!

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French-Japanese street magician Cyril Takayama

Thanks to Ivan for sending the link to the Lacoste magic/illusion that Cyril Takayama did. Blur me was wondering what Japanese thing this was until I calmed down. Did a quick search on Youtube to turn up a wider sampling of his stuff ^^ The shows are in Japanese but you can get the gist of things just by watching.

Link to the youmaker version of Lacoste street magic (The youtube quality ain't as good and I just could't find the code to embed this...


Lacoste magic


Glass magic


Burger trick

More samplings on Youtube Click for the rambling...

Cruise Cruise Baby

After DW emailed the link of this video to us, can't help but post it up here as well ^^ Great spoof highlighting some of the work a marine biologist does!! Do read the details of the background of this video under the author's comments and enjoy!

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YASHA

OK, despite the previous post, took the rest of Sat off from work and did a bit of catching up on dramas ^^ Found this interesting Jdrama, YASHA, starring Itou Hideaki (male lead in the Umizaru series) and Abe Hiroshi (male lead in the TRICK series). It aired in 2000 and has a rather interesting suspense-thriller styled storyline involving genetic modification/cloning, viral outbreaks. Despite having mild homosexual undertones (that CAN be interpreted as "best buddies", really worth watching. What's it with Japanese dramas that they are able to pack a a punch in like 11 episodes? Comparatively, the recent SG dramas seem to keep getting longer and longer.... Just dragging on the plot...

Okies... used up my break time... back to drafting drafting drafting...

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Couple of interesting Hokkien spoofs...

It's quite interesting what can turn up on Youtube ^^ Click to find out!!

Hokkien Bond
Lord of Hokkien

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pirates 2...

Caught Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest this morning with Kat. Rather fun thrill ride of a show, though the plot IS simple (but then again, since when does Disney ever make movies with cheem plotlines?) Great seeing Kat back after a year of absence, and it was fun chatting and kinda catching up, despite me having to rush back to NUS for 4263.... Love the show, though the end REALLY left a whole buncha untied ends, thus ensuring attendance for Pirates 3 which is coming out next year (boy do I hate cliffhangers in movies, as well as the sudden popping up/reviving of previous characters...) Orlando Bloom still can't act for nuts (I mean, show SOME expression when your fiancee is kissing someone else for goodness sake!!) though he sure packs a punch in swordfights... Keira Knightley kicks ass!!! 'Nuff said ^^ Definitely NOT your stereotypical damsel-in-distress!! And Johny Depp, the serendipitious, fast-talking, witty Captain Jack Sparrow is THE man making it a more-than-average entertaining show, savvy?

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something to de-stress ^^

Gaurav and Gerard bullied me into watching this flash on my lappie yesterday, and kinda glad they did ^^ It's a really cool FF parody flash that some guy did for his/her high school Japanese project. Real good stuff! Even more so for a FF fan... Wonder if I shld recommend this to sensei to screen during class ^^ Such a pity that I *still* dunno how to do flash, or doing sth like this wld be just uber-awesome!!!

Final Fantasy A+

On another note, it seems that there are only 4 of us gg for the Japanese video conferencing thingie this afternoon. That makes me even scared-er and nervous...... Wich me luck!!

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Black Jack TV

Just found out about this anime, and I think it is pretty nifty. ^^ It's the ongoing remake of the 1993 (i think) series, and is based on the manga by Tezuka Osamu (think he was also known for the creation of astroboy, and boy does the art look similar!) Not watching it because of the brilliant art or CG, but the very human themes that are brought out. Black Jack is a reknowned unlicensed surgeon (dun ask me how he has NOT been arrested in spite of being so prominent), and a kinda Robin Hood of the medical world. Since it IS a fictitious world, the medical scenarios that are featured are well, outrageous at times. Curing tuberculosis by operating?!? An IV needle tip (at least 2-3cm in length) circulating round the veins, heart and lungs without puncturing anything?!? Come on! The perseverance of the human spirit is what makes this anime warm my heart. Black Jack does do things in a rather gruff manner but ultimately, he still tries to remind others what it is to be human. Plus, whenever he changes into his surgical attire with such flourish, I can't help but snigger at how cheesy it is ^^ Oh well, at least this is quite a change from the usual run-of-the-mill shoujo/shounen animes....

Black Jack TV

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Finally... LOTR-ROTK extended version!!!

yay!! it's finally out!!! got it on thursday on my way home ^-^ so i'm watching it now!! all 3 movies=12hour marathon since they are all extended versions. pity i can't afford the dvd... would really have loved that... but all i'll be missing would be the behind the scenes extras. ほんとに　よかった！ the cover's blue, with the picture of the silver tree on the outside casing *hugs* back to watching smeagol and deagol's fishing trip

57 minutes, 04 seconds later...
disc 1 down, 3 more to go... still struck by how peter jackson can jumble up the sequence of events so nicely yet still keep true to the story that j.r.r. tolkien weaved so many years ago... the sequence is soo messed up, shows how good he is as a storyteller himself =^-^= and howard shore's music *sigh* it's a good team alright! reminds me of the when i went to the LOTR exhibition quite some time back and was just gasping at the details and intricacies of all the props. the design team and backstage crew really did a fab job *thumbs up* just think about the scale and detail of minas tirith *swoon*

yet when i compare all this that men (and women) have done to the splendour of this universe, it alll pales in comparison... the the Lord God can come up with something as tiny yet complex as a cell, that can work by itself or in conjunction with milloins or others... that He can at the same time come up with the complexity of the galaxy, the stars, the blackholes and all, and that we as humans are barely scratching the surface of things... i can only stand in awe of His works... totally stunned into amazement. He is really beyond what we can imagine ^-^ thank goodness for that! ('cos i am just so inapt and inadequate as a person)

even as i continue to watch the rest of lord of the rings - the return of the king, i prepare and wait for the return of not only THE King, but the King of Kings

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