Had sumptuous lunch with my colleague today at
Shin Kushiya restaurant, Vivo City ...
Shin Kushiya restaurant, Vivo City ...
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Quake moved Earth's axis
The Chilean quake shifted the Earth's axis by even more than the 9.1-magnitude temblor off Indonesia that set off the deadly tsunami in Asia in 2004, Gross worked out. — PHOTO: AFP
WASHINGTON - THE powerful earthquake that shook Chile on Saturday probably shifted the Earth's axis and made days slightly shorter, a Nasa scientist said.
WASHINGTON - THE powerful earthquake that shook Chile on Saturday probably shifted the Earth's axis and made days slightly shorter, a Nasa scientist said.
Dr Richard Gross, a research scientist at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, calculated that the planet's axis would have shifted by 8cm during the 8.8 magnitude quake, Nasa said in a statement.
Earth days are 24 hours long because that's the amount of time it takes the planet to make one full rotation on its axis, so shifting the axis would affect rotation.
If, indeed, the planet's axis did shift by eight centimeters during the Chilean quake, days would have shortened by 1.26 microseconds, Dr Gross calculated. A microsecond is one-millionth of a second, so there is no need to adjust watches just yet.
The Chilean quake shifted the Earth's axis by even more than the 9.1-magnitude temblor off Indonesia that set off the deadly tsunami in Asia in 2004, Dr Gross worked out.
That's partly because the faultline responsible for the earthquake in Chile 'dips into Earth at a slightly steeper angle than does the fault responsible for the 2004 Sumatran earthquake' and is more effective at moving Earth's mass vertically and shifting the planet's axis. The 2004 quake in Asia caused the Earth to move by around 7cm and chopped an estimated 6.8 microseconds off the length of a day, Nasa said. — AFP
Earth days are 24 hours long because that's the amount of time it takes the planet to make one full rotation on its axis, so shifting the axis would affect rotation.
If, indeed, the planet's axis did shift by eight centimeters during the Chilean quake, days would have shortened by 1.26 microseconds, Dr Gross calculated. A microsecond is one-millionth of a second, so there is no need to adjust watches just yet.
The Chilean quake shifted the Earth's axis by even more than the 9.1-magnitude temblor off Indonesia that set off the deadly tsunami in Asia in 2004, Dr Gross worked out.
That's partly because the faultline responsible for the earthquake in Chile 'dips into Earth at a slightly steeper angle than does the fault responsible for the 2004 Sumatran earthquake' and is more effective at moving Earth's mass vertically and shifting the planet's axis. The 2004 quake in Asia caused the Earth to move by around 7cm and chopped an estimated 6.8 microseconds off the length of a day, Nasa said. — AFP
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Getaway @ Johor Bahru
Mini Getaway to JB ~ 22-23 February 2010
The ZON Regency Hotel by the sea @ JB
Looking out from Room Windows of ZON Regency 
Asiana Restaurant @ Danga Bay Marine Club, JB
Friday, February 12, 2010
HappY LunaR NeW YeaR
I'll be away on my holidays in Turkey during this period!
Have a BLessed n HappY Chinese NeW YeaR! (",)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Workers' Strike in Greece
Maybe this is why my wish to go Greece did not materialize. God knows what's best for me. Read news ...
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
CNY Shopping @ IMM
It's that time of the year for Lunar New Year shopping again. Here's a preview of the decorations at IMM, Jurong East!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
All This is for Your Own Good!
I read something in the Bible several days ago which I find somewhat funny because it reminds me of a popular quote by Singaporean parents that says "All this is for your own good!" The Bible verse states:
Hmm, however we like to put it, many things in life are done for our own good and for our sakes, so we ought to be thankful always!
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15 NIV)
Hmm, however we like to put it, many things in life are done for our own good and for our sakes, so we ought to be thankful always!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
My New E52 Mobile Phone
I've just purchased a new mobile phone. The Nokia E52 black.
My reasons for buying: Because I need a new phone as my current 2G mobile is old and dying. The Nokia E52 offers me 3 things I need most: a built-in dictionary that provides a translate function to define words like a real print dictionary, extensive writing capabilities with active Notes and MS Word compatible word processor, and support for large applications with memory up to 16GB.
I'm now still at the exploring stage, but should be no problem because this model is quite user friendly.
My reasons for buying: Because I need a new phone as my current 2G mobile is old and dying. The Nokia E52 offers me 3 things I need most: a built-in dictionary that provides a translate function to define words like a real print dictionary, extensive writing capabilities with active Notes and MS Word compatible word processor, and support for large applications with memory up to 16GB.
I'm now still at the exploring stage, but should be no problem because this model is quite user friendly.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Christmas Shopping @ IMM
It's that time of the year for Christmas shopping again. Here's a preview of the Christmas decorations at IMM, Jurong East!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Hooters-Style Coffee Shop @ KL
Posted on 28 Sep 2009
You can say that this is a case of Kopi C served in a C Cup, literally. But it is not happening at a Hooters' outlet. Believe it or not, this is at a humble Kuala Lumpur kopi tiam.
You can say that this is a case of Kopi C served in a C Cup, literally. But it is not happening at a Hooters' outlet. Believe it or not, this is at a humble Kuala Lumpur kopi tiam.
Singapore kopi tiam owners, please take note, says Stomper DJAM, who received the story and photos via email. Instead of the grubby atmosphere and well-covered up and unattractive beer ladies at Singapore kopi tiams, they should employ these Malaysian girls.
Customers will be better served and the kopi tiams will be able to boost their business if they take a leaf from this Malaysian bright spark at a kopi tiam in Cawangan Bandar Perdana in the Malaysian capital.
A bevy of sexy, young and pretty women serve the beverages and food. They will also talk, play cards and watch the football channel with customers.
One catch though: The price of kopi, beer, teh, milo, nasi goreng, nasi lemak, nasi ulam, mee goreng, seafood tang hun, beef kway teow are all double what one usually pays at other kopi tiams.
Surprisingly, the kopi tiam is owned by a group of women, who employ good-looking and well-endowed girls.
The salary paid to these girls is comparable with what they would get working in an office.
Customers will be better served and the kopi tiams will be able to boost their business if they take a leaf from this Malaysian bright spark at a kopi tiam in Cawangan Bandar Perdana in the Malaysian capital.
A bevy of sexy, young and pretty women serve the beverages and food. They will also talk, play cards and watch the football channel with customers.
One catch though: The price of kopi, beer, teh, milo, nasi goreng, nasi lemak, nasi ulam, mee goreng, seafood tang hun, beef kway teow are all double what one usually pays at other kopi tiams.
Surprisingly, the kopi tiam is owned by a group of women, who employ good-looking and well-endowed girls.
The salary paid to these girls is comparable with what they would get working in an office.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Disgusting Behavior
at crowded Ion foodcourt
A STOMPer's friend was disgusted when the family seated at the table next to hers at Opera foodcourt in Ion allowed their daughter to poop in a potty right in the middle of the place.
Says this STOMPer's friend:
"My friend showed me this photo while she was at Opera foodcourt at Ion.
"It's at about 7 pm on a Saturday, meaning there are a LOT of people and this family of three generations were seated at the table next to her.
"One of the girls' needed to take a dump, so they took out a pot for her to dump in...right in the middle of the foodcourt.
"She said it was damn smelly and gross because she was seated right next to them.
"So uncivilised."
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Price Up by 100% for IBP Shuttle Service
JTC announced to the IBP community yesterday that the fare for their shuttle transport to and from Jurong East will be increased from the current 20 cents per one-way trip to 40 cents.
This means people like me who rely on the shuttle service regularly will have to face a permanent income cut, while businesses at Jurong East, especially the food courts and coffee shops, will also be indirectly affected. Currently, many workers at IBP take the shuttle service to and from Jurong East to go for lunch which fare is 40 cents per round trip per person. Come December 1, this will mean an increase of 100 per cent of the cost at 80 cents per person.
Looks like I'll have to consider walking to office from Jurong East MRT station in the future, and will certainly cut down my frequency of having lunch at Jurong East!
So much for boosting the economic downturn and cutting cost!
This means people like me who rely on the shuttle service regularly will have to face a permanent income cut, while businesses at Jurong East, especially the food courts and coffee shops, will also be indirectly affected. Currently, many workers at IBP take the shuttle service to and from Jurong East to go for lunch which fare is 40 cents per round trip per person. Come December 1, this will mean an increase of 100 per cent of the cost at 80 cents per person.
Looks like I'll have to consider walking to office from Jurong East MRT station in the future, and will certainly cut down my frequency of having lunch at Jurong East!
So much for boosting the economic downturn and cutting cost!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Christmas Shopping Already?
It's that time of the year when Christmas shopping begins again!
Here's just a preliminary introduction of what's in store at Metro Causeway Point this year.
Here's just a preliminary introduction of what's in store at Metro Causeway Point this year.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Toilets and Building Management
I work in an office at IBP. Recently, the management of the office building announced they will be upgrading the toilets, and that is supposed to be good news.
Over the last weekend, the contractors commenced work, starting from the floor I am working in. All the toilets of that floor (3 for males and 3 for females) are now closed for the upgrade and tenants are expected to go to other floors to do their toilet business for the next 6 weeks.
This floor-by-floor approach to renovating all the toilets for the building is to me an act of STUPIDITY. I have never seen such a BRAINLESS act in my entire life. Under normal circumstances, toilet renovations are usually done in the same area or segment for different floors at the same time so as to allow tenants of each floor to have at least one male and female toilet to use while the other toilets on the same floor are being renovated.
Obviously, it's too late for me to make any complain now as the work has already commenced, I guess what I can do, just for my own satisfaction, is to show some reactive responses by having the following notice pasted on all the doors of the toilets currently being upgraded.
I am fighting for a cause, hopefully to help increase the intelligence of the building management, not to do the same for the other floors!
Over the last weekend, the contractors commenced work, starting from the floor I am working in. All the toilets of that floor (3 for males and 3 for females) are now closed for the upgrade and tenants are expected to go to other floors to do their toilet business for the next 6 weeks.
This floor-by-floor approach to renovating all the toilets for the building is to me an act of STUPIDITY. I have never seen such a BRAINLESS act in my entire life. Under normal circumstances, toilet renovations are usually done in the same area or segment for different floors at the same time so as to allow tenants of each floor to have at least one male and female toilet to use while the other toilets on the same floor are being renovated.
Obviously, it's too late for me to make any complain now as the work has already commenced, I guess what I can do, just for my own satisfaction, is to show some reactive responses by having the following notice pasted on all the doors of the toilets currently being upgraded.
I am fighting for a cause, hopefully to help increase the intelligence of the building management, not to do the same for the other floors!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Gardening
I have written several articles on the topic of gardening last quarter.
Recently, I started playing a gardening game called 'My Farm.' So far I have plowed and harvested several crops, bought myself several plants, and some animals. My crops include strawberries, tomatoes, corn, rice, wheat, potatoes and sunflower.
Recently, I started playing a gardening game called 'My Farm.' So far I have plowed and harvested several crops, bought myself several plants, and some animals. My crops include strawberries, tomatoes, corn, rice, wheat, potatoes and sunflower.
Depending on the type of crops, the timing for reaping will be different. Some are ready for harvesting within a day, others within two or three days. I can also reap fruits from my plants/trees.This game teaches me short term patience to wait a day or two to allow the crops to grow before harvesting.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Daily Shuttle Madness
Take a look at the picture below and you will understand why I am suffering every morning simply to travel to my office located at Jurong East's International Business Park.
Photo: October 13, 2009 at 08:27
The photo shows a typical daily scene of the morning queues for shuttles at Jurong East temporary shuttle 'interchange' near the JTC building below the Jurong East MRT staton.
This morning, I have to wait for more than half an hour before managing to catch the shuttle to IBP, causing me to be rather late to work.
Wonder why the shuttle 'interchange' cannot be arranged like the interchange for public buses. Presently, it is just a place to jam up all the company shuttles around the area.
Photo: October 13, 2009 at 08:27The photo shows a typical daily scene of the morning queues for shuttles at Jurong East temporary shuttle 'interchange' near the JTC building below the Jurong East MRT staton.
This morning, I have to wait for more than half an hour before managing to catch the shuttle to IBP, causing me to be rather late to work.
Wonder why the shuttle 'interchange' cannot be arranged like the interchange for public buses. Presently, it is just a place to jam up all the company shuttles around the area.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Disney's A Christmas Carol
Release Date: November 6, 2009 (conventional theaters and IMAX)
Studio: Walt Disney
Pictures Director: Robert Zemeckis
Screenwriter: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
MPAA Rating: PG (for scary sequences and images)
Official Website: Disney.com
Review: Not Available
DVD Review: Not Available
DVD: Not Available
Movie Poster: One-Sheet Teaser
Production Stills: View here
Plot Summary:
"Disney's A Christmas Carol," a multi-sensory thrill ride re-envisioned by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in a groundbreaking 3-D motion picture event. Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (Gary Oldman) and his cheery nephew (Colin Firth). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it's too late.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Next Travel Destination
There are 195 countries in the world and I have only traveled 35 so far; 7 countineunts and I have only covered 5, short of Antarctica and South America.
Where should I go next for my Valentine's holidays next year? Spain/Portugal or Greece?
Where should I go next for my Valentine's holidays next year? Spain/Portugal or Greece?
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
My Travel Profile
Destinations traveled so far ...
Lots of places in the world yet to visit! (",)
Virtual is an explorer that:
does their own thing
doesn't mind roughing it
lives on the edge
Travel cred: high
I rank in the top...
0.1% most cities visited - Holy See (Vatican City)
0.3% most cities visited - Taiwan
0.6% most cities visited - Egypt
0.3% most cities visited - Taiwan
0.6% most cities visited - Egypt
Africa
Egypt: Al Jizah
Egypt: Al Uqsur
Egypt: Al Uqsur
Egypt: Alexandria
Egypt: Aswan
Egypt: Cairo
Egypt: Idfu
Egypt: Isna
Egypt: Kawm Umbu
South Africa: Cape Town
South Africa: Cape of Good Hope
South Africa: Johannesburg
South Africa: Pretoria
South Africa: Sun City
Asia
China: Hangzhou
China: Huangshan
China: Jiangnan
China: Jinan
China: Penglai
China: Qingdao
China: Qufu
China: Shenzhen
China: Suzhou
China: Tunxi
China: Weifang
China: Xinzhuang
China: Xinzhuang
China: Xinzhuang
China: Xinzhuang
Hong Kong (SAR): Kowloon
Indonesia: Jakarta
Indonesia: Pulau Bintan
Japan: Hiratsuka-Shinjuku
Japan: Izumi
Japan: Tokyo
Japan: Yokohama
Malaysia: Cameron Highlands
Malaysia: Genting
Malaysia: Johor Bahru
Malaysia: Kota Tinggi
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia: Kukup
Malaysia: Melaka
Malaysia: Petaling Jaya
Singapore: Singapore
South Korea: Incheon
South Korea: Incheon
South Korea: Seoul
South Korea: Sorak-tong
Taiwan: Feng-shan
Taiwan: Kao-hsi
Taiwan: T'ai-chung
Taiwan: T'ai-nan
Taiwan: T'ai-pei
Thailand: Ban Pang
Thailand: Chiang Mai
Thailand: Chiang Rai
Thailand: Phangnga
Thailand: Phuket
Turkey: Istanbul
Vietnam: Ha Long
Vietnam: Ha Long
Vietnam: Ha Noi
Europe
Austria: Innsbruck
Austria: Salzburg
Austria: Vienna
Belgium: Bruges
Belgium: Brussels
Czech Republic: Kralovske Vinohrady
Czech Republic: Prague
Denmark: Arhus
Denmark: Copenhagen
Denmark: Odense
Finland: Helsinki
France: Nice
France: Paris
Germany: Berlin
Germany: Frankfurt am Main
Germany: Koln
Germany: Munich
Holy See (Vatican City): Vatican City
Hungary: Budapest
Italy: Florence
Italy: Pisa
Italy: Rome
Italy: Venice
Monaco: Monaco
Netherlands: Amsterdam
Norway: Bergen
Norway: Karlstad
Norway: Kristiansand
Norway: Laerdalsoyri
Norway: Latefoss
Norway: Oslo
Norway: Sygnefest
Norway: Utne
Norway: Vigeland
Poland: Krakow
Russia: Moscow
Russia: Suzdal'
Russia: Vladimir
Slovakia: Bratislava
Slovakia: Stary Smokovec
Sweden: Huddinge
Sweden: Karlstad
Sweden: Stockholm
Switzerland: Luzern
United Kingdom: London
North America
Canada: Athabasca
Canada: Banff
Canada: Calgary
Canada: Edmonton
Canada: Jasper
Canada: Kelowna
Canada: Lake Louise
Canada: Montreal
Canada: Niagara Falls
Canada: Ottawa
Canada: Toronto
Canada: Vancouver
Canada: Victoria
United States: Anaheim
United States: Baltimore
United States: Boston
United States: Corning
United States: Honolulu
United States: Kaua'i
United States: Lancaster
United States: Maryland City
United States: New York
United States: Niagara Falls
United States: Orlando
United States: Philadelphia
United States: Washington
Oceania
Australia: Adelaide
Australia: Brisbane
Australia: Fremantle
Australia: Gold Coast
Australia: Hobart
Australia: Katoomba
Australia: Launceston
Australia: Melbourne
Australia: Perth
Australia: Port Arthur
Australia: Sydney
Australia: Tasmania
New Zealand: Christchurch
New Zealand: Dunedin
New Zealand: Moeraki
New Zealand: Queenstown
Lots of places in the world yet to visit! (",)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Photos of Scandinavia
I'm back to Singapore and I've enjoyed my holidays at Scandinavia, although it's too early to see autumn leaves change color or fall.
I'm still tired and recovering from jet lag. On the whole, the trip has covered much with fabulous views which cannot be captured through photography, partly because of regular rain and the motor coach traveling at high speed most of the time. People in the group are not all that fun although some are quite nice. Privacy of time is nearly zero with busy bodies chattering lots of unimportant things and constantly blocking camera views.
I'm still tired and recovering from jet lag. On the whole, the trip has covered much with fabulous views which cannot be captured through photography, partly because of regular rain and the motor coach traveling at high speed most of the time. People in the group are not all that fun although some are quite nice. Privacy of time is nearly zero with busy bodies chattering lots of unimportant things and constantly blocking camera views.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Why Do Leaves Fall in Autumn?
I am now enjoying my holidays in Scandinavia, north of Europe, taking in the beautiful scenes of autumn, the colors and the falling leaves. Have you ever wondered why leaves fall during autumn?
Many people believe tree leaves fall and die during the autumn season because of weather changes, but studies have shown the real reason for the fall is drought. This is because the primary function of leaves is photosynthesis, and photosynthesis requires the use of water, carbon dioxide and light to create food in the leaves to generate organic compounds and oxygen. In order to induce a suction force, the leaves will need to constantly sweat, and in winter season shed them so as not to get dried. Daylight, however, gets shorter during fall and causes the leaves to suffer thirst because of the reducing absorption of water with the shrinking daylight. This means even when trees live in wet climate with abundant snowfall and rainfall or even when in the warmest of autumn seasons, the trees will still lose their leaves, triggered by the shorten length of daylight.
Many changes occur in the leaves before they finally fall from the branch. According to Joe Lamp’L of DIY Network who wrote an article on ‘Why do leaves fall in autumn?’ at ScrippsNews.com, changing colors of leaves during fall is part of an important and complicated process known as abscission which ends in the leaves being shed at the end of each growing season. The trees, in protecting themselves, purge diseased, damaged or dead leaves, while they seal the point where the petiole connects to it. As the climate and light conditions of autumn evolve, tree hormones change as well, the most notable of which is auxin, a hormone in trees that promotes root formation and bud growth. The balance of auxin levels between leaves and branches is the key to determining if and when the leaves drop.
During the active growing season, production rates of auxin in leaves are consistent with those in other parts of the tree. As long as these rates are steady, the cells of the abscission layer remain connected, which in turn, keeps leaves attached. However, as days shorten and temperatures cool, auxin production in leaves starts to decrease. As a result, fracture lines develop at the base of the leaf petioles and scarring builds up at the same point to form a protective barrier. Eventually, it's just a matter of time before wind or rain provides that last nudge and the leaves are released, at least for most trees.
Although leaves falling in autumn are a predictable event, leaf drop is not only seasonal. Trees can lose leaves for other reasons as well, such as drought and other physical or environmental stresses. So this autumn, enjoy and savor the brilliant display of color, but be thankful always for the deciduous trees, because in spite of all the leaves on the ground, they are doing more good than you can imagine, because these leaves provide vital organic matter to the soil, returning to the soil nutrients and building structure and water holding capacity.
Source of Information: Why do leaves fall in autumn?
Many people believe tree leaves fall and die during the autumn season because of weather changes, but studies have shown the real reason for the fall is drought. This is because the primary function of leaves is photosynthesis, and photosynthesis requires the use of water, carbon dioxide and light to create food in the leaves to generate organic compounds and oxygen. In order to induce a suction force, the leaves will need to constantly sweat, and in winter season shed them so as not to get dried. Daylight, however, gets shorter during fall and causes the leaves to suffer thirst because of the reducing absorption of water with the shrinking daylight. This means even when trees live in wet climate with abundant snowfall and rainfall or even when in the warmest of autumn seasons, the trees will still lose their leaves, triggered by the shorten length of daylight.
Many changes occur in the leaves before they finally fall from the branch. According to Joe Lamp’L of DIY Network who wrote an article on ‘Why do leaves fall in autumn?’ at ScrippsNews.com, changing colors of leaves during fall is part of an important and complicated process known as abscission which ends in the leaves being shed at the end of each growing season. The trees, in protecting themselves, purge diseased, damaged or dead leaves, while they seal the point where the petiole connects to it. As the climate and light conditions of autumn evolve, tree hormones change as well, the most notable of which is auxin, a hormone in trees that promotes root formation and bud growth. The balance of auxin levels between leaves and branches is the key to determining if and when the leaves drop.
During the active growing season, production rates of auxin in leaves are consistent with those in other parts of the tree. As long as these rates are steady, the cells of the abscission layer remain connected, which in turn, keeps leaves attached. However, as days shorten and temperatures cool, auxin production in leaves starts to decrease. As a result, fracture lines develop at the base of the leaf petioles and scarring builds up at the same point to form a protective barrier. Eventually, it's just a matter of time before wind or rain provides that last nudge and the leaves are released, at least for most trees.
Although leaves falling in autumn are a predictable event, leaf drop is not only seasonal. Trees can lose leaves for other reasons as well, such as drought and other physical or environmental stresses. So this autumn, enjoy and savor the brilliant display of color, but be thankful always for the deciduous trees, because in spite of all the leaves on the ground, they are doing more good than you can imagine, because these leaves provide vital organic matter to the soil, returning to the soil nutrients and building structure and water holding capacity.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Mickey Mouse with Spider-Man?
What has Mickey Mouse to do with Spider-Man?
Well, Spider-Man is going to be Mickey's favorite superhero and Disneyland is going to see Spider-Man swinging around its castles! This seemingly unusual twist of events can soon become a reality, with the recent deal of the Walt Disney Company acquiring Marvel Entertainment for US$4 billion.
According to The New York Times' story Disney Swoops Into Action, Buying Marvel for $4 Billion on August 31, 2009, certain Marvel characters can be immediately integrated into Disney’s theme parks in California, Paris and Hong Kong. For now, however, Walt Disney World in Florida is off limits because of a pact Marvel has in place with Universal Studios there.
The IrishTimes on September 2, 2009 in its top story news headlines 'Mickey welcomes Spiderman to the castle' said of the Disney and Marvel’s marriage that since the Pirates of the Caribbean cycle wound to a halt and the Narnia films made their way to another studio, Walt Disney Pictures has been looking a bit short of live-action franchises. With the announcement of this new deal, the Mouse House had dug some change from the back of the sofa and bought itself the cornucopia of characters that goes by the name of Marvel Entertainment. Henceforth, Spider-Man, Hulk and The X-Men will sleep in the same dormitory as Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Buzz Lightyear and that woman Sandra Bullock played in The Proposal.
Good or bad, it looks like the landscape of animation is going to change.
Well, Spider-Man is going to be Mickey's favorite superhero and Disneyland is going to see Spider-Man swinging around its castles! This seemingly unusual twist of events can soon become a reality, with the recent deal of the Walt Disney Company acquiring Marvel Entertainment for US$4 billion.According to The New York Times' story Disney Swoops Into Action, Buying Marvel for $4 Billion on August 31, 2009, certain Marvel characters can be immediately integrated into Disney’s theme parks in California, Paris and Hong Kong. For now, however, Walt Disney World in Florida is off limits because of a pact Marvel has in place with Universal Studios there.
The IrishTimes on September 2, 2009 in its top story news headlines 'Mickey welcomes Spiderman to the castle' said of the Disney and Marvel’s marriage that since the Pirates of the Caribbean cycle wound to a halt and the Narnia films made their way to another studio, Walt Disney Pictures has been looking a bit short of live-action franchises. With the announcement of this new deal, the Mouse House had dug some change from the back of the sofa and bought itself the cornucopia of characters that goes by the name of Marvel Entertainment. Henceforth, Spider-Man, Hulk and The X-Men will sleep in the same dormitory as Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Buzz Lightyear and that woman Sandra Bullock played in The Proposal.
Good or bad, it looks like the landscape of animation is going to change.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Autumn Leaves: Red vs Yellow
Why autumn leaves are red in America and yellow in Europe
August 14, 2009
WASHINGTON -- Scientists are studying environmental conditions 35 million years ago to solve the mystery that why autumn leaves are red in America and yellow in Europe.
The green of a tree's leaves is from the larger proportion of the chlorophyll pigment in the leaves.
The change in color to red or yellow as autumn approaches is not the result of the leaves' dying, but of a series of processes - which differ between the red and yellow autumn leaves.
When the green chlorophyll in leaves diminishes, the yellow pigments that already exist become dominant and give their color to the leaves.
Red autumn leaves result from a different process: As the chlorophyll diminishes, a red pigment, anthocyanin, which was not previously present, is produced in the leaf.
These facts were only recently discovered and led to a surge of research studies attempting to explain why trees expend resources on creating red pigments just as they are about to shed their leaves.
Explanations that have been offered vary and there is no agreement on this as of yet.
According to the theory provided by Professor Simcha Lev-Yadun of the Department of Science Education- Biology at the University of Haifa-Oranim and Professor Jarmo Holopainen of the University of Kuopio in Finland, until 35 million years ago, large areas of the globe were covered with evergreen jungles or forests composed of tropical trees.
During this phase, a series of ice ages and dry spells transpired and many tree species evolved to become deciduous.
Many of these trees also began an evolutionary process of producing red deciduous leaves in order to ward off insects.
In North America, as in East Asia, north-to-south mountain chains enabled plant and animal 'migration' to the south or north with the advance and retreat of the ice according to the climatic fluctuations. Along with them migrated their insect 'enemies' too.
Thus, the war for survival continued there uninterrupted.
In Europe, on the other hand, the mountains - the Alps and their lateral branches - reach from east to west, and therefore no protected areas were created.
Many tree species that did not survive the severe cold died, and with them the insects that depended on them for survival.
At the end of the repeated ice ages, most tree species that had survived in Europe had no need to cope with many of the insects that had become extinct, and therefore no longer had to expend efforts on producing red warning leaves, thus becoming yellow in color over time.
August 14, 2009
WASHINGTON -- Scientists are studying environmental conditions 35 million years ago to solve the mystery that why autumn leaves are red in America and yellow in Europe.
The green of a tree's leaves is from the larger proportion of the chlorophyll pigment in the leaves.
The change in color to red or yellow as autumn approaches is not the result of the leaves' dying, but of a series of processes - which differ between the red and yellow autumn leaves.
When the green chlorophyll in leaves diminishes, the yellow pigments that already exist become dominant and give their color to the leaves.
Red autumn leaves result from a different process: As the chlorophyll diminishes, a red pigment, anthocyanin, which was not previously present, is produced in the leaf.
These facts were only recently discovered and led to a surge of research studies attempting to explain why trees expend resources on creating red pigments just as they are about to shed their leaves.
Explanations that have been offered vary and there is no agreement on this as of yet.
According to the theory provided by Professor Simcha Lev-Yadun of the Department of Science Education- Biology at the University of Haifa-Oranim and Professor Jarmo Holopainen of the University of Kuopio in Finland, until 35 million years ago, large areas of the globe were covered with evergreen jungles or forests composed of tropical trees.
During this phase, a series of ice ages and dry spells transpired and many tree species evolved to become deciduous.
Many of these trees also began an evolutionary process of producing red deciduous leaves in order to ward off insects.
In North America, as in East Asia, north-to-south mountain chains enabled plant and animal 'migration' to the south or north with the advance and retreat of the ice according to the climatic fluctuations. Along with them migrated their insect 'enemies' too.
Thus, the war for survival continued there uninterrupted.
In Europe, on the other hand, the mountains - the Alps and their lateral branches - reach from east to west, and therefore no protected areas were created.
Many tree species that did not survive the severe cold died, and with them the insects that depended on them for survival.
At the end of the repeated ice ages, most tree species that had survived in Europe had no need to cope with many of the insects that had become extinct, and therefore no longer had to expend efforts on producing red warning leaves, thus becoming yellow in color over time.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Lacking Zest
When someone commented on an article I wrote that it is lacking a little zest yesterday, it suddenly dawn on me what I am lacking in my life -- enthusiasm and JOY.
I am too serious for my own good. I take things in life too seriously and I am always finding myself not having enough time for self. Even in my spare time, I am always researching, thinking, and writing while much essential housework is left undone, especially during weekends. My life is no longer as carefree as I was a teen and the stress of life is now taking its toll on me. I am not only needing a break, but also deserving one. No doubt, I am aware it is more blessed to give than to receive, and I have done so almost my entire life, but maybe it is time for me to start receiving.
I'll be going for my autumn vacation this September, and I hope to rediscover the joy of my youth and return rejuvenated with energy and strength bursting forth to take on the years ahead of me, if possible, filled with joy bountiful.
This is my prayer. May God help me fulfill this wish.
I am too serious for my own good. I take things in life too seriously and I am always finding myself not having enough time for self. Even in my spare time, I am always researching, thinking, and writing while much essential housework is left undone, especially during weekends. My life is no longer as carefree as I was a teen and the stress of life is now taking its toll on me. I am not only needing a break, but also deserving one. No doubt, I am aware it is more blessed to give than to receive, and I have done so almost my entire life, but maybe it is time for me to start receiving.
I'll be going for my autumn vacation this September, and I hope to rediscover the joy of my youth and return rejuvenated with energy and strength bursting forth to take on the years ahead of me, if possible, filled with joy bountiful.
This is my prayer. May God help me fulfill this wish.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Time
Many of us live our lives rushing all the time, and I, like many, am also always running and rushing all my time. I rush to get to work, I rush to complete my assigned work, I rush to meet deadlines, and I rush to get home. Few are the moments I have to pause and catch my breath, and few are the days I can take extended breaks. This is the kind of lifestyle I live by, and I know it is not healthy, a sure sign of an impending breakdown and possibly a prelude to a heart attack.
I am by nature a time conscious man, probably because of my upbringing and because I live by the principle of living each day meaningfully. I am aware of the shortness of a human life, so in desiring to accomplish much while alive, I am always seeking for more time. Then one day God decided to grant me my wish for more time -- time to completely rest from my labor. So rest I did, first in hospital for a surgery, then at home for recovery. All that took place some years ago, and during that one month of rest, I learnt to be still before God and to be at peace. I also leant that in all the haste, I have gained nothing much except in jeopardizing my own health.
When I finally recovered from my illness, my perception of life was somewhat changed. Sadly, however, I soon returned to my rushing game because I was then studying and working at the same time. Now, after many years, although I have completed my studies, I am still learning how to take time to rest without feeling unrest or guilty of wasting away my free time. Maybe I am too conscious about time, or maybe subconsciously I simply cannot live life without a purpose in mind.
Teach me therefore O God to know when to run, when to slowdown and when to stop and rest. Help me in my busyness not to fail to see the more important things in life, especially when it involves someone in need. Lead me to know how to keep my time in check, to strike a balance between the necessary and the important, that I may not, out of negligence, cause unhappiness to any relationship.
I am by nature a time conscious man, probably because of my upbringing and because I live by the principle of living each day meaningfully. I am aware of the shortness of a human life, so in desiring to accomplish much while alive, I am always seeking for more time. Then one day God decided to grant me my wish for more time -- time to completely rest from my labor. So rest I did, first in hospital for a surgery, then at home for recovery. All that took place some years ago, and during that one month of rest, I learnt to be still before God and to be at peace. I also leant that in all the haste, I have gained nothing much except in jeopardizing my own health.
When I finally recovered from my illness, my perception of life was somewhat changed. Sadly, however, I soon returned to my rushing game because I was then studying and working at the same time. Now, after many years, although I have completed my studies, I am still learning how to take time to rest without feeling unrest or guilty of wasting away my free time. Maybe I am too conscious about time, or maybe subconsciously I simply cannot live life without a purpose in mind.
Teach me therefore O God to know when to run, when to slowdown and when to stop and rest. Help me in my busyness not to fail to see the more important things in life, especially when it involves someone in need. Lead me to know how to keep my time in check, to strike a balance between the necessary and the important, that I may not, out of negligence, cause unhappiness to any relationship.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Traveling and Culture: Eye Opener
Traveling has always been a part of my life, an eye opener to the different cultures of the world and the different human behaviors. I've learnt much through traveling, things that I'll never be able to learn or see if I have not traveled.
Traveling helps people adapt to new environments, understand why people of different cultures behave differently, so as to enable us to understand why people do the things they do. This is especially useful to me because I work in a multi-national company that is made up of people all over the world. It helps me adapt and not to expect others to do things the way we do.
For example, if we see people spitting around, people who eat things and leave their waste to be cleared by other people, people who talks out loud in public, people who blocks every passageway and sidewalks, we can understand why they will never do what we expect them to do, such as to give way to us so we can walk the sidewalks, soften their chatter onboard trains and so on.
Not all imported behaviors are negative however. I've learnt many things from foreign cultures which I wish are being practised here. For example, ever since I visited the USA for the first time many years ago, I've learnt to clear my own food trays and waste at every fast food chains. Not to do so, to me, is to be uncultured and inconsiderate.
One of the many things in life we should all learn is that we must do things with consideration for others. We should not make decisions on our own without forseeing how our decisions may affect others. My principle for living is simple. I follow the Bible verse Philippians 2:3 which says:
Traveling helps people adapt to new environments, understand why people of different cultures behave differently, so as to enable us to understand why people do the things they do. This is especially useful to me because I work in a multi-national company that is made up of people all over the world. It helps me adapt and not to expect others to do things the way we do.
For example, if we see people spitting around, people who eat things and leave their waste to be cleared by other people, people who talks out loud in public, people who blocks every passageway and sidewalks, we can understand why they will never do what we expect them to do, such as to give way to us so we can walk the sidewalks, soften their chatter onboard trains and so on.
Not all imported behaviors are negative however. I've learnt many things from foreign cultures which I wish are being practised here. For example, ever since I visited the USA for the first time many years ago, I've learnt to clear my own food trays and waste at every fast food chains. Not to do so, to me, is to be uncultured and inconsiderate.
One of the many things in life we should all learn is that we must do things with consideration for others. We should not make decisions on our own without forseeing how our decisions may affect others. My principle for living is simple. I follow the Bible verse Philippians 2:3 which says:
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;Learning to be graceful and less inconsiderate can go a long way. If we wish to live our lives meaningfully, we'll need to know how to behave and live our lives. If you, like me, are willing to strive to make our nation state a place to live in, read my article on Learning to be Graceful.
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