Isn't it wonderful to travel around the world without a care of your work, or whether the lights will go on, or whether the goods will be delivered, or whether the goods delivered will go unused and create sulfur emission to the nearby villages?
Isn't it wonderful not to be me..?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Gregory Colbert, what a fantastic man
The man behind the lens is Gregory Colbert. He’s also the subject in some of the photographs of this fifteen year-long journey. Colbert can be seen without a breathing apparatus swimming in rhythm with sperm whales. He believes that “nature is an incredible poem and animals are its living masterpieces.” Many in the Western world marvel at Colbert’s work and find it unimaginable that events like this actually take place within nature’s backdrop, but he does not manipulate his art in any way.
“Living with nature is pretty simple really. There’s nothing radical about it,” he says. “If I were to take the hill tribes to a city where there are all these humans, and only a few pigeons, and a dog and cat walking around, that would be unfathomable to them.” The fruits of his exploration led to Ashes and Snow - a multi-media phenomenon of photography, film, architecture, poetry and live installation. It is opening minds to explore what’s out there and eyes to see what’s possible. Sidney Portier said the exhibition is “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? with animals. They’re being invited to the table as equals.”
In 1992, Colbert set out to explore the relationship between man and animal from the inside out. He searched for civilizations that don’t view animals as “others.” He says, “There are cultures that survive or are able to exist only by having a very balanced coexistence with other animals, and those cultures tend to treat animals as equals.” He found such places during 46 expeditions and counting to India, Egypt, Myammar, Tonga, Sri Lanka, Namibia, Kenya, Antarctica and more. The work features Burmese monks, trance dancers, hills people, manatees, African wild dogs and caracals among others. Sometimes weeks go by in faraway mountains, jungles and deserts without a single image being taken, but Colbert is profoundly patient and always observant. In the end, he wins the trusts of all his subjects. He believes in the expression and artistic nature of animals and the intrinsic chemistry that’s possible if man and animal can spiritually connect. Colbert says, “My imagination has always been inspired by nature’s vision.”
Frustrated with the barren, white walls of most museums, and “the art that goes there to die,” Colbert wanted to create something original and organic. The idea behind the traveling museum, and the funds that made it possible, came during the first showing of Ashes and Snow in 2002 at the Venice Biennale’s Arsenale. It’s a vast shipyard that dates back to the Renaissance era. Colbert’s solo exhibit was the first to fill up the entire space, and required people to walk a mile from end to end to experience it all. The chairman of Rolex was so inspired by what he saw that he bought all of Colbert’s work on the spot. He encouraged him to use the money to think big, build something amazing and then share it with the world.
Colbert took it from there. He enlisted the help of Japanese avant-garde architect Shigeru Ban to help complete the vision. Ban designed the 56,000 square foot Nomadic Museum building. It is composed largely of recyclable and reusable materials. The walls are constructed from 152 used shipping containers. They are stacked in a checkerboard pattern to create rigid walls. Paper tubing constitutes the roof and columns. Inside, instrumental music guides visitors down a wooden walkway surrounded by 6,000 river stones. A handmade curtain made of one million pressed paper tea bags from Sri Lanka hangs from the ceiling and floats 40 feet from the floor. An hour long film documenting each expedition and the awe behind the photo shoots is projected on a large screen in a theatre section of the museum. Two short haiku films also play at each end of the gallery. The sepia-toned unframed photographs hang suspended in a dreamlike calmness from thin cables and rods. Each image is 11 x 8 feet and contains no text or explanation. Colbert won’t share much when it comes to artistic process and other secrets behind his magic. Instead he chooses to let observers get lost in their own fantasies. The intention is to share the experience of wonder, contemplation, serenity and hope.
More than one million people have experienced Ashes and Snow. After its opening in Venice, it traveled to New York in 2005 and on to Santa Monica in 2006. Currently it’s on its fourth leg at the water’s edge in Tokyo, Japan. “Tokyo is an ocean of concrete surrounded by a body of water,” Colbert says. “The sea is kind of an oasis.” The Japanese have embraced Ashes and Snow, and this leg of the exhibition is on pace to set attendance records. “The response from the visitors here in Japan is different from what we’ve seen anywhere else,” Colbert explains. “They are spending a lot more time. They are going slowly and nobody’s talking. You can hear a pin drop in there. The Japanese are very contemplative and have taken ownership of Ashes and Snow. Many exit the museum and spend some time just sitting outside thinking about it all. I often feel that when I’m in a place that moves me, I don’t need to talk about it. Even lovers when they’re making love - they don’t give you a play by play.”
He views himself as a storyteller, and throughout his travels he’s been able to see the best and worst of what civilization has done to the environment. His art paints one picture, but it’s just part of the story. His own voice is also incredibly powerful: “We’re at a turning point,” he says. “It’s not good morning global warming, it’s good evening global warming. Yes, we are very rich materially. We’re the richest generation, but did we really have the right - three billion years of nature’s evolution - to have this amazing material party, and then wake up and see this big mess of a party and then like an anorexic, not even recognize that we are starving?”
and now I think people have awakened and realized something needs to be done now. Companies are not just products, and they can’t perpetuate stuff that promotes social chaos. In the future, it won’t be about just the product. You have to be a statesman and that will be a requirement for every CEO…” - GREGORY COLBERT
Colbert was born in Canada and raised on a six-nation Indian reservation. The totem art he grew up with featured animal and human faces. “By age eight or nine, Colbert says, “most kids transition out of curiosity about animals and into viewing them as something different or even dangerous. I simply never chose to cross that bridge.” As a result, he never distanced himself from them. His art can be seen as a poetic field study on the glory of nature and the problem with materialism. Ashes and Snow has no final destination. Gregory Colbert intends to spend the rest of his life providing a voice for animals and crusading to clean up the environment they share with us.
“We’ve been lured by modern culture into this cynical mistrust of nature, and it’s obviously left us where we are, as a species, but we are different than other generations because of the conscious choice we will or will not make. If we are no longer oblivious to the scientists’ view or the impact - it’s very quantifiable - what’s the next step? We’re not underwater, but we can feel the undertow. We’re the ones who’ve created the undertow. I guess we’re going to try to swim sideways?” - GREGORY COLBERT
googled from, http://artworksmagazine.com/?p=388
Monday, July 20, 2009
On why is it two years!
Film adaptations
Main article: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (films)
A two-part film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is planned, with David Yates directing both parts. Part I is slated for release on 19 November 2010, and Part II on 15 July 2011.[86][87] The script was delayed as Steve Kloves was not able to start working on it until the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike had ended.[88] Filming began in February 2009 and will last for a year.[89] John Williams, who composed the scores to the first three films, has expressed interest in returning to score the films.[90]
oh ya i found all these at
http://www.answers.com/topic/harry-potter-book-seven
Main article: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (films)
A two-part film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is planned, with David Yates directing both parts. Part I is slated for release on 19 November 2010, and Part II on 15 July 2011.[86][87] The script was delayed as Steve Kloves was not able to start working on it until the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike had ended.[88] Filming began in February 2009 and will last for a year.[89] John Williams, who composed the scores to the first three films, has expressed interest in returning to score the films.[90]
oh ya i found all these at
http://www.answers.com/topic/harry-potter-book-seven
After the Deathly Hallows?!
Rowling's commentary and supplement
In an interview,[64] online chat,[10][65] the Wizard of the Month section of her website, and during her 2007 U.S. Open Book Tour, Rowling revealed additional character information that she chose not to include in the book. The first bits of information were about the trio and their families, starting with Harry.
She said that Harry became an Auror for the Ministry of Magic, and was later appointed head of the department. He also kept Sirius's motorcycle, which Arthur Weasley repaired for him, but he can no longer speak Parseltongue after the destruction of Voldemort's soul fragment within him. She also said that Ginny Weasley played for the Holyhead Harpies Quidditch team for a time, then left to establish a family with Harry, and later became the lead Quidditch correspondent for the Daily Prophet. Ron Weasley worked at George's store for a time, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, and then joined Harry as an Auror. Hermione found her parents in Australia, and removed the memory modification charm she had put on them for safety. Initially, she worked for the Ministry of Magic in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, greatly improving life for house elves. She later moved to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and assisted in eradicating oppressive, pro-pureblood laws. She was also the only member of the trio to go back and complete her seventh year at Hogwarts. Rowling then went on to explain that Dumbledore's relationship with Gellert Grindelwald extended beyond mere friendship; indeed, Rowling has revealed that "Dumbledore is gay, actually",[66] and harboured romantic feelings for Grindelwald.[67] Next, Rowling revealed the fate of Voldemort. After his death, he was forced to exist in the stunted form Harry witnessed in the King's Cross limbo, as his crimes were too severe for him to become a ghost.
Rowling also explained the fates of several secondary characters, starting with the Weasleys. George Weasley continued his successful joke shop. George married fellow Quidditch player Angelina Johnson and had two children: a son named Fred, in memory of his late twin brother, and a daughter, Roxanne. Next, Rowling proceeded to explain Luna Lovegood's future, saying that she searched the world for odd and unique creatures. She eventually married Rolf, a grandson of the famed naturalist Newt Scamander,[65] writer of Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. They have twins called Lorcan and Lysander. Her father's publication, The Quibbler, has returned to its usual condition of "advanced lunacy" and is appreciated for its unintentional humour.
Rowling then gave briefer histories on some more of the minor characters, as follows. Draco Malfoy's wife, Astoria (or Asteria), was the younger sister of his Slytherin classmate Daphne Greengrass. Percy Weasley married a woman named Audrey and had two daughters, named Molly and Lucy. Firenze was welcomed back into his herd, who finally acknowledged the virtue of his pro-human leanings. Dolores Umbridge was arrested, interrogated, and imprisoned for crimes against Muggle-borns. Cho Chang went on to marry a Muggle.[68] Viktor Krum found love in his native Bulgaria.[69] Neville Longbottom became professor of Herbology at Hogwarts and married Hannah Abbott, who became the landlady of the Leaky Cauldron.[70] Bill and Fleur Weasley had a total of three children, a younger son named Louis, and two daughters, named Dominique and Victoire.
Rowling also revealed further transformations in the wider wizarding world as follows. Kingsley Shacklebolt became the permanent Minister of Magic, with Percy Weasley working under him as a high official. Among the reforms introduced by Shacklebolt, Azkaban no longer used Dementors. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were also instrumental in reforming the Ministry.[10] At Hogwarts, Slytherin House became more diluted and no longer held the title as the pure-blood bastion it once was, although its dark reputation lingered.[10] Voldemort's jinx on the Defence Against the Dark Arts position was broken with his death, and there was a permanent Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher stated. Harry also is said to come to the Defence Against the Dark Arts class to lecture several times a year.[64] Lastly, Rowling says that a portrait of Snape, who briefly served as Hogwarts Headmaster, had not appeared in the headmaster's office, as he had abandoned his post. Harry then ensures the addition of Snape's portrait, and publicly reveals Snape's true allegiance.[10]
*syok kan bile all well ends well*
In an interview,[64] online chat,[10][65] the Wizard of the Month section of her website, and during her 2007 U.S. Open Book Tour, Rowling revealed additional character information that she chose not to include in the book. The first bits of information were about the trio and their families, starting with Harry.
She said that Harry became an Auror for the Ministry of Magic, and was later appointed head of the department. He also kept Sirius's motorcycle, which Arthur Weasley repaired for him, but he can no longer speak Parseltongue after the destruction of Voldemort's soul fragment within him. She also said that Ginny Weasley played for the Holyhead Harpies Quidditch team for a time, then left to establish a family with Harry, and later became the lead Quidditch correspondent for the Daily Prophet. Ron Weasley worked at George's store for a time, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, and then joined Harry as an Auror. Hermione found her parents in Australia, and removed the memory modification charm she had put on them for safety. Initially, she worked for the Ministry of Magic in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, greatly improving life for house elves. She later moved to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and assisted in eradicating oppressive, pro-pureblood laws. She was also the only member of the trio to go back and complete her seventh year at Hogwarts. Rowling then went on to explain that Dumbledore's relationship with Gellert Grindelwald extended beyond mere friendship; indeed, Rowling has revealed that "Dumbledore is gay, actually",[66] and harboured romantic feelings for Grindelwald.[67] Next, Rowling revealed the fate of Voldemort. After his death, he was forced to exist in the stunted form Harry witnessed in the King's Cross limbo, as his crimes were too severe for him to become a ghost.
Rowling also explained the fates of several secondary characters, starting with the Weasleys. George Weasley continued his successful joke shop. George married fellow Quidditch player Angelina Johnson and had two children: a son named Fred, in memory of his late twin brother, and a daughter, Roxanne. Next, Rowling proceeded to explain Luna Lovegood's future, saying that she searched the world for odd and unique creatures. She eventually married Rolf, a grandson of the famed naturalist Newt Scamander,[65] writer of Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. They have twins called Lorcan and Lysander. Her father's publication, The Quibbler, has returned to its usual condition of "advanced lunacy" and is appreciated for its unintentional humour.
Rowling then gave briefer histories on some more of the minor characters, as follows. Draco Malfoy's wife, Astoria (or Asteria), was the younger sister of his Slytherin classmate Daphne Greengrass. Percy Weasley married a woman named Audrey and had two daughters, named Molly and Lucy. Firenze was welcomed back into his herd, who finally acknowledged the virtue of his pro-human leanings. Dolores Umbridge was arrested, interrogated, and imprisoned for crimes against Muggle-borns. Cho Chang went on to marry a Muggle.[68] Viktor Krum found love in his native Bulgaria.[69] Neville Longbottom became professor of Herbology at Hogwarts and married Hannah Abbott, who became the landlady of the Leaky Cauldron.[70] Bill and Fleur Weasley had a total of three children, a younger son named Louis, and two daughters, named Dominique and Victoire.
Rowling also revealed further transformations in the wider wizarding world as follows. Kingsley Shacklebolt became the permanent Minister of Magic, with Percy Weasley working under him as a high official. Among the reforms introduced by Shacklebolt, Azkaban no longer used Dementors. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were also instrumental in reforming the Ministry.[10] At Hogwarts, Slytherin House became more diluted and no longer held the title as the pure-blood bastion it once was, although its dark reputation lingered.[10] Voldemort's jinx on the Defence Against the Dark Arts position was broken with his death, and there was a permanent Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher stated. Harry also is said to come to the Defence Against the Dark Arts class to lecture several times a year.[64] Lastly, Rowling says that a portrait of Snape, who briefly served as Hogwarts Headmaster, had not appeared in the headmaster's office, as he had abandoned his post. Harry then ensures the addition of Snape's portrait, and publicly reveals Snape's true allegiance.[10]
*syok kan bile all well ends well*
Finale of Harry Potter
I was correct! The Finale is 5 hours. But why two years?!! Urghh
Published: Friday July 17, 2009 MYT 1:06:00 PM
Potter' enchants fans with US$58.2M opening day
LOS ANGELES: A long school break has been kind to "Harry Potter."
After a two-year gap since the last film, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" opened with a whopping $58.2 million domestically in its first day, distributor Warner Bros. said Thursday.
"Half-Blood Prince" also conjured up $45.8 million in 33 other countries where it opened Wednesday, among them Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia and Japan.
That gave the film a worldwide total of $104 million.
Domestically, the movie had the best single-day haul yet for the franchise and the fourth-best daily gross ever, behind last year's "The Dark Knight" at $67.2 million, this summer's "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" at $62 million and 2007's "Spider-Man 3" at $59.8 million.
"Half-Blood Prince" receipts include a record $22.2 million from midnight screenings alone, surpassing the previous high of $18.5 million for "The Dark Knight."
The sixth installment in the "Harry Potter" series had the second-highest debut ever for a movie opening on Wednesday.
It trailed only the "Transformers" sequel opening last month.
The new movie generally has gotten the best reviews yet among the big-screen adventures of teen wizard Harry (Daniel Radcliffe).
"Half-Blood Prince" has Harry struggling to pry a critical memory loose from a new Hogwarts teacher who possesses key information in the coming showdown between the young hero and the evil Lord Voldemort.
The two-year lag since the fifth movie, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," was the longest in the franchise's history.
"Order of the Phoenix" started with a $44.8 million opening day on a mid-July Wednesday in 2007 and went on to gross $139.7 million by the end of its first weekend.
The big launch for "Half-Blood Prince" could put it on track to pass that mark over its first five days.
The film also has a solid launch to challenge the franchise's all-time best earner, which remains 2001's original movie, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," with $975 million worldwide.
"It certainly gives us something to look forward to, but we have to take it one week at a time," said Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. head of distribution.
Warner has had great luck with mid-July debuts, opening "The Dark Knight" and "Order of the Phoenix" over the same weekends the last two years.
The studio has carved out that weekend again next summer with "Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan's follow-up, the sci-fi thriller "Inception," starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The final "Harry Potter" movie follows on July 15, 2011, the second half of a two-part adaptation of the last book in J.K. Rowling's fantasy series.
The first movie in that two-parter hits theaters Nov. 19, 2010. - AP
Published: Friday July 17, 2009 MYT 1:06:00 PM
Potter' enchants fans with US$58.2M opening day
LOS ANGELES: A long school break has been kind to "Harry Potter."
After a two-year gap since the last film, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" opened with a whopping $58.2 million domestically in its first day, distributor Warner Bros. said Thursday.
"Half-Blood Prince" also conjured up $45.8 million in 33 other countries where it opened Wednesday, among them Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia and Japan.
That gave the film a worldwide total of $104 million.
Domestically, the movie had the best single-day haul yet for the franchise and the fourth-best daily gross ever, behind last year's "The Dark Knight" at $67.2 million, this summer's "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" at $62 million and 2007's "Spider-Man 3" at $59.8 million.
"Half-Blood Prince" receipts include a record $22.2 million from midnight screenings alone, surpassing the previous high of $18.5 million for "The Dark Knight."
The sixth installment in the "Harry Potter" series had the second-highest debut ever for a movie opening on Wednesday.
It trailed only the "Transformers" sequel opening last month.
The new movie generally has gotten the best reviews yet among the big-screen adventures of teen wizard Harry (Daniel Radcliffe).
"Half-Blood Prince" has Harry struggling to pry a critical memory loose from a new Hogwarts teacher who possesses key information in the coming showdown between the young hero and the evil Lord Voldemort.
The two-year lag since the fifth movie, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," was the longest in the franchise's history.
"Order of the Phoenix" started with a $44.8 million opening day on a mid-July Wednesday in 2007 and went on to gross $139.7 million by the end of its first weekend.
The big launch for "Half-Blood Prince" could put it on track to pass that mark over its first five days.
The film also has a solid launch to challenge the franchise's all-time best earner, which remains 2001's original movie, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," with $975 million worldwide.
"It certainly gives us something to look forward to, but we have to take it one week at a time," said Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. head of distribution.
Warner has had great luck with mid-July debuts, opening "The Dark Knight" and "Order of the Phoenix" over the same weekends the last two years.
The studio has carved out that weekend again next summer with "Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan's follow-up, the sci-fi thriller "Inception," starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The final "Harry Potter" movie follows on July 15, 2011, the second half of a two-part adaptation of the last book in J.K. Rowling's fantasy series.
The first movie in that two-parter hits theaters Nov. 19, 2010. - AP
the Half Blood Prince
We saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince last Saturday.
Like the book, the fan will surely forgive for all the (many) shortcomings of this movie since it is preparing us for THE final battle at the Deathly Hallows.
Little details, like the name of the girls bumped at Supper, or spells that won’t work, or curtsies by any of the Teachers, will pop up at the end of the book at each of the book’s final battle. However, as for Half Blood Prince, the final battle is not stimulating, doesn’t make your hand stand. I am correct to say that there is no battle at all in this Half Blood Prince.
However, many things I re-discovered:
1. George and Fred’s Joke Shop is definitely fantastic, much more beautiful then what I have imagined when I read the book. You can just hear the laughter just by looking at the door.
2. Ginny is a grown up?! Our eyes were still on the cute, naïve girl but accepting the fact, anyway.
3. I thought Tonk and Lupin got married during summer?
4. I thought Tonk found Harry when he was ‘stupefied’ by Draco Malfoy in the train.
5. Since when Ron has biceps?
6. Hermione is as what I have always imagined; sweet, grown up, wiser, brilliant as always.
7. I thought Slughorn was supposed to be uglier.
8. Narcissa, Draco’s mother was supposed to look meaner and bitchier but she looked prettier in the movie.
9. I feel that the score was not appalling enough.
All in all , it is a forgiven piece. As we fan know, it is to prepare us for the final battle , the Dark Lord vs Harry Potter. And I don’t know how long could the movie be. 5 hours?
Seriously, I don’t mind 5 hours.
Like the book, the fan will surely forgive for all the (many) shortcomings of this movie since it is preparing us for THE final battle at the Deathly Hallows.
Little details, like the name of the girls bumped at Supper, or spells that won’t work, or curtsies by any of the Teachers, will pop up at the end of the book at each of the book’s final battle. However, as for Half Blood Prince, the final battle is not stimulating, doesn’t make your hand stand. I am correct to say that there is no battle at all in this Half Blood Prince.
However, many things I re-discovered:
1. George and Fred’s Joke Shop is definitely fantastic, much more beautiful then what I have imagined when I read the book. You can just hear the laughter just by looking at the door.
2. Ginny is a grown up?! Our eyes were still on the cute, naïve girl but accepting the fact, anyway.
3. I thought Tonk and Lupin got married during summer?
4. I thought Tonk found Harry when he was ‘stupefied’ by Draco Malfoy in the train.
5. Since when Ron has biceps?
6. Hermione is as what I have always imagined; sweet, grown up, wiser, brilliant as always.
7. I thought Slughorn was supposed to be uglier.
8. Narcissa, Draco’s mother was supposed to look meaner and bitchier but she looked prettier in the movie.
9. I feel that the score was not appalling enough.
All in all , it is a forgiven piece. As we fan know, it is to prepare us for the final battle , the Dark Lord vs Harry Potter. And I don’t know how long could the movie be. 5 hours?
Seriously, I don’t mind 5 hours.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Erase The Anger
I typed these in my qwerty keyboard NOKIA E71
"What time did you come home last night? Y didn't u wake me up to set my alarm? And y didn't move the kid to his bed? I didn't get to set my alarm, so didn't get to get up for sahur. Today feel very sluggish"
and erased them right away, replaced by these
"Dah makan?"
Anger, when blurted out, stays even 1,000 words of apology are uttered.
"What time did you come home last night? Y didn't u wake me up to set my alarm? And y didn't move the kid to his bed? I didn't get to set my alarm, so didn't get to get up for sahur. Today feel very sluggish"
and erased them right away, replaced by these
"Dah makan?"
Anger, when blurted out, stays even 1,000 words of apology are uttered.
The Man
Was browsing my camera card and found out lots of these taken by the Kiddo.
So decided to post up some.
Plus, they are masterpiece by a four-year old.
(before Mommy emptying my card)
Anyway, The Man Looks super duper sexy and inviting in this picture eh...
Monday, July 13, 2009
quote for the day
"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea."
Monday, July 06, 2009
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