The World

Happy Birthday Singapore.....

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:48:00 +0000

Warm Greetings everyone....Recently,the land where i was born in celebrated its National Day.A a very important day in the nations celebrations....A day,all races,religions and people of
Singapore join in one hearts & minds to proclaim our love for the country we live in.

Singapore's National Day Parade (NDP) is an annual extravaganza involving more than 5,000 participants,65,000 spectators and requiring six months of organization.The spectacle lasts four hours and culminates in a brilliant fireworks show lighting up the night sky.

Singapore celebrated its first National in 1966,one year after Singapore's independence from Malaysia on 9 August 1965.Over the years,the Parade has become the biggest national event in Singapore.What is perhaps most memorable at each celebration is the fireworks display marking the climax of the parade,the sky would be bursting with the wonderful colors of the visual vista,dazzling it as well as the hearts of fellow Singaporeans.On this very special occasion,most Singaporeans would be decked out in patriotic colours - namely,red and white.The colours of our flag.

The venue of the parade is usually at the historical grounds of the Padang,where the declaration of Singapore's independence was held.Since the first parade in 1966,all the way to 1975,the venue was located in this central area to bring the parade closer to the people.In 1976,the parade was held for the first time at the newly completed National Stadium,where the much larger capacity allowed for more to view the parade live.For the first time in 2007,it was held in Marina Bay and future parades will be held there until the new sports hub is completed in around 2011.

The Parade has gained enormous popularity and support from the people that it is not unusual to find massive number of citizens trying to get their hands on a ticket,which is released free-of-charge.Although the programme and sequence of the parade do change over the years,several components and the overall flow of the parade have remained intact for the past 4 decades.With the shifting of venues for some editions of the parade,the programme may see slight modifications in order to suit the venue,for instance the Mobile Column, which is only possible at the Padang site.

The pre-parade segment today may include mass-displays,choir performances,school band displays,sky-diving displays,and other light-hearted performances to entertain the crowd prior to the parade proper,with the added positive effect of encouraging parade-attendees to be seated earlier.

The parade has been a traditional staple of the National Day Parade.Participants of the parade include members of the Singapore Armed Forces,Singapore Police Force,Singapore Civil Defence Force,representatives of the different unions and Ministries as well as students in uniformed groups such as the National Cadet Corps,National Police Cadet Corps,the Singapore Red Cross,the Girls' Brigade,the Scouts.

The entire parade of will end in a chorus of voices singing familiar National Day Songs,mass pledge taking and the singing of the National Anthem.
It has its origins in early NDPs as various mass display items put up by community groups or schools to add colour to the otherwise military parade.

These items revolved around the themes of racial harmony,ruggedness among youths etc,which are represented by ethnic dances and mass gymnastics displays.This section evolved over the years to become more theatrical,from the massive flashcard displays that complemented the parade in the 1980s to multimedia projections in recent shows.

Parades today,held from dusk to night,end in the climax of fireworks displays which have become a signature item of National Days.However,in the early parades that were held in the day,mass lion dance displays are actually the finale in the parade.Lion dance troupes from various community centres and clan associations would gather on the field to the resonating sound of drumbeats to put on a fiery display that end the parade on an auspicious note.

I was working this year on National Day,but made sure i got home in time to watch the parade live on Tv.Its a very importatnt day for all Singaporeans.A day we remember how our countries grown over the years.A day to thank our forefathers and people who have given up their blood,tears and sweat to build up this tiny nation.

I'm proud to be Singaporean.This is My Country,My Home.......With that,i leave with a couple of videos for everyone to view of the parade since the earlier years and evolved till this day.

Michael Jackson---King Of Music & A Phenomenon SuperStar To Have Ever Lived

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:09:00 +0000

Hello Everyone....Well,since the last post,lots of things have happened in real life.I havent been able to post since i wasnt exactly up to it in real life.My dad passed away peacefully on the 22nd of June 2009.Its been an extremely difficult time for me and the family.We're trying to move on in life,consoling ourselves with the fact that he's somewhere more peaceful now and we'll meet again someday.Please do pray for his soul.

Now growing up,i witnessed a human who was a living legend.A man who feels his music and creates magic.He's none other then the King Of Music.....A legend....Michael Jackson.I first came across this human when i saw one of his vidoes when i was 3 years of age and though i was still pretty young then,his dance opened up this little eye of mine.I wanted to dance like him and started practising with those little feet to dance....dance like Michael.....

Let's see who exactly is Michael Jackson.....

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009),dubbed the King of Pop,was an American recording artist,entertainer and businessman.One of the most commercially successful artists of all time,his contributions to music and dance,along with a highly publicized personal life, made him a part of popular culture around the world for four decades.

The seventh child of the Jackson family,he made his debut in 1964 as a member of The Jackson 5,beginning a solo career in 1971.His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time,with four others—Off the Wall (1979),Bad (1987),Dangerous (1991), and HIStory (1995)—among the best selling.

He popularized several physically complicated dance moves,such as the robot and the moonwalk,now iconic. His inventive music videos,including Thriller, "Beat It" and "Billie Jean", helped to transform the music video into an art form in addition to its original function as a promotional tool.

He was the first African American artist to amass a strong crossover following on MTV,and his continually ground-breaking videos,such as "Black or White" and "Scream",ensured his popularity well into the 1990s.

Jackson had a notable impact on music and culture throughout the world. He broke down racial barriers,transformed the art of the music video and paved the way for modern pop music in his own country.Jackson's work,distinctive musical sound and vocal style have influenced scores of hip hop,pop and R&B artists,including Mariah Carey,Usher,Britney Spears,Justin Timberlake,
R. Kelly and many more.

For much of his career,MJ has his fondly known,had an "unparalleled" level of worldwide influence over the younger generation through his musical and humanitarian contributions.He was characterized as "an unstoppable juggernaut,possessed of all the tools to dominate the charts seemingly at will,an instantly identifiable voice,eye-popping dance moves,stunning musical versatility and loads of sheer star power.

As one of the world's most famous men, Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career,made him a part of popular culture for four decades.

Michael...Thanks for your music and dance.I'm glad to have witnessed you in my lifetime.May your soul rest in peace.

Some of Michaels' performance below.

Cruise Ships---Experience A Truly Unique Time Onboard....

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:20:00 +0000

Hello there everyone,i would like to share a delightful news with all of u...I've been accepted to become a Marine Officer Scholar.Will be a navigation officer onboard those huge ships u come across at sea.

Its a great career with huge potential and prospects.Plus the benefits of going around the world for free definitely is a worth the hard work one goes through on the ocean.Fighting rough weather conditions such as high waves,strong currents....Its an adventure...A journey across the waters of the seven seas.

There is going to be a whole load to study though once i embark on this career.To name a few,there is navigation,astronomy,weatherforecast,morse codes,marine shipping knowledge....etc.Its gonna be fun but i am sure there's going to be a mountain to climb as well.Could so feel the pressure and stress that's about to come with the studying.
But I'm ready for it and raring to go....Its important that one has a positive outlook and is confident in life.With faith and determination,mountains can be moved.

Now,for todays topic,i shall bring u onboard the world of Cruise Ships.

What is a Cruise Ship?

A cruise ship or cruise liner is a passenger ship used for pleasure voyages,where the voyage itself and the ship's amenities are part of the experience.Cruising has become a major part of the tourism industry,with millions of passengers each year.

Cruise ships operate mostly on routes that return passengers to their originating port.In contrast,dedicated transport oriented ocean liners do "line voyages" and typically transport passengers from one point to another,rather than on round trips. Some cruise ships also engage in longer trips which may not lead back to the same port for many months.

Cruise ships are organized much like floating hotels,with a complete hospitality staff in addition to the usual ship's crew.It is not uncommon for the most luxurious ships to have more crew and staff than passengers.

As with any vessel,adequate provisioning is crucial,especially on a cruise ship serving several thousand meals at each seating.For example,passengers and crew on the Royal Caribbean International ship Mariner of the Seas consume 20,000 pounds (9,000 kg) of beef,28,000 eggs,8,000 gallons (30,000 L) of ice cream,and 18,000 slices of pizza in a week.My gosh....that's really alot man...Could feed an army..... =)

The number of cruise tourists worldwide in 2005 was estimated at some 14 million. The main region for cruising was North America(70% of cruises),where the Caribbean islands were the most popular destinations.Next was Continental Europe(13%).The fastest growing segment is cruises in the Baltic Sea.The most visited Baltic ports are Copenhagen,St. Petersburg,Tallinn,Stockholm and Helsinki.

But according to 2008 CEMAR statistics the Mediterranean cruise market is going through a fast and fundamental change,Italy has won prime position as a destination for European cruises,and destination for the whole of the Mediterranean basin.The most visited ports in Mediterranean Sea are Barcelona(Spain),Civitavecchia(Italy), Palma(Spain)and Venice(Italy).

Cruise lines operating in the Caribbean include Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises,Carnival Cruise Line,Celebrity Cruises,Disney Cruise Line,Holland America,P&O,Cunard,and Norwegian Cruise Line.

There are also smaller cruise lines that cater to a more intimate feeling among their guests.The three largest cruise operators are Carnival Corporation,Royal Caribbean International,and Star Cruises/Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Many cruise lines also have stops at their own "private islands",more truthfully,a private section of a Caribbean island.These private resorts are reserved exclusively for passengers of the respective cruise line using the location,and frequently offer features such as an Aqua Park,kayaking,snorkeling,parasailing,music,and private reservable cabanas.

Without further delay,let's watch some cool videos on Cruise Ships...

Scuba Diving-Explore The Hidden World Beneath The Ocean Waves

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 07:17:00 +0000

One of the things i must do during my lifetime is to become a certified scuba

diver.Why...Well,that's cos there is another greater beauty that many of us havent seen though its right before us...And we dont have to go far,its right below the oceans of the world.

How many of us know about this greater beauty God has created for us mankind and that its a world on its own,right at our doorsteps.A world where colours are many,mystery surronds the unknown and many a living creatures call their home.

Now,we can get a glimpse and enter into this underwater world by becoming a scuba diver.

What is Scuba Diving?

-Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater for recreation,commercial or industrial reasons.

Scuba diving may be performed for a number of reasons,both personal and professional.Most people begin though recreational diving,which is performed purely for enjoyment and has a number of distinct technical disciplines to increase interest underwater,such as cave diving, wreck diving,ice diving and deep diving.

Lastly, there are professional divers involved with the water itself, such as underwater photography or underwater filming divers, who set out to document the underwater world,or scientific diving,including marine biology and underwater archaeology.

A great website you guys could check out on learning about Scuba Diving will be the Padi scuba diving website.Now,before i provide u with the website address,i would like to highlight that i do not work for them nor have anything to do with them in anyway,but i feel its a great site you guys could read alittle about scuba diving and learn more about it.I like sharing knowledge with my readers and herein,is my contribution.

You can view the site at:- http://www.padi.com/scuba/

To start your journey into becoming a scuba diver,its best to join a reputable dive school.First you'll go for theory lessons and learn all the things on land before you take your first plunge and head into a pool for your pratical lessons.Once you've mastered all required modules,you'll then have your first dive in the open ocean.

Its a great hobby and one where you'll have taken the first steps into exploring a beautiful world beneath the waves of the ocean.Besides,its a good activity for a family to enjoy.Its creates for some awesome fun for the entire family and the bonding you guys could have would be a very enriching experience.

Now as always,i've added some videos below on diving lessons being taught and a video of a dive trip.It would be good to view them and see what you could expect from learning to dive.Enjoy guys. I cant wait to start my dive journey someday. =)

Photography---A New Fad Or A Thriving Human Interest

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 04:17:00 +0000

Hi guys....Been awhile since the last post.Sorry i havent been able to post as much as i would have liked.Have been rather busy with work and all plus basically,i wanted to make sure my blog focus on good content and not just any topic.Substance & quality is important i feel and not just blog just for the sake of blogging.

Basically,today,our topic of discussion shall be on Photography.I'm not sure about people in other parts of the world,but here in Singapore,suddenly Photography seems to have become a new fad.Lots of people seem to have taken an interest into Photography and its kindda common to see teens and young adults bouncing around town with a camera in tow and just snapping away at will.I kindda wondered,well,since its sort of the "IN" thing this days,let's do some research on it and do a blog post on Photography.Besides,it's something i've been interested in since i was a teenager but i cant say i'm an expert in it.So here then now,starts our journey into the wonderful world of Photography......

What is Photography?

-Photography is the process,activity and art of creating still or moving pictures by recording radiation on a sensitive medium,such as a film,or an electronic sensor.Light patterns reflected or emitted from objects activate a sensitive chemical or electronic sensor during a timed exposure,usually through a photographic lens in a device known as a camera that also stores the resulting information chemically or electronically.Photography has many uses for business, science,art and pleasure.

In all but certain specialized cameras,the process of obtaining a usable exposure must involve the use,manually or automatically,of a few controls to ensure the photograph is clear,sharp and well illuminated.The controls usually include but are not limited to the following:

Focus- the adjustment to place the sharpest focus where it is desired on the subject.

Aperture–adjustment of the iris,measured as f-number,which controls the amount of light passing through the lens.Aperture also has an effect on focus and depth of field,namely,the smaller the opening aperture,the less light but the greater the depth of field--that is, the greater the range within which objects appear to be sharply focused.The current focal length divided by the f-number gives the actual aperture size in millimeters.

Shutter speed–adjustment of the speed (often expressed either as fractions of seconds or as an angle, with mechanical shutters) of the shutter to control the amount of time during which the imaging medium is exposed to light for each exposure.Shutter speed may be used to control the amount of light striking the image plane;'faster' shutter speeds (that is, those of shorter duration) decrease both the amount of light and the amount of image blurring from motion of the subject and/or camera.

White balance–on digital cameras,electronic compensation for the color temperature associated with a given set of lighting conditions,ensuring that white light is registered as such on the imaging chip and therefore that the colors in the frame will appear natural.On mechanical, film-based cameras,this function is served by the operator's choice of film stock or with color correction filters.In addition to using white balance to register natural coloration of the image, photographers may employ white balance to aesthetic end,for example white balancing to a blue object in order to obtain a warm color temperature.

Metering–measurement of exposure so that highlights and shadows are exposed according to the photographer's wishes.Many modern cameras meter and set exposure automatically.Before automatic exposure, correct exposure was accomplished with the use of a separate light metering device or by the photographer's knowledge and experience of gauging correct settings. To translate the amount of light into a usable aperture and shutter speed, the meter needs to adjust for the sensitivity of the film or sensor to light.This is done by setting the "film speed" or ISO sensitivity into the meter.

ISO speed–traditionally used to "tell the camera" the film speed of the selected film on film cameras, ISO speeds are employed on modern digital cameras as an indication of the system's gain from light to numerical output and to control the automatic exposure system.A correct combination of ISO speed,aperture,and shutter speed leads to an image that is neither too dark nor too light.

Auto-focus point–on some cameras,the selection of a point in the imaging frame upon which the auto-focus system will attempt to focus.Many Single-lens reflex cameras (SLR) feature multiple auto-focus points in the viewfinder.

There are alot more other functions,but if i'm gonna list them all down,u might end up dozing off even before u finish reading this blog post.So,i shall spare u through all those tons of details. =)

Now,there are many ongoing questions about different aspects of photography.It has been concluded that photography is a subjective discipline “to photograph is to appropriate the thing photographed.It means putting one’s self into a certain relation to the world that feels like knowledge,and therefore like power”.

Photographers decide what to take a photo of,what elements to exclude and what angle to frame the photo.Along with the context that a photograph is received in,photography is definitely a subjective form.

Photography is one of the new media forms that changes perception and changes the structure of society.Photography is both restricted and protected by the law in many jurisdictions. Protection of photographs is typically achieved through the granting of copyright or moral rights to the photographer.

Now without further a due,below are some some videos i've got for you guys to explain alittle about Photography and deepen your understanding about this great art.

King Cobra----You Wouldnt Want To Mess With This Snake Ever....

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 05:04:00 +0000

Just the other day,i was chilling at home,watching my favourite National Geographic channel on cable when there's this documentary that came up about snakes.Now the mention of snakes brings me straight back to Thailand when i was there with my family a couple of years back and we had gone to a snake farm.....And yes,its a Cobra Farm.

I was just thinking,lets do a blog posting on this beautiful highly dangerous reptiles.Trust me guys,u wouldnt wanna mess with this fellas unless u thinking of visiting heaven as your next destination.

Today,we embark on the journey of discovery into the realms of the mighty King Cobra.

The King Cobra is the world's longest venomous snake,with a length that can be as large as 6.7 m (22 ft).This species is widespread throughout Southeast Asia and parts of India,but found mostly in forested areas.

Its genus name,Ophiophagus,literally means "snake-eater",and its diet primarily consists of other snakes,including sizeable pythons and even smaller members of its own species.The venom of the King Cobra is primarily neurotoxic,and the snake is fully capable of killing a human with a single bite.The mortality rate from a bite can be as high as 75%.

The skin is either olive-green,tan or black and it has faint,pale yellow cross bands down the length of the body.The belly is cream or pale yellow, and the scales are smooth.The head of a mature snake can be quite massive and bulky in appearance,though like all snakes,they can expand their jaws to swallow large prey items.

It has proteroglyph dentition,meaning it has two short,fixed fangs in the front of the mouth which channel venom into the prey like hypodermic needles.The male is larger and thicker than the female. The average lifespan of a King Cobra is about 20 years.

Widespread,but not common,across South and South-east Asia.It lives in dense highland forests.The snake has a preference for living in areas dotted with lakes and streams.King Cobra populations have dropped in some areas of its range due to the destruction of forests,but despite this the snake is not listed by the IUCN as in danger of becoming extinct.

The King Cobra's venom is primarily neurotoxic and thus attacks the victim's central nervous system and quickly induces severe pain, blurred vision,vertigo,drowsiness,and paralysis.In one to two minutes,cardiovascular collapse occurs,and the victim falls into a coma.Death soon follows due to respiratory failure.

Despite the King Cobra's fearsome reputation and deadly bite, it is a shy and reclusive animal, avoiding confrontation with humans as often as possible.

Well now that we're all excited about the King Of Snakes,lets have some visual treat of this guys in action.Below are some videos for you guys to check out and raise your blood pressures up a notch. ~Cheers~ =)

Taj Mahal--One Of the 7th Wonders Of The World--Built Out Of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:30:00 +0000

Just done watching Slumdog Millionaire and in one of the screen shots,i came upon the ever most beautiful architecture,the Taj Mahal and was thinking,hey,wat a great topic for a blog posting and here i am,my friends,bringing you through the journey of the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra,India,built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife,Mumtaz Mahal.

In 1631,Shah Jahan,emperor during the Mughal empire's period of greatest prosperity,was griefstricken when his third wife,Mumtaz Mahal,died during the birth of their fourteenth child,Gauhara Begum.

The court chronicles of Shah Jahan's grief illustrates the love story traditionally held as an inspiration for Taj Mahal.The construction of Taj Mahal begun soon after Mumtaz's death with the principal mausoleum completed in 1648.The surrounding buildings and garden were finished five years later.

The Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture,a style that combines elements from Persian,Ottoman,Indian,and Islamic architectural styles.

In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."

While the white domed marble mausoleum is its most familiar component,the Taj Mahal is actually an integrated complex of structures.Building began around 1632 and was completed around 1653,and employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen.

The focus of the Taj Mahal is the white marble tomb,which stands on a square plinth consisting of a symmetrical building with an iwan, an arch-shaped doorway,topped by a large dome.Like most Mughal tombs,basic elements are Persian in origin.

The Taj Mahal attracts from 2 to 4 million visitors annually, with more than 200,000 from overseas. Most tourists visit in the cooler months of October, November and February. Polluting traffic is not allowed near the complex and tourists must either walk from parking lots or catch an electric bus.

This one place i so need to visit during my lifetime.A structure built with love,for love and by love.As always,i attached videos of Taj Mahal below,its history and its beauty.Enjoy guys. =)

Tattoos---Is It An Ancient Ritual Or Signs Of The UnderWorld?

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 07:31:00 +0000

Greetings everyone...Now we've all seen them around us....Youths,adults and even old folks featuring is some eye-popping and mind blowing tattoos....Now,how many of us actually know what tattoos are all about? Yes,we admire some of their beauty and stuff...But how much do we know about it.

Were they ancient rituals performed for warriors a long time ago or are they the creations undertaken by the underworld...?

Let's get to basics...What is a Tattoo?

A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons.Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification,while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.

Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing,the art continues to be popular in many parts of the world.

Origion of the word Tattoo?

The origin of the word tattoo is from the Samoan word tatau, meaning "open wound".

Tattooing in the Western world today has its origins in Polynesia,and in the discovery of tatau by eighteenth century explorers. The Polynesian practice became popular among European sailors, before spreading to Western societies generally.

Tattoos have experienced a resurgence in popularity in many parts of the world,particularly in North and South America, Japan, and Europe. The growth in tattoo culture has seen an influx of new artists into the industry,many of whom have technical and fine arts training.

Coupled with advancements in tattoo pigments and the ongoing refinement of the equipment used for tattooing, this has led to an improvement in the quality of tattoos being produced.

Well,i personally do not have any tattoos on me....But i cant deny the fact that the temptations did come but have always dismissed them away.My family is pretty conservative with regards to this issue,and i cant risk sleeping outside of my home if i did get one.Mum will probably chop my head off. =)

Well,below,i've got some really cool videos for you guys to check out about tattoos.Enjoy it people. ~ Cheers ~

Air Traffic Controllers

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 11:09:00 +0000

Hello Everyone....I know i didn't post for a really long time in here.Had lots of issue to attend to in real life.Some pretty bad situations that's had to be handled.But i'm pretty much alrite now and am back to continue my blogging journey.

Thanks to all who have sent messages and comments,all your encouragements and kind words meant alot.I'm glad many find my blog a good source of information and teaches us many stuff we take for granted in life.So,without further due,lets jet off to our topic for today.

Now many of us know when we travel,we'll get to our next destination without much of an issue.But how many of us know the people who make sure we have a safe trip when we are flying.Many of us have heard about Air Traffic Controllers,but do we really know what they do?

What is Air Traffic Control?

Air traffic control (ATC) is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions,to organize and expedite the flow of traffic,and to provide information and other support for pilots when able.

In many countries, ATC services are provided throughout the majority of airspace, and its services are available to all users (private, military, and commercial). When controllers are responsible for separating some or all aircraft, such airspace is called "controlled airspace" in contrast to "uncontrolled airspace" where aircraft may fly without the use of the air traffic control system.

Depending on the type of flight and the class of airspace, ATC may issue instructions that pilots are required to follow, or merely flight information (in some countries known as advisories) to assist pilots operating in the airspace. In all cases, however, the pilot in command has final responsibility for the safety of the flight, and may deviate from ATC instructions in an emergency.

The movement of aircraft through the various airspace divisions is much like players moving through a "zone" defense that a basketball or football team might use. As an aircraft travels through a given airspace division, it is monitored by the one or more air traffic controllers responsible for that division. The controllers monitor this plane and give instructions to the pilot. As the plane leaves that airspace division and enters another, the air traffic controller passes it off to the controllers responsible for the new airspace division.

The areas of responsibility for tower controllers fall into three general operational disciplines; Ground Control, Local or Air Control, and Clearance Delivery -- other categories, such as Apron Control or Ground Movement Planner, may exist at extremely busy airports. While each tower's procedures will vary and while there may be multiple teams in larger towers that control multiple runways, the following provides a general concept of the delegation of responsibilities within the tower environment.

Alrite then guys...enough with the words,there's only so much we can read.As always,i've got some videos for u guys to watch Air Traffic Controllers in action.Enjoy.... =)

The Geisha's----Beautiful Japanese Entertainers Or High Class Prostitues?

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:13:00 +0000

Today,we'll discuss about the Geisha....Who exactly are they?

Were they really the answer for high class top-notch entertainers in Japan or were they actually high-class prostitues with an expansive price tag?

Geisha are professional female entertainers who perform traditional Japanese arts at banquets.
Girls who wish to become a geisha,have to go through a rigid apprenticeship during which they learn various traditional arts such as playing instruments,singing, dancing,but also conversation and other social skills.

Geisha are dressed in a kimono,and their faces are made up very pale.As a common tourist,you may be able to spot a maiko in some districts of Kyoto,Japan.

Prostitutes wear the bow of their sash,or obi,in front of their kimono,but geisha wear their obi at the back.True geisha usually had the luxury of a professional aide to help them in the difficult process of dressing; their clothing is made up of several layers of kimono and undergarments, and an obi is more than a simple band of cloth.

Dressing could take over an hour, even with professional help.Prostitutes,however, had to take off their obi several times a day, so theirs were far less complex, and tied at the front for ease of removal and replacement.

There remains some confusion,even within Japan,about the nature of the geisha profession.Geisha are portrayed as prostitutes in much Western popular culture. However, geisha do not engage in paid sex with clients.Their purpose being to entertain their customer,be it by reciting verse,playing musical instruments,or engaging in light conversation.

Geisha engagements may include flirting with men and playful innuendos; however, clients know that nothing more can be expected. In a social style that is uniquely Japanese,men are amused by the illusion of that which is never to be.

Geisha girls,(pronounced "gee-sha"),also known as "panpan girls,"were Japanese women who worked as prostitutes during the period of the Allied Occupation of Japan.They almost exclusively serviced American GIs stationed in the country.

The term is a mispronunciation of the word geisha.The mispronunciation persists among some westerners.
Adding to the confusion is the fact that these women dressed in kimono and imitated the look of geisha.Americans unfamiliar with the culture of Japan did not know the difference between these costumed prostitutes and actual geisha.

Eventually, the term "geisha girl" became a general word for any female Japanese prostitute or worker in the mizu shobai,and included bar hostesses and streetwalkers.

Geisha girls are speculated by researchers to be largely responsible for the continuing misconception in the West that geisha are prostitutes.

As usual,i've attached a couple of vidoes below which should explain alittle about the geisha's & their life.Hope you guys enjoy the entertainment. ~Cheers~

Lion Dance---Ancient Chinese Art Form For Auspicious Occasions

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:13:00 +0000

One of the most interesting things i've done in my life time is to be involved in a Lion Dance troop.Now,dont get me wrong,i maybe be Indian & the Lion Dance is mainly performed by the chinese here in Singapore.But i got the privilege & honour of partaking in this art form a couple of years back when the church i attended asked me to form a group to perfom during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations in church.

Lion dance is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture,in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume.Asiatic lions found in nearby India are the ones depicted in the Chinese culture.

Chinese lion dances can be broadly categorised into two styles, Northern and Southern. Northern dance was used as entertainment for the imperial court. The northern lion is usually red, orange, and yellow (sometimes with green fur for the female lion), shaggy in appearance, with a golden head. The northern dance is acrobatic and is mainly performed as entertainment. Sometimes, they perform dangerous stunts.

Southern dance is more symbolic. It is usually performed as a ceremony to exorcise evil spirits and to summon luck and fortune. The southern lion exhibits a wide variety of colour and has a distinctive head with large eyes, a mirror on the forehead, and a single horn at center of the head. The lion dance also symbolises the myth of the Chinese new year.

The lion dance has close relations to kung fu and the dancers are usually members of the local kung fu club.They practise in their club and some train hard to master the skill.

During a lion dance performance, 2 performers co operate to “become” a lion. The Lion’s body consists of a lion head with movable ears, eye lids and mouth and a highly decorated body. The performers wear a t-shirt with the lion dance association’s logo and a special pair of pants designed to look like lion’s feet and in matching color and design with the lion’s body.

One of the performers takes the front position and assumes the front body of the lion. He controls the lion’s eye lids, ears and the mouth while his legs moves represent the front legs of a lion. The second performer arches forward to form the back of the lion, controls its tail and his legs represents the hind legs of the lion.

Lion dance performances are often accompanied by drum and gong players so that whenever there is a lion dance performances, the drum and gongs help to “inform” everyone around the area drawing crowds. The lion dance can occur with one or a group of lions and sometimes together with a Dragon Dance.

At the end of each performance,the Lion may leave a display of orange petals for audience to decipher the lucky numbers from the formation.Pastries such as prosperity cakes are also used as props because of its auspicious symbolism.

Lion dance performances are usually associated with joyous or auspicious occasions.I cant explain the adrenalin rush i had when i was the involved in the dance.It was amazing,truely a great feeling.The three weeks of daily hard work practising just before the actual performance in church was truely worth it.

Below are videos you guys can watch on some lion performance in action.Enjoy guys.... =)

What It Takes To Become A Fighter Pilot----Top Guns Of The Air Force

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:39:00 +0000

Well,some have asked,why's your name Maverick....Didn't your parents like u or something...Lolx... =) And so,i've to go on explaining how my real name isn't Maverick but a nickname i use on the net.And how i choose that name after watching Top Gun,where the lead actor,Tom Cruise,who is a fighter pilot,call sign "Maverick".

I totally love the movie and his character since it reminds me alot about myself.Head-strong,determined,dangerous but with an edge...And so that,i adopted the name Maverick as a nick name to use in real life & in the cyber world.

Anyway,flying has always be something i've always wanted to do since a child.Not started on it as yet,but definitely will one day.Maybe too late to become a fighter pilot,but a commercial pilot could be possible. =)

For todays topic,we'll be talking about fighter pilots.

What is a Fighter Pilot?

-A fighter pilot is a military aviator trained to engage other aircraft and typically pilots a fighter aircraft.Fighter pilots undergo specialized training in aerial warfare and dogfighting (close range aerial combat).

Fitness Of A Fighter Pilot?

-Fighter pilots must be in excellent health in order to handle the strange bodily effects caused by modern aerial warfare.Excellent heart condition is required,as g-forces have a tendency to suck blood away from the brain.

Although a strong heart and stamina are required,fighter pilots also require to have strong muscle tissue along the extremities and abdomen.Excellent vision remains de rigueur for the modern pilot.

Strong muscle tissue is required for when the fighter pilot performs an M1.When he flexes his arms,legs,and abdomen,the muscles in those areas press veins and arteries up between the skin and muscle,restricting blood flow to and from the head,but mainly from the head,since arteries (the carriers of oxygen-rich blood) are generally deeper beneath the skin than veins.

What is G-Force?

- When a fighter pilot is performing rapid turning movements in a dogfight or when avoiding missiles,pilots are exposed to high g forces.G forces are expressed as a multiple of the normal gravitational force, e.g. a force of 2G is equivalent to twice normal Earth gravity,meaning everything would feel twice as heavy.

Modern fighter aircraft can make much sharper turns and sustain a lot more stresses or g-forces.With the advent of the jet engined aircraft these capabilities exceed that of the human body.

When executing a "positive G" maneuver like turning upwards the force pushes the pilot down. The most serious consequence of the this is that the blood in the pilot's body is also pulled down and into their extremities. If the forces are great enough and over a sufficient period of time this can lead to blackouts (called g-induced Loss Of Consciousness or G-LOC) ,because not enough blood is reaching the pilot's brain.

To counteract this effect pilots are trained to tense their legs, arms and abdominal muscles to restrict the "downward" flow of blood. This is known as the "grunt" or the "Hick maneuver", both names due to the sounds the pilot makes, and is the primary method of resisting G-LOCs.

Modern flight suits, called g-suits, are worn by pilots to contract around the extremities exerting pressure, providing about 1G of extra tolerance.

And as usual,for all my readers,i've included some vidoes of pilots in action in their fighter aircrafts.Enjoy the show guys....Please fasten your seat belts first. =)

Capoeira--Afro-Brazilian Martial art---Way To Cool...

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:05:00 +0000

Well,we all know about karate,judo,kung fu and stuff...But how many of u have heard about Capoeira?

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that ritualizes movement from martial arts,games,and dance.It was brought to Brazil from Angola some time after the 16th century in the regions known as Bahia,Pernambuco,Rio de Janeiro,Minas Gerais and São Paulo.

So,wats so great about it....Well,trust me people...It really is interesting.How often do u come across a martial art that combines music & busting up someone....None that i've heard off. =)

Participants form a roda or circle and take turns either playing musical instrument(such as the Berimbau),singing,or ritually sparring in pairs in the center of the circle.

The game is marked by fluid acrobatic play,feints,and extensive use of sweeps, kicks,and headbutts.Less frequently used techniques include elbow-strikes,slaps, punches and body throws.

Its origins and purpose are a matter of heated debate,with the spectrum of argument ranging from views of Capoeira as a uniquely Brazilian folk dance to claims that it is a battle-ready fighting form directly descended from ancient African techniques.

Capoeira is growing worldwide.There have been comparisons drawn between the Afro-North American art form of the blues and capoeira.

Music is integral to capoeira. It sets the tempo and style of game that is to be played within the roda.The music is composed of instruments and song.The tempos differ from very slow (Angola) to very fast (são bento regional). Many of the songs are sung in a call and response format while others are in the form of a narrative.

Capoeiristas sing about a wide variety of subjects.Some songs are about history or stories of famous capoeiristas.Other songs attempt to inspire players to play better.Some songs are about what is going on within the roda. Sometimes the songs are about life or love lost. Others are lighthearted or even silly things,sung just for fun.

Capoeiristas change their playing style significantly as the songs or rhythm from the berimbau commands. In this manner, it is truly the music that drives capoeira.

Truely a very interesting art form which i came across a couple of years back.And well,for thoe who dont already know that it exists,allow me then to introduce it to u guys.

U can see capoeira in action in the videos i've got for you below people. =)

DJ Tiesto---The Best DJ In The World

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:55:00 +0000

One of my favourite DJ's is non other then DJ Tiesto.Tiësto is a Grammy-nominated Dutch trance DJ and record producer.He has become one of the world's most famous people in the trance and electronic dance music scenes.

As his popularity rose in the early 2000s he became the first DJ to perform to a large crowd without any other DJs or opening acts.He is also noted for being the first DJ to play live on stage at an Olympic Games at the 2004 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Athens.

In addition to receiving numerous awards for his work he was crowned "World’s No.1 DJ" 3 consecutive times by DJ Magazine from 2002 through 2004[6] and received a nomination for a Grammy Award in 2008,for his album Elements of Life.

DJ Tiesto had an interest for music since the age of twelve.When he was twenty he decided to dedicate more time to it and began DJing professionally at school parties and then moved on to become a resident DJ between 1985 and 1994 at several clubs in the Netherlands after his manager and friend Wilfred encouraged him.

In the mid-1990s,he started to produce trance,which led to his breakthrough in 1995 when he started building mixed compilations,something nobody else did at that time.

The last time Tiesto came to Singapore,i was working at the then Ministry Of Sound (Singapore).Trust me,u guys wouldnt have imgained the amount of people who jam packed the club on that night to witness Tiesto work his musical magic.It was pure madness and electrifying.People were so close to each other,there wasnt anymore room to fill the 3000 capacity crowd in the club.Not to mention the throngs of crowd lining outside the club to get it which stretched for another 2 km.

Below are some vidoes of DJ Tiesto in action,enjoy the music guys. =)

The Shaolin Monks Of China---Supreme Kung Fu Machines

noreply@blogger.com (Maverick) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:35:00 +0000

Hi there everyone....Its so weird to say this is my first blog post since i've been blogging for sometime now.But sadly,my previous blog got hacked into and was deleted by Google.Sheezzz....What luck...Oh well,its alrite...Here i am now,starting up a brand new blog...The blog maybe new,but the writer has been around for awhile in the blogging world. *Winks* =)

Anyway,do subscribe to my RSS feed guys,u'll be updated with interesting contents from my blog as and when a new topic is discussed every week.I'll try my best to posts at least once or twice a week,so fret not....Its an ongoing blogging journey for me.

Well,for todays topic,i present to u...The Shaolin Monks Of China.Shaolin Kung Fu refers to a collection of Chinese martial arts that claim affiliation with the Shaolin Monastery.Chinese martial arts pre-date the construction of the Shaolin Temple by at least several hundred years.Chinese monks practiced martial arts prior to the establishment of the Shaolin Monastery in 497.Monks came from the ranks of the population among whom the martial arts were widely practiced prior to the introduction of Buddhism.

The oldest evidence of Shaolin participation in combat is a stele from 728 that attests to two occasions: a defense of the monastery from bandits around 610 and their role in the defeat of Wang Shichong at the Battle of Hulao in 621.

Shaolin, in popular culture, has taken on a second life. Since the 1970s, it has been featured in many films, TV shows, video games, cartoons, and other media. While much of this is a commercialized aspect of Shaolin, it is also widely credited as keeping the 1500 year old temple in the consciousness of the world, and from vanishing into obscurity like many other ancient traditions.

Skills include iron body (both offensive and defensive) techniques, jumping and wall scaling techniques, pole-top leaping dexterity training, pressure-point/nerve manipulation, and a host of other Shaolin kung fu skills and feats. Most of these skills require anywhere from three to ten years to master.

While most warrior monks tend to be focused on performance geared toward the touring troupes, a smaller cadre of Shaolin warrior monks seek the traditional route that focuses somewhat more on self-defense and authenticity of techniques. In many ways, the contemporary performing warrior monks are comparable to contemporary wushu artists who focus on beautiful, elaborately dazzling form rather than original martial application and fighting prowess. The 72 Shaolin Arts are more indicative of the older, original Shaolin temple fighting system and theory.

Also, performing monks are not pressured to practice or study Zen,while inside the temple, at least a show of deference for the Shaolin customs is expected by the masters of their chosen warrior monk disciples.

Now,below i've got some vidoes of this highly trained monks in action.

Enjoy the videos guys.

~~ The World ~~