Thank you all.

Thank you everyone. Thank you. :)

Bizzaro

Saw this on the newspaper.

And then there are eight...

From BBC news
What makes a planet?

Long time back, if you can detect it on a telescope, it's fine.

This was how Pluto became our solar system's ninth planet after Clyde Tombaugh discovered it.

Now with much more powerful viewing devices, it's become more important to define what exactly a planet is. Otherwise far off objects bigger than Pluto will have to be added to the original list of nine planets orbiting the Sun.

Astronomers have decided on the following criteria, a planet must:

- be in orbit around the Sun
- be large enough that it takes on a nearly round shape
- has cleared its orbit of other objects

In a historic and very likely highly emotional meeting, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassifed Pluto as a dwarf planet. A brave rational move. Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet.

So now there are eight. Well its an auspicious number.

Rana hosii

Rana hosii.jpg
Originally uploaded by _Cheng Puay.

Found alot of these frogs on the trees overlooking a fast flowing stream. They seemed to be content perched there. Possibly enjoying the cool moist air which only torrents bring.

This photo sends me back to the sound of rushing water, the cool spray of water on the face. And of the frogs serene perched there. Waiting.

Storm

Flower Gathering - Robert Frost

Flower-Gathering

I left you in the morning,
And in the morning glow,
You walked a way beside me
To make me sad to go.
Do you know me in the gloaming,
Gaunt and dusty gray with roaming?
Are you dumb because you know me not,
Or dumb because you know?

All for me and not a question
For the faded flowers gay
That could take me from beside you
For the ages of a day?
They are yours, and be the measure
Of their worth for you to treasure,
The measure of the little while
That I've been long away.

200

Well well. 200th post. Not a bad experience so far. Seems fitting to mention 'Fragile things' in this post.

Been scuttling between "Collapse" by Jared Diamond, "Beak of the Finch" by Jonathan Weiner, Tim Flannery's "The weather makers" while Edward Wilson's "Nature Revealed" waits on the shelf.

I need a good story.

Tioman

Back. The 4 days was good and much needed. Now need to re-orientate myself back for next week.

Change

August will be a month of saying farewells. A good friend is leaving for further studies, another batch of students are graduating soon. Just another 4 more weeks and even my routine will have to be adjusted. Went for one for the odac farewell yesterday. Another meaningful photography assignment. Just hope that the pictures will do justice to the legacy they left behind, to the memories and friendship. So when its my turn, I hope to leave without a trace. A passing breeze not leaving a ripple in the pond. Will it be possible? Let's see.

Watching fireworks overlooking the esplanade was interesting. Could finally see the floating platforms where they launched these magnificent displays. Will not be taking photos this year. In fact, I think this is the first time I am away for National Day. Lets hope that it will be a good trip.