Media faking the “Fake Olympics”?

Lots have been said about this two girls… The media have to sell stories.  How sure are we, what we read is the truth? How sure are we that what we read is not a story made up by the media? Is the media faking the “Fake Olympics”?

Dr Hsu Blog, and Dr Pilokarpen Blog, wrote about this story…

MiaoKe, the girl on stage

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PeiYi, The girl who supposedly sang the song

I see no problem with putting MiaoKe on stage. The problem is the international media, playing up the issue, and probably causing more harm to the 2 little girls than good. Is this another plot to run down the image of Beijing’s Game? Well said by the person who commented, “Today, we are witnessing two innocent girls being exposed to civilization and political games.” Yes, the media did stir this up, the media did politicized it. Only those people would know if it was for political gain or to show superiority of civilization… They definitely do not have the interest of the girls in their heart.

How sure are we, that the reason PeiYi not on stage is because she is not “cute” enough? Could it be that she was not as lively, as good a visual performer? “cute” was the word use by the media, the perception of the media, the reason given by the media.

Please don’t take credit off MiaoKe, lip synched or not, it was a good stage performance. How many of us could handle the pressure so naturally standing in front of such a big audience?

Let me quote from the ancient text of Kalama Sutta,

“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”

Observed and analyzed! Be critical! Is the media FAKING IT?

American way of counting Olympics Medals

Olympics Medal Count, the American way

Gold is no longer the best; it is the total number of medals that count! At least that is what the Americans believe at this moment of time. Historically, the country with the most number of Gold will rank highest. Strangely, quite a few American websites decided to rank countries based on total number of medals won.

Is this another example of the Americans bending the rules to suit their needs?

Who is Kiasu?!

Black-necked Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

The encounter with black-necked stork was probably the highlight of my birdwatching day in Townsville. Black-necked Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, is considered an endangered species in Australia. Also commonly called as Jabiru in Australia, I think Jabiru should be reserved for Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria) in Mexico. Jabiru in Tupi-Guarani languages means “swollen neck”, the black-neck stork definitely does not have a swollen neck.

Female Black Necked Stork has yellow iris, male has dark iris

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Flying? or Dancing?

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Did I see a fish over there?

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As I was walking back towards the car, the female Black Necked Stork, flew and landed near an Australian Pelican. She Started to flap her wings and clacks her bill. The pelican was all tensed up. The Male Black Necked Stork flew over and join his partner. I told myself, if there is going to be a fight for territory or fish, I am not going to miss it! I am a wildlife paparazzi.

As the pair of Black Necked Storks stand around, the Pelican looked stress and ready for a fight.

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All three of them looked like there were ready to strike.

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As the pair of Black Necked Storks clacked their bills and flaped their wings, the Australian Pelican swam away.

*Another birdwatcher who was there, think that the pair of Black Necked Stork was doing a mating dance. To me, it looked more like the pair was hustling the pelican.

The pelican flew away, and the stork gave chase.

An interesting encounter, seeing 2 heavy weight species interecting. Not sure if there were fighting for teritory or were just messing around.

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My Australian Birds List

Photography Equipments

Canon EOS 350D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens

Townsville Town Common Reserve, Queensland.

Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii)

My half day birding trip in Townsville, Queensland, was productive. Leong pointed me in the right direction, birding at the Townsville Town Common. While driving in the reserve, I saw this Forest Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii) perching on the fench. The photograph below was taken from the car, unfortunately the sun was behind the bird. The problem of under exposure, was fixed by +2/3 in exposure compensation, using AV mode.

Backlighting

* After getting a few safety shots, I decided to get out of the car so that I can get into better position for more shots. The Forest Kingfisher flew to a nearby tree, and sun was shinning on it, rather than behind it.

Forest Kingfisher

* This last portrait of the Forest-Kingfisher, could have been better without the brunches and shadow obscuring the bird. Unfortunately, there was nothing much that I could have done about it. What I did consciously was to move a little, so that the shadow of the brunches does not fall on the Forest Kingfisher’s eye. Beauty is in the eyes!

Portraite of Forest Kingfisher

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My Australian Birds List

Photography Equipments

Canon EOS 350D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens

Townsville Town Common Reserve, Queensland.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)

Great Egret waiting for prey

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Great Egret striking

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Big Splash

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Edit: 20/3/2011

After consultation with multiple sources, I think this bird should be Eastern Great Egret (Ardea modesta), instead of Great Egret (Ardea alba).

My Australian Birds List

Photography Equipments

Canon EOS 350D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens

Townsville Town Common Reserve, Queensland.

Chao Khun Maha Samai Birthday Photos

It was an honour to be invited to photograph Ven. Chao Khun Maha Samai birthday celebration. Lucky and myself have been photographing a few events together, and glad to say that we compliment each other well. It is always reassuring to have Lucky with me, because I know he will get lots of good pictures, and there is no pressure on me.

My set up for the day… Old trusty Canon 350D body and Canon SPEEDLITE 580EXII. Initially had Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens, but found it to be too restrictive in the small shrine hall. Later change to the all time favourite Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L, it really works well in this setting. The photos are uploaded here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chenghiang/sets/72157606661792478/

Chao Khun Maha Samai

Kids waiting to do offering

I really admire the Thai community, engaging the younger generation in sustaining their cultural identity in a foreign land.

Money Tree

I used to frown upon displaying gift of money in temple. However, this money tree became really beautiful and attractive, after I learnt that the money raised will be donated to help rebuild cyclone tormented Burma. A$1,000 was collected and donated to relief suffering in Burma.  Looking from another angle, now I see the dharma in the money tree.

Walk alone like an elephant

If you find an wise and virtuous companion
who will walk with you,
who lives wisely, soberly, overcoming all difficulties,
walk with that person in joy and thoughtfulness.

If you find no wise and virtuous companion
who will walk with you,
who lives wisely and soberly,
walk alone like a king who has renounced a conquered kingdom
walk alone like an elephant in the forest.

~Dhammapada~

Boon Leong and Bec’s Wedding

This is the link to some of the pictures that I have taken during Leong and Bec’s wedding. 080808:)

The pre-wedding get together photos are here. (070808)

http://flickr.com/photos/chenghiang/sets/72157606647695137/