Lights! Sound! Camera! Action! Shoot!: June 2007

Saturday, 23 June 2007

Star Wars Celebration Europe

Taking over London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre for three days in July 2007, Star Wars Celebration Europe will be filled with live entertainment, celebrities from all six movies, special film and video presentations, an exhibit of movie props and costumes, exclusive merchandise, pop culture tributes, interactive events, a costume contest, and much, much more.

Website: http://www.starwars.com/community/event/celebration/news2006...

Star Wars Celebration Europe

Friday July 13, 2007 - Sunday July 15, 2007

Earls Court
Warwick Road
London, England SW5 9TA

Star Wars Celebration Europe

Website: http://www.starwars.com/community/event/celebration/news2006...

Star Wars Celebration Europe

Friday July 13, 2007 - Sunday July 15, 2007

Earls Court
Warwick Road
London, England SW5 9TA

Saturday, 16 June 2007

Imperial Stormtrooper at Star Wars The Exhibition, London

Star Wars The Exhibition, County Hall, London - Imperial Stormtrooper, London

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION features an array of items specially selected from the Lucasfilm Archives in Northern California. These objects give visitors a rare glimpse into the making of the epic movies. Among the featured items is the spectacular life-sized Naboo N-1 starfighter, along with several interactive activities that range from Jedi training to a greenscreen simulation which puts you right into the films.

Storm Trooper at Star Wars The Exhibition, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Upon entering the magic world of Star wars, visitors are immediately immersed into the Star Wars universe as huge landscape images are projected to recreate the atmosphere of a particular world. Different exhibition zones walk you through the worlds of Tatooine, Naboo, Endor, Hoth, Coruscant, Kamino, Geonosis, Kashyyyk, Utapau and Mustafar.

In addition, visitors will find a projection room featuring a documentary on 30 Years of Visual Effects, which reveals just how far this art has come. Optical illusions, picture overlays, pyrotechnics, stunt tricks, and other visual and special effects are also explained in relation to the Star Wars films.

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION gives visitors, movie lovers and Star Wars fans a unique opportunity to learn and discover some of the secrets behind the making of this epic Saga.

Imperial Stormtroopers
The Imperial Stormtroopers are fictional soldiers from George Lucas' Star Wars universe. Originally known as "Clone Troopers" and portrayed as the fighting force of the old republic, they were supplanted as stormtroopers at the formation of the Galactic Empire, and are featured in the original Star Wars trilogy (Episodes IV, V, and VI). Stormtroopers come to be the personal army of Emperor Palpatine and of his commanders, carrying out the will of their superiors without question. They typically come in large collective volumes of different organizational sizes from squads to legions, and for some their armor and training is modified for special operations and environments.

Imperial Stormtrooper at Star Wars The Exhibition, London

Storm Trooper at Star Wars The Exhibition, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Han Solo carbon-frozen at Star Wars The Exhibition, London

Star Wars The Exhibition, County Hall, London - Carbon-frozen Han Solo

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION features an array of items specially selected from the Lucasfilm Archives in Northern California. These objects give visitors a rare glimpse into the making of the epic movies. Among the featured items is the spectacular life-sized Naboo N-1 starfighter, along with several interactive activities that range from Jedi training to a greenscreen simulation which puts you right into the films.

Han Solo carbon-frozen at Star Wars The Exhibition, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Upon entering the magic world of Star wars, visitors are immediately immersed into the Star Wars universe as huge landscape images are projected to recreate the atmosphere of a particular world. Different exhibition zones walk you through the worlds of Tatooine, Naboo, Endor, Hoth, Coruscant, Kamino, Geonosis, Kashyyyk, Utapau and Mustafar.

Han Solo carbon-frozen at Star Wars The Exhibition, London

Jango Fett at Star Wars The Exhibition, London

Star Wars The Exhibition, County Hall, London - Jango Fett, London

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION features an array of items specially selected from the Lucasfilm Archives in Northern California. These objects give visitors a rare glimpse into the making of the epic movies. Among the featured items is the spectacular life-sized Naboo N-1 starfighter, along with several interactive activities that range from Jedi training to a greenscreen simulation which puts you right into the films.

Jango Fett at Star Wars The Exhibition, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Upon entering the magic world of Star wars, visitors are immediately immersed into the Star Wars universe as huge landscape images are projected to recreate the atmosphere of a particular world. Different exhibition zones walk you through the worlds of Tatooine, Naboo, Endor, Hoth, Coruscant, Kamino, Geonosis, Kashyyyk, Utapau and Mustafar.

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION gives visitors, movie lovers and Star Wars fans a unique opportunity to learn and discover some of the secrets behind the making of this epic Saga.

Jango Fett
Jango Fett is a fictional character and supporting villain in the Star Wars universe. He first appeared in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, in which he was played by Temuera Morrison. Before Attack of the Clones, Jango was mentioned in Star Wars novels such as The Bounty Hunter Special.

Jango Fett's son is his clone Boba Fett, made famous in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Both father and son served as bounty hunters as well as personal bodyguards of political figures such as Count Dooku and Palpatine, indirectly aiding the rise of the Empire.

Jango Fett at Star Wars The Exhibition, London

Jango Fett at Star Wars The Exhibition, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Upon entering the magic world of Star wars, visitors are immediately immersed into the Star Wars universe as huge landscape images are projected to recreate the atmosphere of a particular world. Different exhibition zones walk you through the worlds of Tatooine, Naboo, Endor, Hoth, Coruscant, Kamino, Geonosis, Kashyyyk, Utapau and Mustafar.

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION gives visitors, movie lovers and Star Wars fans a unique opportunity to learn and discover some of the secrets behind the making of this epic Saga.

Jango Fett
Jango Fett is a fictional character and supporting villain in the Star Wars universe. He first appeared in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, in which he was played by Temuera Morrison. Before Attack of the Clones, Jango was mentioned in Star Wars novels such as The Bounty Hunter Special.

Jango Fett's son is his clone Boba Fett, made famous in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Both father and son served as bounty hunters as well as personal bodyguards of political figures such as Count Dooku and Palpatine, indirectly aiding the rise of the Empire.

Dark Lord Darth Vader at Star Wars The Exhibition, London

Star Wars The Exhibition, County Hall, London - Dark Lord Darth Vader, London

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION features an array of items specially selected from the Lucasfilm Archives in Northern California. These objects give visitors a rare glimpse into the making of the epic movies. Among the featured items is the spectacular life-sized Naboo N-1 starfighter, along with several interactive activities that range from Jedi training to a greenscreen simulation which puts you right into the films.

Dark Lord Darth Vader at Star Wars The Exhibition, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Upon entering the magic world of Star wars, visitors are immediately immersed into the Star Wars universe as huge landscape images are projected to recreate the atmosphere of a particular world. Different exhibition zones walk you through the worlds of Tatooine, Naboo, Endor, Hoth, Coruscant, Kamino, Geonosis, Kashyyyk, Utapau and Mustafar.

In addition, visitors will find a projection room featuring a documentary on 30 Years of Visual Effects, which reveals just how far this art has come. Optical illusions, picture overlays, pyrotechnics, stunt tricks, and other visual and special effects are also explained in relation to the Star Wars films.

STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION gives visitors, movie lovers and Star Wars fans a unique opportunity to learn and discover some of the secrets behind the making of this epic Saga.

Darth Vader
Darth Vader is a fictional character in George Lucas' science fiction saga Star Wars. He is the principal antagonist in the original Star Wars trilogy, who is revealed over the course of the saga to be a tragic hero named Anakin Skywalker. The character first appeared in the original trilogy of films (Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi); Anakin Skywalker's transformation into Vader is portrayed in the later, prequel film, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The character also appears extensively in the series' "Expanded Universe" of novels, video games, and fan-produced works. Darth Vader is one of the most iconic villains in film history, ranked third on American Film Institute's 100 Heroes and Villains list.

Darth Vader was physically portrayed in the original film trilogy by David Prowse, vocally by James Earl Jones, and finally by Sebastian Shaw at the conclusion of Return of the Jedi. In the prequel film trilogy, Anakin Skywalker was portrayed as a boy by Jake Lloyd, then as a young adult by Hayden Christensen. Christensen also briefly portrayed Darth Vader without the character's famous costume, and finally in the costume at the close of Revenge of the Sith.

The original trilogy depicts the character as a fearsome cyborg and Sith Lord who serves at the right hand of Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), leading the brutal Galactic Empire in oppressing the galaxy and hunting down the Rebel Alliance. The prequel trilogy depicts him as a slave boy who becomes a heroic Jedi Knight and hero of the Clone Wars. He then falls to the "dark side" of the mystical Force after Palpatine manipulates him into betraying the Jedi and destroying the Galactic Republic. In Return of the Jedi, the series' final chronological installment, Vader redeems himself by helping to destroy the Empire, sacrificing himself in the process.

Dark Lord Darth Vader at Star Wars The Exhibition, London

Thursday, 14 June 2007

County Hall & Silver Surfer on the London Eye promoting 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, London

Silver Surfer on the London Eye promoting 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The London Eye (Millenium Wheel) at a height of 135 metres (443 ft), is the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe, and has become the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3 million people a year

The iconic County Hall and the London Eye. County Hall houses the London Aquarium where Julia Roberts meets Clive Owen in Patrick Marber’s drama Closer (2004), while Austin Powers’ swinging pad is located on its roof in Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). It also makes an appearance in Judy Garland’s final film, I Could Go on Singing (1963), while the interiors double as the Pentagon in Mission Impossible (1996). County Hall is also home to The Movieum of London where you can see exciting props and memorabilia from some of the world’s most famous movies. Since the London Eye was built on the South Bank in 1999 it has appeared in a wide range of films, featuring in a spectacular stunt sequence in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) as well as in Basic Instinct 2 (2006) and Wimbledon (2004) starring Kirsten Dunst. Jubilee Gardens in front of the Eye was used as a landing pad for T2 in Thunderbirds (2004) and is where Sidney Poitier eats ice-cream with his daughter in A Warm December (1973).

4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
With Von Doom back in his homeland of Latveria the fantastic four have new troubles when Galactus has decided that Earth is his next target. When his henchman, The Silver Surfer, is sent to Earth he discovers that he's getting more than he bargained for when he encounters the Fantastic Four. But that's not all when Dr. Doom decides that after two years in the homeland he is ready to return. Written by Gharrett Favinger

County Hall & Silver Surfer on the London Eye promoting 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, London

Silver Surfer on the London Eye promoting 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Wednesday, 13 June 2007

Parliament View from Lambeth Bridge, London - Location used in Match

Parliament View

Parliament View, London - Location used in Match Point, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Located at the south side of Lambeth Bridge with frontage to the River Thames, Parliament View is a modern architectural landmark that respects its surrounding environment. With its unrivalled view towards the Big Ben and Houses of Parliament, the two icons of London, it is the perfect place to enjoy the best of London - the culture, style and colourful vibrance.

The modern Parliament View building, is where Chris and Chloe from Woody Allen's Match Point find their apartment.

The Lambeth Bridge roundabout that Parliment View looks over is where Chevy Chase drives his family round in circles in cult 80s comedy National Lampoon’s European Vacation. Parliament View Apartments, formerly the site where Rex Harrison worked in thriller Midnight Lace costarring Doris Day. Glam rock movie Velvet Goldmine , starring Ewan McGregor, shot its opening scene on Lambeth Bridge.

Parliament View from Lambeth Bridge, London - Location used in Match

Parliament View

Parliament View, London - Location used in Match Point, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The modern Parliament View building, is where Chris and Chloe from Woody Allen's Match Point find their apartment.

Tuesday, 12 June 2007

In conversation with Bill Moggeridge, NESTA, London

In conversation with Bill Moggeridge, NESTA, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

From Spy.co.uk:
What can businesses keen to innovate and improve draw from design? From the Cox Review and the Stanford d.school, BusinessWeek magazine to the Institute of Design Strategy Conference, the role of design in business has taken on new dimensions. From offering new ways for executives to think, to informing corporate strategy, from creating new models for organisational design to providing new sources of revenue, it is argued by many leading thinkers that design thinking and methods are increasing in relevance and significance.

Bill Moggridge will present his thinking on this subject, drawing on his pioneering work as co-founder of IDEO and his insights offered in his recently published book Designing Interactions (MIT Press). Then, in conversation, Nico Macdonald will investigate these issues with Mr. Moggridge. We will then open up to an audience discussion around these themes.

Award-winning designer Bill Moggridge is a founder of IDEO, one of the most successful design firms in the world and one of the first to integrate the design of software and hardware into the practice of industrial design. He has been Visiting Professor in Interaction Design at the Royal College of Art in London, Lecturer in Design at the London Business School, member of the Steering Committee for the Interaction Design Institute in Ivrea, Italy, and is currently Consulting Associate Professor in the Joint Program in Design at Stanford University. Bill’s career has had three phases; first as designer, then as a manager of design, and now as a communicator, working as a writer, graphic designer and video maker. His fascination with design, and with what people want from everyday things, has given him a broad view of the information revolution.

Award-winning designer Bill Moggridge is a founder of IDEO, one of the most successful design firms in the world and one of the first to integrate the design of software and hardware into the practice of industrial design. He has been Visiting Professor in Interaction Design at the Royal College of Art in London, Lecturer in Design at the London Business School, member of the Steering Committee for the Interaction Design Institute in Ivrea, Italy, and is currently Consulting Associate Professor in the Joint Program in Design at Stanford University. Bill’s career has had three phases; first as designer, then as a manager of design, and now as a communicator, working as a writer, graphic designer and video maker. His fascination with design, and with what people want from everyday things, has given him a broad view of the information revolution.

In conversation with Bill Moggeridge, NESTA, London

In conversation with Bill Moggeridge, NESTA, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Monday, 11 June 2007

View of London from Primrose Hill, London

The view from Primrose Hill

View of London from Primrose Hill, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Primrose Hill is a hill of 256 feet (78 m) located on the north side of Regent's Park in North London, England, and also the name for the surrounding district. The hill has a clear view of Central London to the south-east, as well as Belsize Park and Hampstead to the north.

Like Regent's Park, Primrose Hill was once part of a great chase appropriated by Henry VIII and became Crown property in 1841. In 1842 an Act of Parliament secured the land as public open space. The built up part of Primrose Hill consists mainly of Victorian terraces. It has always been one of the more fashionable districts in the urban belt that lies between the core of London and the outer suburbs, and remains expensive and prosperous.

- In H.G. Wells' book The War of the Worlds, Primrose Hill was the site of the final Martian encampment.
- In Dodie Smith'sThe Hundred and One Dalmatians, the Dearly family live near the district, on Regent's Park's Outer Circle, with Primrose Hill itself forming an excellent location for Pongo to engage in the 'twilight barking'.
- Primrose Hill is referred to in the Blur song For Tomorrow. The lyrics "and the view's so nice", from the song, have been painted on a path leading to the top of Primrose Hill.
- Primrose Hill is mentioned in the Appleton single "Everything Eventually", with the line "Let's go fly a kite on Primrose Hill". The video for the song was shot there too.
- Oasis took the black and white photo for the cover of the single "Wonderwall" here where a girl is shown through a frame. The original photo is coloured and shows Liam Gallagher, with the hand of an unseen person holding up a picture frame around him, however the young girl was chosen to be on the cover by Liam's brother and Oasis guitartist/songwriter Noel Gallagher, at the last moment.
- Primrose Hill is referred to in "Emit Remmus" ('summer time' backwards), a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, which is off of their 1999 album Californication.
- It is referred to in a poem by William Blake: "...The fields from Islington to Marylebone/To Primrose Hill and Saint John's Wood/Were builded over with pillars of gold/And there Jerusalem's pillars stood..." It was upon Primrose Hill which the poet-illustrator supposedly climbed and had conversations with the Spirit of the Sun. He also believed that this area would eventually be the foundation for one of the pillars of the biblical New Jerusalem.
- In "The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul," by Douglas Adams, Kate Schecter lives in a flat on Primrose Hill.
- Primrose Hill is referred by Beverley Martyn in her song "Primrose Hill" on the 1970 John & Beverley Martyn album Road to Ruin, later sampled in "North West Three", a tune by Fatboy Slim, on his 2004 album "Palookaville".
- The English pop group Madness released a song named "Primrose Hill" on their album The Rise & Fall. It starts with the line "A man opened his window and stared up Primrose Hill...". The album cover was also photographed on the hill itself. Primrose Hill is also referenced in the lyrics of Madness' 1982 single Driving in My Car.
- Top of Primrose Hill shown in opening scene of "Bridget Jones Edge of Reason".
- Musician Billy bragg mentions seeing Angels up on primrose hill in his song Upfield "I dreamed I saw a tree full of angels, up on Primrose Hill". Bragg says he was inspired to write this song from William Blake.
- Parts of the British romance comedy Imagine Me & You was filmed on Primrose Hill, featuring Lena Headey and Piper Perabo
- The band Marillion's song "Interior Lulu" from the album "dot com" mentions looking down on the city from Primrose Hill.
- One of the scenes of 2006 movie Breaking and Entering takes place at the top of Primrose Hill. Later, background song was put on the film's soundtrack.
- The song "Golden Earth Girl", from Paul McCartney's album Off The Ground, contains the line "Natures lover climbs the Primrose Hill".
- The song "The Promise", by British girlgroup Girls Aloud, contains the line "Here I am, walking Primrose, wondering when I'm gonna see you again!."
- Primrose Hill is mentioned repeatedly in the Fatboy Slim song "North West Three."

View of London from Primrose Hill, London

The view from Primrose Hill

View of London from Primrose Hill, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Sunday, 10 June 2007

Ramona's Mexican Hammock, St. George Wharf, London

I bought a Ramona Mexican Hammock while we were in the Yucatan last year. I finally got around to putting it up and I'm quite happy with the result. I'm going to need to look into a ceiling fitting so I can hang it from the roof.

Ramona Mexican Hammock, St. George Wharf, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Romano's handmade Hammock
With weaving techniques dating back to the early 15th century, native artisans, like Ramona, handcraft pure cotton and high-tech nylon into incredible hammocks of unrivalled quality.

Hour after hour, in tiny huts, on open air looms, in the remote villages of Teabo, Pencuyut, Dzitas, Kanasin and Chomayel, they patiently work the fibre. Each hammock has more than two miles of cord and can take an experienced weaver up to 90 hours to complete. For centuries, hammock weaving has been a major source of income for the Mayans, who take enormous pride in their traditional techniques and colour designs.

Cotton hammocks feel like a soft bed. The material breathes and flexes. The colours are natural. If left out in the weather, they will begin to fade in the first year, and the cotton will show signs of deterioration in the second year. They are susceptible to snags. Cotton hammocks are best used inside or on a covered porch, out of the weather.

According to The Journal of The American Medical Association, woven cotton and nylon hammocks "provide excellent back support" and are, in many ways, the "ultimate tool for relieving stress."

For more info visit here: http://www.hamix.com/

Ramona's Mexican Hammock, St. George Wharf, London

Ramona Mexican Hammock, St. George Wharf, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

For more info visit here: http://www.hamix.com/

Saturday, 9 June 2007

George Michael Wembley Stadium, London

George Michael to play first Wembley gig

The UK leg of Michael's tour will take in five cities. Singer George Michael is to play the first concert at the new Wembley Stadium, it has been announced.

George Michael Wembley Stadium, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The pop star will perform at the 90,000-capacity venue on 9 June as part of a British and European stadium tour.

Michael, 43, played several key gigs at the old stadium, including Live Aid in 1985 and Wham's farewell concert in 1986 with ex-bandmate Andrew Ridgeley.

The concert was a true one-man show. Michael has that magical ability to hold the crowd on the strength of his untainted soul voice and songs. Only sporadically during the two-and-a-half-hour set did the band and backing vocalists emerge from the shadows.

The new Wembley is an experience for even the most seasoned of concert-goers. To be part of this show was to be part of a party that will go down in history.

George Michael Wembley Stadium, London

George Michael to play first Wembley gig

The UK leg of Michael's tour will take in five cities. Singer George Michael is to play the first concert at the new Wembley Stadium, it has been announced.

George Michael Wembley Stadium, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Friday, 8 June 2007

Meerkats at London Zoo, London

Meerkats at London Zoo

Meerkats at London Zoo, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Meerkat or Mongoose (Suricatta suricata)
Highly sociable, these mongooses live in extensive burrow systems. One of the group acts as sentry on a high vantage point, while the others forage for food. Black hair around their eyes enables them to scan the bright sky for predators and a variety of calls warns the group to hide when danger is near.

ZSL London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo.It was opened in London on April 27, 1828,and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. It was eventually made open to the public in 1847. Today it houses a collection of 755 species of animals, with 15104 individuals, making it one of the largest collections in the United Kingdom.

It is managed under the aegis of the Zoological Society of London (established in 1826),and is situated at the northern edge of Regent's Park (the Regent's Canal runs through it).The Society also has a more spacious site at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire to which the larger animals such as elephants and rhinos have been moved. As well as being the first scientific zoo, ZSL London Zoo also opened the first Reptile house (1849), first public Aquarium (1853), first insect house (1881) and the first children's zoo (1938).

ZSL receives no state funding and relies on 'Fellows', 'Friends', 'Members', entrance fees and sponsorship to generate income.

Western Lowland Gorilla at London Zoo, London

Western lowland gorilla at London Zoo

Western Lowland Gorilla at London Zoo, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
The largest apes, gorillas are threatened by deforestation and the bushmeat trade. They are gentle, social primates. A silverback male leads a group of several females and their offspring.

ZSL London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo.It was opened in London on April 27, 1828,and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. It was eventually made open to the public in 1847. Today it houses a collection of 755 species of animals, with 15104 individuals, making it one of the largest collections in the United Kingdom.

It is managed under the aegis of the Zoological Society of London (established in 1826),and is situated at the northern edge of Regent's Park (the Regent's Canal runs through it).The Society also has a more spacious site at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire to which the larger animals such as elephants and rhinos have been moved. As well as being the first scientific zoo, ZSL London Zoo also opened the first Reptile house (1849), first public Aquarium (1853), first insect house (1881) and the first children's zoo (1938).

ZSL receives no state funding and relies on 'Fellows', 'Friends', 'Members', entrance fees and sponsorship to generate income.

Western Lowland Gorilla at London Zoo, London

Western lowland gorilla at London Zoo

Western Lowland Gorilla at London Zoo, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Meerkats at London Zoo, London

Meerkats at London Zoo

Meerkats at London Zoo, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Sumatran Tiger at London Zoo, London

Sumatran tiger at London Zoo

Sumatran Tiger at London Zoo, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)
Their stripes provide good camouflage in the tropical forests where they live. They also have spots on the back of their ears that they use for signalling. Sumatran tigers are smaller and darker than the Amur (Siberian) tigers that are kept at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park.

ZSL London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo.It was opened in London on April 27, 1828,and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. It was eventually made open to the public in 1847. Today it houses a collection of 755 species of animals, with 15104 individuals, making it one of the largest collections in the United Kingdom.

It is managed under the aegis of the Zoological Society of London (established in 1826),and is situated at the northern edge of Regent's Park (the Regent's Canal runs through it).The Society also has a more spacious site at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire to which the larger animals such as elephants and rhinos have been moved. As well as being the first scientific zoo, ZSL London Zoo also opened the first Reptile house (1849), first public Aquarium (1853), first insect house (1881) and the first children's zoo (1938).

ZSL receives no state funding and relies on 'Fellows', 'Friends', 'Members', entrance fees and sponsorship to generate income.

Sumatran Tiger at London Zoo, London

Sumatran tiger at London Zoo

Sumatran Tiger at London Zoo, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Thursday, 7 June 2007

Cool by the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort

Cool by the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort is a brand new hotel opening in May 07, with some great facilities, the Palms Resort looks set to compete with some of Sharm El Sheikh's best quality hotels. You'll find stunning pools and sparkling white architecture, well designed and spacious rooms, and great food and drink A comfortable 5 Star Resort.

Located on " Hadabet Om El Sied ", 2 Km from Sharm Old Market and 14 Km from Sharm International Airport.

Sharm el-Sheikh has also become a favourite spot for scuba divers from around the world. Being situated near to the Red Sea, it provides some of the most stunning underwater scenery and warm water making this an ideal place to dive. Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh can experience a variety of water and activities. Beach seekers find many activities such as diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, para-sailing, boating, and canoeing.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Sharm el Sheikh (Arabic: شرم الشيخ‎, Sharm al-Shaykh), often known simply as "Sharm", is a city situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in Janub Sina', Egypt, on the coastal strip between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai.

Sharm el-Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt's Southern Sinai province which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai. Sharm el-Sheikh is known as The City of Peace referring to the large number of international peace conferences that have been held there.

Cool by the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort

Cool by the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

In the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort

In the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

In the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort

In the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Wednesday, 6 June 2007

Shark Observatory, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammed, Egypt

Shark Observatory, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Shark Observatory
The site stretches from the foot of the observatory cliff in the north, across the mouth of a shallow box-shaped inlet, to the beginning of the Anemone City in the south. There are two possible shore entry points, one inside the inlet and the second in the small cove at the foot of the cliff. Both can be reached by road.

In the past, it was possible to see sharks here just by looking down from the cliff top but with the advent of dive tourism and its attendant boat traffic, the sharks have mostly moved on.

The site is a vertical wall, sloping outwards at its foot. The rugged profile is most dramatic in the northern section, where the reef face is especially contoured, with fissures, inlets and crevices to explore. Coral growth is good with lots of variety among both soft and stony species.

The steep profile does not encourage dense populations of smaller reef species, so quality and quantity of fish are somewhat dependent on currents and the pelagic life they encourage. Jacks, barracuda and the occasional gray or blacktip shark liven things up when the current is running: snapper, surgeons and unicorns are present in schools of varying size, and larger reef fish such as big grouper and Napoleons are usually on hand.

Divers should be careful of the strong currents which are common in this area and those who enter from shore should be doubly cautious. Once beyond the point to the north, there is no shore exit point. Do not round the point if current could prevent you from returning to the exit point.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

The giant moray is widespread in the Indo-Pacific region, being found in the Red Sea and East Africa, the Pitcairn group, north to the Ryukyu and Hawaiian islands, south to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands.

As the name suggests, this is a large eel, reaching up to 300cm (9.8 ft) in length and 30kg (66.1 lbs) in weight. While juveniles are tan in colour with large black spots, adults have black specks that grade into leopard-like spots behind the head and a black area surrounding the gill opening.

Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are two reefs rising just off the Ras Mohammed coast. They are twin peaks of a single coral sea mount, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel.

Shark Reef is the more colorful and spectacular of the two reefs; with its wall and great marine life. Yolanda Reef is the larger of the two. Its name comes from a vessel which sank here in 1980.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Shark Reef, Ras Mohammed, Egypt

Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Baby Giant Moray Eel, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammed, Egypt

Baby Giant Moray Eel, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Giant Gorgonian, Shark Reef, Mohammed, Egypt

Giant Gorgonian, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are two reefs rising just off the Ras Mohammed coast. They are twin peaks of a single coral sea mount, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel.

Shark Reef is the more colourful and spectacular of the two reefs; with its wall and great marine life. Yolanda Reef is the larger of the two. Its name comes from a vessel which sank here in 1980.

Two ergs rise up from a vertical wall with a drop off down to 300 metres. The dive begins at shark reef and continues with the current until reaching the cargo of the Jolanda, where the sea floor rises to about 15-25 metres and is strewn with toilets. There are lots of schools of fish and other sea life including stone fish and scorpion fish. Large pelagics may gather beyond the reef, so keep watching the open sea.The water here is truly deep and as you look down the vertical wall the water takes on an inky dark feel, even though viz is often in excess of 30m. An ideal start depth here would be the 30-40m mark, where if the current allows it is worth spending some time looking out into the blue.

Whilst a little more rare these days it is still possible to see white-tip reef sharks and if you're lucky larger grey reef sharks identifiable by the thick black strip which runs all the way down the rear of their tail fins. Scalloped hammerhead have been spotted as well. Also look out for barracuda, jacks and tuna. The reef itself on the eastern side of Shark Reef is fed by nutrients from the sometimes strong currents and as a result there are some beautiful gorgonian fan corals and black whip coral. The deeper part of the reef has a proliferation of soft coral from the 30m - 70m range. Soft coral requires much less light than hard coral and seems to thrive in this inky abyss. Once you have spent some time on the east side of Shark Reef, or if the current is running, then turn and with your right shoulder reef side head southwest around the reef. You will see the reef wall sloping up beneath you as you head towards the gap between Shark Reef and Jolanda and you drift over a rising plateau.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Giant Gorgonian, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammed, Egypt

Giant Gogonian, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

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