Hip Young Things

For the last two years, the Cicada Tree Eco Place has been conducting nature walks and outdoor seminars on everything from snakes, to meat eating plants, to beetles and toads. The non-profit organization has teamed up with Bukit Timah Society to create educational programs stressing the need to care for and preserve the environment and the inhabitants of that environment. Swamps have been cleared for construction, previous the fresh waters were home to a variety of native species. This Area of Singapore not only supports, but requires the help of all in the society, from the children to the businesses to the luxury Singapore hotels. And what the founders of Cicada Tree believe, is that to create an empathy for the environment, one must start while the children are still young. In order for people to care about and protect the inhabitants of the world, they must find respect for them, and educations is the vehicle for that respect.

The three founders of the environmental group, which started teaching classes in 2007, met as participating members of of the Nature Society of Singapore. NSS began, also a non-profit organizations dedicated to the preservation of the environment and the native plants, insects and mammals of the island and the island’s rain forest, in 1940. Celine Low, Teresa Guttensohn and Vilma D’ Rozario were educators wanted to bring their gifts and talents to the children of the city-state. By introducing, at a young age the natural heritage of the city and it’s wildlife, they believe that they will foster life long co-conspirators, children who will grow to not only see the plants and animals, but will continue to teach as they grow as well. Cicada Tree Eco-Place believes that to foster this dedication, requires the get them while they are young, view. For once people overcome their fear of the natural world, fear of bugs and reptiles, they will be determined to protect theses species. Traveling around to various schools in the city, they take classes on outdoore hikes and lectures.

While most people think of Phuket as a decadent vacation destination filled with luxury Phuket hotels, gorgeous beaches, and incredible parties, the island also has a rich cultural life. The upcoming Phuket Film Festival is one example of the island’s growing reputation in the creative world.

This year’s festival, which is scheduled for June 4 – 11, 2009 at the Coliseum Theaters in Phuket Town, will feature a “Spotlight on Taiwanese Film.” In addition to screening numerous award winning and Oscar-nominated Taiwanese films, the event will draw Taiwanese producers, directors, and actors to the island to discuss their work.

Asian superstar Chie Tanaka is scheduled to receive the Asian Talent of the Year Award at the festival. Overall, the event will screen over forty individual films from 17 different countries.

This is the second annual Phuket Film Festival. Organizers hope that in addition to becoming an important Asian film festival, the event will showcase the island as a world-class film location.

The rich and famous often jet to Ibiza, Goa, Phuket and other popular beach and island retreats. The island nation of Mauritius is much less discussed, perhaps because it is reputed to be even more beautiful and tranquil than any other place on earth.

The island’s reputation has been secure for several centuries as a true island paradise. Some even say that heaven is modeled after Mauritius. The tropical island located off the east coast of Africa has stunning beaches, beautiful mountains, and lush forests. There are deep blue lagoons, winding rivers, and a beautiful plateau bringing a range of landscapes to a mere 787 square miles.

Mauritius caters to those seeking oppulance and elegance. There are numerous luxury hotels Mauritius offering every convenience and comfort or visitors can rent private apartments and villas right on the beach. Upscale boutiques are the norm as are world-class restaurants offering incredibly fresh seafood and cuisines from around the globe.

Port Louis, the capital city, holds the distinction as the wealthiest city in the world. Here you’ll find not only upscale resorts, dining, and retail, but also some of the best nightclubs featuring the island’s signature sega music.

Mauritius is a glamorous oasis of tropical beauty and modern comfort. Whether enjoying the various recreational activities or decadently sipping champaign on the beach, the island’s appeal is undeniable.

The government of Singapore has long been known for censorship, of what is written in the newspapers and depicted on the television and in the movies and on the stages of theaters, of what people may say out loud in public or sing about or write novels about or express vocally thoughts on politics and such. So needless to say, there are strict laws regarding nudity, even the nudity depicted in paintings, drawing and sculpture. It is ironic and presents quite a conundrum for as the government seeks to put Singapore on the map in the global art world, much of what is encapsulated and entrenched in the visual art world, is the human body. Before the work of an artist reaches the wall of a gallery or museum, quite often there are years and years of previous study, and in art school a large portion of time is spent just simply learning to draw the human form. Any artist will tell you that if you can draw and paint the human body, you can draw and paint anything. Designers of automobiles draw the human body, Disney animators and toy designers draw the human body, architects draw the human body. Any visual art form usually precipitates study of anatomy and form. And in these art classes, that body is more often than not, nude. And not only are many in the general public, not just in Singapore, but other countries such as the United States, very uncomfortable with the nude body they are also even uncomfortable speaking of it. Whether it threatens ones’ ideas of ethical and moral behavior or perhaps religious views, simply being as we were born creates anxiety for many people.

A gallery in Singapore was forced to remove a painting in 2007. A fine art oil painting of a woman, because the painting was a nude. Singapore businesses such as hotels and coffee shops must be careful and aware of what decorates their offices and walls. Other artists selling in street markets and fairs have kept their nudes out of the view of the public for fear of fines and penalties and even jail. It does not make sense in many ways, one being that two very famous and well respected Singaporean painters, Chen Chong Swee and Cheong Soo Pieng , painted works of topless women. And artists, the painters and sculptors who throughout history have created some of the most beautiful works, the Sistine Chapel, the Mona Lisa, they worked from live models. Live artist models in Singapore are looked down upon. Modeling is equated to prostitution and the selling of one’s body. For some reason, many cultures view nudity as being sexual. And nothing about holding the same pose for eight hours straight under hot lights, is sexual. And nothing about learning how to draw the hand as it connects to the arm and then the shoulder, is sexually. If anything is a spiritual and artistic and technical endeavor.

In a world where there are floating islands of trash in the ocean, and each day it seems one more species is threatened with extinction, and the rising global temperature is affecting life on land as well as destroying ecosystems in the oceans and seas, one country is stepping up. Singapore is one of only two cities that are situated in a rain forest. The floating trash island is moving towards Japan and Singapore, passing through Hawaii on the way. And while Singapore has taken measures over the years to insure protection of their rain forest, the government and the people of the island are taking steps that will affect the rest of the world as well. The NEA has been conducting research on viable and cost efficient means of utilizing alternative forms of energy. Government programs are making it possible for regular citizens as well as big business and luxury hotels Singapore is showing that they care and they realize the urgency of not only protecting, but at this point saving a sick world. And while the task seems daunting and inconvenient, companies and individuals are finding that they are actually saving money in the long run, by going green. More and more international companies are moving to Singapore, either permanently or through visits such as conventions and training seminars. Singaporeans have long been known for their dedication to all that they do, and now that includes the preservation and protection of the environment. Not only is it a beautiful idea, but a necessary one as well.

Government mandates as well as rebate and reimbursement programs are creating a different way of living, a different more conscious way. While it is mandated that large companies reduce their usage of water by installing water saving devices in their toilets, tap faucets and showers, the government provides funding for the renovations. On top of that what is measurably noticed by these companies is a drastic reduction in their monthly water bills, just further incentive. The same holds true for those large buildings using air conditioning units. The buildings are regularly inspected to insure that the models being used are the most current and energy efficient models available. Once again, the government reimburses up to 80 percent of the cost for such upgrades, and what follows again, are lower electric bills. And for those wishing to purchase hybrid or alternative fuel automobiles, the government rebate program has been extended to continue through the year of 2011. With all the possibilities and opportunities one would be deemed a bit insane not to take advantage, for along with lower bills in the long run, the long run result will be the continued life of the planet.

While on a press tour for “Dragonball: Evolution” Chow Yun-Fat and other cast members of the live action film based on a Japanese comic book, raved about their experiences in Thailand.

The balmy weather, incredible food, and wonderful hotels in Bangkok Thailand have made their job easier. Chow Yun-Fat is touring cities in Asia and the Pacific to promote the film, which opens next week in Malaysia and other countries and next month in the US. Chow joked that the next film should be shot in Bangkok, to avoid the unpredictable weather in the west.

Other cast members on hand included Emmy Rossum, Justin Chatwin, Jamie chung, Joon Park, and James Marsters. Director James Wong was also present.

It has been said that one can order a different item from any number of menus in any given number of Singapore fine dining establishment, for every meal of the day, for an entire year, and never eat the same thing twice. Tourism and business has provided Singapore, the distinct honor of being one of the most desirable destinations. And while there are many different options for visiting and experiencing the island, be it the resort of Sentosa, or one of the many celebratory festivals such as the Hungry Ghost. Or whether one chooses to spend the night at a Wayang opera or seeing a Broadway show, or after a day spent at the National Museum or in any number of the gardens and parks, the food of Singapore is a main player. There are many different districts to the food experiment here, and the suggestion is to hop in a richshaw and take in some of the most culturally diverse and some of the best cuisine in the world.

The only mall that combines it all, shows, dining shopping on the riverside is called Clarke Quay. This is an area that stretches five city blocks and has recently gone through restoration. This is a section that has many choices, but it seems that most are of the theme-corporate based model. For a much more eclectic and varied experience one would do better across the river. Riverside Point is another section of town with a high concentration of various restaurants and wine bars, a bit more traditional and true to the culture. Chijmes is another fine dining experience where style and sophistication and modern trendy bars are set in what used to be a convent and and all girls school. Chijmes is located right downtown, old world in architecture and location, but modern in design and style. The menu is a mix of different regions and very eclectic.

It is said that in order to fine the best food in any given place, go where the locals go. And in Singapore the place to be is a town square, the Far East Square to be exact. This is one of the most charming spots, set beside a hill lined with old-school, unique houses that have been turned into venues such as cafes and restaurants. Along with the cafes and restaurants-high end and street vendors working out of carts, there are museums and boutiques where local artists show and sell there work. There is food from all over the world in this district, from Israel to France to Italy and rightly so, any number of the various tastes that Singapore herself has to offer. All in all when one travels to this country it is best to leave the diet at home, and pack an extra suitcase for the appetite.

NBA legend Charles Barkley admitted he was driving under the influence last December in Arizona. His reported blood-alcohol level was .149 percent, which is alarmingly about double the .08 percent limit. For his misdemeanor, Barkley will have to install ignition interlock devices on his vehicles, enroll in an alcohol treatment program, pay about $2,000 in fines, and serve a five-day jail sentence. His jail time will start on March 21.

This news comes after a month filled with drug-related celeb news, including the Michael Phelps weed scandal and Alex Rodriguez’s admission of abusing steroids during his game time with the Texas Rangers. Even President Obama said in a press conference that A-Rod’s drug abuse was depressing news.

Sports stars aren’t the only ones making the DUI mistake. The elderly film and TV actor, Gary Collins plead no contest to a DUI charge today. This was the third DUI offense for the actor, which landed him a mandatory 120 day jail sentence. Reports have yet to confirm if he will actually serve jail time, as he may be able to apply for an electronically monitored house arrest.

South Africa is becoming the hot spot for film production in 2009. The Cape Film Commission (CFC) has announced that several international superstars will be traveling to the area to film over the next year. Stars headed to Cape Town include Matt Damon and former James Bond, Pierce Brosnan.

Cape Town has been working for several years to attract film productions. 2009 is shaping up to be a landmark year, with at least seven major films being shot for both Hollywood and Bollywood in and around the city. There is even a major animated film in development that could begin production in the near future.

Celebrities are expected to flock to the city for next year’s FIFA World Cup and many have been spotted already scouting out five star Cape Town hotels and attending sporting events.

Brosnan is scheduled to star in “Heaven and Earth,” a film about the first governor of the Cape set in the 1800s. It is likely to shoot footage at the Castle of Good Hope and other historic sites around the city.

Damon will star with Morgan Freeman in chronicling the Rugby World Cup in 1995, which was won by South Africa. The film will be directed by Clint Eastwood.