Tuskerman Transmissions #04

DYNAMIC DUO:

So there I was quietly minding my own business with Prodigy on the i-pod. Had just disembarked from the train and was heading up the escalators, when suddenly some guy coming up the other way Hi-Five's me and shouts, "Yo dude!"

I think to myself, do I know this chubby little bespectacled fellow? And then I realized he was wearing a Green Lantern T-shirt... As we passed he was furiously pointing at my shirt and giving me an eager thumbs-up.

I forgot I was wearing my Batman T-shirt... and then I smiled rather sheepishly I think...

Yes totally nerdish, but strangely satisfying. Just Supernerds passing in the night.

Hell, us Justice Leaguers must stick together after all....

Tuskerman Transmissions #03

MAGIC IN THE WILDERNESS

It never ceases to amaze me how Nature continues to weave Her magic disappearing spells on us, even in this age of mass deforestation and urbanization.

As species go extinct as fast as the seconds hand on a clock, so too do others seemingly disappear and then suddenly re-appear like some monumental game of hide and seek.

A recent case in point is the beautifully enigmatic Borneo Bay Cat (Pardofelis badia). Although first identified 138 years ago, almost nothing is actually known about it. In fact the cat has managed to completely elude researchers and conservationists. The first photo of the cat wasn’t taken until 1998 and the first video was shot just two years ago, but that's about it - nothing is still known about its life cycle or behaviour.

You know, scientists dream as feverishly and as frequently as the rest of humanity, and someone's dream obviously came true when this gorgeous red and brown creature wandered through their camera trap earlier this month!


Photo by Jo Ross and Andrew Hearn/Global Canopy Programme

It disappeared just as soon as it appeared, but it was enough to rekindle that spark of enthusiasm that draws us back to the wild, time and time again.

Who knows when it will be seen again; who can predict when it performs its next magic trick? But just the very knowledge that something as sizable and as stunning as the Borneo Bay Cat can continue to elude us even in this ever-shrinking world; now that's a good feeling...

Tuskerman Transmissions #02

ARMPIT ALARM

I learned today, that the Silverback male Gorilla will emit a strong body odour from his armpits when he is either threatened or excited, and to also notify other gorillas of his location.

Of the 98.67% genetic similarities we share with this gentle giant, it figures that armpit odour had to be somewhere on the list...

So if you are ever fortunate enough to encounter one of our closest cousins in the wild, don't bring deodorant...

ART: You know you're in love when...

My fantastic in-laws managed to dig up this 'blast from the past'...

Its one of just a few portraits I have ever attempted (humans are much harder to render realistically than animals), and with good reason...

Yes, this is Kristen, or at least my rendition of her, way back in '97 when we were in the early days of courtship!

Yes, it is slightly lop-sided. And yes, Kristen laughs at it. But it took bloody ages to do, and I don't think its that bad.

In my eyes, almost 15 years after the event, it really does still capture her at the beginning of our big adventure together.

Time flies when you're having fun!

Tuskerman Transmissions #01

BEATING THE QUEUE: ATTENBOROUGH-STYLE

While stuck in an hour-long queue at the supermarket, (for example, on the last weekend before Chinese New Year), why not pass the time by pretending to be David Attenborough, and narrate a wildlife documentary in your head, using the people around you as your subjects/characters.

It is extremely entertaining, and becomes a fascinating expose of human behaviour, as you begin to identify family traits and the various subtle interplays of domination and submission within our strange society.

And hey presto... one hour has elapsed, the queue has disappeared, the smelly children have gone, and you at the checkout. Nice.

Tuskerman Transmissions: A New Year...

Over the years I have realized just how much anecdotal and useful bits of information I have come across on a daily basis - only to have them lost in the vacant recesses of my brain, to be lost for all eternity.

So this year, I shall endeavour to preserve them for posterity, here on the pages of this blog, so that others might find them of use, or at least a desperate talking point after dinner... And you never know, they just might help save your life...

So without further ado, welcome to the Tuskerman Transmissions...

Artwork: DEFIANCE

15 x 22, pastel, 2011

Charith Pelpola - One Life Photos

After having had such an incredible experience filming in Mongolia earlier this year, I thought it might be a good idea to submit a few of my photos to this ONE LIFE photography competition.



Have a look through my little portfolio, and vote if you have the time!

Thanks!

Charith Pelpola - One Life Photos

SAVAGE SPORTS - the end!

For the final episode in the series we pull out all the stops - bringing you a sport that has never been filmed before, from one of the most remote corners of Indonesia.

The aim of Mbela is to draw blood - it is violent and sometimes brutal and if you are born into the community where it originates - you MUST play the game...



A big thank you to all our viewers, friends, and you wonderful people out there who helped put this project together and make it a reality.

Channel NewsAsia will be repeating SAVAGE SPORTS so if you missed out on any of the episodes, you can catch them again. If you have any comments, please do share them on the CNA forum.