Penida island spa

Manta rays glide effortlessly around a cleaning station in Nusa Penida, Bali. Giant diamond winged bodies obscure the sun's rays through the shallow nutrient rich water. Migratory plankton feeders of the deep with their distinct light coloured undercarriages and darker uppers they swarm to these stations for important spa grooming operations carried out by enthusiastic wrases and other small fish who get right into the filter grills and have a bit of a nibble. Last Thursday there was obviously some kind of promotion on as 'the spa' was busy with around 6 large mantas all getting a bit of a spruce up before heading out again to find a mate. Tough life. A rare all black manta seemed to dominate the afternoon session as it stealthally glided in and out of the shadows of the murky station.

sunset south bali

sunrise over south bali

collection of long exposures over the wee hours of another stunning sunrise in bali. abstract light conditions for slow paced tropical life.

michael franti headlines Bali Sentosa nye2009

the big dreaded man jams into 2010 with an intimate and slightly raucous audience, Bali. Supported by other acts including dj jamaica, dj rock solid, Athron and hot talent Jamie Graham and the souldrops.

sea level rising. Xmas 09

Global sea level rise will inevitably effect lowland and coastal environments such as areas of Asia with current ice mass melting trajectories in the future. Continued debates over reliable scientific evidence is always speculated in the media arena drawing on examples of past warmings and coolings. Chances of warming, allegedly due to greater carbon dioxide emissions from meeting the needs of more people on the earth than ever before however, seems very probable. Noticeable changes to the human eye may only be apparent on a lag basis; gradual at first and then more sudden - whereby a threshold has been overstepped. Increases in insurance policies for coastal properties may be a nervous twitch indicator of times to come, but at least holidays to the Maldives will be cheaper.

Cormac McCarthy: post-apocalyptic drama

Bestseller Cormac McCarthy's The Road comes to screen in early 2010 (UK cinemas). Directed by John Hillcoat, starring Viggo Marensen and Kodi Smit-Mcphee. Dark post-apoclyptic drama.. Although fictional, perhaps a gritty hint towards life of bulging population growth with limited resources on marginalised land in the face of an unpredictable natural disaster. discuss.

hai diver