Combating Global Warming with Lime
July 23, 2008 – I won’t pretend to understand the science behind adding limestone to the oceans’ surfaces to reduce CO2 emissions, but it’s an interesting problem.
It also seems that for years scientists have been working on a viable way to introduce this but they’ve encountered numerous roadblocks. Shell’s scientists claim to have to have found the ultimate solution. (Photo courtesy ENN.)
This is great news for those of you looking for an alternative to SilkAir and Garuda. Not that these two airlines aren’t good, of course, but now you have an even greater choice of airlines and, more importantly, departure cities and price points.
Scuba Diver AustralAsia Joins Facebook
July 21, 2008 – On Friday, 18 July, Scuba Diver AustralAsia officially joined the popular social networking site, Facebook. Within 24 hours it had more than 200 friends, within 48 hours it had connected with nearly 300 people.
“We wanted to keep even more in touch with our readers,” said publisher John Thet. “This way we can let people know about upcoming events, promotions, and giveaways.”
If you’re already a Facebook member and want to join the Scuba Diver network, simply search for the keyword “network@scubadiveraa.com.”
Recall of Apeks 2nd Stages
July 16, 2008 – Aqua Lung recently announced the recall of three Apeks second stages. If you own an Apeks TX, ATX, or XTX, read this.
Dive Centre Bondi “Work Out”
July 15, 2008 – To present diving in a new environment, Dive Centre Bondi – supported by PADI Asia Pacific – recently promoted diving to Members of Fitness First Platinum Club at Bondi Junction in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
During the month-long campaign, display posters were installed in the men’s and women’s change rooms at the fitness club promoting “Learn to Dive” and the diving lifestyle. The promotion included an opportunity for Fitness First Members to upgrade to a National Geographic Diver Specialty course at Dive Centre Bondi located nearby.
The campaign concluded with a presentation evening at Fitness First, when over 150 members met with Dive Centre Bondi staff Cassandra Ekendahl, Stefan Cooper and owner, Robin Skoglund, to learn more about diving. As an added incentive to promote entry level diving, Fitness First members were encouraged on this occasion to enter a competition for a chance to win a free “Learn to Dive” course at Dive Centre Bondi.
“We’ve had a great outcome from this campaign so far, thanks to the DCB team and support from PADI,” said owner of Dive Centre Bondi, Robin Skoglund. “Already we’ve signed up a fantastic number for PADI’s Open Water Diver course in the coming months. Some have already completed their course and have decided to continue to dive with us. We’ve even had one guy who will go on to become a PADI Divemaster with our GO PRO package.
“Having achieved such exciting results, we’re already looking at more events and opportunities such as this to get ‘out there’ in the community,” added Skoglund.
Which Sunscreen is Safest?
July 12, 2008 – Consider yourself warned: This study by the Environmental Working Group may give you pause the next time you reach for your favourite suncreen at the beach. The study, which looked at more than 1,000 sunscreens around the world, found that four out of five sunscreens contain potentially harmful chemicals or that they don’t really offer as much protection against the sun’s harmful rays as claimed.
What’s interesting is that the leading brands like Coppertone, Banana Boat, and Neutrogena are the worst offenders, with scores in the “High Hazard” range. Even more interesting is that to some this might not be news at all: A quick look at Internet retailers and the safest brands like California Baby are on back order.
Scuba Diver AustralAsia Diver’s Night – Jakarta
July 11, 2008 – If you couldn’t make it to last weekend’s Diver’s Party at the MIDE show in Kuala Lumpur, we’ve got another surprise for you.
Tomorrow afternoon, evening (and most probably late into the night), Scuba Diver AustralAsia’s Indonesian representative office is hosting an even bigger bash at the popular Dragonfly Restaurant & Lounge.
The Scuba Diver AustralAsia Diver’s Night – Jakarta, celebrates the official opening of the office in Kemang. Scuba Diver AustralAsia publisher John Thet and Editor-in-Chief David Espinosa will be on hand, along with Field Editors Mike Veitch and Simon Buxton, photographers Windiarto Tjandra and Todd Essick, and Sabah Tourism’s Clement Lee.
The event will be chock-a-block with informative presentations, prize giveaways with resort stays, books, and equipment, and a photo extravaganza on the main screen. Best of all it’s free, and open to nondivers and divers (regardless of affiliation). See you there!
What: Diver’s Night – Jakarta Where: Dragonfly Restaurant & Lounge
Graha BIP
Jl. Gatot Subroto 23
Jakarta
Telephone: +(62 21) 520 6789 When: Saturday, 12 July 2008
3:00–6:00 p.m. Who: Everyone!
MIDE Show, Day 3
July 8, 2008 – Day three of the MIDE show definitely saw the most foot traffic, with people spilling in up until the final minutes.
For Scuba Diver AustralAsia, the highlight was the lucky draw at the end of the show. As 6:00 p.m. neared, dozens of new and existing PADI Diving Society members gathered at the booth to see if their names would be drawn to win copies of the Asian Geographic Journal, the Scuba Diver AustralAsia Passport to Diving the World, Nadine books, and the grand prize: a Sea-Doo Supercharged sea scooter, worth US$599.
Emcee Richard Ng announced the winners’ names, and with each drawn name the crowd’s anticipation grew. Ten minutes after the draw began, Malaysian Ooi Teik Mun – a new PADI Diving Society member who’d signed up at the show – was announced as the winner of the Sea-Doo Supercharged. He and his group of friends, several of whom had also joined the PADI Diving Society, nearly burst with excitement, startling the onlookers at surrounding booths.
Stay tuned for more lucky draws in a city near you, and for those who stopped by the booth – whether to sign up or not – we appreciated your company and look forward to seeing you next year.
Diver’s Party @ MIDE
July 6, 2008 – Last night, Scuba Diver AustralAsia/PADI Diving Society and MIDE hosted a party for exhibitors and Diving Society members at the Sin Bar at Grand Modesto’s in Kuala Lumpur’s hip party district.
Hundreds were treated to free drinks, finger foods, and a vibrant party atmosphere. (See if you can find the photo of marine biologist Neville Coleman – sans his iconic hat – boogeying down.)
The Diver’s Party @ MIDE was emceed by local deejay Richard Ng, who took guests through a slide show of the winners for this year’s TTL photo competition. Malaysian photographer Ooi Aik Lim (1st place, Underwater: Malaysia) and Singaporean Lam Wee Chee (2nd place, Underwater: Malaysia) were also on hand to receive their prizes.
MIDE Show, Day 2
July 5, 2008 – More photos from day two of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE).
(Left to right, from top row: Entrance to the show minutes before it opens; bird’s eye view of the show; close up of the crowded aisles; Scuba Diver AustralAsia sales manager Jonathan Lin, Art Director Jasmine Tan, and photographer/radio host/TTL judge/good friend Richard Ng; Tourism Malaysia booth; the hardworking men and women of Odyssea Divers; a traditional dance performed on the main stage; Ketut and Annabel of Aquamarine – Bali; party banner at the Scuba Diver AustralAsia booth; Beuchat; Jed and Matt of DivePhotoGuide.com; Neville Coleman and Tim Hochgrebe, of underwater.com.au)
