LOWEST HILL TO BIG HEARTS

SHIMWORLD.com Weekly Column in THE BRUNEI TIMES

Read this story on BT online

A photo is more than just a thousand words. It can change someone’s future!

Many thanks to the generous support from kind hearted individuals, a Penan girl has a chance to go to college for the first time in her life. Since October 2008, the response to these cards have been very positive and in the helping hands of dedicated and committed volunteers, the Penan children continue to receive education, a key ingredient for a nation that aspires growth and development and more importantly, sustain it. Since October 2008, the response to these cards have been very positive and in the helping hands of dedicated and committed volunteers, the Penan children continue to receive education, a key ingredient for a nation that aspires growth and development and more importantly, sustain it. Shortly after The World’s Lowest Hill feature, the pictures joined a series of earlier nature and landscape themed selections chosen by Violette for the Penan charity cards. Read more …

You can help too. For more information on where you can buy these cards, read the original post PLIGHT OF THE PENAN. If you would like to participate in this charitable cause, feel free to contact Violette with thoughts and ideas on how you can contribute.

MAKE MINE A DOUBLE SHOT

SHIMWORLD.com Weekly Column in THE BRUNEI TIMES read this story on BT online

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchise which has for many years operated predominantly in the Brunei capital recently opened its 4th outlet right inside “L Block” of the Brunei Shell Petroleum head office in Panaga, Seria. The prices are generally about 15 per cent lower than that of the other outlets in Bandar Seri Begawan and business hours are from Mon to Sat, 6.30 am to 5.30 pm except Saturday (opens till 2.30 pm). This is of course good news for employees and contractors of Brunei Shell Petroleum whose first meal and drink of the day had until now been from the canteen. Read more …

WOKS OF LIFE

SHIMWORLD.com Weekly Column in THE BRUNEI TIMES

read this story on BT online

Our daily temperatures average no lower than 30 degrees Celsius on a good day and depending on your location, it can get very humid too. For many, the combination of soaring temps and coastal humidity is unthinkable and leave many scrambling for the nearest air conditioned refuge. Yet for many others, such conditions are an unavoidable part and parcel of their chosen profession. Like it or not, these people have some of the hottest jobs around. read more »

The hot wok of Soi Heng Coffee Shop

Chefs at Cheng Wah Restaurant and their fiery woks

One of the owners of "Lee Teck Ming" hawker stall known for their fried kway teow. On a good sunny afternoon you can catch this scene where a strong and very prominent ray of light hits the wok. Then, wait for the precise moment when the reflected light hits his face as seen here.

The popular "Two Brothers" duo. A personal favourite.

You may not realize just how incredibly hot, humid and cramped these kitchens can be and the best vantage point can often be difficult and inconvenient. Getting close to my subjects means putting the camera at some degree of risks. To accomplish this (as James Wong asked earlier), I had the camera body mounted on a heavy duty ball head which is secured to a monopod. Add a remote shutter release cable to complete the assembly. I imagine this is quite handy for war photographers too although I’ve never actually seen their setup.