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Is space exploration worth the billions spent?
How much did it cost to show the moon is not green cheese?
Autsadaporn Kamthai
An @ The Bar discussion on ‘Space Exploration: Is It
Worth It?’ was held by the British Council on November 23.
Academic speakers included Prof Chris Moss from the
Liverpool John Moors University, UK; Anita Heward, UK Goes to the Planets
Programme co-ordinator; Assoc Prof Boonraksa Soonthornthum, Dean of the
Faculty of Science at Chiang Mai University, and Dr Busaba Kramer of the
National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre.
(From
left) Prof Chris Moss, Anita Heward, Assoc Prof Boonraksa Soonthornthum and
Dr Busaba Kramer discussing the value of space exploration.
“Space exploration consumes much money, but it is worth
it as it gives rise to many developments in associated science fields like
chemistry and physics,” said Assoc Prof Boonraksa.
Dr Busaba said space exploration was worth the money as
it could boost the intellectual capacity of mankind. “Teaching of earth
science and astronomy has been included in the syllabus for Thai students
from 1st to 12th Grade, and that will provide them basic knowledge of
astronomy,” Dr Busaba said.
Space exploration for satellite development was
beneficial for developing countries in their communication system and
education use, said Prof Moss. China and India were examples of countries
which have made use of satellite networks to help people at grassroots like
in fishery fields.
The @ The Bar discussions are initiated by the British
Council as an opportunity for both scientists and non-scientists to engage
in informal discussions on various scientific topics.
3 P by 4 P Exhibition at Gong Dee Studio
Marion Vogt
Throughout December, Gong Dee Studio in Soi Nimmanhaemin
1 is presenting a very special exhibition. The 3 P, meaning paintings,
prints and photos are from 4 P, which means four artists.
 Mysterious,
exiting, and
artistic, the skyline of Seattle.
For Suvin Vajrasthira, art started as a hobby, and he is
now actively involved in preserving Thai culture which can be seen in each
of his photos and paintings. They are filled with details, show fun,
astonishment or sentiment while at the same time, they reflect normal daily
movements which we all take for granted.
The second of the “P’s” is Prasart Saejung well
known for his photos which have been published in many magazines around the
country.
 A
large variety of art at the 3
P exhibition at Gong Dee Studio.
Gunthapatana Phan sangiam, the third “P” is from
Chiang Mai, a photographer who studied Graphic Design in USA. His photos are
of Seattle, Mysterious, romantic and artistic.
The final “P” is Na-Chanak Siemmai exhibiting
paintings and prints from the south.
Gong Dee Studio is open every day. More information at 0
5322 2230.
‘Variations on America’ featuring
John Ferguson and Teresa Seidl
Staff reporters
American Voices will return to Chiang Mai with a recital
program on December 16 at 7 p.m. at the Convention Center of Chiang Mai
University.
 Founder
of American Voices, artistic director and pianist John Ferguson. (Photo by
Michael Vogt)
The concert is entitled ‘Variations on America’ and
will feature a program of Traditional American songs, Broadway and American
Opera as well as Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (arranged for solo piano) and
Ragtime compositions by Eubie Blake, Zez Confrey and Scott Joplin. The
performers are soprano, Teresa Seidl and the founder of American Voices, the
Artistic Director and pianist John Ferguson.
It promises to be a feast for the ears as both John
Ferguson and Teresa Seidl are high class professionals. Teresa Seidl, an
accomplished concert singer, has performed with Berlin Radio Symphony, the
BBC and Cracow Philharmonic, and with the Bamberger Symphony and the Hamburg
Symphony.
American Voices has just issued a new CD, American Voices
Around the World, featuring highlights from their live concerts and
festivals in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Burma. This CD will be
available at the concert on Thursday, December 16, 2004.
If you would like to attend, please call one of the CMU
offices listed below for a free invitation. International Relations, Office
of the President of Chiang Mai University: 053 943 665 or the Faculty of
Fine Arts, CMU, 053 944 805.
Three Rotary clubs assist
Mae Saap village near Samuung
Annelie Hendriks
The Rotary Clubs of Chiangmai South, Mae Chan Chiangrai
and Phra Pinklao-Thonburi Bangkok visited Mae Saap, a small village in the
hills, one hour drive from Samuung, with unusual Loy Krathong gifts.
 Distribution
of clothes and blankets.
Mae Saap is a poor Karen village, consisting of 47
families. A truck full of blankets, medical kits, food, stationery, toys,
clothes, shoes, spectacles and snacks followed the Rotarians in five 4WD
vehicles.
It was a very happy Loy Krathong day for the villagers
especially for the children. Each child received a bag with suitable
goodies. The bigger articles were distributed among the families.
 Aroy
maak.
All the funds for the donations were raised for the 100
years of Rotary International celebration. The Centennial year celebrations
taking place all over the Rotary world during this 100 year Anniversary
offers many opportunities for service to the clubs, the communities, and to
Rotary. The three Rotary clubs of Bangkok and the northern region took this
occasion in true Rotary spirit to ‘Lend a Hand’ in planning, preparing
and doing to make their Centennial a truly memorable occasion.
The Viola Lovers
Chulalongkorn University Viola Ensemble concert a great success
Paul Schoenkopf
The Viola Lovers (C.U. Viola Ensemble) from Chulalongkorn
University had their debut in July at Chulalongkorn University’s Recital
Hall in Bangkok. The concert was sponsored by Lotus Hotel Pang Suan Keow,
Chiang Mai.
The Chulalongkorn University Viola Ensemble consists of
24 outstanding violinists in the country, a double bass player, and a
percussionist, and this latest performance was a concert to familiarize
people with the viola.
Asst. Prof. Choochart Pitaksakorn, artist in residence
and music director of Chulalongkorn University, conducted and played the
viola.
The first half of the concert was all western classical
composers such as Bach, Schumann and Beethoven. There was one number,
“Home Sweet Home” by Farmer that was variations of a theme and very
innovative. I thought that the musicians were excellent but they could have
picked some other pieces that were more dynamic.
The second half of the concert was excellent. Two numbers
by HM the King, one traditional Thai number and one Lanna folk song were
played, as well as a medley of American country songs.
It sounded almost as if the ensemble needed the first
half of the concert to get ‘in the mood’. The 600 people in the audience
and conductor became more and more enthusiastic during the second half. So
much so, that they performed three encores consisting mostly of compositions
by HM the King.
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