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Consider the Weight of Air – from the journal article Sept 2010:

Although we might once have been, we are now no longer ‘of’ the sea. We can sometimes for short periods of time be in the sea, but we are mostly on the sea, and the sea is on us. We are ‘of’ the air. As surfers, when we are in the water, we are actually on the water, and when we ride a ‘wave’, we are riding an energetic transmutation of the weight of air, specifically, the changing weight of air.

Consider the sea and oceans of the world as a jelly, and the surface of this jelly medium as a skin and lets think of this as our idealized world where we can make generalizations.

The jelly, as a whole, over time, is always at a state of ‘rest’ or equilibrium. It is in a sense magnanimous, and endlessly accommodating of all pressures and forces applied to it. The jelly yields to the greater force for as long as that force or pressure is applied, only to return to its original state once the force weakens or is released. The force or pressure acting on the jelly is never absorbed, and the associated energy or mass exerted is never transferred into the jelly medium. If ever there was something that just ‘is’, it is the jelly.

The jelly is a jelly because of the unique electrical nature of the atoms that make up the molecules of the jelly. Interestingly, electrical attraction between the jelly molecules pulls the molecules closer together into a hexagonal matrix, bonding them into a cohesive whole. In other words, the jelly sticks together. But at the same time these charged molecules are constantly moving in relation to each other, bonding, breaking, and reforming at time scales faster than roughly every billionth of a second!

The jelly, although vast, is not endless, and at some point reaches it’s outermost limits – bound below and to the sides by the container known as ‘earth’, and from above by the air and atmosphere. Where as within the jelly the molecules are attached to other molecules on all sides and pulled equally in all directions (meaning a net force of zero), it reaches a point at the surface of the jelly where the last molecules at the very boundary of the jelly only have other jelly molecules alongside them or inside of them and are no longer pulled equally in all directions – they are being pulled either sideways or into the interior of the jelly. These surface molecules can put this ‘spare’ energy arising from the lack of bonding partners into adhering to those molecules inside of and alongside them, forming a stronger bond between themselves compared to those within the jelly, which creates a tension that basically seals off the jelly like a skin.

The appearance then of the jelly having a skin and behaving as if it had a skin or thin elastic membrane is because of the unique intermolecular behavior of the molecules on the surface of the jelly, and is know as surface tension. The forces involved mean it is in the skin’s nature to contract, and at all times to try and reduce the surface area of the jelly to the smallest possible size. Also, because of the surface tension and resultant surface area minimization, the skin assumes the smoothest shape it can and in combination with the restoring force within the jelly medium matrix, is what is responsible for the jelly returning to a state of calmness as quickly as possible after any disturbance has impacted it.

The skin or surface tension of the jelly forms the interface between the jelly medium and the atmosphere above it, whereby the jelly, skin and air above make up a bigger dynamic system or whole so that changes in either of the atmospheres influences the other and whereby the jelly and skin can never actually be considered in isolation of the air above. In fact the jelly, skin and air above are part of a larger system that retains the air above through gravity and in turn the air above weighs down on the jelly and skin applying varying force to it depending on its density, which is a function of the temperature, pressure and humidity of that air. This force exerted against the jelly and its skin by the weight of the air above is known as atmospheric pressure.

Researching atmospheric science one finds very quickly that most of the explanations of weather phenomena and meteorology are idealizations of atmospheric motion from atmospheric modeling and are ‘steady state’ theories, or static explanations of dynamically interconnected systems and are too one dimensional to anywhere nearly approximate what really happens (in the pressure systems) in the air above our jelly and skin and as weather itself demonstrates, steady state conditions are exceptional – i.e. they seldom occur – things are more dynamic, no, chaotic than we could ever model. Atmospheric science requires isolation (vacuums) and constants and nowhere nearly conveys the dynamic nature of weather as it occurs.

For example, surfing and surf forecasting has a broad wave science that at its core revolves around a theory or a mythology that states that waves and swell are created by the wind. The theory goes that wind blows over the sea creating ripples that grow increasing friction which allows the wind to gain more traction which allows the ripples to grow further and turn into small waves and the wind blows more and the small waves become larger waves and then finally turn into huge waves. The argument is that wind transfers its energy from the air into the water and the size of the waves generated are a function of wind velocity, wind duration and wind fetch. As the waves grow larger, the distance between waves becomes greater signifying more and more energy being transferred deeper into the ocean meaning they’re able to better sustain themselves as they travel across the ocean. Luckily for us the waves still reach us, whether we know how they’re created or not.

Here is another theory to add to the mix.

Changes in and between pressure systems in the atmosphere are way more dynamic and radical than we currently model or imagine. Temperatures, densities and pressures within masses of air form disturbances of varying size, duration and intensity that change rapidly and frequently within themselves and interact dramatically with other adjacent similarly dynamic disturbances causing chaotic states of weather that impact the surface tension of the skin of the jelly medium, stretching it, pulling it up and drumming it down repeatedly at different levels of intensity during the life cycle of a storm, as it grows, peaks and then subsides.

The differences in air pressure within or between these pressure systems is referred to as the pressure gradient and constitutes one of the main forces acting on the air to make it flow or move as wind. Similarly, differences in pressure between columns of air are responsible for the different weights of air above the jelly, pressing down and lifting the skin of the jelly medium, stretching it and increasing the surface tension and energy building in it.

As the pressure gradient strengthens or weakens so too do the forces acting on the skin and surface tension of the jelly, influencing how much work the skin does stretching and also how much energy is transferred into the skin. The energy built up by the skin stretching is released when the pressure being applied is released and occurs frequently and at varying intensities during the life cycle of the storm.

The energy created by the skin stretching is released outward in varying sizes of ‘energy pulses’ that reflect the magnitude of the disturbance to the skin and surface tension and are a function the size of the disturbance and surface area affected, the pressure and pressure changes involved during the life cycle of the storm and the duration thereof.

In a complex interaction between skin tension and elasticity, these energy pulses overwhelm the skin tension / jelly dynamic upon their initial release and for a lack of a better description ‘shorts the system’. When this happens the energy re-orders itself backwards into the centre of the disturbed area, phase shifts into wave form and then pulses outward in ‘manageable’ energy packets or wave envelopes, being the most efficient way for the energy created to travel through the skin to a place of lower concentration. The waves that make up the energy packets or wave envelopes consist of combination waves, within the transverse waves are oscillating compression waves.

As the energy packet moving through the skin of the jelly medium approaches the beach, it senses (because it’s aware) the solid mass or denser immovable medium of the earth below, and changes it’s shape according to the varying environments it encounters. As this dynamic becomes critical the skin distorts and bends around the shape of the earth (reef or sandbank), forming the ‘wave’. Once this condition reaches the state of no return the state change from ‘pure’ energy to water falling becomes imminent and then occurs when the jelly falls, crashes into itself and shatters, releasing the delirium in the vortex.

In a sense the skin behaves like a mirror or reflector, reflecting the forces and pressures applied to it in all it’s variables out at ‘sea’, onto the near shore, the manner in which this is done is by sending or transmitting a signal through the skin of the jelly medium.

The jelly is so passive that even when the wave breaks, all it does is fall.

Delirium can only be released when the jelly crashes into itself and shatters.

Delirium is almost as rare as Unobtainium, and is the stoniest version of a natural high.

IT’S THE RELEASE THAT KICKS EVERYTHING IN

On an early morning in October, a crowd of men and women from Phuket’s Thai-Chinese community gather in silence at the temple. At the alter lies an arsenal of steel axes, swords and voodoo skewers alongside statues of Chinese gods. The tension and fear in the room is as thick as the smoke wafting from the burning bowls of incense. Some say they have been called to the temple, chosen by the gods. Others come to receive merit. At first light, they in turn approach the alter, dancing in strange ancient forms until an overwhelming desire to surrender their bodies compels them to slam their hands thunderously onto the alter. It is almost a blasphemous act as if to provoke the spirits, yet it also an invitation for the spirits to take over their bodies. As the focus leaves their eyes, they feel no pain. Strange mutilating acts to ground the possessed body to the material world are performed as dictated by the acting spirit. Those that invite the spirits into the body are called the Mah Song.

Mah is the word for horse in Thai. Mah Song describes how the spirits of Gods occupy the body as vehicles. The Mah Song will often remain in possession well into the night, walking dozens of kilometers to town while offering blessings to homes along the way. Spirits not hosted by the Mah Song are carried in chariots by teams of men who endure being ambushed by firecrackers which keep the spirits at bay. Like many trance and possession ceremonies around the world, The Vegeterian Festival in Phuket is an annual purification rite which redistributes spiritual balance amongst the community, restoring harmony and health.
Alejandro Plesch, January 2012, Bali

Here is a visual voyage about the present Thai Royal soft power.

Something unthinkable in the west but pretty normal in Thailand. The nice example of asian elephant, is an ancient symbol of knowledge and powerful tool to protect the country

For the mother day most images are diplaying Her Majesty. This in Ratchwat market along one of the water ways in Bangkok.

Near temple.

Golden framed and military uniform in Phuket. Please darling, smile!

More golden framed collages. This couple spent at least half hour trying to get the perfect portrait with the King's big pictures background.

A very young Monarch having fun with a camera. Lightbox in Saphan Hin.

Many Thai men spend a voluntary period as monk studing and practicing Buddha's teachings. So did King Rama 9 when He was young. Lightbox in Saphan Hin.

Big lightbox and vintage sepia feeling for a young Monarch talking to His People.

Buddha-like drawing with national pink tone.

Studying example from a big lightbox in Phuket.

The stage layout at the Phuket World Music festival.

A big famous image in lightbox near the Saphan Hin .

Musician example at Phuket World Music Festival.

Sailing example at Phuket World Music Festival.

Oil on Bamboo, Phuket Town.

On your knees and thankful. To understand this you have to look for reasons in Thailand's history. Thailand is one of the few places in Asia that managed to avoid all foreign domination thanks to a rather en-lighted international policy by the Thai Royals back in the colonialism times. It does not sound strange that young people are thankful still today, look what happened to neighboring countries...

It's 5th decenmber. Many hotels and resorts make a little stage, on the road side outside the entrance, with photos, flags and neon lights to honor the King's birthday.

Even in rural Thailand, in the middle of nowhere, you can see big yellow billboards with Royal advertising.

Portugese inspired architecture and love for the King in Phuket old town.

Portaits of the King when young are very popular in Thailand. He's 84 now and not feeling too well.

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Fumes attempts to translate  the various campaign slogans that reveal candidates’ platforms and agendas.

Some Thailand election posters are as big as this unfinished skyscraper...

"Run (Tiger)"... "Meet (Alligator)"... "If you don't want either one of them, mark X near the NO". In Thailand, the members of the House of Representatives get elected not by winner takes all, but by proportional representation. Since there are multiple parties on the ballot, voters are free to check as many boxes as they wish, either "yes" or "no".

Election polls are being held on the 3rd of July, 2554 (which corresponds to the Gregorian year 2011).

"Stop the fire in the country". "Negative violence" (over the photo)

"Good people never die", "Bored (in red)", "Organized assembly (in yellow)", "Candidate n.12 protects your rights."

"Go forward with a plan for the Thai people", "Give more credit and lower interest rates for education and university fees. 250.000 Baht yearly for each student"

"They want to thank you for sending them to international sporting events"

Extreme poverty is still rife, especially in big cities like Bangkok.

"No hidden agendas, no discounts, no exchanges, no bribes, no special sales, we plan to check and control corruption."

"When you need integrity, choose candidate no.5", "Politicians are like diapers, the more you change them the better"

"We can clean up Bangkok together", "this is your chance to do it the proper legal way."

"Vote 'Yes'. Let's move forward for King and capitalism"

"Difficult to choose because they are both deceitful?", "On the 3rd of July if you don't want either of them, put an X next to the 'NO'"

" Throw away animals, don't put them back in parliament", "NO"

"July 3rd, the wake up day, no more lies"

"One point for you", "Stop degradation and extreme colors."

"Please choose Civil Peace Party"

"People should go to work", "We need more prosperity again"

Want to know more about Thailand’s general election?
Read Bbc “Thailand election: Final rallies ahead of Sunday vote”, or The Independent “Thailand braces for uncertain future”

Thailand also has a staggering high population of transsexuals, known as ladyboys or katoey. There are so many katoey in Thailand that they have been recognized as a third gender. This cultural acceptance lies in the tolerant nature of Buddhism, the national religion. Using the notion of Karma, some Thai believe that being a katoey is the result of transgressions in past lives, concluding that katoey deserve pity rather than blame.[8]

Some of the workers featured in this FUMES series are female, some are katoey. You decide.