Once upon a time, when we were drafting and tinkering with the design and editorial profile of this magazine before it was launched, I had already made the observation that American dive magazines focused predominantly on US dive sites, the Caribbean and some Pacific destinations, while European magazines were mainly centred on local dive sites, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, with the occasional mention of the Maldives or Thailand.
Every time I look up into the starry night sky, I cannot help but wonder what other worlds are out there and whether there is life among all those twinkling stars. Are we alone in the universe?
I guess I am just like most people—haven't we all reflected on this most fundamental existential question at some point?
A big thank you to the many who responded positively to my previous editorial about the balance we have to walk to maintain complete editorial independence and integrity while relying on sponsorship and advertising.
To elaborate, sticking to old-school, fact-based, in-depth reporting has been an easy choice. While going against the tide of the media landscape and macro-economic trends presents many challenges, adhering to these virtues provides us with a safe haven, with classic journalistic principles and press ethics providing guidance and a protective framework.
I live very much in the present and appreciate modern technology, gadgets and applications that make my life easier. I do not think of the old days as good, but in some ways, I am quite old-fashioned. I adhere to classic journalism, and I consider it a mission to be an educating communicator. Fluff pieces, short stories without substance and other empty mental calories are just not my thing.
Every time I look up into the starry night sky, I cannot help but wonder what other worlds are out there and whether there is life among all those twinkling stars. Are we alone in the universe?
I guess I am just like most people—haven't we all reflected on this most fundamental existential question at some point?
Autumn is approaching in our hemisphere. In the forests around our city, the deer are in heat, and the stags can be seen fighting for dominance and the right to mate. It can be a dramatic but entertaining spectacle, provided you understand the need to keep a sensible distance from the animals at this time of year.
Every time I look up into the starry night sky, I cannot help but wonder what other worlds are out there and whether there is life among all those twinkling stars. Are we alone in the universe?
I guess I am just like most people—haven't we all reflected on this most fundamental existential question at some point?
Take a close look at this image. When was it taken? Last year, actually, but it could have been 60 years ago. It shows the beach where I spent most of my childhood summers, since I was a toddler, and where I have spent most of my summer holidays ever since. In the photo, it is as if time has stood still. Those kids playing on the sandbar could have been my brother and me as children.
Those of us who were children back when the moon landings were the pinnacle of wonder, fellow old-timers, will know precisely what I mean. (Crikey, that does rather date me, doesn’t it?)
