Articles

  • Share this Share
  • PrintPrint

Although digital technology and access is changing the use of our written world, we were proud to start our communication through the Journal. This wonderful “printed” blog approach came mostly from the editorial direction and pen of Scott Skinner, Ali Fujino, and our man in the field, Ben Ruhe. From years of Journal publications, we changed the format to be not a few individuals' view but to have individuals of the kite community use their own words to bring forth something innovative and exciting about the world of kites. Enter the current edited version of Discourse by Katie Davis, Scott Skinner, and Ali Fujino. Below are archived articles from both the Journal and Discourse.

Most Recent Articles

  • Music in the Indonesian Sky: Report on a Kite Festival in Beautiful Bali
    Because of Indonesia's current problems, the decision to hold the festival in the beautiful town of Sanur, Bali could not be made until two weeks before the starting date. At such short notice, less than a dozen international participants were able to join in the mid-year event. Guests came from Brunei, Singapore, Japan, France, Austria, Holland, and the U.S. Bali itself was more than well represented.
    Read more
  • Famed Blue Hill Observatory Reopens to Public
    In continuous operation since 1885, the Blue Hill Observatory near Boston had a rebirth this spring as a weather museum and science center. After a $1.3 million renovation, it reopened to the public with private educational foundation status. Blue Hill almost from its inception had been associated with Harvard University but that connection was severed some years ago in a cost-cutting move by the university.
    Read more
  • The Royal Kites of Thailand: Battle of the Sexes Staged in Bangkok Skies
    THE COMPETITION: The Chulas and Pakpaos engage in an annual battle of the sexes at Sanam Luang, the Royal Parade Grounds next to and directly north of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Kiteflying from March 15 to April 15 is the time when winds-"kite winds"-blow from the south. The due north orientation of the venue and the way the winds blow over the palace provide excellent flying conditions.
    Read more
  • About Drachen's New Thai Collection
    The collection of Thai royal kites Ron Spaulding of Bangkok put together for The Drachen Foundation is notable because it is the first time the Foundation has gone out and actively sought to obtain a comprehensive collection of kites from a given tradition, complete with all the accessories used to fly them, the tools to craft them, as well as samples of native materials used in their manufacture.
    Read more
  • The Discovery of the Holy Grail: (And How It Can Help The Drachen Foundation)
    Like it or not, the collector is just below the surface in everything I do. When making kites, I'm influenced by historical examples from East to West; when watching kites, I'm drawn to those I'd like to own; and when reading about kites I'm struck by images and articles that I'd love to have original copies of. Having a day to myself in Salt Lake City, recently, I was hoping to make a trek down to Provo to an Oriental antiques store that I had heard good things about. In calling for directions however, I found that their number had been disconnected-not a good sign.
    Read more