No News edition 14 - My World

Dear Friends,

Welcome to read the 14th issue of No News. From my childhood printed media has been an obsession for me. Except for the regional newspaper Mathrubhumi, it was rare to get and read variety of news and views. Periodic visit to the local libraries and occasional visitors from outside brought a change to the routine by adding pages of The Hindu or Illustrated Weekly, which was considered for the elite. The quest for reading continued as I grew older. As I moved on, it was happy hunting whenever I travelled to distant parts of India to explore the print media there and the style they released it. It never stopped even after reaching here. Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Gulf Today, and even those smaller editions, some of which died an early death.

Year 2008 saw a remarkable change in the newspaper industry by the release of THE NATIONAL. Print media became much more competitive and what was earlier a quick reading and throwaway task has now become a routine of devotion to complete the pages from start to finish. It is quite a task indeed for those who love to read. Several occasions pages have to be kept aside for week-end readings, which again saw quality output coming in to increase the knowledge power of word. Indeed, word power can be world power and it is one of the reason, I regularly read some columns without ever missing it. Mr. Saleh Al Shaibany was one such writer with Khaleej Times, whose articles brought huge interest amongst readers during his time with KT. Mr. Collin Randall is another journalist who generated literary interest with his commentary on English grammar and it’s usage. Although, very recently he has changed his base from UAE, he has continued his column in THE NATIONAL titled “my word”. As usual he allows debate on definite usage of English language each time. This time it was on the usage of comas and their need while writing.

To be or not to be is a question we ask several times when we write, read or do a thing. It happens in the grammatical usage too. As an advocate of TQM and Positive Thinking thoughts and deeds, I always contemplate for the liberty of right deed towards a right result. No matter whatever you do with orientation towards a positive result for you and the society, do it. In the case of comma too, just like an old person gasping for breadth while running a race as age catches, a comma can be lived with or without in usage styles. It all depends on how you look at things from various angle at different times. For example, if you are in the good books of your management, and you start an activity to control the number of drivers in rotation, it will be projected as brilliant and cost saving. Whereas, if your boss’s wife required a driver and he is not available on time for her due to your cost control measures, you are in line of fire.

Several times what we feel strange may look as necessary for someone and routine for some other. The other day a news item appeared about features of a Toyota Fortuner 4x4 and it’s lady owner who uses it’s ample luggage space for keeping about 40 pairs of her shoes. It was amazing to me. But, when I thought about my own car boot, fitted with a small picnic chair, my own digital camera and video camera kits, tripod, battery chargers, a full fledged First Aid Kit, fire extinguisher set, a pair of cricket bat, stumps, balls, badminton bats and a few bottles of water and a pair of jogging shoes, someone else may think, is he living in his car?.

It is all our on word and world and how we look at things we act up on. Talking about all these accessories, and it’s necessities, it is how we utilise what we have. For me, it is a routine to keep the battery of the photographic equipments fully charged and feel like a solider without his gun if I walk out with my camera battery down. Similar is the case of not carrying a pen, paper and my diary. I believe in the principle that opportunities come only for those who explore it.
An example is the cover page photo which is now an entry competing in the final stages of Malayalamanorama online news photography competition. It was a casual trip to the famous Athirappilli Vazhachaal waterfalls and it was like water and water falls everywhere, but not in a position to drink from anywhere. Splash of water from the falls which formed a stream and resulted in a small collection area was the only source of drinking point for some wild monkeys living in that area. It was his looks in the eyes and the style that captured my attention as he was drinking to save his life from danger of being attacked for fun by the tourists. It came handy now when the newspaper came out with a competition related to the Save Water – Water day on 22nd March. Talking about these competitions also reminds of a sustained effort which is required. A winner will be decided only after continuous online voting opportunities for one month. Contestants have to remain competitive and focussed on the objective of winning to remain in the race.

Winning is not the prime thing but it is to attempt for the win which is significant as far as I am concerned. Life is full of diversities and differentiations for each one of us. However, the space allotted to us is the same each day, i.e. 24hrs x 60 minutes. The weather, job, familial conditions are all in one way or other complemented to cater to our requirements and the resultant achievements signifies how we utilised those precious units.

Take the example of plants in the small balcony my mother maintains at home here. It is the same area for all tenants but we have a huge collection of Thulasi and other flowering plants and now even growing tomatoe, which are ready to harvest. What not?

Coming back to the commas, colons and semis, from the ancient time, “English” and the language has been munificent enough for taking onus to explore the civilisation across and guiding them to peril or prosperity. As in every field, it is how we utilise it each situation. In reality, I believe it is the cause for the true word order or world order which has united distant corner of the universe by it’s singularity and diversity. For me it is always to aim for positive word. I pass it on to you too.

God Bless and have a great week-end.

Ramesh Menon
28032009

www.talentshare.blogspot.com
www.team1uae.blogspot.com
e-mail: team1dubai@gmail.com

Heavy Storm lashes Dubai on Wednesday Night

Watch the video as Dubai is lashed by heavy rain as a storm moves across the UAE on Wednesday night - courtesy GULF NEWS


courtesy: gntv

Team 1 Daily LAWS Dt 24 Mar 2009 - IPL Shifts to South Africa

Team 1 Daily LAWS - Distance from Pleasant to Peasant

Photo Speaks - Following the small steps

Photo Speaks - Following the small steps

No News edition 13 - a few Barbaric Thoughts

Dear Friends,

Welcome to read the 13th issue of No News. It has taken a longer time this time to come out with this issue. The title tries to convey the reason. The thoughts are all there, but it is all mixed up, like the meat coming out of a mincing machine. Activities happening around too does not differ. Day by day, the life and people around getting different. Are we also affected by the global recession? Some months ago, it was the turn of the environmentalists to cry about the global warming. But, the heat is on now with a much higher degree and severity that makes those environmental voices become no cries in the current context.

The week starts and ends at a much higher pace these days and I look forward to the Friday’s as it gives some time to catch up with the leftovers from print media collected over the week. Luckily, these days, the bulk has been reduced and what is available comes out with quality. For some time now, it has been a routine to visit my barber on this free day. The visit has multiple objectives. Muhammad bhai as I call him affectionately is a long timer in Abu Dhabi. With two wives and about 6 children living at his village home in Karachi, he has always some or other story to convey about what has happened during the week in the surrounding locality here and also in his home town. It is a one man show now, as he is waiting for his brother as his reliever to come back from Pakistan and take turn for him to start for his long holiday. However, it seems he has decided not to and Muhammad Bhai is helpless as he finds it difficult for a trustworthy handover. His small saloon is a union for some of his friends, who are now familiar to me and other regulars. One among them is Aslam, who is from Bangladesh. Aslam bhai comes to the shop to watch TV which is situated at one corner of the shop. The moment he enters the shop, Aslam bhai consider it as his own empire and takes possession of his weapon of mass alteration, i.e. the remote control of the TV. From then on, any customer within, will have to watch, one minute Pakistani news, the other minute a Bengali channel and then all the different channels of Zee and in between various Arabic channels. Probably, a problem with his hearing or deliberately not wanting to hear Muhammad bhai’s or others please to stop or reduce the volume, he will continue fiddling on the remote and then finally stops when he gets Sahara channel and the Ramayana or Mahabharata serial playing in it. It doesn’t matter what the previous days episode was, he finds some unknown pleasure in the conversation happening and then we could see him laughing his heart out. In between or at the end, if someone asks him, Aslam bhai, tell us what happened, where are we and what next? He will smile showing all his 20 odd teeth with a gentle answer, If I know, what will happen next, do you think, I will watch it this long? True to him, otherwise, he would have definitely changed the channel.

Many times, the same situation repeated, and I find certain realistic and sincere conversation happening in that Muhammad bhai’s small saloon touching my inner thoughts. While he continues solely with his job, his mobile phone rings repeatedly and looking at the number, he will tell us, this is my first wife and I will call her after I finish your job. He cuts the phone with a short answer in his local dialect. In few minutes again the phone rings and he answer in short sentences, in an altogether different tone for a little longer time with a brighter smile and glowing eyes. Brief but short and he keeps the phone and revert to us saying that it was his younger wife. On one occasion, a channel was showing how various states where getting ready for the forthcoming elections. In some context, they showed the martyrs of the Mumbai attack and among them the neatly cut NSG Commando Sandeep. Seeing him, and with a sigh, he tells me, Ramesh bhai, after certain age, it is only we, barbers, who get to touch the head of a person and pamper him the way ones parents does to a child in his childhood? Probably, he was missing his own children whom he has not seen for a longer time. Definitely, in many ways, Muhammad bhai helped me to open my eyes into un-explored directions each time I visited him.
Life goes on and it’s another bright and sunny morning and it is time to go to school. It is board exam time for my son and to revisit the thoughts of my schooling days and exam times and compare what is happening around now, I didn’t miss this opportunity of dropping my son to his exam centre. Children are the same everywhere, and many of them were seen tensed on the first day and teachers assisting them with last minute doubts and preparations. It was interesting to see many of them seeking blessings from their teachers and parents. With most of the subjects covered, it was the English Exams yesterday, and I found literally all of them very relaxed. What made more interesting thoughts was the conversational style happening around. It seems like most of them are talking in terms of Short Term Memory Loss happening to them, following the recent Hindi movie Gajini.
Wheels of my clock moves faster these days and evening we all gather to watch one particular show these days. It is currently on in the Amrita TV channel and is called Super Talent. Into it’s 3rd round, the show has gained considerable ground in terms of quality approach in presentation by the contestants and the subsequent reviews by elite panel of judges. It is giving it’s worth on time spent before going to bed.

Wining is not always possible. However, if we do not attempt, the probability of a win will be nowhere. In the recent times, I happened to come across two winners in lucky draws. One was a regular e-mail friend, a famous RJ, who won a lucky raffle in the recently concluded DSF draws. Another, happened to be a known person, who won an equally or more amount from a Duty Free Raffle. It is good to see both continuing their life and efforts promoting Positive vibes around. May god bless them to motivate many through their own simple ways.

I am excited to include and inform that quality initiatives are taking a high rate of acceptance from the authorities as well as the news media these days. Government authorities and suggestions sites like www.abudhabi.ae, Dubai Municipality Have Your Say programmes, Dubai RTA, Road Transport Authority of Abu Dhabi, and the news media like THE National and GULF NEWS are coming out with many new initiatives to promote participation of general public and to get their views and suggestions for overall improvement in the society around. Why not spare a few minutes and visit these portals and be a part of the society and it’s progress.

My thoughts are getting complex each time I take my car out on the street. Even with all the campaigns happening, stricter fines and points, some are continuing to seek wild pleasure in showing their might on the street. With cigarette on one hand and phone on the other and legs up or even a child on the lap safety doesn’t seem to be nearer. I feel, they will learn only by getting a chance to visit for themselves the casualty departments of hospitals. Spread the word around, follow the speeding rules do not use mobiles while driving and reach home safe be the mantra to follow.
God Bless and have a great week-end.

Ramesh Menon
19032009
www.talentshare.blogspot.com
e-mail: team1dubai@gmail.com

Indian Consulate to display compassion at bus stops

Indian Consulate to display compassion at bus stops
Praveen Menon / THE NATIONAL

Last Updated: March 16. 2009

The Indian Consulate in Dubai plans to use information signboards at air-conditioned bus shelters to reach out to expats who need help.Signboards with counselling hotline numbers for those suffering from work-related or social stress will soon be displayed in 600 bus shelters across Dubai.The scheme will provide information on the services offered at the consulate and any new initiatives being launched.
At the inauguration of the first bus shelter today, Venu Rajamony, the consul general of India, said: “The idea is to reach out to as many Indians as possible, especially in these times of financial crisis. This is a great opportunity to publicise consulate services and the hotline numbers to those Indians who commute via buses, especially the construction workers and labourers.”Right Angle Media, which is setting up more than 600 bus shelters for the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, offered the free advertising space to the public service. The consulate said the signboards, which will display various hot line numbers, have already been prepared.

Mr Rajamony added that the mission’s initiative is part of its broader effort to help Indians in their time of need. “In these times of financial crisis, it becomes even more vital for Indians to have such information handy. It is part of the wider outreach plan of the consulate to extend help to as many Indians as possible. The consulate officials will be even more proactive and take adequate steps during this period of economic downturn in identifying Indians in their time of need,” said Mr Rajamony. The consulate said the signboards will be in Arabic as well as English.
Indians are the largest expatriate community in Dubai, with Indian men and women working in a range of fields including construction and hospitality. Patrick Chaundy, the president and COO of Right Angle Media, said, “We aim to provide many such public facilities via the outdoor medium which can benefit people living in Dubai.” The consulate said the signboards will display contact numbers for those in need of free counselling for work/social stress (050-9433111); people who need help in the event of a family member’s death during holidays and after office hours (050-7347676); and passport and visa enquiries (600522229).

All signboards will also display the website address of the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority launches website to enhance e-service

Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority launches website to enhance e-service

By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS /Published: March 18, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (Adfca) launched its web portal in an attempt to provide e-service to the public and businesses. Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Adfca, launched the portal at a ceremony at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi late on Tuesday. He also distributed the awards to Adfca employees who excelled in their performance. For more information: www.adfca.ae

Talent Share - March 2009 - Campaign & Themes - A Safe Society

For the month of March 2009, we invite entries from children with the following important themes as the basis of their work:

- Importance of forming a Queue system in public places (taxi and bus stand in particular)
- Dangers of using mobile phones while driving
- Importance of using Pedestrian crossings

Children can draw, color or prepare poster on the above three or all the three and are free to send as many entries as they wish.

Act now and SHARE your child's creative talent to the world around. Send their works with the following details to team1dubai@gmail.com at your convenience:

Name:
Date of Birth:
Class:
School:
Place:
Parents Name:
Contact Telephone No(s):
Contact address : e-mail
Contact Address by Post:

Age group is from 04 to 15 years. However, all the others including Arts & Craft Teachers are welcome to submit their creative contribution.

Any corporate sponsors who appreciate this initiative and wish to support the Talent Share objectives to promote social conscience through the talent and creativity of children may write to me at team1dubai@gmail.com.

This is an initiative created to promote the creative talents of children and has no commercial motives.

Please note that when a creative work comes online, it automatically become an immortal profile for them for use and exhibit at a later point of time.

Sincere regards,

Ramesh Menon
team1dubai@gmail.com

Ready to Bless

A decorated temple elephant waiting for devotees to shower his blessings and in turn their offerings for his and his mahouts daily bread.

Sand Art by Sreekanth and Harish

Just one person can make a difference

3rd Indo Arab Cultural Festival 26th February to 7th March 2009, Abu Dhabi

3rd Indo Arab Cultural Festival organized by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi started yesterday evening with a grand opening. The festival will be held from 26th February till 7th March 2009.

Excerpts of the inaugural function held on Thursday, 26th February 2009 at the Kerala Social Centre premises in Abu Dhabi








More videos and photo uploads follows:

Sri Sudhir Kumar Shetty giving his felicitation speech



Performance Satyana Rangeela by a group of Rajasthani singers







Release of Pravasi – an internal magazine by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi




Sri C Radhakrishnan giving his felicitation speech



Sri D Raja, MP, giving his speech during the inaugural function



Mrs K Ajitha, giving her speech during the inaugural function

It's OJRA re time at Abu Dhabi

From 15th February 2009 Abu Dhabi Bus service is no more free. However, they have introduced an economically viable pricing system for public to travel taking tickets on a daily, monthly basis. The daily/monthly coupons are called OJRA. From the rush within the bus, it seems public find it convenient and useful to travel by these buses, even if they have to pay. So, it's OJRA re time in Abu Dhabi.

Towards and cleaner and healthier environment

Vow!! What a nice view. You must be thinking while looking at the picture immediately below. It was taken from the newly built pedestrian bridge on a Friday morning as soon as it was installed for the use of residents in Tourist Club Area Abu Dhabi.

A casual walk that morning, and it's beauty did not last long. I was really shocked to see the amount of garbage thrown on top of it.

Garbage items thrown carelessly everywhere. How is it possible to create an un-healthy environment so soon. That was my question? A few days passed and I found the amount of garbage increasing. As always, reacting to such issues, I tried to contact the relevant authorities. It didn't turn out to be a waste of effort.


Report in Gulf News - Your Turn community report page.

In an hours time after my email to the Abu Dhabi Municipality authority, the area was totally clean and they were reciprocative to my added request of initiating appropriate guidelines and notices to warn general public of use and misuse.

Thank you Gulf News, THE NATIONAL, ABU DHABI MUNICIPALITY and WWW.ABUDHABI.AE.

It is a different view altogether and happier environment for the public. All the more, we know now, you are live and respond to the well being of the residents.

Dual responsibility in road safety

Do’s and Don’ts When Driving in Foggy Conditions

Do’s and Don’ts When Driving in Foggy Conditions

õ While driving under foggy weather, motorists should reduce the speed gradually and drive at a controlled speed that fits the circumstances.

õ Motorists should make sure that all the lights of the vehicle are in good working condition, the instructions read.

õ They should use low lights as the head lights reflect water drops in the fog, thus making visibility difficult.

õ Motorists are advised to switch on the fog lights if available in the car and be patient avoiding overtaking and changing lanes.

õ The motorists have been advised to follow the traffic signals on the road and drive at the right end of the road and not in the middle.

õ They have also been instructed to leave double space than usual between two vehicles and be vigilant and alert for any possible mishap.

õ While driving under foggy conditions, motorists should keep themselves away from any distractions like mobile phones etc.

õ Motorists should be careful in listening and pay attention to any warnings and the road.

õ While driving, make sure that the window panes and mirrors are clean and use vipers.

õ If the fog is thick, motorists should stop the vehicles away from the road and vehicular traffic and turn the hazard lights on.

õ Motorists are also advised not to stop the vehicle on the road or they could get involved in a mishap leading to a serious pile up.

õ Motorists are advised not to speed, even if the fog starts clearing as the fog can get thick again.

õ One should not try to speed by overtaking a slow moving car and keep an eye on the speed.

õ If a motorist realizes that he is speeding, one should reduce it immediately.

õ Motorists have been advised to use low beam lights in poor visibility conditions.

õ Before starting a journey, motorists are advised to listen to the weather forecast bulletin and the condition of traffic.

õ They are advised to cancel the journey until the situation improves, the instructions said.

courtesy: Khaleej Times

Drunk driver gets co-driver jailed

Drunk driver gets co-driver jailed
By: Aditya Anand for Mid Day Mumbai

Mumbai:
The next time you are traveling with friends and know that the person at the wheel is drunk better stop him. Or else face the consequences.

In a first of its kind incident since Mumbai traffic police initiated the anti-drink-and-drive campaign in 2007, a co-passenger was booked and later ordered a day's simple imprisonment by the court for being aware that the driver was drunk and yet did not stop him from taking to the wheel.

Traffic police inspector, Mulund, Vinay Bagade informed that on February 4, the traffic police, during the anti-drink-and-drive campaign at Modella Check Naka in Mulund flagged down a Maruti Swift for checking.

As the driver Yogesh Bhoir (21) tested positive, the co-passenger Lokesh Gholap (22) was asked if he was aware that the driver had consumed alcohol; and he was violating the law by driving in a drunken condition. To this the co-passenger replied in the affirmative. Hence, the driver was booked under section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) and the co-passenger was booked under section 188 of the MVA.

Interestingly, Bhoir also did not possess a driving license. Since the duo abstained from visiting the court on February 5 summons were issued and they reported to the court on Wednesday.

Section 188 of the MVA, 1988 reads "Whoever abets the commission of an offence under section 184, 185 or 186 shall be punishable with the punishment provided for the offence."

Section 185 provides for a fine of up to Rs 2,000, suspension of driving license for minimum six months and; or imprisonment up to 6 months.

Book release - Cadeau - a guide to NRIs in UAE

Innovative and creative marriage invitation

I came across this innovative invitation the other day. Impressive.

I sincerely wish the couple a happy and blissful married life with the prayers and saying "the decision you make today are your tomorrow's destiny".

Motivation man sets 37th record

Motivation man sets 37th record

Express News Service First Published : 26 Jan 2009 02:56:00 AM Last Updated : 26 Jan 2009 BANGALORE:

Adding another feather to his cap, Guinness and Limca Book of Records holder S Ramesh Babu has set his 37th world record by motivating 1,00,154 Indians.

Babu told reporters here on Saturday that it took nine-and-a-half years through his 715 lecture programmes that were conducted in 220 institutions in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to establish the record.

Ramesh Babu, founder director of ‘Top of the World Centre for Excellence’, said that the main objective of the centre was to motivate people to excel in their chosen fields of interest by making them realise their potentials through 31 tailormade workshop modules developed by him.

The motivational programmes were held for students, teachers, parents, corporate employees and general public. Babu, who has received over 50,000 written feedback from his workshop participants, also delivered motivational lectures to people in rural areas and economically weaker sections. On January 7, Babu crossed the target of motivating one lakh people, achieving the unique record feat in just nine-and-a-half years, six months ahead of his set time target.

With this 37th world record, the total tally of his records now stand at 44, which include seven national records.

The Limca Book of Records has recognised Babu as the highest world records holder in India.

“The record set now will be sent to both Guinness and Limca Book of Records later this month and will become official in the coming edition of the Limca Book of Records,” Babu said.

Invitation to Participate in Talent Share initiatives for January 2009

Act now and SHARE your child's creative talent to the world around. Send their works with the following details to team1dubai@gmail.com at your convenience:

Name:
Date of Birth:
Class:
School:
Place:
Parents Name:
Contact Telephone No(s):
Contact address : e-mail
Contact Address by Post:

Age group is from 04 to 15 years. However, all the others including Arts & Craft Teachers are welcome to submit their creative contribution.

All participating children will get suitably rewards courtesy goodwill of some corporates who appreciate this initiative.

More parties who are interested to support the Talent Share initiatives may write to me at team1dubai@gmail.com.

Please note this is an initiative created to promote the creative talents of children and has no commercial motives.

Invitation to Participate in Talent Share initiatives for January 2009

Invitation to Participate in Talent Share initiatives for January 2009

Act now and SHARE your child's creative talent to the world around. Send their works with the following details to team1dubai@gmail.com at your convenience:

Name:
Date of Birth:
Class:
School:
Place:
Parents Name:
Contact Telephone No(s):
Contact address : e-mail
Contact Address by Post:

Age group is from 04 to 15 years. However, all the others including Arts & Teachers are welcome to submit their creative contribution.

All participating children will get suitably rewards courtesy goodwill of some corporates who appreciate this initiative.

More parties who are interested to support the Talent Share initiatives may write to me at team1dubai@gmail.com.

Please note this is an initiative created to promote the creative talents of children and has no commercial motives.

Photo Speaks - A bright and cool morning

Keep track of Abu Dhabi Bus routes and it's progresss

Dear all,

The link below is the best suitable for keeping track of the progress of Abu Dhabi Bus.
The National Newspaper

Careers at THE NATIONAL

What an interesting progress by THE NATIONAL. From today onwards, they have a Careers page on Tuesday and Thursday. With the network and reach I am sure job seekers will have plenty of potential and real job openings in the region listed. Good going and keep coming out with more specials

Urgent Call for Action to Help the Children of Gaza

Dear Volunteer,

Dubai Cares is joining a united front of UAE-based relief and charitable organizations to pledge humanitarian assistance and mobilize the UAE community to help alleviate the suffering of children in Gaza. There are approximately 275,000 students of primary school age in Gaza and Dubai Cares is asking for your help to support them in this time of need.

Here’s how you can help. Dubai Cares is currently recruiting volunteers to help package 50,000 basic school kits and 50,000 hygiene kits for the Children of Gaza. Approximately 150 participants are needed each day for this event as we are aiming to assemble approximately 10,000 kits a day. We would be honored if you could join us.

Dubai Cares will supply all of the items required for the kits and we need your help to pack and prepare them for shipping to the children of Gaza.

Date: Wednesday, January 14 through January 20, 2009

Venue: DIFC (Emperor Hall)

Timing(s):

· Weekdays: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

· Friday January 16, 2009: 2:00 -6:00 p.m.

· Saturday January 17, 2009: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.


You are welcome to join us anytime. Please bring your friends and family to the venue during our working hours and we will put you to work. You can also help us spread the word by forwarding this email to others who you believe may want to help. We will have snacks and beverages available.

Should you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at Gaza@dubaicares.ae .

We hope you will be able to join with us to show solidarity for the children of Gaza.

Sincerely,

The Dubai Cares Team

Dubai Ruler promotes Lootah as director general of municipality

Dubai Ruler promotes Lootah as director general of municipality
By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter GULF NEWS Published: January 07, 2009, 12:30

Dubai: The Quran Park, shaded walkways and rooftop greenery are some of the new projects approved by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Mohammad approved the projects after his visit to Dubai Municipality where he was given a presentation on the projects by the civic body's chief engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah.

Shaikh Mohammad also promoted Lootah, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, to Director-General.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, was present on the occasion.

Lootah explained the components and targets of the vital projects including the Quran Park in Khawaneej. Shaikh Mohammad issued instructions to commence the implementation of the projects. He also approved the development of markets in remote areas.

Shaikh Mohammad expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the municipality and its capable Emirati employees.

The promotion came as a reward for the sincere efforts and constructive ideas of Lootah, who contributed to enhance the standard of civic services and oversaw the implementation of several ambitious projects.

Lootah expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the trust placed in him by Shaikh Mohammad.

He vowed that he would spare no effort to serve the nation and people. He noted that the municipality would go ahead and implement its development and service projects in the best interests of the nation.

As acting director-general of the Municipality, Lootah unveiled a strategic plan for the civic body (2007-2011) which was coordinated with the Dubai Strategic Plan for 2015.

His accomplishments during this period also included signing of twinning or partnership agreements with several cities worldwide including Barcelona (Spain), Busan (South Korea), Qingdao (China), and Lyon (France). He also signed strategic deals with local and federal agencies.

Works of impact

- Quran Park: The park to be built in the Khawaneej area will be the first educational cultural park of its kind. The 65-hectare park will be designed in a traditional way with pedestrian and cycling paths.

- Al Nahda and Al Mamzar Corniche developments: A pedestrian bridge will connect Al Nahda and Mamzar parks.

- Shaded pedestrian walks: The project aims to provide cool walkways for pedestrians on a number of open roads and markets.

Able administrator

Engineer Hussain Lootah has been appointed Director-General of Dubai Municipality.

As Acting Director General, Lootah managed the civic body, helped by a team of six assistants, who heads sectors consisting of 20 departments. Three departments and an independent office and section reported to him directly.

A civil engineering graduate from the US, Lootah began his career as an engineer with the Federal Ministry for Electricity and Water. He joined the municipality in 1985 as assistant head of a section, and was later promoted Drainage Department head.

He was appointed assistant director-general for Environment and Public Health Affairs with the departments of Public Health, Environment, Public Parks and Horticulture and Drainage and Irrigation reporting to him. In 2004, he was made the assistant director-general for Planning and Building Affairs to look after departments of the Planning and Survey, Building and Government Housing, Geographical Information Systems Centre and Statistics Centre.

Personal Note:
As a person who regularly participate in the HAVE YOUR SAY programme of Dubai Municipality and having been selected for the award from them for the last two years consecutively, I personally have very high regards for the efficient Administrative style and Innovative approach of Mr. Lootah. I wish him achieve many maure laurels in the coming years.

Ramesh Menon
08 01 2009

Visa medical centres witness big rush

Visa medical centres witness big rush
By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: January 07, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Disease Prevention and Screening Centres in Abu Dhabi and Musafah under the Abu Dhabi Health Services (SEHA) are experiencing long queues of applicants after announcing that medical checkups for visas will be done by them only.

They will offer extra services to keep up with an average of 3,000 people a day since they opened on January 5, Gulf News was told.

The first day witnessed a long queue of approximately 3,000 visa seekers and the number increased the next day to 3,200.

Dr Zainab Khazaal, the centres' manager, said that new and important steps are underway to ensure a smooth and fast experience for applicants.

One step is an express line for an extra Dh100 which will enable applicants to move rapidly through the process and this is due to begin in a few weeks.

Mobile clinics

"The procedure of taking the blood test, an X-ray and a general examination shouldn't take more than half an hour in the express line," she said.

Mobile clinics will also be introduced between June and September which will perform medical tests at a person's doorstep.

The long queues in the last few days were due to the time of the year, said Zainab. "It's the beginning of January, the beginning of the week and after a long vacation when both private and public companies were off, the large volume numbers were expected."

Hours

Before introducing medical checkup options for visa applicants, the centre operated from 7am to 3pm five days a week.

The timings increased from 7am to 6pm by November and again an extra hour was introduced in January (from 7am to 7pm six days a week, and on Saturdays by appointment only).

Ramesh Menon, who works in his company's paperwork legalisation process, said one of his co-workers arrived at the centre at 9am on Monday and waited in line without success.

"The next day she made it a point to reach the centre at 6.30am...she managed to finish everything by 11am, which given the pressure the centre is undergoing, is perfectly understandable," Menon said.

Availability

List of personnel

Staff members in the Abu Dhabi and Musafah Disease Prevention and Screening Centres:

- 15 screening physicians

- 13 X-ray technicians

-32 blood collection and laboratory staff

-30 clerks

UK scholarship for maid’s daughter

UK scholarship for maid’s daughter
Kiran Wadhwa, Hindustan Times Mumbai, January 08, 2009

Varalaxmi Pillai can probably be the best brand ambassador for Mumbai as the city of dreams. This 21-year-old’s luggage occupies quite a bit of her tiny Kanjurmarg house.

She is preparing for her first trip abroad. She will be flying to London to start her one-year masters programme in international management, something that no one in her family had ever dreamed of. Her father, a factory worker, passed
away when she was five and her mother worked as a domestic help.

Two months ago she filled out an application for the University of Westminster with her qualifications and wrote out an essay with her goals. “All through my study years I had to depend on others for my textbooks and occasionally even clothes but now I my dreams have been realised,” she said.

After her father’s death, Meher Moos, India’s intrepid traveller now a consultant with Thomas Cook, became her guardian and helped get her funds for her education. They were borne largely by the Thodumal Shahani Trust and other beneficiaries.

She is also one of the first to receive the Sheriff’s Scholarship, which was instituted by Sheriff Indu Shahani in collaboration with universities in the UK and US.

Amrita TV Forum - TOP 10 Posters Award for 2008

Gulf News bags environment award

Gulf News bags environment award
By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporter 06 January 2009

Dubai: The "Go Green" campaign has earned Gulf News a prestigious award for its coverage of environmental pollution, events and initiatives in the UAE.

The Outstanding Environmental Publication award will be presented to Gulf News next week as part of the Environment, Health and Safety Awards 2008 organised by the Ports, Customs and Freezone.

The newspaper has been recognised for its continuous efforts to create awareness about environmental issues. It carried articles on the environment and engaged in public outreach and dialogue with readers.

Gulf News Editor-in- Chief Abdul Hamid Ahmad said the award was appreciated and environmental issues here and internationally will continue to be reported on.

Gulf News initiated the "Go Green" campaign on the heels of its "Say No To Plastic Bag" drive, which supported the reduction in use of plastic in daily life.

During eight months of awareness-building within the community, jute bags were distributed to its readers.

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Environment/10273115.html

Congratulations GULF NEWS

Now, 'Naga chilly' to scare away wild elephants

Now, 'Naga chilly' to scare away wild elephants
5 Jan 2009,PTI

SHILLONG: The world's hottest chilly, 'Naga chilly', or 'bhoot jolokia' in Assamese dialect, could be the latest weapon against marauding wild elephants who have wrecked havoc in many parts of Northeast.

'Bhoot jolokia', a chilly pepper that grows mostly in Assam, has shot to limelight after the DRDO developed a non-lethal grenade from it that could be used in anti-terrorist operations.

The DRDO and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are now working on developing the 'chilly' into a powder that could be coated on fences and ropes to scare away wild pachyderms.

"Two months back, a WWF experiment observed that the chilly could be a good scaring material. Its' powder when coated on fences and ropes that are erected on routes of the elephants can scare away the giants," RP Srivastava, director of the Tezpur laboratory of DRDO said.

He said trials are being proposed on the experiment soon, and the DRDO and WWF are working to come up with an effective substance that can help in mitigating man-elephant conflict.

The 'bhoot jolokia' has been branded as the world's hottest chilly with the pungency of 855000 scoville units, that is nearly double the scale of Mexican chilly.

It is used as a cure for stomach ailments and as a remedy to summer heat, presumably by inducing perspiration.

The DRDO says that the chilly also has qualities that can give physiological impetus, especially to security forces deployed in high altitude areas.

A recent discussion on recession and it's affects

A recent discussion I came across on recession. Thought of sharing it with you.

*******

A reply to it:

Thank you for the mail on actionable insights to prepare for the
recession. I wish to differ on certain points mentioned by the
"financial consultant"

First of all, Recession means different things to each person as a
Businessman, Investor or employee

To the Investors, it is the best time to buy (or invest). During
recession precious land becomes affordable, cost of construction
becomes less. So if you, as an investor is planning to invest in a new
project that involves construction works, this is the best time. This
is becuase, a typical construction of mall, factory or a resort takes
about 1.5 to 2 years in India. The recession will be over in say 1-2
years. So your new business will be opening up at a time when the
economy is recovering. And if you are planning to invest in already
established businesses (instead of new ventures), this is still a good
time. This is because, in good times the promoters of this business
will ask you for a heavy goodwill amount. In recession, even the best
companies may have cash flow problems and may be willing to bring in
equity at investors terms. And once the recession is over, these
companies will get back to form. (Recession has happened many times,
infact it is a cycle, so dont think of recession as a Tsunami that
wipes out everything).

To the businessmen, recession can be a bad time or a good time, based
on what thier position is. To begin with there are some industries
that do good when others do badly. You just have to search out for
those sectors. Recession can be bad to a business that has heavy
overheads and its business is dependant on other businesses which
might get a bad kick from recession. Businesses with good cash
reserves should hold on to thier cash, as they can expect red figures
in the profit loss account for few months to come. It is a good time,
for them to eliminate fat (both in terms of bad staff and unproductive
assets). When the times are good, businesses seldom care about best
practices and efficiency. I was involved with a factory during a
downturn period, and in order to survive, we had to take extreme
measures with regards staff management, implementation of new
machineries and all kind of best practices (much aganist our will) to
survive. To finance these we had to merge with a competitor as well.
Bad times made that business so strong, that in 2008 (when the global
economy calls it a bad year), they made a record profit and became
market leader in thier sector. So if we take the recession properly,
it is a good time, to make a business strong.

To the Employees, recession can be good and bad, again. Lazy and
unproductive employees will have a hard time holding on to thier jobs
and in case they lose thier jobs, it will be difficult to get a new
one. One good thing about employment market during recession,
especially in India, is that I am hoping to see "job hopping" slow
down. But recession is a good time, for loyal, hardworking staff to
show thier worth to the company. By working more than others, by
accepting mangement decisions, by perhaps sacrificing bit of thier
salaries, these employees can show to management, they are soldiers
they can count on. And they will be most visible. These employees,
have a better chance to get promotions and upgradation in salaries
during the good times.

My comments where I disagree to the previous mail, are ;

1. Dont sell your stocks, if you can afford to keep them for 1- 2
years. Most of the stocks are now trading below thier intrinsic value.
By selling them at loss now, you will buy them at even higher cost
later on. So hold on to them. Put your shares in locker and go to
sleep. Wake up after 2 years, to see its price. On a different note, I
dont recommend day trading to anyone, its almost like gambling. With
stocks you should buy and sell, with long term view.

2. I dont agree to not investing, for reasons I have mentioned above.

3. Dont sell your assets now, the price is Below its real value. Wait
for 2 years for boom to start again.

This are my views. About me, I am the CEO of a Venture Consulting firm
based in Calicut (Kerala). I did my masters in Finance and Investment
from Exeter University, UK. I have been in Gulf for many years. I had
worked at german strategy advisory firm (Dubai), as consultant.
At Capella, we advice investors on investing in various of projects,
by conducting business research, preparing project reports, business
plans, business counselling and venture project management.


Forwarded e-mail
As forwarded by a financial consultant, in Dubai.

>> *Recession is coming... make your own judgment, don't panic! Do
what is wise.
The recession looks very eminent. It is really time to take pro active
steps to avoid a painful time in the next two years which is how long the
recession is expected to last.

> Suggestions:

> 1. Don't take any loans; buy homes, properties with loans, or even cash. Keep as much cash as possible.

> 2. Pay off as much of personal loans, private loans, as debt collection
will be hastened.

> 3. Sell any stocks you can even at lower prices.

> 4. Take money off from Trust Funds.

> 5. Don't believe in huge sales forecast from customers, be extremely
prudent, lowest inventories, reduce liabilities.

> 6. Don't invest in new capital.

> 7. If you are selling homes/ properties/ cars, do it now, when you can get good prices, they are going to fall.

> 8. Don't invest in new business proposals.

> 9. Cancel holiday plans using credit cards.

> 10. Don't change jobs, as companies will retrench based on 'last in first
out'.

Stay cool, wait, and if you took all of the above actions and more, you
probably will be better off then many. This is not a rumor.
Bear Stearns is the first of many banking and financial institutions that
will start falling in the not too future. If Bear Stearns can fall, so can
JP Morgan, Citibank, HSBC, and the whole world. US economy falls, the rest will crumble.

India and all those self economies will be the most protected, but not
gullible.

Europe may be a little stronger, but not China, another giant place!
Malaysia will see significant impact.

> Be alert and pass this to your friends!!!*

Bangalore IT pros take survival training

Bangalore IT pros take survival training
BR Srikanth, Hindustan Times

Software professionals like Anoop Ramakrishnan, 24, and many others in the tech industry in Bangalore are picking up new survival skills — not to endure the economic gloom, but to survive a terror attack or a hostage crisis.

Following the recent terror attacks, techies are queuing up to be trained in anti-terror and hostage survival techniques being imparted as part of Krav Maga, an Israeli school of self-defence and combat tactics.

They are being taught how to hold their nerve during a terror attack, ensure minimum injury, how to escape a fire, and avoid being trapped in a stampede during evacuation.

Said Anoop, software professional at Sasken Communications: “We are here to learn to minimise casualties through the concept of muscle memory — that is how not to panic but train our muscles to move quickly and save ourselves during an attack.” He has been urging colleagues and friends to take these lessons too.

Ditto with Ashish Puri, of Cisco Systems, who is also taking the training. “I have persuaded seven-eight colleagues to join these workshops,” he said.

Frank JW, the instructor and in-charge of Bangalore chapter of International Krav Maga Federation, said: “I am currently training 75 people in Bangalore. Most are from the IT industry.”

Frank said the training sessions are not intended to make “everyone a Superman” but to teach techniques that can come handy — like lying flat on the floor to escape bullets. At Rs 250 a person for two hours, the anti-terror survival model is certainly worth trying.

Things You Should Know

Things You Should Know

4 January 2009 KHALEEJ TIMES

RTA statistics show that the number of students in government schools is 28,108 in 92schools. Out of this, 63 per cent (17,651) of the students use school buses.

In private schools, 1,36,738 students study in 123 schools. Out of this, only 61 per cent (83, 798) students use school buses. Also, the number of buses in private schools is 1,934, while the number for government schools stand at 235.

The alarming fact is that 1,350 school bus drivers and 1,700 male and female attendants have not received any special training regarding transportation of students. Again, 613 school buses do not have safety belts in them. Around 27 per cent of Dubai schools do not have separate entries and exits for buses. There have been 81 mishaps involving school buses this year causing one death and six injuries.

Important School Bus Regulations

* All school buses have to be yellow in colour with the term ‘School Bus’ written in Arabic and English languages between the bus headlights, uppermost part of the bus, the rear sides and on middle of both sides of the bus. The name of the school or name of the operating company should also be mentioned.
* All buses should have an electronic ‘Stop’ arm on the external side just beneath the drivers’ door. Such an ‘arm’ comes out electronically and includes two red flashers which flash when the bus stops.
* The bus windows should open towards the upper side only and should not consist of any iron or steel bars. The windows should be tinted at 50 per cent.
* There should not be any foldable seats in the buses. The bus passageway should be empty without any obstacles. There should not be hand rests, ashtrays in or behind the seats.
* There should be adequate space for storing the bags. The spaces should be safe and in no way, should bags fall down in case of an emergency. The bus passageways must be covered by a layer of uninflammable and anti-slippery rubber. There must be electronic doors which can be open or closed only by the drivers.
* The maximum speed of the buses must not exceed 80km per hour. There must be a speed controlling system in the same connection.
* Seat belts must be available for all the seats. The buses should have fire extinguishers and first aid kit. The buses must have emergency exits according to the bus capacity with indicators and without any obstacles.
* Who Can be a School Bus Driver
The person should be a holder of a heavy bus driving licence and has to register and attend the training and test. He should be at least 25 years old with no criminal records. He must also submit a health certificate.
* The driver must speak either English or Arabic to pass the theory test conducted by the authority.
* The permit issued to a driver will be valid for one year after which needs to be renewed again. For this, he again has to undertake training and a test.
* The driver must wear a clean uniform and should not be eat or drink during trips.
All schools have to provide transportation for the students. Adequate transportation must also be provided to the handicapped students.
* Schools have to appoint an officer responsible for school buses. His contract details must be with the authority and the parents. Schools must also designate the student’s seat in each bus. The rear seats of the bus must be only for the female students. The front seats will be for males. • Schools must ensure that there is a maintenance schedule for each bus. The schools must also ensure that drivers are send to the training courses.

Too much TV can be risky for kids

Too much TV can be risky for kids
1 Jan 2009, ANI

MELBOURNE: A new study has found that too much television during school holidays can put children at greater health risks.

In the study over 4500 Australian school children, the researchers found that they were spending 70 pct of their time sitting in front of TV screens during holidays.
Moreover, 10 per cent of boys are "extreme screeners" - glued to a screen for 7.5 hours a day.

Study author and University of South Australia Professor Tim Olds has warned parents to keep their children away from screens these holidays.

"Don't put a TV in their room, switch it off when it's not being used and make rules around watching TV, using computers and playing games," the Courier Mail quoted Professor Olds as saying.

"It seems (from the health data collected in the study) to be more important to get kids away from the screen than getting them to run around," he added.

The study also found that obese or poor children generally spent more time watching screens than their thinner or wealthier peers.

It also showed that girls spent 30 to 60 minutes less a day watching a TV or computer, but their health became poorer as they moved through their teens and became less active than boys.

Professor Olds said fewer students now walked or cycled to school.

"This research highlights how important it is that parents encourage children to be active during the holiday periods," he added.

Team 1 Daily LAWS dt 02 Jan 2009 - Changings faces of education

Team 1 Daily LAWS dt 01st Jan 2009 - Young Times comes to an end