Team 1 Best of Talents - Quality Appreciation 2008

Dear Friends who love words, graphics, sound & music,

Year 2008 have been very topsy turvy for many. However, for some of us who remained with a creative outlook, the year has been as productive or more.

As a freelancer and as a promoter of TQM & Positive Thinking values, I sincerely like to appreciate all those untiring and thankless efforts and pass on my appreciation to some members who came into prominence during the year 2008. In due course I will upload many of the commendable works by them which motivated me many times and inspired me to come out with an initiative of this sort.

I hope this initiative will be an inspiration for all the friends from media and it is an assurance that there are people who closely watch your work and appreciate your efforts. In 2009, I wish the list gets bigger and better and I hope all readers could form an opinion poll and evaluate it well in advance.

Sincere regards and All the very best,

Ramesh Menon

Venus, Moon conjunction on New Year's Eve

Venus, Moon conjunction on New Year's Eve

New Delhi, Dec 30 : As the sun goes down Wednesday evening, two of the brightest objects in the winter sky - Venus and Moon - will get together to bid farewell to 2008.

A beautiful conjunction of Venus and the slender crescent Moon will be visible in the southwestern sky for hours after sunset on New Year's Eve.

"The winter sky is very clear and you can have a spectacular vision of the celestial activity even with naked eyes," Nehru Planetarium director N. Rathnasree told IANS.

"Venus blazes high and alone in the western sky at dusk. It will remain a beacon in sky throughout January, shining brighter than any other dot of light in the sky," Rathnashree added.

Venus and Jupiter spent all of December 2008 blazing away in the western sunset sky. At the start of December, the two planets were side by side. Then, day by day, throughout December, they drifted apart.

"Watching Venus and Moon in conjunction is a wonderful way to end the new year," said amateur astronaut Avinash Gupta.

No News edition 11 - 2009 - a long walk ahead

No News edition 11 - 2009 - a long walk ahead

Photo Speaks - Wish you all a Blessed New Year

Abu Dhabi Bus - Enjoy & Utilise free ride - extended till March

Anti Commercial Counterfeiting Exhibition at Abu Dhabi Mall

Anti Commercial Counterfeiting Exhibition at Abu Dhabi Mall by Department of Planning & Economy.

ചിന്ത നിറയെ ബഹിരാകാശം - മനസ്സു നിറയെ സംഗീതം - Dr. രാധാകൃഷ്ണന്‍

ചിന്ത നിറയെ ബഹിരാകാശം - മനസ്സു നിറയെ സംഗീതം - Dr. രാധാകൃഷ്ണന്‍

റിയാലിറ്റി ഷോകളുടെ സമ്മാനത്തുക കുറയ്ക്കണം - ശ്രീനിവാസ്

കാര്യം ശരിയാണ് എങ്കിലും - കിട്ടാത്ത മുന്തിരി പുളിക്കും എന്നൊരു ചൊല്ലും ഉണ്ട്

മലയാളിയുടെ നേതൃത്വത്തില്‍ വികസിപ്പിച്ച ഗവേഷണത്തിന് അംഗീകാരം

Expats Prefer Sending Money Home over New Year Bash

Expats Prefer Sending Money Home over New Year Bash
Lily B. Libo-on KT photos by Mukesh Kamal 29 December 2008

DUBAI - In normal times, expatriates here would have loved to celebrate the New Year.However, these are not normal times. The impact of the recession on the UAE has made them think twice before spending their hard-earned money on festivities.

So, they are sending money home.

Lorie, a 25-year-old Filipino, is living with her entire family in Sharjah. But, she said her family took a painful decision of not celebrating the holiday 
season. “We always celebrate Christmas and New Year. But, two of my brothers have lost their jobs due to the economic crisis creeping into the UAE companies. We need to save a lot for the coming days. We have to send money home for their young kids to continue schooling. This is a bad year for us.”

Daya, a 50-year-old Sri Lankan expatriate who has been working in Dubai for 14 years, says she would forego her usual annual buying of new clothes and jewellery for the New Year celebration.

“I will not even celebrate by preparing food for friends and families because my husband is down with cancer. He has been in the hospital for the past three months. I am on my way to my brother’s house to pass on medicines and cash to be hand-carried to Sri Lanka by his mother-in-law. My husband needs this more than the exotic food and new clothing,” she said tearfully.

She spoke highly of her Indian employers because of their understanding of her situation.

They increased her salary and, even bought her medicines. “I am so thankful I have this kind sponsor,” she added.

Mohammed Hassan, 31, said he preferred to send money to his family back home.

“Even if I wanted to celebrate, I could not do it. My family needs the money more than me. What is the use of celebrating if your family will be starving back home? This is not the time to buy new clothes and excellent food to celebrate. Things have changed. Food is costly now. Rents are rising. I have to save,” he stressed.

Similarly, Wiji, 50, said his family back in Sri Lanka always celebrate the New Year by going to the Buddhist temple, preparing food for friends and families, and buying new sets of clothes to wear specially on New Year. “But, here, it is not important anymore because my family is not with me,” Wiji said.

Daya, Hassan, Wiji and Lorie belong to different backgrounds and traditionally, they celebrate New Year. But, now, all are in unison saying, family comes first, before celebration.

Asanas for reconditioning the nervous system

Asanas for reconditioning the nervous system

Express Features : 20 Dec 2008

The brain & the spinal cord along with the nerves emanating constitute the nervous system of the body.

The nervous system is divided into two main systems; the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord.

The brain keeps the body in order. Its main job is to get the information from the body and send out instructions.

Peripheral nervous system consists of all other neural elements. Cranial nerves, spinal nerves & many other micro nerves start in the rear of the backbone & spread through a nerves net work & terminate in the brain.

A healthy central nervous system (brain and spine), healthy glands and healthy internal organs are the secret of vitality and rejuvenation & enable one to remain level headed in stressful situations.

The power & activeness of the body depends on the power & activeness of the brain.

Yogasanasa, Pranayama & Meditation contribute a lot for maintaining a healthy, active & powerful brain.

The following sets of four Asanas are very helpful to pump in blood to the brain & the spinal cord in extra quantity & add energy for all round development of the body & the mind.

UTTANPADASANA 30 DEGREES Lie flat on your back on the mat with legs straight. Place the arms close to the body with the palms facing downwards. Make sure the whole body is relaxed.

Inhale & raise your legs off the floor to 30 degrees, just two feet above the floor.

Hold it there for minimum ten counts or according to your body capacity. Then while exhaling, bring the legs back to the floor.

NAUKASANA (Same lying down position) Now extend your arms over the head. Take deep breath & lift your arms, shoulders and head from one side and lift both the legs right from thighs from the other side just few inches above the floor. Raising the body from both sides should look like the shape of a boat. Hold it there for some time.

URDHVANAUKASANA Now from second Asana (Naukasana), you are coming into Urdhvanaukasana.

Without any jerk or sudden force, inhale; gently sit up on your hips with arms up in the front. In this position, you are extending the arms in the front & legs are upward. Hold it there for some time.

DRONASANA From the third Asana you are coming into Dronasana. Just hold the legs & try to touch the knees with the forehead. Hold it there for some time. Then relax. Repeat the set of these four Asanas 3-5 times.

NOTE If you feel shakiness in the legs or your nervous system is weak, you can take support of the wall for all these Asanas. Those suffering from hypertension, heart disease, spondilitis & people who have been operated on abdomen should consult an expert before practicing it. In case of any query, contact: Dr Rita Khanna Mobile: 09849772485 Ph:-040-65173344 Email: ritukhanna57@hotmail.com

The Spirit of Zen

The Spirit of Zen

S BS Surendran 25 Dec 2008 for Express Buzz
KOCHI: The adaptation of Zen-feng shui in our homes especially in gardens enhances the positive 'chi' of the building. We spend a lifetime earning and trying to meet up with our materialistic requirements and when we decide on investing in a property be it an independent home or apartment, we try to invest in a space which ushers in prosperity and happiness into our lives.

In simpler terms zen is understanding yourself and your environment.

The same philosophy exists in feng shui too. Merely placing objects or correcting a space without the positive affirmation or clear thought for achievement does not bring about the change of energy in a space. Our positive intention to move towards our target and aim is well supported by the feng shui of the particular place.

For instance, in a baker’s place products such as cookies are baked in different shapes and forms but the basic ingredient that is the dough is same for all and tastes similar too. In the same way, all things in the universe - the sun, the moon, the stars, mountains, rivers, people, and so forth - have different names and forms, but they are all made from the same substance. The universe is organised into pairs of opposites: light and darkness, man and woman, sound and silence, good and bad. But all these opposites are mutual, because they are made from the same substance though the difference lies in the names and forms. The substance is what remains if you don’t delve deep into its form.

This philosophy is very similar to the ancient Chinese philosophy of feng shui.

Arrangement and order plays a vital role in zen and in feng shui too. The Japanese art of floral arrangements, Ikebana is said to express the life of the flowers. Ikebana traces its history back to the 6th century when the Buddhist priests offered flowers to appease the spirits of the dead. By the middle of the 15th century, Ikebana became an art form independent of its religious origins but still maintained its symbolic overtones of representing the balance between heaven, man and earth. As is a poem or a lovely painting Ikebana expresses both the beauty of an object and the longing in our own hearts through the blooms.

In feng shui the use of fragrant fresh flowers and lush green plants are often suggested as enhancements for the flow of chi. For most of us we bring flowers into our home - whether from the florists or our own gardens - not just for placing them in a vase and then setting them aside. In the art of placement, we look for the right flower to decorate the appropriate compass direction of the home and the layout.

The pathway leading unto the main door could be enhanced if gravel or white powder from crushed stones are used as the top layer. In case the pathway from the door to the gate is sloping downwards, it is believed that the energy rolls back and goes out of the gate.

A simple and symbolic cure for this would be to place two large round stones on either sides of the gate. Many offices and homes in the Eastern countries display a pair of lions or even lion-headed dogs on either sides of the main door.

A pathway with plenty of hedges and greenery along with water feature enhances the energy of the building and at the same time makes it very inviting.

S BS Surendran

Master Fengshui Consultant and Traditional Vaastu Practitioner fengshui@fengshuiserver.com

അബുദാബി ഇന്റര്‍നാഷനല്‍ മോട്ടോര്‍ ഷോ ഫോട്ടോസ് മനോരമ ഓണ്‍ലൈന്‍ പേജില്‍

Instructions to Motorists during reduced visibility in foggy conditions

മൂടല്‍ മഞ്ഞു തുടരുന്നു... വാഹനമോടിക്കുന്നവര്‍ ജാഗ്രത പാലിക്കാന്‍ നിര്‍ദേശം

Take good care of your children

Take good care of your children. This is a sign board seen at the Abu Dhabi Corniche walkway. Although it is meant for public who comes to have a good time there, when we look at it, it seem to be a genuine reminder to all.

സൈക്കിള്‍ വാടകക്ക് കൊടുക്കാനുണ്ട്

സൈക്കിള്‍ വാടകക്ക് കൊടുക്കാനുണ്ട്

കാലാവസ്ഥ വളരെ നല്ലതാണ്. ഇറച്ചിയും പൊറോട്ടയും ഒക്കെ അടിച്ച് കുമ്പ വീര്‍ത്തു ഇരിക്കയല്ലേ. കോര്‍ണിഷിലൂടെ ഒന്നു ഇറങ്ങി നടക്കുകകയോ സൈക്കിള്‍ ചവിട്ടുകയോ ചെയ്തു നോക്കൂ... എത്ര സുന്ദരം, ശാന്തം, ആരോഗ്യകരം.

തനിമ-വൃക്ഷമുത്തശ്ശിയെ ആദരിച്ചു

തനിമ-വൃക്ഷമുത്തശ്ശിയെ ആദരിച്ചു
തനിമയോടനുബന്ധിച്ച്‌ ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുട നിയോജകമണ്ഡലത്തില്‍ നിന്നും തെരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത വൃക്ഷമുത്തശ്ശിയെ ആദരിച്ചു. കല്‍പ്പറമ്പ്‌ ഗവ. യു.പി. സ്‌കൂള്‍ അങ്കണത്തിലെ മാവാണ്‌ വൃക്ഷമുത്തശ്ശിയായി തിരഞ്ഞെടുക്കപ്പെട്ടത്‌.കല്‍പ്പറമ്പ്‌ സെന്ററില്‍ നിന്നും ഘോഷയാത്രയോടെ സ്‌കൂള്‍ അങ്കണത്തിലെത്തിയാണ്‌ ആദരണം നടത്തിയത്‌. മന്ത്രി ബിനോയ്‌ വിശ്വം മാവിനെ ഹാരമണിയിച്ചു

തനിമ-ജനുവരി 4 മുതല്‍ കായികവാരം സംഘടിപ്പിക്കുന്നു

തനിമ-ജനുവരി 4 മുതല്‍ കായികവാരം സംഘടിപ്പിക്കുന്നു
Author : - സ്വന്തം ലേഖകന്‍ http://www.irinjalakuda.com/

തനിമയോടനുബന്ധിച്ച്‌ ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുടയില്‍ ജനുവരി 4 മുതല്‍ കായികവാരം സംഘടിപ്പിക്കുന്നു. നിയോജക മണ്ഡലത്തിലെ പഞ്ചായത്തുകളില്‍ നിന്നുള്ള കായികതാരങ്ങളെ ഉള്‍പ്പെടുത്തിയാണ്‌ മത്സരങ്ങള്‍ നടത്തുക. ഫുട്‌ബോള്‍, ചെസ്സ്‌, നടത്ത മത്സരം എന്നീ ഇനങ്ങളില്‍ 9 വരെയാണ്‌ മത്സരങ്ങള്‍ സംഘടിപ്പിച്ചിട്ടുള്ളത്‌. ഫുട്‌ബോള്‍ മത്സരങ്ങള്‍ മുനിസിപ്പല്‍ മൈതാനിയില്‍ 5ന്‌ ആരംഭിക്കും. പങ്കെടുക്കുന്ന കായിക താരങ്ങള്‍ക്കുള്ള ജെഴ്‌സിയും ഷോര്‍ട്‌സും സൗജന്യമായി നല്‍കും. മത്സരങ്ങള്‍ക്ക്‌ പുറമേ മുന്‍കാല ഫുട്‌ബോള്‍ താരങ്ങളെ ഉള്‍പ്പെടുത്തി പ്രദര്‍ശനമത്സരവും നടക്കും. ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുട ഗവ. ഗേള്‍സ്‌ ഹയര്‍സെക്കന്ററി സ്‌കൂളിലാണ്‌ ചെസ്സ്‌ മത്സരങ്ങള്‍ നടക്കുക. 10 വയസ്സിന്‌ താഴെ, 10-15, 15 ന്‌ മുകളില്‍ എന്നീ വിഭാഗങ്ങളിലായാണ്‌ ചെസ്സ്‌ മത്സരം സംഘടിപ്പിക്കുന്നത്‌. മത്സരങ്ങള്‍ ജനുവരി 4ന്‌ ആരംഭിക്കും. 30 മുതല്‍ 50 വയസ്സ്‌, 50ന്‌ മുകളില്‍ എന്നിങ്ങനെ സ്‌ത്രീകള്‍ക്കും പുരുഷന്‍മാര്‍ക്കുമായാണ്‌ നടത്തമത്സരം. ജനുവരി 7ന്‌ രാവിലെ 6.45 മുനിസിപ്പല്‍ മൈതാനിയിലാണ്‌ നടത്തമത്സരം. മത്സരങ്ങളില്‍ പങ്കെടുക്കാനാഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നവര്‍ തനിമ ഓഫീസില്‍ പേര്‍ രജിസ്റ്റര്‍ ചെയ്യണമെന്ന്‌ ഭാരവാഹികള്‍ അറിയിച്ചു. വാര്‍ത്താസമ്മേളനത്തില്‍ ചെയര്‍മാന്‍ അനന്തശയനന്‍ മാസ്റ്റര്‍, അഡ്വ. ആന്റണി തെക്കേക്കര, സ്റ്റാലിന്‍ റാഫേല്‍ എന്നിവര്‍ പരിപാടികള്‍ വിശദീകരിച്ചു.

തനിമ: മികച്ച ഗായകനേയും ഗായികയേയും തെരെഞ്ഞടുക്കുന്ന മത്സരം ആരംഭിച്ചു.

style="font-size:130%;">തനിമ: മികച്ച ഗായകനേയും ഗായികയേയും തെരെഞ്ഞടുക്കുന്ന മത്സരം ആരംഭിച്ചു.
Author : - സ്വന്തം ലേഖകന്‍ www.irinjalakuda.com

തനിമയോടനുബന്ധിച്ച്‌ നിയോജകമണ്ഡലത്തിലെ മികച്ച ഗായകനേയും ഗായികയേയും തെരെഞ്ഞടുക്കുന്ന മത്സരം ആരംഭിച്ചു. മത്സരങ്ങള്‍ക്കു തുടക്കം കുറിച്ചുനടന്ന സമ്മേളനത്തില്‍ തോമസ്‌ ഉണ്ണിയാടന്‍ എം.എല്‍.എ അദ്ധ്യക്ഷത വഹിച്ചു. ഡോണ്‍ ബോസ്‌കോ സക്‌ൂള്‍ പ്രിന്‍സിപ്പാള്‍ ഫാ.വര്‍ഗ്ഗീസ്‌ തണിപ്പാറ, വാര്‍ഡ്‌ കൗണ്‍സിലര്‍ ബിജു ലാസര്‍, താമ്പാന്‍ മാസറ്റര്‍ തുടങ്ങിയവര്‍ സംസാരിച്ചു. കോ-ഓര്‍ഡിനേറ്റര്‍ ബോബി ജോസ്‌ സ്വാഗതവും കെ.പി.ദേവദാസ്‌ നന്ദിയും പറഞ്ഞു. പിഷാരടി ചന്ദ്രന്‍, മെജോ ജോസഫ്‌, രാധാ ഗിരി എന്നിവര്‍ വിധികര്‍ത്താക്കളായി. ഡോണ്‍ ബോസ്‌കോ സ്‌കൂളില്‍ നടന്ന മത്സരങ്ങളില്‍ നിരവധി പേര്‍ പങ്കെടുത്തു, ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുട ഇ.കെ.എന്‍ വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഗവേഷണകേന്ദ്രത്തിന്റെ ആഭിമുഖ്യത്തില്‍ റോഡുകള്‍ സ്വകാര്യവത്‌ക്കരിക്കുമ്പോള്‍ എന്ന വിഷയത്തില്‍ ചര്‍ച്ച നടത്തി. വിഷയത്തില്‍ കേരള ശാസ്‌ത്രസാഹിത്യ പരിഷത്ത്‌ നടത്തിയ കെണ്ടത്തലുകള്‍ കേന്ദ്രനിര്‍വാഹക സമിതിഅംഗം അഡ്വ.കെ.പി. രവിപ്രകാശ്‌ അവതരിപ്പിച്ചു.

ആകാശഗംഗയിലൂടെ

ഇന്നും കാലത്തു മൂടല്‍ മഞ്ഞുള്ള ഒരു പ്രഭാതം ആയിരുന്നു ഇവിടെ അബുദാബിയില്‍.

Pedestrian Over Bridges at Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Government is on a very progressive development path for the safety and comforts of it's residence. Al Salam Street development project is already in full swing and now, here is another Quality step from the authorities in this regard.

Pedestrian Over bridges for the comfortable crossing of the public from one side to the other. It will indeed reduce the numerous accidents by careless public. In a way, this is much more enjoyable to view the city around from a different angle as you can see from the pictures above. It is open and safer than the underground passages.

Now, what are you waiting for, test it out today and have a good view of the life around.

Hridayamuralika

Music: Vidhyadaran Master
Vidyadharan Master needs no introduction to malayalees.

He has created countless classics in both movie and popular devotional albums. He has also created immensely popular Tharangini Albusms Such as "Grameena Gaanagal", "
Raaga Tahrangani" Vidyadharan Master has created Several Memorable Tunes for the past two generations of Malayalees.

Paaduvaanaay Vannu Ninte Pdivaathikal..(Ezhuthappurangal)

Nandiyaar Vattathin...(Aagamanam)

Kalpantha Kaalathoolam..(Ente Gramam)

Chandanam Mankkunna...(Achuveettante Veedu)

Swapnagalokkeyum...(Kaanan Kothichu)

Chiirikkal Thorumen..(Adayalangal)

----are some of his many timeless classics that will remains evergreen forever.

Lyric : Sreedevi

Sreedevi (Devoos) is a multi-faceted personality who has made a name for herself on the internet in the fields of music, literature and print media. She is involved with various efforts to popularize music and imparting music to the younger generation.

Behind the Project
MSI Audios

MalayalaSangeetham.info, popularly known as MSI is the primary music information database for Malayalam Music. A massive grass-root level collaborative effort has been a pioneering effort in bringing together Malayalam music fans world-over. No other language has anything even close to what we are achieving with MSI. The goal of MSI is to ensure that all information searches regarding Malayalam music stops there!.

Click Here to Listen Promo Audio Release Hridayamuralika >>

അബുദാബി മൂടല്‍മഞ്ഞില്‍ കുതിര്‍ന്ന ഒരു സുപ്രഭാതം

ഹൈവെയിലും റോഡിലും അപകടങ്ങള്‍ ഒന്നും ഉണ്ടായിട്ടില്ല എന്ന് വിശ്വാസ്സത്തോടെ....