My daily presentation at Fine Art America

Phone-in dangers - Gulf News Dt. 27.10.2011

Phone-in dangers

Radio stations in the UAE can play an important role in educating traffic safety to road users. After listening to various radio channels in the past few days I suggest an increased voluntary participation by radio jockeys from all prominent radio stations to talk about the importance of not using mobile phones while driving — or using it diligently with appropriate hands-free equipment. Radio stations should implement a check to not entertain a caller if he or she is not using such equipment while participating in phone-in programmes. Can the radio stations, which are doing a wonderful job in passing out useful information and entertainment to listeners, include this in their daily agenda? Could the authorities also ensure that an appropriate guideline is issued to radio stations on this subject?

From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, visit GULF NEWS online.

Bu Tinah - Visit the Bu Tinah Experience Today

Get to know Bu Tinah Island - Gulf News Community Report Dt 25.10.2011

Get to know Bu Tinah Island - Gulf News Community Report Dt 25.10.2011

You can vote it one of the new seven wonders of nature

• By Ramesh Menon, Gulf News Reader
• Published: 00:00 October 25, 2011

Off the coastline of Abu Dhabi lies a unique wonder of Nature, wild and undisturbed by human activity, Bu Tinah Island. Not many people in the UAE are familiar with this natural treasure. It is now one of the 28 official finalists for the New7Wonders of Nature, a worldwide campaign where people can nominate and vote for the seven most remarkable, awe-inspiring natural locations and features on our planet.

Bu Tinah is host to critical marine habitats. Seabirds, such as the flamingo and osprey, diverse species of dolphins and critically endangered turtles like the hawksbill, can all be found in and around the island.

The island's waters are also home to the planet's second largest population of dugongs, a large marine mammal which is globally threatened.

It is rich in biodiversity and lies within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, the region's first and largest Unesco-designated marine biosphere reserve. Fishing and the collection of turtle eggs are prohibited on the island, which is closed to visitors, to ensure its continued survival and protection.

A special campaign to make Bu Tinah one of the new seven wonders of nature has been initiated by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD). People may visit www.vote7.com and use the "vote now" option to choose their seven wonders.

They have also organised an exhibition, which is held daily at the Abu Dhabi Corniche to create awareness about the campaign.

It is extremely interesting and informative for children and adults alike. Visitors can also vote in designated kiosks set up inside a dome-shaped replica of this natural wonder.

— The reader is a technical officer based in Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit Gulf News online.

You may also visit my blog link Vote for Bu Tinah to read more about it in different languages and see interesting videos.

Closer Cooperation with the Local Community at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services’ Al Dhaid Branch

Closer Cooperation with the Local Community at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services’ Al Dhaid Branch

On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, a delegation comprised of His Excellency Colonel Ali Saif Alndas, Director of Al Dhaid Police Department, His Excellency Misbah Aajeed Ketbi, Chairman of Maliha Cultural & Sport Club and a Member of the Federal National Council—UAE, His Excellency Mohamed Ali Saif, Mayor of Maliha, His Excellency Misbah Saif Ketbi, Director of Maliha Municipal, His Excellency Rashid Mahaan, Chairman of Parents of Students in the Central Region Senate at Al Dhaid, His Excellency Saeed bin Laith Tunaiji, Member of the Parents of the Students Senate, and 9 of the parents of students at Al Dhaid Branch visited Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a nonprofit organization located in United Arab Emirates which aims at providing advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities under the Director Generalship of Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, in order to increase communication and cooperation with the activities of the local community in Sharjah. 

During the visit, a brief introduction about the services provided at the Al Dhaid branch was conducted. Visitors then discussed their expectations for this meeting.  They were provided with a tour of SCHS.  At the conclusion of the visit, delegation members expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the invitation and admiration of the efforts of the administrative staff and technical support team in providing the best services for children with disabilities.  They expressed their willingness to cooperate with the objectives set by the branch to increase the level of coordination with local institutions and activities taking place in the community.

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum: Knights of Determination Honor Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum: Knights of Determination Honor Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services

On Wednesday, October 19, 2011, His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum launched the official website of the Disabled Persons Federation at the Dubai Club for Special Sports, declaring the kickoff season to be in 2011-2012.  This came during the grand celebration held by the Board of Directors of the  Disabled Persons' Federation to begin the new season and honor its successful partners.  The ceremony was attended by Prince Hans, District Chief of Ictn Stein, located between Switzerland and Austria and President of Foote Paul Azemmour Establishment, Ibrahim Abdul Malik, Secretary-General of the Public Authority for Youth Welfare and Sports, Khalid Cannon, Assistant Secretary of the Board, Dr. Ahmed Saad Al-Sharif, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, Mohamed Mohammed Fadel Hamli, Chairperson of Disabled Persons' Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Vice President of the FIA, Nassan Thani Juma, Vice President of the Disabled Persons' Federation and Chief Executive of the Special Olympics, and Majid Osaimi, Secretary of the Federation and the host of the ceremony.  The celebration began with the United Arab Emirates National Anthem followed by a blessed recitation from the Holy Quran by athlete Rashied Said.  Mohammed Fadel Hamli then gave an introductory speech in which he directed his thanks to SCHS for its unlimited support of the Knights of Determination.  He praised the high attendance of this event, which doubled with mention to the thought that the number of practitioners are increasing rapidly which is good for people with disabilities. Currently, over 1000 athletes are registered.

 There were over 113 medals won last year, by participating in 15 foreign championships.  Sharjah will host the World Games of Disability and Amputation for the first time next December.   The audiences interaction with the documentary film that displays the march of success of the Knights of Determination to try to overcome the barrier of disability and raise their country’s flag in international tournaments was extraordinary.  Mr. Abdullah Khalil Ahli, Head of the Deaf Committee revealed the committee’s motto.  His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum launched the official website of the Disabled Persons' Federation and honored agencies, institutions, councils, and different sports clubs for the disabled.  SCHS’s 3 branches in Al Dhaid, Khorfakhan, Kalba were among honored institutions for their unlimited cooperation with the federation.  Mr. Ahmed Al Hamadi, Head of SCHS’s Public Relations Department, received the honorary mention on behalf of SCHS.  In addition,  Mr. Fayez Fathi Badawi, a Teacher of Physical Education, received the honorary mention on behalf of Khorfakhan and Kalba branches.  As for Al Dhaid branch, it was received by Mr. Amer Ahmed Ibrahim, a Physical Education Teacher.  Abdullah Saif Al Aryani, a Shooting Champion, presented a banquet of flowers to His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum on the occasion of winning the gold medal at the World Series of Shooting which concluded recently in Al Ain.

Vote for Bu Tinah campaign at Malayala Manorama online

To read it in original, please visit Malayala Manorama online

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi Visits Al Amal School for the Deaf

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi Visits Al Amal School for the Deaf

On Tuesday, October 4^th, 2011, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Minister of Health and Assistant Director of Sharjah Medical Zone, visited Al Amal School for the Deaf, a school from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a nonprofit organization located in United Arab Emirates which aims at providing advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities under the Director Generalship of Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi.  He was received by Mrs. Afaf Al Haridi and a number of SCHS officials of departments.  His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi confirmed that excellence or superiority should not be restricted to none disabled people.  People with disabilities can create and achieve in all aspects of life.  They can learn and attain the highest academic degrees if they have the appropriate conditions.  The guest was introduced to the teaching methods used by teachers in Al Amal School.  He witnessed how the students at Al Amal school interact with their teachers and supervisors during lessons. This was not his first visit to the school. He had the chance to see the same students who often attend Al Thiqa Club for the Handicapped.  In a meeting with students and teaching staff at the school, His Excellency heard a group of requests by students.  The most notably was the establishment of a special office for persons with disabilities in hospitals and health centers with workers proficient in sign language.  Students emphasized the importance of providing hearing aids to those who are not able to buy them, and strengthen coordination between the ministry and SCHS through the organization through training courses in first aid as well as specific dates to visit SCHS by doctors to conduct medical exams for students.  Students’ demands also included: working on the nomination of a number of professional lecturers to deliver lectures on medical awareness, providing support and care for programs of joint sports and health activities, and open jobs for people with disabilities. 

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Minister of Health and Assistant Director of Sharjah Medical Zone, took notes of all these requests, he said that work will begin next week to implement as much as possible of these demands.  He suggested that students formulate a special Health Committee of several students in order to coordinate with the Ministry of Health for the success of joint action.  He said, “there are a number of people with disabilities working in a number of hospitals who are familiar with sign language, and we will work in the future to increase this number of staff.  A number of doctors in various specialties are going to be sent to conduct free examinations for SCHS’s students, teachers, and employees in addition to organizing a number of training courses on first aid for the benefit of students and teachers”.  Moreover, He confirmed the importance of continuing these activities with Al Amal School for the Deaf because of the benefits that deaf students, who deserve support and assistance, can gain from various individuals and institutions of society.  At the end of the visit, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi received a souvenir as a token of love and appreciation from students, who wished for visits in the future near future.  He recorded that he was very happy with his visit in SCHS’s guestbook. 

American University of Sharjah (AUS) Visits Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services

American University of Sharjah (AUS) Visits Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services

On Tuesday, October 4^th, 2011, a delegation from the Department of Community Services of Students Affairs Office of American University of Sharjah (AUS) visited Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a nonprofit organization located in United Arab Emirates which aims at providing advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities under the Director Generalship of Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, to support the activities, events and programs offered by SCHS to people with disabilities.  These services correspond to AUS’s vision and objectives.  H.H Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Vice President of Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Director General of SCHS, gladly received the guests. The delegation included Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Ms. Aisha Ali, Director of Community Service Programs, and Mr. Monqith Taha, Director of the Development of Student Affairs who stressed that cooperation with SCHS is very important for AUS due to the uniqueness of this prestigious institution in the field of humanitarian and voluntary services.  According to Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, seeking to sign an agreement of cooperation and partnership between SCHS and AUS to work on instilling a spirit of volunteerism in the hearts of students, who will participate in SCHS’s activities and events such as Al Amal Camp, was one primary reason for this visit.  In return, students with disabilities will be allowed to participate in AUS’s activities such as the charitable marathon, hand by hand program, and international day. 

The Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs quoted that “It is important for the AUS to train its students of the importance of working people with disabilities, in addition to supporting SCHS in the implementation of mobilization programs.  It aims at integrating people with disabilities in the community and investing the energies and abilities of students in supporting the goals of SCHS, which focus on awareness and prevention of disability.   Among the projects that will be examined and worked on in the future, is motivating the students of architecture to do their seminars on accessibility of buildings for people with disabilities in general.  Also the establishment of joint exhibitions for the gifted disabled and the adoption of theatrical works that address disability issues as well as to examine the possibility of establishing an office to support people with disabilities on campus”.   Dr Al Shehhi noted that “these mutual visits between SCHS and AUS have had a huge impact on the interaction of students with disabilities in being able to gain access and change conceptions about prejudices and negative misconceptions.  These students, will have the positive role of acting on the issues of persons with disabilities by optimization and support through decisions which are in the best interest of the disabled and the interest of society in general”.

Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services & Dubai Islamic Bank Foundation

Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services & Dubai Islamic Bank Foundation

On Thursday, October 6^th, 2011, H.H Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a nonprofit organization located in the United Arab Emirates which aims at providing advocacy, education, and empowerment for people with disabilities, and Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Islamic Bank-Foundation (DIB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support education, rehabilitation and training services provided by SCHS to people with disabilities in order to strengthen the cooperation and support of the strategic partnership between SCHS and DIB-Foundation to further enhance the support of people with disabilities and low income people eligible for Zakat.  Abdul Razak Abdullah said that the signing of this agreement is the embodiment of the importance of the role of social responsibility and joint cooperation between the two parties for the best interest of people with disabilities to complete their education, training and rehabilitation.  The institution will bear part of the fees prescribed for them, especially those who were unable to pay.  He added that the signing of the memorandum of understanding comes through the Foundation's vision of the importance of cooperation with other bodies and institutions of humanitarian charities that support and help people with disabilities.  It is highlighting the leading role played by Dubai Islamic Bank in serving the community citizens and residents in the UAE.  Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah is proud to work with SCHS who has become renowned in providing services to people with disabilities at local, Arab, and regional levels.  All staff at DIB are happy to cooperate with this prestigious organization who has a concern of educating and rehabilitating those with disabilities. 

H.H Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi said that the Memorandum of Understanding between SCHS and DIB-Foundation is an important step in consolidating the bonds of cooperation between the two parties to serve the community in general and persons with disabilities in particular.  As the memorandum has placed the comfort of people with disabilities on top of the list of its goals.  As an expression of thanks and appreciation for the constructive cooperation with SCHS, Mr. Jihad Abdel Qader, Head of SCHS’s Financial Resources Department, gave a memorial shield to Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah who received it with gratitude.  Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah was provided with a tour of Al Wafaa School for Developmental Training where he listened to a detailed explanation by Mrs. Mona Abdel Kareem, School’s Principal, on the mechanisms for the education of persons with intellectual disabilities and the methods used in educating them to further develop their abilities.   It is worth mentioning that DIB-Foundation of Dubai Islamic Bank had provided financial contribution to SCHS in its Zakat campaign which was organized during the holy month of Ramadan under the slogan "We are your children " one million AED (1,000,000) was donated to support the humanitarian services provided by SCHS to persons with disabilities of different nationalities, who are unable to cover tuition and other services such as training, rehabilitation, treatment, and counseling.

Magical moments - Gulf Today - Short Take Dt. 22.10.2011

Magical moments

School days are the wonderful period in our lives. I believe so now, not then. During my school days, we used to have a monthly cultural programme for students and we all looked forward to it.

It used to be a screening of a documentary movie (mostly Charlie Chaplin’s), a puppet show or a special event we all looked forward to — the magic show.

More than any other event, crowds would flock to this event because of the element of mystery surrounding the show. We never missed any opportunity. The memories of one or two such shows are everlasting in my mind. One was by PC Sorcar.

The magician came in his special magic dress and brought out many things from nowhere. A rabbit, a dove, and lots of chocolate.

He even “cut” one of his team members into two pieces. And he pocketed our teacher’s wristwatch using his magic wand. It was amazing for all of us.

Since then, I haven’t had a chance to watch a magic show. I hear that the Indian Social and Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi is organising a magic show by the famous Indian magician Professor Gopinath Muthukad on Oct.28 at the National Theatre, Abu Dhabi.

He is a magician with a mission. He has a stupendous way to interact with children and captivates their hearts and instils good values in them.

I am looking forward to see him perform in Abu Dhabi. It adds more significance, when it is being held as part of a series of events held in commemoration of the 40th UAE National Day.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online.

Please also watch a promotional video on this event.

On wishing farewell to Malavika Kamaraju and welcoming new editor Karen Pasquali Jones - Friday magazine

On wishing farewell to Malavika Kamaraju and welcoming new editor Karen Pasquali Jones - Friday magazine Dt. 21.10.2011

Yuvog Onam Video Competition 2011 - Winners

Yuvog Onam Video Competition 2011 - Winners

We are glad to announce the result of Onam Video Competition 2011.

ഓണം വിഷയമാക്കി, യുവോഗ് നടത്തിയ ഓണക്കാഴ്ച വീഡിയോ മത്സരത്തില്‍ താഴെ പറയുന്നവരെ വിജയികളായി വിധികര്‍ത്താക്കള്‍ തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്തു. മത്സരാര്‍ത്ഥികള്‍ക്ക് മൈക്രോമാക്സ് മൊബൈല്‍ നല്‍കുന്ന ക്യാമറാഫോണുകള്‍ ആണ് സമ്മാനം

ഒന്നാം സമ്മാനം സജിത്ത് ഒ. കെ, പാമ്പൂര്‍, തൃശ്ശൂര്‍.
To watch the video click here.




രണ്ടാം സമ്മാനം മനോജ് എ. എം, പാല്‍ക്കുളങ്ങര, തിരുവനന്തപുരം.
To watch the video click here.



മൂന്നാം സമ്മാനം ശ്രീകാന്ത് എം , അതിരമ്പുഴ , കോട്ടയം.
To watch the video click here.

Congratulations to all winners.

Beware of Fog Surprises

ശബരിമല: ദര്‍ശനത്തിന്‌ ഓണ്‍ലൈന്‍ റിസര്‍വ്വേഷന്‍

ശബരിമല: ദര്‍ശനത്തിന്‌ ഓണ്‍ലൈന്‍ റിസര്‍വ്വേഷന്‍

മകരവിളക്കു തീര്‍ത്ഥാടനകാലത്തു മുന്‍കൂട്ടി അറിയിച്ചു വരുന്ന ഭക്തര്‍ക്കു ദര്‍ശനത്തിനു പ്രത്യേക പരിഗണന നല്‍കാന്‍ പോലീസിന്റെ ഓണ്‍ലൈന്‍ റിസര്‍വേഷന്‍. ദര്‍ശനത്തിനു കൂടുതല്‍ സമയം ലഭിക്കാന്‍ ക്ഷേത്രനട മൂന്നര മണിക്കൂര്‍ കൂടുതലായി തുറന്നിരിക്കും. പുല്ലുമേടു ദുരന്തത്തിന്റെ പശ്ചാത്തലത്തില്‍ തിരക്കു നിയന്ത്രണത്തിനു മുന്‍കൂട്ടി അറിയിച്ചു വരുന്നവര്‍ക്കു അധികനേരം ക്യൂവില്‍ നില്‍ക്കാതെ ദര്‍ശനം നടത്തി പ്രസാദവും വാങ്ങി മടങ്ങത്തക്ക വിധത്തിലാണ്‌ ഓണ്‍ലൈന്‍ റിസര്‍വേഷന്‍. വൃശ്ചികം ഒന്നു മുതല്‍ ഇതു നടപ്പിലാക്കാനാണ്‌ ഉദ്ദേശിക്കുന്നത്‌. റയില്‍വേ റിസര്‍വേഷന്‍ മാതൃകയിലാണ്‌ ദര്‍ശനത്തിനു പോലീസ്‌ റിസര്‍വേഷന്‍ തുടങ്ങുന്നത്‌. http://www.sabarimala.keralapolice.gov.in/ സൈറ്റിലാണ്‌ റിസര്‍വേഷനു സൗകര്യം ക്രമീകരിക്കുന്നത്‌. ഇതുപയോഗിക്കുന്നവര്‍ പാസ്‌പോര്‍ട്ട്‌ സൈസ്‌ ഫോട്ടോയും തിരിച്ചറിയല്‍ രേഖകളും ദര്‍ശനത്തിനു വരുമ്പോള്‍ കരുതണം. റയില്‍വേയുടെ ഓണ്‍ലൈന്‍ ടിക്കറ്റു പോലെ റിസര്‍വേഷന്‍ ചാര്‍ട്ട്‌ ഡൗണ്‍ലോഡ്‌ ചെയ്‌ത്‌ രസീതായി സൂക്ഷിക്കാം. അതില്‍ ദര്‍ശനത്തിനു പറയുന്ന സമയത്തിന്‌ ഒരു മണിക്കൂര്‍ മുമ്പ്‌ മരക്കൂട്ടത്ത്‌ എത്തണം. അവിടെ നിന്നും സാധാരണ കൂവില്‍ നില്‍ക്കാതെ ഇവര്‍ക്കു വലിയ നടപ്പന്തലില്‍ എത്താന്‍ പോലീസ്‌ സൗകര്യം ഏര്‍പ്പെടുത്തും. തുടര്‍ന്നു വലിയ നടപ്പന്തലിലെ ചെക്ക്‌ പോസ്‌റ്റില്‍ നിന്നു സാധാരണ ക്യൂവില്‍ പതിനെട്ടാം പടി കയറി ദര്‍ശനം നടത്താം. റിസര്‍വേഷന്‍ ഉള്ളവര്‍ക്കു പരമാവധി ഒരു മണിക്കൂറില്‍ കൂടുതല്‍ ക്യൂ നില്‍ക്കേണ്ടി വരാത്ത വിധത്തിലാണ്‌ സംവിധാനം ഒരുക്കുന്നത്‌. റിസര്‍വ്വേഷന്‍ ഇല്ലാത്തവര്‍ക്ക്‌ തിരക്കുള്ള ദിവസങ്ങളില്‍ മണിക്കൂറുകള്‍ ക്യൂവില്‍ നില്‍ക്കേണ്ടി വരുമെന്നു മാത്രം. ദര്‍ശനത്തിനായി രാവിലേയും, ഉച്ചയ്‌ക്കും, വൈകീട്ടും നട തുറക്കുന്നതില്‍ വ്യത്യാസം വരുത്തും. ഇപ്പോള്‍ തീര്‍ത്ഥാടനകാലത്ത്‌ പുലര്‍ച്ചെ 4 മണിക്കാണ്‌ നട തുറക്കുന്നത്‌. ഇനി അത്‌ 3 മണിക്കാകും. ഉച്ചക്ക്‌ 1 മണിക്ക്‌ നട അടച്ചാല്‍ വീണ്ടും 2.30നു തുറക്കും. അത്താഴ പൂജ കഴിഞ്ഞ്‌ രാത്രി 11.55നു നട അടയ്‌ക്കും.

source: http://www.irinjalakuda.com/

An year of continuous communication with Kerala government and kerala police have given a joyous moment to my TQM efforts for the society.

Please visit my link on Sabarimala

http://clicksandwrites.blogspot.com/search/label/Sabarimala 

No use for pocket full of small coins - THE NATIONAL Dt. 18.10.2011 - Letters to the editor

No use for pocket full of small coins

I recently conducted a casual check at groceries, supermarkets, restaurants and money exchange centres to gauge views on small coins. And I found that none of them are interested in the smaller denomination coins, especially 25-fil coins.

In fact, these small pieces of metal are not even accepted in the parking machines or the bus coin-drop boxes.

Relevant authorities should do something to reduce this imbalance, and machines and drop boxes should be modified to accept smaller denomination coins.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online.

Fines for talking - GULF NEWS Dt 18.10.2011 - Letters to the editor

Fines for talking

I strongly suggest the police not only fine those who cross the road in non-designated areas but also fine people who cross the road while talking on the phone. Talking on the phone without a handset and messaging are all very common practices and people take it lightly, forgetting that it is either their own or a fellow road user’s life that they are playing with. In addition, the majority of minibuses do not strictly enforce the use of seat belts. Traffic safety is a habit to be inculcated and takes a long time to get used to. It is a continuous effort and I hope organisations and associations take part in reminding the public of the importance of adhering to safety laws on the road.

From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online

Vote for Bu Tinah as one of the new 7 wonders of nature of the world

Ali Al Saloom EAD's Environmental Awareness Ambassador with Ayesh Al-Blooshi, Aquaculture scientist and Marine Biologist of EAD and Dr Salim Javed, Biodeversity Assessment and Monitoring Expert of EAD.

Bu Tinah Island coverage on DubaiONE

Emirati Island -Bu Tinah in Abu Dhabi.wmv

Ali Al Saloom EAD's Environmental Awareness Ambassador

speaking on the importance of preserving our environment.

Organisations and individuas in UAE are coming out with full support to make this dream come true in various. Here is an example of TOTAL UAE, naming one of their brand new meeting room as "Bu Tinah" after this prestigious and historic site now in contention for becoming the new 7 wonders of the world.

Vote for Bu Tinah as one of the new 7 wonders of nature of the world

Support Bu Tinah Text Bu Tinah to 3888 Vote online at http://www.n7w.com/ 

Visit The Bu Tinah Experience : http://www.butinah.ae/en/

Read how you can support us: http://www.butinah.ae/en/support.php

To see more pictures, please visit my album in Face Book

Vote for Bu Tinah as one of the 7 new wonders of the nature of the world

or bookmark a link of my blog section named Vote for Bu Tinah

http://clicksandwrites.blogspot.com/search/label/Vote%20for%20Bu%20Tinah

Please do take a few minutes and Vote for Bu Tinah at www.n7w.com

Chance to win a private tour to Bu Tinah Island

Environment show with Ask Ali

Wish they were cricketers! India Seniors Volleyball team at Abu Dhbi airport

This is the Indian Senior Volley Ball team on their way back to Madras after winning a prestigious tournament. I met them at Abu Dhabi Duty Free. There was no fanfare, no one even asking them who they were.

I happened to meet them, the Indian Senior Men's Volley Ball Team members at the Abu Dhabi Duty Free on 28th August 2011. They were returning to Madras via Abu Dhabi after winning the 18TH NURSULTAN NAZARBAYEV PRESIDENT’S CUP INTERNATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN beating Tunisia in the finals held on 27th August.

Watching those unsung heroes moving around silently and unattended, I was thinking of the scenario then and there, if it were players from Cricket or other sports. I wish there exists a strong campaign to Promote All Sports Simultaneously (I call it Campaign PASS) so that all athletes get due share of accolades and privileges.

They were with established Volley Ball coach Mr. Sridhar.

Repeatedly, I was thinking, if this group belonged to a Ranji trophy or IPL team playing in India. No sports, other than Cricket get due recognition and popularity. Forget about the rewards for those who pursue it.

No wonder children or parents do not favor other sports these days. Money matters. Popularity too.

Indian Sports Ministry should come out with more support, as do organisations and individuals.

Sad to say,  I send this photo and news of the victorious return to several news media. But none were interested. Obviously, they are not cricketers!!!

These athletes do deserve due credits.

Ramesh Menon

16 October 2011

Beauty of Bu Tinah - Short Take - Gulf Today Dt. 15.10.2011

 

Beauty of Beauty of Bu Tinah - Short Take - Gulf Today Dt. 15.10.2011

Off the western coastline of Abu Dhabi lies a unique wonder of nature, wild and undisturbed by human activity. The Bu Tinah Island.

It is now one of the 28 official finalists for the New7Wonders of Nature, a campaign where people worldwide can vote and nominate the seven most remarkable, beautiful or otherwise awe-inspiring natural locations and features on our planet.

Bu Tinah is host to critical marine habitats containing internationally important species. Seabirds such as the flamingo and the osprey, diverse species of dolphins and endangered turtles, including hawksbills and greens, are all found in and around Bu Tinah.

The island’s waters are also  home to the planet’s second largest population of dugongs, a large marine mammal that is globally threatened.

Bu Tinah Island, rich in biodiversity, lies within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve. The biosphere reserve is the region’s first and largest Unesco designated marine biosphere reserve. Closed to visitors, fishing and the collection of turtle eggs are prohibited on Bu Tinah Island. Its continued survival and protection must be ensured.

A special campaign to vote Bu Tinah as one of the new seven wonders of nature has been initiated by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi. You may visit online www.vote7.com and use the “vote now” option to choose your seven wonders.

An exhibition with a daily presentation has also been organised by EAD at Abu Dhabi Corniche to intensify the campaign to vote for Bu Tinah. It is informative for children and adults alike. Visitors can vote in the designated kiosks set specially inside a dome-shaped replica of this nature’s treasure. Act fast, only 27 more days to end this campaign. Let us make Bu Tinah one of the seven new wonders.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online

Let us make Bu Tinah one of the seven new wonders.

You may visit online www.vote7.com and use the “vote now” option to choose your seven wonders.

"Do not forget to include Bu Tinah".