Interesting Story
from CITEHR - contributed by Ashwini K
Hope you will enjoy and be blessed with this story.
A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father
had purchased the car.
Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat Disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible? and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt 7:11, "And if ye, being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly father which is in heaven, give to those who ask Him?" As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.
How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected? I trust you enjoyed this. Pass it on to others. Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for...
IF YOUR GIFT IS NOT PACKED THE WAY YOU WANT IT, IT'S BECAUSE IT IS BETTER PACKED THAT WAY! ALWAYS APPRECIATE LITTLE THINGS; THEY USUALLY LEAD YOU TO ATTACHMENTS!
I believe that all great achievements and success in life, and all changes for the better, have one powerful characteristic in common: The First Step. Take the first step, and the journey has a way of taking care of itself.”
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
WINNERS VERSUS LOSERS
WINNERS VERSUS LOSERS from CITEHR - contribution by Vennila Natarajan
The Winner is always part of the answer;
The Loser is always part of the problem.
*********
The Winner always has a program;
The Loser always has an excuse.
*********
The Winner says, "Let me do it for you";
The Loser says, "That is not my job."
*********
The Winner sees an answer for every problem;
The Loser sees a problem for every answer.
*********
The Winner says, " It may be difficult but it is possible";
The Loser says, "It may be possible but i t is too difficult."
*********
When a Winner makes a mistake, he says, "I was wrong";
When a Loser makes a mistake, he says, "It wasn't my fault."
*********
A Winner makes commitments;
A Loser makes promises.
*********
Winners have dreams;
Losers have schemes.
*********
Winners say, " I must do something";
Losers say, "Something must be done."
*********
Winners are a part of the team;
Losers are apart from the team.
*********
Winners see the gain;
Losers see the pain.
*********
Winners see possibilities;
Losers see problems.
*********
Winners believe in win-win;
Losers believe for them to win someone has to lose.
*********
Winners see the potential;
Losers see the past.
*********
Winners are like a thermostat;
Losers are like thermometers.
*********
Winners choose what they say;
Losers say what they choose.
*********
Winners use hard arguments but soft words;
Losers use soft arguments but hard words.
*********
Winners stand firm on values but compromise on petty things;
Losers stand firm on petty things but compromise on values.
*********
Winners follow the philosophy of empathy: "Don't do to others what you would not want them to do to you";
Losers follow the philosophy, " Do it to others before they do it to you ."
*********
Winners make it happen;
Losers let it happen.
*********
Winners plan and prepare to win.
The key word is preparation.
The Winner is always part of the answer;
The Loser is always part of the problem.
*********
The Winner always has a program;
The Loser always has an excuse.
*********
The Winner says, "Let me do it for you";
The Loser says, "That is not my job."
*********
The Winner sees an answer for every problem;
The Loser sees a problem for every answer.
*********
The Winner says, " It may be difficult but it is possible";
The Loser says, "It may be possible but i t is too difficult."
*********
When a Winner makes a mistake, he says, "I was wrong";
When a Loser makes a mistake, he says, "It wasn't my fault."
*********
A Winner makes commitments;
A Loser makes promises.
*********
Winners have dreams;
Losers have schemes.
*********
Winners say, " I must do something";
Losers say, "Something must be done."
*********
Winners are a part of the team;
Losers are apart from the team.
*********
Winners see the gain;
Losers see the pain.
*********
Winners see possibilities;
Losers see problems.
*********
Winners believe in win-win;
Losers believe for them to win someone has to lose.
*********
Winners see the potential;
Losers see the past.
*********
Winners are like a thermostat;
Losers are like thermometers.
*********
Winners choose what they say;
Losers say what they choose.
*********
Winners use hard arguments but soft words;
Losers use soft arguments but hard words.
*********
Winners stand firm on values but compromise on petty things;
Losers stand firm on petty things but compromise on values.
*********
Winners follow the philosophy of empathy: "Don't do to others what you would not want them to do to you";
Losers follow the philosophy, " Do it to others before they do it to you ."
*********
Winners make it happen;
Losers let it happen.
*********
Winners plan and prepare to win.
The key word is preparation.
You are what you think!
You are what you think!
15 Nov, 2007, 0000 hrs IST,PARAMAHAMSA SRI NITHYANANDA for The Economic Times
We become what we think. Yad bhaavam tat bhavati, is what our scriptures say. Whatever we think and feel again and again is what we become. What we think we verbalise, what we verbalise we visualise and what we visualise happens.
Wisconsin University carried out an interesting research.
There are societies and cultures in our world where the language spoken is very refined and without negativities. For instance, if you notice, people from the Lucknow area, whether Hindu or Muslim, would use the respectful term for ‘you’, even to their children. Politeness and etiquette are bred into them.
On such communities Wisconsin University carried out research and found that people in such communities rarely suffered from depression and such similar ailments. They found that if the words people use are refined and without negativity, mind is not adversely affected. They do not get stressed, they do not get worried and they do not get depressed. They lead a relatively happier life.
Worry is nothing but the constant inner chatter within us, the constant negative inner chatter. I am asked again and gain, ‘To what extent are we responsible for our thoughts?’
If we are not responsible for our thoughts, who else can then be responsible for them? Our thoughts arise from within us, not from or through someone else! Is it possible for someone to come between us and our minds? Certainly not!
Brahma havit brahmaiva bhavati, say our scriptures. He who focuses on the Brahman, the Ultimate, becomes the Brahman, the Ultimate himself. What we focus our mind on, what we think, what we feel is what we become. There is no doubt about this.
How can we stop worrying? How can we streamline our thoughts without negativity? This is what everyone wants to know.
The solution is simple. You need to be aware of what you think. Constantly be aware of what your thoughts are and straighten them out. You need not stop doing anything you are engaged in to do this.
You can be driving, you can be in conversation, you can be cooking and still you are thinking. Constantly thoughts arise. Most of the time, you do not even watch your thoughts. You let your thoughts guide you into fantasies.
For a change, watch your thoughts. As soon as there is a negative thought, change it into a more positive thought. You may say it is too simple. Yes, it is that simple.
15 Nov, 2007, 0000 hrs IST,PARAMAHAMSA SRI NITHYANANDA for The Economic Times
We become what we think. Yad bhaavam tat bhavati, is what our scriptures say. Whatever we think and feel again and again is what we become. What we think we verbalise, what we verbalise we visualise and what we visualise happens.
Wisconsin University carried out an interesting research.
There are societies and cultures in our world where the language spoken is very refined and without negativities. For instance, if you notice, people from the Lucknow area, whether Hindu or Muslim, would use the respectful term for ‘you’, even to their children. Politeness and etiquette are bred into them.
On such communities Wisconsin University carried out research and found that people in such communities rarely suffered from depression and such similar ailments. They found that if the words people use are refined and without negativity, mind is not adversely affected. They do not get stressed, they do not get worried and they do not get depressed. They lead a relatively happier life.
Worry is nothing but the constant inner chatter within us, the constant negative inner chatter. I am asked again and gain, ‘To what extent are we responsible for our thoughts?’
If we are not responsible for our thoughts, who else can then be responsible for them? Our thoughts arise from within us, not from or through someone else! Is it possible for someone to come between us and our minds? Certainly not!
Brahma havit brahmaiva bhavati, say our scriptures. He who focuses on the Brahman, the Ultimate, becomes the Brahman, the Ultimate himself. What we focus our mind on, what we think, what we feel is what we become. There is no doubt about this.
How can we stop worrying? How can we streamline our thoughts without negativity? This is what everyone wants to know.
The solution is simple. You need to be aware of what you think. Constantly be aware of what your thoughts are and straighten them out. You need not stop doing anything you are engaged in to do this.
You can be driving, you can be in conversation, you can be cooking and still you are thinking. Constantly thoughts arise. Most of the time, you do not even watch your thoughts. You let your thoughts guide you into fantasies.
For a change, watch your thoughts. As soon as there is a negative thought, change it into a more positive thought. You may say it is too simple. Yes, it is that simple.
Cooking gas prices rise in most parts of UAE
Cooking gas prices rise in most parts of UAE
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS
Published: November 20, 2007, 00:28
Abu Dhabi: The price of cooking gas has gone up in most emirates by 5 to 18 per cent recently, with Sharjah residents paying Dh90 for a 50 lbs cylinder, residents said.
The price has not gone up in Abu Dhabi.
A standard gas cylinder of 50lbs now costs Dh88 (without delivery charges) since the beginning of this month, compared to Dh75, said a sales agent.
"The price was increased to Dh75 from Dh69 just six months ago," said P. Jayaraj of Al Maliha Gas Agency.
Dubai residents have to pay a 10 per cent increase for cooking gas. "The price of the standard gas cylinder was increased to Dh76 from Dh69 recently," said a staffer from Oasis Gas and Binsuloom Gas.
A Dubai resident said she never expected the price rise will affect cooking gas prices in the country
"I thought cooking gas at least will be spared from unbearable price rise of all commodities," said Alice Gomez, 26, from the Philippines who is working as a clerk at an insurance company.
Ras Al Khaimah residents now pay Dh79 for a 50lbs cylinder as compared to Dh75 two weeks ago. The Department of Economic Development in Ras Al Khaimah fixed the price of a standard cooking gas cylinder as Dh79 earlier this month. The department announced a price list for different sized gas cylinders, after prices soared.
The same standard gas cylinder costs Dh75 in Ajman and Fujairah, said a sales agents and residents. "The price was increased four to five months back and there was no increase recently", they said.
In Fujairah it was increased from Dh65 to Dh75 three months back, said Zubair a sales agent of Al Ghuraih Gas in Fujairah.
GCC countries should revalue currencies
GCC countries should revalue currencies
By Saifur Rahman, Business News Editor GULF NEWS
Published: November 18, 2007, 15:27
Dubai: The six oil-rich Gulf countries should carry out a one-time big revaluation to adjust their currencies, Steve Forbes, US entrepreneur, told Leaders in Dubai conference.
Gulf consumers have lost between 25 to 35 per cent in purchasing power during the last two years as the falling value of dollars coupled with the strong economic growth has added inflationary pressures on the economy that has reflected in higher cost of living.
Forbes, however, is a strong advocate of the currency peg.
"The Gulf countries should carry out a one-time big revaluation by 10 to 15 per cent of their currencies to the dollar," he said. "Don't let your currency float, keep the peg, but revalue it and revisit the peg from time to time," he said.
According to the International Monetary Fund, inflation in the UAE has reached 9.3 per cent last year on higher economic growth and partly due to the weakening value of the dirham pegged to the US dollar.
He blamed the US Federal Reserve for inflating the global economy.
"The US Federal Reserve has been printing too many dollars, causing global inflation," he said.
"The major currencies, the euro, pound and others are in a way adding to the global inflation, with the Federal Reserve being the biggest sinner. The UAE and other Gulf countries should revalue their currencies to adjust."
In an exclusing interview with the Gulf News, Forbes said, the Gulf states should tell the US Federal Reserve chairman to "put its act together".
Dubaisation
Forbes said Dubai has created a model for economic growth, and others should follow what he fondly referred to as 'Dubaisation'.
"Saudi Arabia is undergoing a reform process and developing its midedle class, which will create a healthy balance for growth. However they should look at Dubai and other economies should follow the Dubaisation example," he said.
Forbes, a strong critic of the International Monetary Fund, said that the institution is good for nothing.
"The IMF loves to pay money to the countries and enjoy when they suffer. The IMF should be sent to Bolivia or some other places," he said.
By Saifur Rahman, Business News Editor GULF NEWS
Published: November 18, 2007, 15:27
Dubai: The six oil-rich Gulf countries should carry out a one-time big revaluation to adjust their currencies, Steve Forbes, US entrepreneur, told Leaders in Dubai conference.
Gulf consumers have lost between 25 to 35 per cent in purchasing power during the last two years as the falling value of dollars coupled with the strong economic growth has added inflationary pressures on the economy that has reflected in higher cost of living.
Forbes, however, is a strong advocate of the currency peg.
"The Gulf countries should carry out a one-time big revaluation by 10 to 15 per cent of their currencies to the dollar," he said. "Don't let your currency float, keep the peg, but revalue it and revisit the peg from time to time," he said.
According to the International Monetary Fund, inflation in the UAE has reached 9.3 per cent last year on higher economic growth and partly due to the weakening value of the dirham pegged to the US dollar.
He blamed the US Federal Reserve for inflating the global economy.
"The US Federal Reserve has been printing too many dollars, causing global inflation," he said.
"The major currencies, the euro, pound and others are in a way adding to the global inflation, with the Federal Reserve being the biggest sinner. The UAE and other Gulf countries should revalue their currencies to adjust."
In an exclusing interview with the Gulf News, Forbes said, the Gulf states should tell the US Federal Reserve chairman to "put its act together".
Dubaisation
Forbes said Dubai has created a model for economic growth, and others should follow what he fondly referred to as 'Dubaisation'.
"Saudi Arabia is undergoing a reform process and developing its midedle class, which will create a healthy balance for growth. However they should look at Dubai and other economies should follow the Dubaisation example," he said.
Forbes, a strong critic of the International Monetary Fund, said that the institution is good for nothing.
"The IMF loves to pay money to the countries and enjoy when they suffer. The IMF should be sent to Bolivia or some other places," he said.
Abu Dhabi airport in chaos again
Abu Dhabi airport in chaos again
By Daniel Bardsley, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS
Published: November 19, 2007, 15:47
Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Fog played havoc with flight schedules at Abu Dhabi International Airport for another day yesterday.
The runways at the UAE capital's airport were shut down from midnight to 10am due to a blanket of fog that cut visibility to 100 metres.
It was the seventh day in a row with fog at the airport and the eighth day of fog there this month, but Dubai and Sharjah International Airports escaped.
Yesterday morning 11 inbound flights to Abu Dhabi were diverted to Al Ain while 43 outbound services were delayed and at least four were cancelled.
The morning disruption caused a build-up of delayed flights that put schedules out of kilter for the rest of the day.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways announced yesterday it was rescheduling all flights due to arrive at or depart from the capital's airport between midnight and 8am today.
The airline did this as a precautionary measure in case there was more thick fog at the airport this morning - as forecasters were predicting. Seven Etihad flights were rescheduled to ensure that no aircraft was timetabled to arrive or leave between midnight and 8am this morning. For example, services from Toronto and New York due to arrive at 2am were brought forward and were due to land before midnight.
Flights from Geneva and Munich originally set to land in Abu Dhabi before 8am were put back so they would not land during the time when fog was most likely.
In addition, eight Etihad flights due to leave this morning to destinations including Kuwait, Karachi, Jakarta, Muscat and Johannesburg were cancelled, the airline announced yesterday.
A spokesman for Etihad said the company was contacting passengers to inform them of the changes.
"We are not leaving the passengers stranded. The key is to get everything back to order," he said.
Dubai and Sharjah International Airports remained open throughout yesterday as visibility never fell below 2,000 metres.
Dubai-based Emirates said its operations returned to normal on Sunday following the severe fog at its hub airport on Saturday morning. A spokesperson said the airline offered free meals and hotel accommodation to passengers affected by disruption.
Clive Stevens, duty forecaster at Dubai International Airport, said there was a possibility of fog this morning.
"It's very humid at the moment so I don't see why we shouldn't have a high risk of fog. It's gone on for such a long time," he said.
- With inputs from Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
By Daniel Bardsley, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS
Published: November 19, 2007, 15:47
Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Fog played havoc with flight schedules at Abu Dhabi International Airport for another day yesterday.
The runways at the UAE capital's airport were shut down from midnight to 10am due to a blanket of fog that cut visibility to 100 metres.
It was the seventh day in a row with fog at the airport and the eighth day of fog there this month, but Dubai and Sharjah International Airports escaped.
Yesterday morning 11 inbound flights to Abu Dhabi were diverted to Al Ain while 43 outbound services were delayed and at least four were cancelled.
The morning disruption caused a build-up of delayed flights that put schedules out of kilter for the rest of the day.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways announced yesterday it was rescheduling all flights due to arrive at or depart from the capital's airport between midnight and 8am today.
The airline did this as a precautionary measure in case there was more thick fog at the airport this morning - as forecasters were predicting. Seven Etihad flights were rescheduled to ensure that no aircraft was timetabled to arrive or leave between midnight and 8am this morning. For example, services from Toronto and New York due to arrive at 2am were brought forward and were due to land before midnight.
Flights from Geneva and Munich originally set to land in Abu Dhabi before 8am were put back so they would not land during the time when fog was most likely.
In addition, eight Etihad flights due to leave this morning to destinations including Kuwait, Karachi, Jakarta, Muscat and Johannesburg were cancelled, the airline announced yesterday.
A spokesman for Etihad said the company was contacting passengers to inform them of the changes.
"We are not leaving the passengers stranded. The key is to get everything back to order," he said.
Dubai and Sharjah International Airports remained open throughout yesterday as visibility never fell below 2,000 metres.
Dubai-based Emirates said its operations returned to normal on Sunday following the severe fog at its hub airport on Saturday morning. A spokesperson said the airline offered free meals and hotel accommodation to passengers affected by disruption.
Clive Stevens, duty forecaster at Dubai International Airport, said there was a possibility of fog this morning.
"It's very humid at the moment so I don't see why we shouldn't have a high risk of fog. It's gone on for such a long time," he said.
- With inputs from Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
Monday, November 19, 2007
Smoking can make you impotent
Smoking can make you impotent
18 Nov 2007, 1628 hrs IST,PTI
NEW YORK: It's important that you give a second thought before lighting your next fag -- if researchers are to be believed, smoking can ruin your sex life.
According to a study carried out by the researchers, men who smoke cigarettes run an increased risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction, and the more cigarettes smoked, the greater the risk, the ScienceDaily has reported.
"Although erectile dysfunction is not a life threatening condition, it compromises well-being and quality of life. Smoking prevention should be an important approach for reducing the risk," lead researcher Prof Jiang He was quoted as saying.
In fact, Prof Jiang and his colleagues at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine came to the conclusion after examining the link between smoking and impotency in a study in China involving 7,684 men.
The researchers used questionnaires to assess the status of cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction. Those surveyed were men between the ages of 35-74 who did not have vascular disease.
The team found that there was a significant link between the number of cigarettes that men smoked and the likelihood they would experience erectile dysfunction. The association was found to be stronger in those with diabetes.
"An estimated 22.7 per cent of erectile dysfunction cases among Chinese men might be attributable to cigarette smoking," Prof Jiang said.
The findings have been published in the 'American Journal of Epidemiology'.
18 Nov 2007, 1628 hrs IST,PTI
NEW YORK: It's important that you give a second thought before lighting your next fag -- if researchers are to be believed, smoking can ruin your sex life.
According to a study carried out by the researchers, men who smoke cigarettes run an increased risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction, and the more cigarettes smoked, the greater the risk, the ScienceDaily has reported.
"Although erectile dysfunction is not a life threatening condition, it compromises well-being and quality of life. Smoking prevention should be an important approach for reducing the risk," lead researcher Prof Jiang He was quoted as saying.
In fact, Prof Jiang and his colleagues at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine came to the conclusion after examining the link between smoking and impotency in a study in China involving 7,684 men.
The researchers used questionnaires to assess the status of cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction. Those surveyed were men between the ages of 35-74 who did not have vascular disease.
The team found that there was a significant link between the number of cigarettes that men smoked and the likelihood they would experience erectile dysfunction. The association was found to be stronger in those with diabetes.
"An estimated 22.7 per cent of erectile dysfunction cases among Chinese men might be attributable to cigarette smoking," Prof Jiang said.
The findings have been published in the 'American Journal of Epidemiology'.
Spendometer to manage your budget
Spendometer to manage your budget
19 Nov 2007, 1457 hrs IST,ANI
LONDON: Young people who want to keep themselves free from debt can use the newly introduced device, Spendometer.
The device, which is available from website moneybasics.co.uk, enables mobile phone users to budget via their handsets.
For using the device, the mobile phone users need to enter their target maximum weekly spend, which can be divided into categories such as lunch, clothes and alcohol.
Any amount of money spent is then entered by category and the device sends a text message alert if the users exceed their spending limits.
"By making money management easy with mobile phones, we hope to help millions to keep better control of their money," Scotsman quoted Malcolm Hurlston, chairman of the charity Credit Action, as saying.
19 Nov 2007, 1457 hrs IST,ANI
LONDON: Young people who want to keep themselves free from debt can use the newly introduced device, Spendometer.
The device, which is available from website moneybasics.co.uk, enables mobile phone users to budget via their handsets.
For using the device, the mobile phone users need to enter their target maximum weekly spend, which can be divided into categories such as lunch, clothes and alcohol.
Any amount of money spent is then entered by category and the device sends a text message alert if the users exceed their spending limits.
"By making money management easy with mobile phones, we hope to help millions to keep better control of their money," Scotsman quoted Malcolm Hurlston, chairman of the charity Credit Action, as saying.
Dubai Motor Show 2007
Dubai Motor Show 2007
Al fresco motoring at its finest: Maybach’s latest Landaulet, unveiled for the first time in the world.
Red hot: Rolls Royce’s jaw-droppingly spectacular Phantom Drophead Coupé.
A Rolls Royce black model 1975, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan collection, on display at the Dubai Motor Show.
Ford A model 1928, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan collection, on display at the Dubai Motor Show.
Shouja, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan collection, on display at the Dubai Motor Show.
Al fresco motoring at its finest: Maybach’s latest Landaulet, unveiled for the first time in the world.
Red hot: Rolls Royce’s jaw-droppingly spectacular Phantom Drophead Coupé.
A Rolls Royce black model 1975, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan collection, on display at the Dubai Motor Show.
Ford A model 1928, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan collection, on display at the Dubai Motor Show.
Shouja, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan collection, on display at the Dubai Motor Show.
Trains of thought
Trains of thought
Trains of thought
November 17, 2007 Posted by Sanjay Bangar at 12:57 AM in Offbeat
Being a Railwayman people often ask me several questions about train travel. How much time have you spent travelling in trains? Which is the longest journey? And so on.
I've travelled an estimated 200,000 km by train in 15 years of first-class cricket. Nowadays, because of the BCCI's tie-up with airlines companies, most teams travel by air. It takes away the charm of the journey because in a flight everyone is only keen to get to the destination. The whole pleasure of a journey is lost. Railways is probably the only team to still use trains throughout the season.
The Indian Railways is the largest mass transport system operating in the world in terms of travellers per day and every Indian has memories of train journeys. For us cricketers, it's no different.
During journeys there's a lot of interaction between players, a fact crucial in a sport like cricket. Long-term friendships are formed when one interacts with colleagues, understanding each other's background, education, siblings and family. These journeys made team bonding much easier. One understands there is more to life than just cricket.
Our experience of trains usually corresponds with the progress made in our careers. Earlier when a player used to get picked for Under-15, Under-17 or his University team, he used to travel in second class compartments. When he progressed to the Ranji Trophy almost all players travelled second AC.
If one made it to the zonal team (for the Duleep or Deodhar Trophy) the tickets are given by organisers but with no guarantee of berth confirmations. I remember vividly a journey in 2000 when ten players of a Central Zone team were booked in an AC compartment from Kanpur to Delhi after a Duleep Trophy match. But only one ticket was confirmed. It was on that one ticket, with some help from co-passengers that we managed to spend the night in the most awkward conditions. It caused a lot of discomfort to all concerned.
You also need to endure some really long journeys. My longest journey has been for 52 hours from Guwahati to Mumbai in 1999. It was after a Duleep Trophy game and I was all by myself, going back home. I spent close to three nights in the train and it passed through so many unknown stations. It was a very lonely experience.
Another problem relates to the massive kit-bag and luggage we need to carry to games. The trains usually tend to be jam-packed and there isn't much place to store our belongings. In hindsight one acknowledges the tolerance, humility and acceptance of co-passengers, which made it possible for us to travel. People usually used to grant us special status by making adjustments once they realised we were cricketers.
Teamwork also came to our rescue on many occasions. If we had to alight at a station where a train stops for a very short period, we used to form a queue from the seats to the exit and pass on the luggage from one guy to the other. It not only saved us paying exorbitant amounts of money to the porters but also had another big advantage. You could very easily separate a selfish character from a selfless character during these journeys. A selfish character was one who would turn a blind eye once his luggage alighted on the platform.
A related aspect is the allotment of room partners when teams are put up in hotels. Most coaches and managers try and work it out on the following basis – either it's a senior with a junior to enhance the learning process, or it's openers sharing a room, fast bowlers being put together, or (in Railways' case) players being grouped according to their zones. It produces some interesting situations when one member of the room has had a great day and the other a bad one. It's tough to party when you've score a big hundred but seen your room-mate failing on the day. It's those times when you understand what a great leveller cricket can be and how failure isn't too far away if you lose focus.
Trains of thought
November 17, 2007 Posted by Sanjay Bangar at 12:57 AM in Offbeat
Being a Railwayman people often ask me several questions about train travel. How much time have you spent travelling in trains? Which is the longest journey? And so on.
I've travelled an estimated 200,000 km by train in 15 years of first-class cricket. Nowadays, because of the BCCI's tie-up with airlines companies, most teams travel by air. It takes away the charm of the journey because in a flight everyone is only keen to get to the destination. The whole pleasure of a journey is lost. Railways is probably the only team to still use trains throughout the season.
The Indian Railways is the largest mass transport system operating in the world in terms of travellers per day and every Indian has memories of train journeys. For us cricketers, it's no different.
During journeys there's a lot of interaction between players, a fact crucial in a sport like cricket. Long-term friendships are formed when one interacts with colleagues, understanding each other's background, education, siblings and family. These journeys made team bonding much easier. One understands there is more to life than just cricket.
Our experience of trains usually corresponds with the progress made in our careers. Earlier when a player used to get picked for Under-15, Under-17 or his University team, he used to travel in second class compartments. When he progressed to the Ranji Trophy almost all players travelled second AC.
If one made it to the zonal team (for the Duleep or Deodhar Trophy) the tickets are given by organisers but with no guarantee of berth confirmations. I remember vividly a journey in 2000 when ten players of a Central Zone team were booked in an AC compartment from Kanpur to Delhi after a Duleep Trophy match. But only one ticket was confirmed. It was on that one ticket, with some help from co-passengers that we managed to spend the night in the most awkward conditions. It caused a lot of discomfort to all concerned.
You also need to endure some really long journeys. My longest journey has been for 52 hours from Guwahati to Mumbai in 1999. It was after a Duleep Trophy game and I was all by myself, going back home. I spent close to three nights in the train and it passed through so many unknown stations. It was a very lonely experience.
Another problem relates to the massive kit-bag and luggage we need to carry to games. The trains usually tend to be jam-packed and there isn't much place to store our belongings. In hindsight one acknowledges the tolerance, humility and acceptance of co-passengers, which made it possible for us to travel. People usually used to grant us special status by making adjustments once they realised we were cricketers.
Teamwork also came to our rescue on many occasions. If we had to alight at a station where a train stops for a very short period, we used to form a queue from the seats to the exit and pass on the luggage from one guy to the other. It not only saved us paying exorbitant amounts of money to the porters but also had another big advantage. You could very easily separate a selfish character from a selfless character during these journeys. A selfish character was one who would turn a blind eye once his luggage alighted on the platform.
A related aspect is the allotment of room partners when teams are put up in hotels. Most coaches and managers try and work it out on the following basis – either it's a senior with a junior to enhance the learning process, or it's openers sharing a room, fast bowlers being put together, or (in Railways' case) players being grouped according to their zones. It produces some interesting situations when one member of the room has had a great day and the other a bad one. It's tough to party when you've score a big hundred but seen your room-mate failing on the day. It's those times when you understand what a great leveller cricket can be and how failure isn't too far away if you lose focus.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
ONGC Mittal under scanner in Nigeria
ONGC Mittal under scanner in Nigeria
17 Nov, 2007, 0128 hrs IST,Rajeev Jayaswal, TNN
RIYADH: ONGC Mittal Energy (OMEL) — a joint venture between ONGC and LN Mittal group — seems to be have run into trouble in Nigeria. The new government in that country has decided to review oil block contracts awarded by the previous regime following allegations of irregularities.
According to top Nigerian officials, there are apprehensions over licences won by OMEL.
Based on the apprehensions, the company’s deals in the country are under scanner. According to official sources, the deals under review include two blocks — 285 and 279 — awarded to OMEL.
Confirming the move to ET, Nigeria’s minister of state for energy (petroleum) Odein Ajumogobia said, “We are reviewing award of blocks by the previous government. There were complaints about the procedure used in awarding some of the blocks, and we are now investigating that.”
He, however, did not specify the identity of the blocks. Official sources, however, said that the two blocks awarded to OMEL are also under review, he said.
While there was no formal confirmation about the identity of the blocks and the companies involved, industry sources said some domestic and foreign entities that obtained licences to explore oil in the energy-rich African nation through ‘back door’ may end up losing them.
OMEL had won rights to explore in OPL 279 and OPL 285 in 2005 after committing investment of $6 billion in an 1,80,000-barrels-per-day greenfield refinery, a 2,000 mw power plant and a railway line running from east to the west of Nigeria. OMEL paid a signature bonus of $50 million for OPL 285 and $75 million for OPL 279.
OMEL was given preferential bidding rights for another block (OPL 250) in another licensing round that happened just before the change in the government. The company, however, did not submit a bid for the block.
Preferential bidding rights are like the first right of refusal where the company has the right to match the highest bid for the block and bag the exploration acreage. It is understood from the sources that OMEL did calculate the political risk and opted out of the deal.
17 Nov, 2007, 0128 hrs IST,Rajeev Jayaswal, TNN
RIYADH: ONGC Mittal Energy (OMEL) — a joint venture between ONGC and LN Mittal group — seems to be have run into trouble in Nigeria. The new government in that country has decided to review oil block contracts awarded by the previous regime following allegations of irregularities.
According to top Nigerian officials, there are apprehensions over licences won by OMEL.
Based on the apprehensions, the company’s deals in the country are under scanner. According to official sources, the deals under review include two blocks — 285 and 279 — awarded to OMEL.
Confirming the move to ET, Nigeria’s minister of state for energy (petroleum) Odein Ajumogobia said, “We are reviewing award of blocks by the previous government. There were complaints about the procedure used in awarding some of the blocks, and we are now investigating that.”
He, however, did not specify the identity of the blocks. Official sources, however, said that the two blocks awarded to OMEL are also under review, he said.
While there was no formal confirmation about the identity of the blocks and the companies involved, industry sources said some domestic and foreign entities that obtained licences to explore oil in the energy-rich African nation through ‘back door’ may end up losing them.
OMEL had won rights to explore in OPL 279 and OPL 285 in 2005 after committing investment of $6 billion in an 1,80,000-barrels-per-day greenfield refinery, a 2,000 mw power plant and a railway line running from east to the west of Nigeria. OMEL paid a signature bonus of $50 million for OPL 285 and $75 million for OPL 279.
OMEL was given preferential bidding rights for another block (OPL 250) in another licensing round that happened just before the change in the government. The company, however, did not submit a bid for the block.
Preferential bidding rights are like the first right of refusal where the company has the right to match the highest bid for the block and bag the exploration acreage. It is understood from the sources that OMEL did calculate the political risk and opted out of the deal.
Iraq flares up on Reliance deal with Kurdish govt
Iraq flares up on Reliance deal with Kurdish govt
16 Nov, 2007, 0056 hrs IST,Rajeev Jayaswal, TNN
RIYADH: Iraq has threatened to bar Reliance Industries (RIL) from oil deals for signing oil block contracts in the Kurdish region. RIL recently executed two production-sharing contracts (PSC) with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), covering petroleum exploration activities in the Rovi and Sarta blocks in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Iraqi oil minister Hussein Al-Shahristani said on Thursday that Iraq’s federal government does not recognise the deal. “The contracts have no standing with the Iraqi government. The companies that have signed the contracts with the Kurdish region may compromise chances of getting future contracts in Iraq,” he replied on the sidelines of the third Opec summit when asked about the RIL oil deals.
The oil deals seem to have angered Baghdad, which opposes a unilateral crude oil block selloff in the absence of a national oil law. The federal government of Iraq had urged the regional government of Kurdistan against signing an oil deal till the new national oil law was passed in Iraq Parliament.
Reacting to the development, RIL said its agreement with the autonomous KRG conformed to law. “The two exploration blocks in northern Iraq in Kurdistan region, for which we have signed the agreement, are within the legal framework,” RIL said in a statement issued here.
“RIL has always maintained highest cordial relationship with the government of Iraq and all other stakeholders in the countries where we operate. We will continue to do so in future,” the statement said.
Al-Shahristani said any independent deal with KRG would face difficulty in exporting oil from the region as Iraq would not allow its oil to be exported. Kurdistan lies in the north of Iraq and does not have a port for export of oil. Companies producing oil in the region have to necessarily go to southern ports that come under the administrative control of the federal government of Iraq.
On November 8, RIL announced it had executed two contracts with KRG covering petroleum exploration activities in the Rovi and Sarta blocks. Under the terms of the contract, Reliance Exploration & Production DMCC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RIL, would serve as the operator. The blocks measuring 450-500 sq km are highly prospective and have almost 80% oil-bearing structure.
According to sources, RIL is likely to make a discovery soon. The company had paid a signing amount of $15.5-17.5 million for the blocks. While announcing the deal, RIL president (international operations) Atul Chandra had said, “We are pleased to reach an agreement with the KRG on the two PSCs.
We hope and believe this will be an investment that will provide long-term benefits to all the stakeholders.” RIL has established a local office in Erbil and has undertaken extensive geological work over the past year in the Kurdistan region.
16 Nov, 2007, 0056 hrs IST,Rajeev Jayaswal, TNN
RIYADH: Iraq has threatened to bar Reliance Industries (RIL) from oil deals for signing oil block contracts in the Kurdish region. RIL recently executed two production-sharing contracts (PSC) with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), covering petroleum exploration activities in the Rovi and Sarta blocks in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Iraqi oil minister Hussein Al-Shahristani said on Thursday that Iraq’s federal government does not recognise the deal. “The contracts have no standing with the Iraqi government. The companies that have signed the contracts with the Kurdish region may compromise chances of getting future contracts in Iraq,” he replied on the sidelines of the third Opec summit when asked about the RIL oil deals.
The oil deals seem to have angered Baghdad, which opposes a unilateral crude oil block selloff in the absence of a national oil law. The federal government of Iraq had urged the regional government of Kurdistan against signing an oil deal till the new national oil law was passed in Iraq Parliament.
Reacting to the development, RIL said its agreement with the autonomous KRG conformed to law. “The two exploration blocks in northern Iraq in Kurdistan region, for which we have signed the agreement, are within the legal framework,” RIL said in a statement issued here.
“RIL has always maintained highest cordial relationship with the government of Iraq and all other stakeholders in the countries where we operate. We will continue to do so in future,” the statement said.
Al-Shahristani said any independent deal with KRG would face difficulty in exporting oil from the region as Iraq would not allow its oil to be exported. Kurdistan lies in the north of Iraq and does not have a port for export of oil. Companies producing oil in the region have to necessarily go to southern ports that come under the administrative control of the federal government of Iraq.
On November 8, RIL announced it had executed two contracts with KRG covering petroleum exploration activities in the Rovi and Sarta blocks. Under the terms of the contract, Reliance Exploration & Production DMCC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RIL, would serve as the operator. The blocks measuring 450-500 sq km are highly prospective and have almost 80% oil-bearing structure.
According to sources, RIL is likely to make a discovery soon. The company had paid a signing amount of $15.5-17.5 million for the blocks. While announcing the deal, RIL president (international operations) Atul Chandra had said, “We are pleased to reach an agreement with the KRG on the two PSCs.
We hope and believe this will be an investment that will provide long-term benefits to all the stakeholders.” RIL has established a local office in Erbil and has undertaken extensive geological work over the past year in the Kurdistan region.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Yoga as you like it: Mind that headache
Yoga as you like it: Mind that headache
By Bharat Thakur, Special to Unwind
Published: November 09, 2007, 23:39
Migraine debilitates one for hours and, although there is no cure, yogic asanas can help reduce the pain.
Migraine is a vascular headache caused by the inflammation and irritation of the nerve endings. This results from the expansion of the blood vessels on the surface of the brain.
Acute pain may be felt on one or both sides of the head, at the back of the neck, around the eyes or in the face or in the sinuses.
This pain can be severe and, if left untreated, can last from as little as four hours to even 72 hours.
The pain is often preceded by a sensory warning sign or the seeing of an aura, flashes of light or getting blind spots. A tingling sensation in the arms and legs may also serve as a warning.
Triggers for migraine attacks vary from person to person. The factors causing it include stress, certain foods, weather changes, odours, change in sleeping habits and hormonal fluctuations.
Yoga therapy for migraine generally focuses on prevention, which also includes stress reduction.
Yoga can also help reduce the headache by providing relief to sensory overload and relaxing your mind.
Pranayama for migraine
Yoga places much importance on breathing. Not only do pranayamas strengthen the lungs and improve oxygen levels, they also help restore and gradually balance the flow of prana or vital energy to the brain and soothe the nerves.
Kapalbhati pranayama
Exercise
Sit back on your heels, place palms on knees and hold the back straight.
Exhale forcefully and rapidly in quick successions through the nose, pulling the stomach towards the spine as you exhale. Inhalation is automatic and should be passive between every two exhalations.
Practise 30 to 50 inhalations at a stretch.
Repeat 3 times.
Nadi shodhana pranayama (Alternate-nostril breathing)
Exercise
Sit in padmasana. To do that, sit with legs stretched out and back held straight.
Bend one leg and place the foot on opposite thigh. Bend the other leg and place the foot on the thigh of the bent leg. Place your hands on your knees.
Curl the forefinger and middle finger of your right hand. Close your eyes and practise deep breathing.
Close your right nostril with the thumb and place the ring finger between eyebrows. Inhale to a count of 5.
Now, close the left nostril with your ring finger. Hold your breath for a count of 10.
Raise your thumb between eyebrows and to a count of 10 slowly exhale through right nostril.
Now, breathe in again through the right nostril to a count of 5. Close the right nostril with your thumb and hold your breath to a count of 10. Place ring finger between eyebrows and exhale through left nostril to count of 10.
Repeat complete cycle.
Kriyas for migraine
Kriyas rid the body of toxins and strengthen the 72,000 nadis which are energy channels in our body and form a kind of electrical circuit.
Jal neti
Exercise
Use a neti pot or a long-stemmed teapot.
Add 1 teaspoon salt to 1/2 litre lukewarm water and fill the neti pot.
Stand relaxed with legs apart, bend forward and tilt your head to one side as shown. Keep the mouth open so you can breathe through it.
Place the nozzle in the nostril that is facing upwards and slowly pour water into it. The water will flow out through the other nostril.
Straighten up, blow nose gently to remove any mucous.
Now, close one nostril and rapidly exhale 10 to 15 times through the other.
Repeat with other nostril.
Lastly, inhale and exhale rapidly 10 to 15 times with both nostrils open.
Inverted asanas for migraine
During migraine there is decreased blood flow to the brain. Inverted asanas help loosen the cervical and shoulder areas and also increase blood flow to the brain.
Caution: Those suffering from hernia, high blood pressure, heart conditions and severe back problems should not carry out these exercises.
Sarvangasana (Shoulder-stand pose)
Exercise
Lie flat on your back, arms by the sides. Slowly raise both legs to a 90 degrees position.
Lift your hips and back off the floor and bring the legs towards your head, supporting the hips with your hands.
Slowly lower the hands and bring legs to 90 degrees. Support the whole body on shoulders so that the trunk and legs are in a straight line. Keep your chin pressed to the chest.
Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.
Lower your back and legs without jerky movements.
(More asanas on migraine next week)
- Bharat Thakur is the founder of Bharat Thakur's Artistic Yoga. For questions on yoga, write to dubai.artisticyoga@gmail.com. For information, log on to www.bharatthakur.com
Change in rules for shifting jobs
Change in rules for shifting jobs
By Rayeesa Absal and Wafa Issa, Staff Reporters GULF NEWS
Published: November 16, 2007, 00:10
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Labour has amended rules for sponsorship transfer allowing expatriates to change their jobs without having to spend one year with their original sponsors, a senior official said on Thursday.
Humaid Bin Deemas, Assistant Undersecretary at the ministry, told Gulf News that earlier an exemption from the minister was needed in order to be able to transfer sponsorship before completing one year.
"However, since two weeks exemptions are no longer needed but the NOC from the previous sponsor is still a prerequisite and the applicant will have to pay a fee of Dh500 for each month remaining to complete this mandatory period. The procedure could be done at the customer service counter at the ministry and applicants no longer need to approach the minister's office," said Bin Deemas.
Khalil Khoury, the Director of Work Permits Department, said as per the rule, anybody wishing to transfer sponsorship before completion of the mandatory period specified by the MOL would have to pay a fee of Dh3,000. Apart from this a fee of Dh500 would have to be paid for each month remaining to complete this mandatory period.
He added that the cost of sponsorship transfer depends on the qualification of the concerned employee. For instance, a person with Master's degree would have to pay Dh1,500 for approval while a person with low educational qualification will have to pay Dh 5,000 for the same. The cost of approval of internal work permit to move to another company owned by the same sponsor is Dh500.
New counter
"Even before the new rule was implemented, people could transfer their sponsorship without completing the mandatory period with their sponsors, but this required the approval of the Assistant Undersecretary. With the new rule in place, people can complete the sponsorship transfer procedures at the counter itself, after obligatory fines are paid," Khoury said. A new counter has been opened at the MOL to accept applications.
The original sponsor should sign in the application for cancellation, which means the consent of the sponsor is essential to facilitate the transfer process.
Not many people are availing this facility, said Khoury, citing high costs as the reason. "We have not received many requests to facilitate sponsorship transfer because of the high costs involved. Labourers and workers in the low-income group would find it hard to shell out so much money for this purpose."
By Rayeesa Absal and Wafa Issa, Staff Reporters GULF NEWS
Published: November 16, 2007, 00:10
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Labour has amended rules for sponsorship transfer allowing expatriates to change their jobs without having to spend one year with their original sponsors, a senior official said on Thursday.
Humaid Bin Deemas, Assistant Undersecretary at the ministry, told Gulf News that earlier an exemption from the minister was needed in order to be able to transfer sponsorship before completing one year.
"However, since two weeks exemptions are no longer needed but the NOC from the previous sponsor is still a prerequisite and the applicant will have to pay a fee of Dh500 for each month remaining to complete this mandatory period. The procedure could be done at the customer service counter at the ministry and applicants no longer need to approach the minister's office," said Bin Deemas.
Khalil Khoury, the Director of Work Permits Department, said as per the rule, anybody wishing to transfer sponsorship before completion of the mandatory period specified by the MOL would have to pay a fee of Dh3,000. Apart from this a fee of Dh500 would have to be paid for each month remaining to complete this mandatory period.
He added that the cost of sponsorship transfer depends on the qualification of the concerned employee. For instance, a person with Master's degree would have to pay Dh1,500 for approval while a person with low educational qualification will have to pay Dh 5,000 for the same. The cost of approval of internal work permit to move to another company owned by the same sponsor is Dh500.
New counter
"Even before the new rule was implemented, people could transfer their sponsorship without completing the mandatory period with their sponsors, but this required the approval of the Assistant Undersecretary. With the new rule in place, people can complete the sponsorship transfer procedures at the counter itself, after obligatory fines are paid," Khoury said. A new counter has been opened at the MOL to accept applications.
The original sponsor should sign in the application for cancellation, which means the consent of the sponsor is essential to facilitate the transfer process.
Not many people are availing this facility, said Khoury, citing high costs as the reason. "We have not received many requests to facilitate sponsorship transfer because of the high costs involved. Labourers and workers in the low-income group would find it hard to shell out so much money for this purpose."
Male Circumcision can Cut HIV Infection, Studies Show
Male Circumcision can Cut HIV Infection, Studies Show
Scientific studies have confirmed a long-standing belief that male circumcision can reduce HIV infection rates in men by 60 percent, an international AIDS conference will be told next week.
David Cooper, the co-chairman of an International AIDS Society (IAS) conference to be held in Sydney from July 22-25, said research on male circumcision represented a major development in HIV prevention.
"We always knew that if you went into any particular African country that HIV rates among Muslim men were lots lower," Cooper told AFP.
"But we were never sure that the Muslim men had lower numbers of partners than non-Muslim men, so people always doubted it."
Cooper said the only way to ensure the link between lower HIV rates and circumcision was not due to cultural factors was to carry out random trials, the results of which will be presented at the Sydney conference.
He said three trials were conducted in South Africa, Kenya and Uganda, each involving more than 2,000 heterosexual men, half of whom were circumcised.
"The reduction in HIV infection was about 60 percent, so clearly it works," said Cooper, who is also the director of Australia's National Centre for HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research.
Cooper said the studies showed circumcision could be a powerful tool in helping curb HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa, where infection rates in some countries are up to 40 percent of the adult population.
He said, however, that any introduction of widespread male circumcision in developing countries needed to be carried out with an education campaign that reinforced a safe sex message.
"In some areas of sub-Saharan Africa men are requesting circumcision, which is a bit of a worry, as they may think they're protected and they're not," Cooper said.
"It merely reduces the risk, you still have to use condoms, men can't think 'that's all I need to do, I can now have unsafe sex'."
The clinical reason for circumcision's preventive effect is still being investigated.
One theory is that the foreskin has a very thin lining and suffers minor abrasions during intercourse, making it easier for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to enter the man's bloodstream. Another is that the foreskin is rich in Langerhans cells, whose surface is configured in such a way that the AIDS virus readily latches on to them.
Source-AFP
Scientific studies have confirmed a long-standing belief that male circumcision can reduce HIV infection rates in men by 60 percent, an international AIDS conference will be told next week.
David Cooper, the co-chairman of an International AIDS Society (IAS) conference to be held in Sydney from July 22-25, said research on male circumcision represented a major development in HIV prevention.
"We always knew that if you went into any particular African country that HIV rates among Muslim men were lots lower," Cooper told AFP.
"But we were never sure that the Muslim men had lower numbers of partners than non-Muslim men, so people always doubted it."
Cooper said the only way to ensure the link between lower HIV rates and circumcision was not due to cultural factors was to carry out random trials, the results of which will be presented at the Sydney conference.
He said three trials were conducted in South Africa, Kenya and Uganda, each involving more than 2,000 heterosexual men, half of whom were circumcised.
"The reduction in HIV infection was about 60 percent, so clearly it works," said Cooper, who is also the director of Australia's National Centre for HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research.
Cooper said the studies showed circumcision could be a powerful tool in helping curb HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa, where infection rates in some countries are up to 40 percent of the adult population.
He said, however, that any introduction of widespread male circumcision in developing countries needed to be carried out with an education campaign that reinforced a safe sex message.
"In some areas of sub-Saharan Africa men are requesting circumcision, which is a bit of a worry, as they may think they're protected and they're not," Cooper said.
"It merely reduces the risk, you still have to use condoms, men can't think 'that's all I need to do, I can now have unsafe sex'."
The clinical reason for circumcision's preventive effect is still being investigated.
One theory is that the foreskin has a very thin lining and suffers minor abrasions during intercourse, making it easier for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to enter the man's bloodstream. Another is that the foreskin is rich in Langerhans cells, whose surface is configured in such a way that the AIDS virus readily latches on to them.
Source-AFP
Abu Dhabi economy challenges global market with solid growth
Abu Dhabi economy challenges global market with solid growthBY A STAFF REPORTER KHALEEJ TIMES
17 November 2007
DUBAI — Oil and gas production will no longer be the major source of public revenue in Abu Dhabi with the government's determined strategy of diversifying the economy and creating new productive sectors based on solid partnerships with the private sector, says Adel Al Zarouni, Managing Director of Burooj Properties.
Al Zarouni of Burooj Properties, the gold sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Conference 2007 to be held at Emirates Palace on November 18-19, added: "Innovation and creativity are becoming an integral part of the national policy in Abu Dhabi which has succeeded in implementing the right formula to emerge as a global leader. The city's growing reputation as an international tourism and business hub reflects its steady current economic boom. The most crucial factor that will drive economic prosperity in the capital of UAE is the forceful partnership between the public and private sectors."
The economic success of the UAE owed much to the government support to the private initiatives. The growth of the city into a strategic destination for business is seen internationally as a pioneering effort where public-private partnerships are now a standard concept in the economic development realm of the city.
Al Zarouni added: "By combining the best talents and resources of the UAE public and private sectors, we can deliver value for money, greater efficiency and accelerated delivery of planned projects. Abu Dhabi is laying the ground for future development through enabling the implementation of public-private partnerships under principles of transparency, flexibility and fidelity."
Abu Dhabi public private partnerships define partners' roles and responsibilities by high level of transparency and precision through looking into partner selection, deal structuring and negotiations.
Al Zarouni added: "We are pleased to be a gold sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Conference 2007 which brings together key government officials and influential industry leaders to discuss and debate issues that shape the future of Abu Dhabi."
Abu Dhabi Conference 2007 follows the Government's recent comprehensive plan for the development of the city that will guide planning decisions for the next quarter of a century.
Al Zarouni concluded: "Innovation is the most critical element in sustaining competitiveness. Abu Dhabi's construction boom goes in hand with further industry development in areas such as education, healthcare and government services which remain at top of the government's agenda."
17 November 2007
DUBAI — Oil and gas production will no longer be the major source of public revenue in Abu Dhabi with the government's determined strategy of diversifying the economy and creating new productive sectors based on solid partnerships with the private sector, says Adel Al Zarouni, Managing Director of Burooj Properties.
Al Zarouni of Burooj Properties, the gold sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Conference 2007 to be held at Emirates Palace on November 18-19, added: "Innovation and creativity are becoming an integral part of the national policy in Abu Dhabi which has succeeded in implementing the right formula to emerge as a global leader. The city's growing reputation as an international tourism and business hub reflects its steady current economic boom. The most crucial factor that will drive economic prosperity in the capital of UAE is the forceful partnership between the public and private sectors."
The economic success of the UAE owed much to the government support to the private initiatives. The growth of the city into a strategic destination for business is seen internationally as a pioneering effort where public-private partnerships are now a standard concept in the economic development realm of the city.
Al Zarouni added: "By combining the best talents and resources of the UAE public and private sectors, we can deliver value for money, greater efficiency and accelerated delivery of planned projects. Abu Dhabi is laying the ground for future development through enabling the implementation of public-private partnerships under principles of transparency, flexibility and fidelity."
Abu Dhabi public private partnerships define partners' roles and responsibilities by high level of transparency and precision through looking into partner selection, deal structuring and negotiations.
Al Zarouni added: "We are pleased to be a gold sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Conference 2007 which brings together key government officials and influential industry leaders to discuss and debate issues that shape the future of Abu Dhabi."
Abu Dhabi Conference 2007 follows the Government's recent comprehensive plan for the development of the city that will guide planning decisions for the next quarter of a century.
Al Zarouni concluded: "Innovation is the most critical element in sustaining competitiveness. Abu Dhabi's construction boom goes in hand with further industry development in areas such as education, healthcare and government services which remain at top of the government's agenda."
Kerala and Dubai formally launch Smart City project
Kerala and Dubai formally launch Smart City project
By Akhel Mathew, Correspondent GULF NEWS
Published: November 16, 2007, 18:14
Kochi: Smart City Kochi, the Kerala government's most ambitious IT venture, was formally launched by the Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan and Dubai-based Tecom Executive Director Fareed Abdul Rahman.
Achuthanandan and Rahman laid the foundation stone for the project. Tecom Executive chairman Ahmad Bin Byat, however, could not attend the function.
Estimated outlay
The project, which involves an estimated outlay of Rs16 billion (Dh1.5 billion) and is being established on about 246 acres at Kakkanad in Kochi city, is expected to provide about 90,000 direct jobs and have a built-up space of 8.8 million square feet within a decade.
The entire project is being visualised on the lines of Dubai Internet City and the Dubai Media City, officials said.
Achuthanandan said this was the first major IT infrastructure project being developed by a public-private partnership in Kerala after two successful IT parks set up in the public sector - the Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram and the Infopark in Kochi.
Achuthanandan said the project would provide jobs to the local youth.
He added there were several enquiries from investors following the signing of the agreement with the Smart-City Dubai authorities.
Rahman said SmartCity Kochi was expected to be "a significant hub of excellence in the knowledge-based industry". He added the SmartCity in Kerala and another being set up in Malta would be key hubs of the global SmartCity concept.
He praised Kerala's vast talent pool and appreciated the state government's support for IT projects.
By Akhel Mathew, Correspondent GULF NEWS
Published: November 16, 2007, 18:14
Kochi: Smart City Kochi, the Kerala government's most ambitious IT venture, was formally launched by the Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan and Dubai-based Tecom Executive Director Fareed Abdul Rahman.
Achuthanandan and Rahman laid the foundation stone for the project. Tecom Executive chairman Ahmad Bin Byat, however, could not attend the function.
Estimated outlay
The project, which involves an estimated outlay of Rs16 billion (Dh1.5 billion) and is being established on about 246 acres at Kakkanad in Kochi city, is expected to provide about 90,000 direct jobs and have a built-up space of 8.8 million square feet within a decade.
The entire project is being visualised on the lines of Dubai Internet City and the Dubai Media City, officials said.
Achuthanandan said this was the first major IT infrastructure project being developed by a public-private partnership in Kerala after two successful IT parks set up in the public sector - the Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram and the Infopark in Kochi.
Achuthanandan said the project would provide jobs to the local youth.
He added there were several enquiries from investors following the signing of the agreement with the Smart-City Dubai authorities.
Rahman said SmartCity Kochi was expected to be "a significant hub of excellence in the knowledge-based industry". He added the SmartCity in Kerala and another being set up in Malta would be key hubs of the global SmartCity concept.
He praised Kerala's vast talent pool and appreciated the state government's support for IT projects.
Idli boy steals the show
Idli boy steals the show
- Entrepreneur holds aspiring managers in thrall
from The Telegraph, Culcutta
Jamshedpur, Nov. 18: A packed Tata auditorium listened with rapt attention to Sarathababu Elumalai, who was here to share his rags-to-riches story during the XLRI annual Homecoming ceremony.
The youth from Chennai, an IIM graduate who refused a brilliant job to start a catering service, said: “I was born in a family of five children in Chennai and my mother worked with the government’s mid-day meal schemes. The money was not sufficient to sustain the large family, so she set up a small idli shop near our home in one of the slum areas of Chennai.”
The founder of FoodKing Catering Services, which today serves home-made hygienic food to offices in Ahmedabad and Goa, recalled how in Class IX his teachers had to persuade him hard not to quit studies.
From selling idlis on the pavements of Chennai to binding books for students, Elumalai had done it all till he reached BITS, Pilani. “I had never heard of the institution as we never got such an exposure. Someone told me that if I study there I will get a job,” he said.
After the engineering degree and a three years’ stint in the corporate world, Elumalai moved to IIM (A).
“The kind of salary and position an IIM graduate is offered is very difficult to turn down. But if I had not taken such a decision, I would have never been able to start my business,” he said.
The business, which started with a mere Rs 5,000 and a small kiosk at Ahmedabad, has today spread to over six branches employing over 175 people whose only job is to supply nutritious home-made food to corporates.
“It was an idea that I chanced upon during my internship at Pilani when I learnt that 30 per cent of the country’s population go to bed without food,” he said.
“More than working for somebody I wanted to give jobs to people like me, who did not have other means of livelihood.”
Soon his company would venture into other cities and provide employment to at least 15, 000 people.
And while Sarathababu surprised everybody with his stories, XLRI today too put its first step in the same direction. After almost three years of negotiations, the much talked about Social Entrepreneurship Trust (SET) was formed today.
Aimed at funding and supporting innovative social entrepreneurship ideas, the trust which is the first of its kind would also work for different tribal upliftment projects in Jharkhand and would provide scholarships to tribal youths for further studies.
While B.L. Raina, managing director, Tinplate is the founder trustee and chairman of the trust, XLRI director, N Caisimir Raj will be the director of the trust. In total the trust would have about seven corporate heads as trustees from, across the country including a few XLRI faculty members.
Two amazing children
Two amazing children
CD Verma New Delhi, November 16, 2007 for The Hindustan Times
They were two youngsters, a brother and a sister. The boy aged 12 and the girl aged 15, were in school uniform. They were carrying heavy school satchels.
They behaved like children of respectable parents. Like us, they too were waiting for the bus. A state bus, bound for Chandigarh, arrived. The bus ploughed through the crowd, scattered the passengers helter-skelter and came to a screeching halt.
The commuters charged at the bus and scampered into it. In the flurry and scurry the two children patiently waited for their turn. They were the last to board. The youngsters occupied the seat in front of me. The girl handed over a 50-rupee note to me to pass it on to the conductor via other passengers, for two tickets to Ashram, New Delhi.
The note was handed over by commuters to the conductor, who in the same way dispatched the tickets and the balance amount back to the children. The gir1counted the balance returned by the conductor, looked at the value of the ticket, and counted the balance again.
Discovering that the conductor had returned Rs 1.50 in excess, she directed the younger brother to return the excess amount to the conductor The boy got up from his seat, slowly waded through the crowd of passengers, reached the conductor and returned it. The conductor nodded his head in appreciation.
All this while I watched the two in admiration. And so did the crowd. However, after some time the girl again started counting the money. On recalculation, she found that the conductor had in fact paid Rs 2.50 and not Rs 1.50 in excess.
She once again asked her brother to go to the conductor. The boy returned another rupee to the conductor. Their exemplary conduct caused a big whisper of approbation among the commuters who marveled at the conscientious youngsters. Spontaneously, I caressed their heads.
The kids responded with "Thank you." Then they got down at Ashram, leaving us philosophising about the moral 'sanskars' the children might have imbibed from their parents.
CD Verma New Delhi, November 16, 2007 for The Hindustan Times
They were two youngsters, a brother and a sister. The boy aged 12 and the girl aged 15, were in school uniform. They were carrying heavy school satchels.
They behaved like children of respectable parents. Like us, they too were waiting for the bus. A state bus, bound for Chandigarh, arrived. The bus ploughed through the crowd, scattered the passengers helter-skelter and came to a screeching halt.
The commuters charged at the bus and scampered into it. In the flurry and scurry the two children patiently waited for their turn. They were the last to board. The youngsters occupied the seat in front of me. The girl handed over a 50-rupee note to me to pass it on to the conductor via other passengers, for two tickets to Ashram, New Delhi.
The note was handed over by commuters to the conductor, who in the same way dispatched the tickets and the balance amount back to the children. The gir1counted the balance returned by the conductor, looked at the value of the ticket, and counted the balance again.
Discovering that the conductor had returned Rs 1.50 in excess, she directed the younger brother to return the excess amount to the conductor The boy got up from his seat, slowly waded through the crowd of passengers, reached the conductor and returned it. The conductor nodded his head in appreciation.
All this while I watched the two in admiration. And so did the crowd. However, after some time the girl again started counting the money. On recalculation, she found that the conductor had in fact paid Rs 2.50 and not Rs 1.50 in excess.
She once again asked her brother to go to the conductor. The boy returned another rupee to the conductor. Their exemplary conduct caused a big whisper of approbation among the commuters who marveled at the conscientious youngsters. Spontaneously, I caressed their heads.
The kids responded with "Thank you." Then they got down at Ashram, leaving us philosophising about the moral 'sanskars' the children might have imbibed from their parents.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
UAE announces new steps to protect rights of foreign workers
UAE announces new steps to protect rights of foreign workers
14 Nov, 2007, 1727 hrs IST, PTI
DUBAI: In a move aimed at protecting rights of foreigners working as domestic helps, including Indians, the UAE has announced that it would draft a law on par with international standards to safeguard their interests.
"Government decreed the drafting of a law later last month to protect the rights of domestic helps like other workers under UAE Labour Law. First of its kind, the law will follow local and international standards to safeguard their interest," Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs said.
"We recognise that the protection of domestic workers is the top priority for the government and are committed towards it," he told the Emirates News Agency.
His comments came in the wake of a report published by the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW), which claimed that domestic helps face forced labour and sexual harassment in Gulf countries. The research was conducted in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon and UAE.
The minster stressed that they are committed to "protect the rights of labourers and curb abuses against them."
Criticising the survey conducted by HRW, Gargesh said they are disappointed by the quality of the research.
The findings are based on interviews with Sri Lankan women workers who work across the Middle East, he said.
14 Nov, 2007, 1727 hrs IST, PTI
DUBAI: In a move aimed at protecting rights of foreigners working as domestic helps, including Indians, the UAE has announced that it would draft a law on par with international standards to safeguard their interests.
"Government decreed the drafting of a law later last month to protect the rights of domestic helps like other workers under UAE Labour Law. First of its kind, the law will follow local and international standards to safeguard their interest," Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs said.
"We recognise that the protection of domestic workers is the top priority for the government and are committed towards it," he told the Emirates News Agency.
His comments came in the wake of a report published by the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW), which claimed that domestic helps face forced labour and sexual harassment in Gulf countries. The research was conducted in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon and UAE.
The minster stressed that they are committed to "protect the rights of labourers and curb abuses against them."
Criticising the survey conducted by HRW, Gargesh said they are disappointed by the quality of the research.
The findings are based on interviews with Sri Lankan women workers who work across the Middle East, he said.
Skin, hair, nail show stress level
Skin, hair, nail show stress level
11 Nov 2007, 1125 hrs IST,PTI
NEW YORK: Feeling stressed? Your skin, hair and nails can show it as they're the external indicators.
While everyone knows that stress can take a toll on a person physically and psychologically, researchers in the United States have carried out a study and found that it also can lead to dermatological problems, like acne, brittle nails or even hair loss, the ScienceDaily reported.
"When a person becomes stressed, the level of the body's stress hormone (cortisol) rises. This in turn causes an increase in oil production, which can lead to oily skin, acne and other related skin problems.
"Stress can aggravate the skin and trigger unexpected flare-ups that, in effect, create more stress for patients," lead researcher Dr Flor A. Mayoral of the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine was quoted as saying.
Dr Mayoral and his fellow researchers came to the conclusion after analysing a study, involving 27 medical, dental and pharmacy students.
The researchers examined how periods of higher stress impacted the skin's response to repeated stripping of cellophane tape on the subjects' forearms vs. periods of lower stress (such as after returning from winter vacation).
They found that it took longer for the skin to recover from the minimally invasive tape stripping during periods of perceived higher stress than during less stressful periods.
"This study's the first of its kind to suggest what dermatologists anecdotally have known for years -- that psychological stress adversely affects the normal functions of the skin.
"While the subjects in this study did not have any pre-existing skin conditions, I'd suspect that people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis would have been more adversely affected by this experiment," he said.
11 Nov 2007, 1125 hrs IST,PTI
NEW YORK: Feeling stressed? Your skin, hair and nails can show it as they're the external indicators.
While everyone knows that stress can take a toll on a person physically and psychologically, researchers in the United States have carried out a study and found that it also can lead to dermatological problems, like acne, brittle nails or even hair loss, the ScienceDaily reported.
"When a person becomes stressed, the level of the body's stress hormone (cortisol) rises. This in turn causes an increase in oil production, which can lead to oily skin, acne and other related skin problems.
"Stress can aggravate the skin and trigger unexpected flare-ups that, in effect, create more stress for patients," lead researcher Dr Flor A. Mayoral of the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine was quoted as saying.
Dr Mayoral and his fellow researchers came to the conclusion after analysing a study, involving 27 medical, dental and pharmacy students.
The researchers examined how periods of higher stress impacted the skin's response to repeated stripping of cellophane tape on the subjects' forearms vs. periods of lower stress (such as after returning from winter vacation).
They found that it took longer for the skin to recover from the minimally invasive tape stripping during periods of perceived higher stress than during less stressful periods.
"This study's the first of its kind to suggest what dermatologists anecdotally have known for years -- that psychological stress adversely affects the normal functions of the skin.
"While the subjects in this study did not have any pre-existing skin conditions, I'd suspect that people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis would have been more adversely affected by this experiment," he said.
Curvy women are cleverer too: Study
Curvy women are cleverer too: Study
11 Nov 2007, 1203 hrs IST,PTI
LONDON: Curvy women have been admired for their sensual figures. But, a new study has found that ladies with large hips and small waists are cleverer too, than those with apple-shaped bodies.
In fact, according to international researchers, women with an hourglass figure are not only intelligent, they also give birth to brighter children, The Sunday Times reported in London on Sunday.
"The fat around fuller hips and thighs holds higher levels of omega3 fatty acids which are essential for the growth of the brain during pregnancy," the researchers were quoted as saying.
The scientists at the Universities of Pittsburgh and California came to the conclusion after analysing data from a study of 16,000 women and girls, which collected details of their body measurements and their scores in cognitive tests.
The team found that those women with a greater difference between the waist and hips scored significantly higher on the tests, as did their children -- "possibly a result of higher levels of Omega3 fatty acids on the hips".
The research has explained why children born to teenage mothers do worse in cognitive tests: Their mothers may have had insufficient stores of the best fatty acids.
"The cognitive development of their children is reduced, and their own cognitive development is impaired compared with those mothers with a later first birth," the researchers were quoted as saying.
The study also noted, however, that children born to teenage girls with traditional hourglass figures seemed to be protected from this phenomenon and did better in tests.
11 Nov 2007, 1203 hrs IST,PTI
LONDON: Curvy women have been admired for their sensual figures. But, a new study has found that ladies with large hips and small waists are cleverer too, than those with apple-shaped bodies.
In fact, according to international researchers, women with an hourglass figure are not only intelligent, they also give birth to brighter children, The Sunday Times reported in London on Sunday.
"The fat around fuller hips and thighs holds higher levels of omega3 fatty acids which are essential for the growth of the brain during pregnancy," the researchers were quoted as saying.
The scientists at the Universities of Pittsburgh and California came to the conclusion after analysing data from a study of 16,000 women and girls, which collected details of their body measurements and their scores in cognitive tests.
The team found that those women with a greater difference between the waist and hips scored significantly higher on the tests, as did their children -- "possibly a result of higher levels of Omega3 fatty acids on the hips".
The research has explained why children born to teenage mothers do worse in cognitive tests: Their mothers may have had insufficient stores of the best fatty acids.
"The cognitive development of their children is reduced, and their own cognitive development is impaired compared with those mothers with a later first birth," the researchers were quoted as saying.
The study also noted, however, that children born to teenage girls with traditional hourglass figures seemed to be protected from this phenomenon and did better in tests.
'Indian elite emit most CO2'
'Indian elite emit most CO2'
13 Nov 2007, 1819 hrs IST,INDIATIMES NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI: Greenpeace on Tuesday released a survey based report named "hiding behind the poor" which reveals that the highest income group in India, constituting merely 1% of the population emits four-and-a-half times as much CO2 as the lowest income group consisting 38% of the population. It demands that common but differentiated responsibility for CO2 emissions reduction, which the government is justifiably advocating at a global level be implemented in India. With less than a month to go for the United Nations Climate Change Council conference in Bali, the report challenges the Indian government's hard line of not committing to GHG gases reduction on grounds of development and makes an argument about why India must de-carbonize its development.
According to the proposed national strategy on climate change India will not abide by any international commitment to mandatory reduction of greenhouse gas emission. India 's approach of measuring world GHG emissions is per capita emission rather than country-wise emissions which is the approach of the developed nations. Although India is the sixth largest carbon emitter in the world, it has one of the lowest per capita emission rates.
G Ananthapadmanabhan, Executive Director, Greenpeace India said "While the government continues to point at low average per capita emissions to justify non reduction of India 's CO2 emissions, over 150 Million Indians are emitting above the sustainable limit which needs to be maintained to restrict global temperature rise below 2 degree centigrade. India 's low average per capita emissions is due to the over 800 million poor population whose emissions are negligible and the difference in emissions between the highest and the lowest income groups in India is almost as glaring as the difference in the average per capita emissions between the EU and India ."
'hiding behind the poor' is based on face-to-face surveys of 819 households from the seven different income classes across the four metros, medium and small towns and rural areas for energy consumption patters. According to the report, the average CO2 emissions of an individual from the highest income group of above Rs 30,000 (1494 KG) is 4.5 times that of one from the lowest income group of below Rs 3000 per month (335 Kg).
Ananth further added "Electricity production in India is already extremely carbon intensive, emitting more then twice as much CO2 per kilowatt-hour than in the EU. The government's objective, as in the 11th five year plan to base India's future power generation on a massive expansion of coal power plants will further enhance climate instability and expose the most vulnerable poor population to increasing impacts of climate change. While rightfully demanding that developed nations reduce Co2 emissions and provide developing nations the carbon space to grow, the Indian government must not hide India 's emissions behind the vast poor population. The principle of climate justice must be included in the national development plan."
The poor population, while contributing the least to global warming, is highly exposed to and has the lowest capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The report recommends that funds be created by mechanisms like carbon credits and carbon tax to be used for mitigation and adaptation projects to protect the poor from climate change impacts.
13 Nov 2007, 1819 hrs IST,INDIATIMES NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI: Greenpeace on Tuesday released a survey based report named "hiding behind the poor" which reveals that the highest income group in India, constituting merely 1% of the population emits four-and-a-half times as much CO2 as the lowest income group consisting 38% of the population. It demands that common but differentiated responsibility for CO2 emissions reduction, which the government is justifiably advocating at a global level be implemented in India. With less than a month to go for the United Nations Climate Change Council conference in Bali, the report challenges the Indian government's hard line of not committing to GHG gases reduction on grounds of development and makes an argument about why India must de-carbonize its development.
According to the proposed national strategy on climate change India will not abide by any international commitment to mandatory reduction of greenhouse gas emission. India 's approach of measuring world GHG emissions is per capita emission rather than country-wise emissions which is the approach of the developed nations. Although India is the sixth largest carbon emitter in the world, it has one of the lowest per capita emission rates.
G Ananthapadmanabhan, Executive Director, Greenpeace India said "While the government continues to point at low average per capita emissions to justify non reduction of India 's CO2 emissions, over 150 Million Indians are emitting above the sustainable limit which needs to be maintained to restrict global temperature rise below 2 degree centigrade. India 's low average per capita emissions is due to the over 800 million poor population whose emissions are negligible and the difference in emissions between the highest and the lowest income groups in India is almost as glaring as the difference in the average per capita emissions between the EU and India ."
'hiding behind the poor' is based on face-to-face surveys of 819 households from the seven different income classes across the four metros, medium and small towns and rural areas for energy consumption patters. According to the report, the average CO2 emissions of an individual from the highest income group of above Rs 30,000 (1494 KG) is 4.5 times that of one from the lowest income group of below Rs 3000 per month (335 Kg).
Ananth further added "Electricity production in India is already extremely carbon intensive, emitting more then twice as much CO2 per kilowatt-hour than in the EU. The government's objective, as in the 11th five year plan to base India's future power generation on a massive expansion of coal power plants will further enhance climate instability and expose the most vulnerable poor population to increasing impacts of climate change. While rightfully demanding that developed nations reduce Co2 emissions and provide developing nations the carbon space to grow, the Indian government must not hide India 's emissions behind the vast poor population. The principle of climate justice must be included in the national development plan."
The poor population, while contributing the least to global warming, is highly exposed to and has the lowest capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The report recommends that funds be created by mechanisms like carbon credits and carbon tax to be used for mitigation and adaptation projects to protect the poor from climate change impacts.
Inching closer to spinal cord repair
Inching closer to spinal cord repair
14 Nov 2007, 0148 hrs IST,ANI
WASHINGTON: A new study has identified key elements that may make the regeneration of nerve cells using the body's own stem cells following spinal cord injury a possibility.
The seminal study, co-lead by Dr Philip Horner, neuroscientist at the University of Washington, Dr Tim Kennedy, neuroscientist at the Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University, might help in providing novel therapies for repairing previously irreversible nerve damage in the injured spinal cord.
In the study, the researchers tested numerous proteins and identified netrin-1 as the key molecule responsible for the migratory pattern of stem cells following injury. "Because of their regenerative role, it is crucial to understand the movements of stem cells following brain or spinal cord injury," Horner said.
"We know that stem cells are present within the spinal cord, but it was not known why they could not function to repair the damage. Surprisingly, we discovered that they actually migrate away from the lesion and the question became why — what signal is telling the stem cells to move," he said.
In the developing nervous system, netrin-1 acts as a repulsive or attractive signal, guiding nerve cells to their proper targets.
The team found that in the adult spinal cord, netrin-1 specifically repelled stem cells away from the injury site, thereby preventing stem cells from replenishing nerve cells. Very little knowledge is known as to why a wound to the skin repairs itself but the adult nervous system is unable to repair itself following spinal injury. This is in contrast to the developing brain and non-mammals, which can repair, and regenerate after severe injuries.
The sole clue from these systems has been the role of stem cells and their potential to develop into different cell types.
14 Nov 2007, 0148 hrs IST,ANI
WASHINGTON: A new study has identified key elements that may make the regeneration of nerve cells using the body's own stem cells following spinal cord injury a possibility.
The seminal study, co-lead by Dr Philip Horner, neuroscientist at the University of Washington, Dr Tim Kennedy, neuroscientist at the Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University, might help in providing novel therapies for repairing previously irreversible nerve damage in the injured spinal cord.
In the study, the researchers tested numerous proteins and identified netrin-1 as the key molecule responsible for the migratory pattern of stem cells following injury. "Because of their regenerative role, it is crucial to understand the movements of stem cells following brain or spinal cord injury," Horner said.
"We know that stem cells are present within the spinal cord, but it was not known why they could not function to repair the damage. Surprisingly, we discovered that they actually migrate away from the lesion and the question became why — what signal is telling the stem cells to move," he said.
In the developing nervous system, netrin-1 acts as a repulsive or attractive signal, guiding nerve cells to their proper targets.
The team found that in the adult spinal cord, netrin-1 specifically repelled stem cells away from the injury site, thereby preventing stem cells from replenishing nerve cells. Very little knowledge is known as to why a wound to the skin repairs itself but the adult nervous system is unable to repair itself following spinal injury. This is in contrast to the developing brain and non-mammals, which can repair, and regenerate after severe injuries.
The sole clue from these systems has been the role of stem cells and their potential to develop into different cell types.
Telling the life and times of Khalifa through images
Telling the life and times of Khalifa through images
By Daniel Bardsley, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS
Published: November 14, 2007, 00:18
Dubai: A book that details the life of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan - and which also acts as a history of Abu Dhabi and the UAE - has been published.
Shaikh Khalifa - Life and Times features more than 200 pictures by acclaimed UAE royal photographer Noor Ali Rashid.
At a launch in Dubai organised by Motivate Publishing, Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education, hailed the book as "very valuable".
The volume is the latest in a series that so far also includes books on Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the UAE, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
"These books are sought after not just in the UAE but outside as well because they very clearly show the history of the UAE in pictures and in writing," said Shaikh Nahyan.
The new book has a forward by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The book is available in Arabic and English.
As well as featuring many pictures of Shaikh Khalifa, the book also includes photos that trace the development of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
There are black and white images from decades past of camel races and the souqs of Al Ain, while more recent colour pictures show, for example, the shiny high-rise buildings of modern Abu Dhabi and the new Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Noor Ali Rashid, who landed in Dubai in 1958, said: "I am the only person who has, consistently for five decades, recorded the history of this area."
Jonathan Griffiths, General Manager - Books at Motivate Publishing, said the book's first print run of about 12,000 copies was sold out and it was being reprinted.
Heavy fog covers Abu Dhabi
Heavy fog covers Abu Dhabi
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS
Published: November 13, 2007, 12:27
Abu Dhabi: The heavy fog on Tuesday morning, which affected the visibility in Abu Dhabi, will continue on Wednesday, the meteorological department told Gulf News.
"The visibility was reduced to about 50 meters in the city, the surrounding areas and the south west desert in the morning," said forecaster Mohammad Al Tal. "The fog did not affect other emirates where the visibility was about 4,000 metres."
Al Tal forecasted the same phenomenon in the emirate for Wednesday morning, but said that the density of the fog will be lighter, with visibility at about 1,000 metres.
Al Tal said the fog was brought about by regular weather change in November.
The fog slowed down traffic on the roads. "It took me one hour to reach the city from Mussafah instead of half an hour," said motorist Mohammad Ayoob.
Majority of residents suffer spine problems
Majority of residents suffer spine problems
By Dina El Shamma, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS
Published: November 14, 2007, 00:18
Abu Dhabi: More than 60 per cent of the UAE population suffers from spine-related problems and majority are unaware of the condition, according to an expert.
Dr Aslam Khan, Founder of Khan Kinetic Treatment (KKT), told Gulf News that structural disorders and spinal problems are a growing concern that have been left ignored or undetected by a large number of people throughout the UAE; and if detected is usually treated via surgical procedures which he found to be unnecessary through his research.
"In many cases, people may have their whole nervous system partially shut down and not be aware of it or revert to surgery. KKT research involves acoustics of sound with specific treatments and angels and we are currently reverting to biosynthesis by measuring the DNA level and allowing KKT regenerate damaged tissues in the body," said Khan.
KKT spinal treatment is a refined non-invasive procedure, utilising sound waves to address the core spinal distortions and disturbances.
The procedure takes a couple of minutes. It involves lying on a KKT table with a device placed on the precise region of the spine, sound waves are then applied to the spine, waves reposition vertebrae and the entire body is re-positioned. Healthy blood flow is restored to the brain and neural communication is re-established.
Dr Khan said the treatment is now available in the UAE at a KKT centre he opened with Emirati doctor Omar Salem.
By Dina El Shamma, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS
Published: November 14, 2007, 00:18
Abu Dhabi: More than 60 per cent of the UAE population suffers from spine-related problems and majority are unaware of the condition, according to an expert.
Dr Aslam Khan, Founder of Khan Kinetic Treatment (KKT), told Gulf News that structural disorders and spinal problems are a growing concern that have been left ignored or undetected by a large number of people throughout the UAE; and if detected is usually treated via surgical procedures which he found to be unnecessary through his research.
"In many cases, people may have their whole nervous system partially shut down and not be aware of it or revert to surgery. KKT research involves acoustics of sound with specific treatments and angels and we are currently reverting to biosynthesis by measuring the DNA level and allowing KKT regenerate damaged tissues in the body," said Khan.
KKT spinal treatment is a refined non-invasive procedure, utilising sound waves to address the core spinal distortions and disturbances.
The procedure takes a couple of minutes. It involves lying on a KKT table with a device placed on the precise region of the spine, sound waves are then applied to the spine, waves reposition vertebrae and the entire body is re-positioned. Healthy blood flow is restored to the brain and neural communication is re-established.
Dr Khan said the treatment is now available in the UAE at a KKT centre he opened with Emirati doctor Omar Salem.
Abu Dhabi diverts flights after thick blanket of fog reduces visibility
Abu Dhabi diverts flights after thick blanket of fog reduces visibility By Binsal Abdul Kader and Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporters GULF NEWS
Published: November 13, 2007, 22:04
Abu Dhabi: Thick fog covered the skies of the capital city yesterday morning, significantly affecting visibility of road users.
However, no serious accidents were reported, according to traffic officials.
Abu Dhabi airport diverted five flights to Al Ain and Muscat airports.
Meteorological Department told Gulf News that heavy fog is expected today morning also.
"The visibility was reduced to about 50 metres in the city, the surrounding areas and the south west desert in the morning," said forecaster Mohammad Al Tal.
"The fog did not affect other emirates where the visibility was about 4,000 metres."
Al Tal forecasted fog in Abu Dhabi today morning, but said the visibility will be better at about 1,000 metres. He said the fog was brought about by regular weather change in November.
Minor accidents
The Abu Dhabi Police Traffic department said three accidents took place yesterday.
"The accidents were minor ones, but the main issue was slowing down of traffic on most of the roads," said Colonel Hamad Adil Al Shamsi, Head of the Department of Traffic and Patrol Police.
Urging motorists to exercise caution, especially during peak hours, Col Al Shamsi asked them to avoid using hazard lights.
"People commonly use the hazard lights during foggy weather, this should be avoided. Instead, Headlights should be switched on."
"Though the fog affects the visibility, it is careless driving by certain drivers that result in accidents," he added.
He also advised drivers to slow down and maintain safe distance between vehicles to avoid accidents.
Commuters were also surprised by the thick fog cover in the morning and were late to office.
"It took me one hour to reach the city from Mussafah instead of half-an-hour," said motorist Mohammad Ayoob.
About Five flights to Abu Dhabi Airport were diverted to Al Ain and Muscat airports due to bad weather conditions, Abu Dhabi Airports company told Gulf News.
While flights from Paris (EY038), Cochin (EY280), Brussels (EY056) and Bahrain (EY370) were diverted to Al Ain, a flight from Chittagong (BBC027) was diverted to Muscat, said a statement.
Bus driver questioned after fatal Deira crash
Bus driver questioned after fatal Deira crash
By Bassam Za'za' and Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporters GULF NEWS
Published: November 13, 2007, 22:39
Dubai: A Roads and Transport Authority bus driver who reportedly drove "recklessly and at speed" is being questioned for accidentally killing one person and injuring ten others in a collision on Tuesday morning.
Police sources said the bus driver had jumped a red signal before hitting four vehicles, including another bus.
Salah Bu Farrousha, Head of the Traffic Public Prosecution Department in Dubai, did not confirm the driver had jumped a red signal and said the actual cause of the accident would be determined after technical reports by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the police and pictures from cameras installed on the interchange.
The Indian driver is being questioned for alleged speeding and reckless driving. The accident happened on Salahuddin Road at 10am, it resulted in massive traffic jams in Deira.
The RTA bus hit two vehicles when it swerved to the left side of the road then hit a bus which was dropping passengers off after it veered off to the right before it landed on a four-wheel drive killing a Pakistani passenger," Bu Farrousha told Gulf News.
Caught fire
The bus caught fire due to the impact of the accident. According to investigations, the Indian driver claimed that "when he pressed the brakes they didn't function properly," said Bu Farrousha.
He confirmed the driver had been speeding and described the crash as a major accident.
"A Pakistani man sustained serious injuries while his two compatriot males, three Indian men, two Filipinas, a Nepali man and a Bangladeshi woman escaped with minor injuries," said Bu Farrousha.
The deceased succumbed to serious head injuries shortly after the accident.
Khalifa Bin Darai, Executive Manager of Dubai Ambulance Services Centre, told Gulf News that nine ambulances attended the scene.
A witness, Ahmad, described the accident as "horrible" as he saw the bus on top of one of the cars. Another witness said he heard a bang and the sound of brakes.
"I saw people trying to help the victims by pulling them out of their cars before the police came," he said.
Joanna Huang, Communications Manager at Traders Hotel near where the accident happened, said: "When we realised an accident had occurred we quickly mobilised our emergency response team"
One motorist stuck in the jam said he was wary when near a bus because the drivers were "unpredictable."
Road safety: 16,000 offences recorded in a week
Newly-formed traffic control teams recorded more than 16,000 traffic offences in one week.
Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, had ordered the formation of traffic control teams from the traffic department.
The teams issued 16,185 fines and confiscated 128 vehicles between October 23 to 30.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Benefits of workplace rituals
Benefits of workplace rituals
13 Nov, 2007, 0657 hrs IST,
Think about your typical day: You take the same route to the office, listen to a specific radio station in the car, buy a cup of coffee or newspaper from a particular vendor, and exchange a standard joke with the receptionist or security guard. You don your favorite clothes for an important meeting, consistently choose the same mug, and reward yourself with a treat for completing a dreaded task.
For the most part we choose to think about work as rational, goal-driven , and devoid of sentiment . However, the research of psychologists, anthropologists, and sociologists increasingly shows that the modern workplace may be among the most complex ritual systems ever developed. Familiar practices and rituals support collaboration in the workplace and allow individuals to create meaning in their work.
Employees embrace workplace rituals as a way of gaining control over situations or to help them cope with daily stresses and strains. Rituals also have a positive impact on morale, making workers more confident and creating a sense of security. This sense of security may include scrawling our names on staplers, rulers, and hole-punchers . More importantly, it is a way for members of a work team to create and share bonds, ideals, and a sense of commitment to what they are doing.
Mallary Tytel
President and Founder
Healthy Workplaces,Sioux Falls, SD
13 Nov, 2007, 0657 hrs IST,
Think about your typical day: You take the same route to the office, listen to a specific radio station in the car, buy a cup of coffee or newspaper from a particular vendor, and exchange a standard joke with the receptionist or security guard. You don your favorite clothes for an important meeting, consistently choose the same mug, and reward yourself with a treat for completing a dreaded task.
For the most part we choose to think about work as rational, goal-driven , and devoid of sentiment . However, the research of psychologists, anthropologists, and sociologists increasingly shows that the modern workplace may be among the most complex ritual systems ever developed. Familiar practices and rituals support collaboration in the workplace and allow individuals to create meaning in their work.
Employees embrace workplace rituals as a way of gaining control over situations or to help them cope with daily stresses and strains. Rituals also have a positive impact on morale, making workers more confident and creating a sense of security. This sense of security may include scrawling our names on staplers, rulers, and hole-punchers . More importantly, it is a way for members of a work team to create and share bonds, ideals, and a sense of commitment to what they are doing.
Mallary Tytel
President and Founder
Healthy Workplaces,Sioux Falls, SD
Soft skill planning
Soft skill planning
13 Nov, 2007, 0658 hrs IST, TNN
Try to do your planning at the same time every day. Use this time to review past accomplishments as well. Look at your schedule for tomorrow and note your available or non-scheduled time. Use one planner to keep track of your appointments . Keeping a separate business &personal planner creates confusion. Write out a To Do list every day.
Include items that can be completed, such as “Prepare exhibits for monthly report” , rather than just “Work on report.” Separate your To Do list into A, B and C priorities . “A” items are important to your long term success, “B” may be urgent but not as important and “C” are those that would be nice to do if you get the time. Start with the A items. Don’t work on a C just because it’s easy to do.
Also, break your A items into small manageable chunks, so they’re easy to accomplish. Check off items as you complete them to give yourself a sense of accomplishment. Block off time in your planner for major activities . Schedule loosely. Leave yourself enough free time to deal with interruptions and emergencies . Make a daily appointment with yourself for at least 30 minutes (sixty minutes is better). Close your door. Work on whatever must be done.
13 Nov, 2007, 0658 hrs IST, TNN
Try to do your planning at the same time every day. Use this time to review past accomplishments as well. Look at your schedule for tomorrow and note your available or non-scheduled time. Use one planner to keep track of your appointments . Keeping a separate business &personal planner creates confusion. Write out a To Do list every day.
Include items that can be completed, such as “Prepare exhibits for monthly report” , rather than just “Work on report.” Separate your To Do list into A, B and C priorities . “A” items are important to your long term success, “B” may be urgent but not as important and “C” are those that would be nice to do if you get the time. Start with the A items. Don’t work on a C just because it’s easy to do.
Also, break your A items into small manageable chunks, so they’re easy to accomplish. Check off items as you complete them to give yourself a sense of accomplishment. Block off time in your planner for major activities . Schedule loosely. Leave yourself enough free time to deal with interruptions and emergencies . Make a daily appointment with yourself for at least 30 minutes (sixty minutes is better). Close your door. Work on whatever must be done.
Making a valid deed
Making a valid deed
11 Nov, 2007, 0230 hrs IST,Ashish Gupta, TNN
In case of property transactions, various types pf deeds need to be drawn up. These may relate to agreement to sell, sale agreement, power of attorney and so on. Certain basic points need to be taken into account while drawing out these legal documents. The main content of a deed includes:
1. The names of the parties -buyer and seller, lessor and lessee etc
2. Terms and conditions related to the sale or transfer of the property
3. Details of the parties
4. Details of property in question
5. Sale consideration agreed on 6. Advance amount paid 7. Mode of payments 8. Time limits for payment of consideration
9. Timeframe for handing over original documents of the property 10.Timeframe for handing over possession of property 11. Indemnity provisions for the parties.
The deeds should be prepared on non-judicial stamp paper of requisite value as prescribed by the Stamp Act of the State concerned. Different States have different valuations and stamp rules related to property transactions in respect of sale, mortgage and leases.The purchaser is liable to pay the stamp duty in accordance with the applicable stamp rules. Normally, a deed should be executed by all the parties concerned.
All pages of the deed are to be signed. The deed should be witnessed by at least two witnesses giving their full names, signatures, particulars and addresses. Most deeds related to immovable property need compulsory registration at the jurisdictional sub-registrar's office. All the parties concerned need to be present at the time of registration. All documents should be presented in original.
In case the purchaser cannot be present personally before the sub-registrar, he can give a power of attorney to someone to sign and present the documents on his behalf. The photos of the purchaser, thumb prints and signatures are entered on the deed. The documents should be presented for registration within four months from the date of execution. If it is not done within four months, a grace period of another four months is allowed on payment of a penalty.
A maximum penalty of 10 times the registration charges may be levied by the registrar. The liability to pay the stamp duty as well as registration charges lies with the purchaser of the property. The terms and conditions contained in the deeds should be clear and unambiguous. Any vague references and ambiguous connotations may give rise to misinterpretation and disputes between the parties.
The details of the property should be specifically and clearly defined. The exact location of the property, whether the property is a leasehold property or a freehold property etc should be mentioned. The details of how the owner of the property got ownership should also be mentioned. The details of registration already done with the office of the registrar should be mentioned as well. It should also be stated whether the property is free from any encumbrances or not, or whether there are any charges on the property.
The date from which the transaction is going to be effective should also be mentioned in the deed. The purpose of drawing the deed should be clearly mentioned - whether it is an agreement to sell, a sale agreement, a lease agreement, or a licence agreement. The law will go by the nomenclature used to find the true nature of the agreement. The deed should be signed, preferably by the parties themselves, in person.
In case the person cannot be present due to unavoidable circumstances, the executor should have proper power of attorney from the original party to enter into the transaction on behalf of the original party. Such power of attorney should be registered with the office of the registrar. The signatures of the parties should be properly attested.
11 Nov, 2007, 0230 hrs IST,Ashish Gupta, TNN
In case of property transactions, various types pf deeds need to be drawn up. These may relate to agreement to sell, sale agreement, power of attorney and so on. Certain basic points need to be taken into account while drawing out these legal documents. The main content of a deed includes:
1. The names of the parties -buyer and seller, lessor and lessee etc
2. Terms and conditions related to the sale or transfer of the property
3. Details of the parties
4. Details of property in question
5. Sale consideration agreed on 6. Advance amount paid 7. Mode of payments 8. Time limits for payment of consideration
9. Timeframe for handing over original documents of the property 10.Timeframe for handing over possession of property 11. Indemnity provisions for the parties.
The deeds should be prepared on non-judicial stamp paper of requisite value as prescribed by the Stamp Act of the State concerned. Different States have different valuations and stamp rules related to property transactions in respect of sale, mortgage and leases.The purchaser is liable to pay the stamp duty in accordance with the applicable stamp rules. Normally, a deed should be executed by all the parties concerned.
All pages of the deed are to be signed. The deed should be witnessed by at least two witnesses giving their full names, signatures, particulars and addresses. Most deeds related to immovable property need compulsory registration at the jurisdictional sub-registrar's office. All the parties concerned need to be present at the time of registration. All documents should be presented in original.
In case the purchaser cannot be present personally before the sub-registrar, he can give a power of attorney to someone to sign and present the documents on his behalf. The photos of the purchaser, thumb prints and signatures are entered on the deed. The documents should be presented for registration within four months from the date of execution. If it is not done within four months, a grace period of another four months is allowed on payment of a penalty.
A maximum penalty of 10 times the registration charges may be levied by the registrar. The liability to pay the stamp duty as well as registration charges lies with the purchaser of the property. The terms and conditions contained in the deeds should be clear and unambiguous. Any vague references and ambiguous connotations may give rise to misinterpretation and disputes between the parties.
The details of the property should be specifically and clearly defined. The exact location of the property, whether the property is a leasehold property or a freehold property etc should be mentioned. The details of how the owner of the property got ownership should also be mentioned. The details of registration already done with the office of the registrar should be mentioned as well. It should also be stated whether the property is free from any encumbrances or not, or whether there are any charges on the property.
The date from which the transaction is going to be effective should also be mentioned in the deed. The purpose of drawing the deed should be clearly mentioned - whether it is an agreement to sell, a sale agreement, a lease agreement, or a licence agreement. The law will go by the nomenclature used to find the true nature of the agreement. The deed should be signed, preferably by the parties themselves, in person.
In case the person cannot be present due to unavoidable circumstances, the executor should have proper power of attorney from the original party to enter into the transaction on behalf of the original party. Such power of attorney should be registered with the office of the registrar. The signatures of the parties should be properly attested.
Eat fish, veggies to boost memory
Eat fish, veggies to boost memory
A diet rich in fish, omega-3 oils, fruits and vegetables may lower your risk of memory-affecting diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's, a new study says.
But consuming omega-6 rich oils could increase the chances of developing memory problems.
Findings of the study have been published in the November issue of Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Foods high in omega-3 oil include fish like salmon, sardines, trout and herring, and walnut, flaxseed oil and canola oil. Shrimps, clams, tuna, catfish, cod and spinach also contain omega-3 oil.
Foods rich in omega-6 oil include corn, safflower, sunflower, soybean and cottonseed oil.
For the study, researchers at the National Institute for Health and Medical Research, in Bordeaux, France, examined the diets of 8,085 men and women over the age of 65 who did not have dementia at the beginning of the study.
Over four years of follow-up, 183 of the participants developed Alzheimer's disease and 98 developed another type of dementia.
The study found people who regularly consumed omega-3 rich oils reduced their risk of dementia by 60 percent.
People who ate fruits and vegetables daily also reduced their risk of dementia by 30 percent.
The study also found most people who ate fish at least once a week had a 35-percent lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and 40-percent lower risk of dementia.
The researchers also found that people who regularly use omega-6 rich oils, but not omega-3 rich oils or fish, were twice as likely to develop dementia.
"While we've identified dietary patterns associated with lowering a person's risk of dementia or Alzheimer's, more research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of these nutrients involved in these apparently protective foods," the researchers said.
A diet rich in fish, omega-3 oils, fruits and vegetables may lower your risk of memory-affecting diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's, a new study says.
But consuming omega-6 rich oils could increase the chances of developing memory problems.
Findings of the study have been published in the November issue of Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Foods high in omega-3 oil include fish like salmon, sardines, trout and herring, and walnut, flaxseed oil and canola oil. Shrimps, clams, tuna, catfish, cod and spinach also contain omega-3 oil.
Foods rich in omega-6 oil include corn, safflower, sunflower, soybean and cottonseed oil.
For the study, researchers at the National Institute for Health and Medical Research, in Bordeaux, France, examined the diets of 8,085 men and women over the age of 65 who did not have dementia at the beginning of the study.
Over four years of follow-up, 183 of the participants developed Alzheimer's disease and 98 developed another type of dementia.
The study found people who regularly consumed omega-3 rich oils reduced their risk of dementia by 60 percent.
People who ate fruits and vegetables daily also reduced their risk of dementia by 30 percent.
The study also found most people who ate fish at least once a week had a 35-percent lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and 40-percent lower risk of dementia.
The researchers also found that people who regularly use omega-6 rich oils, but not omega-3 rich oils or fish, were twice as likely to develop dementia.
"While we've identified dietary patterns associated with lowering a person's risk of dementia or Alzheimer's, more research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of these nutrients involved in these apparently protective foods," the researchers said.
Monday, November 12, 2007
RIL bags deepwater oil and gas block in Oman
RIL bags deepwater oil and gas block in Oman
PTI
NEW DELHI: Mukesh Ambani-run Reliance Industries Ltd has won a deepwater oil and gas block in Oman, a company source said.
Reliance Exploration and Production DMCC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RIL, has signed contract for Block 41.
The block lies adjacent to Block 18 in Gulf of Oman, which the Government of Sultanate of Oman awarded to RIL in 2005.
Block 18 is situated in the offshore Gulf of Oman between Block 41 and the border with the Fujuriah offshore block. The two blocks comprises approximately 21,000 sq km of area each.
Reliance last week executed two production sharing contracts covering petroleum exploration activities in the Rovi and Sarta blocks in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
The company has been actively pursuing petroleum exploration activities in the Middle East, particularly in Oman and Yemen, besides India, Asia Pacific Region and South America.
Atul Chandra, President of International Operations, RIL, said agreements for the two blocks were signed by Kurdistan Regional Government. He, however, said the reported figures of signature bonus paid for the two blocks were not correct.
PTI
NEW DELHI: Mukesh Ambani-run Reliance Industries Ltd has won a deepwater oil and gas block in Oman, a company source said.
Reliance Exploration and Production DMCC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RIL, has signed contract for Block 41.
The block lies adjacent to Block 18 in Gulf of Oman, which the Government of Sultanate of Oman awarded to RIL in 2005.
Block 18 is situated in the offshore Gulf of Oman between Block 41 and the border with the Fujuriah offshore block. The two blocks comprises approximately 21,000 sq km of area each.
Reliance last week executed two production sharing contracts covering petroleum exploration activities in the Rovi and Sarta blocks in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
The company has been actively pursuing petroleum exploration activities in the Middle East, particularly in Oman and Yemen, besides India, Asia Pacific Region and South America.
Atul Chandra, President of International Operations, RIL, said agreements for the two blocks were signed by Kurdistan Regional Government. He, however, said the reported figures of signature bonus paid for the two blocks were not correct.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Are Indian oil companies ‘bidding on the riskiest properties’ overseas?
Are Indian oil companies ‘bidding on the riskiest properties’ overseas?
If the world increased its energy efficiency by 3 per cent a year to 2100, the entire world could live at a European standard of living and use just half the fossil fuels we do today.
Oil price hit $84 a barrel a few days ago, amidst fears that the Kurdish rebel problem would lead to the snapping of Iraq’s supplies. And closer home, despite an appreciating rupee, we have been oscillating between ominous expectations of petrol and diesel price increases, to political assurances of ‘no hike now’ with short shelf life, though.
“An interesting and scary thing about high oil prices is that we realise how incredibly interconnected global economies are, and how little we understand the consequences of these connections,” observes Ms Lisa Margonelli, the author of ‘Oil on the Brain’, in the course of an exclusive interaction with Business Line.
“Despite the deep interconnections, we live very differently: after all, Americans continue to use this enormous amount of fuel per capita and that is simply not available to other consumers,” she adds.
A graduate of Yale University, Ms Margonelli is a California-based Fellow at the New America Foundation ( www.newamerica.net), an institute that relies on ‘a venture capital approach’ to invest in ‘outstanding individuals and policy solutions that transcend the conventional political spectrum’. Ms Margonelli’s book is an engaging tale of her journey from the neighbourhood gas station to the oil well.
Excerpts from the e-mail interview:
The US plays an important role in the oil economics. But with the shift now towards Asia significantly, do you think the Chinese as well as the Indian people and their automobiles hold the next piece in the oil puzzle?
Oh yes. Right now the power of the American consumer is that they have big wallets and a huge appetite. But it’s the world’s growing middle class in China and India who will really spur new demand for oil. I’ve heard that only 12 per cent of the world drives cars now — the big question is what will the other 88 per cent drive? (I would imagine they’re likely to buy a Cheri or one of these $2,500 Tatas rather than a Cadillac.) What kind of fuel will they use? (We need cars that don’t pollute or we’ll all have hard time breathing.)
In the near term, new consumers are playing a big role in driving oil demand, and creating an atmosphere where oil investors assume prices will keep rising. But in the long term, it’s these new consumers who will drive the development of new fuels and new vehicles. We’re in a funny time where the money and the future are in different places.
You have talked in your book about how a simple phone call from a warlord in Africa can change the price of oil in a matter of hours. Leaving alone the power of mobile communication, do you think Africa is going to play an even more important role in oil politics now?
Africa is already playing a role in oil politics — Nigeria, Libya, Algeria, Angola, Sudan, and Chad. As the politics of getting oil in the Middle East and Russia has gotten tougher, Africa has been seen as a place where the politics are different, but money still speaks. However, recently, that’s changed. Angola has joined OPEC. Chad has taken a more nationalistic stance on its oil reserves. In Sudan, Chad, and Nigeria, Chinese companies are making a lot of deals —which is also changing oil politics.
What is your take on the acquisition by Indian oil companies of oil assets in other countries?
I understand that Indian companies are buying oil assets for strategic reasons — to compete with China and the West. But they’re clearly bidding on the riskiest properties politically and geologically. As the world’s largest democracy, India has a complicated and growing leadership role in global politics. I’m not sure Indian companies will ultimately be comfortable with the risks they’ve taken on.
The contentious Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline… Iran, Pakistan, and India have some economic and geo-strategic issues in common and the so-called Peace Pipeline could be a way to cement those commonalities and begin to work through the differences. But, um, what’s the hold-up? I’m being flip, but the process of working through those differences to get the pipeline built will be a big step for the region, going beyond the symbolism of the pipeline and the importance of the energy it carries.
The US and its government have often come under the hammer for oil policies, be it with regard to Venezuela, Iran or Iraq. But is not the government doing the right thing by ensuring oil wells are there for its people? After all, oil is a commodity that can make or break a government. Nobody knows it better than George Bush who is known for working for his family’s oil businesses before making the unsuccessful run for US House of Representatives in 1978.
Americans DO use a quarter of the world’s oil production, so we are very dependent on other countries. So we’re in a bind, because our power in the world partly derives from both oil dependence and our sense of mission derives partly from the myth of independence. That doesn’t mean we have a right to other countries’ oil wells. That is a really un-American idea, I think. You are right that American politicians live and die by gas prices. That’s one of the reasons the US doesn’t have a forward thinking energy policy — our politicians work in four-year cycles, but a good energy policy needs 10 or 20 years, which is too long for a political payoff. Anyway, at the moment George W. Bush is too busy being buffeted by other problems to worry much about gas prices.
With limited amounts of crude and consumption set to go higher as more people buy cars and fewer drilling it out of the ground, is oil really heading for $100 per barrel? How far is oil price driven by demand and supply economics, as compared to speculative forces? Are speculators in commodity futures raking in profits at the cost of the less privileged, as some allege?
I think oil will keep going higher until demand starts to fall off. Right now oil prices are like someone trying to figure out how deep a well is by using a stick. They keep making the stick longer to see if they can reach the bottom. Sooner or later people will stop buying, and then prices will fall.
Speculators — sure there are speculators. But until we find the bottom (or the top) for consumers, those speculators are just making good bets. There is no doubt that this is hurting the poor — in the world as well as in the US.
I really think that governments need to push energy efficiency — lots and lots of efficiency — to protect their economies, their poor, and the climate. Which brings me back to the Tata people’s car — what kind of fuel economy would it get? I think we should push for cars that get 100 km per gallon or more. In the 1980s I had a tiny Toyota that got about 90 km per gallon.
In your opinion, which fuel holds the most promise: hydrogen or electricity?
At the moment, barring a big jump in the technology to make and store hydrogen, I’m putting my money on electric cars. But electric cars can also be seen as precursors to hydrogen because the fuel cells act like a big battery.
I think it’s a staged process rather than either or. But I think that energy productivity needs to be a real priority, whichever fuel is used.
If the world increased its energy efficiency by three per cent a year to 2100, the entire world could live at a European standard of living and use just half the fossil fuels we do today.
That’s been called the “conservation bomb” and Art Rosenfeld and John Wilson wrote about it. If you take a programme like that, and then add renewable fuels to reduce the amount of fossil fuels we use, you’d be looking at a very different world — with a lot less smog. Of course, you’d still have a lot of traffic.
What’s your take on bio fuels? Are they a feasible option, something that could replace oil in the next century? Is there a risk that food may turn costlier owing to the diversion of harvest to the energy market?Bio fuels carry all kinds of risks — risks to farmers around the world, risks to food consumers, risks to investors since at the moment there’s no commercially feasible way to make cellulosic ethanol.
They also carry a lot of promise — but their success will be in their attention to details. I hope that we take in the lessons of the oil economy — that your economic future is only as secure as the environmental and social security of the people along your energy supply chain.
If bio fuels are going to work, they have to create prosperity all along that supply chain. They also have to be environmentally sustainable. People have to get a fair deal.
If people are starving in one place because of biofuel crops, then people in another place will attack those fuel crops and the whole market will pay for the impact. Politics may be local, but the effects are becoming global.
On your current research, and your next expedition…
I’m doing more research on the supply chains for alternative fuels and pursuing some stories about unexpected technology transfers. I’m also really interested in whether the fight against global climate change will bring new economic opportunities or not. Travel. Well, I’m trying to stay in one place for a little while.
D. MURALI
KUMAR SHANKAR ROY
for The Hindu Business Line
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