Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple Festival - Ottamthullal
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.”
Monday, April 21, 2008
Wow, it was Jayasuriya!
naak phat gayi: Andrea Fernandes is currently in Harkishandas Hospital, with a fractured nose. pic/shadab khan
Wow, it was Jayasuriya!
Author: Varun Singh Date: 21 Apr 2008
Exclaims photographer whose nose was fractured by the Sri Lankan’s smashing boundary last night
Sanath Jayasuriya ensured that photographer Andrea Fernandes’s first sports assignment would be a memorable one.
The swashbuckling Sri Lankan sent one of his trademark slashes crashing into the fence at Wankhede stadium, during the Mumbai Indians vs Bangalore Royal Challengers IPL match last night, where it landed on the nose of the 24-year-old Andrea, who was standing just behind the advertising hoardings.
But Andrea, who is admitted at Harkishandas Hospital, Charni Road, with a fractured nose, is still counting her blessings. “Wow... it was Jayasuriya! I wasn’t aware who the batsman was but I am thankful it wasn’t a six. If a four can break my nose, imagine what a six would have done,” she said. Dr Ashok Shah said she would be operated upon today.
Fernandes has been a photographer for more than three years but yesterday’s IPL match was her first sports assignment.
“From this experience I have learnt that safety is needed no matter where you are,” she said. She added that this would not stop her from covering more matches in the future.
from Mid-Day Mumbai
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Commuters on the streets can now hail taxis by SMS
Commuters on the streets can now hail taxis by SMS
By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 20, 2008, 00:34
Dubai: Passengers in Dubai no longer have to go through the daunting task of hailing a taxi on the road as they can now call one by just sending an SMS from their mobile phones, said a senior official.
The service has been designed for passengers who want to order taxis while waiting by the road, said Abdul Aziz Malek, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dubai Taxi Agency at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
He said the taxi agency is installing small boards with location code numbers and a taxi sign on them by the side of the road. A passenger can send an SMS to 4774, mentioning the area code on the taxi board.
The customer will have to wait in the same location until the taxi arrives. Once the commuter sends the SMS, it will reach the booking terminal of Dubai Taxi Agency and the booking supervisor will send the nearest taxi to the customer.
The booking terminal will also send the taxi reservation number to the customer, which he needs to show to the taxi driver before boarding.
The starting fare for taxis booked via SMS will be Dh6 during the day (from 6am to 10pm) and Dh7 at night (from 10pm to 6am).
In addition to the new service, Dubai Taxi Agency will continue to offer reservations via telephone and the internet.
"The new service has been launched after complaints from commuters about hailing a cab while waiting by the roadside," said Malek.
Currently, Dubai has around 6,500, taxis including 3,200 run by Dubai Taxi Agency.
Booking taxis
Website: www.dubaitaxi.ae
Call centre: 2080808
New medical form for accident victims
New medical form for accident victims
Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: April 20, 2008, 00:34
Dubai: New medical check-up forms for accident victims were approved in a meeting for the Traffic Department heads in Dubai's police department and the Dubai Health Authority.
The new forms used for those injured in car accidents will categorise their degrees of injury.
The meeting, which was attended by Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Al Qadir Al Banay, head of the Rashiddiya police station, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Al Fishti, head of the Al Qusais police station, Younis Khadum, director of Medical Affairs at the Health Authority, and other senior officials from both departments, discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all those entailed in car accidents.
The meeting also decided that the official language used in the approved medical forms has to be Arabic.
A coordinator from the Traffic Department was chosen for the exchange of medical reports, to ease cooperation between police and the health authority, to activate institutional partnership as indicated in the strategic plan of the Police Department.
Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: April 20, 2008, 00:34
Dubai: New medical check-up forms for accident victims were approved in a meeting for the Traffic Department heads in Dubai's police department and the Dubai Health Authority.
The new forms used for those injured in car accidents will categorise their degrees of injury.
The meeting, which was attended by Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Al Qadir Al Banay, head of the Rashiddiya police station, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Al Fishti, head of the Al Qusais police station, Younis Khadum, director of Medical Affairs at the Health Authority, and other senior officials from both departments, discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all those entailed in car accidents.
The meeting also decided that the official language used in the approved medical forms has to be Arabic.
A coordinator from the Traffic Department was chosen for the exchange of medical reports, to ease cooperation between police and the health authority, to activate institutional partnership as indicated in the strategic plan of the Police Department.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
The National - a new era in newspaper history of UAE
The National - was released today in the UAE, marking a new era in the newspaper history of UAE. A great start and we hope to enjoy more interesting news and features as it starts it's journey around.
The newspaper can be accessed online at www.thenational.ae
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Atlantis to open in September
Atlantis to open in September
Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: April 16, 2008, 15:19
Dubai: Atlantis, The Palm will open this September as the flagship resort on The Palm Jumeirah - the first resort to open its doors on the first of Dubai's palm trilogy, the company said in a statement.
Created by Kerzner International Holdings, a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, the new 1,539-room resort began accepting reservations on February 1.
"Already attracting interest from around the world, Atlantis anticipates Middle East residents will account for 30 per cent of all visitors, with UAE residents expected to make up a quarter of guests from the region," the statement said.
With its enviable location atop the crescent of The Palm Jumeirah, the opening of Atlantis, The Palm will be a landmark event, redefining tourism in Dubai and the Middle East as the first truly integrated entertainment resort.
The resort will encompass a 460,000 square metre site with 170,000 square metres of water-themed amusement at Aquaventure, extensive fresh and salt-water pools and lagoon exhibits, an open-aired marine habitat, an endless stretch of beach, luxury boutiques, numerous dining choices including four celebrity chef restaurants, an exciting nightclub, a spa and fitness club, and 5,600 square metres of meeting and function space.
"This is an exciting time for the Middle East and for Kerzner International. With the introduction of a new world icon in The Palm Jumeirah and our position as the flagship resort of this icon, Atlantis, The Palm will be the new gateway to this region. Out of a vision that married the wonders of marine life with stunning elegance and sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf alongside the most exciting water playground in this part of the world, we have developed an experience within Atlantis that is truly different than the existing pleasures of Dubai. We're proud of the final product and cannot wait to share it in September when we open our doors," said Sol Kerzner, executive chairman, Kerzner International.
Atlantis, The Palm can be accessed by a six-lane underwater vehicle tunnel, which surfaces next to the resort. Alternately, guests may also choose to leave their cars at the base of the trunk in a secure, dedicated parking area, and board a monorail to be transported through the centre of The Palm Jumeirah directly to Atlantis, The Palm.
Municipal clinics will not conduct medical tests for visas from July 1
Municipal clinics will not conduct medical tests for visas from July 1
By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 17, 2008, 00:15
Dubai: As of July 1, municipal clinics will not be allowed to conduct medical tests for residence and labour visas.
The UAE Cabinet reached the decision recently.
Expatriates are required to undergo medical testing every three years or when they change jobs to check for infectious diseases such as HIV/Aids and tuberculosis. Anyone found to be HIV-positive is deported.
Humaid Al Qutami, Minister of Health, told Gulf News the decision was reached to ensure public safety.
"No municipalities [will do the testing] anymore. It is not their speciality to test people for infectious diseases," he said. He added municipalities had other responsibilities.
Under the new decision, medical facilities run by the preventive medicine department at the ministry, Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi Health Authority will be the only ones tasked with the testing.
To ease the expected congestion at the health facilities, Al Qutami said in future the ministry would allow private facilities to conduct residence and labour visa medical testing.
By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 17, 2008, 00:15
Dubai: As of July 1, municipal clinics will not be allowed to conduct medical tests for residence and labour visas.
The UAE Cabinet reached the decision recently.
Expatriates are required to undergo medical testing every three years or when they change jobs to check for infectious diseases such as HIV/Aids and tuberculosis. Anyone found to be HIV-positive is deported.
Humaid Al Qutami, Minister of Health, told Gulf News the decision was reached to ensure public safety.
"No municipalities [will do the testing] anymore. It is not their speciality to test people for infectious diseases," he said. He added municipalities had other responsibilities.
Under the new decision, medical facilities run by the preventive medicine department at the ministry, Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi Health Authority will be the only ones tasked with the testing.
To ease the expected congestion at the health facilities, Al Qutami said in future the ministry would allow private facilities to conduct residence and labour visa medical testing.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Al Shindagha Tunnel in Dubai to be partially closed for two months
Al Shindagha Tunnel in Dubai to be partially closed for two months Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: April 15, 2008, 14:17
Dubai: Al Shindagha Tunnel, one of the vital links between Bur Dubai and Deira, will be partially closed at night for maintenance work.
"The maintenance work will last for about two months, from April 16 to June 12," said Hussain Al Banna, Director of Right of Way Service Department at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
He said the tunnel will be closed from Bur Dubai to Deira side from 1am to 6am from April 16 to 19, May 12 to 15 and June 9 to 12.
The tunnel will be closed from Deira to Bur Dubai side from April 20 to 23, May 5 to 8 and June 2 to 5.
The closure time will be from 2am to 7am on Fridays, Saturdays and any other public holidays falling during the maintenance period.
"In case of closure of one direction of the tunnel, the other direction will be used for two-way traffic," said Al Banna.
He urged motorists using the tunnel to use alternate routes such as Al Maktoum Bridge and Al Garhoud Bridge to cross Dubai Creek to avoid delays and traffic congestion.
Identical twin camel calves born in Dubai
Identical twin camel calves born in Dubai
By Kevin Scott, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 16, 2008, 00:17
Dubai: The birth of identical twin camel calves was announced in Dubai on Tuesday.
Zahi and Bahi, born on February 10 and February 26 respectively, both experienced a natural birth following a 13-month gestation.
Dr Lulu Skidmore and her team at the Camel Reproduction Centre in Dubai said the male twins were created using a technique called embryo micro-manipulation.
The process involved flushing a six-day old camel embryo from the uterus of the donor camel and splitting it into two halves.
Care was taken to ensure the tiny inner cell mass part of the embryo [the part that develops into the foetus] was actually split into equal halves otherwise only one foetus would have developed.
Both halves were then cultured for two hours and transferred into two separate surrogate mother camels. The surrogate mothers were synchronised with the donor mother to ensure they were at the same stage in their reproductive cycles.
Dr Lulu Skidmore, Scientific Director at the Camel Reproduction Centre, told Gulf News the technique may be used to produce identical twin animals that could act as perfect partners in future studies. She said: "Because the camels are genetically identical, any difference between them is a direct result of the treatment they receive.
"For example, you could give one twin a different type of food ... and see which one grows quicker or runs faster. Alternatively you could give them both to different trainers and test them out to see which trainer has the best training technique."
Dr Skidmore said camel owners and trainers would be interested in learning more about the micro-manipulation technique.
She added: "The Molecular Biology and Genetics Laboratory in Dubai has studied the camels and confirmed them to be genetically identical."
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The 64 Kalas (art forms)
The 64 Kalas (art forms)
The 64 Kalas is the classical curriculum of sacred sciences, studies, arts and skills listed in various Hindu shastra.
1. Histrionic Talents, Drama, story telling techniques, mnemonics etc.,
2. Making musical Instruments, simple mechanical devices etc.,
3. Playing Musical Instruments (i.e.) Instrumental music including jalatarangam- creating music with water, percussion and string instruments.
4. Decorating, Dressmaking, costume making, artful dressing and personal grooming.
5. Ornaments and head adornments
6. Singing and Dancing , practicing fine arts
7. Making beds, Bedroom decorations
8. Garland making, flower arrangement, designs with grains on the floor like Rangoli
9. Playing games like dice
10. Mastering eroticism as per Vatsyayana, erotic devices and sexual arts
11. Making honey, liquor , beverages and desserts
12. Plucking out arrows and healing
13. Cooking, eating and drinking skills
14. Horticulture, forestry
15. Breaking and pulverizing hardrock, mining
16. Making Medicines from herbs
17. Sorting, Mixing, Isolating Ingredients
18. Making and using Astras and Sustras
19. Wrestling, Boxing, Gymnastics, physical culture, body building etc.,
20. Making ICBM
21. Parades , Army Bands and Dharmic warfare
22. Ratha, Gaja, Turaga wars ( Chariot, Elephantry and Cavalry)
23. Asanas, Postures & Mudras
24. Training elephants, horses, birds
25. Making Vessels of clay, wood, bronze
26. Drawing
27. Making Paints & Painting
28. Architecture, Sculpture, house and temple construction, mosaic tiling
29. Mixing air, water etc (Air Products and Water Products)
30. Boats, Ships, Chariots etc
31. Making threads, ropes etc
32. Weaving and Spinning
33. Diamond , Precious Stones and gems-distinguishing them from ordinary ones.
34. Alchemy, Chemistry , preparing ointments, unguents for charm and virility
35. Jewellery making including artificial jewelry
36. Gold Plating, metallurgy
37. Skinning and Preserving bodies
38. Leather Technology
39. Dairy Farming
40. Tailoring, Sartorial skills and Embroidery
41. Swimming and water sports
42. Cleaning houses and vessels
43. Laundering and Washing
44. Hair dressing and Shaving
45. Managing Oil Resources
46. Having control over others' minds, spells, charms ,Omens
47. Tilling and agriculture
48. Handicrafts including Carpentry, furniture making and furnishing
49. Making Vessels of glass , ceramic and pottery
50. Drawing water & resources
51. Gardening and Fencing
52. Caporisoning elephants etc
53. Child rearing & Pediatrics including doll making and toy making for kids
54. Punishing guilty appropriately by Law and Order
55. Learning Languages / dialects (both native and foreign), literary excellence, semantics
56. Preparing 'Tambool' etc.
57. Composing impromptu poetry
58. Preparing perfumes, cosmetics, playing poetry games, oratory, elocution, prosody, rhetoric
59. Sorcery, Conjuring, Sleight of hand, Magic, Illusions, Impersonation
60. Composing Riddles, Rhymes, Verses, Puzzles, Tongue twisters and involved recitations
61. Making swords, Staffs, Archery
62. Training fighting partridges and rams, Cock fight, Bull fight etc.,
63. Teaching parrots, mynas to talk and training animals, Veterinary science
64. Writing in cipher codes and languages, secret mantras, coding and decoding.
The 64 Kalas is the classical curriculum of sacred sciences, studies, arts and skills listed in various Hindu shastra.
1. Histrionic Talents, Drama, story telling techniques, mnemonics etc.,
2. Making musical Instruments, simple mechanical devices etc.,
3. Playing Musical Instruments (i.e.) Instrumental music including jalatarangam- creating music with water, percussion and string instruments.
4. Decorating, Dressmaking, costume making, artful dressing and personal grooming.
5. Ornaments and head adornments
6. Singing and Dancing , practicing fine arts
7. Making beds, Bedroom decorations
8. Garland making, flower arrangement, designs with grains on the floor like Rangoli
9. Playing games like dice
10. Mastering eroticism as per Vatsyayana, erotic devices and sexual arts
11. Making honey, liquor , beverages and desserts
12. Plucking out arrows and healing
13. Cooking, eating and drinking skills
14. Horticulture, forestry
15. Breaking and pulverizing hardrock, mining
16. Making Medicines from herbs
17. Sorting, Mixing, Isolating Ingredients
18. Making and using Astras and Sustras
19. Wrestling, Boxing, Gymnastics, physical culture, body building etc.,
20. Making ICBM
21. Parades , Army Bands and Dharmic warfare
22. Ratha, Gaja, Turaga wars ( Chariot, Elephantry and Cavalry)
23. Asanas, Postures & Mudras
24. Training elephants, horses, birds
25. Making Vessels of clay, wood, bronze
26. Drawing
27. Making Paints & Painting
28. Architecture, Sculpture, house and temple construction, mosaic tiling
29. Mixing air, water etc (Air Products and Water Products)
30. Boats, Ships, Chariots etc
31. Making threads, ropes etc
32. Weaving and Spinning
33. Diamond , Precious Stones and gems-distinguishing them from ordinary ones.
34. Alchemy, Chemistry , preparing ointments, unguents for charm and virility
35. Jewellery making including artificial jewelry
36. Gold Plating, metallurgy
37. Skinning and Preserving bodies
38. Leather Technology
39. Dairy Farming
40. Tailoring, Sartorial skills and Embroidery
41. Swimming and water sports
42. Cleaning houses and vessels
43. Laundering and Washing
44. Hair dressing and Shaving
45. Managing Oil Resources
46. Having control over others' minds, spells, charms ,Omens
47. Tilling and agriculture
48. Handicrafts including Carpentry, furniture making and furnishing
49. Making Vessels of glass , ceramic and pottery
50. Drawing water & resources
51. Gardening and Fencing
52. Caporisoning elephants etc
53. Child rearing & Pediatrics including doll making and toy making for kids
54. Punishing guilty appropriately by Law and Order
55. Learning Languages / dialects (both native and foreign), literary excellence, semantics
56. Preparing 'Tambool' etc.
57. Composing impromptu poetry
58. Preparing perfumes, cosmetics, playing poetry games, oratory, elocution, prosody, rhetoric
59. Sorcery, Conjuring, Sleight of hand, Magic, Illusions, Impersonation
60. Composing Riddles, Rhymes, Verses, Puzzles, Tongue twisters and involved recitations
61. Making swords, Staffs, Archery
62. Training fighting partridges and rams, Cock fight, Bull fight etc.,
63. Teaching parrots, mynas to talk and training animals, Veterinary science
64. Writing in cipher codes and languages, secret mantras, coding and decoding.
Jaaju Jaaju Stories - Be thankful for what you have
Jaaju Jaaju stories are bed time stories narrated by a loving father to his son each night before going to sleep. These stories are collected from various sources. Besides the little one (who loves to listen to the story and sleep with his head on his dad's shoulder sucking his little thumb), there are three other characters who listen to this daily - they are Kesavan - the elephant, Chakki - the cow, and Sundari - it's little daughter. Each night, the story is ended at some point, to give curiosity to the listeners and it is started the next night with a question answer session. Enjoy reading each day as it is posted and pass it on to your little loved ones.
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way."
What he had written was: "Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it."
Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing?
Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
Invite others towards good with wisdom. Live life with no excuse and love with no regrets. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
Don't believe your doubts and doubt your beliefs. Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.
Bhagavan Baba says, “Life has to be an incessant process of repair and reconstruction, of discarding evil and developing goodness…. In the journey of life, if you want to travel without fear, you must have the ticket of a good conscience.”
Extracted from an email forward.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Police campaign highlights dangers of leaving vehicles on
Police campaign highlights dangers of leaving vehicles on
By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS
Published: April 14, 2008, 00:28
Dubai: If you leave your car engine on and run to the grocery store even for a few minutes, police will fine you Dh300, a senior official warned on Sunday.
Police issued 1,960 fines to motorists who left their vehicle with their engines on in 2007. The fine was increased from Dh100 to Dh300 under the revised Federal traffic law.
Dubai Police are organising a five-day campaign, which started on Sunday, to spread awareness among motorists on the dangers of leaving their vehicles with the engine on.
The campaign also aims to reduce the problem of leaving car engines on in the coming three months by 30 per cent.
Lieutenant Colonel Ali Ganem, Director of Naif Police Station, said some motorists leave the engines of their vehicles on with the car keys inside to get something from a grocery store or a pharmacy. He said this endangers motorists and encourages thieves.
"According to statistics, 66 vehicles with engines on were stolen in 2006, while the number dropped to 26 vehicles in 2007 because of the awareness of some motorists and the efforts of police," Lt Col Ganem said.
He said according to the ministerial decision number 127 for 2008, motorists who leave the engines of their vehicles on, must be given an on-the-spot or absentia fine of Dh300.
The campaign aims to spread awareness among motorists regarding parking vehicles in appropriate places and making sure they carry their car keys after locking the door, not leaving children alone in the car and not leaving valuables in the car.
He said in the case of an emergency or the dire need to leave the car engine on such as, having sleeping children inside, there must be an adult in the car and he or she must have a suitable communication method to reach the motorist in case of any emergency.
He said in such cases, motorists should also make sure the gear and brakes are placed in a safe mode.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Egg ups death risk in middle age
Egg ups death risk in middle age
10 Apr 2008, 0000 hrs IST,REUTERS
WASHINGTON: Middle-aged men who ate seven or more eggs a week had a higher risk of earlier death, US researchers reported on Wednesday.
Men with diabetes who ate any eggs at all raised their risk of death during a 20-year period studied, according to the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition . The study adds to an ever-growing body of evidence, much of it contradictory, about how safe eggs are to eat. It did not examine what about the eggs might affect the risk of death.
Men without diabetes could eat up to six eggs a week with no extra risk of death, Dr Luc Djousse and Dr J Michael Gaziano of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School found.
"Whereas egg consumption of up to six eggs a week was not associated with the risk of all-cause mortality, consumption of (seven or more) eggs a week was associated with a 23% greater risk of death," they wrote.
"However, among male physicians with diabetes, any egg consumption is associated with a greater risk of all-cause mortality, and there was suggestive evidence for a greater risk of MI (heart attack) and stroke." They urged more study in the general population.
Eggs are rich in cholesterol, which in high amounts can clog arteries and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. One expert on nutrition and heart disease said the study suggests middle-aged men, at least, should watch how many eggs they eat.
"More egg on our faces? It’s really hard to say at this point, but it still seems, if you’re a middle-aged male physician and enjoy eggs more than once a day, that having some of the egg left on your face may be better than having it go down your gullet," said Dr Robert Eckel of the University of Colorado and a former president of the American Heart Association.
10 Apr 2008, 0000 hrs IST,REUTERS
WASHINGTON: Middle-aged men who ate seven or more eggs a week had a higher risk of earlier death, US researchers reported on Wednesday.
Men with diabetes who ate any eggs at all raised their risk of death during a 20-year period studied, according to the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition . The study adds to an ever-growing body of evidence, much of it contradictory, about how safe eggs are to eat. It did not examine what about the eggs might affect the risk of death.
Men without diabetes could eat up to six eggs a week with no extra risk of death, Dr Luc Djousse and Dr J Michael Gaziano of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School found.
"Whereas egg consumption of up to six eggs a week was not associated with the risk of all-cause mortality, consumption of (seven or more) eggs a week was associated with a 23% greater risk of death," they wrote.
"However, among male physicians with diabetes, any egg consumption is associated with a greater risk of all-cause mortality, and there was suggestive evidence for a greater risk of MI (heart attack) and stroke." They urged more study in the general population.
Eggs are rich in cholesterol, which in high amounts can clog arteries and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. One expert on nutrition and heart disease said the study suggests middle-aged men, at least, should watch how many eggs they eat.
"More egg on our faces? It’s really hard to say at this point, but it still seems, if you’re a middle-aged male physician and enjoy eggs more than once a day, that having some of the egg left on your face may be better than having it go down your gullet," said Dr Robert Eckel of the University of Colorado and a former president of the American Heart Association.
Finding taxi 'is a nightmare on Abu Dhabi streets'
Finding taxi 'is a nightmare on Abu Dhabi streets'
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 10, 2008, 00:28
Abu Dhabi: A sales executive of a bank waited for a taxi for about two hours, from 7pm to 9pm, last Thursday, at the end of Hamdan street but in vain.
"Finally I had to walk for one hour ... to reach my flat in Tourist Club Area," said Fahad Abbas, an Indian.
Even after the introduction of new taxis, such complaints are common among the residents in the city, Gulf News found.
And the scorching sun of the summer adds to their woes, complained many residents.
Woes
Fahad was sharing his worst experience on getting a taxi on Abu Dhabi streets with several others. Weekends are the worst but other days are not different either, said Fahad who commutes every day on taxis to meet his clients all over the city.
"I have to wait for at least half an hour, on average to get a taxi on any street in the city." Fahad said lunch time is the worst on week days as most of the drivers either go for prayers or a break. "It was okay till March end but now the summer does not allow you to be under the sun in the afternoon," said Fahad.
Ahmad Sulaiman, an Emirati technician, also echoed the same problem. On average he waits half an hour for taxis. "I have a car but I have to depend on taxis ... when the car is in garage." He said the most difficult time to find a taxi is morning and afternoon. One of my friends told me he had to wait for one and a half hours at Al Maria Cinema, in the afternoon last week, said Sulaiman.
Habib Ali, a Pakistani technician, also said he has waited more than half an hour for taxis several times. "We need more taxis in the city," said Ali.
Sagar Thonikkadavil, an Indian visitor, said the situation is worse in Abu Dhabi than in Dubai and Sharjah. "When I was in Dubai and Sharjah one month ago, I did not find it much of a problem to find a taxi," said Thonikkadavil.
Many of the women passengers told Gulf News they found it difficult to wait for the taxis on the streets.
"Last week I waited for 40 minutes on Electra Street in the afternoon for a taxi," said A.B., who works as a secretary.
Phasing out
Trans AD, Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars in Abu Dhabi, in a statement issued to Gulf News said 200 new taxis will be added to the present fleet of 8,300 taxis in the emirate, including new and old ones.
"We phased out about 700 old Taxis and introduced about 1,000 taxis," said the statement.
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 10, 2008, 00:28
Abu Dhabi: A sales executive of a bank waited for a taxi for about two hours, from 7pm to 9pm, last Thursday, at the end of Hamdan street but in vain.
"Finally I had to walk for one hour ... to reach my flat in Tourist Club Area," said Fahad Abbas, an Indian.
Even after the introduction of new taxis, such complaints are common among the residents in the city, Gulf News found.
And the scorching sun of the summer adds to their woes, complained many residents.
Woes
Fahad was sharing his worst experience on getting a taxi on Abu Dhabi streets with several others. Weekends are the worst but other days are not different either, said Fahad who commutes every day on taxis to meet his clients all over the city.
"I have to wait for at least half an hour, on average to get a taxi on any street in the city." Fahad said lunch time is the worst on week days as most of the drivers either go for prayers or a break. "It was okay till March end but now the summer does not allow you to be under the sun in the afternoon," said Fahad.
Ahmad Sulaiman, an Emirati technician, also echoed the same problem. On average he waits half an hour for taxis. "I have a car but I have to depend on taxis ... when the car is in garage." He said the most difficult time to find a taxi is morning and afternoon. One of my friends told me he had to wait for one and a half hours at Al Maria Cinema, in the afternoon last week, said Sulaiman.
Habib Ali, a Pakistani technician, also said he has waited more than half an hour for taxis several times. "We need more taxis in the city," said Ali.
Sagar Thonikkadavil, an Indian visitor, said the situation is worse in Abu Dhabi than in Dubai and Sharjah. "When I was in Dubai and Sharjah one month ago, I did not find it much of a problem to find a taxi," said Thonikkadavil.
Many of the women passengers told Gulf News they found it difficult to wait for the taxis on the streets.
"Last week I waited for 40 minutes on Electra Street in the afternoon for a taxi," said A.B., who works as a secretary.
Phasing out
Trans AD, Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars in Abu Dhabi, in a statement issued to Gulf News said 200 new taxis will be added to the present fleet of 8,300 taxis in the emirate, including new and old ones.
"We phased out about 700 old Taxis and introduced about 1,000 taxis," said the statement.
Eight mistakes to avoid while investing
Eight mistakes to avoid while investing
26 Mar, 2008, 0358 hrs IST,Dhruv Agarwala & Kartik Varma,
Investing is not just about picking winners, but also about avoiding mistakes. Retail investors can be better off if they avoid making the following mistakes.
Overconfidence - Don't be unrealistically optimistic
A bull market makes retail investors believe that they are geniuses - after all, anything they put money into goes up. This overconfidence in their own abilities leads to a complete disregard of the risks involved. Every new generation that invests in the market ignores past experience. These new investors wrongly believe that stock prices only go up.
Don't be overconfident and don't start believing that you have superior skills compared to the market. Recognise that in a bull market you are benefiting because the whole market is going up. If those around you are getting unrealistically optimistic, start managing your risk accordingly. Remember that sometimes markets do come crashing down.
Over enthusiasm to trade - Not every ball should be hit
Good batsmen realise that some balls outside the off-stump should be left alone. Similarly, professional investors realise that sometimes its better to just stand still than to rush into a stock. Retail investors often make the mistake of "flashing outside the off-stump" because they cannot resist the temptation to trade in every opportunity. And, like an inexperienced batsman, they suffer the same fate.
Too much trading will lead to a lot of churn, extra commissions to your broker and huge tax implications for you. Some of the world's best investors follow a buy and hold strategy - you should too.
Missing the benefits of compounding of capital - Learn from Einstein
Albert Einstein is reputed to have said that compounding of capital is the 8th wonder of the world because it allows for the systematic accumulation of wealth. Even though any one in class 5 could tell you how compounding works, retail investors ignore this basic concept.
Compounding of capital can benefit you only if you leave your money uninterrupted for a long period of time. The sooner you start investing, the bigger the pool of capital you will end up with for your middle-aged and retirement years.
Don't wait to start investing only when you have a large amount of money to put to work. Start early, even if it's with a small amount. Watch this grow to a very large amount with the passage of time.
Worrying about the market - But there is no answer to your favourite question
Smart investors don't worry about the direction of the market - they worry about the business prospects of the companies whose stocks they own. Retail investors are obsessed with the question "Where do you think the market will go?" This is a wrong question to ask. In fact, no one knows the answer.
The right question to ask is whether the company, whose stock you are buying, is going to be a much bigger business 10 years from now or not? Don't take a view on the market, take a view on long-term industry trends and how your chosen companies can create value by exploiting these trends.
Timing the market - Around 99% of investors will fail in this strategy
Its very difficult to time the market, i.e, be smart enough to buy at the absolute bottom and sell at the absolute top. Professionals understand that timing the market is a wasted exercise.
Retail investors always wait for that elusive best opportunity to get in or to get out. But by waiting they let great investment opportunities go by. You should use systematic or regular investment plans to make investments. You'll have to make fewer decisions and yet can accumulate substantial wealth over time.
Selling in times of panic - You should be doing the opposite
The best opportunity to buy is when the markets are falling and there is fear in the minds of investors. Yet, many retail investors do exactly the opposite. They sell when the markets are falling and buy only when the markets are high. This way they end up losing twice - by selling low and buying high, when they should be doing exactly the opposite.
If nothing has changed about the long-term outlook for the company that you own, then you should not sell this company's stock. Use this opportunity to buy more of the same stock in falling markets. Some of the world's biggest fortunes were made by buying when others were selling in panic.
Focusing on past performance - Its like driving forward while looking backwards
It is a very common perception that because a stock has done well in the past one year, it's the best stock to invest in. Retail investors do not realise that often the best performers will underperform the market in the future because their optimistic outlook has already been priced into the stock.
Don't go after hot sectors that are currently producing high returns. Don't let greed drive your investment decisions. Look forward to see whether the gains produced in the past can get repeated or not. Short-term trends of the past might not get repeated in the future.
Diversifying too much will kill you - Investing is all about staying alive
Beyond a point, having too many names in a portfolio can be counterproductive. You might end up duplicating, or end up taking too much exposure to a sector. Over-diversification can upset your portfolio, especially when you have not done enough research on all the companies you have invested in.
If you are an active investor in the stock market, maintain a manageable portfolio of 15-25 names. Instead of adding new names to this portfolio, recognise ideal ones. Then back them with more capital. In the long-run, this will produce better returns for you than adding another 20 names to your portfolio. Investing is all is about patience and discipline. By avoiding mistakes you can improve the long-term performance of your portfolio, whatever the economic conditions prevailing in the market.
Courtesy: www.iTrust.in / The Economic Times
26 Mar, 2008, 0358 hrs IST,Dhruv Agarwala & Kartik Varma,
Investing is not just about picking winners, but also about avoiding mistakes. Retail investors can be better off if they avoid making the following mistakes.
Overconfidence - Don't be unrealistically optimistic
A bull market makes retail investors believe that they are geniuses - after all, anything they put money into goes up. This overconfidence in their own abilities leads to a complete disregard of the risks involved. Every new generation that invests in the market ignores past experience. These new investors wrongly believe that stock prices only go up.
Don't be overconfident and don't start believing that you have superior skills compared to the market. Recognise that in a bull market you are benefiting because the whole market is going up. If those around you are getting unrealistically optimistic, start managing your risk accordingly. Remember that sometimes markets do come crashing down.
Over enthusiasm to trade - Not every ball should be hit
Good batsmen realise that some balls outside the off-stump should be left alone. Similarly, professional investors realise that sometimes its better to just stand still than to rush into a stock. Retail investors often make the mistake of "flashing outside the off-stump" because they cannot resist the temptation to trade in every opportunity. And, like an inexperienced batsman, they suffer the same fate.
Too much trading will lead to a lot of churn, extra commissions to your broker and huge tax implications for you. Some of the world's best investors follow a buy and hold strategy - you should too.
Missing the benefits of compounding of capital - Learn from Einstein
Albert Einstein is reputed to have said that compounding of capital is the 8th wonder of the world because it allows for the systematic accumulation of wealth. Even though any one in class 5 could tell you how compounding works, retail investors ignore this basic concept.
Compounding of capital can benefit you only if you leave your money uninterrupted for a long period of time. The sooner you start investing, the bigger the pool of capital you will end up with for your middle-aged and retirement years.
Don't wait to start investing only when you have a large amount of money to put to work. Start early, even if it's with a small amount. Watch this grow to a very large amount with the passage of time.
Worrying about the market - But there is no answer to your favourite question
Smart investors don't worry about the direction of the market - they worry about the business prospects of the companies whose stocks they own. Retail investors are obsessed with the question "Where do you think the market will go?" This is a wrong question to ask. In fact, no one knows the answer.
The right question to ask is whether the company, whose stock you are buying, is going to be a much bigger business 10 years from now or not? Don't take a view on the market, take a view on long-term industry trends and how your chosen companies can create value by exploiting these trends.
Timing the market - Around 99% of investors will fail in this strategy
Its very difficult to time the market, i.e, be smart enough to buy at the absolute bottom and sell at the absolute top. Professionals understand that timing the market is a wasted exercise.
Retail investors always wait for that elusive best opportunity to get in or to get out. But by waiting they let great investment opportunities go by. You should use systematic or regular investment plans to make investments. You'll have to make fewer decisions and yet can accumulate substantial wealth over time.
Selling in times of panic - You should be doing the opposite
The best opportunity to buy is when the markets are falling and there is fear in the minds of investors. Yet, many retail investors do exactly the opposite. They sell when the markets are falling and buy only when the markets are high. This way they end up losing twice - by selling low and buying high, when they should be doing exactly the opposite.
If nothing has changed about the long-term outlook for the company that you own, then you should not sell this company's stock. Use this opportunity to buy more of the same stock in falling markets. Some of the world's biggest fortunes were made by buying when others were selling in panic.
Focusing on past performance - Its like driving forward while looking backwards
It is a very common perception that because a stock has done well in the past one year, it's the best stock to invest in. Retail investors do not realise that often the best performers will underperform the market in the future because their optimistic outlook has already been priced into the stock.
Don't go after hot sectors that are currently producing high returns. Don't let greed drive your investment decisions. Look forward to see whether the gains produced in the past can get repeated or not. Short-term trends of the past might not get repeated in the future.
Diversifying too much will kill you - Investing is all about staying alive
Beyond a point, having too many names in a portfolio can be counterproductive. You might end up duplicating, or end up taking too much exposure to a sector. Over-diversification can upset your portfolio, especially when you have not done enough research on all the companies you have invested in.
If you are an active investor in the stock market, maintain a manageable portfolio of 15-25 names. Instead of adding new names to this portfolio, recognise ideal ones. Then back them with more capital. In the long-run, this will produce better returns for you than adding another 20 names to your portfolio. Investing is all is about patience and discipline. By avoiding mistakes you can improve the long-term performance of your portfolio, whatever the economic conditions prevailing in the market.
Courtesy: www.iTrust.in / The Economic Times
AKCAF to hold business seminar tomorrow
AKCAF to hold business seminar tomorrow
By a staff reporter KHALEEJ TIMES 10 April 2008
DUBAI — All Kerala College Alumni Forum (AKCAF) will hold “AKCAF Business Meet 2008”at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai tomorrow from 4:30 p.m.
The event, to be inaugurated by Mons Joseph, Kerala Minister of Public Works, will be presided over by Mahmood B. A., president of AKCAF.
"The objective of the summit is to bring the Indian business community and members of AKCAF onto one platform to facilitate the interaction and discussion of various aspects related to the current business and investment opportunities in the UAE and Kerala," said Mahmood.
The event, comprising four sessions, will commence with the inaugural session at 5.00 p.m. Atiq Juma Faraj Naseeb, Director of Commercial Services, Dubai Chamber, will speak on business opportunities in Dubai, followed by felicitation by Raju Menon, Managing Partner, Morison Menon, the presenter of the event. After an overview of the event by Sudhir Kumar of Morison Menon, session two will focus on the Trends and Opportunities in UAE. Captain Saleem Alavi, Director of Business Development, Dubai Maritime City, will give an overview on Maritime Investments, followed by a speech by Jade El Khalil, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Dubai Properties, on opportunities in the Dubai properties market.
In Session 3, panel discussions initiated by Issac John Deputy, Business Editor, Khaleej Times, as moderator, will throw light on various investment perspectives of successful NRI's, such as Joy Alukkas, Chairman of Alukkas group, Sudhir Gopi, Chairman and MD of Sudhir Gopi Holding, K. V. Shamsudheen, Director of Barjeel Geojit Securities. Some of these elite achievers will narrate their challenges and success stories.
In the closing session, Abbas Ali Mirza, President of the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), Dubai, will deliver a speech on India vision 2020. K. Kumar, Convener of Indian Community Welfare Committee (ICWC), will be felicitated for winning the Bharathiya Pravasi Award.
Rajesh Pillai, AKCAF General Secretary, will deliver the welcome speech and Juby Kuruvila, AKCAF Treasurer, will give the vote of thanks. AKCAF Business Meet Conveners, Sasi Kumar Nair and Paul T. Joseph, will chair the technical sessions 2 and 3.
By a staff reporter KHALEEJ TIMES 10 April 2008
DUBAI — All Kerala College Alumni Forum (AKCAF) will hold “AKCAF Business Meet 2008”at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai tomorrow from 4:30 p.m.
The event, to be inaugurated by Mons Joseph, Kerala Minister of Public Works, will be presided over by Mahmood B. A., president of AKCAF.
"The objective of the summit is to bring the Indian business community and members of AKCAF onto one platform to facilitate the interaction and discussion of various aspects related to the current business and investment opportunities in the UAE and Kerala," said Mahmood.
The event, comprising four sessions, will commence with the inaugural session at 5.00 p.m. Atiq Juma Faraj Naseeb, Director of Commercial Services, Dubai Chamber, will speak on business opportunities in Dubai, followed by felicitation by Raju Menon, Managing Partner, Morison Menon, the presenter of the event. After an overview of the event by Sudhir Kumar of Morison Menon, session two will focus on the Trends and Opportunities in UAE. Captain Saleem Alavi, Director of Business Development, Dubai Maritime City, will give an overview on Maritime Investments, followed by a speech by Jade El Khalil, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Dubai Properties, on opportunities in the Dubai properties market.
In Session 3, panel discussions initiated by Issac John Deputy, Business Editor, Khaleej Times, as moderator, will throw light on various investment perspectives of successful NRI's, such as Joy Alukkas, Chairman of Alukkas group, Sudhir Gopi, Chairman and MD of Sudhir Gopi Holding, K. V. Shamsudheen, Director of Barjeel Geojit Securities. Some of these elite achievers will narrate their challenges and success stories.
In the closing session, Abbas Ali Mirza, President of the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), Dubai, will deliver a speech on India vision 2020. K. Kumar, Convener of Indian Community Welfare Committee (ICWC), will be felicitated for winning the Bharathiya Pravasi Award.
Rajesh Pillai, AKCAF General Secretary, will deliver the welcome speech and Juby Kuruvila, AKCAF Treasurer, will give the vote of thanks. AKCAF Business Meet Conveners, Sasi Kumar Nair and Paul T. Joseph, will chair the technical sessions 2 and 3.
Dh10 million plant will recycle edible oil waste
Dh10 million plant will recycle edible oil waste
By a staff reporter KHALEEJ TIMES 10 April 2008
DUBAI — The Dubai Municipality and Al Serkal Group have announced the launch of a Dh10-million waste treatment facility in Al Aweer, dedicated to recycling edible oil waste from hotels, restaurants and food processing factories. The plant will start functioning early next month.
Hussain Nasser Lootah, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the new plant has been constructed in accordance with the highest international standards. It is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery to handle separation of oils and grease accumulated in grease traps and lift stations, and at food processing companies, restaurants, hotels, hospital kitchens and other food-related industries.
These wastes will be collected and transported by trucks to the waste treatment plant, where it will be classified either as hazardous material and sludge, or as recyclable material (re-usable water or oil and dry solids) that will be further treated for future use.
"This is the first treatment plant for edible oil wastes in the entire region. At Dubai Municipality, it's our policy to join hands with the private sector to set up such ventures," Lootah said.
The municipality has urged these establishments to abide by the rules and regulations laid down by the civic body. The municipality has asked them to allow only certified companies to collect and transport waste edible oils from the grease trap of food industries to deliver to the new plant.
The treatment plant has been built and managed by Al Serkal Group, on a 15-year build, operate and transfer (BOP) agreement with the municipality.
The new plant will alleviate pressure on the existing station in Al Aweer, and also, will create several job opportunities for those qualified in the field. The plant now has an optimum capacity to treat and process 50 cubic metres of grease and other wastes. In its second phase, capacity will be enhanced to handle 100 cubic metres of wastes.
A circular, issued by the municipality, makes it mandatory for food preparing establishments to instal grease traps and interceptors in their drainage system to separate the fats, oils and grease and maintain them by cleaning regularly.
The circular also stipulates that cleaning, maintenance and transporting of wastes from the grease traps and interceptors need to be carried out by the companies approved and authorised by the municipality and they must deliver these wastes to the Waste Edible Oil Treatment Plant in Al Aweer.
The food establishments are also required to maintain a register in which all data related to the process of getting rid of fats, oils and grease is to be recorded, especially showing the date of their collection and their quantity as well as the name of the company which cleaned and collected the waste oil.
While Al Serkal Group will build and operate the facility, the Dubai Municipality, acting through its Sewage and Environmental divisions, will implement the rules and regulations, supervise all operations and play an active role in implementing and adhering to safety policies.
By a staff reporter KHALEEJ TIMES 10 April 2008
DUBAI — The Dubai Municipality and Al Serkal Group have announced the launch of a Dh10-million waste treatment facility in Al Aweer, dedicated to recycling edible oil waste from hotels, restaurants and food processing factories. The plant will start functioning early next month.
Hussain Nasser Lootah, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the new plant has been constructed in accordance with the highest international standards. It is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery to handle separation of oils and grease accumulated in grease traps and lift stations, and at food processing companies, restaurants, hotels, hospital kitchens and other food-related industries.
These wastes will be collected and transported by trucks to the waste treatment plant, where it will be classified either as hazardous material and sludge, or as recyclable material (re-usable water or oil and dry solids) that will be further treated for future use.
"This is the first treatment plant for edible oil wastes in the entire region. At Dubai Municipality, it's our policy to join hands with the private sector to set up such ventures," Lootah said.
The municipality has urged these establishments to abide by the rules and regulations laid down by the civic body. The municipality has asked them to allow only certified companies to collect and transport waste edible oils from the grease trap of food industries to deliver to the new plant.
The treatment plant has been built and managed by Al Serkal Group, on a 15-year build, operate and transfer (BOP) agreement with the municipality.
The new plant will alleviate pressure on the existing station in Al Aweer, and also, will create several job opportunities for those qualified in the field. The plant now has an optimum capacity to treat and process 50 cubic metres of grease and other wastes. In its second phase, capacity will be enhanced to handle 100 cubic metres of wastes.
A circular, issued by the municipality, makes it mandatory for food preparing establishments to instal grease traps and interceptors in their drainage system to separate the fats, oils and grease and maintain them by cleaning regularly.
The circular also stipulates that cleaning, maintenance and transporting of wastes from the grease traps and interceptors need to be carried out by the companies approved and authorised by the municipality and they must deliver these wastes to the Waste Edible Oil Treatment Plant in Al Aweer.
The food establishments are also required to maintain a register in which all data related to the process of getting rid of fats, oils and grease is to be recorded, especially showing the date of their collection and their quantity as well as the name of the company which cleaned and collected the waste oil.
While Al Serkal Group will build and operate the facility, the Dubai Municipality, acting through its Sewage and Environmental divisions, will implement the rules and regulations, supervise all operations and play an active role in implementing and adhering to safety policies.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
All gas cylinders to have improved safety valves
All gas cylinders to have improved safety valves
By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 08, 2008, 23:39
Dubai: All domestic gas users will have new cylinder valves with improved safety features, a senior official announced on Tuesday.
The changeover will be executed with immediate effect in Dubai by Emirates Gas in partnership with Emarat. The valves and regulators are available from all authorised LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinder distributors for a one-off payment of Dh40.
The move comes following a decision by the undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior in conjunction with Dubai Civil Defence. Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director of Dubai Civil Defence and head of the committee that put in place a structure to enforce the decision, stressed the importance of all bottling and distribution companies' commitment to the clauses under the Ministry's decision.
Colonel Ahmad Al Sayegh, Deputy Director of Dubai Civil Defence, said faulty gas cylinder valves were time bombs and there had been many fires at houses, labour accommodation and Portakabins and this had led to a study on the reasons behind the fires.
"Experts said gas leaks or errors in the valves were the main reasons behind those fires," he said.
The civil defence will implement the mechanism to ensure the use of the new attachments and initiate an awareness programme for residents. It will also perform checks on restaurants and other public places to ensure the new regulators and valves are being used.
Ali Mustafa, General Manager, Emirates Gas, said considering Dubai alone has 300,000 to 400,00 domestic gas cylinders in use, the environmental and safety advantages of the new valves will be tremendous.
Several advanced safety features
Dubai: The new valve has several advanced safety features and is being introduced after extensive research and trials.
It has a short one-piece body with high impact strength. It also has a protective gasket preventing the entry of dust and water and a self-closing valve preventing accidental leaks.
The regulator is equipped with an automatic cut-off mechanism to stop the flow of gas in case of a leak or cut in the rubber hose. The cylinder valve will close in case of a fire. The current cylinders when empty will be exchanged for a cylinder with a new valve by the distributor. Cylinders with this new valve can be operated only by a regulator supplied by Emirates Gas or Emarat. It is estimated that about 1,000 cylinders with new valves will be changed per day.
- Staff Report
Timeline: Blast history
March 29, 2008: Gas cylinder blast injures three workers in Ras Al Khaimah.
February 20, 2008: Seven hurt in villa gas cylinder explosion in Deira, Dubai.
May 19, 2005: Ten hurt and 22 shops and 70 vehicles damaged after a gas pipe leak caused a massive explosion in a restaurant on Al Wahda Street, Sharjah.
February 28, 2005: Massive gas cylinder blast wrecks Sharjah cafeteria.
December 19, 2004: Three injured in cylinder blast in the Al Wathba district, Abu Dhabi.
December 7, 2003: Gas cylinder blast destroys restaurant and shop in Ras Al Khaimah.
September 30, 2001: Gas cylinder explodes in apartment in Al Rifaa, Dubai.
By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: April 08, 2008, 23:39
Dubai: All domestic gas users will have new cylinder valves with improved safety features, a senior official announced on Tuesday.
The changeover will be executed with immediate effect in Dubai by Emirates Gas in partnership with Emarat. The valves and regulators are available from all authorised LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinder distributors for a one-off payment of Dh40.
The move comes following a decision by the undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior in conjunction with Dubai Civil Defence. Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director of Dubai Civil Defence and head of the committee that put in place a structure to enforce the decision, stressed the importance of all bottling and distribution companies' commitment to the clauses under the Ministry's decision.
Colonel Ahmad Al Sayegh, Deputy Director of Dubai Civil Defence, said faulty gas cylinder valves were time bombs and there had been many fires at houses, labour accommodation and Portakabins and this had led to a study on the reasons behind the fires.
"Experts said gas leaks or errors in the valves were the main reasons behind those fires," he said.
The civil defence will implement the mechanism to ensure the use of the new attachments and initiate an awareness programme for residents. It will also perform checks on restaurants and other public places to ensure the new regulators and valves are being used.
Ali Mustafa, General Manager, Emirates Gas, said considering Dubai alone has 300,000 to 400,00 domestic gas cylinders in use, the environmental and safety advantages of the new valves will be tremendous.
Several advanced safety features
Dubai: The new valve has several advanced safety features and is being introduced after extensive research and trials.
It has a short one-piece body with high impact strength. It also has a protective gasket preventing the entry of dust and water and a self-closing valve preventing accidental leaks.
The regulator is equipped with an automatic cut-off mechanism to stop the flow of gas in case of a leak or cut in the rubber hose. The cylinder valve will close in case of a fire. The current cylinders when empty will be exchanged for a cylinder with a new valve by the distributor. Cylinders with this new valve can be operated only by a regulator supplied by Emirates Gas or Emarat. It is estimated that about 1,000 cylinders with new valves will be changed per day.
- Staff Report
Timeline: Blast history
March 29, 2008: Gas cylinder blast injures three workers in Ras Al Khaimah.
February 20, 2008: Seven hurt in villa gas cylinder explosion in Deira, Dubai.
May 19, 2005: Ten hurt and 22 shops and 70 vehicles damaged after a gas pipe leak caused a massive explosion in a restaurant on Al Wahda Street, Sharjah.
February 28, 2005: Massive gas cylinder blast wrecks Sharjah cafeteria.
December 19, 2004: Three injured in cylinder blast in the Al Wathba district, Abu Dhabi.
December 7, 2003: Gas cylinder blast destroys restaurant and shop in Ras Al Khaimah.
September 30, 2001: Gas cylinder explodes in apartment in Al Rifaa, Dubai.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Burj Dubai is world's tallest man-made structure
Burj Dubai is world's tallest man-made structure
Agencies Published: April 07, 2008, 15:57
Dubai: Burj Dubai has surpassed the United States’ KVLY-TV mast in North Dakota to become the world’s tallest man-made structure.
Burj Dubai is now 629 metres high while KVLY-TV, which held the record for the world’s tallest supported structure since 1963, has a height of 628.8 metres.
Burj Dubai is already the world’s tallest building, and at 160 storeys, is taller than Taipei 101 (508 metres) in Taiwan and CN Tower (553.33 metres) in Canada.
Burj Dubai is billed to meet all four criteria listed by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), which classifies the world’s tallest structures.
CTBUH measures the height of buildings to the structural top, the highest occupied floor, the top of the roof and the tip of the spire, pinnacle, antenna, mast or flagpole.
The KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota, is a television transmitting mast, which was completed in 1963.
It's a trophy life
It's a trophy life
Enid Parker (Staff Reporter)KHALEEJ TIMES
7 April 2008
Pooja Vinod, who has been awarded the prestigious Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for the Distinguished Student in the Basic Education Category, gets candid with City Times
WHAT FIRST caught my eye as I walked into Pooja's home was the glass-fronted cabinet with dozens of gleaming trophies.
"She has over 40 trophies and 85 certificates to her credit," smiled her parents. I gulped, a little overwhelmed already as I sat down with this poised young lady who studies at the Our Own English High School in Dubai, and has been awarded the prestigious Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for the Distinguished Student in the Basic Education Category (Grades 1-5) for the year 2007-2008. The award will be presented on April 8.
"The criterion for the award was academic performance, co-curricular activities and overall excellence," says Pooja.
At this I ask her if she always comes first in class. 'Yes,' she answers with a smile. Her mother Praseena, a Mathematics teacher, adds, "Right from Kindergarten she took an active interest in studies. She does her homework by herself; we never had to remind her to study." Her father, Vinod Kumar, a Telecommunication Engineer, adds, "She's always been number one in academics."
Intrigued by a child who's actually interested in studying, and recalling my own distracted primary school existence, I was curious to find out what her other interests were. "I like singing, dancing, drawing, coin and stamp collecting, travelling, swimming and making projects from waste materials," she says in her clear voice brimming with confidence, adding that she likes drawing most. "I like doing sceneries and also cartoons, like the ones in colouring books."
Music
Pooja's accomplishments in music are noteworthy; she has won prizes in many music contests and has participated in classical music concerts as well. She receives training in classical music and light music from a tutor and says she likes to sing 'all kinds of songs.'
"She sings everything from classical and light to popular music - in Hindi, English and Malayalam," adds her mother.
She is a fan of Celine Dion, particularly the popular 'My Heart Will Go On' from the soundtrack of the movie Titanic. At the Heart Song competition held at Ski Dubai for the release of the movie 'Happy Feet', she won the best singer in the sub-junior category for her rendition of 'My Heart Will Go On.' She also performed the song live on Valentine's Day at the Indian Pavilion at this year's Global Village.
On the radio
She's enthusiastic about her radio performances. "I like being on the air, people get to hear my voice... and its fun doing radio advertisements; I have recorded one for Indomi Fried Noodles in Hindi as well as Malayalam."
A little princess
Pooja played the role of Princess Ariel in The Little Mermaid as part of a cultural programme conducted by her school last year. "It was a musical drama and I had to both act and sing." I didn't have to ask her if she liked it, her expression said it all.
Hobbies
So with all this on her plate - so many extra-curricular pursuits and being number one in academics, does she have any time for normal kids' stuff like games and dolls and toys?
"I like playing with dolls, but now I love kitchen sets more," she says, and at this point I can't help talking about my favourite brown ceramic tea set that I had as a child. She laughs and says she has one like it too. She talks about a game called 'Stuck in The Mud,' which she loves to play and according to her is 'very funny.'
And what about books? "Enid Blyton is my favourite author, especially the story 'The Little Lost Hen.'" I almost begin to reminisce about my own Enid Blyton favourites, then realise with a twinge of regret that its time to leave; I've really enjoyed chatting with her.
So does she ever get camera shy or have stage fright? Her smile tells me the answer to that one. "I'm all set for the big day," concludes this charming and articulate young lady who no doubt leaves a big impression on whoever she meets.
Pooja has won accolades for singing, dancing, public speaking, elocution, story-telling and art. Some of her accomplishments include:
* Sub-junior 'Kalathilakam' (overall champion) in the Open Youth Festival 2006-2007 conducted by ADMS
* First prize in the Karaoke Malayalam Film Song competition held at the Indian Consulate in May 2006
* First prize in film song competition at the ADMS UAE Open Youth Festival conducted in January 2008
* Her song was broadcast by Asianet Radio 94.7 fm during the 'Voice of the Year' programme
* At the prestigious inter-school KGS music festival, she secured first prize in the group event during the year 2006-2007
Monday, April 7, 2008
Road accidents claim 21 lives in 72 hours
Road accidents claim 21 lives in 72 hours
By Alia Al Theeb, Mariam Al Serkal and Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporters GULF NEWS
Published: April 07, 2008, 00:35
Dubai/Sharjah/Abu Dhabi: A driver was killed in a horrific accident near National Paints bridge in Sharjah on Sunday, taking the death toll in road accidents nationwide to at least 21 in just 72 hours.
In Sunday's accident the driver rammed into a cement mixer, police said.
The weekend also saw a spate of accidents. A young Emirati was killed in Al Ain on Saturday when he was driving without a licence. An Asian woman died on Saturday when she was run over by a car while crossing the road on Shaikh Zayed Road.
A father and his two-year-old daughter were killed early Saturday when their car plunged into a pedestrian underpass in Abu Dhabi.
Three people were killed in a gruesome accident on Friday on Dubai's Al Khail Road when a sewage tanker first hit a minibus, which was then hit by a bus. A six-year-old Emirati boy died on Friday in Ras Al Khaimah when a heavy vehicle rammed into the car his father was driving.
But the worst accident occurred on Al Wagan Road in Al Ain on Thursday night in which 12 people were killed.
President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday offered his condolences to the families of the victims.
An official from the Dubai Police Traffic Department said speeding, failure to maintain proper distance between vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and lack of consideration for other drivers are the main reasons behind most road accidents.
Some 1,056 people were killed in traffic accidents in the UAE in 2007. According to Yahoo, more than 1 million people are killed worldwide, and more than 50 million are injured in traffic accidents each year.
Statistics: Too many offences
According to statistics, Dubai police's traffic department reported 33,886 traffic offences in Bur Dubai in March. The traffic control teams also confiscated 232 vehicles for violating traffic rules.
Major Ahmad Bin Delan, Director of Bur Dubai Traffic Department, said blocking traffic topped the list of offences with 8,033. He said this offence adds to traffic congestions.
Other traffic offences included lane line violation by light vehicles, reckless driving, parking on pavements, driving on the hard shoulder and jumping red signals.
Statistics from Abu Dhabi revealed 1,312 offences were committed from March 1 to 15.
These offences included speeding, jumping a red signal, reckless driving and entering a road dangerously.
Adnoc to sell cooking gas at reduced prices
Adnoc to sell cooking gas at reduced prices
By Sebugawaawo Ismail (Our staff reporter)KHALEEJ TIMES 7 April 2008
RAS AL KHAIMAH — Residents of Ras Al Khaimah will soon get a chance to buying cooking gas at reduced prices as Adnoc will soon start selling LPG at its fuel stations in the emirate.
Senior officials from Adnoc have confirmed that the company has made the necessary arrangements and have got approvals from the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (DED) to open up cooking gas outlets at seven Adnoc stations in Ras Al Khaimah.
The official said that the move comes following several requests from officials of the DED and RAK residents to start selling cooking gas in the emirate as the existing cooking gas companies and distributors in the emirate were arbitrarily increasing the prices on the pretext of having paid more for procuring gas from their suppliers.
Hassan Hamad Al Shamsi, Deputy Director-General, Department of Economic Development, said that after several complaints from the residents about the arbitrary price hikes by gas suppliers, they had decided to hold monthly meeting with them and set the prices to protect the consumers.
He stressed that in their last meeting, which was held in March, the price of a standard 22kg cylinder was fixed at Dh86, the 11kg cylinder at Dh43 and 44kg cylinder at Dh172.
“We have been trying to fix these prices fairly to see that no party is cheated but still the prices of cooking gas in Ras Al Khaimah are very high compared to other emirates,” said Al Shamsi.
He noted that Adnoc will soon start selling cooking gas in the emirate and the gas prices are expected to come down as this was agreed upon by both the Ministry of Economy, DED and Adnoc officials in the emirate, to fix prices according to the company policies.
He explained that Adnoc price in Abu Dhabi is Dh35 for a standard cooking gas cylinder and Dh22 for the smaller one, which is far lower than the current rates charged by gas companies and distributors in Ras Al Khaimah.
By Sebugawaawo Ismail (Our staff reporter)KHALEEJ TIMES 7 April 2008
RAS AL KHAIMAH — Residents of Ras Al Khaimah will soon get a chance to buying cooking gas at reduced prices as Adnoc will soon start selling LPG at its fuel stations in the emirate.
Senior officials from Adnoc have confirmed that the company has made the necessary arrangements and have got approvals from the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (DED) to open up cooking gas outlets at seven Adnoc stations in Ras Al Khaimah.
The official said that the move comes following several requests from officials of the DED and RAK residents to start selling cooking gas in the emirate as the existing cooking gas companies and distributors in the emirate were arbitrarily increasing the prices on the pretext of having paid more for procuring gas from their suppliers.
Hassan Hamad Al Shamsi, Deputy Director-General, Department of Economic Development, said that after several complaints from the residents about the arbitrary price hikes by gas suppliers, they had decided to hold monthly meeting with them and set the prices to protect the consumers.
He stressed that in their last meeting, which was held in March, the price of a standard 22kg cylinder was fixed at Dh86, the 11kg cylinder at Dh43 and 44kg cylinder at Dh172.
“We have been trying to fix these prices fairly to see that no party is cheated but still the prices of cooking gas in Ras Al Khaimah are very high compared to other emirates,” said Al Shamsi.
He noted that Adnoc will soon start selling cooking gas in the emirate and the gas prices are expected to come down as this was agreed upon by both the Ministry of Economy, DED and Adnoc officials in the emirate, to fix prices according to the company policies.
He explained that Adnoc price in Abu Dhabi is Dh35 for a standard cooking gas cylinder and Dh22 for the smaller one, which is far lower than the current rates charged by gas companies and distributors in Ras Al Khaimah.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Texting while driving is risky, say UAE residents
Texting while driving is risky, say UAE residents
Staff Reporters, Mariam M. Al Serkal, Dina El Shammaa, Fuad Ali GULF NEWS Published: April 06, 2008, 00:31
Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Fujairah: Free dinners, free concert tickets, or free health spas - what kinds of competitions distract you from driving?
The majority of motorists have dedicated themselves to listening to their favourite radio station while commuting, and cannot help but hear the alluring offers that demand them to send a text message via their cell phones.
Can motorists continue to focus their senses completely on the task of driving despite the airwaves alluring them into attractive promotions?
City Talk took to the streets and asked residents whether they have ever sent text messages to radio competitions while driving, if they think it is a hazard to do so, and should sending text messages while driving become an offence?
Investigator Barbara Radwan-Wiehe, from the United States, said: "I am technologically inept so texting through my cell phone is something I rarely do, I am old school. However I definitely think using your phone while driving affects your concentration span and ability to watch the road. I try not to use my phone while driving because even if you are careful, other drivers next to you may not be.
"There should be strict regulations to prohibit cell [phone] usage during driving."
Hadeel Mohammad, a 23-year-old student from Iraq, said: "Even though I don't participate in radio competitions I usually send text messages while driving because once I receive a message I don't want to keep the other person waiting. I've never been involved in an accident while sending text messages, but I know that it's dangerous to do so.
"I think a rule should be implemented so that motorists will be fined when caught using their mobile phone."
Ali Khalil Qasim, 26, Egyptian airline staff, said: "I have noticed there are often listeners of radio shows who send text messages and call the shows while they are on the road and I often ask myself how safe is that?
"A lot of concentration is required on the road and it is highly irresponsible to engage in texting while driving. "Sometimes if the car is stuck in traffic and you're stationary then maybe it is safe to use the phone, but still, it will take your mind off the road and other drivers around you."
Ebrahim Mohammad Quwayes, 26, car rental agent from Egypt, said: "I have never considered texting while driving because I know how dangerous it is. It's hard enough to drive and talk on the phone because your concentration on the road is compromised, but texting actually takes your eyes off the road, which is seriously dangerous to all road users.
"I think it's highly irresponsible for radio presenters to invite and read out comments from drivers without pointing out basic safety reminders as a reminder to all road users."
Fadi Ganem, a manager from Lebanon, 32, said: "I used to send text messages and [narrowly] escaped many accidents. That's why I have stopped. Now when I see others driving and playing with their [cell phones] I get really mad because they do silly mistakes on the road.
"There used to be a strong campaign against motorists using their [cell phones] but now it's not as important anymore, and police are not doing anything. The campaign against mobile phones should be re-introduced."
Eyad Nasim, a Jordanian manager, 40, said: "It is inconsiderate to send text messages while driving, but when you're stuck in traffic for 45 minutes to an hour then you can afford to do it.
"I don't reply to competitions, and the only time I send messages is when they are work related or if someone wants to know where I am.
"I don't think there should be a heavy fine against motorists using their cell phones, but it should be implemented on an accelerating basis. So every time you get caught, you will have to pay a higher fine."
Hamdan Mohammad Al Mulla, an Emirati executive manager, 22, said: "I think radio stations should take some responsibilities in this matter.
"After all, it is they who encourage listeners to call or text them. Using the phone in any capacity while driving is very dangerous for both the driver and other motorists, and young drivers in particular need reminding of that.
"Radio stations should always remind listeners on the road not to communicate with them while they are driving.
"With every invite to participate in a programme, a warning about safe road practice should be made out advising drivers to pull-over if they want to take part."
Abdul Kader, 45, an Indian supervisor in an automobile workshop, said: "I have never used my phone while driving, it's very dangerous.
"How can you possibly concentrate while using your cell phone or sending a text message?
"I believe people should be advised on an individual basis. I personally advise people not to use their phones at all while driving. It's just too risky and keeps you unfocused on the road."
Electrical engineer Enas Khalid, Egypt, 33, said: "I am all about safety while driving. I have two children, a one-year-old and the other is four, and I make sure they sit in the back seat of the car every time.
"It is impossible to use a [cell phone] or text while driving. I believe day dreaming in general while driving is dangerous and think strict laws to prohibit cell phones while driving in general should be implemented."
Staff Reporters, Mariam M. Al Serkal, Dina El Shammaa, Fuad Ali GULF NEWS Published: April 06, 2008, 00:31
Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Fujairah: Free dinners, free concert tickets, or free health spas - what kinds of competitions distract you from driving?
The majority of motorists have dedicated themselves to listening to their favourite radio station while commuting, and cannot help but hear the alluring offers that demand them to send a text message via their cell phones.
Can motorists continue to focus their senses completely on the task of driving despite the airwaves alluring them into attractive promotions?
City Talk took to the streets and asked residents whether they have ever sent text messages to radio competitions while driving, if they think it is a hazard to do so, and should sending text messages while driving become an offence?
Investigator Barbara Radwan-Wiehe, from the United States, said: "I am technologically inept so texting through my cell phone is something I rarely do, I am old school. However I definitely think using your phone while driving affects your concentration span and ability to watch the road. I try not to use my phone while driving because even if you are careful, other drivers next to you may not be.
"There should be strict regulations to prohibit cell [phone] usage during driving."
Hadeel Mohammad, a 23-year-old student from Iraq, said: "Even though I don't participate in radio competitions I usually send text messages while driving because once I receive a message I don't want to keep the other person waiting. I've never been involved in an accident while sending text messages, but I know that it's dangerous to do so.
"I think a rule should be implemented so that motorists will be fined when caught using their mobile phone."
Ali Khalil Qasim, 26, Egyptian airline staff, said: "I have noticed there are often listeners of radio shows who send text messages and call the shows while they are on the road and I often ask myself how safe is that?
"A lot of concentration is required on the road and it is highly irresponsible to engage in texting while driving. "Sometimes if the car is stuck in traffic and you're stationary then maybe it is safe to use the phone, but still, it will take your mind off the road and other drivers around you."
Ebrahim Mohammad Quwayes, 26, car rental agent from Egypt, said: "I have never considered texting while driving because I know how dangerous it is. It's hard enough to drive and talk on the phone because your concentration on the road is compromised, but texting actually takes your eyes off the road, which is seriously dangerous to all road users.
"I think it's highly irresponsible for radio presenters to invite and read out comments from drivers without pointing out basic safety reminders as a reminder to all road users."
Fadi Ganem, a manager from Lebanon, 32, said: "I used to send text messages and [narrowly] escaped many accidents. That's why I have stopped. Now when I see others driving and playing with their [cell phones] I get really mad because they do silly mistakes on the road.
"There used to be a strong campaign against motorists using their [cell phones] but now it's not as important anymore, and police are not doing anything. The campaign against mobile phones should be re-introduced."
Eyad Nasim, a Jordanian manager, 40, said: "It is inconsiderate to send text messages while driving, but when you're stuck in traffic for 45 minutes to an hour then you can afford to do it.
"I don't reply to competitions, and the only time I send messages is when they are work related or if someone wants to know where I am.
"I don't think there should be a heavy fine against motorists using their cell phones, but it should be implemented on an accelerating basis. So every time you get caught, you will have to pay a higher fine."
Hamdan Mohammad Al Mulla, an Emirati executive manager, 22, said: "I think radio stations should take some responsibilities in this matter.
"After all, it is they who encourage listeners to call or text them. Using the phone in any capacity while driving is very dangerous for both the driver and other motorists, and young drivers in particular need reminding of that.
"Radio stations should always remind listeners on the road not to communicate with them while they are driving.
"With every invite to participate in a programme, a warning about safe road practice should be made out advising drivers to pull-over if they want to take part."
Abdul Kader, 45, an Indian supervisor in an automobile workshop, said: "I have never used my phone while driving, it's very dangerous.
"How can you possibly concentrate while using your cell phone or sending a text message?
"I believe people should be advised on an individual basis. I personally advise people not to use their phones at all while driving. It's just too risky and keeps you unfocused on the road."
Electrical engineer Enas Khalid, Egypt, 33, said: "I am all about safety while driving. I have two children, a one-year-old and the other is four, and I make sure they sit in the back seat of the car every time.
"It is impossible to use a [cell phone] or text while driving. I believe day dreaming in general while driving is dangerous and think strict laws to prohibit cell phones while driving in general should be implemented."
A million dollar company built on a failure
A million dollar company built on a failure
Prasanna D Zore | October 23, 2007 | 16:57 IST
He started his first Internet Company, Radio FM, a streaming online radio portal, when he was a mere 17-year-old.
His father was not happy that his teenaged son was wasting most of his time online, rather than preparing for his exams. His stand was vindicated when his son's maiden venture failed to produce any profits.
But Vishal Sampat, now Ceo of Convonix.com, wasn't about to give up. He maintained his faith in the Internet, and transformed Radio FM into Khopcha.com which, in turn, became the genesis for Convonix.com, a search engine optimisation company.
Today, Convonix is a one million dollar company and by March 2008, Vishal is confident of doubling his company's turnover.
As somebody who has gone through the trials and tribulations of starting an Internet business and learning from his failures, here's what the 25 year old CEO of Convonix?has to tell budding entrepreneurs: "The world will never believe in you till you achieve something. But if you believe in yourself and what you are doing is right and has a future, then you should persevere and work honestly towards your goal. If you do this you will surely be successful one day."
Can you tell us about your early days in school, college and the time you started your first online streaming radio venture, Radio.com?
I was born and brought up in Mumbai. I studied St Xavier's?School and completed my SSC in 1997. After that I did my engineering.
I started my first online radio streaming business in 1999-2000. Those were the early days of the Internet in India, when it took half an hour for someone to get connected online. The reason we started this venture was we believed that there was a huge audience abroad who would be interested in Indian music and, for that matter, in knowing?what's happening back in their own country.
A cousin of mine who was into radio got for me some audio capsules which I could play in between the 20-30 minute programme. We used to have songs as well as the RJ capsules in the middle.
Basically, none of us knew what we were doing and I had no money. So what we did was we got free space from various free web hosting companies that operated at teh time, like Geocities. We managed to get the load balanced with these servers and got our online music channel going.
How much money did you put into in this venture?
I invested Rs 3,000-4,000, with my father footing the Internet bills (laughs), which at that time was very expensive compared to what it is now. He wasn't very happy about that though (laughs).
Did you make any profit out of this venture?
No, we didn't. We did succeed in getting?around six and a half million visitors, but it was too expensive to carry out this business online. Of course, being in college and having no sense of economy helped us make no profits (laughs). Finally, this website transitioned into another website named khopcha.com, a portal for teenagers.
Though the portal is still online, we don't maintain or update it regularly now. It was this experience that helped me start Convonix.com. The first venture, however, still has sentimental values.???????
What inspired you to start this streaming online music portal then?
It was something that just struck us. It was this huge market that was waiting to be tapped. The late 1990s and the early 2000s was an era of the dot com boom and everybody wanted to be online then. This venture was something that we thought we might try and make a lot of money out of, which actually didn't happen.
What did you learn or gain from this failure?
You can't call it a failure as such.?It was lot of fun. When Radio FM and khopcha were both online, we did not have money to market the product and services we offered online. This was the genesis of my current venture.
I used search engines to market both the services; I used online portals; I learned about banner exchanges; all kinds of online marketing tools. This experience helped me a lot in offering various products under the Convonix name now.?
Can you explain Convonix's business model? Who are your competitors globally?
Let me first explain the main business of Convonix, that is, search engine optimisation or SEO.
Suppose you are a bank who wants to sell credit cards. When people search for such services online, they get a list of links on which they click to avail the service. What we do is we consult the banks that want to do business online and get maximum traffic directed to their portal.
SEO helps such institutions to maximise the use of Internet as an active marketing tool to sell their services and products. What we do is we identify who is searching for their products and services, estimate the number of searches, what are the key words they are using for their search and where they are looking out for their requirements.
Convonix helps these businesses to get their portals on top of such a search list. This is SEO and its benefits to the potential customers.
Well, that's our primary service but we are also into Internet marketing like social media optimisation, which includes crawling the blogs (which are very huge nowadays) to find out who wants what. We are also into paid advertising business.
Our competitors would be ad agencies who are getting into online marketing business. Apart from that there are a couple of big players as our competitors. However, we have the first mover advantage and there is lot of work going around.
Also, SEO is a niche field and it will be very difficult for a traditional ad firm to compete with us and build the core competency needed for this business.
What are the fundamental principles that guide Convonix?
One of our biggest principles is Under Promise and Over Deliver. You will never find one of my guys coming to you promising the world and then failing her/his word.
We'd rather play it conservatively than go over board and fail to deliver. We promise only what we believe can be done, and?then we?do a lot more?than that.
Secondly, we follow a very consultative approach. My team members would first ask you about your business, your goals and then say what we can do about it. Very frankly, we have gone ahead and told many of our customers that a certain thing cannot be done. Of course, we have lost business because of this discipline of ours (laughs).
It really makes no difference if we lose some business because of this, but we don't want to cheat on our clients.
How would you define your role and responsibilities at Convonix, you being the founder of this company?
My basic responsibility towards my company is to see that it grows as planned and all my employees are happy working with the company. Get talented and skilled people on board, strategising on novel ideas to expand my business. I no more look after the day-to-day operations, which I used to do just a couple of years ago.
How many employees do you have?
We have around 50 employees spread across our two offices in Mumbai. We have just purchased a new 10,000 sq ft office in Navi Mumbai that will help us to triple our headcount.?
What kind of turnover and profit margins are you looking out at in 2008?
Our turnover last year was around a million dollars, and we are looking at double that figure in 2008. Our profit margin is very healthy, as we use a lot of consultative approach, but it is difficult for me to give you a number on that. It could be safely assumed to be 30-40 per cent of our annual turnover on a conservative basis.
80 per cent of our revenues are generated from businesses based out of India. We started the partnership model when we started this business, as it was the best way to get some foot holding in the markets abroad then. We tied up with overseas marketing companies and web solution providers. We handle the sales there and manage all the campaigns from here.
A few of our clients in India are Just Dial, Apnaloan; we have also worked with Indian Hotels, Eitihad Airways and currently we are running a campaign for Sun Pharmaceuticals.
Our clients overseas include the best names in the hotels, airlines and travel portal business. We also do business with ClearWire, which is a listed company on the US stock exchange.
Are you the only owner of this company and do you have any plans of taking Convonix public in the near future?
Yes, I am the sole owner of Convonix. About the other question, we have a strong revenue model and cash is coming internally to fund our expansion plans. In the near future we don't have any plans of going public. Even the money to fund the 10,000 sq ft facility that we bought came out of internal accruals. What's more, ours is a debt-free company.
Can you tell us about your interesting journey from an online radio streaming business to a one million dollar company Convonix?
It was indeed an exciting and interesting journey to begin with. Every day we learn something new, and adapt it to improve our businesses. Initially, when I started Radio FM, people didn't know what I was doing. To add to it I wasn't making any money from the business. And I was wasting a lot of time online, according to my dad, instead of studying (laughs). That was difficult, but from 2002-2003 when I started explaining to people about my first business the germ of Convonix started taking roots.
It was me and two of my colleagues from school, Pallav Jain and Sarfraz Khimani -- the former passed out from IIM-A and the latter will pass out from IIM-C in March 2008. I had pulled these guys midway from their engineering courses, and they were firm on completing their academics. We are still very close friends; we used to work out of my bedroom. That's when the revenues started flowing, and that's when my parents started believing in my business. After that everyone started supporting me.
The reason why I am here today is because I got the best team that I could have ever got and great support from my family and friends. ????????????
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs?
First thing would be, if you believe in yourself and that what you are doing is right and has a future, then you should persevere and work honestly towards your goal. If you do this, you will surely be successful one day. You will get a million people who will laugh it off and discourage you from doing what you are doing, but you have to persevere. The world will never believe in you till you achieve something. That perhaps is the most difficult aspect for the people who are starting on their own.
Prasanna D Zore | October 23, 2007 | 16:57 IST
He started his first Internet Company, Radio FM, a streaming online radio portal, when he was a mere 17-year-old.
His father was not happy that his teenaged son was wasting most of his time online, rather than preparing for his exams. His stand was vindicated when his son's maiden venture failed to produce any profits.
But Vishal Sampat, now Ceo of Convonix.com, wasn't about to give up. He maintained his faith in the Internet, and transformed Radio FM into Khopcha.com which, in turn, became the genesis for Convonix.com, a search engine optimisation company.
Today, Convonix is a one million dollar company and by March 2008, Vishal is confident of doubling his company's turnover.
As somebody who has gone through the trials and tribulations of starting an Internet business and learning from his failures, here's what the 25 year old CEO of Convonix?has to tell budding entrepreneurs: "The world will never believe in you till you achieve something. But if you believe in yourself and what you are doing is right and has a future, then you should persevere and work honestly towards your goal. If you do this you will surely be successful one day."
Can you tell us about your early days in school, college and the time you started your first online streaming radio venture, Radio.com?
I was born and brought up in Mumbai. I studied St Xavier's?School and completed my SSC in 1997. After that I did my engineering.
I started my first online radio streaming business in 1999-2000. Those were the early days of the Internet in India, when it took half an hour for someone to get connected online. The reason we started this venture was we believed that there was a huge audience abroad who would be interested in Indian music and, for that matter, in knowing?what's happening back in their own country.
A cousin of mine who was into radio got for me some audio capsules which I could play in between the 20-30 minute programme. We used to have songs as well as the RJ capsules in the middle.
Basically, none of us knew what we were doing and I had no money. So what we did was we got free space from various free web hosting companies that operated at teh time, like Geocities. We managed to get the load balanced with these servers and got our online music channel going.
How much money did you put into in this venture?
I invested Rs 3,000-4,000, with my father footing the Internet bills (laughs), which at that time was very expensive compared to what it is now. He wasn't very happy about that though (laughs).
Did you make any profit out of this venture?
No, we didn't. We did succeed in getting?around six and a half million visitors, but it was too expensive to carry out this business online. Of course, being in college and having no sense of economy helped us make no profits (laughs). Finally, this website transitioned into another website named khopcha.com, a portal for teenagers.
Though the portal is still online, we don't maintain or update it regularly now. It was this experience that helped me start Convonix.com. The first venture, however, still has sentimental values.???????
What inspired you to start this streaming online music portal then?
It was something that just struck us. It was this huge market that was waiting to be tapped. The late 1990s and the early 2000s was an era of the dot com boom and everybody wanted to be online then. This venture was something that we thought we might try and make a lot of money out of, which actually didn't happen.
What did you learn or gain from this failure?
You can't call it a failure as such.?It was lot of fun. When Radio FM and khopcha were both online, we did not have money to market the product and services we offered online. This was the genesis of my current venture.
I used search engines to market both the services; I used online portals; I learned about banner exchanges; all kinds of online marketing tools. This experience helped me a lot in offering various products under the Convonix name now.?
Can you explain Convonix's business model? Who are your competitors globally?
Let me first explain the main business of Convonix, that is, search engine optimisation or SEO.
Suppose you are a bank who wants to sell credit cards. When people search for such services online, they get a list of links on which they click to avail the service. What we do is we consult the banks that want to do business online and get maximum traffic directed to their portal.
SEO helps such institutions to maximise the use of Internet as an active marketing tool to sell their services and products. What we do is we identify who is searching for their products and services, estimate the number of searches, what are the key words they are using for their search and where they are looking out for their requirements.
Convonix helps these businesses to get their portals on top of such a search list. This is SEO and its benefits to the potential customers.
Well, that's our primary service but we are also into Internet marketing like social media optimisation, which includes crawling the blogs (which are very huge nowadays) to find out who wants what. We are also into paid advertising business.
Our competitors would be ad agencies who are getting into online marketing business. Apart from that there are a couple of big players as our competitors. However, we have the first mover advantage and there is lot of work going around.
Also, SEO is a niche field and it will be very difficult for a traditional ad firm to compete with us and build the core competency needed for this business.
What are the fundamental principles that guide Convonix?
One of our biggest principles is Under Promise and Over Deliver. You will never find one of my guys coming to you promising the world and then failing her/his word.
We'd rather play it conservatively than go over board and fail to deliver. We promise only what we believe can be done, and?then we?do a lot more?than that.
Secondly, we follow a very consultative approach. My team members would first ask you about your business, your goals and then say what we can do about it. Very frankly, we have gone ahead and told many of our customers that a certain thing cannot be done. Of course, we have lost business because of this discipline of ours (laughs).
It really makes no difference if we lose some business because of this, but we don't want to cheat on our clients.
How would you define your role and responsibilities at Convonix, you being the founder of this company?
My basic responsibility towards my company is to see that it grows as planned and all my employees are happy working with the company. Get talented and skilled people on board, strategising on novel ideas to expand my business. I no more look after the day-to-day operations, which I used to do just a couple of years ago.
How many employees do you have?
We have around 50 employees spread across our two offices in Mumbai. We have just purchased a new 10,000 sq ft office in Navi Mumbai that will help us to triple our headcount.?
What kind of turnover and profit margins are you looking out at in 2008?
Our turnover last year was around a million dollars, and we are looking at double that figure in 2008. Our profit margin is very healthy, as we use a lot of consultative approach, but it is difficult for me to give you a number on that. It could be safely assumed to be 30-40 per cent of our annual turnover on a conservative basis.
80 per cent of our revenues are generated from businesses based out of India. We started the partnership model when we started this business, as it was the best way to get some foot holding in the markets abroad then. We tied up with overseas marketing companies and web solution providers. We handle the sales there and manage all the campaigns from here.
A few of our clients in India are Just Dial, Apnaloan; we have also worked with Indian Hotels, Eitihad Airways and currently we are running a campaign for Sun Pharmaceuticals.
Our clients overseas include the best names in the hotels, airlines and travel portal business. We also do business with ClearWire, which is a listed company on the US stock exchange.
Are you the only owner of this company and do you have any plans of taking Convonix public in the near future?
Yes, I am the sole owner of Convonix. About the other question, we have a strong revenue model and cash is coming internally to fund our expansion plans. In the near future we don't have any plans of going public. Even the money to fund the 10,000 sq ft facility that we bought came out of internal accruals. What's more, ours is a debt-free company.
Can you tell us about your interesting journey from an online radio streaming business to a one million dollar company Convonix?
It was indeed an exciting and interesting journey to begin with. Every day we learn something new, and adapt it to improve our businesses. Initially, when I started Radio FM, people didn't know what I was doing. To add to it I wasn't making any money from the business. And I was wasting a lot of time online, according to my dad, instead of studying (laughs). That was difficult, but from 2002-2003 when I started explaining to people about my first business the germ of Convonix started taking roots.
It was me and two of my colleagues from school, Pallav Jain and Sarfraz Khimani -- the former passed out from IIM-A and the latter will pass out from IIM-C in March 2008. I had pulled these guys midway from their engineering courses, and they were firm on completing their academics. We are still very close friends; we used to work out of my bedroom. That's when the revenues started flowing, and that's when my parents started believing in my business. After that everyone started supporting me.
The reason why I am here today is because I got the best team that I could have ever got and great support from my family and friends. ????????????
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs?
First thing would be, if you believe in yourself and that what you are doing is right and has a future, then you should persevere and work honestly towards your goal. If you do this, you will surely be successful one day. You will get a million people who will laugh it off and discourage you from doing what you are doing, but you have to persevere. The world will never believe in you till you achieve something. That perhaps is the most difficult aspect for the people who are starting on their own.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Adnoc's unit eyes 1m bpd output by 2019
Adnoc's unit eyes 1m bpd output by 2019
(Bloomberg) 5 April 2008
ABU DHABI — Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.'s offshore unit will raise output by two-thirds to 1 million barrels a day by 2019, said Ali Al Jarwan, general manager of the state-owned company known as Adnoc.
Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Co., in which Total SA, BP Plc and Inpex Corp. subsidiary Japan Oil Development Co. are shareholders, will raise output by 50 per cent within the next few years,'' Al Jarwan said in an interview in the latest issue of the company's Adnoc News magazine.
Adnoc plans to double gas production to supply the domestic
network, Al Jarwan said, without saying what current output is.
The United Arab Emirates produced 2.56 million barrels a day of oil in February according to Bloomberg data.
(Bloomberg) 5 April 2008
ABU DHABI — Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.'s offshore unit will raise output by two-thirds to 1 million barrels a day by 2019, said Ali Al Jarwan, general manager of the state-owned company known as Adnoc.
Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Co., in which Total SA, BP Plc and Inpex Corp. subsidiary Japan Oil Development Co. are shareholders, will raise output by 50 per cent within the next few years,'' Al Jarwan said in an interview in the latest issue of the company's Adnoc News magazine.
Adnoc plans to double gas production to supply the domestic
network, Al Jarwan said, without saying what current output is.
The United Arab Emirates produced 2.56 million barrels a day of oil in February according to Bloomberg data.
Total confirms partial stake by Chinese state-owned fund
Total confirms partial stake by Chinese state-owned fund
Bloomberg Published: April 04, 2008, 21:06
Paris: Total SA, Europe's third-largest oil company, said a Chinese state-owned fund acquired a stake.
"A Chinese state-owned fund has built up a stake gradually over the past few months," Total spokes-woman Patricia Marie said by phone on Friday from Paris. She declined to identify the fund or provide the size of the holding.
The Financial Times reported China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange built up 1.6 per cent in Total, citing an unidentified person close to the Paris-based company.
Marie said Total welcomes the Chinese investment as a way to "diversify our shareholding and open up to China".
"A stake in a multinational oil company like Total would give a reasonable return to the Chinese and is a good long-term investment," Victor Shum, senior principal at Purvin & Gertz Inc. in Singapore, said on Friday.
Bloomberg Published: April 04, 2008, 21:06
Paris: Total SA, Europe's third-largest oil company, said a Chinese state-owned fund acquired a stake.
"A Chinese state-owned fund has built up a stake gradually over the past few months," Total spokes-woman Patricia Marie said by phone on Friday from Paris. She declined to identify the fund or provide the size of the holding.
The Financial Times reported China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange built up 1.6 per cent in Total, citing an unidentified person close to the Paris-based company.
Marie said Total welcomes the Chinese investment as a way to "diversify our shareholding and open up to China".
"A stake in a multinational oil company like Total would give a reasonable return to the Chinese and is a good long-term investment," Victor Shum, senior principal at Purvin & Gertz Inc. in Singapore, said on Friday.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
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