AYANIV

Today is Aug 19th. I am at office and done with my page. Thought would pen down something...

2011-08-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

Pondering over death...I read the Bible today while I was working at the treadmill...

Restless...

2011-08-14T22:04:00.001-07:00

Restlessness comes from want. In life, we try to satisfy our wants. Man is, indeed a creature of wants. Baby comes out of mother’s womb, it cries. Why? It is because, it has a want. Insatiable hunger for more takes you away from Satisfaction and Contentment. Salvation(Mukti) comes when you want nothing. The whole universe belongs to you. But we must never confuse laziness with contentment. Most great men have become great because they were restless-ambitious to learn…

English..nglish...glish...lish...ish...sh...

2011-05-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

Writing after long on my blog...Glad to hear about Oommen Chandy. Perplexed...

Onam at Wayanad..the village of paddy fields!!!

2010-08-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

2010-08-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

Today is Onam Celebrations

2010-08-17T03:04:00.000-07:00

Colours..computers..camera..coughs and cries...rains to top it all

2010-08-17T02:56:00.000-07:00

Speechless Companion...

2010-08-17T00:55:00.000-07:00

Capturing Some Colours with my Camera

2010-08-17T00:47:00.001-07:00

Flirting with my Camera

2010-08-17T00:39:00.001-07:00

2010-08-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

colours

2010-08-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

Wayanad

2010-08-14T05:07:00.000-07:00

My first Onam in Kerala...

2010-07-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

2010-07-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

2010-07-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

2010-07-27T20:18:00.001-07:00

2010-07-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

2010-07-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

My days at Wayanad

2010-07-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

What to write!!!
It seems as if I have gone some centuries back. Living at a derelict rehabilitation home, which is run by Bethany Sisters. The sister who is in-charge of us is Sr. Pavithra(real name is Pauline). An old sister who is actually a trained nurse. She was in Germany for some years and belongs to Kuttanad region of India. Then I have 10 tribal children who stay with me. These adivasi students come from different parts of Wayanad. Some of the tribal groups that I interacted with are Paniyars and Katanayaka.

Mphasis Community Service Drive

2010-03-03T00:43:00.000-08:00

My learning for the day...Rhizopuz...

2010-02-21T00:24:00.000-08:00

A familiar member of the division is Rhizopus stolonifer, a fungus found on fruits, vegetables, and breads. It is the familiar bread mold. It anchors itself to the substratum with special hyphae known as rhizoids. Rhizopus is used in the industrial production of steroids, meat tenderizers, industrial chemicals, and certain coloring agents.

Division Ascomycota. Members of the division Ascomycota are referred to as ascomycetes. After sexual fusion of cells has taken place, these organisms form their sexual spores within a sac called an ascus. Therefore, they are called sac fungi.

Ascomycetes include the powdery mildews and the fungi that cause Dutch elm disease and chestnut blight disease. The research organism Neurospora crassa is found within this group. Asexual reproduction in the ascomycetes involves conidia.

Many yeasts are classified in the division Ascomycota. Of particular interest is the fermentation yeast Saccharomyces. This yeast is used in the production of alcoholic drinks, in bread making, and as a source of growth factors in yeast tablets. It is an extremely important research organism as well.

Division Basidiomycota. Members of the division Basidiomycota are referred to as basidiomycetes and are called club fungi. After the sexual cells have united, they undergo division and produce a clubshaped structure called a basidium. Sexually produced basidiospores form at the tips of the basidia. Basidia are often found on huge, visible, fruiting bodies called basidiocarps. The typical mushroom is a basidiocarp.

Basidiomycetes are used as food (for example, mushrooms), but some basidiomycetes are pathogens. One of the organisms of meningitis is the basidiomycete Cryptococcus neoformans. The mushroom Amanita is poisonous to humans.

Division Deuteromycota. Members of the Deuteromycota division are called deuteromycetes. These fungi lack a known sexual cycle of reproduction and are said to be “imperfect.” When its sexual cycle is discovered, a fungus from this division is usually reclassified in one of the other divisions. Among the imperfect fungi are the organisms of athlete's foot and ringworm.

Read more: http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/Classification-of-Fungi.topicArticleId-8524,articleId-8453.html#ixzz0g9mhMNrE

Prasanth J H, Head of Corporate Communications(UAE Exchange)...My ex-manager gave me a confirmational letter on New Year that he denies today

2010-02-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

7:23 PM me: Hello prasanth
Busy??
7:24 PM anindiansloth@gmail.com: hii
how are things, vinaya?
me: How do you expect it to be???
7:25 PM Sorry to be rude but have faced a lot of humilation in the past few days..
Courtesy you and manmeen and Mr muthukumar..
Given a lifetime of memories
7:26 PM anindiansloth@gmail.com: well... apologies for any unwarranted circumstance
but, i feel it was protocol
cant blame anyone for that
7:27 PM me: Received a mail from Manmeen said that her records show that I was not confirmed but did not you tell me that I had been ..remember that was my new year gift...
7:28 PM anindiansloth@gmail.com: if that has come, hr should have issued that
as it is an administrative subject
me: But, it was told by you...
7:29 PM That i was confirmed..
you cannot deny that...
anindiansloth@gmail.com: Vinaya, nothing verbal is taken when it comes to law
you talked about the labour laws and addressed the hr
7:30 PM me: Wow...Prasanth..
anindiansloth@gmail.com: and they have replied back with the clarifications
if you had faith in me, we would have still gone together as a team
since that didnt happen, you have used other channels
me: I always had that was the biggest mistake
anindiansloth@gmail.com: which has sidelined me
7:31 PM and now, how do i come into the picture again?
me: I think u nvr know how to read people..
7:33 PM While I was speaking to HR, IT confiscates my system..
Was it not pre-planned then...
anindiansloth@gmail.com: not at all...
7:34 PM for that, you should have read through the IT policy and the communications policy
how to use e-mail accounts and where to stop
me: You and Manmeen tell me that I can leave for home..but in the termination letter it says that I was absconding after 3:00pm..but u guys told me to do so..
7:35 PM anindiansloth@gmail.com: well... sorry, vinaya. i am not aware of that
7:36 PM please understand that, after you sent the mail against the policies in place, it was taken up by the company and away from me as a department head
it was pertaining to the company
7:37 PM and i dont have a say in hr functions... they have clarity on their thoughts and actions
me: My intention to share my warning letter was only to make people understand the gravity of the situation...
anindiansloth@gmail.com: there were lot of people who have left the company wilfully or against a company decision
7:38 PM but they just move on and doesnt get stuck... as an erstwhile team member, i would wish the same here
me: Prasanth, I will ask u a simple question...today if i call u a womaniser..how would u feel...how wld ur wife take it
7:39 PM anindiansloth@gmail.com: it would be bad, naturally.
vinaya, what has happened was because of your own actions, if you understand
me: Why wld u feel bad??
7:40 PM anindiansloth@gmail.com: after probation, i had instructions to lay off people who doesnt perform, as all other department heads
i chose to extend against management policies
me: Answer mty questions pls
Do not give any of your mngmnt stuff...
anindiansloth@gmail.com: i already did
7:41 PM me: Answer my q as to if i call u awomaniser why wld u feel bad??
No u did not...
anindiansloth@gmail.com: well... i dont want to argue anymore, as it is pointless vinaya
and sorry, i dont have to answer you
me: No u don;t

2010-02-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

SPEECH BY PRATIBHA PATIL

2010-02-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

Today's gathering, in which a wide spectrum of our political leadership is participating, affirms our deep faith in democracy.

The Election Commission has been a part of the journey of our Republic since its very inception. It has been working with great responsibility from election to election and contributing to taking the nation forward step by step, from one destination to another, from strength to strength and bringing stability to our democratic system. We can be justifiably proud that free and fair elections have been held with regularity in our country in the last six decades. India and democracy have become intertwined concepts and it is hard to imagine one without the other. Democracy, the very essence of our Constitution, has become our nation's identity.

Framed by men and women of remarkable intelligence, foresight and values, our Constitution bears a profound imprint of the high ideals of our freedom struggle. In choosing democracy and by elaborating in detail the Fundamental Rights, the framers of our Constitution deeply embedded in our national ethos, the importance of the dignity of every individual.

A natural extension of this basic approach was the inclusion of universal adult franchise in our Constitution, that gave from the very beginning, the right to vote to every citizen of India - man or woman, rich or poor, no matter to which caste or creed or religion he or she belonged - they were all brought together on one platform.

The age-old inequalities were done away with and political equality was established throughout the length and breadth of the country. This was an enlightened vision, particularly if we recall that in many countries different groups, especially women, had to struggle to get their voting rights.

Our Constitution also set up independent and neutral institutions to ensure the continued existence of a democratic framework in the country. The Election Commission of India is one such very important constitutional body created under Article 324 of our Constitution. It has been entrusted with a range of responsibilities for the conduct of elections in the country. Members of the State Legislative Assemblies, Members of Parliament, the Vice-President and I myself, have come through an election process which has been conducted by the Commission. It is important that the independence of the Election Commission is upheld at all times.

Elections are the foundation stone of any democracy. The conduct of free, fair and impartial elections depends much upon the performance of the three stakeholders. They are - an independent and impartial electoral machinery; political parties and candidates; and the electorate. All of them must act responsibly. The Indian election process has the Model Code of Conduct, that lays down the norms of behaviour and actions which, parties and contesting candidates shall adhere to, at the time of elections. As it should, the Commission has been making every effort to create a level playing field between various candidates and has earned the reputation of strictly and impartially monitoring activities of candidates in constituencies through its Election Observers.

The Commission has always been willing to use technology for modernization and for the better conduct of elections. In this context, over the years, several measures have been taken such as - computerization of electoral rolls and Photo Identity Cards for voters.

Elections are not a ritual, but a pathway on which the people move with enthusiasm, expressing their aspirations, hopes and desire, as they take forward this great nation to peace and prosperity. With the size of our electorate increasing from 176 million in the first General Elections in the country in 1951-52, to 716 million in the 15th General Elections held last year, the task of the Election Commission has increased manifold.

Today, our electorate is almost equal to the combined population of the European Union and of the United States. To organize elections for such a large voting population and in such a vast and difficult geographical area, requires exceptional management and co-ordination. The General Elections conducted in May last year meant the setting up of 8 lakh polling booths and the involvement of close to 5 million polling staff. So meticulous were the arrangements, that a polling booth was set-up even where there was only one voter. Another polling booth was established at a height of 15,300 feet.

The election process, in a country of more than one billion people, was followed, the world over, with great interest and admiration. Thus, not only, has the Election Commission helped strengthen democracy at home, but also helped to enhance the prestige of India's institutional mechanisms. It is for these reasons that the Election Commission of India has been called upon often, to share its experiences about the conduct of elections with other countries.

India has impressive democratic credentials, but yet has the challenge of becoming a "role model" for other countries. This requires that we should be aware of the impediments, the lacunae and malpractices in the electoral process. These would have to be removed with determination, to make our democracy cleaner, healthier and stronger.

As we carry on with our work, we should not forget that we swear by the Constitution, and therefore, we must adhere to its values, spirit and principles. Democracy adorns our Constitution. We have to see that the power of voting vested in the people makes them powerful enough to change their own destiny through democracy and therefore, the importance of making democracy fully participatory. There have been constant attempts and I am confident that these will continue to be made, to increasingly involve people in governance.

Through the Panchayati Raj Institutions and Local Urban Bodies, we have sought to deepen the reach of democracy. Their role and responsibility for executing programmes and schemes, particularly social and welfare schemes must increase. I am glad that the Election Commission has chosen the theme, "Greater participation for a stronger democracy", for its Diamond Jubilee Year. I hope that discussions under the rubric of this theme would be fruitful.

I am confident that the electoral process and democracy in India will continue to be strong and vibrant.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.

SPEECH FOR DR SUDHIR KUMAR SHETTY- Christmas

2010-01-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Merry Christmas!

I am glad to be here. Thank the Almighty God for giving me the wonderful opportunity to celebrate this year’s Christmas with you all. I extend my good wishes to one and all on this joyous occasion.

It feels good to share a few words about this splendid festival, which not only marks the celebration of Lord Jesus Christ’s birth but is also the celebration of life. Christmas embodies the celebration of peace, love and hope and a time to rejoice with your family and friends.

Celebrations like these are the visible parts of a custom, tradition or ritual, which gives people a chance to come together and share some happy moments with each other. Behind every custom or tradition is a hidden value, which we need to decipher. It's our understanding of those values behind the celebration which gives a deeper meaning to the whole occasion. Let's retain those values and enjoy the gift of life.

What does Christmas teach us?

Christmas gives us the message of sharing love with your near and dear ones. While you share Christmas gifts with your loved ones, they make the bond of human relationship grow more fortified, thereby leaving an everlasting feeling of happiness. The festival also teaches us about humility. Imagine the Son of God was born in a stable and had only a manger for a cradle. Such a humble beginning to an incredible life!

Christmas also celebrates a new life, and gives us the opportunity to reflect on peace and forgiveness. It gives us the message that we should uphold faith and hope at all times. It gives us hope for a better tomorrow that makes us more human and gives us a living instinct. Jesus gave up his last breath invoking forgiveness for his very tormentors. We should follow his footsteps. Let’s learn to forgive those who have wronged against us and lead an exemplary life like Jesus.

Let us on this day try to forget our worries and let’s endeavour to alleviate the anxieties of our loved ones and friends. Life is a beautiful gift of God and let us share it all our fellow human beings.

As we are also about to step into the New Year, let’s make a resolution of having greater dreams, better hopes and stronger faith in ourselves. Tomorrow would be definitely better. With this hope, let us live our today.

Let the Almighty shower his kindness on all of us. We should thank him for the beautiful gift that he has given us...of life. Let's enjoy the spirit of the season and may the spirit of Christmas be with you all throughout the New Year.

God bless you all with loads of love and happiness in your personal and professional lives.

Wish you and your family a bright and prosperous New Year as well.

Thank You!

SPEECH FOR DR B R SHETTY- Indian Workers

2010-01-09T19:51:00.001-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I extend my warm greetings to all of you.

It is a pleasure to be here at this function to honour the tireless efforts of construction workers of Indian origin.

While high-profile Indians, successful businessmen, and professionals have been recognized in the past but it is the first time that the Indian Embassy at Abu Dhabi is taking measures to recognize the sincerity and dedication of workers of low-income group. This will be the first in the series of programmes to be arranged to recognize their contributions.

The memento and the commendation certificate is a small way to show our gratitude for the years of hard work that you have put in to shape the future of the UAE and India. It is a small token of our appreciation for all what you have done for us.

You are the true pride and prestige of all Indian Diasporas here.

Your hard work has translated many visionary plans into reality; else it would have remained only on paper. The fruits of your labour are evident in all structures, right from the pavements to the magnificent skyscrapers. If we are able to stand and speak, today, it is because of your efforts. Even this roof, the walls and the floor are a standing testimony to your sweat.

Thank You!

I am told that the UAE is host to more than two million citizens of Indian origin with over 65 per cent of them in the blue-collared category, and who have significantly contributed a great extent to the GDP here.

Clearly, your involvement in the economic and social fabric of this country has been noteworthy. Your hard work and constructive attitude has won you appreciation both in India and the UAE.

As members of the Indian Diasporas, we know better than others the challenges and opportunities that a resurgent India represents. We all must work in our individual ways to contribute to the objective of building a dynamic UAE and India.

This thoughtful gesture by the Indian Embassy has created new ways to support the construction workers of Indian origin and honor them for their distinguished services, which often went unnoticed and unheard in the past.

Workers have silently contributed to the growth and development of the UAE and India for more than a decade. Your contribution goes a long way towards the socio - economic development of both the countries. This initiative by the Indian Embassy shows that the Government of India gives priority to the welfare of the Indian Diaspora around the world, and is focused on issues confronting Indians and persons of Indian origin living beyond the borders of India.

The story of the overseas Indian Diasporas is truly the story of ordinary people with extraordinary courage. Today, at this juncture, we are honoring the trials and tribulations, which you overcame to give us comforts that we take granted for.

Thank you again for your efforts.

In the end, I once again congratulate all the award winners and the Indian Embassy for recognizing workers who have demonstrated extraordinary skills in their area of work.

I wish all of you and your families, greater success and progress.

You should keep up the good spirit going!

SPEECH FOR DR B R SHETTY- Children's Festival

2010-01-09T19:41:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you very much.

It is a pleasure being here with you all on this auspicious occasion of the 7th Children’s Festival.

I am very happy to come to Kala Jagatthu Chinnara Bimba as it gives me the rare privilege to address the brave little hearts who are being trained to take the mantle from us – the old custodians of traditional values. Further, we have the responsibility of handing over our cultural values to the present generation to keep the rich customs and traditions alive through various cultural activities like Yakshagana, Bhajans, Bhootaradhane, Folk Art Dance, Drama, Flower-Decor, Rangoli.

Before addressing the little ones, I would like to thank and acknowledge the tireless efforts of Mr. Prakash Bhandary, Mr. Vijaykumar Shetty and Mr. Surendrakumar Hegde who founded the Kala Jagatthu Chinnara Bimba in the year 2003 with the objective of inculcating spiritual and traditional values in children between the age group of 8-14 years.

The last seven years has seen the organization rendering yeomen service to the younger generations of Kannadigas settled in Mumbai, by conducting numerous workshops and tours for the children, wherein thousands of children from our community have gained knowledge and insights into the rich heritage of our art, culture, language, literature, customs and traditions.

It is heartening to see children, who may have drifted away from their culture, forge a link with their traditions. Cultural workshops like these give them a chance to become well-versed with their roots, which later helps them to develop a multi-dimensional personality, enabling and empowering them to face the competitive environment.

Today, I am confident that the efforts of these trios have immensely helped in transforming the future of our children. This is evident from the radiant faces of our children and the elders sitting here. Remember children that you have to learn and lead by the examples depicted in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

We Should Stand United

As a community, we need to progress together. We have to strive for a better tomorrow. We have to dream for a better future. And this is possible only when we stay together. This togetherness is possible through institutions like Kala Jagatthu Chinnara Bimba, which enables you to operate in the centre of the field of ethical behaviour and never on the side lines.

Children Are Like sponge
Being quick learners, they absorb everything. You children are extremely observant and notice every little thing surrounding you. A child is extremely sensitive to the environments they live in. I have seen most children when they are young, they do what they like doing. And as a child you don’t control the urge to do what you feel like doing. But as you grow, you tend to hold yourself back. Because you are conditioned by the environment that you live in, including your parents, siblings, teachers, neighbours, cultures, and the people whom you meet and interact on daily basis.

Fulfillment of the child’s urges need to be encouraged through an institution, which can explore their hidden potentials and capabilities. That is where institution like yours has a role to play in order to encourage each student to take risks, exercise initiative, deliver quality results, and lastly never be afraid to make mistakes.

As elders, that’s where we need to be careful. We need to give children full freedom to express their emotions and creativity and should not kill their urge to do things. We should encourage children to fulfill their creative urges and give them proper guidance to do so.

Secret Behind My Success
For the last 30 years, people have been asking me about the secret behind my success. My answer to them has been that I as a child, was brought up in a traditional environment with certain values, which laid the foundation for who I am today and led me to fulfill my humble dreams. To this day, I recollect my mother’s words: “It is in your private hearing that you meet life and its challenges.” I believe I began there; her words are the blessed solid foundation on which I have been building myself, my dreams and my big family. Let us not forget one thing that despite success we should create and maintain an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. This alone can differentiate you from others and establish your own identity.

It is the hunger for your dreams that lead you taste success. You may or may not get external support. But never ever lose hope. Never give up or fear rejection! Tell your mind that you can do it and trust me you would be able to do so. Your mind can do wonders for you provided that you conduct your personal and scholastic life in a manner that will bring credit to yourself, your family and our society at all times.

Start Taking Responsibility
How do we do it? Always remember your life is in your hands. We often wish, if we had a little more time, a little more money or a little more of affection, and then we could have been happy. But, rather than complaining, let’s suppose that we have all these things. Be happy and start doing things with a positive state of mind. You will observe the difference. But, feel free to listen to people and be open to new ideas.

This advice is not only for the children but for all those who are sitting here. Nobody can make or break your future; it is the power of your thoughts that can change your life. We always look for external help but fail to seek help from self. That’s where we go wrong. Start looking inwards and you will start getting answers. So then success will knock at your door and greet you. Remember, purity of intention needs to be ensured so that you can command respect. Dream big! there are people around you to help. All you have to do is to reach out to people and ask. So, let us do what we say and even a bit more.

Start Getting Involved
I really want all of you to participate and get involved in our community activities. We need to serve our people and address their burgeoning problems. For which we need to create a supportive environment, which can help us to understand each other better. Believe in karma, what you give is, what you get back. So if you give in full measures, you will receive the same from unexpected quarters. If we can continue to make a difference in people's lives and bring a smile to their faces, then we will always remain strong as a community.

Before I conclude, I would like to touch upon that you are so privileged to be part of an institution which is committed to become the beehive of cultural activities over the next few years, providing an effective platform to learn about your culture and traditions with special emphasis on values like courage, discipline, dedication and above all patriotism.

I wish all our children get an admission into this great educational institution so that our society will remain safer in the hands of our future generations. And finally, while we are building the pillars of our greater society... have fun. May God bless all of you!

Thank You.

SPEECH FOR DR B R SHETTY- Book Launch

2010-01-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

Dr B R Shetty
MD & CEO

774words

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Evening!

I consider this as a rare privilege, today, to share the stage with two eminent Indian personalities - His Highness Sree Padmanabha Dasa Uthradom Tirunal Marthanda Varma and the former President of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam – both whose works and ways of life, we really admire and respect.
It gives me great pleasure to be here in Pattom Palace, Thiruvanthapuram for the release of this beautiful book ‘Travancore: the Footprints of Destiny’, an autobiography of His Highness.
Undoubtedly, this book is a timeless classic and a treasure trove of information.
My association with His Highness dates back to 1997, when I got the unique opportunity to meet him. I thank the Almighty for giving me that chance. From then on, I have been fortunate to meet him almost every year and seek his blessings.
His Highness is a man of the masses and the people of the state have been blessed by his benevolence. Be it through the educational institutions or hospitals or charitable organizations that has been set up during their time as rulers. I would not have met a person who is more humble and knowledgeable than he is and truly he is a living encyclopedia.
No words can actually express my gratitude to His Highness, who has been a constant source of inspiration for me over the years. Each meeting with you has been a learning experience for me. An enriching experience that I cherish and look forward to…
Your words and deeds have guided me in my life!
I, therefore, am very happy to be a part of this unveiling ceremony. It is heartening to see that at the age of 88, you have painstakingly and meticulously taken the efforts and spared your time to bring out this excellent book.
Many articles have been written in the past about the glories of Travancore as a Princely State. But this book is significant as it relives the story of Travancore through the eyes of a person who has seen it all…who has witnessed history from very close quarters especially during the times of his elder brother - His Highness Sree Chithira Tirunal’s rule as the King of Travancore.
The autobiography, records all the major events of erstwhile Travancore State, which gives you rare insights into the Royal Family’s engagement with the contemporaries and the common man. It is the first-hand account of the ‘Times, Trials and Triumphs’ of Travancore during the pre and post- Independence era.
• The story of the book compiled in 11 chapters give you a comprehensive account of Travancore’s history spanning 300 years. It traces the evolution of Travancore.
• This book has many priceless photographs, which captures the life and times of Travancore. Many of which have been shot by His Highness himself.
• It is also a testimony to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through detailed descriptions of the state’s festivals, rites and rituals, life and religion inside the palace.

• Humility was and has been the hallmark of the Travancore Royalty. The rulers have taken pride in being Padmanabha Dasa or servants of the Lord Padmanabha. This is also evident in the way Travancore transformed itself from a princely state and in the smooth transition of power to the people.
The rulers of the Kingdom of Travancore have always been ardent patrons of art, music and literature. Thanks to their patronage, our rich Indian Legacy of classical music; dance forms like Mohiniattam and Kathakali; marital arts are still alive.
I express my sincere gratitude to His Highness, who is among the greatest patrons of art. We can enjoy the gifts of a great heritage today and the credit for this goes to you and the members of the Royal Family, who have helped to create awareness and cultivate a love for India’s culture and heritage in the minds of people across the world.
His benevolence will go a long way in keeping our rich traditions alive so that it could be safely handed over to our coming generations.
It is for the same reasons that NMC Group brings renowned Indian artists to the Middle East every year to perform to enthusiastic audiences.
I express my appreciation to all the members of the Royal Family who are present here.
I, once again, wish the Maharajah of Travancore the very best in life. I also wish that the Book achieves great success and popularity. Let it be read and re-read through generations. Let the great Indian Cutural Legacy be immortalized in the pages of this lovely book.
I pray that the Almighty bless you and family with good health and happiness today and in the years to come.
With these words, I conclude and would like to wish all of you present here a peaceful and progressive New Year as well.
Thank You

The Speech which I wrote for Dr B R Shetty

2009-11-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral-Dubai

Harvest Festival

Inaugural Speech
8 minutes
530 words

Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is, indeed, a great pleasure for me to be here among my close and trusted Christian community friends. We are here to celebrate the joy of good yield and express our gratitude to God for his rich blessings.
Today, on the occasion of Harvest Festival, let us all recall God’s message of love, tolerance and compassion.
May his shining example of service and the glory of his sacrifice inspire each one of us to work for peace, unity and the all-round development of humanity…
At the onset, I would like to thank Mr. Rajan K Mathew, Gen Convener and Fr. Biju P Thomas, President & Vicar of the St Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Dubai for their warm words of welcome and traditional hospitality, which have again underlined the strong bonds of friendship that have existed between our communities. We have to work collectively for the well-being and happiness of our people.
God’s message of universal harmony and human concord is ever-relevant and eternal. Timeless, I should say! Let us on this day resolve to follow the path laid down by him and work to strengthen the bonds of unity and mutual goodwill amongst our people.
Today, as we come together and celebrate, let me also spare some moments to reflect on life. Fortunate to have been blessed with a good family, health and wealth; I am grateful to God that I could be of service to my people…to my fellow human beings in a small way. Be it providing healthcare through NMC or remittance services through UAE Exchange or through any of my other businesses. I always believe that I am in the service of God. I have no hesitation to say that I am rich… Rich not by money but in terms of your prayer’s and God’s blessings!
But there are millions who are not as fortunate as I am or as you are and are not as lucky as we are. So let us take a pledge today to dedicate ourselves to work for the progress of our people and promote peace, tolerance and harmony.
Therefore, our focus for the future would be to extend the economic opportunities to all our people and propel the prosperity towards a happy end.
Let this year’s festival inspire us to work for the unity and well-being of our people by sharing the harvest of our hard work with all. Let’s try to make this world a better and more beautiful place for the entire human race to live.
We must contribute together to the objective of this auspicious festival for the promise of progress of our fellow beings that beckons us. This thanksgiving festival provides a unique platform to strengthen the spirit of oneness in our society as we work collectively for the well-being of our people. The harvest which you would be taking home today is symbolic gesture of our prosperity now and in years to come.
Let all our actions be blessed by the God.
Once again, I extend my greetings to all my Christian friends and wish them success, prosperity and happiness. May God Bless you all!
Thank You.

डेली दोसे ऑफ़ mind

2009-08-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

इ ऍम लिखे चफ्फ़ थाट्स ब्लोवं आवे बी थे विंड ....

Despite the gloom, construction sector continues to grow

2009-07-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

The hysterical global media, never shy of pointing an accusatory finger at the UAE, would have us believe all construction work has stopped in the Emirates.

While it accepted some developments have, prudently, been put on hold during the economic downturn, others are steaming ahead.

This was illustrated in research from Kuwait National Bank, using figures from Meed's project database, which showed the UAE was carrying out projects with a total value of $930 billion (Dh3.4 trillion) – 45 per cent of all projects planned in the Gulf.

In what turned out to be the best-read story online from last weekend's editions, we reported the combined value of projects planned or being carried out in the GCC totalled around $2.1trn (Dh7.7trn) at the end of the second quarter of 2009.

This represents more than four times the estimated value of projects in June 2005, an annual growth of nearly 50 per cent, Kuwait National Bank said.

As far as other investments go, our lead story last Friday also made in to the best-read rankings (see panel left).

In Mideast's Football?Foothold, we looked at recent acquisitions by magnates in the region of English soccer clubs – Portsmouth FC and Notts County – and asked the question, why?

Business analysts told sports editor Gary Meenaghan they value clubs at between 1.5 and two times their annual turnover.

And the reason the Gulf looks to the Premier League is because TV broadcast deals mean England is a far more attractive prospect than Italy's Serie A or Spain's Primera Liga.

"Real Madrid and Barcelona can make €100m (Dh524m) per year through TV rights, yet a smaller Spanish club such as Getafe may only generate between €3m-€5m. You compare that to the Premier League, where the bottom-placed team receives £30m…" said Hackleton "La Liga can't compete."

The result is seven of the top 10 clubs in England last season – including the three highest-ranked teams, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea – are now registered to owners from outside the United Kingdom.

American backers are present at four of the top six clubs – United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa – while Russia (Chelsea) and Iceland (West Ham United) are also represented.

At the opposite end of the spectrum from multi-million dirham buyouts of English football teams, we carried reaction to a decision by Dubai International Financial Centre Courts to introduce a pro bono programme.

This decision has met with support from the emirates law firms, who told deputy news editor Sean Davidson they were confident the "free" work would not affect their bottom line.

Jonathan Davidson, Managing Partner at MAC Davidson and Associates, said: "From a commercial law firm perspective, pro bono is a necessary component because law firms can give back to the community in a way that they couldn't alternately do.

"It will not affect our business. I'm very happy for one or two members of my staff to dedicate time to pro bono work.

"In large respects we already undertake pro bono work because we give advice and charge only if they want to take on the case.

"Pro bono gives people accessibility to justice, which is a fantastic step. In other jurisdictions it has been in existence for a long time and it's here now."

The pro bono programme is expected to go live a few weeks after a August 21 deadline the court has given legal firms for consultation and comment on its guidelines.

On a lighter note, deputy weekend editor Primrose Skelton's feature on the delights of Sri Lanka – she spent her honeymoon there – caught many people's eyes, and ranked second in our list of the best-read online stories.

She wrote, "The island has amazing diversity for a place so compact. From the bustling capital Colombo on the west coast – a five hour direct flight from Dubai – to the gently arcing golden-sand beaches of the south, to the magnificent Hill Country where misty clouds hang over mountains, waterfalls and verdant tea plantations – this small country has a lot to offer to every type of traveller."

Who could resist?

Let your card do the talking

2009-07-31T21:20:00.001-07:00

You would not dream of meeting someone socially or professionally without handing a business card.

While they serve a very practical purpose, the majority follow the same tired format; white rectangles with the company logo; English on one side, Arabic on the other. But now more companies are wising up to the advertising potential of having quirky business cards.

Lego's cards, in the shape of its toy figures, have proved popular since they were created two years ago and while these have a direct visual relationship to the company, not all gardeners must produce them in the shape of a tree or mechanics like cars for them to be a talking point.

The One founder Thomas Lundgren made cards akin to theatre entry tickets in keeping with the theme of outlets.

"You don't need a business card to gain entry to our stores – it's just a cool way to communicate our theatre concept from the first point of contact with someone who might not know what The One is about," says Lundgren.

He, like advertising and PR agency Memac Ogilvy, has also produced more than one card, each with a different wisdom, or thought for the day, such as "Love thy neighbour. But always have more stylish furniture" on the Love card or "Live the dream. But do it from a comfortable chair".

Ogilvy's cards are smaller than normal in response to the recession and have phrases on one side that include: "Saving on paper, not on creativity" and "Cut on costs and let loose imagination".

Its Regional MD for the GCC, Ronald Howes, who is one of a number of senior executives to have them, says: "They have made पीपुल टेक नोटिस. If you look at Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, both do the same thing but what's different is the perception of the brands. Virgin is seen to be more quirky, innovative and exciting and that's what we are trying to do."

With 10 in the collection, some associates have asked for them all, which poses the question of whether they do in fact save paper, but Howes says they are having a positive effect on business.

"Clients have been amenable. With a lot of brands, it's a question of attitude and these cards show we are bring proactive and dealing with the changing landscape," he says.

Although Ogilvy's were only introduced recently, The One's were created two years ago. When Lundgren meets someone, he dramatically fans out all four designs and asks the recipient to choose one – live, love, dare and believe. He closes his eyes, breathes deeply and says, "Think carefully before you choose, as your choice will reveal a lot about your personality".

"Once the slightly nervous recipient makes their choice, I tell them that they will shortly receive an e-mail "revealing their path to Enlightenment". And sure enough, within a few days, mysteriously accurate words of wisdom are sent from the guru."

Branding consultants agree that business cards can go a long way in creating a first – and lasting – impression.

Matthew Laubscher, Executive Creative Director of The Brand Union Middle East, says, "Even a simple business card begins a conversation but it needs to reflect your brand. Too many times companies take their logo and simply apply it to anything that they could possibly fit it on. While this obviously propagates the distribution of your brand, it is often meaningless and does not allow for a deeper interaction with customers. The business card must be designed around a truth and be relevant for your brand."

And this is true for Howes. "They are cute but the messages put a little smile on your face. I feel we have picked up on our character and personality and that's important," he says.

Hallmarks of Good Writing...By Vinaya Joseph

2009-07-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

What does it take to write?
Almost nothing!
But what does it take to write good?
Clarity of thoughts.
When you scribble a few paragraphs or write a few lines in the solitude of your study...what you are trying to do is to convey your thoughts, translating them into words...pumping it with life...
When did I strart writing? It was long time ago...
Taking notes in the classes, lecture notes in college or recording incidents in my diary or on the wooden desk ...What are the hallmarks of good writing?
Avoidance of ambiguity, Brevity and Correctness (of usage and grammar)....ABCs of good writing...
English is not my mother tongue...malayalam is...but I think in English...
When you are writing, you also have to be mindful of the reader...
Comprehensibility is the key factor...
There are times when you are struggling to put thoughts into words...
Always write in a lucid language...order your thoughts in a methodical and logical sequence...
In order to survive and save itself from predators, a Chameleon changes its body colour...So it tends to adjust itself to the outside environment...Need to incorporate this Chameleon-like sensitivity to our writings as well...if you are writing for children...you need to keep it simple and interesting to capture their attention.
What are the tools that a writer has...few commas, fullstops, exclamation marks...
You need to strike a tricky-balance...if readers are experts then you could take the freedom of using technical jargon...it is not bad always...avoid non-technical long-unwinding explanations
Lean more towards simplicity when you cater to the laymen...
Unlike a speech, you do not get immediate response...so always think of the response that it is going to illicit...modify your style and tone on the basis of it...Keep language simple that doesnot go over people's head.

Thank You God

2009-07-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

Dear God,
I am in love with you. I have received love immensely from people. I would love to give it back to them as well. Sometimes I wonder why you gave me the best parents, brother, friends and surroundings...genealogy...what does it mean...who gave birth to whom? beget means to give birth...am not sure but am too lazy to write it...it is not beget but begot....is it grammatical mistake...i do not know...wish i had studied lierature....The Gospel according to Matthew is all about who gave birth to whom...all sons no daughters or what? 16th paragraph talks about the birth of Jesus to Mary and Joseph...Josephs father's name was Jacob...story of generations....story of 14 generations...Babylon more than Bible...reminds me of Boney M...spoiling Jiji's Bible...wanting to make a public example...challenging medical science...give birth through Holy Spirit? Being just? Like an angel of the Lord,...How do you bring forth a son without gettting pregnant...How do you get pregnant without having sex? cannot understand the logic behind this....Where is the prophet? Was Jesus called Immanuel? How do you get aroused from sleep? Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea...King Herod was evil...three wise men from the East...KING OF JEWS...star...finished reading one page of Bible...

IN PRAISE OF फठेर्स By Lisa Salmon

2009-06-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Dads might not appreciate a big bunch of flowers on Father's Day - but there's no doubt that growing numbers of them deserve more than just a measly card.
More and more modern dads work hard in the home as well as in the office, and it's not just mums that really need thanking these days.
Even if dad isn't one of the 155,000 men who now stay at home to look after the kids, increasing numbers of fathers are working part-time and sharing the childcare.
Indeed, a new survey has calculated that men now spend an average of 53 hours a week carrying out household chores and childcare, up from just 34 hours a week in 2005.
The Legal & General poll found fathers' heavy workload includes around 21.5 hours looking after children, 9.5 hours doing housekeeping tasks, 7.5 hours cleaning, and six hours cooking.
In addition, the number of stay-at-home fathers has increased massively, by 58% between 1993 and 2008.
And while there's still only one dad for every 10 mums staying at home, the Fatherhood Institute has found that seven out of 10 mums believe dads are as skilled at parenting as they are.
Elaine Farrow couldn't agree more. Her husband Edmund gave up his job as a computer programmer nine years ago to look after their first son, while she returned to work as a university researcher.
Since then the couple, who live in Edinburgh, have had another boy, now seven, and a girl, aged four - and Edmund looks after them all.
He says: "Even before we had children, we decided I'd be the one to look after them. It's just the way our personalities are."
The 35-year-old dad does all the cooking and cleaning too, although his wife does most of the laundry so she "feels a part of things".
Edmund says: "As with any job, there are days when you think 'what am I doing?', but in general I really enjoy it.
"In some ways, particularly when they were smaller, it was a lot busier than a nine-to-five job as I was constantly on call, but there wasn't the stress of my old job."
He admits being a housedad can be isolating, as there are relatively few men looking after young children full-time.
"At parent and toddler groups, quite often I'd turn up and it'd be me and 30 mums. That has been hard on occasions, but I can cope with it," he declares cheerfully.
To help him cope, Edmund set up the website Dads Dinner, in which he relates his funny housedad experiences, and offers tongue-in-cheek advice.
"It's a chance for me to share some of my experiences, pass on a little advice, and hopefully raise some smiles," he says.
Although there are now more dads who look after their kids, Edmund acknowledges that there's still an expectation in society that the man is the breadwinner while the woman stays at home to do the childcare.
"There is some pressure from that, but after a while you cease to notice.
"My wife is very glad to head off to work in the morning knowing that the kids are with me and not a stranger."
He adds wryly: "The hours are long, the holidays are rubbish, the pay's a joke and there's heavy exposure to toxic biological waste.
"On the plus side, there's plenty of fresh air, exercise and hugs, relatively little stress, strong job satisfaction and an army of amusing minions.
"You also get to play Hungry Hippos and call it work."
It sounds like fun - sometimes - but many men aren't convinced they could look after the kids well, even on a part-time basis.
In fact, a new survey from the DCSF's Think Fathers campaign - aimed at promoting public debate about fathers' positive involvement in their children's lives - found that 47% of males questioned thought they weren't equipped for the job of being a father.
However, 92% of dads said that once they became fathers it was one of the most rewarding jobs a man could do.
David Bartlett, deputy chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute, and a member of the Think Fathers steering group, says: "If these statistics show us anything in the lead-up to Father's Day, it's that dads lack confidence in the essential role they play and don't realise what a good job they're doing."
He points out that the latest statistics show men are a massive 800% more involved in their children's lives than they were in the 1970s.
"Dads are doing a great job of raising their children and are spending much more time with them than in previous generations," he says.
"The broader trend is towards a convergence of roles between men and women, and a lot of that's driven by mothers working more, which has a huge impact on the amount of childcare carried out by men.
"Men are working much more flexibly, and when they're not at work they're much more involved with the kids."
He says there's also strong evidence of changes in attitudes towards fathers' roles.
"Men are expected to take on a much broader set of responsibilities in relation to their children.
"There are higher expectations, but higher aspirations as well - men really want to do this, and they find it incredibly rewarding."
Certainly, the Think Fathers survey found that 34% of dads enjoy fatherhood so much they would consider exchanging their full-time job for full-time parenthood.
Yet the Fatherhood Institute has found that 67% of women and 72% of men believe society values a child's relationship with its mother more than that with its father.
And 59% of people think society assumes mothers are good for children, but fathers have to prove it.
Bartlett says there are still a few "dinosaur dads" who think childcare is only a woman's job, but thinks that a bigger problem for modern dads is the public face of fatherhood, like standing at the school gates and going to toddler group.
"They'll still feel awkward going to the toddler group, because they're probably the only bloke going, and all the workers are probably women.
"Most public spaces to do with children are female spaces, and that's one of the main reasons fathers are caring for their children mostly in private."
Bartlett says society appears to be in the middle of achieving a more relaxed attitude towards dads looking after their kids, and points out:
"The previous generation of dads were less involved with their kids, so the current generation haven't got strong role models to draw upon.
"I think that what we'll see changing is that now we've got a generation of dads that are more involved, but are sometimes not very confident, whereas the next generation will take it completely for granted that they care for children too, because they'll have seen their dads doing it.
"We're in the process of unstoppable change, but we're not quite there yet.
"Dads play such a vital role in their children's lives and it's time we gave them a confidence boost."

THE WONDERS OF WEST SUSSEX - By Jeremy Gates

2009-06-25T09:53:00.001-07:00

Taking care to dodge the cyclists, I moved to the edge of the rutted chalk footpath to take in the view from Britain's next National Park - and saw a panorama to compare with the Alps.
To the north, beyond the plain of the Weald, was the ridge my National Trust notes identified as the Hog's Back. "Blunt bow-headed, whale-backed downs" is how Rudyard Kipling described a similar scene.
Below me, the village of South Harting was nestled around its medieval church spire, the fields occasionally patterned by sunlight bursting between clouds.
Gloomsters agonise about the fate of the South Downs when it becomes Britain's 15th National Park in 2010. But in the sleepy rural lanes of West Sussex southwards from Crawley through the Arun Valley to the coast, only a vivid imagination would worry about this special place getting too crowded.
The town of Arundel, for example, is such a historic gem that you would expect it to be swamped already.
In fact, it remains a living embodiment of Prince Charles's argument: that English towns of the 1950s could have flourished for generations, if only they had avoided architects (and, possibly, traffic wardens too).
The ancient streets of Arundel have survived largely intact: there are teashops, antique dealers galore, 16th-century pubs, elegant Georgian townhouses sitting like bookends to a terrace of shop fronts, and splendid Kim's Bookshop at the bottom of the hill, with scarcely a volume out of place over four floors.
Is the castle worth it for visitors paying £15 per head? Probably, because you get so many bangs for your bucks: walled gardens, augmented by the spectacular Earl Collector's Garden opened last summer; the Keep and its ancient battlements, voiceovers re-enacting the agonies of a Civil War siege; and then the great house itself, largely rebuilt in the late 19th century and family home for centuries of the Howards, one of the great Catholic families of England.
Among the works by artists Van Dyck and Canaletto, you can see the gold and enamel rosary beads that Mary Queen of Scots carried to her execution and the death warrant for the fourth duke, executed at 34, which Good Queen Bess could not bring herself to sign for nearly a year.
The splendid gothic Dining Room and the intimate Fitzalan Chapel, originally built by Henry II, both starred in the recent film The Young Victoria, starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend.
Spare some time, too, for the gift shop on the way out - one of the best I have found at any attraction in England, with ladies's nighties selling like hot cakes and superb children's clothes.
Beyond the castle are the sort of attractions which would enable a family to holiday happily around Arundel this summer for most of the week.
At Swanborough Lake, where families go boating beneath cliffs covered in trees and bushes, the setting is so perfect that Sir Winston Churchill tried to paint it when he stayed at the castle.
Nearby, the 65-acre Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, part of the famous charity based at Slimbridge, offers challenges galore with an 'eco' theme: sunrise safaris; evening bat walks; silent, electric boat rides; summer pond dipping and bug hunting; collections of rare species of wildfowls; and play areas with two giant new bird feeders which enable children to climb in.
Two other attractions are worth a visit.
The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum began as a refuge for old buildings which would otherwise have been burned down in the redevelopment of Crawley, and collects unwanted historic buildings from all over the country.
West Dean Gardens, its fertile soils watered by the River Lavant and just around the corner from Glorious Goodwood racecourse, was inspired by the philanthropist Edward James. It offers adult education courses and has a glorious feeling of serenity, a bit like a Valhalla on earth for civilised readers of The Guardian.
Only in West Sussex, however, might you stumble on a seaside resort like Littlehampton, identified some years back by glossy magazines as the next Whitstable, or possibly even Padstow.
For the moment, visitors can rest assured they are in at chapter one of any possible recovery story.
'Padstein' this ain't just yet, but nothing can detract from the quirky appeal of East Beach Cafe, a new entry to the 2009 Good Food Guide under the direction of Sophie Murray.
"Come early in the evening," they said, "to catch the best light." Low-tide Littlehampton at sunset is quite a stunner, and from my table, I shared the glorious view with squadrons of seagulls, two dogs who sometimes chased them away, and the occasional passing jogger.
The food is simple and superlative, the service excellent, and all the generations looked equally comfortable with each other next day when we sampled Sophie's other venture - a fish and chip bar on West Beach, across the other side of the Arun estuary.
Washing down battered squid rings (£4.50) and scraps on top (free) with a bottle of Chalky's Bite, I realised Littlehampton on sunny Sundays welcomes many more speedboats and pleasure craft than Padstow.
A couple of miles away was our base to explore this delightful corner of West Sussex: the remarkable Bailiffscourt Hotel, one of few country-house hotels with the sea at the bottom of the garden - the English Channel on the shingle of Climping Beach.
With mellow stone walls beneath massive thatched roof, Bailiffscourt looks like a centuries-old Cotswold house. In fact, this splendid architectural fake was created by the Guinness family in the 1930s, and has become the sort of place where couples go for a quiet, luxurious celebration to remember for the rest of their lives.
Forget all that waffle about wi-fi - our room had a huge four-poster bed, an open fire place, already laid with paper and kindling, and a basket of logs to be tossed on the flames whenever we felt a tad chilly.
Next morning, before breakfast, the ultimate luxury: a choice between a visit to the health club with both indoor or outdoor pools, or an easy stroll down to the beach to share the rising dawn with the wave-skimming seagulls.
KEY FACTS - West Sussex
:: BEST FOR: Walks on the South Downs, country pubs, antique shops and history.
:: TIME TO GO: Spring/early summer to make the most of some many fine gardens.
:: DON'T MISS: Arundel, an elegant English town with so much to see and do.
:: NEED TO KNOW: Check out a superb range of accommodation, from camping to country house hotels.
:: DON'T FORGET: Guidebook and National Trust Yearbook and walking maps.

Life and times of Charles Darwin

2009-01-27T04:27:00.000-08:00

Failed medical student, brilliant naturalist, dedicated family man - there was much more to Charles Darwin than just the results of his years of research. We take a look at the man behind the legend.
:: Charles Darwin is born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire on February 12, 1809.
:: In 1825, Darwin begins studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh but doesn't feel suited to it. He enrols at Cambridge University to study theology in 1828, but enjoys collecting beetles more.
:: Darwin joins the exploratory voyage of the HMS Beagle around South America, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in 1831. During the five-year trip he sends home 1,529 species preserved in spirit and 3,907 labelled skins, bones and other dried specimens.
One specimen was comprised of the leftovers of his 1833 Christmas dinner, in which he had accidentally eaten a new bird species.
The remains, which were preserved and sent home as soon as he realised the mistake, were later named after him as the lesser rhea - Rhea darwinii.
:: He returns to Cambridge in 1836, and spends the next two years working on material gathered during the Beagle voyage.
:: On January 29, 1839, Charles marries his first cousin Emma Wedgwood, the granddaughter of pottery manufacturer Josiah Wedgwood.
Darwin had put some thought into the decision to wed - when he returned from the voyage of the Beagle he compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of marriage, concluding that a woman would be a better companion than a dog in his old age.
:: The couple move from London to Down House, on the North Downs of Kent, in September 1842. They had 10 children, three of whom died before reaching adulthood. Their deaths prompted Darwin to fret that inbreeding - the result of his marrying his first cousin - was to blame.
Down House was the scene of many of Darwin's experiments.
He designed a wormograph ("the Worm Stone") to measure the effects of worms on the level of soil in the house's garden. He also kept worms in pots of earth in his study to observe their reaction to different sounds, including the bassoon and French horn.
The family kept horses, cows, pigs and poultry - and Darwin studied domestic pigeons to provide evidence for his theory of evolution by natural selection, building a pigeon house in his garden in 1885.
:: In 1858 Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, who had reached similar conclusions about evolution, present their ideas to the Linnean Society, to muted response.
:: The Origin of Species is published in 1859, amid massive controversy.
:: Darwin begins growing his famous beard in 1862, following a period of poor health.
:: The Descent of Man is published in 1871, shocking Darwin's opponents.
:: Darwin dies on April 19, 1882 and is given a state funeral. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.
:: Darwin beat off stiff competition from author Charles Dickens to become the face of the new £10 note in 2000.
:: This month [January 2009]a letter written by Darwin in which he rails against stupid questions being asked by "half the fools throughout Europe" was sold in Somerset for £2,100. The letter is thought to have been written about 1879.

PROFILES

2009-01-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Name: Philip Glenister
Best Known For: Playing gruff copper Gene Hunt in Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes Early Life: Philip Glenister was born February 10, 1963, in London. Showbusiness was in his blood from an early age, especially as his dad, John, is a TV director and his elder brother Robert is an actor (currently starring in Hustle). He went to Hatch End Comprehensive School, worked as a film publicist, and later studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama for three years, before appearing in 1990 stage play Mad Forest. His first professional role was as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet at the Lyceum Edinburgh. He went on to star in Jonathan Harvey's acclaimed play Beautiful Thing at the Bush Theatre in London.
Career: On TV he honed his craft in Minder, Love Hurts, True Love, The Perfect Blue and Sharpe. However, it was roles in Clocking Off, The Hunt, State of Play and Island at War that boosted his profile. On the big screen he appeared in ID, Calendar Girls and Kingdom of Heaven. It was award-winning BBC dramas Life on Mars and follow up Ashes to Ashes that turned him into a cult hero. He's currently playing American vampire hunter Rupert Galvin in ITV1's Demons. He's also one of the brains behind nostalgia book Things Ain't What They Used to Be.
Love Life: Has been married to actress Beth Goddard since 2006. They have two children, Charlotte and Millie.
Don't Mention: EastEnders. He's not a huge fan of the soap and thinks it takes itself too seriously.
Quote: "The celebrity stuff really isn't me. I'm interested in the work: good writing, getting the part and the character right, pleasing the audience."

Name: Sean Connery
Image: The world's sexiest pensioner
Best Known For: Being the first big-screen James Bond Early Life: Born Thomas Sean Connery on August 25, 1930, in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh. His first jobs were as a milkman and coffin polisher before joining the Navy at 16, where he had two tattoos etched on his right arm. He was forced to leave after developing a stomach ulcer. At 19, he made ends meet as an artist's model at Edinburgh's School of Art. In a Mr Universe competition two years later, he finished third in the tall man's section.
Career: While still a bodybuilder, he was offered the chance to appear in West End production South Pacific, which kick-started his acting career. His film debut was in 1955's Lilacs in the Spring, but he didn't become a major star until he appeared as Bond in 1962's Dr No. It remains his most famous role, despite hits including The Man Who Would Be King, Rising Sun, A Bridge Too Far, Time Bandits, Highlander, The Rock, Entrapment, and most recently, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. He won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for The Untouchables in 1987. He is now officially retired from acting, and turned down the chance to appear in the recent Indiana Jones movie.
Love Life: An acrimonious divorce from actress Diane Cilento in 1973 came after 12 years of marriage. Their son, Jason, also an actor, is the father of Connery's grandson Dashiell Quinn. Connery wed artist Micheline Roquebrune in 1975.
Don't Mention: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen director Stephen Norrington. They did not get on, and Connery has famously called the shoot "a nightmare".
Quote: "I never disliked Bond, as some have thought. Creating a character like that does take a certain craft. It's simply natural to seek other roles."

Name: Matt Smith
Best Known For: Being the next Doctor Who Early Life: Born Matthew Robert Smith on October 28, 1982, in Northampton. A promising footballer from a young age, he played for the youth teams at Northampton Town, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City. He looked set for a professional career until a back injury scuppered his chances. A teacher encouraged him to act, and although reluctant at first, he eventually joined the National Youth Theatre. He also studied drama and creative writing at the University of East Anglia.
Career: A role in a National Youth Theatre production landed him an agent. His first professional roles came in the plays Fresh Kills, opposite Christian Slater, and On the Shore of the Wide World, both before he graduated from university. He appeared with Slater again in Swimming with Sharks, and also featured in The History Boys. He was part of the Olivier Award-nominated cast of That Face. His TV roles include The Ruby in the Smoke, The Shadow in the North and Secret Diary of a Call Girl, all alongside ex-Doctor Who assistant Billie Piper. He also starred in political drama Party Animals, and was recently revealed as the 11th Doctor Who. He's the youngest actor to play the part.
Love Life: Doesn't discuss his private life much, although he admits to having met his current girlfriend on holiday in Brazil.
Don't Mention: The alleged betting scandal revealed after Smith was named as the next Doctor Who. Many bets were supposedly placed on him in the Northamptonshire area, despite him being an 80-1 outsider at the time. A BBC spokesperson later denied Smith or anyone he knew was involved in betting.
Quote: "Doctor Who has the iconic status of Robin Hood or Sherlock Holmes, and I'm taking that on. That's my responsibility and it's exciting. Nerveracking, but exciting."
Tonight: Moses Jones, BBC2, 9pm.
Everyone’s Favourite Neurotic
Tuesday, February 03
Name: Woody Allen
Image: Nerdy comedian
Best Known For: His comedy films
Early Life: Born Allan Stewart Konigsberg on December 1, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York. His mother was a bookkeeper, his father an engraver and waiter. He has a younger sister. At 15 he began selling jokes to newspapers. Two years later, he adopted his stage name. On leaving school he enrolled at New York University, but dropped out after failing part of his film course. Instead, at 19, he began writing gags professionally for various comics.
Career: Allen grew tired of simply writing, and decided to try stand-up. He proved successful, and moved into films, both penning and appearing in What's New Pussycat? in 1965. Since then he's become one of the world's most prolific filmmakers, writing, directing and starring in such movies as Manhattan, Mighty Aphrodite and Everyone Says I Love You. He's been nominated for a Best Screenplay Oscar 13 times, winning for Annie Hall and Hannah and Her Sisters. His latest film, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, is released on Friday. Away from filmmaking, he plays clarinet in a jazz band and enjoys watching sport on TV.
Love Life: Divorced Harlene Rosen in 1959 and Louise Lasser in 1969. He is now wed to Soon-Yi Previn, the adopted daughter of his former lover Mia Farrow. Has also famously dated Diane Keaton. He has five children, four of them adopted.
Don't Mention: The scandal surrounding the break-up of his relationship with Farrow, and subsequent marriage to Soon-Yi.
Quote: "My one regret in life is that I am not someone else."
Tonight: The Culture Show, BBC2, 10pm.
Fantasy Author Battles Cruel Illness
Wednesday, February 04
Name: Terry Pratchett
Image: Sharp-witted author
Best Known For: Writing the Discworld series Early Life: Terence David John Pratchett was born in Buckinghamshire in 1948 to David and Eileen. He developed an interest in astrology at an early age, and this led to his reading science fiction books. Pratchett published his first short story at the age of 13 in his school magazine, before joining the Bucks Free Press at 17.
Career: Pratchett got his big break while working as a reporter. During an interview with publisher Peter Bander van Duren, he mentioned his first novel, The Carpet People. It hit the shelves in 1971, and met with moderate success, but Pratchett stuck with journalism. In 1980, he became press officer for the Central Electricity Board, and the three years later, the first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was released. Pratchett gave up work in 1987 to devote himself to writing full-time, and has written more than 30 Discworld books, as well as countless others. Awarded an OBE in 1998, Pratchett received a knighthood in the 2009 honours list. In December 2007, he announced he had been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease.
Love Life: Married wife Lyn in 1968. They have a daughter, Rhianna.
Don't Mention: The fantasy genre being "unregarded as a literary form".
Quote: "Fantasy isn't just about wizards and silly wands. It's about seeing the world from new directions."
Tonight: Terry Pratchett: Living with Alzheimer's, BBC2, 9pm.
Blonde Ambition
Thursday, February 05
Name: Melinda Messenger
Image: Bubbly blonde
Best Known For: Her Page Three days
Early Life: Born Melinda Jane Messenger on February 23, 1971, in Swindon, Wiltshire. Her father Terry, a retired WH Smith manager, supported her initial career as a Page Three girl. Her mother Avis did not, later condemning Melinda's "filthy pictures" and accusing her of pandering to the "perverted desires of men". A bright spark at school, she left with four A-levels, and worked in customer services before finding fame.
Career: After modelling for an advert for a local double glazing firm, she gave up her job and was quickly signed by the Daily Star. Days later, she had been poached by The Sun. At the height of the battle, the two papers published 42 pictures of her in one day. She worked on Eurotrash and The Jack Docherty Show until Five snapped her up for game show Fort Boyard. Appeared in the movies Virtual Sexuality and Mumbo Jumbo, and reported for Wish You Were Here? as well as BBC series 4x4. She has also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, released a workout video, and hosted Loose Lips for LivingTV and various other shows for ITV. After the birth of second child, she suffered post-natal depression, and has since helped to raise public awareness of the condition. Current projects include Dancing on Ice and Cowboy Builders.
Love Life: Wed long-term love Wayne Roberts in a Buddhist ceremony in Bali. They have two sons, Morgan and Flynn, and a daughter, Evie. The pair had a trial separation last year but have now reunited.
Don't Mention: Pre-eclampsia, which could have killed her during her pregnancy.
Quote: On losing the weight she gained while carrying her third child: "I would catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and decide 'Okay Melinda, it's time to exercise'."
Tonight: Cowboy Builders, Five, 8pm.
Keeping up the Pace
Friday, February 06
Name: Lee Pace
Image: Quirky actor
Best Known For: Playing Ned in Pushing Daisies
Early Life: Born in Oklahoma in 1979. His father worked in the oil business, and the family spent several years in Saudi Arabia, before moving to Houston, Texas. Lee discovered his love of acting at a young age, and briefly left high school to appear in a local theatre, but eventually returned so he could graduate. In 1997, he won a place to study drama at the prestigious Juilliard School, and continued to perform in Shakespearean productions.
Career: Following his graduation, Lee appeared in several off-Broadway plays, but really came to the critics' attention in 2003, when he played a transgendered woman in the TV film Soldier's Girl, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. He followed this up with appearances in the TV series Wonderfalls and the movies The White Countess, Infamous, The Fall and The Good Shepherd before landing the lead role in the offbeat TV comedy drama Pushing Daisies, which picked up a cult following, and an Emmy nomination for Lee. He will soon be seen in the movie Possession alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Love Life: Likes to keep his private life just that.
Don't Mention: The decision to axe Pushing Daisies during its second series - although there are rumours it could be resurrected as a film.
Quote: On an early appearance in a TV advert: "You can only see half of me, but it paid well. Thank God for commercials."
Tonight: Pushing Daisies, ITV1, 10pm.

GUANTANAMO BAY

2009-01-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.bigstorydemo.stage.press.net/bigstorynews.html

PROCRASTINATION

2009-01-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

By the time a fool has made his mind, the market has gone by. Never put off for till tomorrow that which you can do today. Never do today what you can put off for tomorrow because delay gives you the time and a clearer light as to what is to be done.The man who procrastinates struggles with ruin. Think that every day may be the last one and lost time is lost eternity.Madness to defer till next day is killing. Do not adjourn your work for tomorrow. Tomorrow is a period nowhere to be found.

PROFANITY

2009-01-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

It commonly loves to cluster with other sins. To swear is neither brave, polite nor wise. The foolish and wicked practice cursing is a vice so mean that person of sense and character detests and despises it. You neither gain profit or pleasure bu swearing It is the language of woe. Not common to a person of genteel and good breeding. Result of an idle tongue. Profane-ness is a brutal vice.. he who indulges in it is no gentleman. It does no good. No man is wiser, richer or happier by it. It is disgusting, abominable, insulting, degrading, unprofitable and injurious.

PRINCIPLES

2009-01-08T18:08:00.000-08:00

Our actions springs from our principles, which leads to our happiness or misery. Therefore, care should be taken in forming our principles. It is a passion for truth and right. The principles implanted in your bosom will grow and mature, which will guide your life. Principles, like troops, are undisturbed and stand fast. They last forever.

SIMPLICITY

2009-01-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

Simplicity is the hardest thing to be copied. Let it be in manners, style, character. It is the natural result of profound thought. Some of the greatest truths are the simplest.There is a beauty and majesty in simplicity. It is deep wisdom.

STYLE

2009-01-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

Style is the dress of thoughts. Style reveals the man's nature. Whether in speech or writing, a gentleman is always known by his style. It is part of one's nature. Spirit, grace and dignity are very much part of it. Style helps in creating an everlasting impression. It gives strength and weight to our personality.

SOLITUDE

2009-01-07T18:26:00.000-08:00

Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius. In solitude mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.One hour of thoughtful solitude may nerve the heart for days of conflict, girding up its armour to meet the most of insidious foe.Solitude is one of the highest enjoyments of which our nature is susceptible. It can also become the most severe, indescribable, unendurable sources of anguish. Great retreat from societal chaos. Having fun with myself. Humoring myself. Away from the sultry heat of society. Solitude and society take their turns, one creates love for mankind while other crates love for self. Solitude relieves us when we are weary of being alone so that one cures the other.

CURRENCY CONVERTER

2009-01-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

http://coinmill.com/AED_INR.html

UAE-Wikipedia info

2009-01-04T18:29:00.000-08:00

2009-01-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

DERMA (GREEK-SKIN)

2009-01-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

DERMATOLOGY Derma-Skin, Logy-study/science
HYPODERMIC Hypo-under, Derma-skin
EPIDERMIS Epi-Outer, Derma-skin
TAXIDERMY Stuffing of skins and animals
PACHYDERM Pachy-Thick, Derma-skin
DERMATITIS Derma-Skin, Itis-inflammation

ICIAN-Expert

2009-01-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

OBSTETRIX-LATIN(MIDWIFE)

OBSTETRICIAN-Childbirth
OBSTERICS

PAIDOS-GREEK(Child)

PAEDIATRICIAN-
PEDAGOGY PAIDOS-CHILD AGOGOS-LEADING(METHODS OF TEACHING)
PEDAGOGUE-OLD-FASHIONED TEACHER
DEMAGOGUE-MISLEADING POLITICIAN

GYNE Greek-Woman

2009-01-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

GYNAECOLOGY
GYNAECOLOGIST(Adj)

DOCTORS-medical specialist

2009-01-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

GYNAECOLOGIST-Female reproductive and sexual ailments
OBSTETRICIAN-Pregnancy and childbirth
PAEDIATRICIAN-Treatment of children and infants
DERMATOLOGIST-Treats skin diseases
OPTHALAMOLOGIST-Treats eye disorders
ORTHOPAEDIST-Treats bone disorders
CARDIOLOGIST-Heart
NEUROLOGIST-Nervous system(Brain, spinal cord)
PSYCHIATRIST-Mental disturbances

ALTER [LATIN-OTHER]

2009-01-03T02:35:00.000-08:00

ALTRUISM-For the benefit of others
ALTRUIST
ALTRUISTIC
ALTERNATE-Option
ALTERNATIVE-Choice
ALTERATION- Change
ALTERCATION-Verbal dispute
ALTER EGO- A person whom you are so close to that you think, do and react alike-your other self

EGO [LATIN-I]

2009-01-03T01:39:00.000-08:00

EGO
EGOIST
EGOTIST
EGOCENTRIC
EGOMANIAC

PERSONALITY TYPES

2009-01-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

Each one of us is unique. Our personality is determined by our family, environment and genetic factors. Let us study ten different personality types:
EGOIST Me first-Selfish
EGOTIST Talking about self
ALTRUIST Thinking of others welfare
INTROVERT Quiet, looking inwards
EXTROVERT Full of high spirits, looking outwards
AMBIVERT Neither extremes
MISANTHROPE Hate people
MISOGYNIST Hate women
MISOGAMIST Hate marriages
ASCETIC Abstinence from earthly pleasures

Today is January 03/09....Etymology...Origin of words...Learning the meaning....unlock the meaning of root and discover the meaning of other words

2009-01-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

It's all about being comfortable with words. The more you hear, read and speak....the better you become. Discover the meaning of words. This blog is just some tips to improve and build your vocabulary.

God...there isn't much to do today!!!!

2009-01-02T03:47:00.000-08:00

Thought of writing something on my blog.....it's been ages since I have penned something....I was searching for pictures today but didn't find them so search was of no use.....No news from either Prasanth or Jenny.
Going crazy.....well bored to death.

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER-1957

2009-01-01T03:15:00.000-08:00

Handsome playboy Nicky Ferrante and beautiful night club singer Terry McKay have a romance while on a cruise from Europe to New York. Despite being engaged to other people, both agree to reunite at the top of the Empire State Building in six months. However, an unfortunate accident keeps Terry from the reunion, and Nicky fears that she has married or does not love him anymore. Will he discover the truth behind her absence and reunite with his one true love, or has fate and destiny passed them by?
ANOTHER TAKE
While in a cruise from Europe to New York, playboy Nicky Ferrante (Cary Grant) meets the gorgeous former night-club singer Terry McKay (Deborah Kerr) and they have a romance. Nicky is traveling to meet his fiancée, the inheritor of one of the greatest fortunes in USA, and Terry is returning to the arms of her supportive boy-friend. They schedule a meeting on the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building six months later to decide whether they should marry each other, but Terry has an accident and she is not able to reunite with him.
ANOTHER TAKE
Nicky Ferrante is an international, European playboy setting forth on a cruise ship headed for New York to meet his wealthy fiancée. Terry McKay, a former night-club singer, is sailing to New York to be with her long-time boyfriend, who flew on ahead to close a business deal. Nicky and Terry meet on the long cruise, and romance, replete with complications, ensues.

SLEEPLESS IN SEATLLE

2009-01-01T03:12:00.000-08:00

The film follows Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) a man who has lost his wife to cancer and is trying to get back into the world of dating so he moves to Seattle with his son to try and make a fresh start.
He tries to date a number of women but his son, Jonah (Ross Malinger) has other plans.
One night while Sam is out on a date, Jonah phones into a radio talk show and discusses how his dad is not properly happy with anyone.
Sam comes home and is persuaded to go on air with his son and talk about how much he misses his wife.
The radio show goes out to people all over the country and almost all the women who hear it are upset and try to contact Sam.
However there is one woman, Annie Reed, (Meg Ryan) who is touched by Sams emotional speech and writes to him.
Sam thinks is it just ridiculous but Jonah is convinced that she is the one for his dad so Jonah writes back saying that he would love to meet her in New York at the top of the Empire State building on Valentines day like in the film, ' An Affair to Remember '.
Still Sam thinks it is just another love-hungry woman and ignores it.
Jonah, out of spite, travels to New York without his dad and goes to try and meet her at the top of the Empire State building.
Sam, who has now found out that Jonah has left to go to New York, rushes to catch up with him and flies to New York.
Annie is also having a hard time as she is at this point breaking up with her fiancee and then goes to the Empire State building where she is too late to get Jonah and Sam as they have just left the building.
But at the end of the film Jonah left his backpack at the top of the Empire State building and rushes back to get it and as they arrive at the top Annie is standing there and Sam and Annie finally meet.
The film ends with the two of them linking arms as they walk away from the building showing that the film has a happy ending.

THE AFRICAN QUEEN

2009-01-01T02:53:00.000-08:00

An English spinster, Rose (Katharine Hepburn), is the sister of a missionary, Rev. Samuel Sayer (Robert Morley).
The two Christian missionaries are in a remote African village with grass huts and a little wooden church, which is located somewhere deep in a German African colony during WWI near the Ulanga River.
The German war machine appears to brutally start burning the little straw hut village, killing the native women and children while kidnapping the African men, and just as quickly the German terror vanishes.
When the smoke clears from the burning village, all is in ruin.
The meek and fragile Rev. Samuel Sayer is so distraught by what he has just witnessed that he kills himself.
Rose is left all alone to fend for herself.
There is no safety here, and the German threat is all around.
There is no way out except to travel south down the dangerous and unforgiving Ulanga River. The river leads to Lake Victoria and possible freedom.
Except for the last danger, which is the Louisa - a German gunship that patrols the Tanganyika shore of the lake up to the southern mouth of the river.
The Ulanga is filled with dangers like animals that can eat you, rocks and white water rapids that can smash and sink a boat.
It has only been successfully navigated once by a map maker named Spangler a hundred years ago and no one since has repeated the feat.
Rose is straggling about the burnt village in shock and despair from her brother's suicide when a Mr Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart) shows up out of nowhere to save her.
This scruffy old gin-swiggling rummy is a boat captain who is unshaven and crusty.
Mr Allnut is there to deliver mail and supplies to the village.
Mr Allnut travels up and down the northern part of the Ulanga on a rusty old 12-foot boat called the African Queen.
The boat barely runs, powered by a small antique steam engine on its last legs kept together and encouraged to run with a few well placed kicks and bangs from a hammer by Mr Allnut.
Mr Allnut buries Rev Sayer and takes Rose to the African Queen for safety before the Germans come back.
While on the African Queen Rose attempts to convince Mr Allnut they should go south down the Ulanga and sink the Louisa.
Mr Allnut thinks the spinster is a crazy old maid and tells her so.
And Rose thinks Mr Allnut is washed-up rummy good for nothing coward unfit to be a captain. As impossible as it may seem Mr Allnut decides to follow her suggestion because its the only way to avoid the Germans, and probably the only way to shut Rose up and stop her from nagging on and on about her crazy plan to fight the German navy.
During the first few days aboard the African Queen navigating the Ulanga they annoy each other to the point of being disgusted.
Rose reads her bible while Mr Allnut drinks rum from a generous supply he has on board until he passes out every day.
Rose decides to dump all of Mr Allnuts bottles of gin into the river one morning while Mr Allnut is still passed out.
When Mr Allnut awakes, he is emotionally destroyed by the thought of no more booze.
How could you, Miss?
Mr Allnut asks over and over as the African Queen smokes and tugs along the Ulanga.
Rose decides to stop talking to Mr Allnut and gives him the silent treatment until he gives in to her plan to sink the Louisa.
Mr Allnut continues to talk to Rose even though Rose refuses to acknowledge his existence on the little boat.
Mr Allnut pretends he doesn't care even though the silence is slowing killing him.
It is apparent they cannot stand each others company.
Finally Mr Allnut can't take the silence anymore and agrees to Rose's impossible plan to sink the Louisa using home made torpedoes made by Mr Allnut.
Mr Allnut says he can make them from the supplies on the boat - explosives and two gas canisters used for welding.
As the two strangers sail down Ulanga River like great map makers before them and determined to sink the Louisa, Rose is impressed by Mr Allnut's abilities and admires his seamanship when they hit big white water and how he skillfully navigates pass the dangerous rocks.
They ride into some really rough white water that causes Rose to feel aroused by the thrill of the ride.
Not understanding the experience she compares it to a thrilling sermon delivered by her brother when the holy ghost consumed him.
The spiritual excitement overcomes her as she describes her excitement to Mr Allnut.
Rose and Mr Allnut survive a second and more dangerous set of white water rapids, along with extra dangers from African guerrillas shooting at them from the banks of the river hoping to kill them and capture the African Queen.
When they realize they have survived certian death again they start hugging and kissing.
After they kiss, they realize they are in love.
Its implied they are lovers that afternoon after much flirting and a quick nap.
However, their troubles are not over as the African Queen breaks down and they work as a team to fix it.
Mr Allnut shaves, baths and listens to Rose read the good book.
They make tea and find they adore each others company.
They call each other dear and tell each other sweet nothings.
Nevertheless there is still more danger ahead.
The river disappears, the water is shallow, and Mr Allnut is forced to get into the mucky river and pull the African Queen by hand to higher water.
Blood sucking leeches, mosquitoes, and dangerous animals torment the couple's efforts.
The African Queen comes to a complete stop, stuck dead in mucky swamp water and high weeds covering any sight of land or water ways.
They are lost in the weeds and can't see anything.
They are disheartened and beaten and accept their doomed fate as they hold each other in exhaustion waiting to die.
Passed out on the African Queen they lie there defeated.
When it begins to rain and the river rises, the African Queen becomes unstuck and floats down the river only a few hundred feet from high water and the mouth of the Ulanga River.
The Ulanga River is pouring into Lake Victoria and they see the Louisa gunship for the first time as it makes patrol routine.
The two lovers are now alive again!
With new hope and determination they are convinced they can now sink the Louisa.
They wait in the banks of the Ulanga out of sight of the Louisa until it comes back on its routine patrol.
They have fixed and fastened two homemade torpedoes to the insides of the African Queen.
By cutting circle holes above the water line they can stick the tips of the torpedoes through the holes which act as battering rams that will compress on collision and ignite the explosives to explode the gas canisters when they crash into the Louisa at full speed ahead.
Rose and Mr Allnut lovingly argue about who will stay ashore while the other steers the boat into the Louisa.
The hero will jump just before the collision and explosion that will sink the Louisa on impact. They both decide they would not want to live without the other so they will do it together.
Rose and Mr Allnut wait until the Louisa comes back on its patrol routine that evening and begin to plan to ram the Louisa.
Building steam as the weather starts to change and the waves grow higher.
The Louisa is not expecting the African Queen to even be there let alone capable of exploding and sinking the Louisa.
As they steam towards the Louisa the lake begins to become rough, a rain storm squalls, and the seas begin filling the boat with water.
A rogue wave turns the African Queen upside over tossing Rose and Mr Allnut into the lake.
The two are separated by another huge wave and disappear.
Have they drowned?
Alas, the Louisa is not sunk and the African Queen appears to be gone with the two star-crossed lovers.
The sun appears after the storm and we see Mr Allnut is alive.
He was rescued and captured by the Germans.
Mr Allnut is now standing on the Louisa's deck in the captain's office.
He is being interrogated by the Louisa's captain (Peter Bull).
The captain is determined to have Mr Allnut answer his questions.
The German captain always ends each question with the threat of death and hanging to Mr Allnut, who is depressed and despondent.
Mr Allnut answers each question and threat of death with a hopeless sigh of, who cares!
Because Mr Allnut believes his Rose has drowned.
Mr Allnut is relieved by the thought of hanging rather than live without his Rose.
Suddenly he hears Rose's voice coming from a life boat that has rescued her.
Mr Allnut, thrilled that Rose is alive, decides to deny he knows her in hopes of saving her from his fated hanging by the Germans.
But the very English Rose not only argues with the captain but brags how she and Charlie and the African Queen sailed down the Ulanga, and how Charlie made homemade torpedoes, and how they came within feet of sinking the Louisa by themselves and would have, but the storm saved the Louisa from their doom when the weather caused the African Queen to sink and a wave tossed them into the water.
The Louisa's captain thinking them both crazy decides to hang them both.
On the deck of the Louisa, Rose and Charlie stand holding hands deeply in love, happy about dying together.
Standing there with the hangman's rope around their necks Charlie asks the Louisa's captain to marry them as his last request before hanging.
Charlie says he really doesn't care about getting married but it would mean a lot to the Mrs.
A teary-eyed Rose is thrilled to by the suggestion.
The Louisa's captain thinks they are both mad but reluctantly agrees to marry them.
The two are so happy to be married that they don't care they are going to be hung.
Just as he pronounces them man and wife the Louisa explodes.
The sunken African Queen has been hit by the Louisa.
Rose and Charlie find themselves swimming and the Louisa is gone.
They did it.
A wood plank with the name African Queen floats by and the two grab it as they swim to apparent safety.
Swimming away, the two sing merrily, "There was an old fisherman..."

KATE AND LEOPOLD

2009-01-01T02:50:00.000-08:00

Kate and her actor brother live in N.Y. in the 21st Century.
Her ex-boy friend, Stuart, lives above her apartment and finds this space near the Brooklyn Bridge where there is a gap in time.
He goes back to the eighteen hundreds and takes pictures of the place.
Leopold, a man living in the 1870's, was puzzled by Stuart's tiny camera and decides to follow him and they both ended up in this century.
Leopold is clueless about his new surroundings.
He gets help and insights from Charlie who thinks that Leopold is an actor who is always in character.
Leopold is a highly intelligent man and tries his best to learn and even improve the modern conveniences that he encounters.
ANOTHER TAKE
Leopold is an English and broken baron living in New York in the end of the Nineteenth Century. He needs to get married with a rich fiancée to recover his family position from ruin.
Kate is a successful businesswoman living also in New York, but in 2001.
Due to a time incident, they meet each other in the present days and they fall in love to each other.

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

2009-01-01T02:48:00.000-08:00

Paul Bratter, a conservative young lawyer, marries a vivacious young woman, Corrie.
Their highly passionate relationship descends into comical discord in a five-flight New York City walk-up apartment.
ANOTHER TAKE
Combines love and laughs.
Paul Bratter is a newly married lawyer.
Corrie Bratter is a newly married woman whose main goal in life is to have fun and to have it with Paul.
Together they learn how to live and love in an apartment that's laughably small in New York and located on the fifth floor of a building with no elevator.
Corrie's mother has some of the funniest lines.

SERENDIPITY

2009-01-01T02:44:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Trager and Sara Thomas met while shopping for gloves in New York.
Though buying for their respective lovers, the magic was right and a night of Christmas shopping turned into romance.
Jon wanted to explore things further but Sara wasn't sure their love was meant to be.
They decided to test fate by splitting up and seeing if destiny brought them back together... Many years later, having lost each other that night, both are engaged to be married.
Still, neither can shake the need to give fate one last chance to reunite them.
Jon enlists the help of his best man to track down the girl he can't forget starting at the store where they met.
Sara asks her new age musician fiance for a break before the wedding and, with her best friend in tow, flies from California to New York hoping destiny will bring her soulmate back.
Near-misses and classic Shakespearean confusion bring the two close to meeting a number of times but fate will have the final word on whether it was meant to be.
ANOTHER TAKE
Jonathan Tragger meets Sara Thomas by chance in the Christmas eve, in Bloomingdale's, both trying to buy the unique pair of black gloves available for sale.
They decide to go to the cafeteria Serendipity and Jonathan asks for her name and phone.
Sara decides to write it in a book, and his on a five dollars bill.
She gives the bill to a newspaperman and she says that she would sell the book in a New York used books store.
She states that if destiny wants them two together, Jonathan will get that book back.
Or she will receive that bill again.
From this day on, Jonathan will 'chase' Sara's book trying to reach his lost love.

WEDDING PLANNER

2009-01-01T02:41:00.000-08:00

Mary Fiore is the wedding planner.
She's ambitious, hard-working, extremely organized, and she knows exactly what to do and say to make any wedding a spectacular event.
Bt when Mary falls (literally) for a handsome doctor her busy yet uncomplicated life is turned upside down - he's the groom in the biggest wedding of her career!
Will she help him walk down the aisle with his internet tycoon girlfriend, or will Mary finally get to be the bride herself?
When it comes to love, you can never plan what's going to happen.

ANOTHER TAKE
Jennifer Lopez plays San Francisco's most successful supplier of romance and glamour.
She knows all the tricks.
She knows all the rules.
But then she breaks the most important rule of all: she falls in love with the groom (Matthew McConaughey).

MYSTIC PIZZA

2009-01-01T02:20:00.000-08:00

Sisters Kat and Daisy work along with Jojo at the pizza parlour in Mystic, Connecticut.
Kat, shortly off to Yale, finds herself drawn to a local architect she is babysitting for, while her more tearaway sister starts dating a guy from the money side of the tracks.
Jojo leaves her man at the altar; she loves him but shies away from commitment.
Meanwhile the fame of the pizza continues to spread; it seems to contain something almost ..... mystic.
ANOTHER TAKE
Sisters, Daisy and Kat, work in a local Pizza store. Daisy is beautiful but seems to be wasting her life, Kat is going to College. The story revolves around the love lives of the two sisters and their friend Jojo. Jojo has stood at the altar but couldn't go through with a marriage, Daisy hasn't found Mr Right yet, and Kat hasn't got time for boyfriends.

THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL

2009-01-01T02:14:00.000-08:00

During the French Revolution, a mysterious English nobleman known only as The Scarlet Pimpernel (a humble wayside flower), snatches French aristos from the jaws of the guillotine, while posing as the foppish Sir Percy Blakeney in society.
Percy falls for and marries the beautiful actress Marguerite St. Just, but she is involved with Chauvelin and Robespierre, and Percy's marriage to her may endanger the Pimpernel's plans to save the little Dauphin

WITNESS

2009-01-01T01:45:00.000-08:00

Samuel Lap is a young Amish boy who witnesses a murder in Philadelphia while traveling with his mother Rachel.
A good cop named John Book must go with them into hiding when the killers come after them. All three retreat to Amish country and Book has to adjust to the new life style, and his feelings for the boy's mother. Of course the killers are still on their trail.
Another take
Young Amish widow Rachel Lapp is taking her young son Samuel to Philadelphia for the first time.
While in a washroom at the train station, Samuel sees two men savagely murder a third.
The detective assigned to the homicide case is Det.
John Book who informs them that the murdered man was a police officer.
It isn't long before the young boy fingers Philadelphia narcotics officer McFee as the murderer. Book soon discovers that McFee was involved in the theft of something called P2P, an ingredient used in the making of methamphetamine.
Shortly after Book tells his boss this information, McFee comes after Book and wounds him in a shootout.
Book determines that the best way to avoid detection is to blend in with the Amish community, which he does, working with them on their farms and helping with building a new barn.
But the corrupt cops Book has exposed are determined to keep their dirty work a secret, and they come looking for Book & Samuel to silence them for good....
Another Take
When a young Amish woman and her son get caught up in the murder of an undercover narcotics agent, their savior turns out to be hardened Philadelphia detective John Book.
Harrison Ford is sensational as Book, the cop who turns head-on into the non-violent world of the Pennsylvania Amish community.
The end result is an action packed struggle of life and death, interwoven with a sensitive undercurrent of caring and forbidden love.
Another Take
Shortly after the death of her husband, Amish woman Rachel Lapp takes her son Samuel on a trip to Philadelphia.
In the train station bathroom, Samuel witnesses a murder, and helps hardened cop John Book with the ensuing investigation.
Book discovers that people within the police force were involved, and after being targeted himself and wounded he escorts Rachel and Samuel back to their home, where he stays for a while to protect the boy while recovering.
Book and Rachel find themselves growing more and more attracted to each other, but both are aware that unless one of them is willing to leave behind their entire world, their love can never be.
Meanwhile, there's still the crooked cops to worry about.

TORTILLA SOUP

2009-01-01T01:37:00.000-08:00

Retired Mexican-American chef Martin Naranjo shares an L.A. home with his three gorgeous, but single, adult daughters.
Though he long ago lost his ability to taste, Martin still lives to cook incredibly lavish dinners for his loved ones and to serve them in a family-style ritual at traditional sit-down meals.
Although the women humor their father's old-fashioned ways, each of them is searching for fulfillment outside the family circle.
College student Maribel is growing increasingly frustrated with the singles scene and wants a steady man; gorgeous career woman Carmen is fed up with her boyfriend and his wandering eye; meanwhile, eldest daughter Letitia, who has suppressed her own romantic longings, senses something missing in her life.
Things take a turn for the romantic when Dad, a widower, meets a vivacious divorcee on the lookout for a mate and each of his daughters, in turn, finds someone. But they'll all discover that the recipe for happiness may call for some unexpected ingredients.

UNTAMED HEART

2009-01-01T01:33:00.000-08:00

All of Caroline's boyfriends seem to leave her or cheat on her.
On her way home from work two men try to rape Caroline.
An introverted man from her work, Adam, rescues her.
Adam is an orphan and he is told that he's got a baboon's heart.
Adam opens up to Caroline and together they make sense.
Adam and Caroline are very happy together but the rapists try to get back at Adam and not everyone accepts an outcast like Adam.

GHOST

2009-01-01T01:24:00.000-08:00

Sam and Molly are a very happy couple and deeply in love.
Walking back to their new apartment after a night out at the theatre, they encounter a thief in a dark alley, and Sam is murdered.
He finds himself trapped as a ghost and realises that his death was no accident.
He must warn Molly about the danger that she is in.
But as a ghost he can not be seen or heard by the living, and so he tries to communicate with Molly through Oda Mae Brown, a psychic who didn't even realise that her powers were real. Another take:
Sam Wheat and his fiancée Molly Jensen live in Manhattan.
Sam has a high powered job at a local bank, and Molly works on ceramic art.
Sam's friend Carl Bruner also works at the bank.
Sam holds the passwords to some of the bank's major accounts.
While returning home from a movie theater, Sam and Molly are attacked by a mugger named Willie Lopez.
As Sam and Willie struggle over Willie's gun, a shot rings out, and Willie runs off.
Sam chases Willie, but Willie escapes.
Sam then runs back to Molly to see if she's alright -- but Sam finds himself dead in a devastated Molly's arms, and Sam realizes that he is now a ghost.
Later, Willie finds Sam and Molly's home, and breaks in while Molly is busy in the bedroom. Sam scares Willie off before Willie can do anything.
Molly didn't even know Willie and Sam were in the place.
Sam follows Willie to his home, and wants to have Molly turn Willie in, but Sam can't communicate with Molly because Molly can't see him or hear him.
Sam visits spiritualist Ona May Brown, who can hear him, but not see him.
When Sam convinces Ona May to talk to Molly, Molly refuses to believe what Ona May says, and Carl tells Molly to have nothing to do with Ona May.
Sam follows Carl to Willie's apartment, thinking that Carl is about to confront Willie, but instead, Sam watches in shock as Carl chews Willie out for killing Sam.
Willie was not supposed to kill Sam -- Willie was supposed to steal the account passwords from Sam's wallet for Carl, so Carl could carry out a drug money laundering operation.
Now Sam and Ona May must protect Molly from both Willie and Carl, who thinks the account passwords are in Molly's home.
Another take
Sam Wheat is bank executive, who has moved in with his girlfriend, Molly.
One night while out on a date, a man comes out of nowhere and pulls out a gun and demands Sam's wallet, Sam was about to give it to him when a scuffle broke out and Sam was killed.
But Sam's spirit remains on Earth and is walking around and encounters other spirits, who tell him about his transformation.
Sam hangs around Molly and despite her not knowing it is watching over her.
One day the man who killed him breaks into the apartment and Sam stop's him before he could do anything to Molly.
Sam follows him and discovers where he lives but unfortunately can't tell anyone. Sam then meets a supposed spiritualist, Oda Mae Brown, who is so obviously a huckster but who doesn't know that she can hear the dead.
so when Sam speaks he hears her. He convinces her to tell Molly about the guy who broke into the apartment.
Molly then goes to the police and they in turn tell her that Oda Mae's a con woman. She then tells her friend, Carl about what Oda Mae told her.
He goes to investigate and Sam goes with him and discovers something terrible.
Another Take
Sam Wheat was murdered during a date with his girlfriend Molly. Sam's spirit, in a mysterious manner, remains on the Earth, unseen to normal people. After following his murderer, Sam realizes that his death was not an accident, and that molly is in danger. Sam's ghost try to warn Molly, but she does not know it is really there. Then he meets a spiritualist named Oda Mae Brown, who can hear the dead. Sam speaks to hear and convince her to help him save Molly.

REGARDING HENRY

2009-01-01T01:18:00.000-08:00

Henry Turner is a despicable and ruthless trial lawyer whose life is turned upside down when he is shot in the head during a robbery. He survives the injury with significant brain damage and must re-learn how to speak, walk, and function normally. He has also lost most of the memory of his personal life, and must adjust to life with the family that he does not remember. To the surprise of his wife and daughter, Henry becomes a loving and affectionate man.

SOMEWHERE IN TIME

2009-01-01T01:13:00.000-08:00

Celebrating the success of his first play, Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) is approached by an elderly woman who presses an antique pocket watch into his hand and whispers, "Come back to me."

A few years later, during a period of writer's block, he sees a photograph in a hotel museum, and learns that this elderly woman was once a talented and lovely actress. Drawn mysteriously to the expression on the woman's face in the photograph, he turns to a former professor for insights on time travel.

For he must find her, even if he has to go back to 1912 to do so. Self-hypnosis, and removing reminders of the modern present are the keys, and Collier eventually awakens the day before Elise McKenna's (Jane Seymore) August 1912 performance at the Grand Hotel.

McKenna's manager, William Robinson (Christopher Plummer) is an obstacle. There are hints that he is clairvoyant, and he fears the man who will change McKenna's life. His attempts to separate the couple, however, backfire, causing his protogee to resent him.

Elise and Richard press on, and are eventually able to declare their love for each other.A tiny forgotten object from 1980 pulls Richard away from his beloved, and all his attempts to re-hypnotise himself and return to 1912 fail. His grief overwhelms him, and he dies. On the "other side," the young Elise is waiting to welcome him, and the lovers are reunited.

SOMEWHERE IN TIME

2009-01-01T01:07:00.000-08:00

Young writer Richard Collier is met on the opening night of his first play by an old lady who begs him to "Come back to me". Mystified, he tries to find out about her, and learns that she is a famous stage actress from the early 1900s, Elise McKenna. Becoming more and more obsessed with her, he manages, by self hypnosis, to travel back in time where he meets her. They fall in love, a matching that is not appreciated by her manager. Can their love outlast the immense problems caused by their "time" difference? And can Richard remain in a time that is not his?
Another TAKE
The movie opens with college student Richard Collier gathering rave reviews for his new play. At the party, he comes face to face with an old woman who presses something in his hand and whispers, "Come back to me."
He opens his hand to find an old pocket watch. Cut to several years later. Playwright Collier is in the midst of a break-up and writers block. He leaves the city for awhile to think things out and finds himself near his alma mater at the Grand Hotel.
While wandering around the hotel, he finds a photograph of a beautiful young woman.

Richard is entranced, and tries to find out all he can about her. During the course of his research he learns she was Elise McKenna, an actress from the turn of the century.

He also discovers that she was the mysterious old woman who gave him the watch. Finally determining that he must meet her somehow, he employees self-hypnosis and transports himself back to 1912.

He meets Elise and they fall in love, which does not make her manager, William Fawcett Robinson, happy at all. Will their love survive Robinson's disapproval? Will Richard be able to stay in 1912?

MOONSTRUCK

2008-12-31T03:27:00.000-08:00

Loretta Castorini, a Brooklyn bookkeeper in her late 30s whose husband died several years earlier in a bus accident, decides it's time to get married again. So she accepts the proposal of a nice, middle-aged fellow named Johnny Cammareri. Loretta is convinced her first marriage was cursed because she and her husband had gotten married at City Hall; this time, she's determined to do things right, even as she admits to her mother, Rose, that she's not really in love with Johnny. (To which Rose replies: "Good. When you love them, they drive you crazy, 'cause they know they can." Rose speaks from rueful experience; she suspects, with good reason, that her husband, Cosmo, is cheating on her.) Loretta is convinced that marrying Johnny is the safe and sure thing to do - until she meets his estranged younger brother Ronny, who tends the ovens in a neighborhood bakery. Loretta discovers that in startling contrast to the pleasant, mild-mannered Johnny, Ronny is moody and passionate; what follow are complications worthy of a comic opera.

FAR AND AWAY

2008-12-31T03:18:00.000-08:00

Joseph Donelly (Tom Cruise),a young Irishman facing property eviction after his father's death, decides to take revenge on his landlord, Daniel Christie (Robert Prosky). In his attempt to kill him however, he is discovered by Daniel's daughter, Shannon Christie (Nicole Kidman) and is injured by her when he tries to escape.

While injured he continues his plans to kill his landlord, but his weapon malfunctions and blows up in his face. Held captive while they treat his wounds (planning to subsequently have him hanged for attempted murder), Joseph tries to escape the house and is caught by Stephen Chase (Thomas Gibson), Daniel's arrogant manager.

Joseph spits on Stephen in anger and, disgraced, Stephen challenges Joseph to a duel of pistols at dawn.

Meanwhile, Shannon, also Stephen's love interest, is growing dissatisfied with the traditional views of her parents' generation and longs to be modern, even going as far as to disgust her mother and their friends by playing American music on the piano.

She makes plans to leave for America to claim land that's being given away for free, and with her help, Joseph is able to escape.

Shannon pays for Joseph's passage and he pretends to be her servant.

This way, a single young woman is able to travel without question, and Joseph, now aware of the reality of the free land, can reach America to claim land.

Shannon meets and talks to a kindly man on the ship about the promise of land and her money issues. He informs her that to claim the free land, she must travel to Oklahoma and race for it along with others.

Concerned with the expense of travel, she explains to him that she has no money, only expensive silver spoons. He tells her he will help her find a shop to whom she can sell her silver to.Upon arriving in Boston, the man who provided advice steals her spoons and is shot by men who seem to have previous trouble with him. The spoons are scattered in the street and stolen by passersby.

Calling for help, Shannon is rescued by Joseph, who manages to save her bag and get her out of the streets. Taking charge of their situation, Joseph is led to the community of Irish living in the area and speaks to the man in charge.

Through him, they find a room to live in and jobs in a chicken processing plant. Due to Shannon's wealthy background, which is hated by the lower class Irish they find themselves surrounded by, Joseph lies and tells everyone that she is in fact his sister, to save her from being exiled or hurt.

Time passes and it becomes obvious that Joseph and Shannon have become attracted to each other, but both keep up a front of hostility.

One night, after peeking at Shannon undress, Joseph finds himself sexually frustrated and rushes out and joins in a barehanded boxing match.

Winning the match provides Joseph with newfound wealth and becomes somewhat of a local celebrity.

Meanwhile back in Ireland The Christie house is burned down by unhappy taxpayers, and they and Stephen announce that they will go to America to find their daughter.

Temporarily, Joseph seems to forget about his goals of obtaining land and spends his money on suits and hats, in a thinly veiled attempt to impress Shannon.

Shannon however, continues her work at the plant and mocks Joseph's prized hats.

At one point, the pair have a spat and it becomes obvious that Joseph is extremely upset that he's not managed to gain Shannon's approval or admiration. Shannon begins to question Joseph about his plans to get land and his lack of money the night before the largest fight of his career.

He replies angrily that he easily earns money and will continue to do so. He spitefully tells her that he earns more money than she could ever dream to. She retorts that she could earn just as much and disappears into their room.

Later, right before the big fight, Joseph searches for Shannon, but is unable to find her. He's directed to his fight, told by others that she is there. Rushing to the site, he discovers she has become a dancer at the social club, demeaning herself to earn more money.

He attempts to ignore the men pushing him towards the ring and covers Shannon with his jacket, demanding that she stop dancing. Before he can finish with her, the men around plea with him to fight.

The Irish men backing Joseph offer him a small fortune ($200) for this one last, great fight. Shannon, who previously scorned boxing, urges him to do it, since it would be enough money to fulfill his wish of traveling to get land.

Joseph agrees and begins to fight a large Italian fighter.

All goes well until Joseph witnesses one of his backers (a member of the city council) forcing Shannon into his lap and groping her. Completely forgetting the fight, Joseph pushes his way through the crowd to free her. As he is pushed back into the ring his foot crosses the line, signalling he is ready to begin fighting, the Italian then beats Joseph.

Because Joseph lost the fight he is then thrown out of the club. When Joseph wakes up he runs out of the alley he woke up in and runs into Stephen Chase asking drunkards if they've seen Shannon.

Joseph then runs to his room to find the backers searching the room for their money. When they find it they take it, and throw Joseph and Shannon out into the snow covered street and tells the owner of the "whorehouse" that if she let them stay one night, it will be shut down.

During a very cold night with no food, they become desperate enough to enter a seemingly abandoned house of luxury. Joseph shows signs of sadness at the beautiful things, knowing Shannon has suffered and deserves a better life than she currently has. He encourages her to pretend the house is hers, and offers to serve her. She's moved by this, but begs him to join her instead, and pretend with her, that they are married and the house is theirs. During the tender moment they declare that they 'pretend' to love each other and kiss.

At that moment the owners of the house returns and chases them from the property, shooting Shannon in the process. Joseph brings Shannon to Christie's for help after she is shot. Stephen continuously scolds him and ridicules the state Shannon is in. Deciding Shannon will be better cared for here, with her family and wealth, Joseph leaves Shannon with her family, despite his obvious feelings for her.

He then heads west to work on the Trans-Continental Railroad, seemingly abandoning his dream of owning land. After many months, Joseph is confronted by his father in a dream, and is reminded of his desire to own land. Joseph decides to join the wagon trains and arrives in Oklahoma Territory just in time for the Land Run of 1893, which will enable him finally reach his goal.

Through chance he discovers Shannon, now healthy and obviously well taken care of, has also arrived. Confronting her, he discovers she arrived on train, riding the very rails he built. She offers him luck, but is rather cold and Joseph leaves disheartened. Stephen, who witnesses the exchange, warns Joseph that he will kill him if he goes near Shannon.

Arriving late to the event, Joseph is forced to choose between two horses the unruly stallion or the broken slow horse. He choices the broken horse that gets killed that night he then is forced to ride the unruly horse. Shannon attempts to give him advice, but is quickly ushered away.

During the race, Joseph chases after Shannon and Stephen, knowing that Stephen has broken the law and already found a very rich spot of land to claim. During the race, Shannon falls off her horse and Joseph rushes to her aid. Angered by this, Stephen races back towards them, instead of his goal, the land, and attempts to shoot him.

They have a brief fight but Joseph manages to knock the gun from him. Shannon encourages Joseph to continue the race. He races Stephen to the land but then Stephen comes along and they have another fight in which Joseph falls to the ground, hitting his head on a rock, mortally wounding him.

Shannon rushes to his side and finally rejects Stephen when he questions her actions. Stephen leaves and Shannon is left to try and keep Joseph alive. As he dies, Joseph finally confesses that he loves her, and without her, the land that was so important to him means nothing.

He dies, and Shannon mourns, crying over his body. She tells him that she always loved him, from the first moment she saw him. This suddenly revives him, similar to an earlier scene involving his father, and together they happily drive their flag through the ground and claim their prized land.

ENGLISH PATIENT

2008-12-31T03:15:00.000-08:00

Beginning in the 1930's, "The English Patient" tells the story of Count Almasy who is a Hungarian map maker employed by the Royal Geographical Society to chart the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert along with several other prominent explorers. As World War II unfolds, Almasy enters into a world of love, betrayal, and politics that is later revealed in a series of flashbacks while Almasy is on his death bed after being horribly burned in a plane crash.

A burn victim, a nurse, a thief, and a sapper find themselves in each others company in an old Italian villa close to the end of World War II. Through flashbacks, we see the life of the burn victim, whose passionate love of a woman and choices he made for her ultimately change the lives of one other person in the villa. Not only is this film a search for the identity of the English patient, but a search for the identities of all the people in the quiet old villa.

In a crumbling villa in WWII Italy, during the final days of the European campaign, a young, shell-shocked war nurse (Hana) remains behind to tend her doomed patient - a horribly burned pilot. Through the gradual unraveling of his life and the appearance of an old family friend (Caravaggio) and a young Sikh sapper (Kip), the question of identity is explored.

The moving story of a Hungarian mapmaker and his dying memories of the romance that tragically alters his life. Burned horribly in a fiery plane crash while crossing the Sahara Desert during WWII, he is tended to by a Canadian nurse with ghosts of her own and haunted by a thief seeking answers for a crime from his past.

I need to watch these movies all over again....Cannot remember which among them I have seen

2008-12-31T02:48:00.000-08:00

Return to Me
Message In a Bottle
English Patient
Ladyhawke
A Knight's Tale
Pretty Woman
Moonstruck
Far and Away
Love Story
City of Angels
The Cutting Edge
Somewhere in Time
Regarding Henry
Ghost
Untamed Heart
A Walk to Remember
You've Got Mail
Tortilla Soup
Witness
Annie Hall
The American President
The Princess Bride
Ever After
The African Queen
What Dreams May Come
Jerry McGuire
A Walk in the Clouds
Barefoot in the Park
I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore
Kate & Leopold
Pearl Harbor
The Wedding Planner
Serendipity
An Affair to Remember
Sleepless in Seattle
When Harry Met Sally
Titanic
Dr. Zhivago
Shrek
You've Got Mail
The Bridges Over Madison County
Notting Hill
Il Postino
Harold & Maude
Never Been Kissed
Music from Another Room
The Saint
Bed of Roses
The Mirror Has Two Faces
Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Avonlea
Father Goose
The Sound of Music
Little Women
Top Gun
Sabrina
I.Q.
Joe Versus the VolcanoFools
Rush In
French Kiss
Runaway Bride
AlwaysForever Young
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Casablanca
Fiddler on the Roof
Dances with Wolves
Phenomenon
Beauty and the Beast
The Cutting Edge
Emma
Room With a View
First Knight
Gone With the Wind
Groundhog Day
Roxanne
Dream a Little Dream
Can't Buy Me Love
It Could Happen To You
La Bamba
Romancing the Stone
Last of the Mohicans
The Scarlet
Pimpernel
Pretty in Pink
Shadowlands
The Mask of Zorro
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Sense and Sensibility
Up Close and Personnel
The Wedding Singer
She's All That
While You Were Sleeping
Father of the Bride
The Three Musketeers
Love Affair
At First Sight
As Good As It Gets
Pillow Talk
Pay It Forward
Life Is Beautiful
Green Card
Truly, Madly, Deeply
Moulin Rouge
Sweet November
Like Water for Chocolate
Mystic Pizza
Dirty Dancing
Romeo & Juliet
Hope Floats
Sea of Love
Now Voyager
Only You
Family Man
Where the Heart Is
The Sure Thing
One Fine Day
Amelie
Always
Somersby
Say Anything
Don Juan DeMarco
Moonstruck
I Am Sam
St. Ives
Office and a Gentleman
Love & Basketball
The Fisher King
Down to You
Patch Adams
West Side Story
Casablanca
Gone with the Wind
Hannover Street
Mistress of Spices

RETURN TO ME

2008-12-31T02:45:00.000-08:00

The film opens with a loving husband and wife preparing for a very important fund raising dinner. The evening ends with the loss of the wife.

A weak young woman may die soon if she cannot get a new heart.

Jump ahead one year the young woman recieved a heart and is trying to adjust to a life no longer counted by hours or days, she can actually make plans.

The grieving husband and his dog are still trying to adjust to life without his wife.
His friends keep trying to pry him from his "work is my life" existence by setting him up on blinds dates.

Finally he actually shows up for one at an Irish-Italian restaurant where he finds himself more attracted to the waitress than his blind date.

He finds an excuse to return to the restaurant in hopes of seeing the waitress again, there's just something attractive about her. Unknown to both the attraction they both feel for one another is Grace has the heart of Bob's dead wife. Carroll O'Connor says exactly the right thing to Bob after he finds out this ironic coincidence.
Another style of writing

A Chicago building contractor, cherishes life with his veterinarian wife until she is tragically killed in an automobile accident. Meanwhile the family and friends of Grace Briggs, a waitress at a local Italian restaurant, are overjoyed when they learn that Grace will finally get a replacement heart (the heart of Bob's wife).

Both Bob and Grace struggle to maintain normal lives after these traumatic events, until fate intervenes and brings them together.
Another style of writing
In this comedy-drama which shows us how the tragic death of one human being can still save the life of another, a happily-married man (David Duchovny) is struck with tragedy when his wife (Joely Richardson) dies from complications of a car accident.

In her death, however, another is given life, as another young woman (Minnie Driver) with an ailing heart is given a transplant. Finally able to live a normal, happy life for the first time in years, she joins her grandfather in helping to run an Irish-themed restaurant, where she meets the widower, never imagining that the heart beating in her chest belonged to his wife.

They slowly fall madly in love with each other, but when she learns the shocking truth, she is torn by whether or not she should let him know about the transplant she received and who it came from.

A Red, Red Rose By Robert Burns

2008-12-31T02:28:00.000-08:00

O my love's like a red, red rose.
That's newly sprung in June;
O my love's like a melodie
That's sweetly play'd in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in love am I;
And I will love thee still, my Dear,
Till a'the seas gang dry.
Till a' the seas gang dry, my Dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun:
I will love thee still, my Dear,
While the sands o'life shall run.
And fare thee weel my only Love!
And fare thee weel a while!
And I will come again, my Love,
Tho' it were ten thousand mile!

Child By Charles Scott

2008-12-31T02:01:00.001-08:00

Firstborn, a precious gift to begin
Wondrous life springs forth from within
Another human form, a reflection of me
The miracle of life, how wondrous to see
Feelings and emotions all churning inside
This love I feel, it will never die
A perfect love so unconditional and free
An amazing gift from heaven you'll be
Every breath you take will give me joy beyond measure
Your life will be such a wonderful treasure
We'll be bonded together until the end of our time
I thank God every day for making you mine

LIGHT By John Milton

2008-12-31T01:55:00.000-08:00

HAIL holy light, ofspring of Heav'n first-born,
Or of th' Eternal Coeternal beam
May I express thee unblam'd? since God is light,
And never but in unapproachèd light
Dwelt from Eternitie, dwelt then in thee,
Bright effluence of bright essence increate.
Or hear'st thou rather pure Ethereal stream,
Whose Fountain who shall tell? before the Sun,
Before the Heavens thou wert, and at the voice
Of God, as with a Mantle didst invest
The rising world of waters dark and deep,
Won from the void and formless infinite.
Thee I re-visit now with bolder wing,
Escap't the Stygian Pool, though long detain'd
In that obscure sojourn, while in my flight
Through utter and through middle darkness borne
With other notes then to th' Orphean Lyre
I sung of Chaos and Eternal Night,
Taught by the heav'nly Muse to venture down
The dark descent, and up to reascend,
Though hard and rare: thee I revisit safe,
And feel thy sovran vital Lamp; but thou
Revisit'st not these eyes, that rowle in vain
To find thy piercing ray, and find no dawn;
So thick a drop serene hath quencht thir Orbs,
Or dim suffusion veild. Yet not the more
Cease I to wander where the Muses haunt
Cleer Spring, or shadie Grove, or Sunnie Hill,
Smit with the love of sacred song; but chief
Thee Sion and the flowrie Brooks beneath
That wash thy hallowd feet, and warbling flow,
Nightly I visit: nor sometimes forget
Those other two equal'd with me in Fate,
So were I equal'd with them in renown.
Blind Thamyris and blind Mæonides,
And Tiresias and Phineus Prophets old.
Then feed on thoughts, that voluntarie move
Harmonious numbers; as the wakeful Bird
Sings darkling, and in shadiest Covert hid
Tunes her nocturnal Note. Thus with the Year
Seasons return, but not to me returns
Day, or the sweet approach of Ev'n or Morn,
Or sight of vernal bloom, or Summers Rose,
Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine;
But cloud in stead, and ever-during dark
Surrounds me, from the chearful waies of men
Cut off, and for the Book of knowledge fair
Presented with a Universal blanc
Of Natures works to mee expung'd and ras'd,
And wisdome at one entrance quite shut out.
So much the rather thou Celestial light
Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers
Irradiate, there plant eyes, all mist from thence
Purge and disperse, that I may see and tell
Of things invisible to mortal sight.

THE FIRST LOVE OF ADAM AND EVE

2008-12-31T01:52:00.000-08:00

HUS talking, hand in hand alone they passed
On to their blissful bower. It was a place
Chosen by the sov'reign Planter, when he framed
All things to Man's delightful use; the roof
Of thickest covert was inwoven shade,
Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grew
Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side
Acanthus, and each odorous bushy shrub,
Fenced up the verdant wall; each beauteous flower,
Iris all hues, roses, and jessamine,
Rear'd high their flourished heads between, and wrought
Mosaic; under foot the violet,
Crocus, and hyacinth, with rich inlay
Broidered the ground, more coloured than the stone
Of costliest emblem: Other creature here,
Beast, bird, insect, or worm, durst enter none;
Such was their awe of Man. In shadier bower
More sacred and sequestered, though but feigned
Pan or Sylvanus never slept, nor nymph,
Nor Faunus haunted. Here, in close recess,
With flowers, garlands, and sweet-smelling herbs,
Espousèd Eve decked first her nuptial bed
And heavenly quires the hymenean sung,
What day the genial Angel to our sire
Brought her, in naked beauty more adorned,
More lovely than Pandora, whom the Gods
Endowed with all their gifts, and, O! too like
In sad event, when to the unwiser son
Of Japhet brought by Hermes, she ensnared
Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged
On him who had stole Jove's authentic fire.
Thus at their shady lodge arrived, both stood,
Both turned, and under open sky adored
The God that made both sky, air, earth and heaven
Which they beheld, the moon's resplendent globe,
And starry pole: "Thou also madest the night,
Maker Omnipotent; and thou the day,
Which we in our appointed work employed,
Have finished, happy in our mutual help
And mutual love, the crown of all our bliss
Ordained by thee; and this delicious place,
For us too large, where thy abundance wants
Partakers, and uncropt falls to the ground.
But thou hast promised from us two a race
To fill the earth, who shall with us extol
They goodness infinite, both when we wake
And when we seek, as now, the gift of sleep."

This said unanimous, and other rites
Observing none, but adoration pure
Which God likes best, into their inmost bower
Handed they went; and eased the putting off
Those troublesome disguises which we wear,
Straight side by side were laid; nor turned, I ween,
Adam from his fair spouse, nor Eve the rites
Mysterious of connubial love refused:
Whatever hypocrites austerely talk
Of purity, and place, and innocence,
Defaming as impure what God declares
Pure, and commands to some, leaves free to all.
Our Maker bids increase; who bids abstain
But our destroyer, foe to God and Man?
Hail, wedded Love, mysterious law, true source
Of human offspring, sole propriety
In Paradise, of all things common else!
By thee adult'rous love was driven from men
Among the bestial herds to range; by thee,
Founded in reason, loyal, just and pure,
Relations dear, and all the charities
Of father, son, and brother, first were known.
Far be it that I should write thee sin or blame,
Or think the unbefitting holiest place
Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets,
Whose bed is undefiled and chaste pronounced,
Present or past, as saints and patriarchs used!
Here love his golden shafts employs, here lights
His constant lamp, and waves his purple wings,
Reigns here and revels; not in the bought smile
Of harlots, loveless, joyless, unendeared,
Casual fruition: nor in court amours
Mixed dance, or wanton mask, or midnight ball,
Or serenade, which the starved lover sings
To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain.
These lulled by nightingales embracing slept,
And on their naked limbs the flow'ry roof
Showered roses, which the morn repaired. Sleep on,
Blest pair! and, O! yet happiest if ye seek
No happier state, and know to know no more!

Paradise Lost

2008-12-31T01:39:00.000-08:00

Paradise Lost is an epic poem in blank verse by the 17th-century English poet John Milton. It was originally published in 1667 in ten books.

The poem concerns the Judeo-Christian story of the Fall of Man; the temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

In the early nineteenth century, the Romantics began to regard Satan as the protagonist of the epic. Milton presents Satan as an ambitious and proud being who defies his creator, omnipotent God, and who wages war on Heaven, only to be defeated. Milton worked for Oliver Cromwell and the Parliament of England and thus wrote first-hand for the Commonwealth of England. Arguably, the failed rebellion and the reinstallation of the monarchy left him to explore his losses within Paradise Lost.
Milton incorporates Paganism, classical Greek references and Christianity within the story. The poem grapples with many difficult theological issues, including fate, predestination, and the Trinity.
Milton's story contains two arcs: one of Satan (Lucifer) and another of Adam and Eve. Satan's story is a homage to the old epics of warfare. It begins after Satan and the other rebel angels have been defeated and cast down by God into Hell. In Pandæmonium, Satan must employ his rhetorical ability to organize his followers; he is aided by his lieutenants Mammon and Beelzebub. Belial and Moloch are also present. At the end of the debate, Satan volunteers himself to poison the newly-created Earth. He braves the dangers of the Abyss alone in a manner reminiscent of Odysseus or Aeneas.
The other story is a fundamentally different, new kind of epic: a domestic one. Adam and Eve are presented for the first time in Christian literature as having a functional relationship while still without sin. They have passions, personalities, and sex. Satan successfully tempts Eve by preying on her vanity and tricking her with rhetoric, and Adam, seeing Eve has sinned, knowingly commits the same sin by also eating of the fruit. In this manner Milton portrays Adam as a heroic figure but also as a deeper sinner than Eve. They again have sex, but with a new found lust that was previously not present. After realizing their error in consuming the "fruit" from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they fight. However, Eve's pleas to Adam reconcile them somewhat. More important, her encouragement enables Adam and Eve both to approach God, to "bow and sue for grace with suppliant knee," and to receive grace from God. Adam goes on a vision journey with an angel where he witnesses the errors of man and the Great Flood, and he is saddened by the sin that they have released through the consumption of the fruit. However, he is also shown hope – the possibility of redemption – through a vision of Jesus Christ. They are then cast out of Eden and the archangel Michael says that Adam may find "A paradise within thee, happier far." They now have a more distant relationship with God, who is omnipresent but invisible (unlike the previous tangible Father in the Garden of Eden).

Where to eat?

2008-12-30T02:53:00.000-08:00

Abu Dhabi’s restaurants and cafés reflect every taste and culture under the sun, with a veritable feast of cuisines from around the world.
From fine dining to fast food, Asian to Italian, sushi to biryani, and every nationality and culture in between, visitors to the emirate will find dining experiences and culinary adventures to satisfy every taste.
Simple fare can be found at Abu Dhabi’s many small street cafés and fast food joints while internationally-renowned, award-winning chefs at the emirate’s exclusive restaurants create elaborate and sumptuous menus using the freshest local and imported ingredients.

Al fresco dining is a delight in the cooler winter months, allowing diners to experience spectacular sea and desert views, while indoor dining is popular in the summer months.

Search our comprehensive restaurant database to find the dining experience of your choice. Our restaurant listing includes information on cuisine, facilities, licensed establishments, contact details and directions.
Zyara CaféNext to Hilton Corniche Apartments, Al Jazeera Tower, Abu Dhabi
Lebanese

ZenAl Ain Palace, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Japanese

Zari Zardozi – Indian Silk & SpiceLe Royal Meridien, Khalifa St., Abu Dhabi
Indian

West Side Coffee ShopOrxy Hotel, Abu Dhabi
International

Wakataua TerraceLe Meridien Abu Dhabi
Café

Vision Coffee Shop & RestaurantTourist Club Area, Old Mazda Street, Abu Dhabi
Continental

Vincent'sCrowne Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Hamdan St., Abu Dhabi
International

Vienna PlazaHilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road
Austrian

Vasco'sHilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road
International

trader Vic'sBeach Rotana,Abu Dhabi
French Polynesian

Off-road Driving: Taking on the Dunes

2008-12-30T02:33:00.000-08:00

Abu Dhabi is steeped in a vast terrain dominated by majestic sand dunes and mountainous rock formations, a perfect environment that has bred and attracted adventurous and highly skilled off-road drivers driven by passion about nature, the environment and the unknown.

A number of communities comprising off-road enthusiasts has been formed in Abu Dhabi, such as the Abu Dhabi 4x4 Club. These clubs, amongst other things, organise off-road trips suitable to their members whether they are beginners or highly experienced off-road drivers. These communities stress the need for appropriate safety measures commensurate to the difficulty of the terrain to be explored, as well as general basic safety precautions that all members adhere to when driving off-road. They also provide orientation classes and training to new members.
Ceremonial kick-off for the annual UAE Desert Challenge is likewise held in Abu Dhabi. The renowned UAE Desert Challenge is the penultimate round of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championships, spanning truck, car and bike rallies. The event draws major sponsors each year – ranging from Abu Dhabi Tourist Authority to Nissan – and is a brainchild of the Arab world’s most successful rally driver, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Previous participants include a line-up of luminaries including many world champions amongst whom number Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen, Ari Vatanen, Miki Biasion, Stephane Peterhansel, Luc Alphand, Carlos Sousa, Marc Coma, Cyril Despres and rising Qatari rally driver Nasser Al Attiyah, to name a few.
Visitors who want to experience a whiff of this rough rally challenge, or the route taken by the great English explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, or simply explore the desert - on tough wheels - can do just that. A company like Offroad Emirates and several other tour operators can organise a range of day and overnight trips that provide guests an up-close and personal experience of the Arabian desert and wildlife.

Offroad Emirates, for instance, organises trips across the edge of the Rub Al- Khali - a vast expanse of desert extending through Yemen, Saudi Arabi and Oman. These trips are organised for a minimum of four persons where the fee includes an experienced guide/driver, transportation, tents, sleeping bags, barbeque dinner and breakfast. During these trips sightings of rare, endangered species such as the white Arabian ox as well as gazelles, eagles, foxes and rabbits are not uncommon. Tamer off-road experiences for those with limited time or those who are less adventurous, however, are offered by most safari tour operators in Abu Dhabi.
Self-drive
Visitors who meet specific requirements could also try their hand in a self-drive program, where they can drive a 4x4 sports utility vehicle through the desert under the supervision of an Offroad Emirates’ tour leader or guide.
Routes
Plenty of routes - some for novice off-road drivers, others for highly experienced ones - can be found in Abu Dhabi. One of the most challenging and spectacular routes is the Liwa region, in the south of Abu Dhabi, which also provides experience of the breathtaking, legendary sand dunes. The area around Al Hayer towards Al Ain is also popular among off-road drivers.
Outside Abu Dhabi, one of the most popular spots for off-road driving includes the Big Red near Hatta, which is about an hour’s drive from Dubai. The trip to Hatta Pools – especially if one drives from the Hatta side towards Mahda, also gives visitors a glimpse of natural waterfalls, villages and oases.
A book that grades the various off-road routes in Abu Dhabi and the rest of UAE (UAE Off-Road Explorer) according to their level of difficulty and provides appropriate maps may be purchased online or from local bookstores.
Checklist*
Your vehicle
Tyres, including condition of spare wheel
All fluid levels - coolant, engine oil, transmission, brake, hydraulic and battery
Fuel - top up, if required
Battery mountings are secure and leads tight
All lights operating, including hazard warning lights
Under bonnet visual check for leaks, fan belt condition and tension, loose or disconnected wires and radiator hose
Seat belts for every passenger
Your equipment
Tyre pressure gauge
Mobile Phone
GPS
Shovel
Sturdy tow rope or belt
Industrial/gardening type gloves
Jack, wheel brace, base plate, wooden panel
Air bag (optional)
Crowbar or hammer
First aid kit (essential)
Basic tool kit and torch
Sheet of material (thick plastic, tarpaulin, sack, dhurrie) 2x2metres
Personal items
Food and water depending on duration of trip
Extra warm clothing for colder desert nights
Hiking shoes
Sunscreen
Toilet paper or tissues
Insect repellent spray
Pen or pencil
Plastic sacks for rubbish
Matches or lighter
Whistle (for locating at night)
Spare water supply - for people and vehicle
Before you leave home
Check the car including tyres, water levels, engine/trans oil and battery
Never travel into the desert on your own, always travel with at least two other vehicles
Always tell someone that you are planning a trip to the desert
Seat belts must be worn
Before going off-road
Deflate tyres at the edge of the desert: (Large four-wheel drive: 18psi; Small four-wheel drives: 16psi; In an emergency: 14psi)
Keep a suitable distance between vehicles
If you get stuck do not panic. Get out of the car and assess the situation
Be respectful to local Bedouin and wildlife
Always stop your vehicle on a downward slope for ease of starting again smoothly

Cinemas and Concerts

2008-12-30T02:29:00.000-08:00

For a quiet night on the town, visitors to Abu Dhabi can catch the latest Hollywood, Bollywood and Arabic blockbusters at any of the emirate’s numerous cinemas. There are eight major cinemas in Abu Dhabi and three in Al Ain, with most showing English and Arabic language films and a few showing Indian films. One cinema in Abu Dhabi – Movita – caters exclusively to women.
The majority of the cinemas are multi-screens complexes, where movie-goers can enjoy comfortable seating and state-of-the-art visual and audio technologies, as well as the usual cinema fare from the concession stands.
Movie timings can be found in the local daily newspapers or on the cinema websites.
Moreover, moviegoers can enjoy the latest movies, for all ages and nationalities, at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. The foundation also regularly hosts foreign film festivals and showings in association with the various foreign embassies and cultural centres in the capital. Movie timings and programs can be found on the Cultural Foundation’s website.
Abu Dhabi is also home to the Emirates Film Festival held annually at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. The festival showcases mainly short films and documentaries, as well as animation and experimental films, made by young filmmakers from the region. Usually held in March, the festival is a must for those visitors looking to gain an insight into local culture and society.
Another highlight of the emirate’s film scene is the Middle East International Film Festival held in October at the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel. The film festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage is expected to position the emirate prominently amongst the film festival capitals of the world.

About Abu Dhabi

2008-12-30T02:20:00.000-08:00

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi, the city, is also the federal capital. It lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Arabian Gulf from the central western coast.

The latest census in 2005 indicates a population of 1.29 million. About 80% of the population are expatriate - foreigners from other Arab countries, the Indian sub-continent, Britain, Europe, US, Canada, Australia and many more.
Abu Dhabi city is located at 24.4667° N 54.3667° E. It is about an hour and forty five minute drive on a multilane highway to Dubai.

Al Ain is Abu Dhabi's second largest urban area with a population of 348,000 and is located 150 kilometers inland in the eastern region.

It is famous as an oasis city and as the birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed. Al Ain is connected to Abu Dhabi and Dubai by a fast highway taking about an hour and a half from either city.

In former days, the trip was done by camels taking five days.

Both onshore and offshore, Abu Dhabi has 10% of the world's oil reserves and 4% of the natural gas reserves. Abu Dhabi has 90% of the UAE oil reserves which, at current rates of production, are expected to last for another 100 years. In contrast, Dubai has about 10% of the reserves expected to last for only another ten years. With the impact of the oil and gas industry, Abu Dhabi became the wealthiest of the seven emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai contribute 80% to the GDP of the country.

Abu Dhabi is pursuing alternative commerce and business to diversify the economy. Plans are in place to increase tourism to the emirate, although they are not as far along in development as Dubai.

The exquisite Emirates Palace Hotel & Conference Center opened its doors in 2005, putting Abu Dhabi on the luxury hotel map for world class travelers and events. Etihad Airways based in Abu Dhabi, is designated the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates and one of the fastest growing airlines in the world.
For more information about Abu Dhabi, go to the Abu Dhabi Tourism site.

BIGSTORY

2008-12-30T01:21:00.000-08:00

http://www.bigstorydemo.stage.press.net/bigstorynews.html

Abu Dhabi sovereign funds flex muscles

2008-12-29T04:18:00.000-08:00

The combined assets of Abu Dhabi's various investment entities represent the largest state-controlled investment funds in the world. Although some of these investments, especially those in Western financial markets, have suffered in recent months, Abu Dhabi's investments are heavily diversified and it is likely that their total value is still in excess of $700-billion (U.S.).

Conceived in the 1970s as a buffer should the international oil industry falter and the domestic economy require temporary support, the channelling of surplus oil revenues into long term overseas investments, rather than simply gold or short-term paper, has become a pillar of long-term economic strategy.

Today, Abu Dhabi's assets are thought to be between $700-billion and $1-trillion, generating average annual returns of around 10 per cent. This sum dwarfs the world's other sovereign wealth funds, such as those of Singapore and Norway with $490-billion and $390-billion respectively; Abu Dhabi is also far ahead of Gulf neighbours such as Kuwait, with $260-billion, Dubai, with about $100-billion, and Qatar with a modest $60-billion. Most investments have been made through a handful of government-owned authorities or government-backed companies:

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority(ADIA)
The most prominent of Abu Dhabi's SWFs is the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Founded in 1976, it reached about $100-billion in overseas assets by the mid-1990s and about $360-billion in 2005. Now estimates of ADIA's value range as high as $900-billion. Although ADIA technically came under the umbrella of the new Abu Dhabi Investments Council in 2006, in practice it appears to remain fairly autonomous. Staffed by teams of foreign experts, it is thought that ADIA has historically favoured conservative investments:
Index-linked blue chip investments in the developed world are still believed to make up about 60 per cent of ADIA's portfolio, the most recent example being the acquisition of a 5 per cent stake in Citigroup; this $7.5-billion investment in 2007 made ADIA the largest shareholder in the largest U.S. bank.
As part of the same strategy the authority has been building up considerable investments in mature Western real estate, with its UK portfolio alone being valued in excess of $6-billion.
About 30 per cent of the portfolio is in emerging markets, including South East Asia and the Arab world.
On the remaining 10 per cent little information is available, although it would seem that most falls under the control of ADIA's new strategic investments department. Examples of ADIA's strategic ‘wild card' investments may include a reported $5-billion investment in Libya's tourism infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi Investment Company(ADIC)
Also now nominally under the Abu Dhabi Investment Council is the Abu Dhabi Investment Company. Established in 1977, it is the second-oldest and second-largest SWF in Abu Dhabi, believed to be in control of over $15-billion in overseas investments: ADIC specializes in North African investments, but in the last few years it has begun to diversify its interests.
Most notably, in July, 2008, it bought out Prudential's 75 per cent stake in the iconic Chrysler Building in New York.
International Petroleum Investment Company(IPIC)
Abu Dhabi's third SWF is managed by the International Petroleum Investment Company. Originally founded in 1984 as a joint venture between ADIA and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, it remains co-owned by the two entities, but now falls under the umbrella of the Supreme Petroleum Council. It has a fairly independent board of directors, who have built up the overseas oil-related investment portfolio to nearly $14-billion:
Some of the biggest investments have included a 17-per-cent stake in Osterreichischen Mineralolverwaltung Aktiengesellschaft, a major Austrian petrochemicals company, and a 65 per cent controlling stake in Borealis, an Austrian plastics company that has links with the Abu Dhabi Polymers Company.
More recently, IPIC has invested in the Japanese oil refining industry by purchasing a 21 per cent stake valued at $780-million in the Cosmo Oil Company.

Mubadala Development Corporation.
Abu Dhabi's fourth-largest but probably fastest growing investment arm was founded in 2002 by the soon-to-be crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. The Mubadala Development Corporation is staffed by members of the team involved in the early stages of the Dolphin Gas project. Many of these were handpicked for the purpose by Sheikh Mohammed, most notably Mubadala's esteemed managing director, Khaldun bin Khalifa al-Mubarak, and its chief operating officer, Waleed bin Ahmed al-Mokarrab al-Muhairi. Although Mubadala still serves as Dolphin's majority shareholder, since 2005 it has diversified considerably into a variety of other overseas investments. Most of these are overseen by its investment management group and are already believed to be worth over $10-billion:
In 2005 Mubadala purchased a 5 per cent stake worth $130-million in Italy's celebrated Ferrari car manufacturer.
Other investments have included a 7.5 per cent stake worth $1.3-billion in the Carlyle Group, an 8.1 per cent stake worth $620-million in Advanced Micro Devices, and a 35 per cent stake in Piaggio Aero, an Italian aircraft manufacturer.
In 2008, Mubadala made its biggest single investment when it began to buy up 3.3 billion dollars of shares in General Electric.

Despite major interests in Western financials and mature real estate, ADIA will remain by far the greatest of the fund managing authorities in Abu Dhabi, though ADIC and IPIC have more strategic investments in sectors less likely to be affected by the credit crunch. Although currently only the fourth largest SWF in Abu Dhabi, it is likely that Mubadala will soon overtake ADIC and IPIC to become the second-largest fund manager. It is backed by the crown prince and is currently playing a key role in developing Abu Dhabi's new industries. As Dubai continues to struggle, it is probable that some of Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth – most likely from ADIA – will be used to buy stakes in Dubai entities, although given the sensitive nature of UAE politics it is likely that such arrangements will remain discreet.

Sovereign wealth will remain a pillar of Abu Dhabi's economy, and with neighbouring Gulf states struggling to finance their post-oil development plans in the wake of the global credit crunch, Abu Dhabi is well placed to provide assistance. The emirate's massive funds will assume an even greater role in the future political economy of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

ABU DHABI AND DUBAI PROTEST GAZA ATTACKS

2008-12-29T03:47:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of people staged demonstrations outside Palestinian consulates in the UAE today to protest against the Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.
More than a hundred people turned up to protest outside the Palestinian embassy in Abu Dhabi.
In Dubai, the crowd, which included not only Palestinians and other Arabs, but some westerners and children, converged on the consulate in Bur Dubai shortly before noon.
Some of the protesters draped themselves in Palestinian flags, while some also brandished placards bearing slogans such as “Get Israel Out” and “Free Palestine”.
Palestinian community leaders addressed the crowd, which chanted anti-Israeli slogans.
Samira Mahmoud, 27, from Gaza, said she had been closely following the news since the bombings began on Saturday, and was anxious to return home to call her sister who still lives in the strip there with her family.
"I called my sister immediately after hearing what happened. I wanted to make sure that she and her children were OK. She told me her children couldn't go to school and that they were very scared after hearing the sounds of the bombs."
Mrs Mahmoud, who moved to Dubai with her husband and children two years ago, said the situation in Gaza seemed out of control.
"The situation was bad before I left but now the situation has gone beyond repair with the strongest attacks we have seen in a long time."
Faris Mansour, 40, from the US, said he wanted to show his solidarity with the Palestinian people: "Gaza is a small area with nearly two million people cramped in an area the size of a small neighbourhood. The hospitals are overcrowded and do not have the equipment to cope with the numbers of injured."

Press Association

2008-12-24T01:48:00.000-08:00

BIG STORY

2008-12-24T01:46:00.000-08:00

Waiting for my visa

2008-12-24T01:33:00.000-08:00

Office....parents...friends...acquaintances.......tired of running around for people. For once, after many years I want to be alone......absolutely alone....there is something about nothingness that is alluring.....Where am I going? What is the purpose of my life? Who am I living my life for?Fame, name, love, recognition.........don't know.......Got everything but still feel empty. Jesus, what a feeling. Strange but true.

DISCOVER JORDAN"S ANCIENT MYSTERIES

2008-11-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Saleh smiles out across Jordan's vast Dana Valley, great shoulders of rock thundering towards a dust-swallowed horizon, and sees a story.
"Some people read nature," he says pointing to the torn edge of sky in the distance.
"You can read it from over there, page by page, all the way to the title here where we are standing. And when you finish, you feel very clear."
We are perched high above the valley in the wild, magnificent Dana Nature Reserve, peering west across the dramatic swoop of the landscape towards the distant horizon where Jordan, possibly the world, comes to an end.
If this was a novel, it would be a grand, epic drama covering several generations and a war; something to read in a few weeks and remember for a lifetime.
Jordan's story is certainly complex. Positioned at the crossroads of inter-continental trade routes, it has been an important conquest in the little black book of many an ambitious empire. All the big hitters of the ancient world - Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Persians and finally the British - ruled here at one time or another.
Today, Jordan is an oasis of calm in a region racked by bitter, violent dispute. It is encircled by instability - with Iraq on its north-east border, Israel and the Palestinian territories to the west and Syria in the north.
The extraordinary geography of this country has its own story, which cannot be told without reference to water.
Twenty million years ago, shifting tectonic plates created a vast geological fissure that extends southward from the Jordan Valley through the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea.
Water covering much of the country was swallowed into the fractured earth, exposing this former seabed to the sun.
And while no visitor to Jordan would consider their trip complete without enjoying the aquatic delights of the Dead and Red Seas, the country is also desperately water poor. Its current consumption of about 200,000 litres of water per person per year compares with around 900,000 in Syria and 1.65 million in the United States.
This sobering statistic encouraged me to keep my showers brief at Dana's wonderful Rummana Campsite.
The 76,000-acre reserve is home to about 600 species of plants, 37 species of mammals and 190 species of birds across its three climatic areas, and is the perfect place to discover the wilder side of Jordan.
Arriving after a sumptuous lunch at the Dana Guesthouse, where my senses were caught in a delightful tug-of-war between the mouth-watering array of locally-produced cuisine and jaw-dropping views, I travelled with a small group to the campsite.
The 'Dana Shuttle' is the only vehicle allowed to make the winding journey to the remote plateau with its cluster of sail-white tents surrounded by serene red mountains.
Strict rules laid down by Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature ensure the environment is protected - happily they also give Rummana's guests a sense of utter seclusion.
Our host is Saleh, a Bedouin whose eloquence is matched by his evident enchantment with the place where his family has lived for generations.
He takes me on a short hike, rich with observations: the rock to climb for the best views; the onion-like plant favoured by local hedgehogs; a badger sett; the paw print of a lynx in the dust.
A long black snake spotted during the evening meal provides a shiver of excitement, but deters no-one from a long night around the campfire.
"The Bedouin love in the most painful way," says Saleh, as a fat moon climbs across the sky.
"It is like you had a fire inside, and that fire is surrounded by ice."
He tells us he could never tire of living in Dana.
"Its secrets are endless," he says.
My next stop is another of Jordan's mysteries - the ancient city of Petra.
Built by the industrious Nabatean people, this legendary city once dominated the trading routes of ancient Arabia, sheltering caravans laden with Indian spices and African ivory in its streets, deep inside a narrow desert gorge.
Petra's wealth eventually attracted the wrath of Rome, and it was attacked and stripped of its power. Lost to Western history by the 16th century, a Swiss traveller named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt stumbled upon the ruins in 1812.
Walking through corridors of sheer rock - or siq - torn open in a prehistoric earthquake, I am struck with the otherworldliness of the place.
Two millennia of gentle erosion from the desert wind have brushed a startling array of colours into the sandstone, from soft puce to fiery ochre.
Suddenly, I find myself in a huge open courtyard facing the magnificent facade of Petra's Treasury carved into the cliff face. I half expect to see Indiana Jones leap from the entrance.
A steep climb in the murderous heat is rewarded by the ethereal Monastery - and a chilled drink at a mountain-top cafe.
My bed for the night awaits amid the whispering mountains of Wadi Rum, in south-west Jordan.
This is Lawrence of Arabia land: rugged, silent and awe-inspiring.
His own account, Seven Pillars Of Wisdom, went a long way to mythologising TE Lawrence and endowing him with a reputation as the English Bedouin.
Sceptical as I am, it is hard not to be impressed when, after more than an hour bouncing across the desert floor between huge, eerie sandstone and granite mountains, our guide points out the crumbling remains of a stone dwelling. Lawrence lived there for years, apparently.
He described Wadi Rum as "vast, echoing and godlike" and as the sun sets over our little camp, I begin to see what he meant.
Our host Mzied has given visitors a taste of traditional Bedouin camping for decades, and provides a many-course feast including the Jordanian speciality maqluba. His delicious casserole of meat, vegetables and rice is cooked in one pot and flipped onto a dish to serve, hence its name: "upside down".
After a few days' camping in Jordan's wild, arid interior, it is time to get my feet wet.
Heading south, I don a snorkel for an exploration of the Red Sea coral reef and potter happily around this colourful underwater garden for an afternoon, befriending a family of pink squid before coming up for air and a fish lunch.
My final destination is water of a less hospitable kind.
Circled by a glittering necklace of salt crystals, the Dead Sea is a cruel mirage in a country with such water problems. Dense with salt, you cannot drink it or swim in it, and the only creatures able to live in it are two hardy species of bacteria.
But why dwell on life's iniquities when you can concentrate on building a luxury tourist industry?
The new kid on the shoreline is the huge, elegant Kempinski Ishtar. With a chic spa and sumptuous waterfront terraces, this is Jordan at its lavish best.
Dead Sea mud is the real attraction, and my friends and I spend an entertaining hour slathering ourselves with the tar-like substance and baking in the sun, before wading into the water to wash it off.
You really cannot swim in the Dead Sea. Walking in, your legs are pushed from under you and you bob about like a cork.
As evening falls, I watch the sun set from an upstairs terrace, gin and tonic in hand. A tall plume of smoke rises from the far shore. Just a forest fire, I am told, but the proximity of the blaze to the twinkling lights of Jerusalem on the Israeli bank is a reminder of the desperate tensions that have plagued this region.
Conflict may be more than a minor character in Jordan's grand narrative, but its warm, sanguine people and extraordinary landscape are the real story.
TRAVEL FACTS
:: Kelly Macnamara was a guest of the Jordan Tourism Board and flew direct to Amman ex-Heathrow with bmi, which costs from £494 return. Regional connections to London ex-Aberdeen, Heathrow, Glasgow and Manchester from around £80 return.
BMI reservations: 0870 6070 555 and www.flybmi
Tour operator Exodus offers a nine-day Jordan trip to Petra, Wadi Rum, Red Sea and Dead Sea from £599, land-only price.
Exodus reservations: 0845 863 9600 and www.exodus.co.uk
Jordan Tourism Board enquiries: 020 7371 6494 and www.visitjordan.com
You can book most camping spots, including Dana, through The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature website (www.rscn.org.jo).
Contact Mzied for details of Wadi Rum camping (www.mzied.com).
:: For more information about the Kempinksi Ishtar, visit www.kempinski-deadsea.com.

SAVOUR THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE IN PERU'S JUNGLE

2008-11-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

"Just listen," says our guide. "Listen to the peace and quiet."

Our boat has ground to a halt in a semi-prehistoric setting on the surface of the Sapote tributary of the Amazon, a riot of greenery and dark waters all around us.

Giant lily pads spread out across the glassy surface.

Overhead, ancient trees loom, cracking and bending in a slight breeze. You would hardly be surprised to see a pterodactyl swoop overhead.

Gradually, sounds become apparent.

The rustling of the trees, the calls of a multitude of hidden creatures and birds, the ceaseless buzzing and chirruping of a million insects.

Then you realise that what you are listening to isn't silence at all, but a symphony - a shriek of nature. This place, a million miles from anywhere, is never, ever quiet.

Welcome to the jungle.

Heading up tributaries of the Amazon in Peru, you find creatures straight out of a David Attenborough documentary.

Departing from the jungle city of Iquitos, our 60-foot MV Delfin riverboat snaked its way through the Amazon and along waterways few people have seen.

Guided by Adonay and Juan-Luis, the sensation of our 20-foot skiffs shooting across the brown surface of the river is thrilling enough.

Every conceivable creature is there to be spotted: turkey vultures so enormous they bend the very trees they land on; parakeets and parrots in the wild, flecks of red, blue and green overhead; blue kingfishers darting across the water's surface; and the black-collared hawk, perched at the tops of the trees with golden feathers and a little black ruff around the throat, like a Victorian toff suitably attired for dinner.

Creatures in the branches are harder to see, until our guides gain their attention by mimicking their cries.

The stripy-furred, three-toed sloth hangs around on branches like a handbag. Equally lazy are the iguanas, their crests and tails merging with the vines as they bask in the sunshine.
Then there are the monkeys.

Saki monkeys are the cutest, with white faces on black bodies and a furry tail, leaping from branch to branch in the treetops.

Squirrel monkeys have a death's-head face and are a little more post-watershed in style. Howler monkeys send out eerie cries.

Among a million shades of green are unexpected flashes of other colours - the blue morpho is possibly the most gorgeous of them all, a large butterfly with electric-blue wings flitting through the forest.

In the water itself, bizarre river dolphins regularly breach the waters beside the skiffs.

The skins of the males are bright cartoon-pink due to their blood vessels being close to the skin.

They share the waterways with grey dolphins, and there is an opportunity to swim with these creatures in the Dorado, literally a black lagoon due to the presence of tannins and iron bauxite in the water.

The lagoon is warm in the early evening as you slip in. You see little beneath the surface, not even your own hand. Other local residents include 10-foot caimans, piranha and anacondas, so it gives you a start if a dolphin breaches the surface nearby.

There are opportunities to catch piranhas with some meat on a stick at the Caro Curahuayte tributary. After the skiff has pulled into the banks of the river, we put our meat in among the branches and roots of some of the ficus and secropia trees where the little blighters like to hide.

Slapping the water with a stick alerts the red-bellied fish, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and they dart in to nip at the bait.
Charming by day, the river takes on an altogether different, though no less alluring, character after sunset.

Night creatures are a little harder to spot. Drifting into the shallows by the banks of the river, Adonay's torch picks out twin red pinpricks glittering in the dark - the eyes of a juvenile black caiman.

Stunned by the light, the two-foot creature is soon firmly gripped by our guide. Holding it by the tail and neck, I'm surprised to find its skin is gentle to the touch.

Although its teeth are apparent, the caiman never snaps at my fingers. Although this is clearly a stressful incident for the creature, it wriggles its webbed feet like a dog when I tickle its tummy.

Other creatures appear in the darkness. A clown tree-frog is briefly in my hands before it hops into the undergrowth, a jolly orange and brown creature no bigger than a 50-pence piece.

The hairy, pink-toed tarantula crawling up the limb of a tree not four feet away from my head seems considerably larger. It's fair to say that the Amazon is not the place to go if you have issues with beasties and creepy crawlies.

With mosquitos in abundance, you will need to be well-stocked with repellent, plus anti-malaria medication and other vaccines.

However, one type of insect dominates the night sky as we head back to the Delfin aboard our skiffs: fireflies, striking sparks against the pitch darkness. With no clouds and no light or air pollution, they match the glittering display of the stars far above you.

On a day trip ashore on the banks of the Tapiche tributary, we are introduced to some jungle fast food - termites. Punching a hole in one of their nests, you can hold your hand over it for the ant-like insects to swarm over, allowing you to lick them up at leisure.

They taste not unlike fresh basil and, mixed with the woody hint of their nest, I couldn't help but think they would be a wonderful accompaniment to a Sunday roast or a barbecue - if only they would stay still on the plate.

If all this sounds like roughing it, the contrast could not be sharper with the comforts of life aboard the Delphin.

You can relax on the top deck with a pisco sour - a cocktail made with Peru's national spirit - and in the dining room you can enjoy first-class gourmet meals, including catfish and giant snails served in the shell.

The decor and the flower arrangements on the table change daily, and after the food you are serenaded by the boat's crew. Even in the depths of the jungle, in the black of the night, you can be sure of hearing Beatles songs.

Before getting there, your first stop in Peru is likely to be the capital Lima. For an overnight stay, the Miraflores Park Hotel by the sea is one of the best options.

It boasts five-star accommodation with an excellent restaurant and a rooftop swimming pool, where urban vultures wheel around above while you do the backstroke.

Lima is also Peru's gastronomic capital, boasting coastal, Andean and even jungle cuisine. With fishing being a major local industry, seafood markets are the ideal place to find fresh fish, a touchstone for foodies - although you have to be there at the crack of dawn, and wellies are an essential.

For dining out, La Mar restaurant in Miraflores, run by the renowned chef Gaston Acurio, offers the country's national dishes, including ceviches - fish marinated in lemon juice, onion and aji chili - and chicarrones, tapas-style portions perfect for a lengthy lunch.

Lima Cathedral, a study in Gothic grandeur, boasts a chilling trip through the catacombs underneath, with the skulls and bones of generations of people buried in its walkways, even as Sunday Mass goes on above.

There are also opportunities to dine at the private homes of some of Lima's grandest families. We lunched at the Casa Aliaga, a preserved colonial mansion occupied by the Aliaga clan since 1535, and later had dinner at the exquisitely-kept home of the Diez-Canseco family.

TRAVEL FACTS
Peru's tourist board PromPeru and travel operator Cox & Kings offers a six-night tailor-made Amazon Cruise itinerary combining a four-night cruise on the MV Delfin with two nights in Lima, from £2,775 including flights ex-London and Manchester with KLM via Amsterdam and LAN Peru, B&B (full-board on cruise), transfers and excursions.
Add £35 supplement ex-Glasgow.
Cox & Kings reservations: 0207 873 5000 and www.coxand kings.co.uk
Destination information: see www.peru.info
:: Yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines are essential - ask your doctor about getting immunised.
You'll need plenty of sunblock - even though it rains a lot and can cloud over in the jungle, you are close to the equator and the sunshine is very strong.
:: High-water season in the Amazon is December-May.

HONEYMOON PARADISE IN ST LUCIA

2008-11-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

"I can't wait to get out of this dress," says a bride to her new husband as they rush past me up the stairs. I nod sympathetically at their retreating figures.

Although it may be towards the end of the high season - which runs from December to April - the temperature in St Lucia is still a constant 29 degrees, and plenty of wedding couples have a job to stay cool.

Lying north of South America, this eastern Caribbean island eight hours' flight from London is a popular wedding and honeymoon destination.

Offering a James Bond-style holiday, replete with fast boats, waving palm trees and stiff cocktails, the 27-mile-long and 14-mile-wide retreat neighbours the famous tropical islands of Martinique and Barbados.

Each night, dark blue clouds edge across the St Lucian horizon, turning the gentle light blue sky into a vivid sea of colour. This filmic view provides the perfect backdrop for a glass of champagne and the type of evening evoked in romantic novels.

An easy way to sample the best bits of St Lucian life is to stay in a resort.

One of the most respected and well-established hotel chains on the island is Sandals, which offers a fantastic all-inclusive island experience. While the temptation to never leave your hotel is strong, you'll find that exploring the volcanos, local fishing villages, botanic gardens and sulphur springs makes that early-evening pina colada all the more rewarding.

By far the best way to see the island is by boat. Our guide suggested we spend our first day near the small southwesterly beach of Anse Chastenet, from which you can take in many of the island's hot spots.

After setting sail one bright blue morning, we gasped as the Pitons appeared on the horizon.

These twin volcanic peaks rise 740 metres above sea level and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. But don't worry, there's no danger of forgetting to see them while on your trip - Piton is also the name of the local beer.

Some visitors choose the four-hour hike to the top, but the more sweat-averse tourists can enjoy the view from the boat. Surrounded by green tropical vegetation, they have the look of a Bond villain's headquarters, and our group was slightly disappointed when they didn't open up to reveal silver weapons.

Mooring up on shore, we headed to the hot springs that bubble up from the volcanic soil. Locals bathe in the sulphurous water, which is said to cure arthritis, rheumatism and various skin complaints - but the hot water put most of us off.

Our guide was also very careful to point out the dangers of the nearby steaming pits, known as fumaroles. At 380 degrees, these bubble ferociously, letting off steam and gas - and apparently aren't nearly so soothing.

This area around the Pitons is growing in popularity. A new exclusive resort called Jade Mountain, with a unique view over the volcanos, was finished 18 months ago.

Singer Amy Winehouse and actor Matt Damon have already enjoyed its £2,500 a week hospitality.

Suites in this breathtaking designer hotel might be beyond most peoples' budgets, but you can still have lunch in the Jade Mountain restaurant for a fraction of that price. And if you ask nicely, they might let you use their infinity pool, which provides a glorious view of the mountains.

Once back on the boat, snorkelling is a gentle and fascinating way to burn off lunch. The most popular dive site on the island is a reef near Anse Chastenet beach. If you're new to water sports, snorkelling is a terrific introduction to both water and the wonders of the deep blue sea.

Sadly, our group got so carried away with fish identification - I think I spotted 32 different types - that we missed out on an opportunity to visit the Botanic Gardens.

After heading back to the hotel, there was time for a quick shower before heading out again - this time in a minibus - for the Friday night Anse Le Ray beach town barbecue.

Developing a taste for fish is fairly important for visitors to St Lucia, otherwise the wonderful opportunities to eat fresh Red Snapper, King Fish and Mahi Mahi will be lost on you.

After dinner the local 'hop' gets going. But push images of 1950s girls with ponytails to the back of your mind. This is a strictly Caribbean affair - the street vibrates to the sound of steel drums, brightly dressed dancers shaking their hips and the cries of excited locals and tourists.

Anyone who finds it hard to get in the mood - and what Briton wouldn't - should try some spiced rum. A local drink flavoured with cherries, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, marinated spices and thyme, it's peculiarly like cough syrup with similarly loosening effects.

After a long day spent looking around the island, the resort beckoned invitingly. Having been provided with a butler for the duration of my stay, I put in a quick call to ensure that a bubble bath was awaiting my return. Climbing into a bed thoughtfully pre-covered with pink petals, I decided that I could definitely get used to having staff.

When your holiday destination is so small, inevitably the range of demands can quickly reduce to 'Where shall we eat tonight?', 'Would you like another drink?' and 'Shall we go for a swim, now or later?'.

But for those not content to let their days lap around them like gentle Caribbean waves, Sandals offers a massive range of water sports. Which is how I found myself with my feet attached to two skis being pulled through the warm sea.

Having 'conquered' one sport, I decided to leave all the other activities - which include scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, wake boarding, knee boarding and a ride on an aqua trike - to my friends. It's never a good idea to push yourself too hard.

But our group did agree to one last adventure. Having spent two days downing dangerous levels of rum, we booked a ziplining trip into the rainforest.

Covering 19,000 acres of the island, the rainforest is a natural habitat for a diverse selection of plant and animals - as well as the odd tourist pretending to be Tarzan.

Ziplining involves sliding along a cable from tree to tree. Attached by a series of clips to a metal line, we had a five-minute lesson on how to keep straight and control our speed, before being pushed out through the rainforest canopy. Platforms range from 50 to 495 feet in height. And, once you've realised you're not going to die, it's both an exhilarating experience and absolutely the best way to explore this lush part of the island.

Sitting together for a celebratory lunch of kingfish and pina coladas, we all agreed that St Lucia was a big playground - and we couldn't wait to come back. With our new husbands.

TRAVEL FACTS
Complete Caribbean offers seven nights' Luxury Included (all-inclusive) at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort in a Grande Deluxe Room from £1,475 per person, including flights ex-Gatwick (two sharing) in November. Regional supplements from Manchester/Glasgow start around £130 per person.
Honeymooners who prefer to book the one-bedroom beachfront St Lucian Suites pay from £2,095.
Reservations: Complete Caribbean (0142 353 1031; www.completecaribbean.co.uk).
:: Sandals information: 0207 590 0254 and www.sandals.co.uk

Chasing white rabbit in Utrecht

2008-11-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

She's small, she's cute and she's one of the Dutch city of Utrecht's most famous exports.

Miffy, or Nijntje, as she is known in her native Holland, graces the pages of her own books and has appeared on our TV screens - as fans of the little white rabbit will happily tell you.

Utrecht, about an hour's drive from the port of Rotterdam, is the birthplace of Miffy creator Dick Bruna who, now in his 80th year, still spends his days producing sketches.

The genial Dutchman, who appears to have taken the success of his much-loved creation in his stride, still lives in the city where he goes about his daily life untouched by the cult of celebrity.

But Utrecht is more than the home of Miffy.

It's the perfect place for a short break, with pedestrian quaysides lining a network of 14th-century sunken canals, bars and restaurants, great shopping and an eclectic mix of tourist attractions.

Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in Holland.

Founded by the Romans, it is almost 2,000 years old and was for a long time the largest and most important city in the country.

Today, Utrecht is rising in popularity as one of Holland's newest city-break destinations.

The Dutch are familiar with the city's charms, but it remains still largely undiscovered by UK visitors.

It's more likely that trippers to Holland from this country will opt for Amsterdam, but Utrecht is just as accessible via Rotterdam's Europoort, which is served by overnight cruise-ferry crossings from Hull.

The two Dutch cities have much in common, but it's fair to say that Utrecht - about 38 miles from Rotterdam - is its neighbour's quieter cousin.

The focal point of the city is the Dom Church and its tower.

A nave once connected the two, but this was never completely finished, and in 1674 it collapsed during a fierce storm. The church and the tower were never reconnected, and a street and a square now separate the two structures.

Visitors with plenty of energy can climb the 465 steps to the top of the 112-metre tower. Those who do so are rewarded with magnificent views and a close encounter with the mechanism which sets the mighty bells tolling - a cacophony which spills out over the city.

Regular tours, with an English-speaking guide, start from the visitor centre.

The mechanically and musically-minded, and those with a sense of fun, are sure to enjoy a visit to the nearby National Museum From Musical Clock To Street Organ.

The museum attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to see and enjoy automatic musical instruments from the 15th century to the present day.

A former church provides the vast amount of space needed to display such an extensive collection of musical clocks and musical boxes, reed and string instruments, orchestrions (automatic orchestras) and barrel organs.

The magic of this museum is that, with the turn of a key or some unseen gentle persuasion, your guide will transform an inanimate object into an explosion of sound!

Our guide tells us that one of the favourites with the public is the rather strange-sounding Rabbit In A Cabbage, although it is one of the simplest of automatons, both musically and technically.

The bunny, which appears from its cabbage before retreating back inside, attracts plenty of interest among visitors to the museum. But there's another rabbit on the block - and she can boast a museum of her own!

The Dick Bruna Huis is a must for Miffy aficionados of all ages. There are displays charting Bruna's extraordinary career for the grown-ups to look at, while younger visitors listen to stories and play.

Tales of Miffy and her friends have been translated into more than 40 languages. Among her biggest fans are the Japanese, and for some of those Utrecht - and anywhere associated with Bruna - has become something of a place of pilgrimage.

The Dick Bruna Huis is part of the Centraal Museum on the opposite side of the street.

Highlights from the museum's collection are works by the 17th-century Utrecht Caravaggists - who were inspired by Caravaggio - and 16th-century painter Jan van Scorel.

An impressive collection of works of art is also on display in the Catharijneconvent Museum.

Housed in a late medieval monastery, the museum tells the story of Christian culture in the Netherlands from the first missionaries to the present day.

The Museum Quarter, as it is known, is easy to explore on foot and even includes an Aboriginal Art Museum.

For a different perspective on what the city has to offer, a canal cruise comes highly recommended.

From the comfort of this watery vantage point, you survey life on two levels - the cityscape above and the cellars below, many of which have been given a new lease of life.

Here you will find subterranean restaurants such as the Restaurant de Aal, where the atmosphere is warm and friendly, and delicious food is served with a flourish among all the hustle and bustle.

There are also numerous welcoming bars with a range of quality beers and often offering delicious food, which are an excellent choice for a lunch stop.

For fine dining in sumptuous surroundings, the restaurant of the Grand Hotel Karel V - within Utrecht's first five-star hotel - is the place to go.

The hotel was converted from the former headquarters of the Knights of the German Order. The building dates from the 14th century, and Emperor Charles V - or Karel V - stayed here in 1546.

The Dutch seem to be very adept at finding new uses for old buildings. Another fine example is the wonderfully-named Winkel van Sinkel - a former department store now operating as a trendy cafe and entertainment venue.

Utrecht boasts Holland's largest shopping mall, Hoog Catharijne, while the city's narrow, inner streets are home to chic boutiques, delicatessens, patisseries, antique shops and the like. Markets also take place on a number of days.

After all that culture, gastronomy and shopping, we were grateful that the journey back to Rotterdam was a relatively short one before our voyage home aboard the Pride of Rotterdam.

The ship's superb facilities include a floating version of London's famous Langan's Brasserie, a carvery restaurant, casino, tax-paid shopping and - if you've any energy left - the chance to dance the night away with a live band and disco.

It's then time to curl up in your comfortable cabin and dream of canals, climbing church towers, the sound of bells and barrel organs, artists from far-flung continents and, of course, that little white rabbit!

TRAVEL FACTS
Mini cruises start at £70 per person return for foot passengers, and from £74 per person with car. Always check for 'two for one' offers.
P&O Ferries' Dover-Calais crossings start at £37 each way for a car and up to nine passengers, for any length of stay.
P&O Ferries reservations: 0871 664 6464 and www.poferries.com. All fares quoted are web fares.
:: Accommodation in the Utrecht area starts at Euro 97.50 per night at the NH Centre Utrecht Hotel, close to the canals, shopping district, restaurants and cafes.
Hotel reservations: 0031 3023 13169 and www.nh-hotels.com
:: Destination information: Netherlands Board of Tourism is on 0207 539 7950 and www.holland.com
:: Useful websites: National Museum from Musical Clock to Street Organ (www.museumspeelklok.nl); Dick Bruna Huis (www.dickbrunahuis.nl); City canal cruises (www.schuttevaer.com).

MONEY-MARKET MAYHEM COMPLICATES LIFE

2008-11-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

This summer, the biggest headache for families heading for Florida was squeezing the best-value package from the leading travel operators.

As the pound sinks against the dollar, the big worry could soon be finding enough spare cash for the Sunshine State.

Turmoil on currency markets could turn trips in dollar territory - currencies in South America, the Caribbean and Africa are also dollar-linked - into complex financial calculations.

Suddenly, both the yen and the dollar are in demand, with the wheezy sterling among the also-rans. If fears about our debt mountain persist, our foreign travel plans - and other areas of household spending - might need a rethink.

This summer, two adults and two children got 14-day Disney Ultimate Tickets to Orlando's big four theme parks - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom - and several smaller ones for around £630.

At Attraction Tickets Direct (ATD), managing director Oliver Brendon says the current price is £786, largely because he hedged enough currency to hold a conversion rate of 1.75 dollars to the pound - against a current New York tourist rate of around 1.50 dollars.

ATD customers can pay a 10% deposit to guarantee the current ticket price for summer 2009 - or less if the price falls.

"In two months, the pound has lost 27% against the dollar, hitting the spending power of Brits in Florida," Brendon says.

The good news for holidaymakers is that cash-strapped operators are cutting prices to early bookers for summer 2009.

Thomson's Al Fresco camping division, for instance, offers seven nights for a family of four on Spain's Costa Dorada next April from £249, including the Channel ferries and saving £280 on the 2008 brochure price.

Some of the 800,000 Britons with holiday homes abroad might do even better from the mayhem.

At currency specialist FC Exchange, managing director Nick Fullerton says: "A Eurozone home sold at 200,000 euros would give its British owner in the region of £157,500 - about £22,000 up on the value of a year ago.

"With the Euro strong and sterling taking a battering, and no improvement likely in the foreseeable future, investors may be better off taking advantage of currency rates, selling a Eurozone home to bring money back to the UK."

Don't do anything as drastic as that, says Stuart Law, chief executive of property investment company Assetz. He says savvy homeowners in France - and possibly Spain and Portugal too, if they own plenty of equity in their home - can raise loans on homes abroad to settle debts in Britain, with Euro mortgage rates below those in Britain.

"In France, until the last couple of years, there hasn't been much scope to raise money against property, and many British owners paid cash some years ago," Law says.

"At 1.24 euros to the pound, it may be efficient to use a Euro-mortgage in France - typically a repayment loan over 10-15 years - to raise funds against the credit crunch in the UK, or possibly to help children buy their first home."

Meanwhile, Britons fleeing the UK for good - nearly two million have left since 1997 - are using forward contracts to reserve weaker currencies, notably Australian and New Zealand dollars and South African rands, at a rate linked to the current one for up to two years, by paying a 10% deposit.

When the rand plunged 20% in a week in mid-October, Britons moving money to South Africa must have been tempted to lock onto the lower rate for up to two years ahead.

"What makes the present situation exceptional," says Nick Fullerton at FC Exchange, "is that major currencies, normally range-bound, are fluctuating more wildly.

"If you are moving £300,000 to Australia, the rate can move 20% in 24 hours - that's £60,000 up or down on the day before. It's huge stuff, and possibly why we have had the busiest trading month ever."

Fullerton says this is also a good time for British workers abroad to repatriate dollar and Euro-based earnings to the UK. His firm acts for employers, including film companies in South Africa and oil rig teams in Qatar, in transferring wages to UK bank accounts.

"We have pilots based abroad who want to be sure they get the same amount of sterling each month. Otherwise their wage is at the mercy of the markets," Fullerton says.

"If they are going to earn 180,000 euros a year, they send a 10% deposit - 18,000 euros - to take out 12 forward contracts on their behalf to ensure their sterling income is constant."
Can private investors cash in on the currency wobbles?

Fullerton says dabblers in currency markets are likely to burn their fingers.

Paul Dimambro, head of the Hargreaves Lansdown Currency Service, says intrepid investors use spread betting or Contracts for Difference to cash in on currency wobbles - although shrewder customers might have opened dollar-based accounts in a UK bank when sterling hit 2.11 dollars earlier this year.

"But you must remember," Dimambro says, "that interest on these accounts is low, currently below 1%. They depend on currency movements to deliver the return."

Hargreaves Lansdown, which promises exchange rates significantly better than those from banks, confirms strong demand from clients buying homes abroad.

Few can predict where rates go from here, but travellers who follow exchange rates closely in the days before departure and load a pre-paid card will tend to get an exchange rate around 10% above rates available at the airport.

Nationwide's debit card doesn't charge on overseas transactions, and money can be switched from a Flex account just before departure.

As a pre-paid Mastercard debit card loaded in advance with Euros or dollars, the FairFX Currency Card promises a keen exchange rate and close control of spending abroad. It charges no fee on retail transactions in the UK or abroad, and can be reloaded abroad free of charge, by mobile phone or internet.

Stephen Heath of FairFX says: "Although we can't give advice, we give flexibility to top up a card when the pound is stronger, and our internet model cuts costs to ensure a good exchange rate."

The FairFX euro card has a £9.95 fee, which is waived if it is loaded with a minimum £500 or obtained through the website www.moneysupermarket.com. On cash withdrawals abroad from ATMs, there is a £1.50 charge.

SOMETHINGS ABOUT CORPORATES

2008-11-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

Image-conscious corporate are now in this strange race to make a social impact.

CSR-corporate social responsibility, is a term that has become increasingly significant in business jargon.

It sees organization voluntarily taking steps to improve the quality of life not only for their customers, suppliers, employers, shareholders, communities, stakeholders but also for the environment.

The benefits are multiple. Well it is a win-win situation for both the society as well as the firm.

In the 21st century, businesses have a conscience. Ethics matter. Industry is under pressure to improve ethics through public initiatives. These businesses run hand-in-hand with social values and are not at odds with non-economic values.

Companies are focused on community-based development such as the company that I work for; EDS-an HP company has taken numerous initiatives. Employees went to an Anganwaadi school. They have contributed money to help educate children. It gives aid to local organization and impoverished communities. Such programmes would lead to more sustainable development.

It is wonderful how big MNCs take responsibility for their action on the society.

Is there some kind of corporate hypocrisy involved? These CSR policies are backed by a high-profile advertising campaign.

Their motives are questionable. Only time will tell.

But with increasing consumerism; social and environmental awareness corporate have become more responsible towards the society. It is a heartening transformation. Their economic motive is not only to earn profits but also to build a social image.

It offers a host of benefits including enhanced brand reputation and helps maximize profits and also to improve the society as a whole.