Month: September 2007
Bin Shafya strikes gold for the UAE
Bin Shafya strikes gold for the UAE
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: September 08, 2007, 23:14
Alcochette, Portugal: Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya gave the UAE its fourth successive individual gold medal in the European Open Championship which concluded in dramatic fashion late yesterday.
The UAE’s Asian Games bronze medallist Sultan Bin Sulayem crossed the finish line, first but had the misfortune of seeing his horse failing to clear the final vet check.
Mubarak’s triumph follows the wins in 2001 by Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 2003 gold medal by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and in 2005 by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Finishing second was French rider Jean Phillipe Francas while the Dubai-based Spanish couple of Jaume Punti Dachs and Maria Alcarez were third and fourth, respectively.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum finished fifth.
Earlier, Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s horse Kevin De Narthou slipped and fell just half a kilometre from the end while Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s horse was eliminated in the penultimate stage with 27 kms remaining for the finish.
Earlier in the day, the UAE riders looked set for a comfortable golden double after completing four of the six stages.
Five of the six-member UAE team claimed the top five positions after the first stage in the 160-km ride which has attracted a strong field of 88 competitors from 20 countries.
The UAE came close to capturing all six positions at the top, but Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 2002 world champion, suffered a setback when his horse lost one of its shoes early in the ride. Shaikh Ahmad lost crucial time until a farrier was rushed to the scene. He finished in 78th place but soon progressed to 12th place.
In the team event, the UAE had then mustered a healthy lead of 60 minutes over traditional rivals France and looked headed for a double triumph in the individual and open categories of the Championship.
While some leading riders from the host country Portugal fell by the wayside in the first half of the ride, Bahrain’s Shaikh Duaij Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdullah and France’s Sophie Arnaud also made an early exit.Earlier in the morning, the 88 riders battled foggy conditions and a light drizzle to start the four-star event in which the UAE were the defending champions.
POSITIONS
1. Mubarak Khalifa Al Shafya (UAE) Horse: Zakah Zahara 8:22.30
2. Jean Phillippe Francas (France/ Hanaba du Bois) 8:23.12
3. Jaume Punti Dachs (Spain/ Elvis Ahb) 8:23.18
4. Maria Alvarez Ponton (Spain/ Nobby) 8:23.43
5. Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Kaysand Farrazah) 8:25.07.
1.5 crore house waiting for you and Team India’s day out
1.5 crore house waiting for you
I have always tried to promote sports other than cricket whenever there is an opportunity. Now, there is one and any one of you can take it. It’s just simple, win an Olympic Gold medal for India. However, the offer is extended only to players from Kerala and this house is given by Trinity Builders.
I am sure other state governments will follow Kerala Government’s initiative, which will encourage our non-cricket sports person to perform better.
RIL buys GAPCO to flag off its African safari
Reliance Industries (RIL) has agreed to buy a clutch of fuel stations and storage facilities in one of the fastest growing regions in Africa, in an attempt to build a complete business chain from refineries to fuel stations in overseas markets.
Team India’s day out
Saturday, 8th September 2007 is going to be a special day for Indian Cricket. It is a day of opportunity to create history. India is going to play England on this day for the 7th and final one day match the Lord’s Cricket ground in England. Considered to be the most privileged ground, it is the dream of all cricket lovers to come and watch a game here. So, you can imagine the state of mind of the players who dream of playing here and create history here. The Indian team, after their sensational 6th match victory should be on a high moral.
Saurav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar are in good form. The opening combination should not be changed. It is a great occasion for Sachin to end this match with a good score, a century within less number of balls is a wish from every Indian Cricket fan. Let us see, whether he break the jinx of the saying that Sachin cannot come up matching winning performance. Ganguly, has just to continue his aggressive form, with a little more effort and concentration on singles and running between the wickets. Ganguly will also have a role to play as a time bowler in the middle overs.part
Gautam Gambhir has a big opportunity if he gets play at no. 3. It will help him to cement his place in the team.
The player to watch tomorrow will be Yuvaraj Singh. Knowing his aggression and mindset, tomorrow he will be waiting for his opportunity to settle scores with Dimitri Masceranhas. When Robin Uthappa hit the winning run, Yuvraj came running to the ground in relief and joy, of what he had to undergo in the last over the England innings where Masceranhas scored 30 runs from his over. So, I am eagerly waiting to see the biggest six of this series from Yuvraj as revenge from him. He is one player who plays shots with power and elegance, and tomorrow is an opportunity for him to prove that he is a player of class who can shoulder responsibilities for India.
Rahul Dravid is in good form, but has not come with a classic innings so far. He has shown that he can score quickly. Field placing and bowling changes at the right time and bowlers performance and luck factor supporting him, we may see him smiling tomorrow.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is another player who will have a great role in this match. His keeping has improved and we all are waiting for his hitting.
Ajith Agarkar may get his final opportunity of playing for Team India in England. If he gets it, it has to be the match of his life with his swinging bowls. We have not seen his sharpness in bowling during this series except once or twice and tomorrow is a big day for him if he is selected to play.
Zahir Khan has been bowling throughout the series and before. The responsibilities have started taking a toll on him and we hope he stays in good shape tomorrow and get quick wickets in the initial overs itself.
Ramesh Powar is one player whom I like to watch any number of matches. He is bold and courageous and really deceives the opposition batsmen.
Piyush Chowla is another favourite to play a big role in tomorrows match. He has done well against the top class English players like Kevin Peterson and Alastair Cook. He will definitely have more to them tomorrow.
Last but not the least, Robin Uthappa will be the player the entire English Team will be looking forward to play with. By now, through modern technology, they might have already seen, analysed and devised plans on his batting and fielding style. He has set the finals for India and if continues his courage, confidence and cool head tomorrow, we will be able to see a great game. Uthappa playing with either Dhoni or Yuvraj, we will have more than fireworks on the field.
Sreesanth is one player whom I look forward to in case they decide against Agarkar. He has the pace, seam and swing and we home, he will get a chance and will play a great game leaving aside his Sreesanth Syndrome. The way he has been playing recently, I feel he has realised his mistakes and now has great focus on the ground and what is happening or going through the mind of opposition players.
If India wins the toss, I hope Rahul Dravid will opt to field first and allow England to bowl as they have not shown good temperament to set a target. With good bowling from our bowlers, we should restrict England within 275 runs. In case India bat first, more than the openers, the middle order batmsen has to play their innings well and score runs.
As of now, it is advantage India due to their current bowling and batting form. We all pray that Indian team gets 12 safe pair of hands today in the field (11 players and Umpire – whose decisions are crucial. It is going to be a close game.
Ramesh Menon
07092007
UAE the team to beat in endurance event
Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum , Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum and Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum will lead the UAE’s challenge, along with Sultan Bin Sulayem in tomorrow’s 160-km endurance ride in the World Endurance Games.
UAE the team to beat in endurance event
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: September 06, 2007, 23:53
Alcochette, Portugal: Nearly 90 riders from 20 countries will start tomorrow’s 160-km FEI European Open Endurance Championship here about 25 kms away from the capital Lisbon and the team to beat will be the United Arab Emirates.
Ever since the UAE won its first-ever international championship, which was here in Portugal when the 1999 European Open championship was jointly held with Spain, the UAE riders have dominated the open category.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was the architect of that first win in 1999 when the UAE won the team gold and after that the UAE has virtually dominated the Open championships.
Shaikh Mohammad himself won the 2003 individual gold in 2003 while Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum won the individual gold in 2001 and now Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum starts as defending champion having won the gold in Compiegne, France in 2005.
Medal fight
Shaikh Mohammad announced the team last month which includes Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Sultan Bin Sulayem and Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya. The 160-km European Championship will have medals on offer for the Open event as well as the European event and the UAE will be challenged by traditional European powers France, Italy, Germany and hosts Portugal while two other GCC countries, Bahrain and Qatar along with the US add another dimension to the medal fight.
Ali Moosa, Endurance Head at the Dubai Equestrian Club said the UAE horses have been based in Newmarket through the summer and have been well prepared for the event.
The UAE, who last swept honours in the Doha Asiad winning the team gold and the individual gold and bronze are once again expected to be a strong force here.
Strong advantage
While the final team composition and the horses will be known today after the final pre-event veterinary check, the championship has attracted a strong field of 90 entries with at least 14 countries in the team championship.
Hosts Portugal will have a strong advantage as they will have 12 runners in the fray while all other countries will have just six.
Italian and former world silver medallist Fausto Fiorucci, who won a 160-km event at the same venue last year is back on the same horse Jaifar.
“It is really hot and one can expect a fast race. When I won we averaged around 18 kmph and you can expect a faster race tomorrow. The UAE will be the team to beat.”
Paul Branco, Vice President of the Portuguese Equestrian Federation said, “The venue is one of the best. With the river Tejo along with its estuary and marshes, large stretches of paddy field with cattle and the famous cork-oak trees all make it a scenic venue.”
Tomorrow’s ride will get off to a mass start and will be run in six phases of 34.5 kms, 21.75kms, 27.50kms, 21.75kms, 27.50kms and 27kms.
BP ready to take opportunities in Iraq
BP ready to take opportunities in Iraq
Reuters / Published: September 04, 2007, 00:37
Dubai: BP is ready to compete for the opportunities that arise in Iraq’s oil and gas sector once the country passes its oil and gas law, a senior executive said on Sunday.
Iraq’s parliament has yet to debate the controversial oil law, but was expected to consider it this month. Washington has pushed Iraq for months to speed up passage of the oil law, which is among legislation it sees as pivotal to reconciling warring Iraqis and attracting foreign investment.
“We’ve studied all of Iraq and absolutely have a view on which are the relatively good looking prospects,” Steve Peacock, president of BP’s Middle East and South Asia Exploration and Production unit, told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Dubai. “Whether it turns out to be a licensing round or some other form of offering, we’re ready.”
Open tender
Iraq’s oil minister said last month the government hopes to call an open tender to develop its oilfields as early as this month if the law was passed. Developing the oil sector and boosting export revenues are key to reconstructing the country’s shattered economy.
The contracts and terms that Iraq may offer oil companies to work on its prized oilfields have yet to be defined.
The type of contract was much less important than ensuring the terms were attractive for both the oil company and the government, Peacock said.
“There are many forms of contract that can find that sweet spot in the middle,” Peacock said.
Oil companies tend to regard short-term service agreements as less of a lure than longer-term production sharing agreements.
Service agreements could be attractive if the terms compensate for the skills, tools and experience that international oil companies bring to the table, he said.
BP would be unable to send people to work in Iraq until the security improves, he said.
“We hope that happens soon for the sake of Iraqi people, not just so that we can go in and do business,” he said.
Recommendations that BP has made to Iraq on the southern Rumaila oilfields have had a positive effect on output there, he said.
Studies that BP carried out on Rumaila, one of Iraq’s largest oilfields, showed that production could be boosted quickly with application of modern techniques, he added. He declined to detail the potential increase.
“This ought to be encouraging for Iraq, although I can’t say if all the fields look lie Rumaila.”
Years of war and sanctions and more recently insecurity have led to chronic underinvestment in Iraq’s oil sector and led to concern of permanent damage to oil reservoirs at fields such as Rumaila.
Shorter hours for all pvt sector staff in Ramadan
Shorter hours for all pvt sector staff in Ramadan
By Mary Nammour /KHALEEJ TIMES 7 September 2007
DUBAI — The working hours during the holy month of Ramadan will be shorter by two hours for all private sector employees regardless of their religion or nationality, a senior official of the Ministry of Labour (MoL) has said.
Any company found violating this directive will be penalised as per the Labour Law, said Humeid bin Demas, assistant under-secretary of the MoL. A Dh10,000 penalty would be slapped on the violating companies, besides a three-month ban.
The official warned: “If any company is found discriminating between its staff with regard to the shortened working hours on the basis of religion, it will be penalised.”
OPEC president says no shortage of oil
OPEC president says no shortage of oil
(Reuters)6 September 2007
DALIAN, China – The oil market is well balanced and there is no shortage of crude, OPEC’s president said on Thursday, ahead of a meeting of the producer group next week that is expected to maintain supply curbs.
“I think the market is very well balanced… There is no shortage whatsoever of oil supplies,” Mohammed bin Dhaen al-Hamli, who is also oil minister of the United Arab Emirates, told Reuters.
In the run up to the Sept. 11 gathering, several members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have said they see no need to boost supply, despite calls by consumer nations for an increase that could help bring down high prices.
Hamli, in the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian for the World Economic Forum, declined to comment on what OPEC would decide at next week’s meeting.
OPEC has spare capacity ready to meet extra demand if necessary, but any additional crude it produced now would go into already high stockpiles, he said.
Although US crude traded above $76 on Thursday, near the record-high hit in August, Hamli said that adjusted for a weak dollar and inflation, prices were around 1970s levels.
Strong economic growth, despite recent concerns about the health of the US economy after a credit crunch, was also supporting oil demand, he said.
“We think the world economy is growing and that means that there is quite strong demand on the oil,” he said.
Options open
Asked if an extra harsh start to the peak winter season or other unexpected factors could cause them to call a meeting between September and the next gathering in December, to reconsider output levels, he said it was always an option.
“If there is a need to meet before the next scheduled meeting we certainly would,” he said.
An OPEC source said on Tuesday the group may need to boost crude oil output by up to 1 million barrels per day (bpd) later in 2007, perhaps in December, should demand prove robust and inventories fall.
Hamli also urged countries pushing to boost renewable energy capacity to keep OPEC updated about their plans. China aims to get 15 percent of its energy from non-fossil fuels by 2020, while the European Union is targeting 20 percent.
The producers group, which pumps around one-third of the world’s oil, is not worried appetite for crude will tail off, but needs the information to ensure they have enough spare capacity to protect consumer nations without wasting their cash on developing fields that will sit idle.
“In OPEC we encourage efficient utilisation of resources,” he said. “There will always be demand for oil, but we want to know.”
Hamli emphasised a shortage of skilled labour and bottlenecks in the refinery sector as key factors in high oil prices that were beyond producer nations’ control.
The skills shortfall is pushing up costs and causing delays, but he said the UAE is still moving ahead to boost refining capacity.
A refinery to be built in the UAE’s Fujairah would possibly have capacity of around 300,000 bpd, Hamli said.
That was down on the 500,000 bpd initially mooted by the Abu Dhabi-owned International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), working on a feasibility study with ConocoPhillips for the project, expected to cost between $8 billion and $10 billion.
The art of keeping cool, 300,000 & 10 cents goal and taxi taxi where are you?
I am happy this evening. There are several reasons behind. First one is the fact that I was able to complete a topic which was supposed to be published a few days before. Although the idea was there in my mind for this long, the flow of thoughts was not there. I was able to post it and email you that yesterday.
The second one was the fighting performance of the Indian Team in the 6th One Day International match at Oval stadium in England. Indian Team played excellent cricket and kept their cool till the last over. Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly played well to give India a good start and took India into to a comfort zone. It was sad to see Tendulkar getting out in the 90s for the second time in this series. Those who play cricket, competitive cricket knows the feeling and hard work required to make those many runs. However, it was Robin Uthappa, who was the hero of the game for India. Not many times, we see players showing the guts to attack at times of crisis and he showed that he has tremendous determination in him. Each of his shots were examples of it. Power, placement and guts. This is what we lacked in the games before and which was there in this game through Uthappa today. Not even for a second, he showed panic in his eyes and throughout it was glowing with optimism and focus. Well done Uthappa. You set the series to a thriller and we all look forward now to the final match of the series at the Lords stadium. I am sure that there is one person who is waiting patiently to play in that game. It is none other than Sreesanth. I feel he will get the opportunity to play in that crucial game. It is also my wish to see many active people within the team than docile ones. It is my gut feeling and I am waiting to see that happen. It’s a place where the ball seems and I am sure he will be able to utilise the situation, keeps his cool and do establish a permanent position in the team if given this opportunity. Saurav Ganguly also deserves extra praise in his determination and fighting spirit. What a come back he has made from his time of elimination to now! With the bat and the ball, he is showing leading examples to all youngsters. In one of the matches, his bowling average at one stage were looking like 7 overs 4 maiden 3 runs and 2 wickets or something like that. Well done, you set the right example to all those who get sidelined at times due to various reasons and remind them that if you stay focussed, victory will be yours. If not today, definitely tomorrow.
300,000 and 10 cents goal
I was writing about the status of Indian Football team members in comparison with the cricketers in my write up of yesterday. Just read that the Kerala government has awarded Rs.300,000 and 10 cents of lands for the striker of Indian team N. Pradeep for his Nehru Cup winning goal in the tournament final. That is a good sign. But it should not remain there. We should promote all other games so that more and more youth get interested to come out and participate in competitive sports.
Taxi, taxi where are you?
The taxi problems and my pursuit to find a solution for Abu Dhabi road users continues…. If you wish to support me in this, log on to Gulf News (http://www.gulfnews.com/opinion/letters/letters.html) page and express your own comments. Pass it on to any of your colleagues or friends who is experiencing this situation these days while coming and going to office. If we don’t express our problems, no one will realise it.
God Bless and have a great day,
Ramesh Menon
06092007
Smile smile smile, One more time, It’s a bright Bright BRIGHT sunshine day
It is not an easy job to write something readable keeping the curiosity and continuity elements. It is equally or more not easy to capture the attention of genuine readers and casual readers and passive browsers. You all know it well as I have tested it too well. Welcome once again to read through a weekly round up from Team 1.
Onam
Traditional Onam Sadhya
The week gone by was one of celebration and festivity for all Malayalis. Onam 2007 was celebrated with fervour and festivity. Looking at the various functions held here during the past few days, I felt, people show more unity when they are out of their own home state. At one such function held here at a labour camp which I participated, the Onam Sadhya served was very sumptuous. The elaborate varieties of dishes prepared by the bachelors included the traditional Sarkara upperi (banana chips fried and then coated with mix of jiggery syrup and dried ginger). It brought a lot of memories. Gone are the good old Onam days where children wake up early in the morning and pluck flowers and arrange beautiful flower arrangements (pookalam). Gone are the days where the eldest member from the family (karanavar) gift all the others with new set of clothes. Gone are the days when after a sumptuous meal, men and women play traditional games. Gone are the days of Kummatti and Pulikkali. Now everything is packaged. Children does not really know the meaning and value of Onam. For that matter, even the adults are glued on to the TV set watching various programmes. It is an admitted reality that in search of modernisation, we all tend to forget our tradition and culture. For that matter this is the case with every tradition now. We do not have time to pass on the much needed knowledge transfer of our cultural and traditional values, which our ancestors, with patience and wisdom passed on to us. It’s time to wake up.
Attitude
Thinking about this reminded me of some new found attitudes. I would wish to bring on here display of two such incidents which I had to witness in the past one month. One was an incident at a highway coffee shop, where I found a well dressed gentleman with an expensive T-Shirt, shouting loudly at the restaurant waiter for taking time to serve him. The counter was full with at least 6 to 7 customers in front, all asking for various items at the same time and due to which the waiter was finding it difficult as he was the only one around. Our friend, well dressed and projecting an intellectual and knowledgeable look started fuming around and finally got himself out of control to the extent that he abused the poor guy even racially. Every one around was watching and no reactions. You know what was written at the back of his T-Shirt. In bold and colourful letter a graffiti saying “NO FEAR”. May be he was trying to promote his attitude with this poor worker.
Another case, I had to watch with astonishment, happened at the Delhi airport. Near the conveyor belt, while waiting for the baggage to arrive, I found two well dressed and highly placed government employees, on their way back from a foreign tour – obviously government sponsored and intended to learn and study the developments abroad – fighting out to grab a trolley, which was the only one available at that point. They forgot all what they have seen, learnt, and wanted to introduce from their tour and returned back to their village level in their language usage. Here too, everyone was silent spectators. None to comment, none to control or react. Here again, there was a group of school children on their educational tour to learn India and it’s culture was there as spectators witnessing their first on hand Indian experience, straight out from their airplane. As I wrote earlier and as I repeatedly write here and will write again, we all react or respond only when something is pointed towards us or affecting us. All other happenings are to be silently watched.
Movie reviews
A few more things happened during the week passed by. Two of them are about contemporary movies – Chak De (in Hindi) and Arabikadha (in Malayalam). Both movies were released here in the Gulf and doing well. Both touched sensitive subjects in different ways.
Chak de (Do well) In Chak De was Sharukh Khan with a group of talented young actors visualising the life of the captain of Indian Hockey Team after he hit a crucial penalty during a world cup finals out of the goal post. Labelled cheater and detractor, he and his family was isolated from the society and he goes in to a retreat. The resurrection in to the national level after a period of seven years as the coach of the women’s hockey team, which no one really believed will reach to any higher stage of the game was his for take. With a bunch of young girls with different attitudes, personality and regional politics, Sharukh as the Coach, portrayed his character very well. All the girls enacted their roles superbly and other supporting actors too played their part to perfection making this movie worth watching. There are several reviews written about it already, praising the management theories embedded in the story line. However, I would like to touch the emotional part of it. Where Sharukh as the team captain who did not manage the winning stroke, and accusations, pointed fingers, criticism from all corners and insults to him and his family. With no real friends or supporters he decides to leave his village watched by all including children. Even during the period as coach of the national team for women, he was not spared of insult by his own wards and how he controls his emotions clearly depicts the toughness of life when one really experiences how the clock stands still in his/her life. The determination and dedication to come out of this and come up, was portrayed excellently by the actor. All the actors did justice to what was expected of them. However, the photography and camera work could have been raised to a higher level, especially during the match sequence, where although the director was trying to project a fast paced and nail biting game, the camera did not catch up with his intentions. Overall, a very good movie, worth watching with family, especially children.
Arabikadha (Stories from the Arabian land) was a movie conceived for a longer time and finally happened. Intended to touch the intricacies of life of expatriate workers in the Arabian gulf, especially UAE, the story revolves around a hard core communist party worker Mukundan (enacted by veteran actor Sreenivasan) who had to leave his native village due to political problems. Forced and foxed to come to the gulf in the pretext of cementing the party roots among the labour force working here, he lands straight in to the harsh realities of a middle class, moderately educated expat’s life where one has no experienced job or language skills to acquire a proper job. Cheated first by his own party comrades (to come to gulf whereby his associate utilises the opportunity to join with the industrialist and become a minister), and then by his own roommate and all those whom he come across, because of his straight forward nature, Mukundan, bump into a Chinese lady who makes her living by selling pirated cds. With Russian and Chinese idealism, Mukundan thinks that this is his girl for life and goes out of his way to help her during her difficulties and the movie takes twists and turns and finally comes up with a good ending. The short sequences of treacheries happening in financial dealings and job front was very well conveyed. For many this may be a reminiscence of what happened to them or what they went through at some stage of their stay here in the Gulf. Although Sreenivasan did his role well, the story and screenplay could have been done much better with more meaningful role to the three dronacharyas of Radio revolution in the UAE, namely Mr.Albert Alex, Mr. K P K Vengara and Mr. Moideen Koya. The amount of selfless service and reward less hours these three veterans have put in, because of which the Radio industry in UAE and Gulf all over, in particular the FM movements progressed is worth mentioning here. At least the producer and director made an effort to remember them and cast them in small roles shows their unavoidable importance among the middle class work force, whom they connect between each of the small corners of their native villages and the GULF through various regional programmes. It could have been nicer to have seen some of their memories enacted rather than casting so many lifeless characters to fill the volume. The new actor, Mr. Abdulla, who played the role of the restaurant owner, out performed everyone. Through this performance malayalam movie world has one more talented performer to do meaningful roles. Although a small cameo role,Mr.Satheesh Menon also did his part well and hope it will give him the long awaited break he is looking for in the silver screen. Hope some of the Bollywood or Kollywood Directors gets to see this movie and extend offers in fitting roles to him as many movies are being produced in Dubai these days. The movie also projected the way politicians uses the gulf countries to do their back door dealings. The camera work failed many times, especially when Jayasurya driving a car was quite visible that he was on top of a car parked on a recovery pick up. Arabikadha, on the whole did not achieve the finer points what originally it was intended to portray.
I think both Chak De and Arabikadha are now available on DVDs with English language translations and worth watching.
Indian Football 
India for the first time in the history of Nehru Cup Football won the trophy beating Syria (1-0) with a superb goal from striker Pradeep. Labelled as a tournament with mediocre teams, Indian players did very well to display excellent football throughout the tournament. For the first time the team had players who were able to produce outstanding long range shots and passes, due to which the team played unstoppable football and won the trophy. However, Football is not Cricket and except some initial few line coverage in the front page of newspapers, neither the team or the players got any mentioning or coverage for what they achieved. So, forget about the rewards and receptions. I don’t think the entire football team got rewards that a C grade Indian cricketer gets for one match he plays. Even if continuously losses in matches, we worship cricket and create criketing gods after each and every series.
Sports Miscellaneous – Indian Hockey & Sania Mirza
Whether it is due to the Chak de movie influence or due to some other cosmic influence, Indian Hockey is having an excellent run in the ongoing Asia Cup Hockey matches being held at Hong Kong. Let us hope they keep continuing the momentum and wins the Asia Cup Trophy and prove that India can do well in sports other than Cricket.
Sania Mirza is on her winning ways these days. The superb form has taken several places up in the ranking. However, the extreme demand required to keep one fit in level of sports is taking toll on her and showed in her 3rd exit at the US Open. Pairing with Mahesh Bhupathi, she is still in contention for a World Title for India. Let’s hope for an impossible to happen.
Cricket
A weekly round up without any mention about Cricket will be unpardonable. The ongoing series between India and England is getting into a tight situation with England leading 3-2 currently. A win in the match tomorrow will level the series and makes it even more interesting. However, it is to be seen how we will get there. With fielders dropping all the catches, and the batsmen yet to learn to run the singles, and bowlers performance not guaranteed, it is a tough task ahead. Again, questions are in plenty as to the resource usage – players like Robin Uthappa and Rohit Sharma not being given a chance to play and remained within the dressing room. Promising bowlers like Sreesanth were not even given a chance and how can they improve and prove until and unless they get to play? The formation of Indian Cricket League and the chain reactions associated going on in the other cricketing countries because of players joining ICL is another fun aspects we get to see during the coming days. The 20-20 World Cup is also round the corner. So, once again, it is eat cricket, breath cricket and hell with cricket (of course only if India losses).
Abu Dhabi Taxi situation
Since the schools started after the summer holidays, The taxi users in Abu Dhabi are experiencing severe shortage of taxis. The situation remains the same today also, there are several people waiting on the road. A look at any taxi stops, you will find several men and women on their way to office waiting for taxis and the expressions on their face, reminds of a goalkeeper waiting for a penalty shoot, or a rugby player getting ready for a home run. I strongly feel that your newspaper is not giving the right coverage about problems of commuters here in Abu Dhabi (although I admit, when compared to those in Dubai and Sharjah – this is very minor). However, this requires attention as this can be solved very easily – 1st by placing a Q system and barriers in the Taxi waiting area and 2nd by introducing a Circular Bus route in the Abu Dhabi with more bus frequencies.
I am trying my small bit of effort to influence and convince the authorities to introduce either one of these suggestions. How far the media supports me and authorities listen to me, will wait and watch. Both ways, we do not want our work force to get training on the road to become an expert goalkeeper or rugby/football player early in the morning on their way to work.
Teacher’s Day
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.
– William Arthur Ward
September 5 is Teacher’s Day in “India”. It is the birthday of second President of India and teacher Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. When Dr. Radhakrishnan became the president of India in 1962, some of his students and friends approached him and requested him to allow them to celebrate 5 September, his birthday. In reply, Dr. Radhakrishnan said, “Instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as “Teachers Day”.
This is not a holiday in India. It is considered a “celebration” day, where teachers and students report to school as usual but the usual activities and classes are replaced by activities of celebration, thanking and remembrance. At some schools on this day, the responsibility of teaching is taken up by the senior students as an appreciation for their teachers. The idea is to let teachers sit back just for a day and let the students have a glimpse into the life of a teacher. It is an occasion when a token or appreciation in the form of presents are given to teachers by students to show their love and respect.
Traditionally, people in India have given tremendous respect and honor to teachers and hold teachers in high esteem. An old Indian saying (usually taught to children), ranks teacher in the third place, even before God: “‘Maata, Pitha, Guru, Daivam'”, meaning Mother, Father and Teacher is God.
There is a difference between the spiritual teacher and a material teacher. For spiritual teacher, who causes to remove all the illusions from the mind of his disciple and makes him feel the precence of God, there is another saying in the form of a couplet (doha), which goes, “Guru Govind doou khare kake lagon paai? Balihari guru aap ki Govind deeo batai,” Meaning “I am in a fix whom to salute first: the teacher or the God. I shall choose the teacher as he is the one who is instrumental in me knowing the God”. Further, a central piece in Hindu scripture reads “Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Guru devo Maheshwaraha – Gurussaakshaath param brahma tasmai shree gurave namaha,” which translates as “The Guru (Teacher) is the Lord Brahma (the Creator), the Guru is the Lord Vishnu (the Preserver), the Guru is the Lord Shiva (the Destroyer). The Guru is the Supreme Brahman (Ultimate Reality) visible to our eyes. To that Guru we offer our salutations”
There were always some confusions between a spiritual teacher to a material teacher. But these two are not at the same level and one must make sure that how to treat them individually.
And this is what an eminent educationalist and well respected Teacher Mrs. Abha Sahgal, Principal of Delhi Private School Sharjah had to say this morning: “A perfect school is a happy school, where there is no prejudice and no petty rivalries”. It is our duty to develop the student during his formative years to be a good citizen who stands apart in the crowd and who know his right and his duty towards his family and the society.
Pranams, best wishes and greetings to all Teachers and Gurus whose feet I touches before initiating any thing small or big.
89.1 Radio 4 FM
I get to listen to the radio only for a few minutes in the morning while driving to office. This is a disadvantage I have over my friends in Dubai, who, because of heavy traffic get to enjoy at least one hour of radio time while driving to work and one hour plus while driving back. During these few minutes, I switch on to one of my favorite radio channel, i.e. 89.1 Radio 4 FM and listen to DJs Charu and Siddharth. What a bunch of Positive minded people!. Continue your efforts and keep every one positive in your own way. You are doing a great job, as all others at 89.1 through out the day. But the initial start is of great importancde and no wonder the theme song – “Smile, smile, smile, One more time, It’s a bright Bright BRIGHT sunshine day”.
Passing it to you and wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.
God Bless,
Ramesh Menon
05092007
ClicksandWrites 
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