Clicks and writes
Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 14.08.2010 – New Age Pets
Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 14.08.2010 – New Age Pets
New age pets
If someone asks what is the most inseparable electronic gadget one loves to carry, you will easily be told by one and all that it is a mobile phone. Many times, we get to see people go crazy over this gadget and disobeying instructions and carrying out their conversations irrespective of the danger it could bring out to him or others near.
During my recent visit to India, I witnessed such an incident when a gentleman inside the flight kept on talking on his phone even after the pilot’s instructions came on for take off. He chose not to listen to the instructions of the staff and kept on talking of some silly business transactions he was able to carry out during the recent times. Co-passengers had to literally force him to switch off his mobile. Probably, every one had in their mind the recent air traffic tragedy at Mangalore.
In another incident, I was visiting a relative. As we were received and led inside the sitting room and started conversation, the host sat in front of us in his sofa.
Next to him lay, two phones, and as he talked to us, he was checking the phones one after another. It went on to an extent that we felt his mind was not there with us as he just tried casually to get in and out of the conversation happening without actually involving himself. Curious to know what was that urgent thing that kept him distracted continuously, I came to know that he was responding to his emails on one and on the other, he was doing online queries and trading. I was thinking of the earlier days, when pets used to sit near and the owner patted them and as they expressed their affectionate emotions enjoyed by all around.
Now, the new age pets converse with the owner only as others watch helplessly.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY Online.
My Letters ; GULF NEWS Dt. 13.08.2010 – Take a thoughtful stand
My Letters ; GULF NEWS Dt. 13.08.2010 – Take a thoughtful stand
I thank the readers who wrote against and in favour of my community report about men consuming alcohol in public (“Be a part of change”, Gulf News, August 8). Since I regularly take up quality issues with various Abu Dhabi authorities, I had the contact numbers needed to alert the police and the media. But, I marked the pros and cons in my mind before taking any steps. It was not [due to] fear. If that were the case, I would not have submitted the community report with my name given the possibility of angry reactions in one way or the other. If I were to report the wrongdoers, it would have resulted in the arrest of those individuals and a report to that effect in the newspaper. However, I strongly felt a community report through Gulf News would result in a wider impact and alert all concerned. So, be alert and act according to the situation.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS Online.
Mind Speaks – Rain, a pond and a temple elephant
Mind Speaks – Rain, a pond and a temple elephant
As usual, however short it may be, I make it a point to visit my ancestoral home, the temple and the old neighbours at Oorakam, Thrissur District Kerala. It was raining heavily on that day, I found this temple elephant, tied securely and under treatment for heat, enjoying the heavy rain on that day.
The incessant rain and the overflowing pond nearby shows very clearly the amount of rain received during this season. To add beauty to it, there was a series of thunder and lightning. Since I was driving, I was unable to capture them.
It is a delight to jump into the pond and swim our heart out. No wonder, Kerala, always GOD’s Own Country, at least when we talk about nature and it’s beauty.
My Photos – Gulf News Dt. 11.08.2010 – RTA to revise speed limits on Dubai roads: official
My Photos – Gulf News Dt. 11.08.2010 – RTA to revise speed limits on Dubai roads: official
While warning signs about speeding abound, minivans and heavy truck drivers do not seem to care, according to Gulf News reader Ramesh Menon.
Image Credit: Ramesh Menon/Gulf News reader
Gulf News Dt. 11.08.2010 – RTA to revise speed limits on Dubai roads: official
The RTA would soon finalise the new “Speed Manual” containing details about speed limits on Dubai roads in accordance with the best and modern global standards
By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
Published: 00:00 August 11, 2010
Dubai: Speed limits on a number of roads will be revised as part of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plan to ensure safety of all road users, said a senior official.
The decision is being taken in light of the recommendations of the Speed Management Strategy Project which is nearing completion. The project was launched in June last year to assess proper speed limits for Dubai roads in accordance with the road design and its utilisation.
“Implementation and compliance with the specified speed limits will contribute to a better traffic flow and minimise road accidents and consequently loss of life and property,” said Maitha Obaid Bin Adai, Chief Executive Officer of the RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.
She said that the RTA would soon finalise the new “Speed Manual” containing details about speed limits on Dubai roads in accordance with the best and modern global standards.
Maitha noted that there was an increase in road accident fatalities as a result of speeding.
Exercise caution
She called on road users to exercise caution during driving and not to exceed the speed limit as speeding risks have become a major cause of fatal traffic accidents in the city.
Maitha said that some 40 people have already lost their lives in 22 fatal accidents in the first quarter of the year. Some 63 people were killed in road accidents in 48 fatal accidents in the three months of last year.
Engineering standards
“Adhering to the fixed driving speed is the most effective way to minimise traffic accidents,” she said, adding that the speed fixing mechanism is based on accurate engineering standards including the designed driving speed for a road, actual driving speed level observed by most drivers, urbanisation level on both sides of the road, pedestrian movement, schools and mosques and traffic volume.
She said speeding renders the driver unable to control the steering wheel and deprives him or her of ample opportunity to identify appropriate options when suddenly confronted by a traffic situation.
“We, in the RTA, are seeking to share with all road users the results of traffic accidents analyses and studies to educate and acquaint them with the risks of speeding such as human and material losses,” she added.
She said that RTA would launch an awareness programme for safe driving focusing on providing relevant information and statistics together with examples of individuals hospitalised as a result of injuries sustained in traffic accidents.
Do you think the speed limits are suitable? Are there areas that should be reviewed?
To read this in original, please visit GULF NEWS Online.
Ramadan wishes 2010
Ramadan wishes 2010
The holy month of Ramadan starts from today, 11th August 2010 in the UAE. On the advent of the holy month, I wish everyone a blessed Ramadan.
In this picture, workers completing last minutes touches this morning on the entrance of ABU DHABI MALL which is getting decorated to greet customers during Ramadan.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE – A humble request to Abu Dhabi authorities to restore back the Volcano Fountain in Abu Dhabi
MAKING A DIFFERENCE – A humble request to Abu Dhabi authorities to restore back the Volcano Fountain in Abu Dhabi
GETTING THE VOLCANO FOUNTAIN BACK
Adopt a zoo animal scheme – My Letters – THE NATIONAL Dt. 06.08.2010
My Letters – THE NATIONAL Dt. 06.08.2010 – Adopt a zoo animal scheme
My Letters – THE NATIONAL Dt. 06.08.2010 – Adopt a zoo animal scheme
The UAE has some world-class zoo facilities available for residents to enjoy wildlife not normally seen in this region. It requires great effort and finance to maintain them. It would be a good idea to introduce an “Adopt an animal” scheme at the UAE zoos, especially in Dubai and Al Ain. Specified amounts can be set and individuals and organisations can then adopt an animal for a day, a week or a year according to their means.
This will provide financial assistance for their upkeep to help better maintain the facilities and the animals. It would also generate greater involvement among the public to visit them often. For schools and children in particular, it would open up an enriched way to know more about wildlife and nature.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.
Community report – Gulf News Dt. 01.08.2010 – Men drinking alcohol in public
Community report – Gulf News Dt. 01.08.2010 – Men drinking alcohol in public
Gulf News reader Ramesh Menon said he was startled to come across a group of people drinking alcohol in a public park. He said: ” I call for more vigilance and increased community policing…” Image Credit: Ramesh Menon, Gulf News reader
Community report – Gulf News Dt. 01.08.2010 – Men drinking alcohol in public
As a passionate photographer, I love to explore the Capital city during the serene early hours of Friday and Saturday. As usual, I set out one morning at 7.30am and there were some activities awaiting my attention in the park at the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
As soon as I reached the location, a small hill surrounded by green fencing, I spotted a group of people in one corner sitting and talking. There were bottles scattered in front of them and one person was pouring something into a plastic container. I understood very clearly what they were doing from their behaviour.
As I moved around and continued clicking, I found myself back in the same spot after an hour and they were still progressing with their activities.
From the bold way in which this group of people openly drank alcohol at 8.30am, I felt that this was not the first time they had done it.
They may have had a steady supply of alcohol from someone nearby, or they would not have found such a convenient place and time to indulge in the practice. When I looked around, I saw families scattered around the park, and children playing in groups and by themselves, away from their families.
Fearful thoughts came to my mind. I remember the sad plight of young children I read about in the news, who had been abducted or molested.
This particular group soon reached an inebriated state and started drinking directly from the bottle. As I walked away, I saw them throwing and shattering the empty bottles on a nearby lamp post.
I strongly feel that this is not a one-off incident. Effective control measures are needed. I call for more vigilance and increased community policing in public parks and beaches during morning hours and evenings.
— The reader is a technical officer, based in Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online.
Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 31.07.2010 – Quest for knowledge
Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 31.07.2010 – Quest for knowledge
Our knowledge and experience are the only things that, if passed on, will remain with the generations. All the other things, money, property, etc, will have a natural, timely or untimely death.
Knowledge passed on, by any means, will become immortal. It will be all the more, if it is through a creative medium. I was surprised recently to learn this when I happened to notice a painting, which I had created in 1999 and posted on a webpage created that time, now being used in a German site, where they explain in detail the thoughts and principles underlying that drawing. I was amazed and swept off.
I am writing this to all those who hold their reservations, either due to shortage of time or other reasons for not utilising a wonderful opportunity thrown in front.
This is not the old age situation that happened to Ekalavya, who learned the secrets of archery techniques from the legendary guru Dronacharya, by hiding behind the bushes. When he came to know that Ekalavya had learned more than what he had taught to his favourite student Arjuna, Dronacharya, asked for his thumb finger as the Guru Dakshina (fees) from Ekalavya.
Don’t worry, our science and technology is far and well advanced now. Give your thumb finger out to your gurus or mentors if they are asking for it, and share your knowledge, as we have many a new technology already ready to replace it better than the original one. Have no fear, and have no holds.
This is also a tribute to all those who work hard and do continuous education through various Distant Learning Programmes. They deserve a special applause for hard work and dedication put in to continue their quest for gaining knowledge, without forgetting commitments towards profession and family.
Thanks to all those professors and support staff who work hard to present and create a classroom atmosphere and provide quality materials at par with other universities worldwide for these knowledge seekers, who in normal case could not have done it without their efforts.
Ramesh Menon
To read this in orginal, please visit GULF TODAY online.
Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 24.07.2010 – Keep Communicating
Keep communicating
The heat is on. CVs are coming in volume from job hunters. Thanks to the global recession, many companies still reduce staff.
The banking sector is also in greater caution and this is another major area for many of us who have an attitude to be there when in need.
In the coming days/months we may get to hear many sad stories/tragedies of job loss/life etc directly or indirectly due to the economic scenario.
It is, therefore, important to be in touch with your regular friends/loved ones/contacts. Make sure you get to create a communication and feel their pulse. I am sure you will definitely be able to get the feelings across, even if it is a silence or pause in the communication. But to be there at the time in need is the most important gift you can give to a friend or a well-wisher of yours.
The reason for writing this here is an interview of Indian actor Dileep shown on TV some time ago about a movie where he did a stunt scene by jumping into the sea. In it, he explained what was his feeling before jumping and once in motion down.
No control, and life and death were seconds away.
Luckily for him there were people to rescue him, who were on standby. But a repeat shot had to be taken and he continued, there were no one around and it was really touch and go.
Two years ago, a friend committed suicide due to a financial fraud by one of his customers. Almost similar time, another friend’s wife committed suicide due to prolonged arthritis ailment. Both took the same aerial route of jumping from the balcony and the narration by Dileep was really touchy and brought back memories several times.
If, someone was there to hold them/restrain them back from that decision, life would have been an altogether different thing for their children.
Let the party continue, enjoy life as it happens, let the rejoicing progress if you are on the lucky side. But keep an eye and ear open for that precious silence somewhere around.
You never know, a chance hello or a short email will make you realise the reason for that precious silence and may give you an opportunity to be the important person for someone whom you care.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.
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