Fruits of the loom: picking up the threads of an ancient story – My opinion

Posted on January 9, 2010

My opinion – Fruits of the loom: picking up the threads of an ancient story

Fruits of the loom: picking up the threads of an ancient story

The author of an evocative new book A Carpet Ride To Khiva, Chris Alexander recounts his efforts to establish a self-sufficient carpet workshop in Uzbekistan, transforming the lives of a community and reviving the lost arts and forgotten traditions of the Silk Road.

When I first told friends and relatives that I planned to leave England and move to Uzbekistan, people would either look blank, or assume that I’d said Pakistan or Afghanistan.

To read the entire story, please click here.

My comments:
Very interesting story and it is sad to read that, at times it is a global phenomenon by ruling authorities to control progressive measures benefiting the local communities, tradition and lifestyle.

Ramesh Menon

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My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt 06 Jan 2010 – Have you seen an improvement in driving on the UAE’s roads?

Posted on January 6, 2010

Have you seen an improvement in driving on the UAE’s roads?

Last Updated: January 06. 2010 / Road deaths in the UAE have fallen by 10 per cent since the police began a crack down on bad driving. Have you seen an improvement in driving on the roads? Let us know your views.

My comments on website:

Realistically speaking yes and no. There has been a sense of improvement in the driving habits of the middle class drivers, who fear the law and the safety of life due to the added campaigns and awareness of fines and punishments. However, those high end drivers, still continue with their racing habits irrespective of any conditions. The mini vans and buses, including at times the RTA buses, continue with their alarming style of driving ignoring the safety of passengers on board and on the road. I strongly feel, more campaigns, more training at the root level of organisations to educate these drivers will complement the effort of the authorities to bring out a real sense of safety on the road.

Ramesh Menon
e-mail: team1dubai@gmail.com

To read it on THE NATIONAL, please click here

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My Letters – The National – dt 05 Jan 2009 – Burj Khalifa a ‘name to reflect greatness’

Posted on January 5, 2010

Burj Khalifa a ‘name to reflect greatness’
Last Updated: January 05. 2010

DUBAI // In a glittering ceremony punctuated with skydivers and fireworks, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tonight officially opened the tallest building in the world and also revealed its new name.

The tallest tower in the world, its feet anchored in the UAE and its crown floating in the clouds, was inaugurated in an eruption of fireworks last night.

In a theatrical twist worthy of a memorable night, the skyscraper received a new name: Burj Khalifa.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE, was not among the hundreds of dignitaries who attended the event, but it is his name that will be affixed to the tallest building ever built.

Sheikh Mohammed told the cheering crowds that the “Burj Khalifa” name was one that “reflected greatness”.

The glass-and-steel structure is now, officially, the tallest in the world, at 828 metres, and will welcome tourists from today.

A multimedia presentation riveted thousands of spectators who gathered at the base of the tower, as well as millions who watched on television.

The presentation featured 10,000 pyrotechnics devices and a show so spectacular that the tower appeared to be exploding.

The tower’s height was later confirmed by the developer, Emaar.

The final height had been kept a secret until the inauguration. The number of floors to be inhabited was left at “more than 160”.

Motorists parked their vehicles on Sheikh Zayed Road and all along the tower to take pictures of an unforgettable event.

Comments: Added: 01/04/10 10:32:00 PM

Congratulations to the rulers of UAE for opening of the greatest monument of the modern times “Burj Khalifa”. HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid has re-christened it’s name to Burj Khalifa, honouring the visionary leadership of our nations President HH Sheikh Khalifa, under whose leadership, UAE showed to the world that a diligent economic approach leads to a nations prosperity even at adverse times.

Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi

To read it in THE NATIONAL, please click here

To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor