De Margerie’s death a big loss – The National Dt 27 October 2014
De Margerie’s death a big loss
I refer to the article New boss assures Total’s commitment to Abu Dhabi (October 26).
The former Total chief Christophe de Margerie was a true leader who personified human values, professionalism and charisma. He was a very special man. He was at the forefront of major events such as Adipec and Formula 1.
He was a towering personality who will live forever in our memory.
He was famous for his quick wit, pleasant demeanour and warm handshakes.
I offer my condolences to his family and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit The National online
Still Water Aquariums – the best way to enhance positive energy in your life
Benefits of keeping fish aquarium as per vastu shastra.
Benefits of keeping fish aquarium as per vastu shastra.
- · An aquarium generates lot of positive energy and eliminates negative and evil energies from a home.
- · Good, healthy and active fishes attract good fortune, wealth and happiness.
- · Observing fishes in an aquarium relaxes and calms a human mind.
- · Proving food to hungry fishes adds to our good karma.
- · As per Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu’s 1st reincarnation (out of 9) on earth is fish and hence fishes are believed to absorb a huge amount of negative energy and radiate positive energy.
- · If you feel that a certain problem in your office or home is because of a vastu defect then placing a fish aquarium eliminates that problem.
- · Colorful, attractive and active fishes draw attention of guests and hence they remain more focused on fish tank. Also all the negative and evil energy they give off is absorbed by aquarium and gets converted to positive energy.
- Your problems will end permanently with natural fish and its continuous movement in an aquarium kept home.
(Compilation from the source: vastushastraguru.com)
Movement of fishes in aquarium generates and enhances positive energy and attracts prosperity, wealth and happiness. Even Chinese Feng-Shui says that the more rapidly fishes move within an aquarium, the more positive energy (Chi) they generate and more prosperity, wealth and happiness is attracted.
Why delay, contact today itself and order one:
Still Water Aquariums, Shop#3, Al Reem Tower, Green Community, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Phone: 055 5942487
Drive Safe – Gulf Today – Short Take Dt 25 October 2014
Drive safe
I am always worried when I get to see people driving dangerously. It has been a routine to talk and promote about safety on the road and elsewhere. From experience, I have felt people have to be consistently reminded of safe driving habits.
A moment of lapse in attention is enough to result in a major road disaster.
This is again and again proved when I drive on the Abu Dhabi – Dubai highway.
I was driving back from Dubai a few days ago and found the car in front of me not in control and wavering from one line to another. Feeling something dangerous going to happen as I watched a few distance from behind, I flashed and honked the driver to stop.
I went to him and talked to him whether he was ok. I found him exhausted and sleepy. It took some time for me to convince him to stop for some time, take enough rest and re-start his journey.
Many times, we may not get to be in that situation. I realised that it is not enough to drive carefully. But, we also need to watch out for others’ mistakes.
Beware of others’ mistakes. True to its word, at times we are really helpless.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online
For all my readers:
If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post.
You may also read similar articles at: Safety First
I would love to read your comments.
Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicksand Writes
Key words: Road Safety, Safety First
Jaywalking on the increase
Jaywalking on the increase
I would like to bring readers’ attention to the fact that jaywalking has increased on the streets of Abu Dhabi – especially along Sheikh Zayed the First Street (formerly Electra Road).
I find driving in the evening quite dangerous, because people of all ages cross the road at will.
I don’t know why they do this without any consideration for their own lives, but I do know that a lack of fencing is allowing them to do it.
I believe the distance between the pedestrian crossings is too far, so people take the easy option. I also think that some people avoid using the underpass because they feel unsafe doing so.
There should be an official campaign to fine people who jaywalk, and this fine should be increased if the person is talking on a mobile phone or listening to music through earphones.
I would like to see fencing along the median strip and signage to indicate the location of the underpass.
Let’s work together to make safety a priority.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read this in original, please visit The National Online
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi launches Dugong Education and Awareness Campaign
Awareness campaign sponsored by Total and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh (ABK)-
Abu Dhabi, October 20, 2014: The Environment Agency –Abu Dhabi (EAD), in partnership with Total and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh (ABK), launched the dugong education and awareness campaign today at Al Mamoura Auditorium, at EAD’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The campaigns aims to raise awareness on the current threats that affect the dugong population found in Abu Dhabi, and how to provide the dugongs with a safe haven to live and breed.
During the kick-off of the campaign, Ahmed Baharoon, EAD’s Executive Director, Environmental Information, Science & Outreach Management spoke on behalf of H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General of EAD, and Mr. Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Total E&P UAE, emphasised the importance of their continuous joint efforts in conserving the dugong population, protecting its habitat, and monitoring and studying their biological and geographical distribution in the UAE’s waters.
Commenting on the launch of the campaign, H.E. Al Mubarak, Secretary General of EAD, said: “Through this campaign, we aim to raise environmental awareness and educate the community on the importance of protecting the dugongs, as the UAE waters are home to the second-largest population of this species in the world. Through the support of Total and Total ABK, EAD is successfully implementing its Dugong Conservation Programme, enabling the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to provide a safe haven for this migrating species and making the UAE for a leader in global dugong conservational efforts.”
Throughout the coming months, EAD, Total, and Total ABK, will organise interactive educational workshops and information campaigns to educate middle-school and high-school students, the fishing community and boat owners in Abu Dhabi and the Western Region, shoreline industries and the general public. The campaign will also include a public outreach programme through EAD’s social media platforms, along with a number of family-oriented entertaining and educational activities in November 2014, to be held at Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity at EAD, commented: “Since 1999, EAD, Total, and Total ABK, have collaborated in conducting detailed studies on the local dugong population. These studies have provided our teams with the data that helps us better understand the behaviour and threats against the dugong population. Dugongs are an endangered species and could be threatened with extinction unless we conserve their habitat and prevent human interference.”
“One of the most important elements of our conservation efforts is to inform and educate the public about marine life found in Abu Dhabi. Through this campaign, we work together in order to protect the dugong population,” Dr. Al Dhaheri added.
Mr. Hatem Nuseibeh, President Total E&P UAE and Group Representative in the UAE, commented, “Total UAE and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh are proud to be an ardent supporter in EAD’s dugong conservation program by exclusively sponsoring since its launch in 1999. Thanks to EAD’s efforts, today Abu Dhabi is a leader of international repute hosting the Dugong Secretariat of Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) under United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Since 1939, Total has established a solid partnership with the authorities and people of the UAE by sharing technology and innovation, environment protection, capacity building of Emiratis and aligning with the vision of the wise leadership of the UAE. We have an unwavering commitment for the benefit of the UAE.”
Mr. Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Total E&P UAE, said, “Both Total and Total ABK as responsible energy companies, contribute to the welfare of the host country in all aspects including environment conservation. Under the wise leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and the guidance of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Total UAE and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh demonstrate their solidarity by partnering with EAD in the noble cause of preserving the delicate biodiversity of the Emirates. This is one of the ways of expressing our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the UAE.”
Significant effort has been made by the UAE and EAD in the conservation of the dugong population. In 2002, EAD banned drift net fishing practices in shallow waters to prevent dugongs and turtles from becoming entangled in the nets. On a national front, the UAE issued Federal Law No. 23 and 24 in 1999 to protect dugongs from exploitation. In support of international efforts, the UAE was one of the first Middle Eastern countries to sign the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) agreement in 2007 on the conservation and management of dugongs and their habitat. The Dugong Memorandum of Understanding, which falls under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), is implemented through the CMS Secretariat office hosted by EAD since 2009 on behalf of the UAE’s Government.
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Time to click – Gulf Today, Short Take Dated 18 October 2014
Time to click
Modern technology gives plenty of options for children to develop several hobbies. At times, I really wonder how children learn things on their own within no time.
The other day, I was attending a function and noticed a young girl sitting next to her mother. She was restless as the programme was meant for adults and she had tagged along her mother.
However, I knew from her actions that she was listening to the speech carefully. As it progressed, I watched her taking her mother’s Android phone. She opened in it an application to take photos. The next thing I saw was her taking a photo of the stage and the speaker. In no time, she edited the photo in different ways, added graphics and text and made a collage out of it. Sitting and watching her closely from behind, I was wonderstruck. How children expresses their mind in many different ways!
Photography is an ideal opportunity for children and adults to express their creativity. It is a way of looking things with a positive frame of mind. I also believe that photography is a way of putting your stamp on history. Every photo you click is an item added to the history of our life or even the world. We can never recreate the same again. The light, the expression and even the air pattern may change in the next second and you can never reproduce the same effect again.
In order to promote photography interest and also to create interest in the architectural history of Abu Dhabi, a photography competition is organised by the ADIPEC.
The theme “Abu Dhabi Architecture” encourages young photographers to uncover the splendor of modern Abu Dhabi as seen through their lenses by capturing rural or urban city scenes, landscapes, landmarks – both modern and classical, e.g. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace, Yas Marina, Capital Gate and also view of Corniche, Yas Island.
The theme focuses on uncovering the beauty that modern Abu Dhabi has to offer – be it a secret hideaway, a colorful graffiti wall, a bustling city scene, a unique attraction or spectacular views. Children in the age group 11-18 can participate. More details can be obtained at http://clicksandwrites.blogspot.ae/search/label/Young%20ADIPEC.
The deadline to submit the photos is Oct.31, 2014.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online.
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Top regional drivers primed for Abu Dhabi Rally
Top regional drivers primed for Abu Dhabi Rally
New two-day event begins on Thursday, with home hero Khalid among the favourites
Abu Dhabi: Some of the region’s top motorsport stars are gearing up for the first two-day Abu Dhabi Rally on Thursday and Friday.
Fifteen teams will compete in the competition, which begins at Yas Marina Circuit and which is a candidate event for the 2015 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC).
The rally is being held by Abu Dhabi Racing and Yas Motor Racing Club and begins with a spectator stage on Thursday, where motorsport fans can watch elite drivers from the UAE, Qatar and Lebanon battling it out.
Among the favourites to clinch the Abu Dhabi title are Shaikh Khalid Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Racing, who was one of the first drivers to register for the event.
Shaikh Khalid said: “This event will enhance the Middle East Rally Championship calendar.”
He has also ensured that the Abu Dhabi Racing youth drivers Mohammad Al Motawa’a, Mohammad Al Sahlawi, Mansour Bel Helei, Saeed Bin Touq and Juma Al Falasi will be participating in the 2WD Citroen DS3 R3 class.
Shaikh Khalid shot to prominence in 2002, when he won the Group N title in the Middle East Rally Championship.
He is currently second in the MERC table and is participating in selected World Rally Championship rounds with the Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.
Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Shaikh Khalid’s elder brother has also confirmed his participation in a Ford Fiesta RRC.
Shaikh Abdullah should be a serious contender for the AD Rally title, having won the UAE crown in 1993, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2008 and 2010. He also won the MERC Group N title in 1998, 2000 and 2003.
Another leading contender is expected to be Qatari champion Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari, who had a two-year winning streak in the Qatar National Rally from 2010.
Abu Dhabi Rally 2014 consists of nine stages, kicking off with an asphalt stage (3.51km) at Yas Marina Circuit on Thursday, to be held after the ceremonial opening of the rally at 8pm.
The spectator stage will be held on the North Handling Circuit at Yas Marina, where each driver will have two attempts at recording his fastest time.
Access to the stands will be free of charge.
The second day of the event will consist of eight special stages on gravel roads. The first stage is Ghantoot (18.7km), followed by Al Jarf (20.55km), Al Maha (12.7km) and Al Taweelah (21.1km). The competitors will then repeat the same stages.
For more information log on to www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/motorsport/yas-motor-racing-club/abu-dhabi-rally-2014
News & photo courtesy: Gulf News
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Clean work – Gulf Today – Short Take Dt 11 October 2014
Clean work
We did It! That was the feeling that joyously kept overflowing in our mind at around 2pm last Saturday.
While boarding on the plane to Bangalore from Abu Dhabi for Eid holidays, I had set some clear plans to act upon my arrival there.
Prior to my departure, I had messaged friends and well-wishers through email and social media about the cleaning of a highly-used pedestrian over bridge built an year ago over the Whitefield Railway crossing.
It was built after a Herculean media and public effort to highlight the difficulties and dangers of people getting killed often while crossing dangerously. Once built, the scenario changed. As any other public utility items, no one cared for it.
A handful of us, including my family and close friends, started the campaign at around 9am.
Not used to such acts, we had no idea how it would progress. However, we were prepared with brooms, garbage bags, gloves, cleaning clothes, bleaching powder, and other necessary items. We kept few brooms here and there on the stretch that anyone interested could join us.
As we progressed, Anand Sivaram, Manager of the Whitefield Railway Station and his staff joined us as also a few members of Kadugodi Police Station.
It was indeed an experience of a special kind.
We received “Thank you”, “Good Job” and also Thumbs up signs from many people who used the bridge during the time we were cleaning.
It was nice to see unknown people readily volunteering and taking the broom from our side and do cleaning work for some time. As a coin has two sides, there were those who passing negative comments too!
At the end of our effort, we landed up with 8 huge garbage bags full of leaves and other carelessly thrown away items on the sky walk. A sad thing was that that people who saw us cleaning and progressing ahead, walked further and threw paper and other waste without any civic concern.
Everyone should contribute to the welfare of the community, wherever we are.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit:
Gulf Today – Short Take Dt 11 October 2014
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
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