Sleep like an angel!

Good day to you all,

Hope all of you had a good night’s sleep, Frankly I didn’t get much of a sound sleep last night , John Grisham’s novel made me keep awake past midnight, Don’t you think books are a good tranquilizer, indeed they are, the words take you to different places, you bump into strangers, you feel for them you run with them and finally in that mental exercise you get exhausted and here you are, ready for a good sleep, all the characters getting ready to line up in your dreams, I was adamant to find out the climax of the novel, it took me few more hours to finish it.

The therapeutic effect of reading is heaven, you get familiar with different cultures, different lifestyles, different locations and I feel a writer is a magician a travel guide a true leader simultaneously making a spark in your thought process. I swear now a days it helps me get going leaving behind all the troublesome experiences , Iam eagerly waiting for some of Paulo Cauhlo’s books to arrive, my friend promised to give me the copies and Iam looking forward a delightful reading.

Anyway talking about good sleep reminds me of one finding on formula I read in Dubai and I would like to share it with you all.

Sleep experts have cracked the mathematical formula for a good night’s sleep in a bid to halt the sleepless epidemic – and there’s bad news for email addicts.

According to the Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts’ research, checking emails before you go to bed has the equivalent effect on the body of drinking a double espresso.

And, in an increasingly demanding working world, Brits are losing one night’s sleep a week to this sleep-deprivation epidemic.

Fuelled by spiralling use of PDAs, mobiles, laptops and Blackberries, business travellers are potentially robbing themselves of a good night’s sleep by failing to switch off gadgets early enough before going to bed.

Light from a mobile phone or laptop is intense enough to halt production of sleep-enhancing melatonin and experts are warning workers to switch off at least an hour before light’s out.

To help guests enjoy a refreshing night’s sleep, Crowne Plaza has teamed up with top sleep expert Dr Chris Idzikowski, of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, who has trawled through existing research** to identify the top five factors for a good night’s sleep – and the five things most likely to keep us awake at night:

Sleep solutions
§ Quiet (Q)
§ Complete darkness (CD)
§ Cool temperature (CT)
§ Comfy and clean bed (CCB)
§ Daytime exercise (DE)

Sleep nightmares
§ Electronic device usage 1hr before bed (EDU1)
§ Late-night eating (LNE)
§ TV
§ Caffeine (C)
§ Alcohol (A)


And this is what the formula for the perfect night’s sleep looks like:

Q+CD+CT+CCB+DE–EDU1–LNE–TV–C–A = Zzz

Dr Chris Idzikowski says: “Checking your work e-mails before bed on any electronic device is essentially the equivalent to drinking a double espresso last thing at night. Research has shown that light from a laptop or Blackberry is concentrated enough to signal your brain to stop production of melatonin, a natural hormone known to aid sleep disturbances. Being in a relaxed environment and incorporating essential wind-down time into your day is your best chance of securing a great night’s sleep - along with silence, darkness and comfort.”

Healthy mind and healthy body

Hi All,
When I started off to my office I could feel that it’s a very pleasant and lovely day, clear sky, chilly winds of December, the blue sky and the snowy clouds created an impressive canvas I wanted to glide through the clouds like I do with the waves of the sea, birds too are flying across, sure there are not thinking about the peer pressure or politics or strategies to fend for themselves in this corporate world, obviously enjoying each breath of fresh air, flying to the rhythm of the freedom.

My mind too started flying along with bird, oh stop it shabs, think about your goals for the day, think about the global credit crunch, IT infrastructure, latest innovations in the Industry and business strategies than letting your thoughts to wander around, ok ok iam coming back to the point, lets focus on our title, healthy mind healthy body, everyone will agree that a healthy mind will project a healthy body and vice versa

So let me share with you the entire excerpt from Harward Medical schools newsletter, which I found really informative, so let’s keep all your tensions and concerns away for a while and start working on maintaining a healthy body to accommodate a healthy mind.


The Benefit of FitnessWe all know that keeping physically active and exercising regularly are good for your health. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week:
Lowers blood pressure Decreases the risk of heart disease Helps prevent type 2 diabetes Reduces the risk of certain types of cancer Adds to bone strength Assists in weight control Regular exercise also improves your chances of living longer with more stamina. It’s also a way to detoxify your body or as a way to give the body a daily tune-up. With all these benefits from exercise, who would want to just sit all day?

How do you start an exercise program?Check with your physician to determine what types of physical activities are safe for you to engage in. Make a list of physical activities that you enjoy. Try to include cardiovascular or aerobic exercise — for example, walking, running, biking, swimming, dancing, or jumping rope — and muscle-strengthening activities — such as lifting light weights or doing push-ups — into your routine on different days.

Walking is always a good option to include in a fitness program, because no special skills or equipment is required. Include a variety of activities to avoid boredom, and use different muscle groups. Make sure the type and site of activities fit into your daily routine to lessen the hurdle of preparing for exercise. Strive to increase your physical activity throughout the day. Take 10-minute stretch breaks at work. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take time to visualize yourself engaging in regular exercise and developing a fitter body that is ready to prevent and fight disease and to help you pursue your dreams. If you are just starting to exercise, begin with 15 to 20 minutes, three times a week.

How do you stay motivated?Form the exercise habit. Consistency is one of the most important ingredients. Repetition of actions yields habits. Just as you have a time slot for brushing your teeth, make an appointment for exercise. Keep an exercise diary. Record the type and duration of exercise. Also, keep track of your periods of inactivity. The diary will serve to reinforce and help you visualize your accomplishments. Be patient with yourself. Focus on your successes, not your failures, and reward yourself. Choose rewards other than food. Enlist the support of family and friends. Teaming up with others to exercise allows you to encourage each other. Keep your friends updated about your progress. Friends also can applaud and reward your accomplishments. Set measurable and reasonable goals.

For example, if you walk for 30 minutes three times a week, you might consider adding a 2-minute running period to each session. Finally, have fun. Distractions like talking to someone, deeply inhaling fresh air, or reading a magazine can soothe your mind and allow you to enjoy the sweat, pulsating heart, and contracting muscles of the body in motion.

Counting the blessings for smart life

After a tiring and sleepless night (staring out through the window and enjoying the charm of the blue sky where the dark clouds embracing the moon and sliding over it brought a poetic relief to my insomnia) and I have started thinking about myself. Why should I stay awake at the wee hours of the morning? Isn’t it high time I should start thinking out of the box? I know that there are so many ways to bring in peace and tranquility to ones life.
Why should I not use it in my life too? Yeah, the best way to forget all your trifle worries is to count the blessings, and I did that too, looking at the creamy sky.

I have started counting the good things in my life

Yes Iam blessed with good and loving people around, close relatives, friends and lot of good people who love to see me smile

I have cozy roof over my head that protects me from rain and sun; I can afford to have healthy diet and leisure at my convenience.

I have a good job to utilize my talents and a pay package though small gives me security and independence especially during this time of a global slowdown

I have a heart that melt easily and that beats for the loved ones

God has blessed me with education and good moral values

God has gifted me to find the beauty of the universe and the people around

So when I thought about the blessings I started to experience a serene feeling allover
So dear readers I would suggest you to do this exercise sometimes to realize how blessed you are, so the next time when you feel blue take a pen and a notepad and write down or write it in your mind your blessings and see those dark clouds leaving far off from you.

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings

Dubai Shopping Festival Calendar

Dubai Shopping Festival is round the corner to add glitz to the winter season in Dubai with its festivities and splendor. Its indeed a celebration spread across thousands of outlets and other venues in Dubai to delight residents, expatriates and visitors alike. Besides the shopping malls and souks, one of the spots most popular for shopping is Carpet Oasis, introducing thousands of exclusive carpets from around the world.
Other events include fireworks night, exhibitions of laser light, the international fashion shows, street performances, music concerts and many cultural events. The daily raffle draw prices offer silver, gold, cars and 4x4s. There is also a global village with pavilions offering products from retailers and manufacturers around the world. With around 6,000 retail outlets and 40 shopping malls participating, the DSF 2009 promotions are slated to be the best shopping offers designed in a DSF edition yet.
DSF 2009 EventsThe Signature Events for DSF 2009 are as follows:
Dubai Fashion 2009 Date: Feb 9 - 11 Feb
Venue: Arena Ballroom, Madinat Jumeirah
Time: 8:30pm
Dubai Fashion was launched in 2004 and is an initiative by the DSF Office to bring top notch international designer labels to Dubai and showcase the latest collections to fashion enthusiasts in the emirate. During 2009, international retailers feature Saks Fifth Avenue, the Etoile brands, and Harvey Nichols that will present a host of leading international fashion labels. The Madinat Jumeirah will host Dubai Fashion from February 9 to February 11.
DSF Desert Camp by Watani Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Al Warqa'a 4
Time: 24 hours
An outdoor event that will surely attract families, the DSF Desert Camp, organised by Watani, is a getaway from the city and a return to nature. Organised at Al Warqa'a throughout DSF 2009, families and visitors have the options of renting tents for days or choosing from the endless number of activities designed for adventure enthusiasts.
Attractions include camel rides, quad bikes, and horse riding, in addition to barbecue facilities and an exclusive food court that will serve local cuisine amongst many others. Those who would like to indulge in a bit of shopping will even find a souk selling traditional clothes, handicrafts, and other traditional products. Children can look forward to a kiddy rides zone and an inflatable zone. If these weren't enough, the camp will stage entertainment shows throughout to provide a real memorable outing. The camp is open to public who can either book the tents or come in for a day of pure excitement.
Creations Date: Jan 23 - Jan 30
Venue: BurJuman
Time: 6:30pm and 8pm
‘Creations' was initiated during DSF 2004 and was conceived as a platform for upcoming local and regional fashion designers aiming to establish themselves in the region. With DSF providing all the logistical support, amateur fashion designers from UAE and the region, and established designers from around the world are given a platform to showcase their works in Dubai.
The eight-day event will feature the collections of established labels such as Lida O'Reilly from Mauritius, Aiisha Couture from Lebanon, Larisa Katz from Netherlands, Oka Diputra from Indonesia, Mich Dulce from Philippines, Carloss Tufression from Brazil, Elena Gracia from United Kingdom, and Samora Couture from the US.
Dubai Food FestivalDate: Feb 1 - Feb 14
Venue: Uptown Mirdiff and Al Seef Street
Time: 5pm - 11pm
A favourite of DSF visitors, Food Festival attracts people of diverse backgrounds to a celebration of international cuisine. Celebrity chefs, live cooking counters, and culinary workshops, in addition to interactive events and exciting prizes, add to the excitement of this truly one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience.
Exciting additions for DSF 2009 include a food sampling day in ‘Sampling Sundays' and ‘Buffet Tuesdays' where visitors get to taste different cuisines in an exclusive buffet at a nominal price. The climax of the event will occur on the last day when the Emirates Culinary Guild will attempt a world record for the world's largest dessert featuring 2009 varieties of dessert. While the main venue of Dubai Food Festival will be Uptown Mirdiff, floating restaurants along Al Seef Street will also be part of the culinary delight.
House of TalentsDate: Jan 31 - Feb 9
Venue: Eye of Horus, Wafi
Time: 5pm - 10pm
House of Talents is an annual event that has provided a platform to gifted women to showcase their talents and skills in handicrafts, architecture, fashion design, sculpting, information technology, drawing, interior design, music, jewellery designing, photography, perfume making, poetry and writing. The Eye of Horus area in Wafi will host the 2009 edition of House of Talents from January 31st to February 9.
Dubai RecordsDate: Feb 14
Venue: Uptown Mirdiff
Time: 6pm
In its inaugural year in 2009, Dubai Records aims at highlighting world records created in Dubai. After a decade of hosting Guinness World Records events, DSF now has its own record-breaking initiative through Dubai Records. The record being planned during DSF 2009 is the world's largest dessert buffet organized in cooperation with the Emirates Culinary Guild. The endeavour will include 2009 separate dessert delicacies in an attempt to gain entry into the record books.
Dubai CarnivalsDate: Jan 15 - 17 and Feb 12 - 15 - Al Seef Street
Jan 22 - 24 Jumeirah Road
Jan 19 - 31 Jumeirah Beach Residence
Feb 5 - 7 Global Village
Time: 8pm
A festivity on its own, Dubai Carnivals features 300 colourful performers who will take to the streets to spread the spirit of DSF across Dubai. To be held during the weekends, each week will see 300 performers gather in one location for a vibrant parade. Different cultures and traditions will be reflected through the carnivals with spectacular costumes and music.
Al Zarooni FireworksDate: Jan 15 - Feb 15 (Weekends)
Venue: Dubai Festival City at 8:30pm and Al Seef Street at 9pm
Fireworks have been a hallmark of every DSF edition and 2009 is slated to be bigger, better, and longer. Dazzling fireworks will be launched from a specially created platform when the display begins on Jan 15.
Carpet OasisDate: Jan 15 - Feb 7
Venue: West Hall, Airport Expo Dubai
Time: 10am - 10pm
Organised in cooperation with the Dubai Customs, the Carpet Oasis is a spectacular display of carpets, rugs, and handicrafts from around the world. Visitors can find exquisite hand-woven products from regions renowned for carpet-making such as Iran, Pakistan, India, Turkemenistan, and Afghanistan.
DSF 2009 Night Souk Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Al Seef Street
Time: 6pm - 2am (Sunday - Wednesday) and 6pm - 3am (Thursday - Saturday)
A favourite with DSF crowds every year, the Night Souk, launched in 2003, comes alive late in the night and provides shoppers the unique chance to bargain for the finest goods till the early hours of the morning. Categorized as leisure shopping, Night Souk combines an entertainment area and a food court with raffle draws and amazing shopping offers for the perfect family outing. The Night Souk is located at the Dubai Creek thus providing a picturesque backdrop to one of the favourite DSF shopping destinations.
Global Village Date: Jan 15 - Feb 21
Location: Dubailand, Emirates Road
Time: 4pm -12 am (Sunday - Wednesday), and 4pm - 1am (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
Global Village, a member of Tatweer Dubai, gathers cultures from around the world in one place. Over the years, the venue has become a star attraction among residents and visitors from across the world, having been transformed into a unique international destination for tourism, entertainment, leisure and culture.
Exciting Venues and Events ‘The Walk Festivities' at Jumeirah Beach Residence
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Jumeirah Beach Residence
Time: 4pm - 10pm
The Walk at JBR is the latest addition to Dubai's shopping and leisure destinations. Located in New Dubai, the Walk at JBR will be one among the colourful venues hosting DSF events. The Walk will include activities such as street paintings, recycled art displays, metal art, stand-up comedy shows, sand sculptures, photography displays, and kiosk selling fashion accessories and handicraft.
Al Seef Street
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Al Seef Road
Time: 5pm - 10pm
In addition to the popular Night Souk, Al Seef Street is an entertainment hotspot during DSF 2009. Activities for visitors include the Fun Fair, Skill Games Zone, and Floating Restaurants. Additionally, the venue will host various cultural shows on a stage specially built for the occasion.
Dubai Mall
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road
Time: Subject to mall timings
As the largest shopping mall in the world and a massive attraction on its own, Dubai Mall is among the new retail, entertainment, and leisure destinations in Dubai. During DSF 2009, Dubai Mall will host the Themed Forest Circus Show from January 29 to Feb 6, except on Feb 3. Featuring 28 performers, the show is a themed event of Chinese acrobat and circus artists involving gravity-defying acts and set amidst spectacular settings to reflect a real forest.
Jumeirah Road Drive-Through
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Jumeirah Road
Time: 5pm - 10pm
Stretching along the scenic Jumeirah Road, visitors will find the street transformed into a carnival of sorts this DSF. Cafes and restaurants will set up tables in the open and a host of international performers are slated to entertain diners, passers-by, and those simply driving along.
Biggest Biryani Bowl
Date: Feb 6
Venue: Global Village
Time: 4pm onwards
To be held at the Global Village, the ‘Biggest Biryani Bowl' will be an attempt into the record books on February 6. The popular dish will be made to weigh approximately 2.5 tons.
Musical Festivals and Concerts Featuring some of the best names in the industry, DSF 2009 is organizing music concerts that will bring together some fine talent from across the globe. Those performing include Zakir Hussain, Tamer Hosny, Fatboy Slim, Iron Maiden, Shaggy, Pankaj Udhas, and Ghulam Ali. Additionally, featured are theatre shows, comedy shows, and the renowned musical The Woman in Black.
Tamer Hosny
Date: Jan 16
Venue: Dubai Festival City
Time: 9pm
Known for his melodies and his range of songs, Tamer Hosny has carved for himself a reputation as being one of the most versatile Arab singers today.
Indian Republic Day - Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira
Date: Jan 29
Venue: Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School
Time: 9pm
The Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira is a gathering of noted Hindi and Urdu poets from India and resident poets in the UAE.
Zakir Hussain concert
Date: Jan 30
Venue: Tennis Stadium, Dubai Aviation Club
Time: 7pm
An international artist by all means, Zakir Hussain is the face of Indian rhythm across the world.
The Woman in Black
Date: Jan 28 - Feb 6
Venue: The Madinat Theatre, Madinat Souk Jumeirah
Time: Two shows (2pm and 8pm)
Now in its 20th terrifying year in London's West End, this groundbreaking play has been seen by over 3 million people. This fantastic new production features a quality cast of West End actors and can now be seen during DSF 2009.
Ghulam Ali
Date: Feb 6
Venue: Crystal Ballroom, Hyatt Regency
Time: 9pm
Ghulam Ali is one of the best known Ghazal singers today. Hailing from Pakistan, Ghulam Ali was trained by Bade Ghulam Ali, a maestro of his generation and regarded as the finest Ghazal singer ever.
Fatboy Slim - Live in Dubai
Date: Feb 11
Venue: Barasti, The Le Meridian at Mina Seyahi Beach Resort
Time: 6pm - 11:30pm
Fatboy Slim, the primary recording name of Norman Quentin Cook is a renowned British DJ, big beat musician, and producer.
Boombastic Beats - Shaggy ‘Live in Concert'
Date: Feb 12
Venue: Dubai Festival City
Time: 8:30pm
After one decade, six albums, two of them multi-platinums, five number one hits, and eleven top ten singles worldwide, Grammy winning recording artist Shaggy is still on the grind.
Iron Maiden - Live in Concert
Date: Feb 13
Venue: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Time: 9pm
Regarded as one among the greatest heavy metal bands to have been formed, Iron Maiden has thrilled fans for more than two decades now. The group's flamboyant stage settings and electric performances have made them popular across the world. Since forming in 1975 they have released fourteen studio albums, nine live albums, and eight compilations.
Pankaj Udhas
Date: Feb 15
Venue: Crystal Ballroom, Hyatt Regency
Time: 9pm
A legend in his own right, Pankaj Udhas is an eminent Ghazal singer from India. Famous for his lyrics and a soft tone, Pankaj Udhas' most famous rendition is probably ‘Chitty aayi hain' which propelled him to instant fame.

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A New Year hymn

A new year to look for hope,
New new days to see the smile of the beloved ones
Gone are the days to ponder over the follies.

Newer days to bring back peace and smile
Looking though the windows to weigh the bitterness of the words bespoken
Shadows of the past are dancing along the waves
I sign in vain and crave for your presence

Couldn’t you hear the suffocating laughter and glitter of those days?
That is evaporating through the windows
Didn’t I mumble once about loneliness and silence that I scare most?
Why I was always scared to lose your love
The ominous dreams making me nervous and making me kneel in prayers……..

I wake up at night feeling lumps in my throat and look out through the window
The rippling waves of the sea is flowing along with the tune of the breeze
Brightly lit neon’s are blinking secretively kissing the darkness
The night is as beautiful as ever
But why the nightmares creeping in again and scaring me?


My soul is swirling to find the hidden love sparkling in remote
Am I far from you so far beyond your sight and sensation?
Am I becoming vulnerable even to look out through the window and melt in its scenic mysteries?

Bring me back my smile and the lost rhythm, why do u reject the heed of my soul purposely, the scars in my heart are pleading for your care and affection
I wait in silence for your return, to smile and to start afresh altogether!



By
Shabnam

The Global Village - 2009 Dubai

This New Year has plenty to offer at Global Village. Bringing a precious opportunity to witness one of the most spectacular international entertainment and cultural events this year, Dubai's Global Village has opened its doors on November 12, 2008 and will remain open for a total of 102 days( closes on February 21st, 2009) just after the end of the Dubai Shopping Festival. In addition it has other attractions to offer its projected 5 million visitors, such as around 40 fun fair rides, Venetian gondolas, rowing boats and a World Culture Stage.
Pavilions participating in the 2008-2009 season:
Asia & Sub continent

Pakistan India Nepal Afghanistan Iran
Far East

China Philippines Vietnam
Arabia

Bahrain YemenUAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait Lebanon Jordan Syria PalestineEgypt Morocco
Africa

Rwanda SenegalEast & West Africa

Let's gear up to enjoy the flavors of the world in a single platform. Prepare yourself and your family to bask in the fun and cultural fiesta in the City of wonders in the coming days.
Guinness World Record Pavilion

This Pavilion is a novel concept to feature past world records and a venue to bring in world records in different categories. Try to break the record for the loudest scream, the fastest text message, or the longest coin spin.
Friends of Little Big Club Pavilion

A haven to delight your children, make them meet the much-loved characters of the Little Big Club including Barney, Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder, and Pingu.

Fun Fair

The Entertainment Fun Fair Area has a lot of exciting games and adventurous rides in store. The Luna Park is extremely popular among family audiences. A daily attraction is the fireworks display that lights-up the night sky at Global Village and there are occasional attractions like the Kite Festival. A big crowd-puller is the spectacular free-for-all Musical Fountain located in the heart of Global Village.
Entertainment and Activity Zone

The entertainment events will include the World Culture Stage, showcasing premiere entertainment from around the world. Featured on the lake will be the "Beach Adrenaline" Jet-Ski Show, which will provide nightly thrills with exciting stunts from a team of internationally awarded jet-ski champions. Additionally, a Lantern Festival (Festival of Lights) - an array of specially created Chinese lanterns - will beautify the entire park including the entrances and canal to create a wonderful festive ambience throughout the entire destination.
Dining

With restaurants, cafes and kiosks scattered all over the venue, Global Village is the perfect place to savour the many flavours of the world. With both international and locally renowned restaurants available, the Global Village Food Courts are a smorgasbord of global cuisine offering variety unlike anywhere else.
Location

The mega entertainment complex of the Global Village is located on the Emirates Road within the sprawling Dubailand. It is close to the residential development of Arabian Ranches on Exit 37. The Global Village is connected to all emirates of the UAE via an efficient road network. In addition to housing the pavilions of different countries, the Global Village accommodates restaurants, shuttle transport services and a massive parking area.
For more info about the events and shows, please call 04-3624114 or visit Global Village website http://www.globalvillage.ae/

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