smart life

Pre Ramadan thoughts!

2010-08-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

Basking on the warmth of care and attention at home, I reflect on my life, blessed yet eventful I couldn’t help thanking the people whose gentle acts made a heap of difference…….I lower my gaze as in trance filled with gratitude…..my beloved parents who gave me good education and values, affectionate siblings and the puck (my little sis )…….my cousin in the IT Industry who had referred me to a start up firm in Trivandrum when I have just finished my graduation……..My boss who has given a boost to my career by giving opportunities and always encouraged to study further……..my colleague whose intelligence and bullying instilled an urge for perfection……my cousin who took the pain to deliver the gift on my wedding eve even after meeting with an accident……. My spouse who unraveled a world of freedom ,wonder and passion………Sanads Philippino friends kind act when we had difficulty finding accommodation in the initial phase abroad……. The pieces of advice, criticism, genuine support and appreciation from the managers at my workplace in sharjah………. The cute ever loving and helping Doctor in Sharjah……..my colleagues who had supplied me with books to weather my toughest and lonely days…..the sober and soothing waves along the sharjah corniche that swabbed my tears…….The MD of the IT firm in Dubai who has given the freelancing writing assignment……..Sanads friends unselfish act of introducing the dignitary, the privilege to associate……….Now here iam with a beautiful life with ups and downs with laughter and sighs…more like a fairy tale……My heartfelt thanks to all of you out there…… let me welcome the holy month with this note of gratitude filling its fragrance!

Redundancy tales of a fantasist

2009-10-25T02:03:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Hope you are doing good, sorry for not updating my blog for quite some time. From today onwards for a specific period I would be pretty regular in my postings… the specific period is till I land up in my new job, though even now iam pretty busy ( who said the unemployed are idle, devising a new time management itself is a time consuming act especially when you know you don’t have to jump out of bed to be in office on time, and no meetings or deadlines to meet or gossip at the break time…..all these are fading to distance….and you juggle your household chores busy scanning the right openings in the newspaper and sites and prepare the database….fix the right time to send it out with your resume where your achievements and experience smiles at your still photograph…..then attending the interviews…..researching their background through the site…..locating the interview premise, the biggest headache…..so I feel jobseekers have to burn extra calories than those who are on the job)

Thursday was my last day at the office I have bid farewell to all my colleagues and when the company vehicle dropped me at my stop, suddenly I felt a surge of pang, I don’t know what was the reason, recession is following me and striking, when I reached home I felt iam all alone in this vast universe, a feeling of dizziness, I knew I am capable of facing challenges, iam bold and strong willed if I feel I need something dearly I make it a point to obtain it at any cost, through the right way and through hard work.

I saw so many dreams on that day I saw myself floating in the water, I logged on to the dream interpreter site it said To dream that you are lost at sea, suggests that you are drifting around in life without any direction. You are feeling overwhelmed by emotions.
Next day I was on track, I can keep recession reveries at bay, I have got an interview call and I have attended it, while I was showing my work samples the Manager jovially asked me is it u pointing the blogger profile picture, I said its pseudo photo, anyway thanks to him, I will be putting my original photograph from today onwards……revealing my true identity.

So dear readers do post your feedback and stay in touch
Lovingly and job huntingly yours

Shabs

Some pre-weekend thoughts

2009-08-27T03:27:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Hope you all had a great week. The last few weeks had been serene, introspective and busy juggling the works at office and home, but I should say it was with content and calm, preparing and packing food for my spouse with great care and ecstasy to his new workstation. Listening to his new observations of people and surroundings, I was enjoying every bit of my existence.

Checking my things to remember list and striking off the finished tasks, meanwhile checking online bank account for any positive sign murmuring prayers and looking blankly at the Poster Tuition available for English that I have pasted near the elevator of my apartment with the hope to utilize my free time during weekends to earn some extra bucks to resist recession. I look at my mobile and wonder why it hasn’t yielded any calls and I solace myself by a monologue “kids will be enjoying their vacation back home, no wonder no calls……”

I want to do a lot of things, I want to materialize a lot of dreams, I repeatedly tell myself to be patient….my intentions carry a lot of purposes my hearts desires to bring smile on a lot of people whom I love and who are miles away. The holy month of Ramadan has started and notes of peace, bliss and aura is everywhere, I tell myself not to keep any ill feelings against anyone whom had given a lot of difficult times and injury. I remind myself to make the most out of the holy month through humble efforts.

Material well being or spiritual well being is more important? I pose this to question to tackle, and let my thoughts to wander, my glance shift to the novels lying on my table waiting to find emancipation through my eyes and my minds eye, ready to take me to different worlds and action sequences, I have decided to keep aside all the books, I should be editing my ex boss’s literary debut instead, I pasted the sticking note on my PC edit the novel on weekend, I tried to recollect all the recipes and grooming tips I have collected through internet to make the weekend and Iftar enjoyable, weekend is indeed perfect time to keep worries and concerns at bay, Iam inhaling a breath of cheerfulness to my bosom to create a perfect weekend,

Cheeringly yours
Shabs

A solacing song to the soul

2009-08-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

The tiny bird always gay and playful
Flew with the tide of the care….
Hiding the warmth of love and dreams to its skinny feathers……..
Flapping and spreading the fragrance of love to her companions……

She flew and flew with caution away from falcons……
Looking in her new nest with hope and joy

When she landed on her new nest……
She wished she could rest……..
But her tiny nest, a puzzle so hard to crack…..

She started flying again
Crushed dreams burning fire on her bosom….

The tiny bird in trance Tired and confused
Tried to sing her souls song to her mate…….
She waited for him to return to her

He did come, never trying to hear her melody
Never seeing its intensity, never listening its beating
The tiny bird still sings her souls song
Wishing for a day to sing in union
To sing and flap her wings in joy and close her eyes

Hopes of that bright and serene day
Floats her to air and she flies singing her souls song……..

Outward in self analysis

2009-07-19T02:36:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Good day to you. I was so stressed up and disoriented few days back and felt I would explode if I didn’t talk to someone, as always, my friend was there for my rescue, His wisdom soothed my eerie feelings and helped me see things in far better light. It was indeed an eye opening session, I felt ashamed of myself for being so naïve to be cynical and disheartened. I listed my reasons for frustrations he told me to take a bird`s eye view of what Iam doing and it seems to him I have shrunk my thoughts towards a few things? you need to do a real self examination of urself ? you are looking inward out look from outward in...I would say the best piece of advice I have ever received, I did that…. I looked at my reflection from outside……stunned to see the truth.

I always used to think Iam doing the right things, I always used to expect attention and care from my spouse in return of my love for him, I used to scream shriek and yell when things are not going according to my liking. His words did rang a bell…. he said if you are expecting.. you DO NOT have love, love is unconditional, and if there is expectation... its conditional...its is not love. He continued to my surprise you are frustrated for no reason ... and you are possessive for no reason, and that makes u look only to the negative side of life ... while so many positives are happening around.

He shot the prescription for me quickly write down 20 positive things in your life everyay for the next 30 days its normal for us to get in to the garbage of our lives ... yes we need to work yes we need to do the chores at home yes we need to slog but what is it for we are doing it ? if that is quite clear , you can easily get going...we need to have perseverance, in life we need to appreciate the god things that our partner does and what they require is encouragement not to point the issues.

Its so stupid of me to keep on trying to change the ways of my spouse, how much damage I would have done to him through all the endless fights and screams, yes now I see a lot of positive sides in my spouses side, he is cool headed, how come I mistook it for indifference, not even a single trouble would affect him, where I would get worried for no reasons, he is capable, he is technically very adept, why I want him to be a book worm while he always had a way to tackle realities, he found his new job with no time, he is capable and good in his field, why did I fail to notice that….. I was reminded of the play Hayavadhana by Girish Karnad, where the wife yearns for perfection, exchanges the physical and intellectual faculties of two persons and how it ruins their happiness and make them realize the futility of searching for perfection.

These words from my friend, whom I know for years whom I judged to be a perfectionist startled me imperfect things are beautiful if we do things like how car is made , then life is not interesting anymore why is painting beautiful coz its imperfect ... and there are lot of unknown thing that we could see you will see how blessed you are ...

I had to agree to him, then he asked me sarcastically but you r what ? frustrated? angry ?
No, no I have corrected him iam blessed

Then he continued remember if you get angry about something, youu do not have love for that person...coz anger is a emotion, and love is an emotion when anger supercedes love ... that’s when we get angry before you get angry change the perspective of how the other person would be feeling when you get angry with that person and then you u would feel that things need to be changed from your end. Change always starts from within and we need to keep doing the change, so that we become better…..when you stop doing it remember we aren’t growing mentally, spiritually and mutually.

Iam almost in tears when he finished. So I would like to thank my friend for reinforcing the truths about relationship that got fogged by troubled situations, and I want to tell my spouse a big sorry for all my naive ness, I love you more than anything in this world, you are still a gem of a guy my dear husband!

My wish list garnished with fantasy

2009-07-05T04:50:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Good day to you thought of writing something to elevate all your spirits especially in the backdrop of relatively calm and quiet past weekend. Wish all of you had a lovely and relaxing weekend.

I was thinking about my friend’s theory about achieving things in life, he tells me; you can attract the targeted wish towards you, if you yearn for it with full heart and work for it, the gravitating power of mind is unbeatable. So as all the inspirational writers suggests, I started the first step, writing down the dreams and goals, here are some of my wish list for 2009

Writing a novel ( though I have not started it and every weekend I write down on my things to remember list to compile all my poems and writings, so far that never materialized, but Iam too advanced in my thinking that I started fancying me with the award in hand received for my literary debut, LOL)

Taking a shower in Rain The childhood memories of playing and splashing water in rain with my siblings creeps back and a sudden urge to unwind and immerse with this beautiful form of nature pops up, but when will it rain in Dubai, all I could see is the scorching sun, even if it rains all I could do is to watch and admire the beauty and rhythm of rain through the sealed window of my apartment.

Owning a sewing machine I love to stich and create new designs with fabrics, combining different colors and festooning it with extra ordinary stuffs, I imagine wearing outfits designed and stiched by me and look at my own reflection, so far my designs and layouts take rest in my own PC.

Looking at the sea at moonlight I love to watch and play with the waves, like school kids punches and kicks each other funnily, I feel the same affinity and fun in kicking its strong current and gliding along. I wish my spouse to pick up this habit of gazing at the sea so I could go to the seaside quite often.

An Atlas and a wall hanging world map I love traveling and the recession raided situation prompts me to get compromised with the Atlas for the time being, I love looking at the continents, like a butterfly I sways and admire each continent, its greeneries and waters marked on the world map.

Recreating all the wonderful places I have seen in my dreams All the strange and lovely sceneries appeared in my endless series of dreams, either through words or through paintings. Little bit confused on selecting the right medium.

So start jotting down your wish list right now itself, and stick it somewhere close and visible to you, each time you look up you will be reminded and feel the urge to have it no matter what happens…….and please let me know your musings!

Recession packed thoughts

2009-06-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
First of all let me apologise for not updating my blog for such a long time, I wish to put the blame mostly to recession than to my laziness, could very well say that I have been undergoing the recession reveries especially in the backdrop where family delusions spiced up my being in this hot and humid city of wonder , I can sum it up like this unintentionally my beloved spouse fell ill and had to see his job saying good bye to him in the pretext of recession, joining in his woes and extending the warm hand of support and preparing the challenging plan of actions to fight all the odds, it took almost all my energy, when the expenses equations broke to an alarming rate, I have started realizing the true worth of financial dependence other than the emotional dependence in a relationship, a series of happenings in my life, and one more thing I have realized the fun in having a frugal living , an eye opener, helped me see the shallowness of people, helped me find the genuine people who would really stick to you and would lend you an ear to listen to your true feelings.

Ideas come and go as how to decently earn some extra bucks to tide this short period of delusionary phase of my life, here Iam with an underpaid job which gives me security and lot of creative exposure, thinking everyday hard as how to bring changes that would bring hope, happiness and coziness to my life. How would I utilize my talents that would help me pay for the bill that’s the question? Freelance writing; is it a nice option? What do you guys think?

My wish list gets longer and longer and I devise my dreams and plans list diligently waiting for a day patiently when I would grab my opportunities and emerge successful once again, like a phoenix coming out from the ashes, so fancy you all have reached where you wanted to be, wishing you all a satisfying and a true professional working week ahead!

Lovingly and trying to recession proofingly yours!

PS

This week I join my husband to listen to all Michael Jackson numbers, my husband used to love his songs and dance to the tunes always, a true and ardent fan of the pop star so let us pay a tribute to this legendary singer this way!

A prayer to God for smartlife

2009-03-04T04:46:00.000-08:00

Good day to you all!
One of the very brightest and pleasant day in my life, to wake up in the morning with a feeling that you are not alone in this world, how fulfilling and sweet is that feeling, I would like to thank the Almighty for granting me this day to enjoy the bliss of meeting my soulmate after a traumatic, temporary yet long seperation.

This is a thanks giving week to me to remember and praise the divine power, who decides and sets the role and happenings in ones life, I think troubles in life are a blessing in disguise, you tend to scrutinise your actions, you realise your limitations and it makes you more bold and make you get closer to God. I strongly believe that having great faith in God too is a way to smartlife.

A prayer to God
I thank God for giving me this wonderful lifethough it is flavored sweet and sour
I thank God for showing me the right paththe path that is hidden to sinners
I thank God for testing me with trials cos I can see a beatiful resting bench waiting for me afar
I thank God for showing in me love, hatred, impatience, naiveness, maturity, passion and the facets of me with its true variations

I thank God for each moment, as he taught me its real meaning
Let me love the mystery of tomorrow today with yesterdays finer moments!

Wishing you all a holy and spiritually uplifting weekend ahead!

Oscar winners 2009- Hats off to AR Rahaman

2009-02-24T04:57:00.000-08:00

A great and unforgettable moment for Indians to feel proud of, our beloved Mozart of Madras has made it, bagging two Oscars , and he took Indian film music to the mainstream American audience, once again he proved that music is beyond racial discrimination or any barriers, color, culture nothing comes in the way for a universal rhythm.

This soft spoken, down to earth artist who is entertaining us for more than a decade and unraveled so much memorable melodies to Indian and overseas audience. Let me tell you all frankly I still consider his debut "Roja" as his masterpiece, and then songs from Bombay, Dilse the list of my favorite scores will go on and on.

As everyone is putting it “slumdog millionaire" is the flavour of the season, the tale of underdogs, an emotional story in a thriller format which successfully captured the fancy of the Hollywood, has swept the 2009Oscar awards total 8 Oscars out of 10 nominations.

Billions of Indians are seeing this recognition as a stepping stone for future collaborations between Indo- US film industry , India's non commercial films that are truly artistic have always earned good recognition and gained acceptance in other parts of the world, if we reel back to the proud lineage which produced veterans like Satyajith rai . I believe India can really utilise this exposure to American film Industry to more international acclamations in the coming years.

The state of Kerala can boast about its intellectual and artistic legacy, kudos to Resul Pookutty. My heartfelt congratulations to you Mr. AR Rahman, Mr Gulzar and Mr.Resul
Of course to Mr. Danny Boyle as well who made this dream come true.

Winners from the 2009 Oscars

Best supporting actress: Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best original screenplay: Milk
Best adapted screenplay: Slum dog Millionaire
Best animated feature film: Wall-E
Best animated short film: La Maison en Petits Cubes
Art direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Costume design: The Duchess
Make-up: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire
Best live action short film: Spielzeugland (Toyland)
Best supporting actor: Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
Best documentary feature: Man on Wire
Best documentary short subject: Smile Pinki
Visual effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Sound editing: The Dark Knight
Sound mixing: Slumdog Millionaire
Film editing: Slumdog Millionaire
Best original score: Slumdog Millionaire
Best original song: 'Jai Ho' - Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director: Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire
Best foreign language film: Departures - Japan
Best Actress: Kate Winslet - The Reader
Best Actor: Sean Penn - Milk
Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire

Dear readers please share your views on the Oscar results with me, wishing you all a fun filled week ahead!

Friends for a smart life

2009-02-17T05:48:00.000-08:00

Good day to all!

On the way back home I was casually chatting with my colleague, usual trivia’s about relationship, friendship and when my friend wondered about having a friendship where you convey your thoughts without the aid of words or actions, I asked whether she was referring a kind of a spiritual synchronization. She said yes, Emotional compatibility is the perfect word for it, something that binds you with another person, the ability to sense the needs and emotions of a person depends largely on how well you sync with that persons overall personality.

Her query made me think a bit deeper about relationships, making and maintaining friends is really an art, it needs patience, care and time, there are some friends who fails to get to know your true spirit, there are friends whose ideas you find it difficult to digest, there are friends with whom you don’t get closer, but with some you pour your heart out, there are people who respect your individuality, there are friends who enrich your life there are some who make your life a hell, and the list is endless. Friendship has got different manifestations; one can find a friend in parents, spouses, siblings, relatives and colleagues or even in a complete stranger.

Friendship is something that stand beyond boundaries cast or creed, distance gender race nothing comes as a hindrance to true friendship, I feel each person or friend is like an interesting book once you read it you look for a new book but still cherish the content and memories in the book, old friends are like a good atlas when you are not sure of which route to take and falter for the right word that is at the tip of your tongue, look for the atlas you can get in touch with them to refresh your old memories and can calculate the distance you have traveled so far.

I must say friends are good universities you learn a lot from them, I don’ think I should blabber long to make you doss off, let me tell you True and intense friendship is really a blessing, I think there is a divine link that bridges the minds of buddies, so dear readers pick up your phone and dial you friends number that you haven’t used for a long time Or jot down a short mail now, send it and see its magical effect, so wishing you all a friendly, fulfilling and rekindling week ahead!

Don’t forget to write back to me with you thoughts on friendship!

Valentines Day thoughts

2009-02-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,
Aren’t you excited about Valentines Day, I is so near? Iam very much indeed, Notes of romance and sweetness are in the air adding a magic touch to the winter season, now iam getting nostalgic about those wonderful memories attached with that special day in my life back home. I still remember the day in which we a bunch of Business management students organised the event " Dieren" the event conducted at one of the best halls in town, after pooling money, the preparations we had for the big day, the lovely looking ticket designed in the most romantic way by my friend who has a natural flair for designing, though we were amateurs my friends managed to bring good DJS, the melodious romantic bits played for the audience still echoing in my ears.

Some were pretty worried about its success and the whole affair but they sold the tickets pretty well, they managed to broke even I guess, the first practical assignment to put management theories into practice. That event co-ordination is something that remains closer to my heart. Everyone in my batch were pulling my leg by asking why I was thrilled without having a valentine , I was wearing a fully white outfit groomed to perfection, I smiled and declared iam celebrating this day with my valentine who used to come to my dream and I am waiting for him to turn up, truly that happened after few years , the day when my husband came to my workplace to see me, after one year of courtship we got married and so far we have celebrated three valentines days together, the fourth one is approaching and I feel the distance will make that days celebration bit more special. You start realizing the worth of a person when that is person is not around.

So everyone make the most out of the day, don’t forget to gift your lover/spouse/the loved ones a wonderful gift, do share your valentines memories here with me

Iam heading to Dubai to have a look at candy/ flowers/gifts displayed there to be exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. So my weekend will be rich with the thoughts on this mysterious saint, I must say St. Valentine you are so sweet!

Weekend thoughts

2009-02-08T00:53:00.001-08:00

A bright day to begin work after the weekend. Calm blue sky, birds flying across the small park in front of my apartment, the pigeons are as busy as ever starting off the day , Wind was blowing softly carrying the moisture from last nights shower, I stood at my stop waiting for my vehicle and started observing the people pass by. One guy was wearing the same pink striped shirt and black trouser like me I thought and laughed inwardly what if I give him a pinch and say “same pinch” as we used to do it in school, the bewildered expression that would have flashed on the strangers face made me giggle.
I revised the whole activities of the two days off I had, finding the Jewelers shop after fixing an appointment and how smartly I enquired casually at the restaurant owner the way to the Jewelers shop after buying a pizza when I lost the way, and when I placed my gold in front of the salesman and announced “liquidity crunch” I liked the smile on his face and I chuckled at my own wit. I have underlined in my mind Investing on gold is always wise, it is very easy to turn it into money and it comes handy when you are in trouble.

I got the exact amount that I was in short for the rent to pay, that made me happy and I headed towards my apartment. I laid the pizza on the table and the pizza grinned at me for making him a scapegoat, to console him I savored slowly and resumed reading “Alchemist” and found myself transcending to another world. Paulo Cohlos magical work kept me stops worrying about the loneliness that befell on me quite unexpectedly and I knew that this loneliness is short lived but it is a revelation to search through my soul, to ponder over my follies and foibles of my past actions.

I did my grocery shopping and stuffed my fridge with enough items, put the batteries in the clock that has been stopped working for a while, now the rhythmic ticking of the clock brought a movement of action and energy breaking the horrific silence in the room, I tried to breath in tune with the sound, and looked out through the window, I switched channels after another and I could sense something was wrong with the sound system of the TV, I changed the plug, still voice is coming feeble, I have checked the speaker and found the wire loosened, I joined it deftly and the clear sound oozed from TV now free from its deafness.

It was a very fulfilling and integrity saving weekend with nice books to read through to refresh my mind, mending stuffs and mending myself, to see the world with more hope and optimism and I wish to spread this newfound cheerfulness throughout this week

Wishing you all a great week ahead!

Detachment for smart life

2009-02-01T04:27:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Life is indeed a blessing, and we read that it has to be fully lived, each moment as precious as the upscale graph of the share market and to be utilized to the maximum, what if that look damn bearish, then again the sermons are at your disposal you shouldn’t say the glass as half empty its half full blah blah, I have a question here, I do agree that life is like a sweet and sour pizza but my query is about the purpose serving , are we really serving the supreme purpose in our lives, we have 24 hours, spending it at workplace, home and among social circle , working, browsing, chatting, sharing knowledge, worrying and at the end of the month rewarded with the pay cheque, does that make you happy? Is that the only concern in your life? Where lays the path to feel the inner satisfaction, that elevate you beyond your sensations and infuse the inner energy to perceive the world without its forgeries?

What I feel is that the solution lies in detachment, keeping your soul above all the tempting illusions of this materialistic world. Disciplining ones heart and mind and maintaining a detached demeanor would lead to a happier and fulfilling life.

Globalization and technical advancements has begotten stress and it is following the younger generation like a silhouette especially in the wake of global downturn and its aftermath of alarming rate of layoffs. We should not let stress to stay long, like a well mannered guest leaving the house politely rejecting the dinner invitation we should see off stress also, shouldn’t let stress to stay more than necessary.

Let me share it with you some good stress buster tips from Harward Medical school’s newsletter, hope you will find it interesting. Wishing you all a stress free week ahead!

Breathing Techniques Help Control Stress
Breathe in deeply to a count of four and out again slowly. There. Don’t you feel calmer?

Most of us are familiar with the term “fight or flight,” also known as the stress response. It’s what the body does as it prepares to confront or avoid danger. The brain signals hormones that rouse us to action. Breathing quickens to take in more oxygen, the heart beats faster, blood pressure rises, muscles tighten, and senses sharpen.

When appropriately invoked, the stress response helps us rise to many challenges. It allows us to avoid an impending accident and help rescue people in a disaster. But trouble starts when this response is constantly provoked by less momentous, day-to-day events, such as money woes, traffic jams, job worries, or relationship problems.

Health problems are one result. A prime example is high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. The stress response also suppresses the immune system, increasing susceptibility to colds and other illnesses. Moreover, the buildup of stress can contribute to anxiety and depression. Often people try to relieve the pressure by self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, or develop bad habits like smoking or overeating.

We can’t avoid all sources of stress in our lives, nor would we want to. But we can develop healthier ways of responding to them. One way is to invoke the relaxation response, through a technique first developed in the 1970s at Harvard Medical School by cardiologist Dr. Herbert Benson. The relaxation response is the opposite of the stress response. It’s a state of profound rest that can be elicited in many ways, including meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation.

In meditation, for example, heartbeat and respiration slow, the body’s rate of oxygen consumption drops steeply, and blood lactate levels, which some researchers believe are linked to panic attacks, decline markedly. Blood pressure stabilizes in healthy people and drops in people with hypertension.

Breath focus is a common feature of several techniques that evoke the relaxation response. The first step is learning to breathe deeply.

The benefits of deep breathing
When you breathe deeply, the air coming in through your nose fully fills your lungs, and the lower belly rises. It’s an inborn skill that often lies dormant. Reawakening it allows you to tap into one of your body’s strongest self-healing mechanisms.

Yet for many of us, deep breathing seems unnatural. There are several reasons for this. For one, body image has a negative impact on respiration in our culture. A flat stomach is considered attractive, so women (and men) tend to hold in their stomach muscles. This interferes with deep breathing and gradually makes shallow “chest breathing” seem normal, which increases tension and anxiety.

Breathing engages the diaphragm, a strong sheet of muscle that divides the chest from the abdomen. As you breathe in, the diaphragm drops down, pulling your lungs with it and pressing against abdominal organs to make room for the lungs to expand as they fill with air. As you breathe out, the diaphragm presses back up against your lungs, helping to expel carbon dioxide.

Shallow breathing limits the diaphragm’s range of motion. The lowest part of the lungs — with its many small blood vessels that are crucial to carrying oxygen to cells — doesn’t get a full share of oxygenated air. That can make you feel short of breath and anxious.

Deep abdominal breathing encourages full oxygen exchange — that is, the beneficial trade of incoming oxygen for outgoing carbon dioxide. Not surprisingly, it can slow the heartbeat and lower or stabilize blood pressure.

Practicing breath focus
Breath focus helps you concentrate on slow, deep breathing and aids you in disengaging from distracting thoughts and sensations. It’s especially helpful if you tend to hold in your stomach.

First steps. Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down. Start by noting the difference between breathing normally and breathing deeply. First, take a normal breath. Then try a deep breath: Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your chest and lower belly to rise as you fill your lungs. Let your abdomen expand fully. Now breathe out slowly through your mouth (or your nose, if that feels more natural). Alternate normal and deep breaths several times while paying attention to how you feel. Shallow breathing often feels tense and constricted, while deep breathing produces relaxation.

Practice deep breathing for several minutes. Put one hand on your stomach just below your navel. Feel the hand rise about an inch each time you inhale and fall back the same amount each time you exhale. Your chest will rise slightly in concert with your abdomen. Remember to relax your belly so that each inhalation expands it fully.

Breath focus in practice. Once you’ve taken the steps above, you can move on to regular practice of breath focus. As you sit comfortably with your eyes closed, blend deep breathing with helpful imagery and perhaps a focus word or phrase that helps you relax. For example, imagine that the air you breathe in brings peace and calm into your body. As you breathe out, imagine that the air leaving your body carries tension and anxiety away with it. As you inhale, try repeating a phrase to yourself, such as “Breathe in peace and calm.” And as you exhale, say: “Breathe out tension and anxiety.” To start, 10 minutes of breath focus is a reasonable goal. Gradually increase your session to 20 minutes.

Sleep like an angel!

2009-01-27T00:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-12T02:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-11T00:33:00.000-08:00

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.

http://www.gowealthy.com/gowealthy/wcms/en/home/articles/travel/shopping/Dubai-Shopping-Festival-Calend-1231407145857.html

A New Year hymn

2009-01-07T02:51:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-04T03:38:00.000-08:00

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/

http://www.gowealthy.com/gowealthy/wcms/en/home/articles/travel/shopping/The-Global-Village-2008-1197448018783.html

Smart ways to smart life

2008-11-16T04:39:00.000-08:00

I know you are all too busy with so much tasks, official and personal, that keep on buzzing in your brain but still I love to take few minutes of yours, even you will agree that All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, we are all on a strife to reach the top to fulfill all our dreams, we shift our focus to materializing the wish lists and at the end we triumphantly achieve whatever we wanted or yearned all the while.

If we give some attention to some minor aspects in our life and analyse we find that something is missing if that missing element is there the success could have tasted better what’s that missing element, could we taste the success of our hard work and efforts bit more sweetly with its presence? Do you remember the last time you wrote to your best friend? For how many days you have been postponing the date to pay a visit to your loved ones? Why it takes so much long to utter the five letter word “sorry” for hurting some body close to you? When did you go for a walk along the beachside last? Do you remember why you haven’t finished writing your eventful diary (you dream of publishing it as an autobiography some or other day, “better luck dude”?)Remember the last time you missed an opportunity to socialize (lets not pay any heed to your spouse’s “charity begins at home” dialogue for the time being)

We are missing out on very simple affairs in our life because of our intentional procrastination. Let’s make a pledge today to say good bye to procrastination.

We will be enjoying even the minute happiness that lies in our life with a serene and strong determination to lead a smart life; a smart life to celebrate today, that has been gifted to us by God. Let’s complete all the unfinished tasks that seem trifle but bring in more happiness and wellbeing than a hefty pay package,

Do write to me about your own notion of smart life, please don’t procrastinate dear reader!

Your dream house in Dubai

2008-11-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Are you the kind of a person who develops an emotional attachments even towards inanimate objects, let me tell you frankly I belong to the that category, you cannot say that it’s a materialistic attitude, but a trait of having a strong affinity for the things that you are associated with, something like home, car and personal belongings etc etc.

Don’t you still remember the splendid days of your childhood, your favourite spot and play areas in your house, your corporate status graph could have soared so high, that doesn’t mean the real you is no more in you, still you will be having personal preferences ,you might not be having enough time to spend for yourself, you will be cracking your head over projects that have to be completed, lets keep aside those thoughts for a while and think about the things that are too dear to you, was it a pair of trousers you got as Christmas gift or the portico back home through you have started the journey till here, lets bring those fond memories here, recreate your dream house in Dubai, an oasis amid the deserts.

I believe you will agree that everyone in this world aspire for some space exclusively for their own purposes, let it be a home, a small apartment or a posh bungalow, from time immemorial men wanted a cozy retreat after the tedious works, fighting against all the odds in the nature for survival, the same necessity now in the twenty first century bestow totally a new scenario where you could earn profits after profits by investing in real estate. The realm of real estate is vast and is one of the most lucrative industries in the world.

A global merge of the talents and skills is what we see in UAE which has become one of the safest countries in the world to have ones base, that fetch benefits that range from tax free status to world class facilities, a cosmopolitan world where multi cultures thrive and businesses flourish, and investor friendly laws and regulation being introduced, a state which presents a stable and impressive economic, business, residential platform for the people around the globe, the realty boom in this part of the world is a call that cannot be ignored so lets heed the call and make your investment decisions.

Are you an expat working in Dubai and started admiring the quality of life over here, then why not make it your home rather than a home away from home, a home that doesn’t belong to somebody else but your own, where you could always feel yourself.

In the meantime please share your views on real estate with me, your expertise in the realty industry, your views on realty laws, realty strategies and behaviours

http://www.gowealthy.com/forum/

Dubai Shopping Festival 2009

2008-11-09T01:18:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,

Are you on a holiday mood, thinking hard on preparing for your dream vacation, lets make it easy and enjoyable this time because Dubai shopping festival is around the corner the beautiful city of wonders , Dubai is calling you for an extravagant shopping and entertainment fiesta thats truly worth spending your precious holidays.....

Transforming Dubai to a dream world thriving with activities like great bargains, sales, raffles, drawings, promotions, concerts and performances, carnivals and games Dubai Shopping Festival captures millions of visitor's and shopper's hearts.

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2009 will take place from January 15 to February 15, best time of the year for shopping enthusiastic to visit and enjoy the sprawling event.

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) was started in 1996 by the government to promote retail trade in the city, and has since grown into the foremost shopping event in the world, an annual extravaganza of shopping and entertainment that promotes tourism and attracts millions of people from around the world to Dubai every year. The city is already known as a shopping paradise, but for a whole month thousands of retail outlets offer further specials, with hotels, travel companies and airlines also extending special discounts to visitors during this period.
Besides the shopping malls and souks, one of the most popular shopping spots is the Carpet Oasis, showcasing thousands of exclusive carpets from around the world. Other events include nightly fireworks, laser/light shows, international fashion shows, street performances, music concerts and many cultural events. Daily raffle draws offer very attractive prizes of money, gold, cars and 4x4s.

The venues include shopping centres and malls in various parts of the city and there is also a Global Village with pavilions offering products from retailers and manufacturers from around the world. So let's plan your next trip to Dubai coinciding with this mega event.

And do post your comments in my blog dear visitors!

Shabs Investment journal

2008-11-05T02:31:00.000-08:00

Wondering what this simple entries are for, please don’t underestimate, these simple things matters a lot for a big start.

Try increasing the grey area , increase in grey area indicates your increase in wealth. Start keeping an entry like this and analyse your performance

Shabs Investment Journal

How many of you have got the habit of planning things ahead especially where investing your hard earned money is concerned, Keeping a very simple entry would give you far more insight into your financial capacity.

Form a strong saving habit and determined to be a millionaire, sky is not the limit for high achievers! Hope you liked this simple format to start from scratch we will be discussing more issues in the coming days! Keep visiting the blog and please post your comments!

Invest in Dubai real estate and earn incredible returns!

2008-11-02T22:21:00.000-08:00

Smooth riding for UAE economy amidst global credit crunch

Major nations in the world are desperately trying to fight against the credit crunch and striving to rise uninjured from the recession, we spot UAE with rather stable economy and position. Let's analyze the reasons and factors that helped the country to upbeat the global pressures. Many experts in Dubai predict that the health of the emirate's economy will only be mildly affected by the ongoing international financial crisis, though a further draining of liquidity is a matter of concern.

The liquidity crunch that is playing out in the global markets is a result of crisis of confidence among banks. The collapse of large banks and financial institutions such as Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers and AIG has shaken the confidence of banks to freely lend to each other, as everyone is guessing who is next. As a result, many banks which relied on short-term wholesale funds from other banks, are finding it difficult to raise such funds any longer, leading to a liquidity crunch.

Local banks in Dubai have experienced low levels of exposure to failing US banks while the tightening of the international credit market has made it harder for banks to obtain short-term funding to cover their obligations. As a precaution measure Central bank of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on September 22 that it was making $13.6bn available to local banks to bridge any liquidity shortfalls. Anticipated tighter liquidity is already speeding up mergers. Tamweel and fellow Dubai-based mortgage lender Amlak Finance entered into $2.4 billion merger, a proactive measure to spur international growth.

Recent announcement His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has ordered a Dh70 billion transfer to the Ministry of Finance to pump liquidity into the banking sector. The new transfer brings the total emergency funds for the UAE banking sector to Dh120 billion.

Move by nations to overcome credit crunch
The UK government has announced a package of measures aimed at rescuing the banking system that makes available £400bn ($692bn) of fresh money. It will initially make extra capital available to eight of the UK's largest banks and building societies in return for preference shares in them. The UK and the Spanish governments, along with a few others, issued plans to recapitalise major banks with public funds. Moreover, the UK government will guarantee new bank debt issuance for those banks that participate in the recapitalisation plan, thus securing banks' short-term and medium-term funding.

The Fed and the US Treasury introduced a new facility (the CPFF) to buy three-month commercial paper in size, both from eligible financial and non-financial issuers. This is a major new step, as it not only provides banks with additional financing, but also means that the Fed will (via a SIV) lend directly to companies.

There is some rub-off effect of the global liquidity crisis on India as well, because foreign institutional investors are selling domestic equities exacerbating pressure on rupee. However, this has only a marginal impact on liquidity; there is no crisis of confidence among banks in India to lend to each other, as is being seen in global markets. To tackle the liquidity crunch in the Indian credit markets, RBI (Reserve Bank of India) announced the CRR (cash reserve ratio) cuts as these infuse the much-needed liquidity into the banking system.

UAE Property sector and Credit crunchGlobal economic downturn will not be having a major effect on Dubai's property market. High demand and shortages have driven up prices at huge rate and the question is whether it will sustain for long? With an expanding economic base, ample reserves, high domestic demand and a strong programme of infrastructure and development projects drawing investment, Dubai may find itself better equipped than others to handle a crisis.
The Gulf's oil-fuelled boom has so far protected the region from the major upheavals that have shaken the financial and property sectors in the United States and Europe. A worsening global credit crunch will not have a major impact on Gulf oil producers as they soak in mammoth crude exports liquidity that allows their governments to more than offset funding for development projects. Despite a slide of nearly 50 per cent in oil prices over the past few weeks, the six Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries are expected to net their highest ever budget surplus in 2008 while they continue to supplement funds on development, tempted by rapidly accumulating overseas funds.

Four GCC members in Opec - the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar - netted a staggering $423 billion (Dh1, 554bn) in the first nine months of 2008; more than double what they projected in their budgets for the whole of the year. Demand for UAE property has been rising faster than the developers can build as more expatriates arrive every year, pushing up both sale and rental prices and fuelling inflation. UAE state news agency WAM said that a shortage of at least 28,000 housing units in Abu Dhabi this year was still pushing up rents and stoking inflation. Projects that are now being completed will supply only 20 percent of housing needs.

In its World Investment Report 2008, the United Nations said that while it predicts a downturn in the global trend for investments, with a 10% fall in FDI overall, there will actually be an increase of inward capital flow into the Gulf countries. With the region being largely unaffected by the sub-prime mortgage crisis, and with a significant number of major investment energy and construction projects in the pipeline, capital inflow will remain strong, said the report, issued on September 24.

GOWEALTHY.COM © 2008
For comments: editor@gowealthy.com
(Source: The facts and figures cited in this article are compiled from sources believed to be reliable like News agencies, Information portals and Online Research reports)

http://www.gowealthy.com/gowealthy/wcms/en/home/articles/travel/general-info/Smooth-riding-for-UAE-economy-1224154165421.html

Smart life-smart investment Dubai

2008-11-02T04:45:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

A warm welcome to my blog. Let me introduce myself to you first. I live in this part of the world and earn a good sum as I smartly invest in real estate projects, I always think about reaching to the top, I strongly believe in Bill Gate’s famous quote
“If you born poor that’s not your mistake, but if you die poor that is definitely you mistake”

It is not wrong to dream for the sky I would always recommend you to think high always, the best education, best amenities, best food, best home, best career best behavior, best attitude everything you want to have in your life has to be elegant, it is not a crime to aim high, provided the means are proper, you dream and dream and work towards it whatever you deeply wanted in your life will land up in your doorstep, its sheer determination and homework take you to the path, lets gear up, brush up your skills, update your knowledge and be smart, and the twenty first century is for the smart thinkers who walk the talk, You can attain a smart life, a life that is envied by others, once you start making the right step, the right move to earn profits after profits to lead the life that you always wished, You will start realizing the hidden potentials in you. Invest smartly in Dubai and lets start the foundation for a smart life, Dubai is the city for the smart generation, a city to fetch you returns that you have never imagined before.

Lets join me in my discussions to find out the beauty and attractions and investments tactics of this wonderland Dubai.

Jot down your valuable experiences as an investor in the Dubai real estate sector and your observations are highly valued as it will light up others lives as well.

Let’s travel together for a mind blowing feel!