SUKANYA ROY WINS 84TH SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE CONTEST

Sukanya Roy is the champion at the 84th Scripps National Spelling Bee competition on June 3rd, out of 275 spellers. Sukanya, Indian-American origin, an eighth-grader at Abington Heights Middle School, South Abington, Pennsylvania, took the top place when she correctly spelled the word 'cymotrichous' – which relates to wavy hair. Sukanya, 14, took home more than $40,000 in cash and prizes. Sukanya knew as soon as she heard "cymotrichous" that she'd get the word right and win the championship Thursday night. "My heart started pounding, I guess," she said. "I couldn't believe it. It's just amazing. It's hard to put into words."
Commonly called the National Spelling Bee, is a highly competitive annual spelling bee contest in the United States, with participants from other countries as well. The National Spelling Bee was formed in 1925 as a consolidation of numerous local spelling bees. The bee is held in late May and/or early June of each year. It is open to students who have not yet completed the eighth grade, reached their 15th birthday, nor won a previous National Spelling Bee. Its goal is educational: not only to encourage children to perfect the art of spelling, but also to help enlarge their vocabularies and widen their knowledge of the English language. "Bee" refers to "a gathering", where people join together in an activity.

A very excited Sukanya. Congratulations!

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP OPENS IN KUWAIT

On June 1st, Build-A-Bear Workshop held a grand opening, of it’s first store in Kuwait, at the Avenues Mall, Level 1, with a beautiful opening ceremony and entertainment, attended by mall management, media, senior representatives from Build-A-Bear Workshop Gulf States and VIP guests and customers. The presence of mascot Bearemy was a delight to the children, who made further appearances on June 2nd to 4th at the store.

I visited the Build-A-Bear Workshop on Saturday evening and was quite intrigued and impressed by what they have to offer. Build-A-Bear Workshop would be of great interest for everyone, regardless of age, as people have a special fondness for stuffed animals. Build-A-Bear Workshop offers a unique concept of ‘make your own teddy bears’ and other plush animals. Guests enter a distinctive teddy bear themed environment consisting of eight ‘make your own stuffed animal stations’ which are ‘Choose Me, Hear Me, Stuff Me, Stitch Me, Fluff Me, Dress Me, Name Me and Take Me Home’. Doesn’t that sound adorable offering a personalized experience of creativity? Well, that’s not all. There are a variety of furry friends to choose from to make; stuff their new friend, give it a satin heart filled with wishes – a Build-A-Bear Workshop trademark and make a personalized birth certificate! Guests can further personalize the stuffed animal by recording their own message, add a heart beat to place inside and choose to clothe it from a wide selection of unique fashions and accessories. Store Associates will help you through every phase. Each bear goes into one the Build-A-Bear Workshop unique Cub Condo case and also guests will gain exclusive access to Bearville.com.

Guests can also chose to buy from the wonderful wide range of existing stuffed animals at Build-A-Bear workshop as well.  A visit to Build-A-Bear Workshop will certainly give adults and children a unique experience as it offers joy of creativity and a  wonderful interactive experience to make your own stuffed animal. Build-A-Bear Workshop also hosts parties for special occasions which you can enquire about.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Avenues Mall : Tel 22597031
Visit their website: www.buildabear.ae

Here are some pictures from Build-A-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Avenues Mall,  Level 1

Children with their new beary friends and Mascot Bearemy

'Choose Me' A wide range of adorable stuffed animals to choose from








LI NA FROM CHINA WORLD'S FIRST ASIAN TO WIN FRENCH OPEN WOMEN'S SINGLE

China's Li Na, 29, became Asia's first tennis player to win the Grand Slam, defeating champion Francesca Schiavone in the French Open women's single finals at Roland Gaross in Paris on 4th June.

"I am proud of my results especially because I have always worked so hard on the courts. Not so many Chinese players could be in the finals two times in a row, so yes, I am proud!" - Li Na said after her historical victory.

RAFAEL NADAL WINS FRENCH OPEN TITLE

On June 5th, Spain's Nafael Nadal won 6th French Open Men's Single's Title at Roland Gaross stadium in Paris against Swiss Roger Federer.

IMAGES FROM CHILE VOLCANO ERUPTION

Puyehue Volcano in Chile erupted after 50 years, giving a eerie show through the ash clouds, which was more than 6 miles high that blew over the Andes and carpeted a popular ski resort in neighboring Argentina. Chile's government said it was evacuating 3,500 people from the surrounding area as a precaution.

CHANGE WORDS AND IMPROVE LIFE

- Martin Firrell, Public Artist and Campaigner

Martin Firrell, born April 4, 1963, Paris, France, has been described as a cultural activist, a campaigner, a public artist, or benevolent provocateur, stimulating debate in public space through powerful use of words in art form , to promote positive social change. Firrell is based in UK.  Caitlin Moran for 'The Times' described Firrell's work as being built on “huge, open-chord statements that make your ears ring".

In Martin Firrell's words: “Art should be a force for good, and I have stuck faithfully to that premise. As I have grown older I have become more adamant that my purpose is to campaign in some way for change, using my works as a medium for catalysing debate. If you can raise debate, eventually change will follow.” Firrell  has done spectacular work on public buildings and public spaces using words and art as a medium to bring about an inner change in the hearts that is intended to promote societial change towards the better.

Martin Firrell

ARE YOU A SHOPAHOLIC QUIZ

In my earlier blog about shopaholics and compulsive buying, I wrote that I would be posting something important relevant to this topic. Well here it is. You can click on the  'Are you a Shopaholic' Quiz  below if you want to find out.....

Are you a Shopaholic Quiz

OPRAH WINFREY : ENDING THE INNER BATTLE OF WEIGHT

Geneen Roth with Oprah Winfrey

Over the years, Oprah Winfrey has been very open about her struggles with weight. "You all know my story—the highs and lows and ups and downs. My skinny self, my fat self," Oprah said in her segment with Geneen Roth last year. But after all these years, Oprah said, she finally found the answer. "I have come across something so profound that I think [to everybody] who's ever felt that it's a losing battle, here is an opportunity to win. What we're about to share with you might be actually the first time in your life that you begin to understand the real reasons you are fat and allow those reasons to be a miracle for your life." Geneen on Oprah's show talked about her crash dieting for many years, gaining and losing more than 1,000 pounds, but after finding herself on the brink of suicide, she had a breakthrough. Geneen shared the breakthrough in her best selling book Women, Food, and God. (Excerpt from 'Why are you eating?' - an article based on Oprah Winfrey show last year). Though this article was done last year, I feel it's timeless, something one could read anytime and find the strength to lose weight and keep it away for ever.

To read the rest of the wonderful article visit this link for a revelation. http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Geneen-Roth-Talks-About-Women-Food-and-God/1

WHEN YOU ARE SAD OR UPSET

When you are sad or upset, do not cut yourself a slice a slice of chocolate cake! It might seem consoling and give temporary joy while you have it. The calories would just add on to your weight. Talk to a friend, or loved one who is supportive or do anything interesting, other than seeking comfort in food.

ENGINEERING MARVEL : HIGHWAY THROUGH A BUILDING

Gate Tower Building is a 16-storey office building in, Osaka , Japan . And what makes it an engineering marvel is the highway that passes through the 5th-7th floors of this building. The highway is part of the Hanshin Expressway, a network (239.3 km) of expressways surrounding Osaka , Kobe and Kyoto in Japan. The Gate Tower Building is Japan 's first building to have a highway pass through it.The Umeda Exit of the Ikeda Route of the Hanshin Expressway passes through this building. The elevator doesn't stop on floors 5th to 7th , floor 4 being followed by floor 8.  Special care was taken by providing surrounded structure to the highway to protect the building from noise and vibration.

MINT AND COCONUT RICE

My very own Mint and coconut recipe

This is very easy to make and tastes really good. Rice flavoured with freshly chopped mint and fresh coconut scrapings make this a very enjoyable dish.

Ingredients:
* 2 cups of cooked basmati or any long grain rice (cooked with salt)
* 1 tablespoon of finely chopped mint leaves (about 10 to 12 mint leaves)
* Green cardamon 2, cloves 2, cinamon stick 1/2 inch, Dried bay leaves 2, 1/4 tsp cumin seeds(Cumin seeds   and bay leaves are optional, only if you like the flavour of cumin, you add them

* Fresh Coconut shavings or grated 2 to 3 heaped tablespoon

* 1 tablespoon or 3/4 tablespoon butter.

(Increase the mint, coconut and dry spices in proportion to the rice)

Cook rice in a large quantity of water and drain the water. Add salt to taste while cooking rice. Keep rice aside to cool. Take a large saucepan, add a tablespoon of butter and let it heat on medium fire. Don't let it smoke. Add the cumin seeds, let it splutter gently (optional). Add the the rest of the spices. Stir, add the cooked rice and finely chopped mint leaves. At this point, reduce the fire to minimum. Stir gently without mashing the rice. Put off the fire. Add the grated coconut (or coconut shavings). Stir gently again. Enjoy this rich dish with vegetables or chicken or shrimp dish. Due to time constraint after making a late lunch, I couldn't make it look more presentable, so do excuse me for the 'presentation'. You can always decorate with sliced or grated carrots. Let your imagination run and make an artistic impression if you are going to serve this for guests.

Note : It's advisable not to use desiccated or dried grated coconut. Fresh coconut will taste a lot better. Freshly grated coconut is available at Lulu Hypermarket Qurain, at a small  counter near the 'Take away Food Section'. You can buy a small quantity of freshly grated coconut shavings from there. Freeze it and thaw required quantity 20 to 30 minutes before you use it in the Mint and Coconut rice. If you don't know what to do with remaining coconut shavings, keep it frozen; you can grind a small quanity of 2 tablespoon and add them to your meat, chicken or vegetable curry dishes.

PEOPLE COME AND GO...

I am sure we've  all have had presence of people in our lives who are like 'God sent', people who genuinely care and help without expecting anything in return. This made me think of a wonderful saying.

People will come and go like the ocean tides, but a few will leave such an imprint on your soul that it cannot be washed away.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY JUNE 5TH

Today is World Environment Day (WED). It is observed on June 5th each year, to create an ongoing awareness of the environment, enhance political attention and public action.

In order to celebrate World Environment Day, the Kuwait Change Campaign has organized an event, sponsored by Burgan Bank and the participation of the Kuwait Target Company. Guests of honor from the American Embassy will be present. This year’s theme will be “Forests,” they will be distributing plants, and there will be a special activity which will enable people to engrave their name on a tree that will be planted in Wafra. People can take empty plastic bottles with them, to the venue,  which will be used for recyling. Join Kuwait Change campaign in this celebration to make Kuwait a greener place!

Date: Sunday, June 5th
Time: 12:30pm – 6:00pm (Official opening ceremony is from 1-2pm which is when the ambassador will be giving her speech)
Venue: Marina Mall

Visit Facebook page of Kuwait Change Campaign :
www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158565370876268

A special message on World Environment Day:
*If you protect your Environment it will protect you.
*Just do one thing today that will help the Environment, it may be the start of something BIG. 
*RECYCLE…REUSE … REDUCE
Check http://www.unep.org/wed/ for more information  

WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE KEBAB COST £750

Chef Andy Bates with his expensive kebab creation

Chef Andy Bates has created the most expensive kebab in the world. The dish includes saffron-infused flat bread, milk-fed lamb from the Pyrenees and even edible GOLD. Titled 'King of Kebabs' uses gold leaf for a finishing flourish and champagne-infused mint and cucumber yoghurt completes the luxury - costing a whopping £750.  

Nick Thorogood, Managing Director of Food Network EMEA added: "Street food is really stepping up a notch with many street food trucks now providing the high quality, gourmet food and fine cuisine expected from top restaurants. But don't expect to find it in your local kebab shop, the 'King of Kebabs' was created by Chef Andy Bates for Food Network UK, to  mark the launch of  The Great Food Truck Race TV show celebrating street food. The show will air on June 6th, on Food Network UK.

The breakdown in full for the ultimate doner is: 

*Shoulder of milk-fed lamb - £84 

*Coeur de Boeuf tomatoes - £20 

*Micro Cress and Bibb Salad - £11.95 

*Chili Peppers - £35 Barrel Aged Feta Cheese - £54.20 

*Laudemio Extra Virgin Olive Oil - £26.95 

*Purple violet potatoes - £15 

*Edible gold leaf and platinum - £130 

*Saffron - £138 

*Krug Champagne - £195 

*Other ingredients (garlic, lemon, salsa, mint, cucumber, yoghurt) - £40

Total: £750.10
 

Read the complete interesting article at : 

newslite.tv/2011/06/02/the-worlds-most-expensive-keba.html 

SCARECROW - THE OLD AND THE SOPHISTICATED

Traditional looking scarecrows at ACE Hardware (childrens' toys). 

At ACE Hardware, Shuwaikh, I saw a collection of 'Scarecrows'. It's after a long while Iam seeing scarecrows. They have always been a fascination for little children and perhaps birds and animals in the farms. As you know, scarecrows were kept in fields by farmers to scare animals and birds from eating away their crops. It didn't take clever birds and animals long to realize they were not humans and enjoy their time on the fields. Children's authors have written beautiful and intriguing stories that revolved around Scarecrows. Things have changed. Now we have sophisticated modern 'Scarecrows', a gift of technology to do some policing. 

Scarecrow Robot with intelligence to ward off birds

The SCARECROW ROBOT consists of an Internet-enabled video camera and image processing software that scans for color and shape - searching for the signs of predatory birds. Fish farming is a $42 million industry in Florida; farmers have tried tethered balloons, propane cannon and motion-sensitive sprinklers (among many others) to deter unwanted bird pests. When birds are detected, powerful jets of water and loud sound barrages are released.

Scarebot used to protect fish farming

Assistant professors Steve Hall and Randy Price of the LSU Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering designed an autonomous solar-powered robot called SCAREBOT that could run unattended for long periods of time. The Scarebot would patrol fish ponts, scaring away the predatory birds.

DIGITAL SCARECROW designed by Kyungryul Lim and Miyeon Kim. Digital scarecrow is enabled with infrared ray sensor eye with a 16,529 square meter range for animal detection and Ultrasonic Wave Generating animal approach prevention. Solar panel wings for completely self-powered scarecrowery. Tripod legs rooted deep into the ground for secure sentry standing. Animals will get a small shockwave! The wave causes no damage to the animal, just gives them a little scare. The digitial scarecrow is eco-friendly and does no damage to the environment, and powers itself as  the sun.is it's energy source.
 

TEEN SELLS KIDNEY TO BUY iPAD 2, iPHONE AND LAPTOP

Xian Zheng, iPad 2 and post operation scar on Zheng

A TEENAGER in China sold one of his kidneys for 22,000 yuan (US $4,185) so he could buy an iPad 2. Xiao Zheng, had confessed to his mother after she noticed the gadget and a deep red scar on his body, which was from the surgery. Zheng had travelled from his home in Anhui province to the city of Chenzhou without his family's knowledge, where his kidney was removed at Chenzhou hospital under the supervision of a kidney agent. Besides iPad 2, Zheng also bought an iPhone and a laptop with the proceeds from the sale of his kidney, his mother said. "I wanted to buy and iPad 2, but I didn't have the money", the boy told Shenzhen T.V.

To read the full article visit source at: www.theage.com.au/digital-life/ipad/chinese-teen-sells-kidney-for-ipad-20110603-1fjsr.html#ixzz1OG5TieK3 

What was he thinking....? I hope more kids out there don't follow suit. If Zheng suffers health complications after loss of one kidney, the ipad, laptop and iphone can only give him temporary sense of gratification, but never give his kidney back nor his health. It's painful to see or hear of kids do drastic things that cost them their life.

SALE AT KENNETH COLE

Kenneth Cole  New York, Avenues Mall, Level 1, is having a Sale of upto 75%. They have nice bags, purses, footwear, watches, accessories, ladies and men's garments on Sale. The sale is until July 3rd. 

Tel : 22597845
Opening hours:  10am to 10pm (daily) 

 

STRETCHES - BEST WAY TO START YOUR DAY

The best way to pep yourself up in the morning before start your day or go to work is to do some stretch exercises for 10 minutes, for your hands, shoulders, waist, hips and legs  well, for the whole body. It won't take much time and it won't hurt to wake up 5 to 10 minutes early, to do some stretches, that will make you feel invigorated. After the exercise, take a shower and your'e out, you will feel certainly feel totally energised from head to toe! Seriously! 

As you age, muscles tighten and range of motion in the joints become minimized. This can hinder day-to-day, normal motions and actitivites. Doing some stretch exercise for individual parts of your body, can help lengthen your muscles and make daily activities easier. 

Some benefits you can experience from a regular stretch exercises

* Muscle tension will be reduced considerably
* Increase in movement in the joints
* Improved muscular coordination
* Increase in blood circulation to all parts of the body
* Enhanced energy levels (as a result of increased blood circulation)

Benefits of stretching can be enjoyed by people of all ages!  When you have been sitting in a particular position for a long time, or when you wake up in the morning, you stretch unconciously. This means stretching comes to us naturally!  Stretch exercises will give you better overall flexibility, better joint movement and an increase in energy levels, which will enchance your moods too, a great way to start your day!

The elderly or people with joint problems (arthritis or rheumatism), especially in the knees, can request their doctor or physiotherapist to design specific stretch exercises best suited for them. If you face stiffness or persons starting for first time, do the stretches slowly and for lesser counts (5 for beginners, gradually increased to 10 or more, as you gain more flexibility). Donot do any stretches you are uncomfortable with or that leaves you in pain.

GREAT ACTS

Great acts are made up of small deeds - Lao Tzu

How true, isn't it? I am always touched by people who care enough and are sensitive enough to do certain 'little things' that make a big difference, that turns into great acts. 

Lao Tzu lived between 600 and 300 BCE. His name meant 'Old Master'. He  believed that human life, like everything else in the universe, is constantly influenced by outside forces. He believed “simplicity” to be the key to truth and freedom. Lao Tzu encouraged people to observe, and seek to understand the laws of nature; to develop intuition and build up personal power; and to use that power to lead life with love, and without force.

SHOPAHOLICS AND COMPULSIVE BUYING

Have you come across certain people who talk about nothing substantial or meaningful , except how much they spent and all the expensive new things they have bought. Well, I have...it's tiresome having to listen to such a person and I do feel sorry that they don't realize that deep inside, there is something missing....and like overeating or indulging in food, compulsive buying is also a self destructive habit really. And flip side is, they are trying hard to create an 'impression'..  Depression, loneliness, sadness, lack of love and affection or self worth in their lives, drives them to seek happiness and contentment through compulsive or excessive shopping. They feel they can derive that joy by  buying a lot of things for themselves all the time. Though we see it as mindless and endless compuslive shopping spree, what shopaholics feel is  an instant sense of elation, a sense of comfort and gratification. They experience a euphoric feeling  while they spend considerable amount of time buying new stuff. They don't keep a tab at how much they spend; sometimes they don't even wear or use what they bought. They could end up feeling guilty later on, when they add up their bills and realize what a huge amount they have spent (wasted). Like overeating, compulsive buying is actually a disorder and addiction, that one can overcome with awareness and some determination. A hobby or fun and quality time with family and friends,  nurturing relationships, being involved in activities that give joy and evolve you as a person, can change your attitude towards money and food.

SOME TIPS TO CURB COMPULSIVE BUYING:

1. Make a list and buy only what's on the list

2. Don't carry credit card, only cash

3. Make smart choices (to buy or not to buy based on if you really require that thing or not)

4. Ask your self what is truly lacking in your heart and life. Compulsive buying can only give temporary joy.

5. If you are not sure of a certain item, yet, you're overly tempted to buy, you needn't buy it immediately. Instead go home and think about it. If you feel you really need it, return to the shop and buy it after a few days.

6. Give yourself a 30 day period to overcome excessive spending or compulsive buying.

7. Make a budget for the week and stick to it. Budgeting might be tedious and boring but it helps.

8. When there is a SALE, go see everything, enjoy yourself...but just buy what you really need. There is no rule you have to buy everything you fancy. Decide what you really want before hand.

9. Carry just enough money to buy what you want. If you feel horrible that you didn't have enough money to buy all those tempting things you saw, it's okay...calm yourself. Most of the time you will forget about it in one or two days, which means, it must have been on the spur of the moment compulsive feeling...which SHALL PASS.

10. Be in charge of yourself, compulsive buying is something one can overcome.

Tomorrow I'll shall be putting a very important and relevant post in relation to this.

INSTALLATION ART

Don't these pictures give the feeling as if water is flowing in the rooms or through the rooms or the rooms are flooded?. It's like an optical illusion actually. There is no water. Floors are painted in a manner to create an optical illusory effect on the viewer by Installation artist. Looks so really like water doesn't it?

This beautiful installation work is by German artist Heike Weber.