Thursday 21 March 2013

World happiness day, a belated post!

Considering the fact that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal, the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 declared March 20 as the 'International day of happiness'.

Poverty eradication, economic development, social and environmental well-being etc. are considered as factors that contribute to happiness.

Bhutan, a small Himalayan country considers among other aspects spiritual well-being also an indicator of GNH (Gross National Happiness Index), a happiness measure. Bhutanese are considered to be one of the happiest people in the world. No wonder, the whole initiative of this movement came from that country.

People celebrated this day in many ways across the world. Some initiated a chain reaction of generosity, random acts of kindness etc.

Belated Happiness day wishes, all of you!

Be happy😊

Check:
http://www.worldhappyday.com
http://happinessinternational.org

Try to be happy, live happily. Enjoy life and be successful. Look and read for success tips.
  • Happiness is something that cannot be defined in simple terms. It is subjective, very private. Whatever, try to 'be happy'... all the time!
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Monday 18 March 2013

Ancient wisdom - South pointing chariot, awesome!

I am blogging in this post about an ancient equipment. It is a surprising example of the knowledge and wisdom of those people who lived so many years ago. We have plenty to learn from the history and make use of those nice qualities our ancestors possessed in present-day lives.

You can see this at the Ibn Batuta Mall in Dubai. This Mall is themed according to the travel experiences of Ibn Battuta, the famous 14th-century Arab explorer.

This cardinal direction pointing non-magnetic device was invented by the Chinese. The pointing arm of the figure will always be facing the south direction no matter whichever direction the chariot turned.

The chariot must have been used for navigational purposes by the ancient Chinese. This might have helped the warriors and travelers to negotiate the vast terrains in China. The mechanism operates by a differential gear system. No magnets were used.

Interesting...isn't it?

The Ibn Battuta Mall has Persia court, China court, Andalusia court, Egypt court, India court, and the Tunisia court.

Plenty of outlets...very good architecture...!

Lovely Mall to visit...!

http://www.ibnbattutamall.com
  • The dire need for something to lessen the hardships in life stirs up imagination; it triggers the infinite possibilities the human mind is capable of, the end result is inventions like this.
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Thursday 14 March 2013

How humans excel...Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world!

Burj Khalifa is the tallest man-made architectural marvel situated in the Emirate of Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Burj Khalifa (Arabic = Khalifa tower) stands majestically at over 828 m (2716.5 ft) having more than 160 stories.

Dubai achieved this outstanding feat under the efficient leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.

His Highness is a great leader having the power to inspire people and his determination to succeed made Dubai a world-class destination. 

This fantastic creation became a reality with international co-operation, hard work of many talented people and above all as a result of dynamic leadership.

January 2004 - Excavation.
April 2008 - Level 160 - World's tallest man-made building.
January 2010 - Official launching.

The designing was carried out by the Chicago Office of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP (SOM). Mr Adrian Smith was the consulting design partner. The inspiration was a desert plant named Hymenocallis with petals emanating from a central stem! The tower has three portions arranged around a central core.

I did not know all these details till recently. Only when I began researching when I was contemplating a post about the Burj Khalifa I came to know of these wonderful facts. Glad that I am sharing these with you.

Bill Baker was the structural engineer. The property developer was Emaar and the elevators were installed by Otis.

This is a mixed-use tower where one of the major attractions is the Giorgio Armani Hotel. At the base, we can see the world famous Dubai fountain, which is the tallest performing fountain. Burj Khalifa park's design is also inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis like the tower itself. 

You will find plenty of Burj Khalifa tour ads in local newspapers or your Hotel travel desk will arrange one according to your convenience.   

For a view from outside including the Dubai fountain nothing to spend except Metro or other types of conveyance charges to Dubai Mall!                                                                                                                                                                
Just go to the lower level of the Dubai Mall following the 'At the top' sign, get out and voilà...you are viewing one of the wonders of the world...!
                                                                   
'At the top' - is Burj Khalifa's observation deck on level 124. Better take tickets online well in advance!

Tickets are also available at 'At the top' entrance at the lower level of the Dubai Mall.

Free entry for children under three years of age.

In the upcoming posts, I will upload pictures of this awe-inspiring monument from different angles.
  • Another example of success achieved by sheer determination, willpower, and unlimited enthusiasm to make dreams a reality.
  • Nothing is impossible.
  • Proof of how an able leadership can motivate people to deliver outstanding results.
  • Inspiration can be any simple thing, here it was just a small flower!
  • You have unlimited potential, with the right kind of circumstances the possibilities are endless.
Check:
http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Khalifa
http://smithgill.com/

You may read about the hardships and the problems the team faced, how they tackled the issues and found solutions etc. etc and finally the glory that wiped off all the tears! Hats off to Adrian Smith and the whole team.

I will post the pictures taken by me during the construction time soon. How it made people of the UAE...say  wow...lucky we were, watching this wonder unfolding in front of us..!

Youtube video link  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijvJ0ZzaoSM

Now so many people from different parts of the world come to the UAE to see Burj Khalifa. No doubt this has become a jewel in the crown of the magnificent city of Dubai.

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