Phoenix Reflections

Roll down your car window and notice drivers crib (of course …along with you) about the sudden closure of roads and essential highways in Sharjah. Transport Authorities consider their job well done by placing minuscule signs diverting the traffic to pipe width lanes (if you could call them that). While one commuter flings his hands frantically in the air, another tries to make a beeline entry into the already reduced lane space. One tries to juggle his options on weather it’s the left …or maybe the right that’s moving faster, the other makes sure you never enter his territory. And then, there are people like me… what’s different you may ask? Oh! I crib! I crib a lot. And I assure you, you don’t want to be my passenger when I do.

However, I’ve learnt to channel this frustration in a way that has benefited my appetite for exploration as well as saved others from my road rash. Being a driver for the last two years, I yet have to discover the nooks and corners of Sharjah which conceal quite a few picturesque treats. The recent closure of a flyover (without early intimation by the way) that links Sharjah with the highway sidetracked me to a part of the city that, despite being in the UAE for the last 20 years have witnessed for the first time. Lined with some good restaurants and an architectural delight called the Sea View was just picture perfect (if only I could maneuver the car and camera simultaneously.)

I would suggest this to people but the only catch: your fellow passengers may slay you for all those pleasure stops.

Style from the Past
A Photographic Society like any other club or society brings together like minded individuals who share a common passion: to capture the worlds delights on film. The first society could probably be spotted on the map of London, the Edinburg Calotype Club formed in 1843. From then on such societies sprang in many other parts of Europe. America caught up, establishing the American Photographic Society in 1858. Initially being in the experimental stage, The Calotype Society formally reestablished itself as the famous Royal Photographic Society in 1894. These advocates of photography spread their knowledge and gained insights of others on emerging photographic trends. As more amateur’s hit the scene with the development of digital photography, rather than joining existing clubs they began their own exclusive societies. Today, these societies have become a raging trend all over the world, gaining prominence in Asia as well.

Cropping the distance
Melanie Jones, whose husband insisted she buy a camera, is an avid member of the Light chasers, a photographic society operating at the Cultural Foundation of Abu Dhabi. All her fears were banished at the first meeting she attended. “I was never into photography. My husband forced me to one of their sessions at which he was already an active member. Though initially it felt like alien terms were being hurled at me, the colloquial attitude eventually put me at ease.” Asking her about the need for such clubs she was quick to point out the inherent nature of man to display his talent to the rest of the world. The societies give individuals a chance to share their work and gain insights of the rest of the members. Redha Qallabi, a member of the Qatar Photographic Society shares a similar view. However, while Melanie is an amateur, Redha is a working photographer. This clearly depicts the concoction of people that form a part of these societies. “We learn from one other,” said Redha, “This is how we develop ourselves as photographers.”

Redha Qallabi (Right) Photograph: Afshan Ahmed

Enhancing the vision
With the advent of online communication, it is said that the world is at our finger tips. With online forums and an ocean of avenues to render ones work why do we need tangible societies and clubs? “These clubs provide the benefit of a teacher-pupil relationship. The World Wide Web may provide you with all your answers but it lacks the aspect of personal one-on-one communication,” said Melanie. A formed society develops norms and guidelines for itself, the parameters within which the photographers display their effort. Maitri Somaia, a media student, appreciates the fact that she can capture locals of Abu Dhabi in a group as against going alone for photo shoots. “There are such undiscovered treasures in Abu Dhabi that despite being a resident for so many years, I was unaware of.” The Photographers Club provides a platform to socialize through passion for some while is a learning experience for the others. The camera sees what the eye doesn’t and photographic societies thrive on this nature of the art. “A similar sunset can be shot with so many different perspectives,” she added. These societies also provide a platform to exhibit quality material and even hold competitions to test one’s zeal to better oneself. The Qatar Photographic Society holds an annual competition that sees entries from all over the world pouring in for a common theme. “We have entries from distant places like Argentina, Slovakia and now, even India churns out amazing photographs,” said Redha.

Join the Club
Members meet weekly, bi-weekly or monthly to discuss various aspects of photography. Clubs may charge a membership fee or can be absolutely free. While many of these societies are group endeavors, some successful clubs are recognized by the government. “Our society is sponsored by the Government of Qatar. We are constantly encouraged to set higher bechmarks in the field of photograph and very soon we are planning to begin diploma courses as well,” said Redha Mohammed. Maitri, on the other hand stumbled upon a club on Google that doesn’t charge anything for sharing her passion. “I joined the Photographers Club through a social community website which I landed on while browsing for photography information.”

Photographic societies in the America and Europe have developed a niche for themselves and an entry into them has now become a feat in itself. In the Middle East, the trend has not yet caught up with the masses and such clubs are confined to certain locations. Perhaps in this land of opportunities, people are so consumed in their jobs that they lack the commitment and patience to peruse this skill. “People need to take out time and commit themselves, at least for a while. As a matter of fact these sessions tend to be relaxing and a pleasant shift from the hectic schedules of our daily life,” said Melanie. So enlightening, enjoyable and a way to meet many more photogs… Let’s say Cheese to that!

Some of the Photographic Societies that have an open membership in the Middle East are:

Light chasers

Qatar Photographic Society

Rating: 3/5

Venturing into new heights of exhilaration, director duo Abbas-Mustan’s Race has all the right Indian spices to keep the ‘janta’ at the edge of their seats. Packing the reigning stars of the industry, roping in the best designers and coupling all that with a mash of thrillers of the past, Race has managed to make it to the finish line first.

Meet Ranvir (Saif Ali Khan) and Rajiv (Akshay Khanna), half-brothers who own a stud farm in Durban, South Africa and are the biggest bookies in the horse racing circuit. Ironically for all the money they splurge, their land is mortgaged to the bank and they technically don’t own much save for a big bucks insurance policy that their father took out in their name. And when there is money involved needless to say all family ties are challenged. But who’s playing whom? Moving in a serpentine manner just when you begin to flow with one characters scheme, the movie unravels a sub-plot catching the audience’s off-guard. While Rajiv plots an elaborate murder of his brother, Ranvir has many more surprises up his sleeve.

The female leads, Sophia (Katrina Kaif), Ranvir’s secretary and Sonia (Bipasha Basu), an upcoming model serve as arm candy and help to spin a web with the brothers while being caught in the same. Anil Kapoor who plays a cop along with an assistant, Sameera Reddy are introduced after the interval for comic relief.

Shot in South Africa, India and Dubai the movie’s breathtaking locales can be enjoyed through the bird eye view technique all courtesy ace cinematographer Ravi Yadav. Narration is spiced up through razor sharp editing introducing fast cuts and quick transitions for momentum. However, it seemed like style overtook the production aspect of the film with emphasis on details like how each character should dress/sport to portray their personality.

A Bollywood masala isn’t complete without the traditional song and dance. Music director Pritam has churned out yet another album that will be a hot favorite at clubs for many nights to come and Pehli Nazar sung by Atif Aslam will be on everyone’s valentine recordings this season.

In the acting arena Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Khanna earn two thumbs up for rendering performances with aplomb adding yet another winning performance to their illustrious repertoire. Anil Kapoor comic timing did manage to find applause in the hall. All the women made fashion statements but when it came down to performing, their omission wouldn’t have made a difference to the movie. Katrina Kaif was all Barbie and reminded me someone giving a speech at the podium. Sameera Reddy as the cop’s sidekick was the beauty without the brains.

Living up to the hype, the movie has managed to pull out from the pile of low grade films the film industry has been bombarding the audiences with. After straying from their genre for a bit, director duo Abbas-Mustan are now back on track with what they do best, thrill with all the frill.

The green tin home
Photographs: Afshan Ahmed

To understand this pitiable situation and the reason behind the burst of population of stray cats in the UAE I decided to talk to a volunteer from an organization that strives to overcome the crisis of strays in the UAE, Feline Friends (FF). I had to meet up with her (the volunteer) during a fund raising endeavor at Uptown Mirdiff in Dubai during the weekend. “Everyday is tough.” The very fact that this organization does not have a designated ground to run defines the magnitude of their dilemma. Establishing a network of volunteers by different modes of communication FF provides foster shelter to the innumerable cats that walk the streets and frequent buildings garbage cans.

Though this problem cannot be entirely eradicated, its scale can be minimized. This is where the concept of spaying/neutering needs to be promoted. This is a process whereby the animal’s reproductive organs are surgically removed and is not capable of producing offspring’s. This may sound inhuman but you will be surprised as to how this move of sterilization can avoid the situation of homelessness.

In the UAE many pet owners have reservations on denying their pets the right to reproduce. Volunteers at charitable pet organizations try educating owners about the benefit of the process. “A cat that is more than 6 months old is spayed/ neutered prior to adoption at our cost, but if the animal is adopted at a younger stage then we follow up with the owner to get him sterilized once it matures.” However this is a tough task for them as many adopters refuse and ward off calls from the organization. The miracle of birth that many conservatives believe cannot be controlled by man becomes a curse when the creation is desolated.

Many people argue that their pet should be allowed their first litter after which they can be spayed/ neutered. Unlike humans, cats reproduce in large numbers (generally more than triplets). So unless you have the time and space to look after the entire lot, you are most likely to give them off or leave them to wander the streets. Animals should be neutered as young as eight weeks of age, before their first heat.

The cost of sterilization often deters pet owners from the process. A pet is like a member of the family. As one provides for the rest of the family members, once you take up the responsibility of an animal you must provide for its wellbeing. All the more, this is a one time cost- a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. It’s a cost to reduce the number of unwanted pets. FF in the UAE has provisions where the sterilization process can be sponsored. Many well-wishers sponsor spaying/ neutering of pets as a way of showing their concern.

The situation that prevails on the streets of the UAE is constantly being reviewed by the not for profit organizations and the Municipality. Feline Friends do not have a shelter but with a single asset, their van, they are on the constant look out for cats in the city. Instead of providing a shelter FF follow the ‘Trap, Neuter and Release’. “Every night our Mobile Pet Unit driven by a specialized volunteer picks up strays. Around 5-6 cats are neutered every day and then released. So we can’t reduce the already present number but we do try to prevent an outburst,” said the FF volunteer. The Municipality unfortunately has a different approach to the issue. They euthanize the homeless animals to reduce their number. And if it isn’t the legal killing of the animal, its sure death for these strays on the car populated roads and among the non-compassionate millions. To avoid the pitiable end to life, pet owners must think about the option of sterilization.

Spaying or neutering your pet does not mean you are taking away something from them. In fact you are not only helping yourself but ensuring the safety and hygiene of your neighborhood. For you it’s beneficial as an owner as you are saved the mess and boisterous behavior of your pet. Your pet on the other hand leads a healthier and longer life.

What’s more, unlike their human owners, pets don’t understand the concept of sexual identity or ego. So pet owners needn’t worry about their pets holding grudges against them!

Escapism is a requirement for keeping an individual’s sanity intact. The traditional forms of release are the television, radio, reading or an outing. The new transporter on the block is the virtual world courtesy the Internet.

The virtual world is a computer stimulated world aping the real world but allowing you to play God and giving you a chance to create a ‘NEW’ ‘IMPROVED’ you, called an avatar. These virtual worlds have now become a massive online business providing multi-player online role-playing games such as EverQuest, Guild Wars and the popular Second Life.

Despite some of the tedious prerequisites of these worlds like download speed, time spent on creating the avatars, a graphics card and the availability of cash to update the new you, it has managed to attract masses of gaming enthusiasts and Internet addicts. Taking advantage of this obsession many multinational companies including Nike, Sony Entertainment, Toyota and Apparel have teamed up with this booming business and provide their specialized lines to these gaming sites at a charge they consider minimal, for hours of pleasure. These virtual worlds are the next frontier in blurring advertising and entertainment.

The virtual society is like a playground where an individual can fulfill all his fantasies. Unlike his real life, here he can be in absolute control and this very factor drives the demand for these virtual worlds. Man today, despite being the master of all, has developed a sense of insecurity in him. The reassurance that he is a significant part of the world draws him into a fake world.

One major weakness of people tends to come to the forefront, the fear of isolation and the need to prove themselves. The constant need for companionship is fodder for the virtual world. It provides a platform for not only meeting people from all over the world but also challenging them and displaying ones skills.

Though they are an extension of the gaming industry these virtual world platforms are now being adopted for commerce, education, military and vocational training.

It isn’t long before the thick line between ‘real’ and ‘fantasy’ becomes a distant blur.

Stars walk the ramp:The Children of Al Noor Center

Come Friday and all the school bags, the briefcases and appointments are ditched, shoes kicked off to enter into the stress free party mode. After a long week of college stay backs and an anticipation of an even more hectic week ahead, my agenda was set. I call it the SEP: Sleep Eat and Party!

Shopping for giving

The Al Noor Training Center for Children with Special Needs organized its annual Fun Fair on the Friday (7/2/08) in its school premises. The event began at 10am and went on for the next twelve hours. Though I couldn’t be there for the entire event I did spend the entire evening in the aura of hundreds of humanitarians. With a mere entry ticket of Dhs. 2/- I was exposed to the buzzing of UAE citizens who not only had come to have a good time but to encourage and extend their support in any which way to the organization. The place was jam-packed and we had a hard time finding a parking spot as well.

The major crowd puller was the food court. With sponsors like Gazebo and Al Ghurair Foods, a booklet of coupons gave you access to a delectable continental spread. Moving away from the food court, towards the main ground was the bouncy castle that I so fancied as a kid. Being all of 20, as I was about to enter it, gazing stares got the better of me. So I decided to indulge in a little shopping therapy instead. A mini global village, almost everything was on sale. From shoes, clothes, jewellery to used books and tapes, toys all the way down to kitchen and bathroom usables. Pick up anything and you automatically aid the organizations cause. Never knew shopping could be charitable!

What I was most looking forward to was the fashion show that the announcer kept reminding the public about. “Please head to the auditorium at 7:00 for a fabulous fashion show by designer J. Yasmeen. Don’t forget!” At first it sounded like just another designer displaying her creations for which all proceeds would be given to Al Noor. But after repeated announcements, I resoled to attending it. And boy! I’m glad I did. Or else I would have regretted it for the rest of my life. As I entered the misty auditorium, it took me a couple of minutes to get adjusted to the lights and crowd around me. As my visibility cleared up, I noticed someone walking the ramp. Well the same old fashion show! Or was it? As I zoomed in through my camera (where spectacles don’t help, your camera forms an excellent extendable third eye) what caught my attention was that this regular fashion show had no regular models. These were special models.

Future super models

Models whose walk can make the Naomi Campbell’s, Heidi Klum’s and Tatiana Rosalino’s eat their shoes. The professionalism in these children with special needs blew me off my feet. And a volunteer told me it took these children only a month to prepare for this grand event. “This is the first time we have a fashion designer creating pieces for our children and we prepared them in a month for the show,” said Ms. P, a teacher at the Center. Kudos to them! As each child displayed the specially designed outfits the crowd cheered them, basking in the love the children exuded. At the end of the show all the children took to the center of the stage and were greeted with a standing ovation fueling their enthusiasm. The satisfaction that lined the visage of the teachers and volunteers spoke volumes of the hard work, their commitment and dedication to integrating Gods most precious creations into the society, which is so called the ‘normality’. I left the auditorium part dazed, part enlightened.

The excitement dancing in the kid’s eyes and the satisfaction on their faces was picture perfect paling those of Mona Lisa and Cleopatra. Earn all you can but this is one thing we all are, and will always be devoid of. With most of us caught up in stress and sleepless nights, their carefree spirit is the one think that cannot be stolen from them. A little time spent with or around them will make you realize that if normal is what you think you are, it’s delusional!

Where are all the front page headlines? At least the paper I subscribe to doesn’t have ‘em! WHAT?! Is she blind? How can a newspaper do away with the front page headlines? Of course! If it has a front page ad …where is the room for text?

With companies shelling out all their mullah to get that entire extra broadsheet which screams ‘BUY ME!’, newspaper proprietors are laughing all the way to the bank. The ‘Pseudo Front Page’ as I call it is the latest trend in print advertising. Tracking this development in the last few months, what I noticed is that these front pages have been booked by property developers and what was an occasional affair has now become a regular feature. Advertisers pay based on how much space their ad requires on the page. They can purchase full-page display ads, which fill an entire page of the newspaper, or fractions of pages. The price of an advertisement depends on the size of the newspaper’s circulation. I guess full page ads make them look bigger. But while the ad manages to catch my glance, (Obviously! You need to go through the first page to get to the second) they fail to maintain attention. So dreary.

Being a media student, my main interest lies in the content of the newspaper that though encompasses ads, these (front page ads) can be called anything but that. Lacking any sort of appeal, I have no use for them….or do I??

Let me share with you a few ways of putting your Pseudo Front Page (PFP) and other full page ads within the newspaper, which otherwise is absolutely useless, to complete use:

1. Being a compulsive hygiene freak, I abhor the idea of my newspaper lying on the mucky floor outside my flat. So the PFP can be used as a cover to avoid any sort of filth on the main paper.
2. If Tommy (your neighbors’ dog), over the years has found it appropriate to relieve himself on your doormat, well after all the failed lessons in dog training, its now time for you to do something about it. Just place the PFP’s over you doormat. Now he can pee and poop all he wants!
3. Ours is a traditional family, we still enjoy delectable home cooked, ‘ma ke haath ka khana’ on the tiled floor. When it gets cold, sit on the PFP’s and hog away.
4. PFP’s serve as good shoe rack lining as well. Shoe dirt accumulates on the paper which can later be thrown out. It does away with the hassle of regular cleaning and dirt stains.
5. Carry PFP’s when traveling with those suffering from motion sickness. Now that you are armed, at least you won’t end up at the work place smelling of puke.
6. Spring cleaning (which somehow seems to pop up in winter, summer and autumn as well) can be made much easier with PFP’s.
7. Fool your neighbor into believing he’s got the morning paper (at first glance), when the matter of fact is that you’ve taken his copy for the day leaving behind just the PFP.
8. Lastly, find new ways of using a PFP.

Disclaimer: These uses have been tried and tested. Please feel free to add on to this list.

Do tell me too!