F ORTNIGHT N EWS
Volume 1 | Issue 1
www.christinecherian.wordpress.com
29th January 2012
COVER STORY
Around the local street of Dubai Place where one can find everything at once without having to travel a lot Christine Marie Cherian
One of the popular local streets in Dubai, and once called the Al Dhiyafa Street has been recently changed to 2nd December Street. This street mainly gets its name because it leads to the Union House, where the signing between the rulers of the Emirates took place 40 years back. This street is also considered to be one of the posh areas in Dubai, and this further leads on to the Jumeriah Beach road. The 2nd December Street is not only well-known for this famous building, but also for the many restaurants that are located on both sides of the road. One can find more options on what to eat here, than what they may find at any shopping malls in Dubai. Along this street one will have the option of choosing between the various cuisines such as Arabic, Lebanese, Chinese, Indian, and the most common one fast food and many more. The chances of getting confused and the problem of deciding will also be here with the variety of options. Marian Mathew, who is a working mother says, “When we come here as a family to have dinner, we have a tough time deciding on what to have with the variety of choices.” A completely residential area, people living along this street, will have absolutely no issues when it comes to buying the basic essential household items, as there is more than one supermarket for them to do their grocery shopping. “It is the life of Dubai. This is the one street that will be lit up during any occasion”, says Mr. Joseph John, professor at Manipal University, who had lived here for almost 25 years. People needn’t worry about the cost as everything is available for them at their convenience, and also at a reasonable cost. For those interested in buying a branded pair of glasses, one can also find optical shops along this street. As for saloons, people living here, needn’t have to worry about going for long drives in order to get a haircuts done, all they need to do is either come below their building or walk for a few minutes. This street is not only filled with restaurants and supermarkets, but for those who have a weakness for ice creams, one wouldn’t want to miss on Baskin Robbins. Open till the early morning hours, one can come in at 1 in the morning and still have their favourite flavour of ice cream.
Residents seen walking around at the 2nd December Street, Satwa, Dubai; Photo Credits: Christine Marie Cherian
In case of emergencies, there are pharmacies along this street, making it convenient for the people living here to buy medicines, when in requirement of them, rather than driving to different places. The 2nd December Street also has travel agencies, where one can plan their vacations and get their tickets without having to worry too much about it. This area also has a small park for the young children, which includes a basketball court, volleyball area and badminton area. During the early evening hours, both young children and older men are seen playing here, and for those who wish to see them playing can sit on the benches and watch them. Mathew Cherian, who is currently studying in 11th grade at Jumeriah College, Dubai, finds this street lively and a good
PHOTO FEATURE
Dubai Shopping Festival Highlights
place to go for evening walks. During the National Day celebrations, this street is crowded with people, traffic on the roads, and people are seen enjoying every moment of it; whether locals or expats. The 40th National Day was celebrated in full swing by the locals; people were seen standing and sitting on cars, young boys seen riding their bicycles in the middle of the traffic, and various other scenes which are not common on daily day to day basis. The 2nd December Street is a must visit place not only for the tourists, but also for every expat living in Dubai, as this is one place where one will find a variety of things to do and wouldn’t want to miss a chance. TECHTALK
Skype adds new feature for users Christine Marie Cherian
The Women’s dances of Armenia: These dances by Caucasian women depict various emotions, but are always lyrical and express their pride in being a Caucasian woman. Though they portray a queenly image, the manner of dancing brings out their modest nature. In this dance, the movements of their hands adorn the air of sadness and longing, and their feet movement gives a feeling that they are floating across the floor. Photo Credits: Christine Marie Cherian
A new feature has been added by the internet phone service Skype. The users can now have video chats with their family and friends on Facebook at free of charge. Through this feature, both companies expand on an existing partnership. With this release, people have found it much easier to communicate with friends and family around the world. Gulf News quotes Jonathan Rosenbery, Skype’s chief technology strategist, working with Facebook “is really taking us a big step closer to that goal.” Though chats were already possible on Facebook, which was an instant – messaging feature on Skype, the option of video component was still not available. Skype lets their users to make calls, have video chats and send instant messages over the internet which are free of cost, while calling regular phones from a computer are paid services.
SUNDAY 29th JANUARY 2012 | FORTNIGHT NEWS
2 GLITZ N’ GLAM
Premier of Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl at the 8th Dubai International Film Festival Christine Marie Cherian
The 8th Dubai International Film Festival was held from 7th – 14th December 2011. Dubai experienced a star studded film festival which was held at the Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai. Dubai International Film Festival is the most popular film festival in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Since the commencement of this festival, it has brought a platform for the Arab filmmakers around this region to showcase their talents in this field. With the establishment of this international film fest, it has lead to the development and growth of the movie industry in this region. On the opening night, Hollywood Star Tom Cruise walked the red carpet with His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. The screening of the most anticipated movie, ‘Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol’ was premiered on the opening night at Dubai International Film Festival. The following night Bollywood’s latest stars, Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma walked the red carpet for the premier of their second movie together, ‘Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl’. After a few poses for the media, Ranveer was seen running to meet his fans, as well as pose with them for a few pictures. Meanwhile, Anushka spoke to the aspiring Media students of Manipal University, Dubai; “I’m very excited; I’m anxious, not nervous. I’m anxious to know what people think about the movie. I hope they come out satisfied.” Anushka was also seen interacting with her fans and posing with them for a few pictures. Before the commencement of their movie, the stars were called on stage to speak a few words about their movie, and to add on to the fun element, Ranveer on a public request was seen rapping a few lines from the song ‘Aadat Se Majboor’ from his latest movie. Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma (Photo Credits: Christine Cherian)
LIFESTYLE
Living a stress - free life Christine Marie Cherian
“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy”. A very old quote and a familiar one too, this is used by us often. We all work in such busy environments, that we time and again forget to take a break and breathe fresh air. We have become such workaholics that there is hardly any time to sit back, relax and enjoy with friends and family. It has come to a point where we carry our work with us where ever we go. Today every other person has a Blackberry or iPhone or an iPad in their hands, busy sending messages or emailing. More the new gadgets come into the market; more options are brought in on how easy one can do their work. We are buried under so much of pressure and stress from work commitments that we often forget to give time to our self. To relax our minds and bodies, many workshops are held around Dubai. YES!+ is a project of the Art of Living foundation. This foundation started almost 25 years back, and it focuses on helping an individual to uncover their strength, peace and joy from within. Vasudha Vijayaraghavan who works at YES!+ says, “YES!+ is a way of life for young professionals. The workshop is fun challenge that really empowers you in every way.” This mainly aims at the various areas which will help an individual to feel more relaxed and calm. It is all about making an individual live in confidence and a sense of purpose, from stress, fear, and anxiety; solving problems in the world; having a good time, which is extremely important for any individual and lastly, understanding ourselves in a deeper way. For Ms. Vijayaraghavan working and being a part of YES!+ has definitely helped her in the feeling more relaxed and stress – free. “The one thing I definitely took back home is a smile that never ever leaves me!” Through this program Ms. Vijayaraghavan ensures that by kicking out inhibitions that would otherwise hold one back, and the ability of having to flush out our stress at our willpower, will definitely make the youth of today completely stress - free. For the youth out there, who really need that break, here is that chance for living life to its fullest once again.
TECHTALK
Facebook Messenger for Windows users Christine Marie Cherian
Facebook seems to be expanding its popularity each day with the arrival of new additions. It all began with Facebook changing its layout every other month. Following this, came in the option of having webcam chats, where you are able to see your family and friends. This feature was further developed when Skype and Facebook joined together and the option of having video chats was possible for its users. Users now could not only chat with family and friends, but also have the option of having live video chats; and all this completely free of cost. The latest addition to all these features was the Facebook Timeline, where one was able to see whatever they have done ever since they joined. This doesn’t end here; Facebook is now bringing out Facebook Messenger for all those who use Windows. This new feature enables the user to use Facebook while browsing the rest of the web without having to be on the main Facebook website. A Facebook spokesperson told VentureBeat, “We are continuing to make Facebook Messenger easily accessible across platforms.” Messenger for Windows supports chat, and also includes other options such as the ticker updates and a mini blue Facebook bar which consists of the notifications on the site. “I find the interface to be very simple, although it is quite frustrating since it requires you to save login information on the browser. I personally wouldn’t recommend this for shared computers” says Kevin Sebastian, who is currently doing his masters in Media and Communications. The Messenger for Windows will be further improved with group chats and video calls, which are still on process. The trial application was released to a small group in late November, but the download link has been leaked out, and any user using Windows 7, Messenger for Windows is available for them.
UP CLOSE
Children: The essence of purity Christine Marie Cherian
Ms. Fokiya Akhtar Photo Credits: Christine Marie Cherian
Children are the most innocent and loving beings we have seen; their ways of doing things or of explaining are very down to earth. A child’s laughter and happiness is what makes us feel happy and remind us of how our childhood used to be. We adults have become engrossed in our own work that we forget what it is like to be happy and enjoy what we have. “Children of God” a documentary film by Fokiya Akthar talks about the life of special needs children. On interviewing Ms. Akthar about the film, we were able to understand her passion for these children, which is seen through this movie. When we asked her how she came by with this title she said that, initially she had another title which was called as “We are all just people”. As she continued working on the film, step by step, at the end of editing she decided to keep the name as “Children of God”. She states that, “My approach to the film was to make the kids look real. Whereas other movies only talk about their problems and we are left sympathizing for them.” Whether we are normal or special, there isn’t much difference between them, as she says, “There is a thin line between the special needs children and the normal people. I am very
passionate about the weaker section of the society (women and children) and I like making documentaries about them.” She also said that, “We shouldn’t label them as Special Needs Children, instead we should teach them, as they are also part of the social fabric of our society and parents are at no fault.” As she continues to tell us about her passion, on what inspired her to make this film, she said that she wanted to show and tell the people how these children are real and not fake unlike us. She states that, “Our emotions are fake unlike them who are true about their feelings.” She wanted to work with more children and decided not to have the voiceover, as the movie was self explanatory. There were many instances which touched her deeply, but one such moment or incident is about a young girl Priyanka; who was the first person she interacted with. She tells us how Priyanka wants her fairytale and that is always dolled up. As she continues to talk about Priyanka, she gets emotional and says “She is so vulnerable, she looks at someone and falls in love with him. She sees that in her relatives. She becomes too friendly. She looks normal, and it hurts me being a woman and I knew what her feeling was.” When we asked how they felt being before the camera, she said that they were more than happy. She talks about each child, how they were such a joy to be around with. She states that, “Braghadeesh wanted to see the children; Sadiq was so smart; Taha was shy but wants to be a pilot; Muneeb wants to drive a Ferrari; they are poor but have big dreams. He also plays the guitar and his family is very supportive. The parents are giving the attention to the children.” We as normal beings sometimes show tantrums for doing certain things which we don’t like; whereas, these children do so without any complaints; Ms. Akthar says, “These children are not distracted, they are not evil like us normal people. Their minds are not corrupt. We are the ones who are political and corrupt. They don’t fight and they want to enjoy life; we are the ones who are not normal and not them.”
Disclaimer: This newsletter is written and edited by Christine Marie Cherian as part of her final project specialization in Print and Online Journalism. I am solely responsible for the editorial policy, content and these do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of anybody else.
SUNDAY 29th JANUARY 2012 | FORTNIGHT NEWS
3 FESTIVE SEASONS
Christmas: Time of joy and happiness New Year’s in Dubai
Christine Marie Cherian
Christmas, the festive season that brings so much of joy and happiness, and everyone is in the mood to give and share. Everyone loves to do Christmas shopping, being each other’s secret Santa, going out on long holidays; the list keeps going on what one can do on this occasion. Shopping is one of the main things people enjoy doing this time of the year. Every other shopping mall will have the word ‘SALE’ in bold white colour with a red background. They also have special offers during this time, and people love buying for their family back home and for their friends and most importantly for themselves too. Parties are another main happening during this season. Event companies at this time of the year have the maximum amount of the sale of tickets. People enjoy the long nights of partying with friends. Other than this, they also like going partying at clubs or go dinning at expensive hotels or even have slumber parties, where all they would do is watch movies, stay up late and talk all the way till morning. Being away from the home country, celebrations often tend to be less compared to how it is at the home country. The reasons could be many; away from family and friends, work pressure, restrictions on how one can celebrate being an expat in the country and so on. Due to these reasons, Christmas is often spent alone or just by going to church and attending the Christmas mass and carols. The traditional manner of celebrating has died down a long time back, but even amongst all this, people try their best to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. Even though being in a different country and many reasons for the celebrations to be less; as December starts the feeling of Christmas seeps in too and the Christmas tree and decorations are up in almost every other house, malls, department stores and even business organizations.
Christine Marie Cherian
Photo Credits: Christine Marie Cherian
Zainab Das who is a University graduate says, “I love the spirit of Christmas. Though I may not celebrate it, I buy Christmas chocolates for friends and send out wishes. I also make it a point to watch a Christmas movie every year. The malls are so well decorated during this time, that I go with my family to see the decorations.” People try to relive and recreate the feeling of Christmas compared to how they might have celebrated at their home country. They take up the initiative of making small groups, and go around houses caroling by singing some of the most popular Christmas songs. The best part of all this is when a group of total unknown people come and sing and along with that we also tend to join them. Even though people are away from their family, the feeling and spirit of Christmas are always lived up to, as they ensure that in some way or the other that they celebrate this occasion to the fullest and enjoy this holiday to its maximum way possible.
New Year means new resolutions, new steps to doing things differently; we begin to have a totally different outlook for the New Year. A lot of expectations and hopes as what is in store for us are unknown. We enter the New Year with a bang like how it is done every year. Expats living in Dubai try to celebrate in many ways possible. Being away from their home country, celebrations may be comparatively less. During these times, shopping malls are crowded, or clubs are packed due to the parties held or even house parties. Here are a few quotes from expats living in Dubai and their ways of celebrating New Years. “The fireworks were breathtaking and the live orchestra at Festival City was equally captivating. However, even though I call this place home, it would have been a New Year’s to remember had I been back in India, celebrating it with familiar strangers, unfamiliar extended family members and the rich blend of sweets and spice and everything nice.” says Judy Sebastian, who works at the APEX Consultants. Zeba Zahir who is doing her final year in BBA said, “Spending time with my family means a lot to me. Every new year we plan something and go out. This time as a family we went to Mumzar Park for picnic, and it was a truly enjoyable day for me.” For some it may be a quiet evening at home with family for others an outing. Whether in the home country or not, every individual ensures that they spend the day enjoying themselves hoping that the year goes by well, and the next year holds much more for them.
Valentine’s round Documentary Review on ‘Becoming a the corner Woman in Zanskar’ GLITZ N’ GLAM
Christine Marie Cherian
It is that time of the year where shops are decorated in pink and red ribbons, heart shaped balloons are tied up to be sold, different coloured roses are seen; which being the main attraction of the day; Valentine’s Day is round the corner with every couple looking forward to it. Couples plan and save up for this day months in advance. A memorable day for every couple, during this festive day, we see the restaurants packed with couples or special offers at the malls. They make sure that every small detail is looked into carefully and that their better half has an extremely special day. They enjoy splurging cash on things that their loved one enjoys to do or may want to have. This day is also another means for the businesses to get a rise in profits, as every other couple would either love to shop or go for movies or have a luxurious stay at hotels or go on a trip to exotic countries. Though this day may be all colourful on one side, on the other hand, in certain countries this day is either banned from celebrating openly or is celebrated in a very small way. This varies from country to country as each place has a different outlook to this occasion. To them they feel this day is over – rated and meaningless as one particular day isn’t required to express their love for their loved one and also that these occasions are more modern and followed by the western countries. Due to these reasons, every other year there seems to be some or the other issue when it comes to this day. At the end, whether there are issues or not created by the public, couples make sure that this day is celebrated in whichever manner they feel is right, and ensure that their loved one has a perfect day.
Christine Marie Cherian
‘Becoming a Woman in Zanskar’ (2009) by Jean – Michel Corillon, is a documentary film of 52 minutes, where the story revolves around two young girls who live in the village of Karsha in Zanskar, which is located in the Northern Himalayas. Tenzin and Palkit are two friends who have known each other as long as they can remember. As they grow older, they both decide that they want to become nuns and dedicate their lives, instead of getting married. But unfortunately faith isn’t on their side, and they are parted from each other. Tenzin’s father has a major objection to this, as he had sworn to his mother on her death bed that he would never let her become a nun. Tenzin continues to be adamant on this regard. She is supported on this decision by her mother and aunt, which upsets her father. Unfortunately for her, she is married off, and according to tradition, she is kidnapped by her future husband. Her dreams were shattered as she is carried off to her husband’s place, where she is bound to stay at home, do work and help her mother – in – law. On the other hand, Palkit has the support of her mother; though her father isn’t happy with the decision, he doesn’t object, and continues to support as long as his daughter is happy with her decision. Palkit in order to become a nun has to travel a long distance and the journey is extremely dangerous, and a wrong step could result in death. In the end, she reaches safely and is tested whether she can become a nun. She passes the test and the ritual to become a nun begins.
Corillon shows how difficult it is for young girls to go forward with their dreams and ambitions; how they are stopped by their families, who follow traditions, and are not willing to accept what their children wish on doing. The hardships faced by these girls are portrayed through this documentary. Through this documentary Corillon hopes that things may change for the young girls, and bring out that fact that there is more to life than getting married.
Picture taken from the link below: http://kamonka.web.officelive.com/images/zanskar-prix_copy2.jpg
EDITORIAL
When I thought of doing a newsletter the first thing that came to my mind was doing it on soft news. I personally like reading celebrity news, reviews, tweets and many more. So I tried to incorporate that into my newsletter and thus came up with ‘FORTNIGHT NEWS’. This first edition contains documentary review on the difficulties faced by young girls, one on one interview with documentary film maker, coverage on the 8th Dubai International Film Festival and various other stories. This newsletter comes out once every two weeks with the latest gossips and happenings in the various industries, along with one on one interviews with rising stars and many more. Enjoy Reading! Editor: Christine Marie Cherian | Production Editor: Christine Marie Cherian | Copy Editor: Christine Marie Cherian | Faculty In-charge: Ms. Megna Kalvani
Photo Credits: Kevin Sebastian
2nd December Street lit during Dubai Shopping festival - Dubai at it’s Best! Photo Credits: Christine Marie Cherian