Monthly Archive for October, 2008

Not even a pen or Half Sheet ….

Published on 30/10/2008 in Blogs, Money Matters and press coverage. 0 Comments

By Susitha R. FernandoImposing a suspended sentence on a public servant, the Colombo High Court yesterday stated that even Valtrex price in india a half sheet or a ball point pen should not be taken from a government office by public servants.

Judge W. T. M. P. B. Warawewa made this observation when he imposed a suspended sentence and a fine on former Project Officer of National Education Institute who was found guilty of preparing forged documents.

L. Padmasiri Jayasinghe was found guilty of forging documents to pass a person who came down in a Teacher Training examination.

The accused had inserted the name of P. B. Kulatunga who had failed the examination in the list of those who had passed the examination.

According to the indictment a list of those who got through the examination was prepared by project officer, Lionel Ranasinghe attached to Maharagama National Education Institute and the accused had fraudulently included the name in it. The offence was said to have been committed between November 9 1998 and August 1999.

Mohan Peiries PC appearing for the accused informed court that the trial had dragged on for a long time and if the accused had pleaded guilty by now he would have completed his sentence. The counsel also stated that the accused was interdicted in 1998 and he had to live without a job.

State counsel Shraminda Wickrema submitted that there should be a difference between the punishment imposed for minor offences and grave crimes similar to the one committed by the accused. The State Counsel said that the case had dragged because the accused did not appear before court on several occasions.

At this stage the judge observed that the accused would end his life in prison if a jail term was imposed. However the judge also noted that the accused had repeatedly lied and made a number of forged documents to cover up his original offence.

The court imposed three years imprisonment suspended for 5 years with a fine of Rs. 50,000 considering the accused age.

source:
A?A?http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=30684 Buy combivent respimat

Arugam Bay & CEGA

Published on 22/10/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters, people, press coverage and the bay. 2 Comments

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Arugam Bay: ItA?a??a??s back to dancing on the waves
By Sanath Weerasuriya, Pix by Nilan Maligaspe

The tsunami that hit the coast of Sri Lanka in December 2004 left Arugam Bay completely flattened. Most of the hotels, which provide accomodation for the die-hard surfers were destroyed.

Almost four years later, apart from the physical scars, Arugam Bay, is almost back to normal. The tourists are returning, surfers are dancing on the waves, almost all the hotels, guest houses and restaurants appear to have re-opened but no development appears to have taken place in the rebuilding. The lifestyle is the same as it was before the tsunami.

Surf at Arugam Bay

After the liberation of the East from the grip of LTTE recently, Arugam Bay and Panama have taken centre stage in the East Coast tourism development drive and been identified as the areas with the most potential in the Ampara District to project sustainable community development tourism.

The Arugam Bay Tourism Association (ABTA) is working actively once again to woo tourists to the area.
According to tourism officials, infrastructure development is the need of the day as post-tsunami reconstruction has not matched the expectations of modern day tourism.

The new Arugam Bay Bridge constructed to replace the old, original landmark box girder linking Arugam Bay with Pottuvil town seems the only significant sign of development. Most of the popular guest houses and motels, RangaA?a??a??s Beach Hut, Paradise, Tri Star, Stardust, Tsunami Hotel, Rockview Beach Side Hotel, Hilton Beach Hotel operate on the same scale as before.

A?a??A?It is sad to see Arugam Bay still standing behind the line of poverty and yet to get a glimpse of the modern tourism facilities like in other areas in the country. Though the post tsunami aid and relief funds have reached the East, none of them benefited the community in Arugam Bay. We are still the same,A?a??A? said Mohomad Fizer, President of the Arugam Bay Community Eco-Guide Association (CEGA).

Reaching the east coast, especially Arugam Bay is not easy. It is a nearly 10 to 12 hour drive from Colombo with few stops. The main entry point of the Province via Siyambalanduwa usually closes at 7.00 p.m. and visitors have to be at the point before dark.

New so-called
The new Arugam Bay bridge.

The 45 km stretch of golden beach from Pottuvil to Okanda is the base for future development in Sri Lanka. It has great surfing, wildlife sanctuaries, heritage sites, places of religiously importance as well as opportunities for adventure and nature holidays with camping facilities.

It is indeed a destination on its own and should be developed as the top attraction in this region, reiterates S. Harshana, one of the locals who is a keen promoter of sustainable community based tourism. Being a villager in Panama, Harshana has many ideas and plans, such as A?a??E?home stayA?a??a?? tourism, which is a fast-developing trend in the rest of Asia.

A?a??A?To learn about the culture you should live with the culture. This is the basis of A?a??E?home stay tourismA?a??a??. This kind of travellers are educated and intellectual. They come here in search of culture and lifestyle. We have started this type of small projects in Panama Village but they really need a push from the top,A?a??A? he said.

Getting the community involved

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Group 'Batti
The team behind the project

Major players of sustainable community-based eco tourism projects met in Arugam Bay last month and formed a cooperative society to involve local community organizations to share economic benefits from the development of tourism and to promote respect and understanding between the host (local communities) and the guest.

The Community Eco-Guide Association (CEGA) based in Arugam Bay is promoting sustainable community based tourism. A collaboration between local community based organizations (CBOs), cooperatives and associations, the association made up of 13 Eco-Guide Members was formed during a community-based ecotourism project implemented by the Institute for International Economic Cooperation (ICEI) in partnership with Sewalanka Foundation and funded by Italian Cooperation and Regional Lombardia.

A professional guide training course has been conducted and 13 guides were officially licensed as Area Guides by Sri Lanka Tourism, specializing in ecotourism and community-based tourism.

source:

http://sundaytimes.lk/080629/Plus/timesplus002.html

Links to Great Web Sites about S.L.

Published on 17/10/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters, press coverage, presse-deutsch, Security & Safety, surf, the bay and wild life. 0 Comments

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Arugam Bay back in 2005

Published on 14/10/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, people, press coverage, the bay and wild life. Closed

Interesting Impressions by ‘Ich in ein Berliner’ can be admired here:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njsz8Cm7dtY[/youtube]

source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njsz8Cm7dtY
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Arugam Bay Hero

Published on 11/10/2008 in Blogs, hotels, people, press coverage and the bay. Closed

Friday, October 14, 2005
We are deeply indebted!

This is a face of one of the few true Arugam Bay heroes.

SVH Gardener Shelton

It is the loyal SVH gardener uncle Shelton.

Following our all night mad Full Moon Party on Boxing Day none of us was sober at the time the BIG waves hit our little hotel.

But this wise old “Fox” Shelton noticed something strange about the sea and woke everyone from their recently gained drunken or stoned sleep and happy dreams at 09:00 hrs. on 26th. December.

This was without doubt the beginning of the most amazing day we will ever have the privilege to experience and survive in our entire life.

Only due to him and his near 80 years of wisdom all of the Siam View Guests and the entire staff survived; nobody was seriously injured either.

We will never forget our local hero uncle Shelton! Minocycline generic Game online mentato Thanks for saving us!

A tribute to a wise old man.
By
The SVH Team
www.arugam.com

source:

http://arugam.blogspot.com/2005/10/we-are-deeply-indebted-this-is-face-of.html

Arugam Bay Sunrise

Published on 10/10/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

This (the video shown in the link above) is the sun rising over Arugam Bay, at Pottuvil Point specifically.
Time lapse x4. This is in the East of Sri Lanka, an on and off warzone, but off now.
Some of the most beautiful beaches in Colombo.
As a note, IA?a??a??m an idiot and I missed the dark first part and itA?a??a??s not especially impressive, but what it is.
Music is Ce Matin La by Air.IA?a??a??ve been to How much zanaflex does it take to overdose ABay a few times this year and itA?a??a??s well worth the 8-10 hour drive. First off, you canA?a??a??t see the sunrise on (my) west coast and second, itA?a??a??s not season on the west coast. In A Bay the water is something else, love it like a woman. It holds you like one, teases you like one, and occasionally leaves you face down with your mouth full of sand.

Sun Colours at Arugam Bay

source:

http://www.indi.ca/2008/10/arugam-bay-sunrise/

Nate Berku’s Life changed in Arugam Bay

Published on 10/10/2008 in Blogs, Money Matters, people, press coverage and the bay. 1 Comment

Nate Berkus talks life and love

Nate Berkus talks life and love
Extended for the Online Edition of Windy City Times
by Ross Forman
2008-10-08

Nate Berkus has gone to a lot of sports-memorabilia conventions over the years. But he’s not a collector or a dealer, and doesn’t even like sports:
He’s just a loving, supportive son.

You see, his dad, Mike, is a lifelong sports-memorabilia collector, dealer and card-show promoter. He is a co-founder and current co-executive director of the annual National Sports Collectors Convention, set for its 30th annual gala next summer in Cleveland.

A?a??A?Growing up, I spent a lot of time behind tables at [ trading ] card and memorabilia conventions,A?a??A? Nate Berkus said. A?a??A?I was always interested in the collectibility aspect of [ memorabilia ] ; I was fascinated that somebody on a limited income would come and spend $1,000 on a baseball card because they had to have it.A?A?

A?a??A?But I felt the same way about furniture, paintings and things for the home.A?a??A?

Mike Berkus talks knowingly about the T206 Honus Wagner baseball card from 1909 that has sold for more than $1 million. He knows about Mickey Mantle’s rookie baseball card, prized Michael Jordan cards and also some of the valuable 2008 cards.

Nate Berkus knows none of that. He, instead, is attracted to interior decorating. While his dad can talk freely and knowledgeably about Hall of Famers from every sport, Nate can talk about furniture, textiles and bedding sheets.

A?a??A?I never had any interest [ in sports ] ,A?a??A? he said, laughing. A?a??A?I can honestly say never.A?a??A?

And Nate still is not a trading card collector or autograph hound.

But Nate has been every bit as successful in his field as his Hall of Fame-caliber dad.

A?a??A? [ Sports memorabilia ] is a fascinating industry. My dad used to sell sports memorabilia on HSN [ the Home Shopping Network ] . In some ways, [ we’ve ] sort of gone full-circle,A?a??A? Berkus said.

On Monday, Oct. 13, HSN will launch an exclusive new line of home dA?A?cor and furniture from Berkus. Of course, that’s famed designer Nate Berkus, known for the work he’s done for both high-profile private clients and well-known public spaces. And, yes, that’s the same Berkus of A?a??A?The Oprah Winfrey ShowA?a??A? fame. ( He first appeared on Winfrey’s show in 2001 and, in 2008, he hosted a home-makeover show for ABC-TV called A?a??A?Oprah’s Big Give.A?a??A? )A?A? Zyban for sale online

Berkus will debut his new collection during the premiere of HSN Home Design Event Presented by ELLE DECOR, a five-week series of one-hour trend-driven shows running through Nov. 15. The show will combine ELLE DECOR’s editorial authority with HSN’s newest home designers and brands.

A?a??A?I’m really looking forward to [ the launch ] . I have been flying all around the world over the past year or so with my creative team at HSN to develop what I think is a really exciting, new and fresh collection, things that have never [ previously ] been sold at this price, with this much quality, especially not on TV,A?a??A? Berkus said. A?a??A?What’s interesting about this opportunity for me is, with HSN, I’m able to actually be the voice of my own products and really be able to explain and talk on live television with the people who are facing different design issues and have questions for me. And, I can explain the inspiration for the first time behind this line, as opposed to designing something and sending it out onto store shelves somewhere and just hoping people like it.A?a??A?

Berkus said he is not nervous for the launch A?a??A? at least not publicly.

A?a??A?With any creative person, you put your heart and soul into a process and you want it to be as successful as possible,A?a??A? he said. A?a??A?I think it will be a success if people respond to the designs, the color combinations, the textures, the ideas, plus the quality and pricing of the line.

A?a??A?I think the [ the new product line ] is really geared for everybody. The nice thing about it is, the whole focus behind the line is very solution-oriented. The launch is going to start with two bedding collections, some furniture, mirrors [ and ] furniture as well as different accessories and things like that.

A?a??A?HSN has never walked into this territory, so it’s a first for both of us. We’re offering custom upholstery at extremely affordable prices, so people can buy something on TV and then customize it to fit their home. And it ships within two to six weeks.A?a??A?

A sofa, for instance, will cost less than $600.

The line also will include everything from rich textiles, classic linens, decorative pillows and porcelain vases to classic furniture pieces like coffee tables, headboards and more. In time, Berkus will introduce decorative accessories, lamps, wovens and rugs to round out the expansive collection of more than 100 home products.A?A? How much is betnovate cream

A?a??A?There’s so much detail with every element to every bed, particularly with the sheets,A?a??A? Berkus said. A?a??A?I was tired of going to 20 different places to try and find sheets that I love to sleep on. So I took the best qualities of everything that I tested and decided to do two sheetsA?a??a??one for people who prefer a warm bed and a second for people who prefer a cooler, crisper bed.

A?a??A?I’ve been researching [ the bedding ] for a year, testing and sampling.

And I now think I have the perfect warm sheet and the perfect cool sheet.A?a??A?

Berkus’ new line will be available exclusively on HSN, which reaches 90 million homes, and HSN.com, one of the top 10 most-trafficked retail Web sites.

A?a??A?I think part of me always knew [ interior design was my calling ] , but as a kid growing up, I didn’t know these opportunities even existed,A?a??A? Berkus said. A?a??A?I grew up in suburban Minneapolis and my mom [ Nancy Golden ] was an interior designer, so I was always exposed to the arts, design, furniture and textiles. I always knew I would do something creative because when I’m not doing something creative … I have the attention span of a third-grader. So, for me, there has to be constant visual stimulation, and that has to be constantly changing, just for my own personal happiness.

A?a??A?When I did my very first collection for Linens & Things, I was much more nervous about that because it was something I had never done before. I really sort of grew into my own as a product designer in the three years that I worked with them. So, for me this [ new line ] represents everything that I learned up until now.

A?a??A?Here I am, this son of a decorator and a sports fanatic, and I took lessons from both of my parents in that way. My mother was more of the aesthetic person; my dad was at the center of an industry that’s all about collecting and condition of something, plus rarity. That really sunk in for me, in my own interpretation of it.A?a??A?

And aspects of Chicago also have had key roles in molding BerkusA?a??a??including Lake Forest College in the northern suburbs, which he attended.

A?a??A?Lake Forest [ College ] is a fantastic school and it really gave me a lot of opportunities that a larger college wouldn’t have offered, such as the two semesters I spent in Paris as an intern,A?a??A? Berkus said. A?a??A?My last year of college, I lived in Chicago and concentrated all of my classes into three days. There were small classes and some amazing professors, plus flexibility with curriculum, thus it was a perfect fit for me.A?a??A?

Chicago also is Oprah. Or, Oprah is Chicago. The daytime talk-show diva is as much Chicago as Michael Jordan, maybe more. And Berkus has been aboard the Oprah Express since 2001.

A?a??A?It is an incredible experience [ working with Oprah, ] A?a??A? Berkus said. A?a??A?I don’t think anybody just wakes up one day and thinks, A?a??E?Wow, today I’m going to be on Oprah.’ It wasn’t any different for me.

A?a??A?One thing about the Oprah experience that I still really admire is how organic it is. A producer asked me to come on [ the show ] after she had seen my work. We did a small space makeup about six years ago, and Oprah really appreciated the design and my work-ethic, staying up all night with the producers to make sure everything was perfect. And the audience loved it, too. I just thought right then and there that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing at that exact time.

A?a??A?My relationship with the show is something that is as exciting to me now as it was when I started.A?a??A?

Berkus, 37, now runs the Chicago-based Nate Berkus Associates. He is the eldest of six siblings.

A?a??A?One thing that’s a personal philosophy of mine is, A?a??E?You have to figure out what you’re really passionate about, what you really like to do,’ That to me is how I feel about design. In my spare time, I do the same thing that I do in my work time,A?a??A? he said.A?A?

Life-changing momentsA?A?

Berkus was vacationing in Sri Lanka on a fateful December day in 2004.

He was with his partner, photographer Fernando Bengoechea, sleeping in a beachfront cottage at Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast when he heard a loud noise and the roof was ripped off.

A tsunami struck and the two were swept into the sea along with debris, animals and other people. The two grabbed a telephone pole, Berkus said, but lost their grips when a second large wave hit. Berkus climbed onto the roof of a home; Bengoechea was missing, presumed dead.

A?a??A?I sort of have reached a stage with that [ tragedy ] where I do still reflect on it quite frequently, but I tend to reflect more on who I’ve become and what I’ve learned since that day,A?a??A? Berkus said. A?a??A?I would never wish for that to happen; I would never wish for anyone to experience what I experienced, the personal loss I experienced with Fernando dying and also witnessing what I witnessed, including the deaths of so many. But the truth is, the lessons that I’ve learned from that changed me so profoundly as a person, thus I wouldn’t recognize myself before the tsunami.

A?a??A?When you go through a life-altering experience, you can come out [ of it ] in one of two ways. You can come out as a stronger version of the person you were before, or you can let it destroy you. Even through my grief, and truly for the first time ever understanding what grief was, I knew on some level that I would make myself a better person as a result of that, that it wouldn’t be the one thing in my life that defined me. For me, a lot of things define [ me ] ; I’m not just defined as being on TV. Nor am I just defined as being Jewish, or being gay or being the eldest son. Rather, I’m all of those things.

A?a??A?I know I was given a second chance and with that chance, I have some choices, and the first choice I have to make is whether or not I’m going to let it take me out too. And I chose to not let that happen.A?a??A?

Berkus has been dating Brian Atwood, a shoe designer who lives in Milan, Italy, for about one and a half years. Their relationship, though strained by distance, is anchored by communication. They see each other every two weeks or so.

A?a??A?I was very, very happy this [ past ] spring when non-stop flights from Chicago to Milan were added; that shaved about four and a half hours off the travel experience,A?a??A? he said, laughing. A?a??A?Our long-term plan is not [ to be living so far apart ] . We eventually will be spending more time in the U.S., but for now he’s based in Milan and I’m based in Chicago.

A?a??A?We have a great relationship; it’s completely worth it to me, the effort [ of maintaining a long-distance relationship. ] A?a??A?

Berkus came out while a sophomore at Lake Forest College.

A?a??A?I think there’s a level of forced dishonesty when you don’t come out of the closet, whether that’s your decision or your circumstances that prevent you from doing so,A?a??A? he said. A?a??A?That level of dishonesty can start to sort of seep into other areas of your life in time, where you can’t feel like you genuinely have a relationship with your parents because you’re hiding something. I believe that you have to live your life true to who you are. I don’t define myself as strictly being gay, but I’m completely comfortable talking about it; it’s an aspect of who I am.

A?a??A?Like almost everyone, I went through [ a difficult ] phase of coming-out where, I didn’t know what relationships in my life would survive. Knowing that you’re about to take that risk [ by coming out ] is really a horrible situation to be in. To this day, gay teenagers are still driven to suicide at the thought [ of coming out ] , and that’s got to change.A?a??A?

Berkus said he considered not coming out. A?a??A?I think the fantasy was, I’ll just hide [ being gay ] , get married, have kids, and it’ll just be the one thing that I have to deal with. But that’s an intensely selfish reaction; it robs you of honest relationships with everyone who loves you and it also starts to affect other people’s lives, such as the person you marry, your children. And I’m not a selfish guy,A?a??A? he said. A?a??A?When I came out, both of my parents said to me, A?a??E?At the end of the day, we love you, and that’s what you need to know. But we need to work through this on our own.’ And they did.

A?a??A?I think, for a parent, they want their kid to have the best of everything; they want their kid to have the easiest life possible,A?a??A? he added. A?a??A?And even though that’s unrealistic and can have nothing to do with sexuality, when you come out to your parentsA?a??a??even if they’re the most liberal, most wonderful, warm peopleA?a??a??they still have to be allowed a period to mourn the life that they thought you would have. Their little baby has gone on a different course from what they predicted, or hoped, for you. I was very respectful of my parents and acknowledged it was a surprise to them and very hard for them to accept. My father had no idea, for instance. But it didn’t make me want to back down and not tell them this information. Instead, what I told them is, A?a??E?I’m going to give you guys time and be here to answer whatever questions you may have, no matter how crazy you think the question is.’A?a??A?A?A?

Berkus will be speaking to college-aged students in Toronto this fall, detailing his tsunami experience and his business success, etc.

A?a??A?After the tsunami segment aired on The Oprah Winfrey Show, I received literally thousands of letters and e-mails from gay teenagers from around the country, some of whom were moved to come out of the closet because they viewed a really open, honest, happy relationship [ between me and Fernando ] , and it was the first time they ever witnessed it, and it happened on television,A?a??A? Berkus said. A?a??A?And it was presented as two people in love, not just as two gay people.A?a??A?

More Nate…

Here are some more fun facts from Nate Berkus:

A?a??a??Dream vacation spot: A?a??A?I have two: The Temples of Angkor in Cambodia and Careyes, Mexico.A?a??A?

A?a??a??Little-known fact: A?a??A?People are always surprised that I’m Jewish. I have no idea why.A?a??A?

A?a??a??Favorite restaurant in the world: Contro Vapore in Milan

A?a??a??Favorite restaurant in Chicago: The Wiener’s Circle at 2622 N. Clark A?a??A?have the best hot dogs in the world.A?a??A?

A?a??a??Favorite movie: Overboard

A?a??a??Favorite actor: A?a??A?I don’t really have a favorite actor.A?a??A?

A?a??a??Favorite actress: Diane Keaton

A?a??a??A fashion faux pas: A?a??A?Over-designed denimA?a??A?

A?a??a??One overused material in homes: Granite

A?a??a??One fact about Oprah we don’t know: A?a??A?She’s really like an open book. There’s no rehearsal for the show.A?a??A?

A?a??a??On air travel: A?a??A?The truth is, I’m on a plane almost every other day anyway; it just depends where that plane is headed.A?a??A? His travel tradition is turning off his Blackberry, then reading books and magazines, and also doing some work. A?a??A?I get a lot done on airplanes.A?a??A?

A?a??a??Upcoming on The Oprah Winfrey Show: A?a??A?We’re doing some really exciting makeovers on the Oprah show this fall.A?a??A?

Source

A?a??A?People are always surprised that I’m Jewish. I have no idea why.A?a??A?

source:
http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/28610617.html

Nate Berkus. Arugam Bay

Published on 09/10/2008 in Blogs, Money Matters, press coverage, Security & Safety and the bay. 0 Comments
Nate Berkus at Arugam Bay 2004

Nate Berkus at Arugam Bay 2004

…..

Life-changing moments

Berkus was vacationing in Sri Lanka on a fateful December day in 2004.

He was with his partner, photographer Fernando Bengoechea, sleeping in a beachfront cottage at Order fucidin h Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast when he heard a loud noise and the roof was ripped off.

A tsunami struck and the two were swept into the sea along with debris, animals and other people. The two grabbed a telephone pole, Berkus said, but lost their grips when a second large wave hit. Berkus climbed onto the roof of a home; Bengoechea was missing, presumed dead.

A?a??A?I sort of have reached a stage with that [ tragedy ] where I do still reflect on it quite frequently, but I tend to reflect more on who I’ve become and what I’ve learned since that day,A?a??A? Berkus said. A?a??A?I would never wish for that to happen; I would never wish for anyone to experience what I experienced, the personal loss I experienced with Fernando dying and also witnessing what I witnessed, including the deaths of so many. But the truth is, the lessons that I’ve learned from that changed me so profoundly as a person, thus I wouldn’t recognize myself before the tsunami.

A?a??A?When you go through a life-altering experience, you can come out [ of it ] in one of two ways. You can come out as a stronger version of the person you were before, or you can let it destroy you. Even through my grief, and truly for the first time ever understanding what grief was, I knew on some level that I would make myself a better person as a result of that, that it wouldn’t be the one thing in my life that defined me. For me, a lot of things define [ me ] ; I’m not just defined as being on TV. Nor am I just defined as being Jewish, or being gay or being the eldest son. Rather, I’m all of those things.

A?a??A?I know I was given a second chance and with that chance, I have some choices, and the first choice I have to make is whether or not I’m going to let it take me out too. And I chose to not let that happen.A?a??A?

Berkus has been dating Brian Atwood, a shoe designer who lives in Milan, Italy, for about one and a half years. Their relationship, though strained by distance, is anchored by communication. They see each other every two weeks or so.

A?a??A?I was very, very happy this [ past ] spring when non-stop flights from Chicago to Milan were added; that shaved about four and a half hours off the travel experience,A?a??A? he said, laughing. A?a??A?Our long-term plan is not [ to be living so far apart ] . We eventually will be spending more time in the U.S., but for now he’s based in Milan and I’m based in Chicago.

A?a??A?We have a great relationship; it’s completely worth it to me, the effort [ of maintaining a long-distance relationship. ] A?a??A?

Berkus came out while a sophomore at Lake Forest College.

A?a??A?I think there’s a level of forced dishonesty when you don’t come out of the closet, whether that’s your decision or your circumstances that prevent you from doing so,A?a??A? he said. A?a??A?That level of dishonesty can start to sort of seep into other areas of your life in time, where you can’t feel like you genuinely have a relationship with your parents because you’re hiding something. I believe that you have to live your life true to who you are. I don’t define myself as strictly being gay, but I’m completely comfortable talking about it; it’s an aspect of who I am.

A?a??A?Like almost everyone, I went through [ a difficult ] phase of coming-out where, I didn’t know what relationships in my life would survive. Knowing that you’re about to take that risk [ by coming out ] is really a horrible situation to be in. To this day, gay teenagers are still driven to suicide at the thought [ of coming out ] , and that’s got to change.A?a??A?

Berkus said he considered not coming out. A?a??A?I think the fantasy was, I’ll just hide [ being gay ] , get married, have kids, and it’ll just be the one thing that I have to deal with. But that’s an intensely selfish reaction; it robs you of honest relationships with everyone who loves you and it also starts to affect other people’s lives, such as the person you marry, your children. And I’m not a selfish guy,A?a??A? he said. A?a??A?When I came out, both of my parents said to me, A?a??E?At the end of the day, we love you, and that’s what you need to know. But we need to work through this on our own.’ And they did.

A?a??A?I think, for a parent, they want their kid to have the best of everything; they want their kid to have the easiest life possible,A?a??A? he added. A?a??A?And even though that’s unrealistic and can have nothing to do with sexuality, when you come out to your parentsA?a??a??even if they’re the most liberal, most wonderful, warm peopleA?a??a??they still have to be allowed a period to mourn the life that they thought you would have. Their little baby has gone on a different course from what they predicted, or hoped, for you. I was very respectful of my parents and acknowledged it was a surprise to them and very hard for them to accept. My father had no idea, for instance. But it didn’t make me want to back down and not tell them this information. Instead, what I told them is, A?a??E?I’m going to give you guys time and be here to answer whatever questions you may have, no matter how crazy you think the question is.’A?a??A?

Berkus will be speaking to college-aged students in Toronto this fall, detailing his tsunami experience and his business success, etc.

A?a??A?After the tsunami segment aired on The Oprah Winfrey Show, I received literally thousands of letters and e-mails from gay teenagers from around the country, some of whom were moved to come out of the closet because they viewed a really open, honest, happy relationship [ between me and Fernando ] , and it was the first time they ever witnessed it, and it happened on television,A?a??A? Berkus said. A?a??A?And it was presented as two people in love, not just as two gay people.A?a??A?

More Nate…

Here are some more fun facts from Nate Berkus:

A?a??a??Dream vacation spot: A?a??A?I have two: The Temples of Angkor in Cambodia and Careyes, Mexico.A?a??A?

A?a??a??Little-known fact: A?a??A?People are always surprised that I’m Jewish. I have no idea why.A?a??A?

A?a??a??Favorite restaurant in the world: Contro Vapore in Milan

A?a??a??Favorite restaurant in Chicago: The Wiener’s Circle at 2622 N. Clark A?a??A?have the best hot dogs in the world.A?a??A?

A?a??a??Favorite movie: Overboard

A?a??a??Favorite actor: A?a??A?I don’t really have a favorite actor.A?a??A?

A?a??a??Favorite actress: Diane Keaton

A?a??a??A fashion faux pas: A?a??A?Over-designed denimA?a??A?

A?a??a??One overused material in homes: Granite

A?a??a??One fact about Oprah we don’t know: A?a??A?She’s really like an open book. There’s no rehearsal for the show.A?a??A?

A?a??a??On air travel: A?a??A?The truth is, I’m on a plane almost every other day anyway; it just depends where that plane is headed.A?a??A? His travel tradition is turning off his Blackberry, then reading books and magazines, and also doing some work. A?a??A?I get a lot done on airplanes.A?a??A?

A?a??a??Upcoming on The Oprah Winfrey Show: A?a??A?We’re doing some really exciting makeovers on the Oprah show this fall.A?a??A?
source:
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=19542 Clarinex online

Refuge Camp…Ampara…. Arugam Bay..?

Published on 09/10/2008 in Blogs, parties, people and press coverage. 3 Comments


A?A? AmericaA?a??a??s Financial Crisis: A Real Solution

Notes from the Field: Sri Lanka, August, 2008

UPDATE FROM SRI LANKA:

[This was sent out as an email to people on the Commonway list; however, because of a technical problem, few actually received it…]

There is never a dull moment around this place. Ongoing war, student riots, the SAARC summit meetingA?a??A? I donA?a??a??t know where to begin.

Perhaps I should begin where every Sri Lankan who knows me starts: A?a??A?Obama!A?a??A? The worldA?a??a??s most popular man weaves his magic on this islandA?a??A? and he hasnA?a??a??t even been here. People I donA?a??a??t even know hear that IA?a??a??m an American and come up to me with the one question: A?a??A?Can he win?A?a??A?

Not, A?a??A?Is he a good man?A?a??A? or A?a??A?What are his views on foreign affairs?A?a??A?. From the worldA?a??a??s point of view, the US election is already over A?a??a?? they have their President. (We call the US President the A?a??A?Leader of the Free WorldA?a??A?. Ironic that the world canA?a??a??t vote for him or her.)

My answer? The election has nothing to do with Democrats or Republicans. That illusory division does not define what is going on with the A?a??A?Obama EffectA?a??A?. The November election pits two amazingly well-matched candidates against each other: The Past and The Future.

John McCain is a most worthy representative of The Past. He has all of the A?a??A?tested under fireA?a??A? credentials (and white hair) that you want in a candidate who represents AmericaA?a??a??s Past. In a time of fear and uncertainty, many people want a steady hand on the rudder and clear eye toward a safe harbor.

Barack Obama is the epitome of The Future. Someone who transcends all of the old alliances and political configurations (to the chagrin of those in his own party). Someone of the Internet Age. Someone who believes that AmericaA?a??a??s strength does not lie in her past, but her future. Someone who not only understands, but literally transcends race (to the chagrin of those in the old A?a??A?Civil RightsA?a??A? establishment). In a time of hope and rapid change, Obama has his eye A?a??a?? and his enthusiasm A?a??a?? set firmly in the future.

So, we get to witness John Kennedy duke it out with Ronald Reagan. Which one will win? It depends whether, on election day, American voters are more hopeful than fearful. (Perhaps I should characterize it as A?a??A?Voting by FearA?a??A? and A?a??A?Voting by HopeA?a??A?.)

People are motivated by BOTH fear and hope. (Remember: inclusivity means seeing things from both/all sides.) After the people of Czechoslovakia defeated the Soviet Union in their nonviolent A?a??A?Velvet RevolutionA?a??A?, at election time, they almost returned the Communists to power! Why? In times of uncertainty, people look for the familiar A?a??a?? even if it means familiarly oppressive and authoritarian. Then, rather than rely on themselves, they can complain about A?a??A?the governmentA?a??A? again. People go back to abusive governments like women go back to abusive husbands.

[Which one SHOULD win? In keeping with current IRS regulations and in light of CommonwayA?a??a??s nonprofit status, I have no stated official position.]

SAARC CONFERENCE

If you were President of a country ravaged by war, high inflation, political and social instability, what would you do? HAVE A PARTY!!Invite seven of your buddies (and their huge entourages) over for the weekend. Block off the capital city, throw in 30,000 soldiers for security, and youA?a??a??ve got the A?a??A?South Asian Association for Regional CooperationA?a??A? Summit held the first weekend of my arrival in Sri Lanka. The government spent tens of millions of dollars on a meeting that could have been accomplished with a conference call.

The economy here is REALLY bad. Even I have noticed the 30% inflationary pinch at the grocery store. Thousands of university students have rioted, because, after their years of study, there are simply NO JOBS. Right above my head as I write this, there are hundreds of young men sitting in SarvodayaA?a??a??s meeting hallsA?a??A? learning Korean. Sri LankaA?a??a??s biggest export isnA?a??a??t teaA?a??A? itA?a??a??s the young men and women of the country, sent overseas for menial and degrading jobs digging ditches and scrubbing toilets, in places like Saudi Arabia and South Korea. (The hundreds of young men chanting in Korean above me do NOT have jobs waiting for them in Korea: they are learning Korean in these classes (government-run, not Sarvodaya) for the right to APPLY for the limited Korean jobs, after taking and passing language tests.) For those who donA?a??a??t get jobs, they sit and waitA?a??A? or go to Colombo and riot.

If I had been President, I would have told my fellow heads of state: A?a??A?As much as I would like to host you, my people just cannot afford this unnecessary expense right now. Give us ten years A?a??a?? weA?a??a??ll plow the money we would waste hosting SAARC into peace and prosperity for the entire island. Then, ten years from now, we would like to throw you a HECK of a party!A?a??A?

But, thatA?a??a??s not what heads of state do. Big airports, dams, Olympics and summits A?a??a?? this is the stuff that feeds an ego as big as a country. (I left out the biggest ego-feeders: wars and shiny new weapons.) What do the A?a??A?peopleA?a??A? get out of all this?Nationalistic bragging rightsA?a??A? until the check falls due.

A WAR UPDATE

The war in the North is going full blazes. A staggering 125,000 refugees in the North alone. IA?a??a??ve heard heart-breaking stories of people selling all of their possessions just to stay moving ahead of the latest battle zone, of tens of thousands of men, women and children sleeping under trees and finding food wherever they can.It is a humanitarian disaster of epic proportions. The aid organizations (including Sarvodaya) cannot adequately respond to the challenge, in light of the current government disfavor of charitable organizations (they claim that the helping organizations gave too much help to the Tigers).

Even reading between the propaganda-filled lines, the Government is currently playing the winning hand. Actavis promethazine price President Rajapakse and the military head, General Fonseka, are both confidently predicting the demise of the Tamil Tigers A?a??A?as a conventional military forceA?a??A? by the end of the year. From a strictly military point of view, the campaign is impressive. At the rate they are going, it might be even sooner before the Government flag flies over Killinnochchi, the Tigers de facto capital for over two decades.

But, IA?a??a??ve learned over the years not to count the Tigers out too prematurely. They have managed to pull some amazing rabbits out of their hatsA?a??A? IA?a??a??m not taking any bets on this outcome.

The key to the GovernmentA?a??a??s boasting is the phrase A?a??A?as a conventional military forceA?a??A?. With the GovernmentA?a??a??s huge advantage in numbers and equipment, itA?a??a??s a wonder that the Tigers were EVER a conventional military force, able to mount A?a??a?? and win A?a??a?? set military engagements involving artillery and other heavy weaponry, along with sophisticated logistics and their own A?a??A?air forceA?a??A? of ultra-light aircraft, a first in the insurgency business.

Yes, the Government can A?a??A?winA?a??A? against the Tigers conventional forces, just as the US government knew that it could defeat Saddam HusseinA?a??a??s army. But, as we are learning in Iraq, defeating the conventional forces is a LONG way from A?a??A?winningA?a??A? the war.

When Killinnochchi falls, the Tigers turn into a true A?a??A?insurgentA?a??A? force: everywhere, nowhere and invisible. While the Sri Lankan flag may once again fly over Killinnochchi, the levels of violence will escalate. While the Sri Lankan army gets bogged down trying to provide services to administer a hostile population where they donA?a??a??t speak the language (does any of this sound familiar?), the Tigers will be free to mount an insurgency A?a??a?? a true guerilla war. The Government may find itself missing the days when it actually knew where the Tigers wereA?a??A?

I keep saying this: it is impossible to A?a??A?winA?a??A? an insurgent war. No one has been able to do it. NO ONE. (Right now, in Iraq, the US forces are literally paying the insurgents not to attack us. This unbelievably short-term strategy will end just as soon as the checks stop.) The only way to end such a war is through a nonviolent, negotiated settlement. (To which the Sri Lanka Government replies, A?a??A?We will negotiate with them A?a??a?? as soon as we defeat them.A?a??A? Stay tuned to see how that logic train plays outA?a??A?)

SARVODAYA A?a??a?? THE NEXT 50 YEARS

This year is the 50th anniversary of the birth of the Sarvodaya movement here in Sri Lanka. The organization has been involved in a year-long process of celebrating, introspection and envisioning the next 50 years.

As difficult was conditions were 50 years ago, the world has changed in some amazing and frightening ways. We are being called to A?a??A?think anew and act anewA?a??A?. I have been involved in several major strategy sessions with SarvodayaA?a??a??s leadership, examining the path for Sarvodaya over the next 50 years of its operation. Stay tunedA?a??A?

A Tour of the East:

I spent the last 3 days touring the war-scarred East of the island. (The war is too hot in the North for me to visit.)

The East is one big military encampment. There are soldiers EVERYWHERE. I simply lost count of the number of checkpoints we went through (30? 50?). Now that the Tigers have been routed from the East, the government forces are in the process of occupation. (The government prefers to call it A?a??A?liberationA?a??A?. And, they seem surprised that their heavy-handed presence hasnA?a??a??t generated throngs of flower-waving, grateful citizens.)

From Child Soldiers to Sarvodaya Trainees:

I met with about 100 young people at SarvodayaA?a??a??s sprawling Batticaloa Farm complex. They were receiving training for woodworking, aluminum working, masonry, computer skills and motorcycle repair.

Many of them were former A?a??A?child soldiersA?a??A? of either the Tigers or the TMVP (previously known as the A?a??A?Karuna FactionA?a??A?). Sarvodaya provides a safe haven, practical skillsA?a??A? and a time to be CHILDREN.While at the farm, after their classes were over, I watched a spirited game that looked like a hybrid of cricket and baseball.There appeared to be 50 or so kids to a side, and it looked like they were making up the rules as they went along. At one point, when the batter wasnA?a??a??t able to hit the ball, the pitcher walked 10 feet closer, to give him a better shot. They seemed much less interested in winning than in having fun.

A Sarvodaya Village:

My life and experiences over here are SO DIFFERENT from what I experience in the US. Yesterday, I was talking to 50 women, sitting on the dirt floor in a village of mud huts, women who had never experienced electricity; the only 4 wheeled vehicles they had seen belong to aid workers.

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ItA?a??a??s difficult relating to lives so utterly different from my own. At one point, I asked them about their villageA?a??a??s needs. They were very specific: electricity. When pressed further, they were still very specific: lighting on the public roads at night. (At night, the open areas are crawling with two kinds of danger: cobras and men with guns. Both are deadly if you arenA?a??a??t in the light.)

I pressed further, inquiring about electricity for households. An emphatic A?a??A?yesA?a??A? A?a??a?? they wanted lights in the home, so that their children can do their homework after dark A?a??a?? and to watch out for indoor cobras, that move in during the rainy season. What else do they need household electricity for? They looked at each other, and said, A?a??A?Nothing.A?a??A? How about refrigeration or cooking? They looked at me as if I said, A?a??A?How would you like your own private spaceship so you can visit the Moon?A?a??A?

(A sidenote: Years ago, with their hard-earned rupees, they purchased small solar collectors through SEEDS, SarvodayaA?a??a??s economic development arm. These collectors had enough juice to power 4 or 5 LED lamps wired throughout the house. During the fighting with the Tigers, while they were displaced from their village, the security forces came in and stole the solar collectors, along with everything else moveable, like bicycles. (They were very clear that it was the government forces.) I am proposing a village-sized electrical generator, one that a few rogue soldiers wonA?a??a??t be able to walk off with.)

And Yet Another Refugee Camp:

I stated very emphatically before I left on my Eastern tour: A?a??A?No refugee camps!A?a??A? I just canA?a??a??t bear to look at another. I wanted to see economic activities in this visit, and to make presentations to Sarvodaya district staff on global challenges, inclusivity and peace.

So, toward my last day there, the District Coordinator said that we were going to make a presentation for A?a??A?IGPA?a??a??sA?a??A? (income generating projects). Right. So, I hop in the truck and we drive straight into a refugee camp! I said, A?a??A?I thought we were going to see IGPA?a??a??s.A?a??A? He said, A?a??A?No, IDPA?a??a??s (internally displaced persons)A?a??A? And, worst of all, itA?a??a??s a A?a??A?photo opA?a??A? moment where IA?a??a??m to make a speech and hand-deliver food aid to a handful of refugees, before climbing back into my air-conditioned vehicle.

At that moment, I thought about LincolnA?a??a??s Gettysburg Address: A?a??A?A?a??A?we can not dedicate A?a??a?? we can not consecrate A?a??a?? we can not hallow A?a??a?? this ground.A?a??A? The warlords (on both sides) want to erect monuments to themselves and to the glory of killing. The real monuments must go to those who involuntarily suffer the effects of those wars.

What is there to say? What do you say to a group of people you hadnA?a??a??t planned to talk to, in a place none of us wanted to be? I said:

A?a??A?I have visited dozens of refugee camps, from Jaffna to Ampara and everywhere in between. I donA?a??a??t want to be here. But, more than that, I donA?a??a??t want YOU to be here. I know that you would rather be in your homes, not listening to me and waiting for a handout of food.

A?a??A?I hope and I pray and I work for the day when there are no refugee camps, anywhere in the world. Until that day comes, until you can return to your homes, please accept this gift of food as a sign that you are not forgotten.A?a??A?

Peace,

Sharif

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source:

http://commonway.org/blog/?p=37

AbaY, P’Ville Point on Wannasurf

Published on 09/10/2008 in Blogs, people, press coverage and surf. 0 Comments

Surf conditions at PottuVille Point:

Surf Spot Characteristics

Pottuvil Point Access

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Hard Times for Hotels, also at ArugamBay

Published on 09/10/2008 in hotels, Money Matters, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

SRI LANKA: Livelihoods at risk as tourism sector slides

COLOMBO, 9 October 2008 (IRIN) – Sri Lanka’s struggling tourism industry – hard hit by the conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and government forces, and with security concerns increasing in Colombo, the capital – is banking on the island’s traditional attractions to lure tourists back again.

Government and industry officials have renewed promotional campaigns marketing a varied assortment of attractions, including safaris tracking wild elephants, eco-tourism, nature tours and visits to archeological sites.

The promotional campaign comes at a time when the industry has been hard hit by the tense security situation. Tourist arrivals have recorded alarming slides, according to industry officials. In August 2008, monthly tourist arrival figures fell by 31.4 percent compared to last year, according to Tourist Board statistics.

In July the drop was 25 percent and in the first eight months of 2008, arrivals indicated an increase only in January, March and May, while during that eight-month period overall arrivals fell by 8.2 percent to 288,000 from 313,000 in 2007.

Tourism contributed about US$1.03 billion, or about 3 percent of gross domestic product, in the last year, according to the Sri Lankan Tourist Board.

“Arrivals have dropped because of what has been happening [on the security front] and things have been difficult for the industry,” George Michael, secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, told IRIN. The slide in the industry has been continuing since 2007. The Department of Census and Statistics said in its economic performance report for 2007 that arrivals had fallen by 11.7 percent in 2007 to 494,000 (from 559,000 in 2006). The conflict escalated in late 2006.

Village economies affected

Hotel operators warn that the downturn in the industry will not be limited to the number of falling arrivals or occupation rates.

“Entire village economies can depend on a single hotel,” Dayal Fernando, the general manager at Amaya Reef Hotel, a beach front hotel at Hikkaduwa on the scenic southern coast, 100km south of Colombo, told IRIN.

“When the hotels lose business, the suppliers in turn feel the pinch and it will impact their employees and those in the transport sector or on the farms that provide food for the tourist trade,” Fernando said. “Most of the hotels also employ a lot of people from the area and if retrenchments start, the local economies will be the first to feel the heat.”

The Census and Statistics Department’s Labour Force Survey for 2007 found that over 100,000 people were employed in the restaurant and hotel sector and of that 56 percent were employed as informal employees.

A recent World Bank report said the Sri Lankan tourism industry had lagged behind regional growth levels for over two decades.

“Tourist arrivals have not increased significantly compared to 1982 despite a six-fold increase in tourist arrivals in East Asia and the Pacific during the same period,” the Bank stated in its World Bank Country Assistance Strategy for Sri Lanka released on 6 October. The report also said that tourism was one of the areas identified for future assistance.

Tourist Ministry Secretary Michael feels that there are already small signs of a recovery. “There is a slight increase in forward bookings in the winter season (from November 2008 onwards). Our hope is that the trend will continue.”

However, hotel manager Fernando feels that a permanent turnaround for the fickle industry can only be expected once the violence ends.

“We really don’t need marketing gimmicks,” he said “It is a beautiful island and if there is no war, tourists will flock to it.”

Hotel operators said they had not yet assessed the impact of the global credit crunch but expected it to put further strains on the industry.

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Paradise Arugambay

Published on 09/10/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, front page, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2008

Paradise

(07/08)

This is a view from a restaurant facing Pottuvil Point in Sri Lanka. Beautiful beach and really good for surfing.

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ATA?A?3:25 PM

source:
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