Archive for the 'the bay' Category
Page 18 of 27
By Dr Kavan Ratnatunga
The consequences of Great Tsunami of 26th December still influence events in Lanka. I had visited the east coast of Lanka 5 days after the Tsunami and it was just over 5 months, when I got the opportunity to return to Arugambay to see how the population directly affected by the Tsunami have recovered. They have little time to ponder the larger issues of sovereignty which is currently dominating the media and tearing apart the government and it’s politicians bickering on how to safeguard Lanka and divide the billion$ of Foreign Aid promised for Tsunami relief.
As on the previous trip I joined Lt. Col. Anil Amerasekara. Wing Cmdr. Ranjit Ratnapala was also traveling with us to continue his quest to help the region in the name of his son Chinthaka, who had in June 1997 made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of Lanka. We were joined in Kandy by Nisanka and Ira Madiwaka who had collected funds in UK to rebuild Tsunami affected houses in the east coast.
On Friday we visited three small computer centers near Ampara organized by the Thawalama organization and housed in Buddhist Temples. A computer technician Manjula came with us to fix problems and maintain the 5 computers in each center. A local teacher is hired to educate 5 batches of about 10 students each in English and Computer literacy. After the 6 months course they sit for an exam. We held such an exam on Sunday in one of the centers before returning to Colombo. The exam is set and marked in collaboration with IDM who awards certificates to those that pass (about 30%) and scholarships to those that do very well (about 1%). This program had been active now for about 2 years in eight centers in the North-East provinces of Lanka.
The Potuvil to Arugambay bridge, part of which had washed away in the Tsunami had reopened with the aid of the Engineering regiments of the Indian Army Task Force. An Indian Flag was hung on the side in gratitude, I wonder how long this temporary repair which allowed a single vehicle to be on the bridge at one time, will need to serve the community.
The entrance to temporarily reconstructed Arugambay Bridge
The infamous Tsunami Hotel sign, repainted with URL
The cultivators of Panama also lost over 350 acres of paddy land, when areas such as Halawa, close to the sea was flooded by Tsunami water. These Paddy fields will remain barren for many years till the salt washes away. Though they have been promised alternate land under the Meeyangoda tank, which is to be restored with funding from the Rotary Club of Kandy, the cultivators now fear that this too is another promise that will never materialize. Most NGO’s who have visited the village of Panama have requested the villagers to fill application forms, but have failed to provide the promised assistance.
In the reality that some promises of help for reasons beyond the control of the well-wishers get delayed or unfulfilled, construction starts when the first group comes with the hard cash. There have been some reported cases when more than one group have known to have paid for the same reconstruction.
That was clearly not going to happen here. The UK funding would need to be used for other housing project in Panama or elsewhere on the East coast. We visited some homes which although had only been slightly damaged by tsunami, the residents who had lost their livelihood to the Tsunami and their ability to complete a partial house construction. The decisions were hard to make with so many valid requests for help.
Nearly all of the help to reconstruct and revitalize the community has come from private organizations which have raised the required funds in Lanka and abroad. The government represented by the Task Force for Rebuilding the Nation (TAFREN) had still not made any positive impact on reconstruction the community. All that the residents have seen are the numerous reports and advertisements in the media of what is being planned, Those affected were wondering where all the claimed foreign aid had got tied up.
Just south of Arugambay, the village of Ulla, within the 200 meter buffer zone was totally destroyed by the tsunami. TAFREN has thus far failed to provide the affected families with alternate property outside the buffer zone, for them to commence rebuilding their houses. The NGO’s who want to help these unfortunate people to rebuild their houses are being discouraged as a result.
TAFREN unlike most NGOs allocates the task signs a MoU and waits. For example the Sinhapura Sinhala Vidyalaya in Ulla near Arugambay was totally destroyed by the tsunami, even though it is beyond the 200 meter buffer zone. The Italian Civil Protection Mission has signed a MoU to complete construction work in six months. It is now six months since the tsunami and they have yet to commence work on reconstruction. The Thawalama Development Foundation that wrote to the President in this connection, requesting her to reallocate this school to them, as they are in a position to find the necessary funds for the purpose, have been informed by TAFREN that this is not possible.
Unlike state aid, private aid has in many cases been made on racial and religious divisions. A Tamil resident from Jaffna I spoke to said that although many who didn’t have any fishing boats have received a one, but he who had lost seven boats in the Tsunami has still to get any replacement.
That evening we visited the “Mudu Maha Vihara”. We were surprised to find that the archaeological dept. sign that pointed the way for pilgrims and tourists had been removed and replaced with a large Mosque sign which at bottom mentioned an unnamed archaeological site. An interesting report that circulated soon after the Tsunami was that a reclining Buddha statue had been seen few hundred meters from the coast when the sea receded near the Vihara. The Monk who was in residence on the fateful day, said that no such statue had been seen. The story had been made up to say that the 34 acres of land allocated in the 1960’s to the Vihara as an archaeological reserve is from the sea, and not the 30 acres of archaeological land illegally encroached by the local Muslim community.
Buddhist Monk explains the history of MuduMahaVihara next to statue identified as that of King KavanTissa.
Has the charm Arugambay Hillton to be demolished for the 5* Original
An edited version of this article Slow relief but surfers are back By Kavan Ratnatunga appeared in the SundayTimes of Sri Lanka on 2005 June 26th. The printed copy of Newspaper included Photographs shown above and not included in online edition. Access to the Online edition of the SundayTimes of Sri Lanka requires a paid annual subscription.source:
http://lakdiva.org/tsunami/arugambay/index.html
At a packed hall of enthusiastic tourism crowds, the World Travel Market Responsible Tourism Awards Ceremony took place at Excel in Docklands London on the 14th November 2007 andA?A?Arugam BayA?A?in Sri Lanka was awarded the `Highly Commended Best Destination` award. This recognition no doubt is a tremendous boost and an instrument for the revival and development of tourism in Arugam Bay and also adds a high profile for Sri Lanka`s tourism. There will no doubt be immeasurable publicity generated reaching the tourism industry and consumer media worldwide and this will certainly contribute towards image building of Sri Lanka as a responsible and sustainable tourism destination.A?A?
The World Travel Market (WTM) is the premier trade fair in the travel and tourism industry and draws a huge number of top executives, service providers, buyers and government tourism officials every year in November to London. Approximately 5,500 buyers and suppliers representing 202 countries and territories attend the WTM. The World Travel Market`s World Responsible Tourism Day was sponsored by the Virgin Holidays and held in association with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).A?A?
Fiona Jeffrey, Chairperson of the World Travel Market at the opening ceremony said `WTM World Responsible Tourism Day on 14th November is the day that the aimless talking had to stop and the action began. For the first time ever we will bring the entire planet and the travel and tourism industry together in a way that has never been previously done.`A?A?
Responsible Tourism Partnership, also a WTM World Responsible Tourism Day accredited logo user for the work its doing in the Responsible Tourism sector, says that it is delighted to have been able to assist Arugam Bay to receive this very important international tourism accolade and also recognize the work of several NGOs and organizations such as Sewalanka Foundation , Arugam Bay Tourism Association and ICEI in Arugam Bay who have been actively working rebuilding livelihoods promoting community tourism efforts. There is tremendous international interest currently in green and responsible tourism, this is strongly seen not only from the consumer side but also from the travel and tourism industry side and this international award for Arugam Bay will open the eyes of the tourism policy makers and the tourism industry to advance in sustainable tourism development.A?A?
Arugam Bay is classed among the top ten surf destinations in the world and there is so much more. The village itself is a delightful experience, there are no big hotel chains there and the community has developed tourism with their own hard work and imagination. Three star establishments rub shoulders with low-key stilt cabins and coconut palm leaf cabanas, and tourists share the beach with local fishermen. The wild and rugged scenery, elephants browsing at the edge of the village, abundant birdlife, and mysterious archaeological sites have made this a long time favourite destination for travellers.A?A?
The three ethnic groups (Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims) work and live in harmony. The population is 3,000 families and tourism establishments consist mostly of small family managed hotels/guesthouses and restaurants.A?A?
The community wants community-based tourism and feel that what makes Arugam Bay attractive is the community involvement and it should not be made a mass tourism destination. In Arugam Bay, tourism not only brings money, but it also creates a vehicle for peace for three ethnic groups to work and live in harmony. Community wants to link with government and protect the lifeline to the community and create a different model for Sri Lanka Tourism. The community is not against development but demands that it should benefit the community and not keep them away and only involve outsiders. The success will be when the experiences achieved by the community are used for future development.A?A?
lankapage.wordpress.com
| ColomboDudeA?A? Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1307 Member Profile |
 A?A?A?A?21 Nov 2007 14:35:56 GMTA?A?A?A?Report for Abuse |
| No idea where is this place??A?A?
CD |
| blackeyA?A? Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 205 Member Profile |
 A?A?A?A?21 Nov 2007 14:38:41 GMTA?A?A?A?Report for Abuse |
| Its in the east – its a great place and always nice to see all the locals working with each other instead of sticking to one’s own community. |
| Dauntless Senior MemberA?A? Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 2148 Member Profile |
 A?A?A?A?21 Nov 2007 14:52:14 GMTA?A?A?A?Report for Abuse |
| CD…A?A? aah man it’s a lovely place… you get to see the sunrise over the horizon and lovely beach front…A?A? The place is fully relaxed…you get rasta types on the beach…lots of them smoke joints right in the open…A?A? Food is great and accomodation is cheap but basic…A?A? lotsa surfers etc… all in all great place…A?A? Only hitch is that the roads are not all that great yet…A?A? Hopefully with the new development programs this will be remedied |
| JanaA?A? Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 1254 Member Profile |
 A?A?A?A?21 Nov 2007 14:54:53 GMTA?A?A?A?Report for Abuse |
|
No idea where is this place??
This is not going to be with Sri Lanka any more..:-)A?A? |
| groovygirl Senior MemberA?A? Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 6420 Member Profile |
 A?A?A?A?21 Nov 2007 14:55:50 GMTA?A?A?A?Report for Abuse |
| It’s one of the best beaches in Sl, off east coast,A?A? Better than Hikkaduwa , less crowded.A?A? gg |
| costaA?A? Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 592 Member Profile |
A?A?A?A?21 Nov 2007 14:59:47 GMTA?A?A?A?Report for Abuse |
|
This is not going to be with Sri Lanka any more..:-)
Why is the Fat PIG praba going to go Surfing here. 🙂 |
| Dauntless Senior MemberA?A? Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 2148 Member Profile |
A?A?A?A?21 Nov 2007 15:07:54 GMTA?A?A?A?Report for Abuse |
|
This is not going to be with Sri Lanka any more..:-)A?A?
he he… 🙂 |
| alwaysalion Senior MemberA?A? Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 1644 Gout treatment allopurinol Member Profile |
 A?A?A?A?21 Nov 2007 15:28:18 GMTA?A?A?A?Report for Abuse |
| Jana, take a break man!You and your lousy posts!A?A? Take a cyanide before going to bed! |
| AnuD Senior MemberA?A? Joined: May 2005 Posts: 19990 Member Profile |
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| Even though it is our country we are not allowed to go.A?A?
that is the freedom that Sinhala people have in their own country.A?A? All decided by the next door neighbour with a population of 60 million. |
| ananda95 Senior MemberA?A? Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 1858 Member Profile |
 A?A?A?A?21 Nov 2007 15:39:49 GMTA?A?A?A?Report for Abuse |
| Jana, when, after November……..A?A? Edited By – ananda95 – 21 Nov 2007 15:41:59 GMT |
Buy keppra 500 mg Order endep 10 The treasure in the sand dunes
By Risidra Mendis
A tsunami in
Sri Lanka, un-believable but true. Who would have thought that this little ‘Pearl in the Indian Ocean’ would witness so much damage, destruction and loss of human lives due to a horrendous tsunami.
The tsunami of 2004 changed the lives of many and has left indelible scars on those who lost their kith and kin. It is nearly four years after that dreadful day of December 26, 2004.
But while thousands suffer in silence due to the loss of their relatives and friends there still remains a segment of people who due to their love for nature managed to save thousands of lives.
Many hotels along the coast suffered immense damage and many guests were engulfed by the waves. But those who believed in protecting nature, were witnesses to what nature could offer them in return.
Merciless destruction
While constructing hotels many construction workers mercilessly destroyed the sand dunes along the coast. The sand dunes that had formed over a period of time and which would have served as a barrier against the gushing force of water when the tsunami struck are not there anymore. What remained was bare, flat land and hotels in their place. The end result – the massive destruction of human lives and property as witnessed during the tsunami.
The Yala Safari Hotel built within 100 metres from the sea and which was a popular tourist attraction was totally wiped out by the tsunami. But on the other hand the Yala Village Hotel survived the tsunami with minor damage. The hotel and its staff survived the tsunami because they were protected by the sand dunes in close proximity to the hotel.
When this hotel was built many years ago precautionary measures were taken to build the hotel without destroying the sand dunes. By protecting nature, the hotel and its staff were rewarded through the sand dunes that served as a buffer. Many understood the importance and value of sand dunes only after the deadly tsunami hit the country.
Short memories
It was ultimately the staff of the Yala Village Hotel that came to the help of the remaining guests and staff of the Yala Safari Hotel. However when it comes to Sri Lankans their memories are very short. What happened almost four years ago is now history to many who believe that the country will not be hit by another tsunami. However according to scientific predictions Sri Lanka is very likely be hit by another tsunami in the not too distant future.
It is interesting to note that the very hotel that was saved from the tsunami due to the sand dunes ultimately took measures to destroy part of the sand dunes.
Speaking to The Sunday Leader environmentalists in the area said during the rainy season early last year (2007) some officials from the hotel had cut part of the sand dunes to build a road to the hotel.
Pleas ignored
The pleas of environmentalists not to destroy the sand dunes only fell on deaf ears. “Hotel officials were only interested in preparing the road as soon as possible so that their guests could arrive as it would give them an additional income. The hotel staff who took this decision told us it is easy to take the sand from the sand dunes rather than transport it from elsewhere. These were the same hotel staff who witnessed the horrendous tsunami in 2004,” environmentalists said.
But thankfully due to the intervention of senior hotel officials the cutting of sand dunes was stopped.
The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) has also introduced a project to protect the remaining sand dunes in tsunami affected areas in the country.
Creating awareness
The sand dune rehabilitation project introduced by the CCD some time ago is aimed at creating an awareness among the communities living along the coastal areas.
During former CCD Director Dr. R Samaranayake’s tenure reconstruction of sand dunes in the Hambantota area had commenced. “Hambantota was one of the worst affected areas due to the tsunami. The Karagam Levaya was badly affected because the people of the area had destroyed the sand dunes. The tsunami waves entered through the Karagam Levaya and created a lot of damage. Kosgoda was also badly damaged due to the tsunami. However with the help of the community in the area we were able to reconstruct the destroyed sand dunes in the Kosgoda area,” Dr. Samaranayake said.
Reconstruction
Reconstruction of sand dunes in the Pottuvil and Arugam Bay areas and on the eastern coast were also carried out by the CCD.
A sum of Rs.150 million was allocated for the reconstruction of the sand dunes at the time. The project includes the collecting of sand from off shore areas that were used to fill up areas where the sand dunes were destroyed. After the filling of these areas is completed CCD grows vegetation on top of the dunes.
The accumulation of windblown sand marks the beginning of one of nature’s most interesting and beautiful phenomena. Sand dunes occur throughout the world, from coastal and lakeshore plains to arid desert regions. Sand dunes also provide habitats for a variety of life which marvellously adapts to this unique environment.
Formidable barrier
Picturesque dunes against a sky of blue or a full moon, with perfectly contoured shadows of ripples and undulating crests, have always been a favourite subject of photographers. Dunes have also been the subject of many desert movies, and have historically been a formidable barrier to vehicular and rail travel.
The origin of sand dunes is very complex. An abundant supply of loose sand in a region generally devoid of vegetation (such as an ancient lake bed or river delta), a wind energy source sufficient to move the sand grains and a topography, whereby the sand particles lose their momentum and settle out are the main prerequisites needed to form a sand dune.
Any number of objects, such as shrubs, rocks or fence posts can obstruct the wind force causing sand to pile up in drifts resulting in large dunes. The direction and velocity of the winds and the local supply of sand are the results of a variety of dune shapes and sizes.
If the wind direction is fairly uniform over the years, the dunes gradually shift in the direction of the prevailing wind. Vegetation may stabilise a dune, thus preventing its movement with the prevailing wind.
source:
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20081109/REVIEW.HTM
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Sri Lanka Tourism in its attempt to develop the East now liberated after the 22 years of war in the region has set in place a process to fast track the development of Pasikudah, Arugambay, Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Waakarai, Verugal and Kalkudah.
The appointment of the Eastern Province Tourism Development Committee was officially announced recently.
Stressing the importance of the committee, Deputy Minister said, the East was needed, since it has lots to offer for the tourism sector and we have focused on accelerating the development of the Eastern Province within a specific time frame. East, ravaged by the war for 22 years, is now freed and we have a vision to develop the East under the guidance of Tourism Minister, Milinda Moragoda. In a similar manner it is intended to work along with other provinces with the help of chief ministers in encouraging tourism development. Sri Lanka Tourism was glad to working towards achieving this goal with the Chief Minister.
Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Renton de Alwis, spoke of the need for a new approach in ensuring wider benefits to the people of the area. He said that already the concept of establishing rooms in homes in the East, a concept where homes can accommodate guests has got the nod from several donor agencies.
Director General, Tourism Authority and Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau also spoke at the press briefing.
By Christine Hettiarachchi
Courtesy: Lankapuvath
source:
http://firstlanka.com/english/news/committee-set-up-to-develop-tourism-in-the-east/
| 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.
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. 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.
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
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: |
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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Friday, October 14, 2005
We are deeply indebted!
This is a face of one of the few true Arugam Bay heroes.
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
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.
source:
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?
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 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
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.
source:
http://mail.google.com/mail/#inbox/11ce1b8f563f8261 Where to buy etodolac Clindamycin cost in india
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