தலைவாசல் (Editor's Page)

Dear Wings,

This is our fourth colourful issue. This month we got good response from our wings through

their participation in e-magazine. But we need more and more articles from you to enrich our

magazine. pls try to send your intresting articles to make intrest from others.

Enjoy reading

--Editor

Trust News

Dear Wings,
This month we finalised our programme in "Annual day " celebration which is to be held on 29th June. In the monthly meet (April'08) we discussed about upcoming projects in 2008.
As the school holidays are started in India, we are preparing for the next Academic year donation. Pls nominate any poor students to our grp to get a eduactional donation.

Also welcoming your valuable suggestion always.....

see you

Enga Area...(new*)

Hi Friends,

Our friend Saravanan from 300mm TF, has come up with an article about a famous religious spot from his hometown. A good try. We welcome other members too, to come up with similar posts, describing your hometown's wellknown, famous, interesting spots in our magazine.

Now, over to Thiruvotriyur, Chennai.

Thiagarajaswamy temple / Vadivudai amman Temple
Thiruvottiyur, Chennai - 600019


Temple History:

Tamil Nadu has innumerable temples, both Saivite and Vaishnavite, which have anancient history and a rich cultural heritage. From this plethora, 275 Saivite temples or punyastalas have been selected as Paadal Petra Stalams on the basis of their antiquity, the richness of their cultural ethos, and the quantum of eulogy dedicated to the temple. In the same manner, 108 Vaishnavite temples have been selected as Divyadesams.Of the 275 Paadal Petra Stalams, 32 lie in the Tondi Nadu, among which the Thiagarajaswamy temple at Tiruvotriyur is unique. This temple at Tiruvotriyur, several centuries old, eulogized by poets, scholars and devotees alike, affirms the splendor of India’s religious tradition and spiritual ethos.

Tiruvotriyur’sLocation:

Tiruvotriyur is located about 10 kms from Chennai. Trains from the Chennai Central Suburban Railway Station in the route marked ‘Chennai – Gummidipundi’ stop at Tiruvotriyur. Tiruvotriyur is also accessible by local Government buses. The Thiagarajaswamy temple in Tiruvotriyur stands majestically in this industrial area, busy with activity and commerce. Devotees from six sects of religion perform puja here. Saivites, Vaishnavites, Saaktar, Uchavar, Adi Saivites and Namboodris visit and worship the manifestations of Shiva and Shakthi at this temple.

The Name of the Town:

There in lies a story!The etymology of the word ‘Tiruvotriyur’ is interesting. The word originates from the Tamil infinitive ‘orutral’ which means ‘to exempt’. Two stories center around the origin of this name and how Tiruvotriyur had been exempted and so is special.Stalapurana holds that during Padmagarba (the measure to calculate the passing of an Age or yuga), there ensued a great deluge that threatened to submerge the whole world. Lord Brahma, the God of Creation undertook an austere penance to appease Shiva. He wanted the power to create the world once again. Pleased with his sincerity and effort, Shiva rose from the Yoga-agni in a strange and indecipherable form. Flames of fire crackled and blazed from which emerged a chittirappalakai, a flat square drawing board like shape that formed a Shivalinga.
Brahma prayed for the great waters to subside. Shiva ordained that this town be exempted from destruction. The Agni Kunta became the temple and Shiva resides here as agni or fire with his consort Darbanayagi Ammal who embodies chit shakthi. Tiruvotriyur (‘the town exempted’ from the deluge) was thus created.

Another story holds that the Ayodhya kind Mandata levied taxes on all townships including shivastalams. Surprisingly, when his orders inscribed in palm manuscripts arrived at Tiruvotriyur, an additional line appeared on them, apparently from nowhere. This line decreed that this township be exempted from the orders. The king enquired as to who had interpolated those words. No one seemed to have done it. The king after examination decided that it was not one of his own men who did it. He rubbed and removed away the words from the palm script that sanctioned exemption and kept it locked. The next day, on examining the manuscripts, the same words had reappeared. King Mandata felt that Lord Shiva himself had chose Otriyur as ‘His Own Land’.

The king exempted the township from tax payment. Tiruvotriyur (‘the town exempted’ from tax payment) was thus created. In consonance with this episode, the moolavar in this temple is also called ‘Ezhuthariyum Peruman’. (‘He who chose to write’)

Greatness of Thiruvottiyur:

Of the 32 world famous shrines in “Thondai Mandalam” Thiruvottiyur shrine is an unique. It is 6 miles North of Madras. It shrines as if a landmark by itself. The service of “Kalia Nayanar” coupled with the arrival of three Saints “Appar”, “Sundarar”, “Sambandar” with their immortal lyric songs to this temple is remarkable. It is the birth place of “Moksha Kariadham” Song to his devotees. It shrines as a place of attainment or “Moksha”. Besides Sundarar also sung with wonder “Ottriyalien Vittrukolveer” at this temple. The Sacrifice of Bramma in the shape of ‘Agni’ presided by the Deity ‘Darbanayagi Amman’ is in unison with ‘Siva’ at this sacred shrine.

There are several name given by Ardent worshippers of lord ‘Thirupurasundari’ Vadivudai Amman’ are the names of the mother deity. Whereas as Bramma in his sacrificial fire saw as deity on a plank he is called ‘Padampakka Nadhar’.

The monarch of ayodya named Mondada one ‘Kala’ Pooja in all temples by his order next day in the order (except Thiruvottiyur was found perhaps inserted by lord ‘Siva’ who is also called by “Eluthariyam Peruma” and this adds the Magnanimity to this temple. The deity is also called ‘Manickkar Thyakesar’ because it appeared in the dream of two Brahmins in Kasi and ask them to go to Elelasinga Chettiar in Mylapore for help.

The wonder is that this same day also inspired the above (Chettiar) by his dream. As it is an ancient temple it is called ‘Adipureswarar’, all these various names are supposed by ‘Puranas’. Though various names are given, as per ‘Appar’ the essential deity is one and only one. The king ‘Athondaman’ who ruled 1250 years back had consecrated this temple.

The wonder of the temple is that it is worshipped by ‘Sarivas’, ‘Vainavas’, ‘Smarthas’ ‘Otcher’ Adi Saiva Gurukkal’ and Namboodrigal’ (Kerala Brahmins). From the hillocks of the Himalayas Gowdy Brahmins and the Saiva worshippers came and installed GOWDEESWARAR, with in this temple and hence it also called ‘Gowdeeswarar Sannathi’ from time of the installation the sound ‘Pravana’ was being heard.

The paranjothi Rishi who composed ‘Thiruvilaiyadal Purana’ wrought that any name Unuttered through the mouth will perish as the mouth does not always speak the truth, hence now a days the ‘Pravana’ sound is not heard.

The great poet ‘Kambar’ while composing ‘Ramayana’ stayed here along with his disciples. At the same time Kannaki who extinguished ‘Madurai’ over her flames afterwards arrived at this temple with the burning stick in her hand, which was a light in darkness for the poet ‘Kambar’. Adi Sankarar consecrated the deity ‘Kannak’ with his ‘Mandra’ and ‘Yandra’ Sakthy which is still present in this temple. Now, it is called Vattapparal Amman. Ramalinga Swamigal worshipped and got the occult power to write a greatest ‘Arulperumjothi’.

In the Tamil month of ‘Masi’ at Maha Nakshatra every year, the remembrance of the marriage of ‘Sundaramoorthy Nayanar’ ‘Sangili Nachiar’ to whom Siva under the magizhem tree acted as a witness and vouch safed the vision of ‘Kalyana Sundara’ to the great sage ‘Agastyar’ is also here.

‘Sundaramoorthy Nayanar’ vowed that on his marriage ‘Sangili Nachiar’ will not budge out this place, is also taken in his temple before the presence of ‘Vadiyudai Amman’ with ‘Thyagaraja’. This function is called as magizhadi Savai’ in the main festival of the Temple.

Under the above foregoing magnanimity of the sanctity and sanctorum of this temple many and a large devotees together and certainly attained according to their devotion whatever their desire.The greatest factor of this Shethra is that it is sung by the four saints, Ramalinga Adigal, Thiyagabramman and Kapil Sastri, who are known for their great devotion. If people follow them and their deeds certainly, we can understand that this Thyagaraja Swamy Temple, not only a ‘Karpaga Viruksham’ but also ‘kamadhenu’.

The Moolavar: The Deity of the Sanctum Santorum:

Tradition holds that this Shiva stala was the first temple ever on the face of the earth and was called ‘Adipuri’ (‘the primordial town’). In the same vein, the moolavar here is called Adipureeswarar. Shiva is present as Agni or fire. He is also present as a swayambu lingam of earth covered with a kavacham removed only on the occasion of the Karthikai Full Moon.

Shiva is also present in a third, complex dimension. The story goes like this. Vasuki, the snake heard about the greatness of Shiva here through Sage Upamanyu. He worshipped Shiva ardently until he attained unison with Him. Vasuki’s hood protects the manifestation of Shiva in this temple and Shiva is called Padampakka Nathar (‘He who is protected by a hood’). He is also called Putridam Kondar (He who resides in a snake pit).

Shiva is thus present in Tiruvotriyur in three dimensions:

In the formless form of Agni (fire) or Light with neither beginning nor end, alpha or omega.
In the physical form of a swayambu lingam of earth in turn the form of a snake pit facing the east.
In a form indescribable as Padampakka Nathar who was ordained as not to be touched by any hand, mortal or immortal.

Shiva is worshipped as the embodiment of the primary elements at what are called as the Panchabhoota Stalams. He is present as wind in Kalahasti, as water in Jambukeswaram, as fire in Thiruvannamalai, as earth in Kanchipuram and as space in Chidambaram.At Tiruvotriyur, He is present as a being with form (as a swayambu lingam of earth) as a bei ng without form (as agni) and as a being with and without form (as Padampakka Nathar).

நாங்களும் எழுதுவோம்

மண்ணை பிரிந்த காதல்

-------------------------------

தினம் உதிக்கும்

ஞாயிறு,

ஞாயிறும் உதிக்கும்

உன் நினைவுகளோடு,

ஞாயிறை தொடர்ந்து

திங்களும்

திகட்டாது

திளைக்க வைக்கும்

உன் பரிவுகளுடன் ,

பின் வரும்

செவ்வாயும் உன்

செவ்விதழை

செம்மையாய்

நினைவு கூறும் ,

பிறகு

புதனும்

இதம் தரும்

இதமான உன்

வாதம் கொண்டு,

என்னை

வியாழனும்

விசிறி விடும்

உன் விழியின்

துணையோடு,

வெள்ளியும்

அள்ளி வர மறக்காது

அந்த வெண்கல சிரிப்பை ,

இனி வரும்

சனியும்

சளிக்காது கொடுக்கும்

உன்

சங்கீத கெஞ்சல்களை,

உன்னை

நான் பிரிந்தாலும்

உன் நினைவுகள்

என்றும்

என்னோடுதான்,

வார நாட்கள்

ஆறுதல் தந்தாலும்

வாரம் வாரம்

பெரும் பாரம் தான்

நீ இல்லாமல்,

சேரும் நாள்

வரும் வரை

சோராமல்

காத்திருப்போம்

-------------ஆ.அருள் சோலை

உடல்நலம் - Health (new*)

அஜீரணக் கோளாறுக்கு 'எலுமிச்சை' வைத்தியம்

துரித உணவு காலத்தில் அஜீரணக் கோளாறு என்பது பெரியவர்களுக்கு மட்டுமின்றி, இளைஞர்களில் பெரும்பாலானோருக்கும் ஏற்படுவது சகஜமாகவே இருக்கிறது.

இத்தகைய கோளாறு உள்ளவர்கள், எளிய முறையிலான வீட்டு வைத்திய முறையைக் கையாண்டாலே, எவ்வித பக்கவிளைவுகளும் இன்றி பயனடைலாம்.

ஓர் எலுமிச்சம் பழத்தை ஒரு டம்ளர் வெந்நீரில் பிழிந்துவிட வேண்டும். இதை, உணவு உட்கொள்வதற்கு ஒரு மணி நேரத்துக்கு முன்பு குடிக்க வேண்டும். இப்படித் தவறாமல் செய்தால், அஜீரணக் கொளாறு ஏற்படாமல் தவிர்த்துவிடலாம்.

ஏற்கெனவே அஜீரணக் கோளாறு உள்ளவர்கள், உணவு உண்ட பிறகு சில நிமிடங்கள் கழித்து மேற்குறிப்பிட்ட கலவையை அருந்தினாலும் பலனளிக்கும்.

(மூலம்: web dunia)






Finally, 'healthy' super chocolate!

Sydney, April 8 (IANS) It is packed with vitamins, low on fat, does not melt at high temperatures and can last for years - yes, it is super chocolate.

Developed by scientists of the Australian army, this 'healthy' chocolate will soon be included in army rations - especially for soldiers serving in harsh and hostile environments such as war-torn Iraq, the Science Network reported.

The secret of the super chocolate lies in the use of fats with high melting points. Thus, when your garden variety chocolate melts at about 30 degrees Celsius, super chocolates stays firm even at 49 degrees.

It is, additionally, fortified with vitamins A, B1 and C and has added flavours to preserve taste for up to two years.

Army scientist Lan Bui has been quoted as saying: '(We) were looking at product reformulation, including new fat compounds, to improve texture and flavour, without affecting the melting point.'

The scientists are also working on coating vitamins to keep out humidity, moisture and oxygen while allowing them to be slowly released into the body.

They are currently developing a milk chocolate version, while dark chocolate production will begin soon.

தாய்நாடு - News from India

சேது கால்வாயில் கப்பல் சோதனை ஓட்டம்: டி.ஆர்.பாலு

சேது சமுத்திரக் கால்வாயில் இன்னும் இரு தினங்களில் கப்பல் சோதனை ஓட்டம் விடப்படும் என்று மத்திய அமை‌ச்‌ச‌ர் டி.ஆர்.பாலு தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.

சென்னையில், ஆவடி அ‌ண்ணா ‌சிலை அருகே நட‌ந்த திமுக அரசின் பட்ஜெட் விளக்க பொதுக்கூட்ட‌ம் நடந்தது. இ‌தி‌‌ல் கலந்துகொண்டு மத்திய அமை‌‌ச்ச‌ர் டி.ஆர்.பாலு பேசியதாவது:சேது சமுத்திர திட்டத்தை 6வது வழித்தடத்தில் செயல்படுத்த, முந்தைய பாரதிய ஜனதா அரசுதான் அனுமதி வழங்கியது. அதன்பின்னர் 2005ம் ஆண்டு ஜுலை மாதம் 2ம் தேதி பிரதமர் மன்மோகன் சிங், சேது சமுத்திர திட்டத்தை தொடங்கி வைத்தார்.அப்போது எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவிக்காதவர்கள், இரண்டு ஆண்டுகளுக்கு பின்னர் இந்த திட்டத்தை எதிர்த்து உச்ச நீதிமன்றத்தில் வழக்கு தொடர்ந்தனர். அதன்படி, ராமர்பாலம் இருந்ததாக சொல்லப்படும் இடத்தை தவிர மற்றப்பகுதிகள் ஆழப்படுத்தப்பட்டு வருகிறது.

இந்த திட்டத்துக்காக கடலுக்குள் எத்தனை அடி ஆழம் தோண்டப்பட்டுள்ளது என்பது குறித்து வரும் 15ம் தேதி உச்ச நீதிமன்றத்தில் மனுத்தாக்கல் செய்ய வேண்டும். அதற்காக, இன்னும் இரு தினங்களுக்குள் சேது சமுத்திர கால்வாயில் கப்பல் சோதனை ஓட்டம் விடப்படவுள்ளது. 100 ஆண்டு கனவு திட்டமான சேது சமுத்திர திட்டம் நிச்சயம் நிறைவேற்றப்படும்.

உச்ச நீதிமன்ற தீர்ப்பும் இந்த திட்டத்துக்கு சாதகமாக அமையும். இவ்வாறு அவர் கூறினார்.





கர்நாடகத்திற்கு மீண்டும் பஸ் போக்குவரத்து துவங்கியது

பெங்களூர் மற்றும் கர்நாடகாவின் இதர நகரங்களுக்கு தமிழகத்திலிருந்து இன்று முதல் மீண்டும் அரசு பஸ் போக்குவரத்து தொடங்கியது.ஒகேனக்கல் பிரச்சனை வெடித்ததையடுத்து கர்நாடகாவில் தமிழ் சினிமா திரையிடப்பட்ட தியேட்டர்கள் தாக்கப்பட்டன.தமிழகத்திலிருந்து கர்நாடகாவுக்கு சென்ற அரசு பேருந்துகளும் அடித்து நொறுக்கப்பட்டன.

பெங்களூர் மற்றும் கர்நாடகாவின் இதர நகரங்களுக்கு
தமிழகத்திலிருந்து இன்று முதல் மீண்டும் அரசு பஸ் போக்குவரத்து தொடங்கியது.ஒகேனக்கல் பிரச்சனை வெடித்ததையடுத்து கர்நாடகாவில் தமிழ் சினிமா திரையிடப்பட்ட தியேட்டர்கள் தாக்கப்பட்டன.தமிழகத்திலிருந்து கர்நாடகாவுக்கு சென்ற அரசு பேருந்துகளும் அடித்து நொறுக்கப்பட்டன.

இதற்கு பதிலடியாக தமிழகத்திலும் கர்நாடக பேருந்துகள் தாக்கப்பட்டன. சென்னையில் கன்னட ஓட்டல்கள் அடித்து நொறுக்கப்பட்டன. ஓசூரில் நடந்த முழுஅடைப்பின்போது கர்நாடக அரசுப் பேருந்துகள் தீவைத்து கொளுத்தப்பட்டன.இரு மாநிலங்களிலும் நிலவிய இந்த பதட்டம் காரணமாக தமிழக அரசு பேருந்துகள் கர்நாடகாவுக்குசெல்வது நிறுத்தப்பட்டது.அதேபோன்று கர்நாடகா அரசு பேருந்துகளும் தமிழகத்திற்கு வருவது நிறுத்தப்பட்டன.

இந்நிலையில் , கர்நாடகாவில் சட்டசபை தேர்தல் முடியும்வரை அமைதி காப்போம் என தமிழக முதலமைச்சர் கருணாநிதி அறிவித்ததை தொடர்ந்து இரு மாநிலங்களிலும் பதட்டம் தணிந்துள்ளது.போராட்ட களமாக மாறியிருந்த இரு மாநில எல்லைப் பகுதிகளிலும் அமைதி திரும்பியுள்ளது.

இந்நிலையில், ஈரோடு மாவட்டத்திலிருந்து தமிழக அரசு பேருந்துகள் கர்நாடகா செல்ல இன்று கர்நாடகா போலீசார் அனுமதி வழங்கினர். இதனையடுத்து தமிழக அரசு பேருந்துகள் இன்று காலை முதல் கர்நாடக மாநிலத்துக்கு செல்லத் துவங்கின.அதேபோன்று மறுமார்க்கத்தில் கர்நாடக எல்லைப் பகுதியிலிருந்தும் அம்மாநில அரசுப் பேருந்துகள் தமிழகம் வரத்துப்வங்கியுள்ளன.நாளை முதல் முழு எண்ணிக்கையில் இரு மாநில பேருந்துகளும் இயக்கப்படும் என தெரிகிறது.


(மூலம் - வெப்துனியா)








ஐ.டி.யில் தமிழகத்தின் பங்களிப்பு 25% ஆக உயரும் : கருணாநிதி

சென்னை (ஏஜென்சி), புதன்கிழமை, 9 ஏப்ரல் 2008 ( 08:47 IST )


இந்தியாவின் தகவல் தொடர்புத் துறை உற்பத்தியில் தமிழகத்தின் பங்களிப்பு 25 சதவிகிதமாக உயரும் என்று முதல்வர் கருணாநிதி நம்பிக்கை தெரிவித்தார்.

சென்னை - தரமணியில் இந்திய மென்பொருள் தொழில்நுட்பப் பூங்காவின் புதிய கட்டடம், தமிழ்நாடு தகவல் தொடர்பு மற்றும் தொழில்நுட்பவியல் மையம், தமிழ்நாடு மாநில தரவு மையம், தமிழ்நாடு பெரும் பரப்பு வலையமைப்பு மையம், பொது சேவை மையத் திட்டம், ராயப்பேட்டை மருத்துவமனையில் தொலை - மருத்துவ வசதி ஆகியவற்றை முதல்வர் கருணாநிதி நேற்று திறந்துவைத்தார்.

அப்போது அவர் பேசுகையில், "தொலை தொடர்பு ஆராய்ச்சி மற்றும் மேம்பாடு, மென்பொருள், வன்பொருள், தகவல் தொழில்நுட்பம் சார்ந்த சேவைத் தொழில் ஆகியவற்றில் தமிழகம் இன்று முன்னிலை வகிக்கிறது." என்றார். ஒட்டுமொத்த இந்தியாவிலும் உள்ள தகவல் தொடர்புத் துறை உற்பத்தியில் தமிழகத்தின் பங்களிப்பு 11 சதவிகிதம் என்ற அவர், "2011-ம் ஆண்டில் இந்தப் பங்களிப்பை 25 சதவிகிதமாக மாற்ற வேண்டும் என்பதுதான் இந்த அரசின் நோக்கமாகும். தமிழகத்தில் 2005-06-ம் ஆண்டில் ரூ.14 ஆயிரத்து 400 கோடி மதிப்பில் இருந்த மென்பொருள் ஏற்றுமதி வர்த்தகம், 2006-07-ம் ஆண்டில் ரூ.20 ஆயிரத்து 700 கோடியாகவும், 2007-08-ல் ரூ.26 ஆயிரம் கோடியாகவும் உயர்ந்துள்ளது" என்று தெரிவித்தார்.

இந்திய மென்பொருள் தொழில்நுட்பப் பூங்கா சென்னையில் அமைந்ததன் மூலம் தமிழகம் இத்துறையில் முன்னணிக்குச் செல்லும் என்ற அவர், "இதுபோன்ற வசதிகளுடன் கோவை, மதுரை, திருச்சி, சேலம், நெல்லை, ஓசூர், வேலூர் பகுதிகளில் தகவல் தொழில்நுட்பப் பொருளாதார மண்டலங்கள் விரைவில் அமைக்கப்படும்" என்றார்.

தகவல் தொழில்நுட்ப புரட்சியின் பயனை கிராம மக்களுக்கும், ஏழைகளுக்கும் அளிக்க வேண்டும் என்பதன் முதல்கட்டம்தான் தமிழ்நாடு பெரும் பரப்பு வலையமைப்புத் திட்டமும், தமிழ்நாடு மாநில தரவு மையத் திட்டமும் என்ற முதல்வர், "பொது சேவை மையத் திட்டத்தை சிறப்பாகச் செயல்படுத்தும் மாநிலங்களில் தமிழகமும் ஒன்று. 5 ஆயிரத்து 440 பொது சேவை மையங்கள் மாநிலம் முழுவதும் அமைக்கப்பட உள்ளன.
முதல்கட்டமாக பெரம்பலூர், அரியலூர், திருவண்ணாமலை மாவட்டங்களில் மூன்று மையங்களைத் தொடங்கி வைத்துள்ளேன்" என்று தெரிவித்தார்.


(மூலம் - வெப்துனியா)

TECHNOLOGY

Sink your Bluetooth into this Walkman

The Sony Walkman brand is synonymous with quality portable music players. Now, fans of the iconic player can get their hands on the latest Walkman multimedia device — the NWZ-A820.

Housed in an attractive metallic casing, the flash-based NWZ-A820 is Sony's first music player that incorporates Bluetooth wireless technology. This means you can now stream your favourite tunes wirelessly via Bluetooth-compatible headphones, home and car audio systems. The player's available in 4GB and 16GB versions and stores up to 62 hours of video or 3,800 songs.

Not only can you watch high-resolution video on the bright 2.4-inch screen at up to 30 frames per second, you can also choose to view videos and images in portrait and landscape modes. Sony has embedded its Clear Audio technologies into the NWZ-A820, such as Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, Clear Bass and Clear Stereo, to deliver head-banging audio with rich high tones and robust bass notes.

The Walkman player supports the open audio formats of MP3, non-secure AAC, security-enhanced Windows Media Audio (WMA), Linear PCM and JPEG files for photos. High-quality video codecs support playback of AVC (H.264/AVC) Baseline Profile and MPEG-4 video files.

With the Microsoft Plays For Sure certification, the player is compatible with a wide range of online content providers. Video and music files can be transferred easily between the player and a computer with its simple drag-and-drop interface, or via Windows Media Player 11.

An extended battery life allows up to 10 hours of video playback or 36 hours of uninterrupted music playback. Get the 4GB model at $299 and the 16GB model at $459. - TODAY/fa

உலகம் - World News

India-Pakistan nuclear war would cause ozone hole

(The ozone hole over Antartica is seen in this NASA image released September 8, 2000...)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Nuclear war between India and Pakistan would cause more than slaughter and destruction -- it would knock a big hole in the ozone layer, affecting crops, animals and people worldwide, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

Fires from burning cities would send 5 million metric tonnes of soot or more into the lowest part of Earth's atmosphere known as the troposphere, and heat from the sun would carry these blackened particles into the stratosphere, the team at the University of Colorado reported.
"The sunlight really heats it up and sends it up to the top of the stratosphere," said Michael Mills of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, who chose India and Pakistan as one of several possible examples.

Up there, the soot would absorb radiation from the sun and heat surrounding gases, causing chemical reactions that break down ozone.

"We find column ozone losses in excess of 20 percent globally, 25 percent to 45 percent at midlatitudes, and 50 percent to 70 percent at northern high latitudes persisting for five years, with substantial losses continuing for five additional years," Mills' team wrote in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

This would let in enough ultraviolet radiation to cause cancer, damage eyes and skin, damage crops and other plants and injure animals.

Mills and colleagues based their computer model on other research on how much fire would be produced by a regional nuclear conflict."Certainly there is a growing number of large nuclear-armed states that have a growing number of weapons. This could be typical of what you might see," Mills said in a telephone interview.

SMOKE IS KEY

Eight nations are known to have nuclear weapons, and Pakistan and India are believed to have at least 50 weapons apiece, each with the power of the weapon the United States used to destroy Hiroshima in 1945.

Mills said the study added a new factor to the worries about what might damage the world's ozone layer, as well as to research about the effects of even a limited nuclear exchange.

"The smoke is the key and it is coming from these firestorms that build up actually several hours after the explosions," he said.

"We are talking about modern megacities that have a lot of material in them that would burn. We saw these kinds of megafires in World War Two in Dresden and Tokyo. The difference is we are talking about a large number of cities that would be bombed within a few days."

Nothing natural could create this much black smoke in the same way, Mills noted. Volcanic ash, dust and smoke is of a different nature, for example, and forest fires are not big or hot enough.
The University of Colorado's Brian Toon, who also worked on the study, said the damage to the ozone layer would be worse than what has been predicted by "nuclear winter" and "ultraviolet spring" scenarios.

"The big surprise is that this study demonstrates that a small-scale, regional nuclear conflict is capable of triggering ozone losses even larger than losses that were predicted following a full-scale nuclear war," Toon said in a statement.

Mills noted the United States is currently working on a controversial deal that would give India access to U.S. nuclear fuel and equipment for the first time in 30 years even though India refused to join nonproliferation agreements.

Nonproliferation advocates believe it undermines the global system designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

http://in.news.yahoo.com/reuters_ids_new/20080408/r_t_rtrs_nl_general/tnl-india-pakistan-nuclear-war-would-cau-223dd93.html

Total CEO sees oil prices rising further

PARIS, April 8 - Oil prices are likely to continue rising due to tight supplies and a lack of spare production capacity among OPEC producers, the head of French oil major Total said on Tuesday.

"Today, OPEC can not increase production. Everything is produced. There is no one keeping oil hidden away," Total Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie told Reuters on the sidelines of a presentation in Paris.

He said only Saudi Arabia was in a position to increase production, but added it was important the world's biggest oil producer kept this spare capacity as a "safety valve."
Asked if he thought oil prices would keep rising, he said, "I think so, even though I am not hoping for it because this is not good to have high oil prices."

Crude oil prices hit a record $111.80 in March, up five-fold since 2002, bolstered by rising demand from developing Asian economies. On Tuesday, U.S. crude futures settled down 59 cents at $108.50.

Higher oil prices reduce the amount of oil that companies are entitled to under production-sharing agreements with producer nations.

De Margerie said any further increase in oil prices would likely be the result of tight fundamentals and not speculation.

"To consider that prices are going to go up because the product is rare is not speculation, it is anticipation," he said.

The head of Total, the fourth-biggest western major oil company, added that he "sees no reason" it won't be able boost company-wide oil and natural gas production further in 2008.

"I have said that production this year will be better than in 2007. For the moment, I see no reason why it should not be better," de Margerie said, adding that Total's projects that are due to come onstream this year were so far on time.

In February, Total predicted a significant rise in oil and gas production in 2008 and reiterated its target of increasing oil and gas output by an average 4 percent a year between 2006 and 2010.

The ramp-up of the Dalia and Rosa offshore fields in Angola and the start up of the Dolphin liquefied natural gas plant in Qatar have helped Total buck an industry-wide trend of falling production in recent quarters.

The ramp-up of Dolphin, the start later this year of projects such as the 90,000-barrel-a-day Moho Bilondo offshore oil field in the Republic of Congo and the Jura gas and condensate field in the North Sea, are expected to further prop up Total's output.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20080409/tbs-total-ceo-7318940_1.html

சிங்கப்பூர் பக்கம் - Local News

Singapore’s latest iconic attraction was officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday (15th April)evening.

Mr Lee took a ride on the 165—metre tall Singapore Flyer, which is the world’s largest observation wheel.
"We’ve had a very enjoyable, spectacular ride. We have a beautiful city and this is a remarkable view of the city," he said.
"Many things are happening at Marina Bay as you know — the IR is coming up, the F1 is coming, the circuit will pass all around the Flyer. We can see all the buildings coming up around the Bay, and the Singapore skyline (is) constantly growing and changing," the prime minister added. — CNA/ac

It’s the world’s largest observation wheel.

Standing at stunning 165m, the Flyer is the height of a 42-storey building – that’s some 30 metres taller than the famed London Eye. Taking a flight on this S$240 million dollar wheel is a one-of-a-kind experience you wouldn’t want to miss.

It’s the only place to see Singapore’s magnificent cityscape.
As the wheel turns, you’ll be treated to a visual 360° feast of iconic and historical landmarks and views from the Marina Bay to the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Merlion Park, Empress Place and the Padang. There is no other place in Singapore that offers these breathtaking panoramic views.

You’ll get to feast on famous local dishes.
Seafood Paradise @ Flyer, a popular restaurant among locals, serves up signature local dishes such as chilli crab, butter crab, cereal prawns and drunken prawns. Enjoy these authentic local dishes alongside innovative culinary creations by our local chefs.

You’ll get a taste of our gourmet capital.
If local food isn’t the fare for you, dine at any of the restaurants at the Flyer. The selection – from Indian fusion to Japanese delicacies and Italian epicurean – gives you a taste of why Singapore is the gourmet capital of Asia.

You’ll get to indulge in Singapore’s national pastime.
Food may be our nation’s passion, but it’s shopping that’s our national pastime. At the Flyer, you’ll be able to indulge a little in yourself. Jewellery, luxury watches, exquisitely handmade Japanese accessories and more await the avid shopper.

You’ll experience urban nature.
Right in the centre of the atrium, on Level 3, is a lush, tropical rainforest. The cascading water displays, streams, rocky outcrops and pond fuse together naturally to offer a picturesque landscape for photo taking.

You’ll be able to fly – “for real”.
If being 165m above ground level in a capsule exhilarates you, fly like a real pilot in a flight simulator that has all the gadgets and gizmos found in real commercial airliners. The simulator isn't a toy, it's been approved by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority for pilot training.

Your toes will be tickled by fishes.
On Level 2 is a fish foot spa - that’s right – it’s a spa where Doctor Fishes (“Garra Rufa”) work their magic on your feet. These fish, imported from Turkey, have healing properties and will give you a pedicure you won’t forget.

You can get more details at http://www.singaporeflyer.com

SMRT wins international award for "Best Passenger Experience"

SINGAPORE: Transport operator SMRT has clinched the "Best Passenger Experience" award at the inaugural Metro Awards 2008 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Metro Awards is part of MetroRail, an annual conference of the urban rail industry worldwide which met from 1 to 3 April this year.Other finalists of the "Best Passenger Experience" award included Copenhagen Metro, MTR Corporation Limited (Hong Kong) and The Warsaw Metro Ltd.They were judged on factors such as value for money, efficiency and reliability, as well as cleanliness and security.SMRT said the international award for service excellence came shortly after it won the "Most Customer—Friendly Transport" award, presented by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority.
— CNA/so

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20080408/tap-340087-231650b.html

Football: AC Milan eye youth base in Singapore

SINGAPORE : With seven European Cups in the trophy cabinet and 18 international club titles in all, AC Milan are one of the biggest names in football.

In their 109—year history, the Italian giants have also produced some of football’s biggest superstars, including Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini.Now, the 17—time Serie A champions are believed to be keen on establishing a foothold in Singapore.TODAY has learnt that Milan plan to set up a football school in Singapore.

According to sources, the project — to be called AC Milan Junior Camp — will be for youngsters aged between six and 18. The camp will provide the highest quality of football coaching by the club.One of the parties involved is believed to be a local hotel group and negotiations are currently ongoing.When ready, it would be the first football camp in South—east Asia established by the Italian giants, and one of two in Asia, after the one in Japan. The club also have an official football camp in the United States, and all are designed to enable youngsters youths to pick up football skills and foster new friendships.According to sources, a delegation from Milan could be in Singapore as early as next week to explore possible sites for the camp and also to meet local officials.

The Rossoneri could well have the Champions League trophy in tow for the three—day visit, tentatively scheduled from April 14—16.Milan are the outgoing holders of the trophy, having beaten Liverpool 2—1 in last year’s final in Athens. Last month, they were eliminated at the first knock—out stage of this season’s competition by Arsenal and the club, currently coached by Carlo Ancelotti, are lying in fifth spot in Serie A, 20 points behind city rivals Inter Milan. — TODAY/il

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20080408/tap-340021-231650b.html

Dry season expected in Singapore in third quarter

SINGAPORE : The third quarter of this year could be a dry season which could lead to haze resulting from hotspots in Indonesia.

The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre has forecast that the prevailing La Nina is expected to gradually weaken and return to neutral conditions by that time. This was on the agenda at the 4th meeting of the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution in Putrajaya, Malaysia on Tuesday.

The committee recognised the urgency of tackling land and forest fires that result in haze pollution, and also preventing and mitigating such events. In fact, Indonesia's efforts last year reduced the number of hotspots by half, in both Sumatra and Kalimantan, compared to the year before. Wetter weather conditions also helped.

Indonesia wants to reduce its number of hotspots further. Under its National Action Plan on Climate Change, Indonesia has targeted to reduce the number of hotspots by 50% in 2009, 75% in 2012 and 95% in 2025, using 2006 as a baseline. Central and local government agencies, as well as the private sector will also spend more money - to the tune of 800 billion rupiah (S$120.6 million) - on land and forest fire control this year. The ministers are scheduled to meet again on 26 June 2008 in Singapore. - CNA /ls

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/340097/1/.html