olympics news

Sunday, February 28, 2010

[CARTOON] Facebook Shakespeare

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Novak Djokovic the current World No. 2 claiming his second straight title

Novak Djokovic aiming to take a strike back. (Reuters)

Russia's Mikhail Youzhny doing a backhand at the final. (Reuters)

The World No. 2 claiming his second title. (Reuters)

When Roger Federers was out of the tournament due to that he needed some rest for his health, fans were disappointed but at least other players who were still in the game made the tournament interesting. Russia's Mikhail Youzhnys was one of them who managed to make a comeback after nearly losing the game at some of the matches.

He made it all the way to the final but his challenge, the defending champion and World No. 2 Novak Djokovic managed to win him after all. Despite a tantrum from the World No. 2 who kept smashing his racket until it buckled after he double-faulted to put his opponent 5-4 up and a day-long rain delay, he put up a good game still.

It was tiring for both players as they did not budged in to each other and at the final game, Djokovic led 3-0 but was chased up by the second seed to 3-3. The golden score was when Djokovic served out the match after a long forehand from the Russian. The Serb then collapse in triumph to express his joy.

People’s History Museum, Manchester

People’s History Museum

Few people, when we talk of Democracy, are aware of what a new idea it actually is and that the struggle for democracy went hand in hand with Labour rights and the development of the British Labour Party. Indeed it was only in the elections of 1918 in Ireland and in England that you had true universal suffrage for all without a property qualification for voting and votes for women, albeit over 30 – as women under 30 were considered too excitable and frivolous! Indeed!

http://daithaic.blogspot.com/2007/10/first-female-member-of-parliament.html

The People’s History Museum tells the dramatic story of the British working class’s struggle for democracy and social justice - told at the only national museum in Manchester, the radical city where it belongs. The museum has reopened after a £12.5m redevelopment, which included the refurbishment of the existing Pump House and the construction of a four storey extension alongside it. The old and new buildings are joined together by a spectacular glass walkway. The museum galleries, changing exhibitions, education service, Labour History Archive & Study Centre, Textile Conservation Studio, corporate facilities, café and shop are housed in the new building.

Cotton Mill, Ancoats 1820

Two hundred years ago Manchester was at the centre of Britain’s Industrial Revolution. Based on the cotton textile industry, the town became the world’s first industrial city. Despite high wages in good times, workers endured appalling living and environmental conditions. Little could be done to improve these; there was no political structure and Manchester, for example, had no MP.

On 19 August 1819 a reform meeting held on St Peter’s Field in Manchester attracted over 60,000 mill workers and their families. Magistrates sent in soldiers to arrest the leaders. There were 17 dead and over 400 seriously injured. The event became known as the Peterloo Massacre and led to the first reform of Parliament in 1832.
The People's History Museum tells the extraordinary story of ordinary people. It is the only national museum dedicated to the working people of Britain and the world-changing events they led to change society, improving life for future generations.
The urbanisation of Manchester largely coincided with the Industrial Revolution and the Victorian era, resulting in it becoming the world's first industrialised city.

“Cottonopolis” as Manchester became known has a notable place in the history of Marxism and left-wing politics; being the subject of Friedrich Engels' work The Condition of the Working Class in England in 1844; Engels himself spent much of his life in and around Manchester, and when Karl Marx visited Manchester, they met at Chetham's Library. The economics books Marx was reading at the time can be seen on the shelf in the library, as can the window seat where Marx and Engels would meet. The first Trades Union Congress was held in Manchester (at the Mechanics' Institute, David Street), from 2 to 6 June 1868. The economic school of Manchester capitalism developed there, and Manchester was the center of the Anti-Corn Law League from 1838 onward. Manchester was also an important cradle of the Labour Party and the Suffragette Movement. Indeed it has been an inspirational city in many ways from the development of Laissez-faire capitalism to the United Society of Believers or the Shakers as they are better known.

Railway Banner

In these days of Banking Crises and dismay at lack of values what better place to rediscover the role of honest labour as the source of values in society than this museum celebrating how ordinary people changed the world we live in.

Website;

http://www.phm.org.uk/

People’s History Museum
Left Bank, Spinningfields,
Manchester, M3 3ER,
England.

Open Monday - Sunday
10.00am - 5.00pm

Thursday, February 25, 2010

[CARTOON] Rocky 2010

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Burberry Magic

I have been looking forward to London Fashion Week, as it's a great time for me to get some inspiration. My favourite had to be the Burberry Prorsum Autumn/Winter collection 2010, which was launched yesterday. Again, Christopher Bailey gets it right, pure genius!

The collection had a slicker and harder feel than usual and played on military silhouettes and lots of detail. "Aviation was the pivotal inspiration for the collection," Bailey said. "There was lots of fabric manipulation and lots of detail."

I absolutely adored the colours and textures that he used and not only would I love to wear them but they would look great in interior spaces......So feast your eyes to a few of my favourites even though I loved them all.

Ohhhhh now that jacket would look great as a rug. I can also imagine a cool upholstered armchair with that dress.......

Another glorious rug!!! Loving the dress....Great accent colour!!!

Gorgeous colour!!!

These two colours work great together and the textures used are just yummy!!

Stunning and edgy. Love the boots!!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Achica.com

If you are a fan of lifestyle accessories at affordable prices then Achica.com is the place for you.

Last month saw the launch of Achica.com, an exclusive online private members club selling chic and desirable brands at up to 70% off. All you have to do is sign up (for free!!!) but hurry as their guest list is filling up quickly and once it is full membership will be invitation only.

As a member you will then be able to indulge in an array of private sales at breathtaking prices, each open for just a short while. Below are a few examples of what is on sale today at Achica.com.

I adore these cool Zassenhaus salt mills which are up to 40% off! you really are spoilt for choice when you can choose from a range of 11 exciting colours.

Brighten up your kitchen with these cool carbon steel knives.

For the fashionistas, grab yourself a pair of these ultra nifty CK sunglasses for only £49.00!!! Now that's what I call a bargain!!

Go on, I know you're tempted, join the world of Achica.com today!!!

Among the ball games we watch tennis seems to score

I was watching this exciting football game half way in the English Premier league but managed to check out the livescore of the game to find out the result. After the game I suddenly thought of the players and the recent scandal cases by some of the football players and prominent golf player. Looking back, tennis seems to score on star's decency with Roger Federer and other tennis players giving a relatively good image of a good sports person and more importantly sometimes as a family man. Roger Federer has been showing consistency in winning and winning for his family like his daughters.

His style of playing has shown his character and when he is back home, he seems to show his fans that he is sweetly in love when he is with his family. This kind of brings a good image and message across to sports lovers. Playing the game well is one thing, having the luxury of a good home is another beautiful and both things requires good discipline sometimes.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Venus Williams winning the Dubai title again and Maria Sharapova winning a new title too

Venus Williams at the Dubai tennis championships. (Getty)

The champion smiling with her trophy. (Getty)

One sweet smile from Maria Sharapova who finally won another title again. (Reuters)

After her sister had won the grand slam at the interesting final with Justine Henin, Venus Williams has successfully defended her Dubai Championships title by beating Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 7-5 in the final. At this tournament she eases through the rounds to reach to the final. Facing the 20 year old Azarenka, she had a tougher game with many times at the game being draw with her opponent. It was competitive but she managed to win the set in the end at the games.

Maria Sharapova has also won a title at the Memphis Championship. This is probably her second title since she has comeback. Still a long way from how she has performed in the past but at least she is starting to win the titles. At this tournament she won 6-2, 6-1 victory over Swedish qualifier Sofia Arvidsson. Maria Sharapova played really well at the game and won the title easily.

Surface Bound

I was very much looking forward going to the Surface design show last week, as it is the only event to focus exclusively on interior and exterior solutions for building design.

There was such as buzz at the show, I suppose I wasn’t the only one extremely excited at this event. There was so much to take in as they were showcasing hundreds of the most innovative and creative surface products currently on the market.

One of my favourite products at the show was Murapec’s latest interior surface range ‘impressions’. This is a beautiful new range of sculptured decorative panels offering 11 exclusive designs, available in over 50 different laminate finishes.

Ideal for commercial wall coverings and interiors, impressions panels add real impact and atmosphere to any interior space, without cutting back the budget.

For more information take a look at their website, http://www.muraspec.com, you won’t be disappointed!

It can also look great in commercial spaces.

This is one of my favourite Designs

Another favourite product of mine was Krion. This is a new solid surface from Porcelanosa Group. It is very hard, compact, non porous and fully homogeneous. Krion comes in two new versions: Stone and Lux. What's great about this stone is that it can be fully restored to its original appearance. Even cigarette burns can be removed with normal detergent.

Krion is an ideal surface for kitchens as it has an extraordinary resistance to chemical agents and also to heat and sunlight. What is also fantastic about this product is that it is an anti-bacterial material thanks to its composition, 'additive free-bacterial product'. Therefore any bacteria present cannot develop and dies.

My favourite aspect of this surface is that seamless joints are created; therefore it gives the illusion that it is made up of a single section.

Krion is available in 86 different finishes. Sounds pretty much like a dream surface............

Saturday, February 20, 2010

[CARTOON] Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Elena Dementieva won the Paris Indoor Open for the first time

Top seed Elena Dementieva going for a serve at the Paris Open. (Getty)

A beautiful backhand from the top seed. (Getty)

Elena Dementieva laughing out after winning the Paris Open. (Reuters)

Lifting her trophy to the crowd with a big smile. (Reuters)

Elena Dementieva World No. 7 top seeded for the Paris Open has won all matches and claim her new title. Her match with the US Teen sensational Melanie Oudin was fast and furious giving the teen no chance and won her after losing the first set. Elena continued to perform and at the final she met Czech Lucie Safarova.

It was almost the same at the round when she played with Oudin. She was down by one set and later she came back with the score 6-7 6-1 6-4 to win the Paris Indoor Open for the first time.

The 28 year old Russian won the title and a cash prize of US $107,000.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

[CARTOON] Proverb No. 3 - Challenge

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Bethnal Green Tube Disaster

Bethnal Green Tube Station with St. John's Church in the background.

The worst tragedy on London Underground was in 1943 during World War II in East London at Bethnal Green Tube Station. This was an extension to the Central Line which had not been completed when war broke out and the unfinished station was taken over by London County Council to be used as an Air Raid Shelter during the Blitz of London by the Luftwaffe. On March 3rd. 1943 the largest loss of civilian life in a single non-military incident during World War II, happened in the East End of London. 173 people perished at Bethnal Green tube station. They were crushed to death by the weight of their own bodies. 62 of the dead were children.

Alf Morris’s fighting spirit is intact - though his hearing is not what it used to be. He is trying to raise money for a memorial for the victims of “the worst civilian disaster of the Second World War,” according to the Trust of which Alf is chairman. Some 300 people were crushed into the stairwell of Bethnal Green tube station and 173 men, women and children died. Over 90 were injured. In the two years since it has been running, the Stairway to Heaven Memorial Trust has raised £70,000. It needs £650,000 to build the memorial. Alf estimates he is one of around 6 to 10 survivors left.

Alf Morris wearing a "survivor" waist coat

The Bethnal Green Tube shelter disaster took place on the evening of Wednesday March 3, 1943. 173 people died in a terrifying crush as panic spread through the crowds of people trying to enter the station's bomb shelter in the East End of London. However, no bomb struck and not a single casualty was the direct result of military aggression, making it the deadliest civilian incident of World War Two.

The East End, with its industry and docks, had been a target for German bombers since the Luftwaffe had failed to establish air superiority in the Battle of Britain. Furthermore, the East End was seen as a barometer of British civilian morale. So, even though the Blitz had ended almost two years ago in May 1941, bombing raids and sirens was still an everyday part of life for East-enders as Germany and Britain carried out tit-for-tat raids in an attempt to demoralise civilian populations. Bethnal Green Underground station, as one of the few deep-level stations in the East End, was an obvious choice for a huge public bomb shelter. Situated in a densely populated urban area, the shelter had at times held 7000 people, and contained 5000 bunks.

The Bethnal Green disaster was one of a number of tragedies at London Underground stations during World War II. Balham underground station in Wandsworth, South London was the site of a catastrophic bombing during October 1940. A fragmentation bomb exploded at street level creating a large crater which a bus subsequently drove into, penetrating a water pipe. Water and debris flooded into the station causing the deaths of 111 people and numerous injuries. The attack, which has since been portrayed in popular culture, such as in the 2007 film ‘Atonement’, was one of several fatal disasters during the air raids of the World War II.

The deep level of underground stations created ideal refuge for the thousands of Londoners who sought shelter during attacks by German aircraft. While regarded as safe, several incidents resulted in civilian casualties. One of the most damaging attacks was on Bank station in January 1941. A bomb directly impacted upon the ticket stall of the underground station, taking the lives of 56 people, injuring 69 and causing considerable damage to the building. The station was forced to close for two months and a bridge implemented over the crater to allow traffic onto the roads. Some 20 civilians were also killed by a bomb blast while taking shelter in Marble Arch station in September 1940.

Through both the First and Second World Wars, London's transport system and its staff played an important part in keeping the city moving. Their contributions went well beyond the normal call of duty. During the First World War, drivers took buses to France, transporting troops to the Western Front. Women worked as 'conductorettes', making their first forays into the male preserve of the bus garage.

Women played a much larger role during the Second World War, replacing male staff who had joined the armed forces. Many women took factory jobs doing war work, including aircraft construction as London Transport facilities were turned to the war effort. Amazingly, the Tube was able to keep running throughout the war, despite providing an underground home every night for thousands of Londoners during the Blitz.

London Transport (LT) played a crucial role in the Home Front of WW2. The transport system operated whilst sustaining severe damage through enemy bombardment. Much of the correspondence between LT and the Government refers to the financial and material resources available. Deep level shelters were created and made available not only for the general public but also munitions factories and government agencies. LT's 'Works' (e.g. Acton Works), which were usually used for the production and maintenance of rolling stock continued to do this, but also formed munitions factories - including forming a major part the London Aircraft Production. The LT fleet of buses and coaches were used for the mobilisation of troops, particularly when the American troops entered the war - some being converted to ambulances.

Staffing was drastically altered. Many staff joined the Armed Forces, and served at home in the 84th (LT) Anti-aircraft regiment. Those who remained working in London as 'reserved personnel' took on many additional responsibilities and found themselves working alongside increasing numbers of women who filled the vacancies - which in turn altered the nature of labour records such as Trade Union agreements, Rules and Regulations, Training and Personnel. By 1942 the total number of staff was 76,263 of which some 15,500 were women (of which 11,500 were employed to release men for the Services). The total of staff employed with the Services was 20,448.

Throughout the War, London Transport suffered heavy losses in London as well as on active service. In the 1944 Annual Accounts & Reports, the total from the outbreak of hostilities were: 548 staff killed whilst on active service, 463 prisoners of war; 179 killed and 1,609 injured whilst working for the Board with an additional 222 killed and 907 were injured whilst off duty. The high loss of staff due to the Blitz indicates the devastation London Transport faced in the War and the difficulties faced in retaining services. By 1942, 2 officers and 44 staff had been awarded honours by the King. By 1944 the total was 74, including 29 appearing in the New Years Honours Lists. Indeed it is a token of the regard and respect felt for the sacrifice of London Transport Staff during World War II that for many years they were the only civilian organisation to march in the Armistice Day Parade by the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday.

http://daithaic.blogspot.com/2009/11/armistice-day-2009-end-of-generation.html

On 3 March 1943 a crowd of people entered Bethnal Green tube station which was used at the time as an air-raid shelter. After the searchlights went on and an anti-aircraft battery a few hundred yards away in Victoria Park launched a salvo of a new type of anti-aircraft rockets the crowd surged forward. Someone tripped on the stairs causing many others to fall. 300 people were crushed into the stairwell within a few seconds, 173 of them died and over 90 were injured.

Station Entrance with plaque

During the winter of 1940-41 the pounding of London had been relentless during the Blitz, with the city being hit 57 nights running at one time. Then on 29th December 1940 the 'Second great Fire of London' occurred as firebombs rained down on the capital. Air raid sirens went off regularly, but quite often it was a false alarm, people just got used to going down the shelters for the night just in case it was another raid. However, most Andersen or Morrison Shelters situated in back gardens were cramped, with little air, no light and a chamber pot for a toilet. So, many preferred to shelter in the Underground.

Bethnal Green was a new station as the Central Line had been extended from Liverpool Street in 1936, but work had been interrupted by the outbreak of War. The Tube was big, light and there was a community spirit with group sing-alongs, tea was dispatched from large urns and there was even a library. With the track not yet laid, there was plenty of room with up to 5000 bunks and a further 2000 people could be accommodated. So, many East Enders preferred to go down the station.

Although things had been quieter of late, on the night of 3rd March 1943 there was some concern as we had bombed Berlin quite heavily two nights earlier and people were expecting reprisals. With the sound of the Siren and the closure of the cinema, 3 buses had just disgorged nearby and their passengers dashed for the shelter. A woman carrying a baby tripped and fell as she went down the steps to the platform. A man tripped over her and a domino effect started. At the top of the stairs came shouted warning of bombs falling and when a different deafening sound was heard they thought it was a new kind of bomb (it turned out to be a new, secret, anti-aircraft gun being tested in Victoria Park near by).

People pushed more quickly into the shelter in a panic. The way was blocked but still people poured down. There were no handrails in the middle, no white edgings on the steps and no police on duty. It was dark and the steps were slippery from the rain. Around 300 people were wedged into the stairway – an area measuring approximately 15 x 11 feet. By the time they were pulled out 27 men, 84 women and 62 children had died of suffocation. Over 60 of the survivors needed hospital treatment. The tragedy was that there was no air raid or bombs dropped that night in the East End, it was just the sound of the new gun that had been secretly placed nearby and tested for the first time that night that caused the panic.

According to the official statement by the Ministry of Home Security: "According to accounts so far received, shortly after the air-raid Alert sounded, substantial numbers of people were making their way as usual towards the shelter entrance. There were nearly 2000 in the shelter, including several hundred who had arrived after the Alert, when a middle-aged woman, burdened with a bundle and a baby, tripped near the foot of a flight of 19 steps which leads down from the street. This flight of steps terminates on a landing. Her fall tripped an elderly man behind her and he fell similarly. Their bodies again tripped up those behind them, and within a few seconds a large number were lying on the lower steps and the landing, completely blocking the stairway. Those coming in from the street could not see what had taken place and continued to press down the steps, so that within a minute there were about 300 people crushed together and lying on top of one another covering the landing and the lower steps.

South east view of proposed memorial

"By the time it was possible to extricate the bodies it was found that a total at present estimated at 178 had died and that a further 60 were in need of hospital treatment. Statements from a large number of eye-witnesses and members of the police and Civil Defence services make it clear that there was no sign of panic before the accident on the stairs. No bombs fell anywhere in this district during the evening. Preliminary reports received by the Home Secretary and Minister of Home Security indicate that police, wardens, soldiers, W.V.S. and civilians worked hard and well to rescue the victims. Mr. Morrison has instituted the fullest inquiries to establish in greater detail what took place and to see whether any structural or administrative weaknesses have been brought to light"

To prevent loss of morale in the British people it was decided not to release news of the disaster. There were reports in newspapers but the location was not mentioned and the true magnitude was suppressed. It was not until two years later that an inquiry was held and several factors were found to have caused the chaos. Among the main causes was the lack of proper supervision by the Air Raid Police, inadequate lighting (due to the blackout?) the fact that the handrails had not yet been installed and the lack of any crash barriers. The last two, no doubt, were caused by lack of council funds and the shortage of metal due to the salvaging for the war effort. It was the largest loss of civilian life of the war. After the tragedy new handrails were installed on the steps down to the station. Each step was marked with white paint.

Many of the victims were buried in Tower Hamlets Cemetery, which was cleared by members of the Drapers Company with help from the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery in time for the 60th anniversary.

The Stairway to Heaven Memorial

The proposed and long overdue memorial to these forgotten victims is an inverted stairway at Bethnal Green Tube Station with the victims names inscribed on the steps. The memorial known as “The Stairway to Heaven” has been designed by local architecture practice Paticas Architecture, with initial help from Jens Borstelmann. They have therefore designed a massive bronze cast of the staircase, which will appear to float alongside the stairs where the people actually died, with 173 small beams of light will represent those who lost their lives. The memorial will vividly describe the historical facts of the Bethnal Green tragedy and will provide shelter form the rain as well as illumination for people entering or exiting the station. It will create a landmark at an important junction on an Olympic Route. Full planning permission has now been granted by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the Memorial to be built. Now all that is needed is to raise the money. For details of the fund raising and more information see the appeal site from which I’ve also used part of the material for this piece. Please give your support to this worthy cause.

http://www.stairwaytoheavenmemorial.org/

As well as having a song written about it, the disaster is commemorated with a plaque that can be found at Bethnal Green station's southeast entrance on the corner of Cambridge Heath Road and Roman Road, above the step where the first woman fell. It reads:

Commemorative Plaque

In Memory of the 173 Men, Women and Children
who lost their lives on the evening of
Wednesday 3rd March 1943
descending these steps to Bethnal Green
underground air raid shelter
Not forgotten

Eastbound Platform today

Today the station is a fine example of the typical "New Works Programme 1935 - 1940" style adopted by London Transport for its new tube stations. Extensive use is made of pale yellow tiling, originally manufactured by Poole Pottery. This has been replicated during the 2007 modernisation although several panels of original tiling were retained on the platforms. The finishes include relief tiles, showing symbols of London and the area served by the London Passenger Transport Board, designed by Harold Stabler. The station entrances, all in the form of subway access staircases to the subterranean ticket hall, all show the design influences of Charles Holden, the consulting architect for London Transport at this time.

See also;

http://daithaic.blogspot.com/2008/04/give-my-regards-to-55-broadway.html

Monday, February 15, 2010

[CARTOON] Proverb No. 2 - Harmony

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olympics news

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Sunday, February 28, 2010

[CARTOON] Facebook Shakespeare

Novak Djokovic the current World No. 2 claiming his second straight title

People’s History Museum, Manchester

Thursday, February 25, 2010

[CARTOON] Rocky 2010

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Burberry Magic

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Achica.com

Among the ball games we watch tennis seems to score

Monday, February 22, 2010

Venus Williams winning the Dubai title again and Maria Sharapova winning a new title too

Surface Bound

Saturday, February 20, 2010

[CARTOON] Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Elena Dementieva won the Paris Indoor Open for the first time

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

[CARTOON] Proverb No. 3 - Challenge

Bethnal Green Tube Disaster

Monday, February 15, 2010

[CARTOON] Proverb No. 2 - Harmony

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