The New Nation - Internet Edition

Nurture yourself daily

We need to commit to a daily practice of tuning into our Authentic Self--the powerful, wise, successful and blissful part of us--that knows who we are, why we are here, and where we are going.

We have to nurture ourselves daily to be fully empowered and successful. Instead of prioritizing "more important things" we need to prioritize our Self.

We need to commit to a daily practice of tuning in to our Authentic Self: the powerful, wise, successful, and blissful part of us - that knows who we are, why we are here, and where we are going.

Many of us believe that we cannot be true to our Authentic Self if we are going to be successful, and that prioritizing our Self is selfish. But we are useless when we lose touch with our Authentic Self.

When we don't empower our Authentic Self through daily Self care, we empower our False Self instead: the part of us that believes that we should care more for others; the part of us that believes that we are always destined to be stressed, irrational, fearful, and disempowered.

Take time each day to tune in with your instincts, strengths, wisdom, and unique life mission. Nurture your Authentic Self and break the patterns that are disempowering you.

Tune in with your truth and stop giving power to your False Self. Listen to the voice inside you that knows you are here for greatness, and then get out of your own way. Become the person you know you are meant to be.

Exercises

1. Re-evaluate your day. Look at your daily schedule and set aside time for your Self. First thing in the morning. Last thing at night. Where you commit to self-nurturing. At first it will feel strange, but soon you will not be able to live without it.

2. Each morning, as you wake up, before you open your eyes, give thanks for the wonder of the day, for all the wonderful things coming your way. Sit up, in stillness, meditating, letting your mind be still.

Feel the wonder that you are. Sit there as long as you feel it is right. Now say your daily mantra and affirmations. Do your visualization, of what you envision for the day. Finally, say a prayer and go take on your day.

3. At night, sit in silence before you go to sleep. Be still and tune in with Source. Do your practice: mantra, affirmation, visualization (what you envision and want to consciously create), meditation, and prayer (beginning with gratitude for the day and who you are).

Then tune in with what you need help and guidance with. Visualize and know Source is taking care of You and all of us. Have a wonderful sleep.

Mantra

"I nurture my Self every day."

Affirmation

"IPrioritize and Nurture my Self, without guilt."

"I know how to fill my Self up with Source."

"I am True and Authentic to my Self, each moment."

Visualization

Visualizea new you, relaxed, empowered, and in tune with your Authentic Self. See your harmony comingfrom your inner Source.

See your life flowing with ease and miracles. Visualize yourself fully nurtured and filled with positive and powerful energy inside.

See how in tune you are with your true needs, feelings, and intuition. See that flow seeping into every part of your life, right now. You are harmony, power, and centered.

Meditation

Close your eyes. Take deep breaths. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Tune in with your infinite and powerful Source within. Embrace that which is bigger than life itself.

Feel how infinite you are. Feel how you are in tune with and aware of who you are, why you are here, and where you are going.

Sit in the stillness of this knowledge. Feel your Self shining, at peace with your Self. Let go of thinking. Surrender and just be. Focus on the mantra, "I amt" and be what you are.

Orchid Mania!

Learn why today's gardeners are obsessed with orchids. With step-by-step advice, even novice gardeners can cultivate these exquisite flowers.

Orchids are all the rage today. In fact, orchids now rank as the second most popular potted plant, behind only poinsettias in sales.

It's not difficult to understand why orchids are so appealing-they're available in a dazzling array of colors and shapes, their flowers can last for weeks, and their fragrances are unrivaled.

Fortunately, today's orchids cost less than they did 10 years ago, and the quality is better. A blooming orchid is now less expensive than a modest flower arrangement and provides many weeks of colorful flowers.

The Perfect Place

Orchids are easy to grow as long as you choose the ones that fit your home environment. Comfortable indoor temperatures (65° to 75° during the day, and 10° to 15° lower in the evening) and normal ventilation usually work fine for many orchids.

The biggest challenge is providing sufficient light and humidity. Some homes have heavy, light-blocking drapes and tend to have dry air. Orchids prefer humidity levels of about 50 to 60 percent. You can reach this level with an evap-orative-type room humidifier, and you can also add moisture to the area around the plants by growing them on trays filled with pebbles and water.

A plastic unit called a Humidi-Grow Tray (about 1 foot square) is a ready-made unit serving the same function.

In the Right Direction

Windowsills are home to most indoor plants, so let's look at the light-providing capabilities of these growing spaces. The direction a window faces has a lot to do with the amount of light and the time of day that light will be on your orchids.

South-facing windows are the brightest and an ideal location for orchids needing the strongest light. Other orchids that need less light can be placed a few feet back from the window, or the light from the window can be diffused with a sheer curtain.

In an east-facing window, morning sunlight is bright but not too hot. During the spring, summer and fall, this is usually an ideal exposure for the orchids mentioned in this article. During the short, dark days of winter, many of these same orchids would then usually prefer the south-facing window.

The west-facing window receives as much light as the east window but, because it is afternoon light, is much hotter. So this is not as desirable a location as the east window. If you need to use it, make sure your orchids don't dry out.

A north-facing window is the least desirable because it simply does not provide enough light to sustain healthy growth of orchids.

Orchid Options

Choosing the right type of orchids is critical to success. The ones I recommend, in order of ease of culturing, are:

Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis). Exceptionally easy to grow, these bloom for weeks or months, come in a range of colors and have attractive strap-shaped, dark green foliage. Their arching spikes of moth-shaped flowers are the essence of grace and style, making them favorites for fashion magazine photo shoots. This type of orchid asks only for diffused, bright light, normal room temperatures and moderate humidity.

Slipper Orchids (Paphiopedilum). These beauties have exotic flower colors and shapes and display handsome foliage even when the plants aren't in flower. The types called Maudiaes are especially vigorous, frequently blooming more than once a year. They have gorgeous foliage and brightly colored, glossy flowers that last for weeks.

Slipper orchids need growing conditions similar to those for moth orchids.

Dancing Lady Orchids (Oncidium). This group of orchids comes in a myriad of sizes. Some are miniatures, like Oncidium Twinkles, highly recommended because it blooms profusely in a small space. The plant itself grows only about 6 inches wide and tall, but when it flowers it has a flurry of pink or red 1-inch blooms with a light vanilla scent.

Other varieties are larger, including one of the most popular orchids of all, the Chocolate Orchid (Oncidium 'Sharry Baby'), known for its scrumptious scent! It has leaves up to 18 inches long and flower sprays of 2 to 3 feet. It is a glorious sight in full bloom, which frequently occurs around the winter holidays.

Corsage Orchids (Cattleya type). No group of orchids can match this one for bright, colorful and fragrant flowers.

Years ago, these were grown primarily for cut flowers. The plants were large and unruly, grown only by those with plenty of greenhouse space. Thanks to efforts of modern orchid breeders, many of today's Cattleya hybrids are compact growers, yet still maintain their array of colors and delightful fragrances.

Whatever the type, take the plunge and give orchids a try! You'll find that today's newer varieties have spectacular flowers, are not difficult to grow and are reasonably priced. They'll provide a spectrum of colors and sweet perfumes.

One word of warning: Once you are bitten by the orchid bug, there may be no turning back!

Proven Orchid-Watering Technique

By Steve Frowine of New Hartford, Connecticut

Guest Garden Writer

I find the pot-weighing method for determining when to water orchids is one of the easiest. In this method, you're relying on feel instead of precise weights. Here's how it works:

1. Thoroughly water the orchid in its pot.

2. "Weigh" the pot by picking it up. Now you know how heavy it is when it's saturated with water.

3. Wait a day or so and "weigh" it again by picking it up. You'll feel the difference in the weight as the potting material becomes drier.

4. Repeat Step 3 each day until you judge, by looking at the surface and sticking your finger into the top 1 inch or so of the potting material, that it's time to water. Keep in mind whether your type of orchid prefers to be on the damp or dry side.

5. Note what this dry "weight" is. Now the orchid is ready to be watered thoroughly.

This entire process may sound tedious, but you'll be amazed at how quickly you catch on. And when you do, you'll always know the right time to water. Just lift the pot, note its weight, and you'll have your answer.

Time for a Career Transition?

Do you ever fantasize about leaving a ho-hum job to land your dream career? Follow your heart and protect your dreams because you deserve happiness at work. Just make sure you've mined all of the diamonds available in your current job before you accidentally sign up to scrounge for rhinestones in another location.

Most of us have overlooked an exciting, lucrative career opportunity more than once. We've been like the diamond miners who threw away a fortune when they hurriedly tossed aside dirty lumps of coal.

Use mental floss

Anything is possible in today's dynamic work world. The pecking order is never static. Your boss can become a janitor. A co-worker can become your boss. The policies that sour your stomach today may be banished tomorrow.

Grow where you are by peeking beneath a lacklustre surface to identify hidden jewels in your job. You'll still have total freedom to leave -- with confidence that you've gained benefit from every gem available.

Become a super sleuth

Enjoy searching for bold new possibilities to attain more joy on the job. Imagine being a curious alien entering your work arena for the first time. When you observe your environment without preconceptions or judgments, you'll be amazed at what you discover.

Snoop around until you discover what your organization and clients really need. When you detect a product or service gap, imagine how your unique talents can plug the hole. Then design a simple, compelling proposal.

Showcase your strengths

Consider a variety of strategies before concluding that your strengths are not a match for your organization. You may have to propose a new idea several times or to a number of different people. In the meantime, believe in your proposal and regard each "No" as a steppingstone you tread on the path toward "Yes."

Use the challenge as an excuse to learn new negotiation skills. Harlan Sanders heard hundreds of "No's" before anyone bought his idea to create Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Instead of assuming someone will invite you to submit a creative idea, tell management, team members, and other co-workers how your strengths and talents can benefit the organization. Take advantage of informal grapevines. Network with people you haven't worked with before.

Can't express your talents where you work?

If your talents are rare, such as those of many artists, approach special projects departments that need photography, layout, special effects lighting, electronics, recording, and other technical work that requires creative abilities and imagination. Large corporations often financially reward people who can entertain at special events for employees or clients. Although it may not become a full-time job, it can enliven your work and relationships to the degree that a routine job becomes exciting.

You may eventually conclude that you're a star and can't contribute to an organization that only has square and round holes to fill. If that's true, decide to either express your unique gifts outside of work or design a career transition plan. A career counsellor or coach can help you overcome anxiety about travelling a new path toward greater happiness at work. (An objective third party can cheer you toward your goal. Friends and family members often have an unconscious agenda to enjoy you just as you are, even if you're unhappy. When we change, those around us alter their behavior. This often triggers unconscious resistance, and you deserve to be supported toward more joy on the job.)

Allow yourself to bloom

Take action, whether you decide to use your special talents in your current position or elsewhere. Your special gifts are not accidental. They're essential ingredients for the joy that occurs when you meet your full potential. For every talent, there are related needs in the world, and you can help fill them. When you're doing a job where you use your strengths, you so enjoy what you're doing that you literally lose track of time. A blissful state of flow unfolds, and a wealth of unexpected resources and opportunities support your efforts.

Fun republic: Is it dance or rolance?

Sudhirendar Sharma

From Boogie Woogie to Jhalak Dikhla Ja and from Nach Baliye to Rock `n' Roll Family, the celebration time on Indian television has yet to stop. Opening any popular channel on the television takes one to live (or recorded) images of children, couples and families dancing their way to ecstasy, giving a feeling that the entire country has hit the dance floor. Age no bar, caste no consideration and gender undifferentiated, dance has been democraticised across the television channels for past few years. With most reality dance shows generating hefty sponsorship revenue through respectable viewership (or TRP), the channels are unwilling to let the genre rest in peace.

After kids, couples and parents having been on it, one wonders who could be the next? Don't be surprised if your maid makes it to next grade of the reality dance show! And why not? But spare a moment for the suspecting wife who will find her husband publically cheer the pelvic gyrations of his favourite maid! There could be much in store as reality shows expand their penetration into small towns and cities - making celebration `inclusive'. Did'nt the prime minister reiterate the need to `make growth inclusive'? Here it is, the television channels have shown the way to do it.

With a nation-wide audience in attendance and with prizes worth lakhs in store, no one is scared to look silly. Instant stardom and quick cash is on the minds of the burgeoning middle class, from Jaipur to Jamshedpur and from Pune to Purulia. Clearly, small town India has shed all its inhibitions to go where no other from their generation has gone before - to the studio dance floor. However much one shun the dance floor or opt out of the live program, we remain party to this great `celebration era' of modern times as each purchase at the grocery store and every text message from our mobile contributes to making the unsuspecting public dance to the greedy tune for making instant money.

Be it the corpulent grandparents or their precocious offspring, each represents a society in transition with huge `aspirations'. As bad policy and inept governance dumb the public mindscape, reality shows have seemingly emerged as convenient vents for releasing accumulated frustrations with the prime motive of realising one's hidden aspirations. But being a public display of collective emotions it reflects us as a nation that has stopped thinking; that no longer rues inherent fatalism of accepting injustices; and that which cocoons itself from the rest of its fraternity for narrow self-interests?

Else, how could this unique public-private partnership engage in collective celebration when farmers' suicides have become more of a norm than exception; when millions face displacement at the altar of giganticism; and when one-third of districts in the country exert self-rule. The dance floors may be distanced from such realities but dry taps, choked drains and clogged roads are everyday realities in the colonies and the streets that these dancers cross to reach the studio. Isn't it is clear reflection of mind-body-spirit disunity in a deficit democracy where consumerism pretends to fix problems by creating illusion of affluence and opulence?

Could this dance be anything but rolance - a belief wherein the dead body starts dancing under the influence of an evil spirit. People in the Lahaul-Spiti region of the Himalayas (in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India) believe that if a dead body is kept without proper vigil, an evil spirit enters into it. Haven't evil spirits entered our collective self-conscious? It is further said that as an evil spirit enters the dead body, it starts doing all kind of odd things including dancing. As you watch the next episode of your favourite reality dance show, imagine them to be the rolances of our times!

Smile Awhile, Forever

People touch our hearts and influence our lives in a number of ways. Pivotal people are drawn into our sphere to teach and guide us along the journey of life. Most are completely unaware of the impact they have. The relationship may be momentarily and one sided, or it feels as though it has lasted for eternities. One of the most important lessons we learn from others is not about them, but about who we are when we are with them.

A Smile:

Many times it is the "bit players" in the play that set the stage for the action and usher in the "main stars." They may say just the right word, give a bit of encouragement or simply smile to acknowledge your presence. In retrospect, most people can remember a bus driver, teacher, co-worker, neighbor or stranger who aided them physically, emotionally or spiritually when they needed it most. Never underestimate the power of a smile or wave.

Awhile:

Some friends stay with us for a season. We may have a common goal or be in a stage of life together. As interests differ, the friendship and contact may drift away, but fond affection remains for the time and person. Women tend to make friendships based on relationships, school parents, co-workers, or neighbors. Men tend to make friendships based on activities, teammates, or sports.

It is okay to have others to share seasons and interests with. We may have many different friends and acquaintances in varied segments who never meet each other. It is unrealistic to expect one friend to fill all of our needs. When we have learned all we can learn and taught all we can teach in the relationship, it may be time for both parties to move on.

Forever:

If we are lucky, we have touchstones who are there for us always. Their love and acceptance is unconditional. We may not talk for ten years, and then just take up the conversation as if it was yesterday. We have kindred spirits and know that we can be authentic and open with them and won't be judged or found wanting. As blessed as we are to have forever friends, it is more important to be one.

Nurturing friendship is the basic foundation for all relationships. If we treat others as we would like to be treated, we will develop friendships in all three areas. The most important friend you will ever have is yourself. If you like and respect who and what you are, so will other people. You will send out a positive signal to others and they will be drawn to you and enhance your life; for a smile, awhile or forever.

IUB signs agreement to set up International Centre

Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has signed an agreement with the UK based International Institute of Environment and Development (IIED) and the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), two leading research institutes working on climate change and development, to set up an International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCAD) at IUB, to be financed by various global funds on climate change. Vice Chancellor Prof. Bazlul Mobin Chowdhury and Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Omar Rahman, on behalf of IUB, while Dr. Saleemul Huq, on behalf of IIED and Dr. Atiq Rahman, on behalf of BCAS, signed the agreement.

Fifteen leading foreign universities and research institutes will co-sponsor or collaborate which include, among others, IIED, Imperial College (UK), the Institute for Development Studies (UK), the International Research Institute on Climate (US), Munasinghe Institute for Nature and Development (Sri Lanka), Swaminathan Foundation (India), TERI University (India), the University of Cape Town (South Africa), the University of East Anglia (UK), and the University of South Pacific (Fiji).

The objectives of the new International Centre on Climate change will be to provide training to individuals, primarily from developing countries on adaptation to climate change and development; research on climate change adaptation and development; publish and disseminate training materials and outputs of its research; and promote a network of institutions working on similar issues around the world with an emphasis on the developing world.

The Centre on climate change, located at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) will be developed and initially headed by Saleemul Huq, currently Head of the Climate Change Group at the London based IIED, a lead author of the IPCC Third and Fourth Assessment Reports, and winner of the Burtoni Award for Adaptation Research in 2007. The Centre will have a governing body and an advisery board of 10 to 12 eminent scientists in the field of environment from all over the world. The board will provide guidance and quality control on course materials and research.

The Centre, as a constituent part of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) will be authorized under Bangladeshi law to award higher degrees. It will annually offer a 15-month Masters in Climate Change and Development for batches of up to 30 students, and take up to six PhD students, subject to the approval from the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC). Students will be selected from all over the world on merit. An endowment fund will provide full bursaries for candidates from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It will also run one-week to one/two month tailored training courses for mid-career staff in government, research institutes, donor agencies, NGOs, business and the media.

Bangladesh is an ideal location of such Centre as it is likely to face very serious impacts of climate change, from increased flooding to salination of freshwater due to sea level rise. Bangladesh academics and researchers, supplemented by counterparts from abroad, will make up the faculty. In addition, the country is rich in indigenous knowledge about coping with climate variability and climate-related impacts. Over the time, Bangladesh will become a 'living laboratory' for other developing countries to learn from what is in practice.

85% growth in Bangladeshis visit to Singapore

2007 was a record year for Singapore tourism. Not only did they cross the milestone of over 10 million visitor arrivals for the first time, but also achieved S$13.8 billion in global tourism receipts. Visitor arrival growth from Bangladesh registered a robust 20.7% growth over 2006 with a record 77,042 Bangladeshis visiting the city state. More significantly, this registered 4 years of double digit growth from Bangladesh and saw the number of visitors grow by 85% since 2004.

Looking ahead into 2008, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has set itself an even higher target of S$11 billion in tourism receipts and 10.8 million visitor arrivals. To achieve its 2008 targets, Singapore has set its sights on an ambitious integrated tourism plan, which includes a packed calendar of high-profile events set to take place throughout the year and beyond that promises to attract an increasing number of Bangladeshi as well as global travellers.

Ms. Siew-Kheng Kang, Regional Director, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board, said, "2007 has been an exceptional year for us. Our tourism landscape is in transformation - with new attractions being added to existing world class ones, and a lineup of exciting events that will continue to make Singapore a must-visit for families and business people alike. Bangladeshi families will especially find the Orchard Road rejuvenation reason enough to visit, not to mention the incredible experience of riding the world's tallest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer, with its breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline and the surrounding countries. Motoring aficionados can look forward to the first-ever street night race in FORMULA ONE history when it comes to Singapore in September, while the rest of the family and friends can enjoy festivities by the Singapore River."

Adding to this, Mr Kenneth Lim, Area Director Northern & Eastern India, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Nepal said, "Bangladesh will continue to be a key country in South Asia that the STB will focus its marketing efforts in. Apart from the growing number of Bangladeshi visitors, it is also heartening to note that Bangladeshis are also one of the highest spenders in Singapore, Might be better not to say in press release as it begs the question of how much.. suffice to talk about LOS and also, the longest staying at around 6.5 days."

Singapore's tourism sector has developed significantly in the past few years. Since 2004, visitor arrivals have increased by 25% to 10.3 million, while tourism receipts have grown by 45% to $9.7 billion in 2007. This growth can be attributed to the island-nation's emphasis to continue to reinvent itself to appeal to the senses of every traveler, including Bangladeshis. In the next 3 years, Singapore is set to astound first-time and repeat visitors with many new experiences. Forthcoming attractions set out to entice Bangladeshi travellers include:

* The Singapore Flyer, the world's largest observation wheel, launching in March, offers breathtaking views of Singapore. Each capsule of the Singapore Flyer can accommodate up to 28 individuals which also makes it an ideal spot for special occasions.

* The FORMULA 1TM SingTel Singapore Grand Prix will be held in Singapore September this year. This will be the first night race of its kind in the world and the first street race in Asia. The racing track will pass through the civic precinct of Singapore and includes a custom-built state-of-the-art lighting system that delivers optimal visibility for night race conditions.

* The Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort will boast a winning combination of large, state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, and world-class dining, shopping and entertainment outlets under one roof that will add buzz and excitement to Singapore. The Marina Bay Sands is designed by the visionary Moshe Safdie and is set to launch in 2009.

* Resorts World at Sentosa, set on Singapore's tropical island resort of Sentosa, is slated to be one of the world's most exciting family destinations come 2010. This S$6 billion mega-resort will be home to Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park, the world's largest oceanarium, Marine Life Park, and the region's only fully integrated destination spa, ESPA. There will also be world-class entertainment to engage visitors, not to mention an unparalleled array of retail and dining options at the Festive Walk with roving acts and street performances.

Mr Lim added, "With the great outbound potential seen from Bangladesh in the coming years, we will continue to undertake marketing efforts to reach out to the families, business community as well as healthcare seekers and also develop deeper ties with the travel trade and members of the media in Bangladesh".

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore's key service sectors - tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore. The STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering enriching experiences through the "Uniquely Singapore" brand. For more information, please visit the corporate website www.stb.com.sg and destination website www.visitsingapore.com/in