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35 (Really) Stunning Photos and Pictures

2009-03-17T05:17:00.000-07:00

"clean up" photo taken by Ahmed (john)
has been selected as one by
www.smashingmagazine.com

We love beautiful photography. In photos, the beauty isn’t necessarily reflected in an eye-catching combination of colors; perspectives, angle, composition and, most importantly, the idea behind the shot or the situation in which the shot was taken, are particularly important when it comes for our showcases.
Over the last months we have covered a variety of different photography arts, such as shadow photography, night photography, city photography, arial photography, urban decay and many others (you can find them in our section Inspiration). This time we present you a “mixed bag” of some truly outstanding photos and images, created by talented photographers and designers across the globe. more http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/03/15/35-really-stunning-photos-and-pictures/

Finally we have got the chance to see a new president

2008-10-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has conceded electoral victory to opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed.

Mr Gayoom, Asia's longest-serving leader, congratulated Mr Nasheed after final results were confirmed.

Mr Nasheed said his victory, in the nation's first democratic presidential poll, showed the people of the Maldives were embracing the future.

President Gayoom won the first round this month, but failed to secure the 50% needed for outright victory.

With all the votes counted in the second round, Mr Nasheed, a former political prisoner, won 54% to Mr Gayoom's 46%. more http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7696656.stm

Maldives New Constitution Ratified

2008-08-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has ratified the country’s new constitution at a ceremony on Thursday morning, following four years of work by the Special Majlis (constitutional assembly).

The move comes ahead of the country’s first multiparty presidential elections and brings a host of new democratic firsts, including a bill of rights, as well as laying out provisions for independent commissions over the election period.

“Be present in all the happiness in the world. We are making history…We are not doing this as an illusion for the eye, but for the benefit of the country,” Gayoom told an audience at Dharabarugee Conference Centre in the capital, Male.

The document was signed more than a month after it was passed in the constitutional assembly and amid concerns by international bodies and opposition parties that Gayoom would delay ratification.

European Union (EU) expressed “great concern” last month over delays, and opposition parties have consistently pushed for the new bodies – including an independent judiciary – that will allow elections would be free and fair.

The National Unity Alliance of opposition parties led a protest of over 1,000 people in July outside the presidential palace to demand ratification.

The constitution is set to bring a raft of democratic reforms, including separation of powers, a bill of rights and freedoms, and a series of independent commissions to oversee areas such as elections.

Views from the public were mixed. Majeed, a local teacher, said it was "very good", adding: "Very big changes will come now. But I think the parliament will have to do a lot of work."
more: http://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=4806

Seaplane transfer, its a safe way of travel

2008-06-03T08:02:00.001-07:00

Making love is an easy thing

2008-03-24T03:14:00.000-07:00

making love is an easy thing but having a baby or laying an egg is really a hard thing.

People say today is VALENTINES DAY ????

2008-02-14T02:42:00.000-08:00

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.
But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?
Click here to watch clips about the holiday, lovers, and more!
The History of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance...Read more >>

Anmadey...very creative artist

2008-02-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

Homeless Three Years On: Victims Remember The Tsunami

2007-12-27T08:51:00.000-08:00

By Susannah Peter in Male'
December 26, 2007

Leeza Khalid, 23, cradles her one year old daughter Mishka, as she remembers the morning her life changed forever.

She was cooking at home on 26 December 2004 when she heard a "huge noise" and saw a "giant wave from the window." Terrified, she screamed to her seven younger brothers and sisters to wake up. "Water was already up to my legs," she recalls. As they fled, a second wave hit, flattening their house.

Leeza and the hundreds of other residents of Kandholhudhoo island lost their homes that day, as the Indian Ocean tsunami, Asia's deadliest natural disaster, swept through the Maldives leaving eighty three dead, twenty six missing and thousands homeless.

Three years to the day after their homes were washed away, the islanders of Kandholhudhoo are still living in temporary shelter. Susannah Peter went to Hulhumalé, an island reclaimed from the sea as a symbol of the Maldives' future, to meet the tsunami victims living there in shacks.

The Kandholhudhoo islanders tell her of their memories of that day, life in the shelters and their experiences and criticisms of international and government aid. And she hears why the minister in charge of tsunami recovery admits the victims have a right to be angry.
more:http://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=3961

My first photography Exhibition

2007-10-29T03:04:00.000-07:00

Three of my pictures has been selected for best 25 shots:
(Haveeru News Service) -- Maldives Tourism Promotion Board announced that it will hold the photography contest for locals every year.

At a ceremony held Saturday night to award the winners of this year's "Sunny Side in Frames" photography contest, MTPB's Executive Director Dr. Abdulla Mausoom said that the contest will be held in the last quarter of each year.

However, he said that information about the contest will be revealed earlier in the year to give local photographers more time to prepare for the contest.

Some 357 photographs were submitted to this years contest, and German judge and photographer Michael Friedel commented that there were many world class photos which deserved to be published in international magazines.

Cash prizes worth Rf275,000 were given to winners.

The first prize went to diver and photographer Mohamed Shafraz Naeem who also won the first and second place for underwater photography.

"I take photos as a hobby," commented Shafraz who works at Bandos Island Resort in North Male atoll.

MTPB said that the photography contest held under the slogan "Think Tourism" provided many high quality photos which can be used to advertise Maldives tourism abroad. Tourism is the mainstay of the Maldives ' economy contributing more than 30 percent to the country's Gross Domestic Product.

An exhibition of the photos will conclude today at Dharubaaruge, the international convention center in the capital Male.

After that, the exhibition will move to Male International Airport and some resort islands.

Critics said that MTPB is holding this locals-only photography contest to deflect criticism that the MTPB was “racist” against locals and preferred to pay high prices for photographs of Maldives taken by foreign professionals,
more http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/?page=details&id=19124

Male' The Capital City of Maldives, Its an over-crowed place

2007-10-06T03:36:00.000-07:00

testing of my camera

2007-09-15T04:17:00.000-07:00

my first testing of under-water cover

For a betterment " SAY YES TO BARULAMEE NIZAAM"

2007-08-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

more information: http://www.mdp.org.mv/

Vote for parliamentary system:

2007-07-31T01:31:00.001-07:00

Maldivians will go to the polls on August 18 to decide between a presidential and parliamentary system of government for the country’s new constitution. In three years of debate the Special Majlis, the body convened to agree a new constitution, failed to agree on a form of executive government, and in May members agreed instead to let citizens vote on the subject.
www.dhivehi-observer.com/

Hilton Hotels Corporation to Be Acquired by Blackstone Investment Funds

2007-07-08T09:19:00.001-07:00

EVERLY HILLS, Calif. | Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) announced today that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with The Blackstone Group's (NYSE:BX) real estate and corporate private equity funds in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $26 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Blackstone will acquire all the outstanding common stock of Hilton for $47.50 per share. The price represents a premium of 40% over yesterday's closing stock price. more

Red Balloon , time to go home

2007-07-08T09:11:00.001-07:00

Unemployement???

2007-06-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Who will take the responsibility of increasing the unemployement rates in Maldives. The government or private sector or our individuals????

Empty street

2007-06-26T02:33:00.001-07:00

"Machaa...dhathureh kohlevidhaane tha????

2007-06-21T05:59:00.001-07:00

Money marker

2007-06-21T05:58:00.001-07:00

WHAT A LIFE

2007-06-13T05:03:00.000-07:00

Dream home of India's richest man

2007-06-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

Details have emerged of a huge new building in Mumbai that is being built by India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani. His skyscraper home in the city will be over 170m tall and will have an army of 600 staff to manage it. Its 27 floors on a 4,532 sq metre plot will provide a panoramic view of the entire city of Mumbai (Bombay) once it is completed next year
more:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6712605.stm

Flickr Meetup: Very impressive

2007-05-27T04:28:00.000-07:00

(by minister of Information and arts)
Flickr Meetup at Central Hotel this evening was a meeting of creative minds. They were a unique bunch. They expressed themselves through impressive photography. It was indeed a celebration of Maldivian talent. It was a community of complementing interests and budding friendships often known till today through internet nicknames and pseudonyms at Flickr. Lot of them met only today for the first time. But all of them have known each other through the Flickr website. They were a very youthful, very cordial and very informal bunch. I liked their styles – especially the hairstyles of some.

I was invited a few days ago to this event by Zahid, a longtime Flickr himself and a friend of mine for many years. Although I accepted the invitation, I was wondering all the while, how it would be like. I have always been a closed door person. I seldom met people. I preferred to be always alone and operated from home. I think I get nervous when I see people whom I do not know. To meet a young group whose average age was notoriously 21or so was nothing short of a constantly terrifying feel. But I rolled up some courage and went with a delegation from the Information and Arts sector led by my State Minister for Arts Honorable Hussain Shihab, representing National Centre for the Arts, National Bureau of Classification, and the National Art Gallery.

It was fun from the time I stepped in. We all had to introduce ourselves and explain who we were and what we did, and how we related ourselves to photography. This was the first time in many years I had introduced myself on my own. It was a great experience. I was asked to give away some “sexy” awards as well. I did. We were given a drink and a Cornetto for food. At the end, they all took a group photo. I was also asked to join with my delegation.

All in all, the event held at the terrace of Central Hotel was a perfect ambience for the event. It was made even better by the “cool Flickr dudes” that comprise a lot of unbelievable local talent.

As Arts Minister, I did make a few announcements for them. I promised my support. National Art Gallery will contact them soon, and Honorable Hussain Shihab will ensure that their talent is given higher profile, wider exposure, better marketing, and greater opportunities for development of themselves and the their talent.

My belief is this: Maldives must promote Maldives talent, Maldives creativity, and Maldives photography. These local boys and girls whom I met there today are incredible. They deserve the opportunity to prove their work and take this nation’s talent to a new level. As a government, as a country, we should say good bye to those foreign photographers and consultants whom we bring on first class seats and pay incredible amounts of United States dollars for each click they make on a camera. Our post cards, our calendars, our photographic documentation, our brochures and our art and artistic imagery need no foreign photographer or consultant. These boys and girls can do a better job, indigenously.

Information and Arts Ministry will do everything within its reach and influence to take this message to all quarters. That is a promis, more http://www.mnasheed.com/2007/05/flickr_meetup_very_impressive.php#more

also visit: http://mashafeeg.blogspot.com/2007/05/maldivian-flickrs-greatest-event.html
more about flickr meet up:http://www.flickr.com/groups/uniquemaldives/discuss/72157600264375783/

Maldives hit by another tidal waves

2007-05-15T01:34:00.000-07:00

Breaking News: NewsAddu and Huvadhoo hit by tidal wavesHuvadhoo - 12:33 - Some islands in the Atoll, such as Madaveli are severely flooded. In some areas water level is almost 2.5 feet, sources say.
Addu - 12:15 - Reports are coming that Hithadhoo, Maradhoo and Feydhoo was also hit by tidal wave this morning.
Thinadhoo - 11:48 - Reliable sources are reporting that several islands in Huvadhoo Atoll are being hit by large tidal waves. Thinadhoo, Gadhdhoo, Nadellaa have been hit so far. There are also reports that Gan in Addu Atoll is also hit. Some sources say that the sea level has risen throughout the country by at least 6 inches and that the authorities have no clue as to why the sea had swollen so suddenly. No earthquakes in the region have been reported today, the last reported earthquake in the region was near Nias region, west of Indonesia yesterday (Magnitude 5.5 - NIAS REGION, INDONESIA 2007 May 14 09:31:43 UTC), as per USGS site. Whilst many are dismissing the tidal waves as just a regular phenomenon (called Udha) during this time of the year, others say this is unusual. check more on http://www.dhivehi-observer.com/

Is it neccessary to build a Tsunami Monument????

2007-05-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

"Is it neccessary to build a Tsunami moument by spending millions of dollars.

I think its a waste of money, Still many family's are struglling and finding way to build their homes and re-build their lifes. Why not give this money to these people who has lost their homes and lifes ???? what do you think?" said my bro Iboo www.flickr.com/photos/ibumohd

The economic loss from the Tsunami disaster to the Maldives seems comparatively higher than most other countries affected by the tragedy, mainly due to the fact that more than 70% of the Maldives’ economic activities are in one way or another related to tourism.
Bed capacity utilisation since the Tsunami is at an all time low of 10% to 15%. Tourism revenue is heavily hit. Damage to public property and livelihoods are extremely high. United Nations agencies in the Maldives report that more than half the inhabited islands of the country have substantial damage to harbours, sewage systems, sea walls, and other basic infrastructure; 8% of the population are being evacuated and as more than 19% of the population are without drinking water. More: http://www.tsunami.maldiveisle.com/maldives/tsunami_Maldives_Life_After_Tsunami_25.htm

LABOUR DAY 1st May 2007

2007-04-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

In many countries, May Day is also Labor Day. This originates with the United States labor movement in the late 19th Century. On May 1, 1886, unions across the country went on strike, demanding that the standard workday be shortened to eight hours. The organizers of these strikes included socialists, anarchists, and others in organized labor movements. Rioting in Chicago's Haymarket Square on May 4th including a bomb thrown by an anarchist led to the deaths of a dozen people (including several police officers) and the injury of over 100 more.
The protests were not immediately successful, but they proved effective down the line, as eight-hour work days eventually did become the norm. Labor leaders, socialists, and anarchists around the world took the American strikes and their fallout as a rallying point, choosing May Day as a day for demonstrations, parades, and speeches. It was a major state holiday in the Soviet Union and other communist countries.
Labor Day is still celebrated on May 1 in countries around the world, and it is still often a day for protests and rallies. In recent years, these have often been targeted against globalization.
2006: May Day Protests Return to the U.S.
In 2006, United States once again saw widespread political action on May Day this year, centering on the subject of immigration reform. Various groups and communities, under the heading of "A Day Without Immigrants," held rallies, strikes, and consumer boycotts to support the rights of those working and living in the United States, and to protest a bill that would deport many illegal immigrants.
Competing Holidays
Various authorities have tried to ban or undermine May Day, particularly the communist observances during the Cold War. In 1955, Pope Pius XII designated May 1 as a feast day of St. Joseph the Worker. In 1958, President Eisenhower designated May 1 as both Law Day and Loyalty Day. Each of these were specifically aimed at replacing the communist holiday with a religious or patriotic one.

The award winner - MALDIVS

2007-04-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Winner of "Indian Ocean's Leading Destination" award and nominee for "World's Leading Beach", "World's Leading Dive Destination", "World's Leading Honeymoon Destination" at World Travel Awards 2005

www.visitmaldives.com

2007-04-19T03:35:00.000-07:00

enjoy your holiday in Maldives, the sunny side of life

2007-04-19T03:02:00.000-07:00

Celebs have good reason to choose the Maldives
With the world at his disposal, Tom Cruise chose the Maldives for his honeymoon.
Our seaplane skims along, smooth and low over an ocean of pure, sparkling, translucent blue stretching to the horizon. Below, to left and right, behind and forward, the aquamarine expanse is broken only by a sprinkling of small islands separated as if by some supreme architect at discreet distances apart, each existing in its own private space.
Each, too, is marked around its edge by white beaches slipping into clear, gentle shallows and dipping down to the deep, the centres lush with exotic shrubs, trees and palms. Without exception, thatched roofs dotted here and there peek through to the sky and sleek jetties reach out their arms like daddy longlegs, hosting on this side and that a string of uniform, over-water timber bungalows, complementing nature. Lagoons, and waves breaking over coral reefs, are distinguishing markers.
In fact, close to 100 per cent of this country's territory is actually under water: the thousands of individual, small, land masses rise no higher anywhere than a metre or two above sea level. So, then, Maldivians are adept seafarers. Catch a bus or train in Sydney or Melbourne: catch a plane or boat to commute in the Maldives.
But the Maldives has taken its watery trademark to inventive levels. At one resort, I descended by staircase to the ocean floor to dine in a massive sub-marine wine cellar, its walls lined with 6000 premium bottles. (No room for the Grange; it was stacked in crates by the door!)
At another I was soothed by a herbal facial and a pedicure in a submerged aquarium: I was the "goldfish in the bowl" as curious schools of sharks and wrasse cruised by the picture-glass walls around me.
Report: Susie Boswell - smh.com.au

for travel arrangments please contact: www.muni.com.mv