Apache camel

On Latest Release of Subversion 1,4

Subversion 1.4, the popular open-source version control system, was released today. For the technically minded, Subversion can be described as a compelling replacement for CVS released under an Apache/BSD-style open source license. For the not so technically-minded, it is simply a tool allowing multiple developers to work without conflict on a single "repository" of files, tracking and comparing each other's changes, allowing rollbacks when errors occur.

The not so technically-minded may also feel some empathy with the manner in which I actually use Subversion. Let's just say that in the great hierarchy of computer programming language developers--a subject so ego-buisingly sensitive it is normally not spoken out loud--were we cooking a meal I would be the one who brought the ranch sauce! ("I picked it up on the way...")

It may then seem a little hard to believe that I did computer science when I was at university. Many years ago now mind you, and only a single paper, in which I was the student who had the distinction of being one of the very few not to miserably fail or pass with stunning grades.

There was a running joke in the computer science department about the bell-curve formed by the first-year grades. It wasn't so much a curve but a two-humped camel, with almost no-one in-between. Of course there were many other jokes--mostly told by my fellow travelers in the arts and humanities departments about the people who actually did computer science...

While with the benefit of hindsight I can say that continuing in this particular pointy-headed academic direction may have been of assistance in my current web-development occupation, it meant a rather large change in direction at the time, and even despite this untraveled path things seem to have worked themselves out just fine. I now actually making a living from doing something--web development and design--which I never even studied.

To the hardcore this may be little short of an admission of massive technical inferiority. Back on topic, I am not only the one who buys my dinner condiments at the supermarket, but in regards to the just-updated Subversion I actually use a client to do the work for me--push a single shiny "GUI" button and relax as my changes are committed, as opposed to command-line Unix sophistication. Partial admisson of failure ahead: I did spend several hours learning the necessary Unix/subversion syntax to be able to do this, but being my first foray into the dreaded "Terminal", the abbreviated wizard-like incantations of code failed to stick. Perhaps I will try again--when I get the time to stop doing my tasks long enough to actually learn how to do them!

The truth of it is that I have a serious credibility gap as a computer language developer or system administrator. I know enough to impress people with little or no knowledge--but honesty tells me that I would be in their shoes next to an actual developer of ability.

For now that's fine by me. And by way of truce I will promise to reserve judgement on the design abilities of the coding-hardcore.

John Gillespie [http://www.srichinmoycentre.org/Members/john_gillespie/blog] is a designer, web developer and video editor who lives in Auckland, New Zealand. A member of the Sri Chinmoy Centre, [http://www.vasudevaservice.com/sri_chinmoy/sri_chinmoy_centre] he uses his practice of meditation as a source of energy and inspiration for his many creative activities. Published in numerous magazines and newspapers, John has worked at different times as a designer, production manager and columnist for a number of publications.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Paul_Gillespie

Camel country

Bikaner - The Camel Country

Bikaner, the fourth largest city of the desert state of Rajasthan, India is a famous tourist attraction, and an important destination of the triangle that include, besides Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer. The place of the valiant Rajput warriors and Kings, the "Camel Country" reminds us of the many tales of unmatched chivalry, poise and valor for which the Rajput warriors of the bygone era were so famous for.

Founded by Rao Bika Ji who built the city on the barren parched Jungledesh, Bikaner is much famous for its many wonderful palaces, beautiful temples, imposing forts, sprawling deer parks, excellent Wood Fossil Park, stunning havelis, thrilling jeep and camel safaris, captivating sand dunes, and the graceful camels, besides, of course, the Bikaneri Bhujia and Bikaneri Namekeens.

Though the entire Bikaner is a wonderful tourist destination, there are some prominent attractions that must not be missed while on a visit to this beautiful part of the world. Among the local attractions, Junagarh Fort, Lallgarh Palace, Gajner Palace, Camel Breeding Farm, Shri Laxminath Temple, Devi Kund Sagar (cenotaphs) are worth visiting. And, among the nearby attractions, Kalibangan, Karimal Rat Temple, and Gajner Sanctuary are worth visiting.

While the magnificent Junagarh Fort is the most famous landmark of Bikaner and an imposing fort in red sandstone and represents the Rajput architecture at its best, the sprawling Gajner Sanctuary is a wonderful natural habitat and an excellent destination for the wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. The beautiful Gajner Lake inside the sanctuary is a haven for the bird watchers and attracts migratory birds from distant lands.

How to reach

Bikaner is 317 km away from Jaipur, the state capital; and 243 km away from Jodhpur, another famous tourist destination of Rajasthan. Bikaner is well connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is at Udaipur, the City of Lakes. From Bikaner, there's direct rail link to Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh, besides many other major Indian cities. Good bus services are available from Bikaner to Jaipur, Agra, Haridwar, and Ahmedabad, besides some other major Indian cities.

[http://www.toshaliholidays.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sanjay_Kumar_Pandey

Camels hump

Camel pictures

Camel

Camels

Camel foot

Camel Plush Animals & Facts

Camel plush might seem like an unusual choice for a soft toy, but if the recipient (or purchaser) happen to be an animal lover, it's not unusual at all. Even though they may love all animals, perhaps their tastes run more along the lines of the exotic, and if that's the case, camels fit very well into that category.

Camels are ungulates which means hoofed animals. They have even toes whose weight is distributed evenly amongst their third and fourth toe when they walk. The two species of camel are the Dromedary (or Arabian camel) which has one hump, and the Bactrian camel which has two humps. Contrary to popular belief, camels do not store water in their humps, even though they can go up to two weeks without it. In fact, their humps are a reservoir of fatty tissue, while water is actually stored in their blood. 

Online stores happen to have both species of camel plush. The single humped camel (dromedary) stuffed animal is a full 20 inches long lying down. He is quite lovely and has soft brown plush fur. Then there's an amazing two-humped (Bactrian) camel plush, that stands more than three feet tall! He is likely the best plush camel you will ever come across. Like teddy bears, camel plush can be a lifelong friend and companion and with camel plush of this size, they really will feel like your friend.

The 14 million Dromedary camels that exist, most of which are domesticated, can be found in Somalia, Sudan, Mauritania, as well as other nearby countries. The Bactrian camel, however, does not have nearly as many of the species left as the Dromedary; it is estimated that just 1.4 million Bactrian camels are left, most of which are domesticated. There may still be, however, about 1000 wild Bactrian camels roaming the Gobi desert in China and Mongolia.

Camels were first domesticated by humans around 3,500 years ago. Both camel species are still used for their rich milk which is actually higher in nutrients than cow's milk. They stand six feet high at the shoulder when fully mature and 12 feet at the hump. In short bursts they can run up to 40 miles an hour and can sustain speeds of 25 miles per hour.

While camels can live until they are 60 years of age, camel plush will age with you, for as long as you choose to have it. If you and your camel plush should ever be separated, it would likely go on to another owner, hopefully for as long as they live. Either way, a camel plush is a worthwhile soft toy to add to any stuffed animal collection, or, if a collection does not already exist, a great first start would be camel plush stuffed animals.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Camel back

Hiking on Camelback Mountain in Phoenix Arizona

Camelback Mountain is probably the most prominent geological feature that rears its head against the sky in northeast Phoenix and you'll find a number of the valley's most famous resorts laid out around its base. The world famous icon looms over the horizon on the valley's northeast side and provides some of the best urban hiking in America. Camelback is said to be one of the toughest to climb (within city limits), especially if you climb the side without the railing.     

The Echo Canyon Summit Trail and the Cholla Trail are both strenuous and not for the novice.  You can expect to scramble over boulders and loose rocks on some stretches and there are also areas of slippery rock. Camelback Mountain rises 1400 feet above the Phoenix valley to 2704 feet above sea level.  

Where to Park  

Park on Invergordon between Camelback Road and McDonald Drive; then walk up Cholla Lane to the trail. Parking spaces are really scarce and you may find yourself waiting 15 or 20 minutes for a spot to open up. If you are hiking at Echo Canyon you will find a parking lot that will probably be full after 8 in the morning. There are a couple of parking areas within a half mile along McDonald Drive. Parking can really be tough on the weekends and you may have to take a little hike from neighboring residential areas but the views really make it all worth while.  

Trails  

Trailheads on Camelback Mountain are usually open from sunrise to sunset. The main hiking trail loops around the covered picnic area at Echo Canyon. Then it takes off  through some spectacular sandstone rock formations and you'll be rewarded with remarkable views from the top of the mountain out across the city of Phoenix.   

Echo Canyon Trail on the Northwest side of Camelback Mountain, just off McDonald and Tatum, is considered to be one of the most difficult, extreme park trails located within an urban environment in the US. At the Echo Canyon Summit Trailhead you can find portable toilets and a water fountain (not always working). Be sure to bring your own water. Echo Canyon is now closed to visitors at night, but I think that is a small price to pay for the access that the area provides in the daytime. Hikers going down yield to hikers going up and hikers with kids and dogs yield to everybody. Hikers must walk up on the south side of Cholla Lane.  

There are a couple of easy to moderate trails that loop around the scenic portions of the bottom of the mountain and will give families an opportunity to enjoy the views without having to make the climb to the summit. Once you get started on the trails and have a chance to see the views you will probably want to join the other hikers, rock climbers and fitness buffs making their way to the summit of Camelback Mountain. It may be a tough hike but the views of Phoenix/Scottsdale and the mountains in the background are unparalleled.      

Camelback Mountain is a marvelous blend of luxury homes, golf courses, resorts and rugged mountain trails that seem to come together within a natural setting that permits a blended existence of gracious lifestyles and outdoor recreation. 

Jere Moline has been a life long traveler and has enjoyed the cultures of many countries throughout the world. He has experienced several different types of travel both on his own and on planned excursions. For more information on hiking in the Desert Southwest be sure to stop by:
http://www.discounttraveltoday.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jere_Moline

Desert camels

Camels - The Desert Workhorse

The Arabian camel is a desert animal. If necessary, it can go without food for days at a time. The hump on the camels back is fat and this fat serves as stored food. The camel can also go without water for long periods of time but scientists are just beginning to understand how it does this.

The camel is also suited in other ways to desert life. Its broad, padded feet stay on top of sand as the camel walks. When sand blows, the camel can shut its nostrils into slits. And it has thick pads on its knees. It kneels comfortably on these.

The Arabian camel is sometimes called the ship of the desert. Used as a beast of burden, it can carry several hundred pounds. Slightly smaller camels are raised for riding. One humped camels are sometimes called dromedaries.

Arabian camels are mostly raised in the deserts of North Africa and Arabia. They all have one hump. They eat the leaves of desert plants. They belong to the big group of animals called hoofed mammals.

Another kind of camel lives on the dry, cold plains of central Asia. This is the Bactrian camel. It has two humps on its back. It also has long hair. The Bactrian camel can carry a pack over thick snow in below-zero weather. It can stay alive on scrub plants that few other animals would eat. People of the Asian plains raise the camel for milk, meat, hides, and hair for making cloth.

The camels closest relatives are four animals of South America: the guanaco, vicuna, llama, and alpaca.

Lowell has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now, you can check out his latest website on smead file folders which shows the best at http://www.smeadfilefolders.org/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lowell_Benjamin

Camel Festival

About Camel Festival:
Camel Festival is one of the most important as well as the most famous festival of the gem city - 'Bikaner' of the heritage Indian state of Rajasthan. This is a colorful festival with a lot of fun, music, arts and entertaining events. This grand festival is being organized every year by the Department of Tourism, Art & Culture, Rajasthan in the month of January. This year Camel Festival will be organized between 18th to 20th January 2011. Camel Festival is the best event, where you may see the ships of desert - camel.

Celebration:
This tremendous fest is celebrated at the vast grounds, enriched with golden-yellow sands and the massive Junagarh Fort at its backdrop. The magnificent fest starts with the procession of beautifully decorated camels. The camels are fantastically decorated with bright-colored, fancy Rajasthani textiles and stunning accessories. The procession leads to the open sand grounds, where the festival begins.

Events & Attractions:
Camel extravaganza is held on the beginning day of the fest, in which the camel owners decorate their camels in the best way with jewelry and textiles. It is a kind of Camel Show. Also many other such activities like camel dance, best decorated camel, fur cutting design, camel milking and the best camel hair-cut are performed. Under their trainers, the camels give such amazing performances, that force everyone to cut its finger.

Camel race is the major attraction of the fest, in which camels of all the region take part. A number of tourists and visitors come to see the race and to cheer their favorites as well.
The evenings of the fest are in the name of local arts and folks. Various artists give their wonderful performances of dance, folk music that mesmerize the visitors.

The festival ends with the fascinating fireworks, that glitters the whole sky and leave unforgettable memories in the hearts of visitors.

Plan Rajasthan Tours and enjoy the colorful Rajasthan Festivals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Manisha_Chopra

Camel race

Camel Racing - Ready, Set, Brilliant

Brace yourself! Camel Racing on real race tracks? Of course, your eyes will pop right out with your mouth hanging after you witness this sporting extravaganza.

You have seen cars, trucks, boats, horses but have you witnessed a great Camel race? Abu Dhabi is where you need to be. These magnificent animals with their jockeys take to the field and strut their stuff for thousands of people gathered at these gala events.

Camel Racing has thus become a tourist attraction craved, this recreational sport lures you to see it, and you will surely not be disappointed by what it has on offer.

Setting aside it being the main tourist gathering, Abu Dhabi is a city coloured with life, culture, religion, beaches, adventure islands and parks but Camel Racing paints the picture and brings your travel expectations to life.

This spectacular event of choice gives you the opportunity to meet these celebrity camels, their jockeys and share a compliment or two.
However, these races only come alive during the winter season, and on the occasional public holidays. A sporting enthusiast with a passion for betting will go all out and cheer his or her favourite camel towards victory.

Camel Racing is not something 'new age' in Abu Dhabi, it's imprinted in their history books and you have the opportunity to not only be a part of its history but to partake in their traditions.

The perfect experience a tourist can ever have is a Camel Race experience and Abu Dhabi hands it to you whole heartedly, so if you are heading out on a visit during the winter days, don't miss out on a race, so tantalizing and blood pumping.

If you're looking for hotels in Abu Dhabi that are perfectly positioned for your traveling requirements and a hotel in Abu Dhabi that gives you the facilities and amenities that enrich your stay look no further than the lush Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi, a sanctuary that offers you suites, superior and luxury rooms with views that leave you breathless.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pushpitha_Wijesinghe

Camel active

Dress for Cold Winter Days With Camel Active

You better brace yourselves...this winter, just like the previous ones, is bound to be pretty cold! These last few weeks alone, temperatures in western Europe went down to -18 degrees Celsius. With at least 3 more winter months to go, investing in some decent winter clothing is essential. That's why we've listed some tips to help you keep warm.

Rule number one: keep your head warm! Most of your body warmth is lost through the head. Bald people don't wear those old men's hats for fun (even though it does look cool). Your head is responsible for more than 30% of all leaked body heat. Even if you are blessed with big hair, covering it up keeps your head, and therefor your whole body, extra warm. Golden rule while buying hats: the more stupid it looks, the warmer is probably is. Luckily for us, big, knitted hats are still very much in fashion. Earmuffs are apparently also allowed again by the fashion police.

Another golden rule: wear layers. You will feel much warmer dressed in three thinner layers (undershirt, shirt, sweater), than when wearing one very thick jumper. The air that gets trapped in between the separate layers will insulate your body. An added benefit is that you can peel off or put on layers as you move around during the day. Nobody likes getting sweaty in the office because it's cold out. And judging on the temperatures in some stores, shop owner seem to think people walk around in their swimming wear during winter. The sweat will make your clothes moist, and you will get very cold once you go outside again. So make sure you can take something off when you start getting hot.

Invest in a good pair of shoes. Your socks and shoes are all your feet have. Don't neglect them! Wear properly fitting shoes, preferably with rubber soles. Gore-tex materials are always a good idea, and the same goes for boots. Boots are definitely in fashion and come in various sizes and styles. Cowboy boots, rider boots, knee-length boots...as long as they have a somewhat decent sole, you're good.

For outdoor activities, invest in a pair of good quality hiking boots. These will last you forever and they will spare you from coping with half frozen toes in the middle of the woods. Some brands like Camel Active, sell shoes with a fur or wool lining for extra toasty feet! Combine natural and synthetic materials. Natural materials such as wool breathe better (less sweat!) and stay warm, even when damp or wet.

On the other hand, they are usually less windproof. Some brands incorporate synthetic yet breathing materials in their winter jackets which is of course the perfect solution. Wear overlapping clothes. The last thing you want, is exposing your bare skin to the below-zero temperatures whenever you reach out for something. For example, if you are wearing a cropped shirt, make sure to cover any cracks or uncovered areas with a longer jacket. Stuff your leggings or your jeans in your boots, so the chilly wind doesn't come in. Buy a jacket that has long enough sleeves, so they overlap with your gloves. Make sure you buy the right size clothes. You may be tempted to buy oversized sweaters to snuggle up in, but truth is, this makes it easier for the warmth to escape. On the other hand, clothes that are too tight will only make you sweat.

Last, but not least: Yes, it's cold out there. Don't let this fact tempt you into wearing only baggy sweatshirts and shapeless hoodies! We don't suggest you go for a walk in the park dressed in a flimsy dress and open toed heels, but it's perfectly possible to dress fashionably and stay warm at the same time. We can't emphasize it enough: layers, layers, layers! Lots of active lifestyle or leisure brands offer ranges of fashionable yet warm winter clothes and shoes. Brands like Camel Active even let you order you clothes online and deliver them to your doorstep, so you don't have to face the cold wind. Don't you just love the 21st century...

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bertje_De_Kegel

Camel pics

Discovering Dubai

Dubai is a fascinating city offering a blend of old and new. It has taken less than a century for this once small fishing village to become a modern exciting city and popular holiday destination. Whether you are looking for travel deals for a relaxing break in the sun or an exciting shopping trip, Dubai has it all. The following are just a few of the many things you can do whilst visiting Dubai.

Hot Air Balloon Ride
Take an early morning hot-air balloon ride across the desert. The view from the sky is amazing as you glide above camels and gazelles who wander freely below you, beautiful green oases and giant red sand dunes. The breathtaking views offer amazing opportunities to catch the beauty of the desert in pictures.

Seaplane Ride
Take a bird's eye view of Dubai's landmarks on a seaplane flight of the city. Take photos and marvel at such iconic landmarks as Dubai Creek, Port Rashid, Dubai Marina, the largest man-made islands The World and The Palm, Burj Al Arab Hotel Jurmeirah, Burj Dubai and the Jebel Ali.

4x4 Desert Safari
Explore the Arabian Desert during the day before relaxing beneath the stars over dinner. Travelling across the desert in a 4x4 gives you the opportunity to take amazing photographs of the surroundings and the beautiful desert sunset, maybe stopping off at a camel farm and even experiencing sandboarding.

4x4 Safari to Hatta
A safari to Hatta allows you to experience a variety of terrain including rocky mountain passes and amazing desert scenery. Dating back to the 16th century, the village of Hatta lies on the banks of the Hatta Wadi (dry river beds). Depending on when you take your last minute holidays to Dubai and the rainfall, you may be able to take a refreshing dip in the beautiful water pools of Hatta.

East Coast Coach Trip
Take a coach trip along Dubai's east coast, through the Al Dhaid oasis which is renowned for its fruit and vegetable plantations to Masafi, the Hajar mountains, the small port at Dibba, numerous fishing villages where you can enjoy a relaxing swim in the Indian Ocean, Al Badiyah where you will find the oldest mosque in the Emirates, Fujairah with it's renovated fort, the old citadel of Bitnah and not forgetting Masa where you can enjoy looking around the market.

Sightseeing Tour of Al Ain
Take a trip to the beautiful Garden City of Al Ain. Located in the Hajar Mountains your trip should include a visit to the museum and the recently renovated Old Palace of H.H.Sheikh Zayed who was the late ruler of Abu Dhabi and the late President of the United Arab Emirates, the Hili Gardens which are famous for archaeological excavations from 300BC and the largest camel market in the UAE where you can watch dealers from all over the Gulf buying and selling racing camels.

Hop-on, Hop-off Tour
This is a great way to see all of Dubai's popular sights at your leisure. All you have to do is buy a ticket which allows you unlimited travel on the open-top double decker buses which travel around the city.

Emma Healey is the co-founder and owner of holidayholidayholiday.co.uk, specialists in bargain holidays and package holidays to worldwide destination. Thanks for taking the time to read my article and be sure to watch out for more of my articles as im writing many travel blogs and have some great topics coming soon.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emma_Healey

The camel

Camels As Pets - A Good Idea Or Not?

Thousands of year ago camels were domesticated and utilized in many aspects of our humans lives. Although camels are still used around the world as modes of transportation, milk production, hauling goods, etc... they have also won their way into our lives as pets.

You might be thinking to yourself, 'camels as pets?' Usually when I talk with someone about camels, the first thing they say is "don't they spit?" Well, yes they can I have been told. After years of being around dozens of camels, I have yet to ever see one spit or been spit on by a camel. This is not to say they can't, but most of the camels in the United States have been born in the US and many have been bottle raised, thus making good companions.

A few things to consider when thinking of a camel as a pet. Size... Camels get very large. It is not unusual for an adult male camel to stand more than 8 foot tall. You need to use the same caution you would when being around any large animal such as a horse, cow, or donkey.

You might be asking yourself, what do you feed a camel? Well, camels were built to survive in the harsh climates of the deserts. Thus their bodies are adapted to eating low quality grasses. Camels should be fed a good quality grass hay, careful to avoid certain hays that are very rich in nutrients which can lead to weight problems.

Camels can also be used to pleasure ride. When training is started at a fairly young age, training a camel to lead, cush, and ride is fairly easy. The hardest thing in regards to riding camels is locating a proper fitting camel saddle in the United State.

Provided you have enough room for a horse, you have enough room for a camel. Now days, camels have become more common in the United States than you might think. In some states camels are considered to be an exotic animal and will fall under their exotic animal regulations. If you are considering adding a camel to your family make sure and check your local laws regarding exotic animals and camels.

Camels were introduced into my life over a decade ago and have been a great addition to our farm. A great animal with huge personalities that will always bring a smile to anyone's face.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Hallum

Arabian camel

Camel Safari, A Delightful Desert Experience

A camel safari is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and memorable activities to be experienced in the environs of Abu Dhabi. In a past era when there were no motor vehicles or the conveniences we take for granted, the invaluable ship of the desert was the only way to traverse the vast empty expanses of the Arabian desert. The forefathers of todays Emiratis would travel long distances with no assistance apart from the prized camels which served their Arab masters faithfully. 

Climbing and descending vast sand dunes and crossing expanses of picturesque desert on camelback is a truly magical experience reminiscent of the famed Arabian Nights. Providing a genuine taste of the nomadic lifestyle of ancient Arabia, a camel safari is always a memorable experience. The visitor may choose a safari trip of the desired duration, from an hours ride to an overnight expedition complete with a serene night in the desert in a Bedouin tent. 
Alternatively the visitor may choose to traverse the desert in the comfort of a four wheel drive vehicle, which takes the guest on a thrilling rollercoaster ride over sand dunes and desert valleys. The loftiest sand dunes provide a spectacular view over the Arabian desert; the desert sunset is a particularly memorable sight. The journey proceeds to a Bedouin campsite where the traveller can enjoy refreshments and have their hands and feet decorated with henna designs. Often a belly-dancer performs to traditional music, after which a delicious barbeque dinner will be served to the visitor. 

The ancient art of falconry, a cherished Arab tradition can also be experienced in the desert. The falconers skill in handling the birds of prey always impresses the beholder. 

Wadi bashing has gained great popularity in recent times. In this exciting adventure sport a four wheel drive vehicle is piloted at considerable speed over a wadi, the term used for a dry rocky riverbed, of which many are found in the environs of Abu Dhabi. However it is customary to receive expert instructions before trying your hand at this activity. 

With all these exciting options on offer, a visit to Abu Dhabi will never be dull. When selecting amongst Abu Dhabi resort hotels an excellent choice is the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. This fine Abu Dhabi resort provides luxurious accommodation and gracious service satisfying every expectation of its guests. 

Camel milk

When, in 1970, the then UK Secretary of State for Education Margaret Thatcher abolished free school milk in schools instead of being branded 'Thatcher the milk snatcher' she might have actually been applauded for doing children a huge favor.

According to Angela Epstein of the UK Daily Mail Newspaper studies in Finland have suggested children in later life may be vulnerable to insulin dependent diabetes after exposure to cow's milk. In 2008 Sharjah University in the United Arab Emirates joined up with Baghdad University to investigate the rejuvenating properties of Camels milk on the immune system and initial findings seem positive especially in the fight against cancer. There are also frequent reports of allergic reaction to bovine milk and lactose intolerance is very well documented. Today there are alternatives, most recently being the emergence of milk from the Camel, although this white bluish elixir has been known by Middle Eastern Bedouins for its medicinal properties for centuries and the Cushite people of Kenya have long favored Camel milk over that of the cow.

The Camel has lower fat and cholesterol content in its milk, contains ten times more iron and three times more vitamin C than cow's milk. Some research suggests that Camel milk contains up to 52 units of Insulin for every one liter of milk which could lead to a reduction in the need for insulin in diabetic patients. Most interestingly in Autism there are reports of increased verbal skills, sleep patterns and improved interaction with others. This being the case perhaps the revered Camel can improve the overall wellbeing of mental health patients given the known link between poor sleep and depression. Caution should however be shown when considering drinking unpasteurized milk as it has been shown to cause brucellosis, a disease which causes sweating and muscle pain.

Today Camel milk has started limited production in the USA after the efforts of Doctor Millie Hinkle of the American Camel Coalition to convince the FDA of its health benefits. The United Arab Emirates has been commercially producing Camel milk since 2006 and there are moves to export camel milk in powdered form to Asia following inspection by European officials. In the United Kingdom Camel milk will soon be available to the general public, all be it in specialist stores and the fast food giant Burger king is already stocking the product in certain outlets within the UAE.

Health nutritionists and other health care professionals in particular nurses can, where appropriate, play an important part in discussing alternatives to cow's milk with their patients. Hospital canteens could introduce Camel milk into their 'healthier alternative options' menu. The public needs to be able to make informed decisions about food products including any potential health concerns; this is where health care professionals can make a real difference - by providing that information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Michael_Higham

Camel cartoon

The campaign, for the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company's Camel cigarettes, invites consumers to identify with Joe Camel, a cartoon beast with an oversized nose. He has a penchant for dressing up in stereotypical masculine gear like hard hats, T-shirts, skin-diving wet suits and tuxedos -- all meant to appeal to the male smokers who predominate among Camel customers. 

Ever since the campaign began three years ago, antismoking activists have singled it out like no other, seizing on it as a symbol of everything they despise about how cigarettes are sold in America. Yet experts on consumer marketing rave that the campaign, for which Reynolds spends upward of $75 million a year, has rejuvenated a once-moribund brand, enabling it to remain amid the ranks of the nation's best-selling cigarettes. 

"There's no doubt it's a strong and effective campaign," John E. O'Toole, president and chief executive of the American Association of Advertising Agencies in New York, said yesterday. "What it's done is to break through the clutter, the sameness, of cigarette advertising." 

Indeed, a rival tobacco company is testing the popularity of a penguin in sunglasses to promote one of its brands. 

The latest attacks on Joe Camel came yesterday in a special issue of the Journal of the American Medical Assocation devoted to the dangers of smoking. It savaged the character's appeal to, and efficacy in reaching, children. 

A coalition of health organizations, including the American Cancer Society, wasted no time in petitioning the Federal Trade Commission to ban the campaign, which the groups assailed as "one of the most egregious examples in recent history of tobacco advertising that targets children." 

Joe Camel was actually born in Europe. The caricatured camel was created in 1974 by a British artist, Nicholas Price, for a French advertising campaign that subsequently ran in other countries in the 1970's. Indeed, Mr. O'Toole recalled a visit to France many years ago during which he glimpsed Joe Camel wearing a Foreign Legion cap. The inspiration behind Mr. Price's cartoon was the camel, named Old Joe, that has appeared on all Camel packages since the brand's initial appearance in 1913.. 

Joe Camel first appeared in this country in 1988, in materials created for the 75th anniversary of the Camel brand by Trone Advertising. Trone is a small agency in Greensboro, N.C., that Reynolds uses on various advertising and promotional projects. 

The anniversary logo then appeared in Camel advertising, created by the brand's main agency, McCann-Erickson, New York, which carried the theme "75 years and still smokin'!" Based on positive consumer response to the character, and the success of the anniversary promotion, Joe Camel became the centerpiece of Camel's advertising, with the addition of a slogan, "Smooth character." 

Among the most contentious aspects of Joe Camel's appearance has been that nose. Reynolds has always said this protuberance is nothing more than an exaggerated rendering of a camel's nose; critics say it was drawn in a phallic fashion to suggest that smoking is a virile pursuit. 

Reynolds has relied on Joe Camel to give the brand, the first nationally advertised cigarette, a more contemporary image among the crucially important segment of younger male smokers. 

"The over-21-year-old smoker is the most prized of all consumers," said Roy Burry, a senior vice president of Kidder, Peabody & Company in New York who follows the tobacco industry. "A young smoker will stick with smoking longer than an older smoker, who dies or quits." 

The original, unfiltered Camel brand was once the most popular cigarette in America, thanks to memorable slogans like "I'd walk a mile for a Camel." It went into a steep decline during the 1950's as a result of a boom in filtered brands like Marlboro, made by Reynolds's archrival, Philip Morris. 

Though filtered Camels were introduced, their ever-changing campaigns, utilizing a variety of male-oriented imagery, never caught fire until Joe Camel walked in. 

That is a singular accomplishment for two reasons: First, as Emanuel Goldman, an industry analyst for Paine Webber Inc. in San Francisco, noted, "It's very difficult to take the image of a product and flip it so quickly." 

Another sign of Joe Camel's success is that the campaign has progressed even as Reynolds has changed agencies on the Camel account. McCann worked on Joe Camel ads through 1989, when the brand was moved to Young & Rubicam in New York. Y.& R. worked on the account until October, when Reynolds moved the most significant portion of the account to Mezzina/Brown Inc. in New York, an agency founded by two former top Y. & R. Camel-account executives. 

"The Camel illustration is a whimsical caricature," said William G. Brown Jr., president of Mezzina/ Brown, "designed to appeal to the adult smoker and to encourage adult smokers to switch brands." Mr. Brown's emphasis on adult customers echoed the manufacturer's repeated insistence that the campaign has not targeted children. 

Mr. O'Toole of the advertising association agreed. "It's very effective in doing what cigarette advertising sets out to do, changing brand preferences," he said. 

The Joe Camel ads feature the character, always in a heroic pose, amid palm trees, surrounded by adoring cartoon women or in a barroom. The current campaign focuses on a "Camel Cash" promotion. Consumers can collect certificates on packs of the 12 varieties of Camels redeemable for merchandise like Joe Camel T-shirts. 

The entire campaign continues a long tradition of promoting smoking as part of a fashionable, sophisticated life style, according to Eugene Secunda, a marketing professor at Baruch College of the City University of New York and a former advertising executive. " 'Smoking is hip' is one of the fundamental appeals that cigarette manufacturers have been using going back to the 20's, when cigarette smoking was successfully sold to the American public as no longer an effete thing to do," he said. 

Even so, Dr. Secunda is not entirely sold on Joe Camel's success in selling cigarettes. "When I first saw the campaign," he said, "I had a strong feeling of some middle-aged art director asking, 'How can I be hip and au courant?' " 

And Mr. Maxwell of Wheat First doubted that the campaign could continue to protect Camel from the sales declines that all full-price brands are suffering. 

Still, if imitation is indeed a form of flattery, Joe Camel has a fan at another cigarette company. In southern Virginia, the Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation is testing advertising for its Kool brand that features a drawing of a penguin that sports sunglasses and a hip attitude. That test, by the Campbell-Mithun-Esty agency of New York, is based on a penguin called Willie that appeared in Kool ads from 1933 to 1960. Since the test began almost two months ago, said Joe Helewicz, a Brown & Williamson spokesman, there have been virtually no complaints about the character from consumers. 

Mr. Helewicz denied any relationship between his pitch-beast and Reynolds's. "I don't think there's any resemblance at all," he said. 

One way the two characters are alike is that antismoking groups have attacked Kool's test campaign, too. Mr. Helewicz said that the complaints would have no effect on his company's plans, a stance Reynolds has taken as well. 

Advertising industry spokesmen agree with that decision. "Cigarette advertisers have withstood an awful lot of slings and arrows," Mr. O'Toole said. 

And on Wall Street, the latest objections to Joe Camel are met with derision. "The anti-cigarette forces will do anything to accomplish their objectives," said Mr. Goldman of Paine Webber. "If they were not after Reynolds for this, they would be after Reynolds for something else." 

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Bactrian camels

Jerking frantically, our jeep climbed up a dirt-road that snaked across an alpine slope covered with sparse vegetation. We were on a quest to understand the conservation issues related to the Bactrian camel in the Nubra valley of Ladakh. Soon the Khardung La, the highest motorable pass in the world, came into view. Prayer flags, hallmark of a high pass in this part of the world, fluttered incessantly on a spur.

Once at the top, we staggered around taking pictures of signboards with 'World's Highest Motorable Road (18, 380 ft)' emblazoned on them. The height soon affected us, and we quickly squeezed into the jeep and continued. After a relatively smooth drive on a macadamized road we reached at Khardung village. The bright green agricultural fields around the village were in stark contrast to the dark brown slopes surrounding them.

Hundreds of nature lovers visit Nubra valley every year. It is popularly known as the Valley of Flowers, and is located at about 100 km north of Leh, the capital city of Ladakh and the erstwhile Indian gateway to central Asia. The landscape is adorned with wild flowers, sand dunes, jagged mountains and sea-buckthorn thickets that teem with birds and mammals.

Sumur village was our first stop, and we stayed at the Stakrey Guest House with a beautiful garden in full bloom. Apart from delightful flowers, the owner had grown vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, etc. Next day we ventured into a side-valley to look for wildlife, but after plodding for a while the trail faded into a vertical cliff, and we needed to retrace our path.

The afternoon was spent in the Tirit village, learning about the history of camel in Nubra. "Camels in the valley are the descendents of a group of about 15 individuals bequeathed by the central Asian traders" said Wangdus Norbu. The Kalon families of Tirit and Sumur, who ran a caravanserai during the heyday of trade on the Silk Route, were the first to raise camels as draught animals. But as the road infrastructure in the valley improved, thanks to the Indian Army, they were abandoned.

"The trade on the Silk Route was made possible only by these hardy animals" added Mr. Norbu. Bactrian camels can live several days without water, a feature well recognized by the central Asian traders. "An adult camel can carry three times more load than that carried by a horse" remarked another villager. The most important commodities the Yarkandi traders brought included silk, bullion, pearl and Persian rugs, which they bartered in Leh for spices and clothes from the plains of India. The trade ended in the late 1960s following the Sino-Indian war.

After a pleasant stay at Sumur, we continued our journey up the valley and found a small oasis for camping. We pitched tents amongst Hippophae bushes, laden heavily with luscious berries. An effort was made to spot camels before having a dinner of Spaghetti.

A golden light had bathed the surrounding peaks, when a roaring helicopter woke me up the next day. One more machine flew across before I got up. Perhaps they were carrying fresh supplies to the frontier post at the Siachen glacier, the biggest outside the polar region and the highest battleground in the world. After morning ablutions we headed toward Panamik village, a much coveted destination in the valley because of its hot springs. People from all over Ladakh come here to take a shower, as they believe that the sulphur water is a panacea for all diseases.

After a few days at Panamik, we went to Diskit, the headquarters of Nubra. On arrival we explored the small market with shops selling trinkets. We were told that camels are found in the scrub forest below the village, so Mark and I ventured into it. After a great deal of searching, we saw a pair of camels feeding on leaves of stunted willow trees. Soon they joined a group of thirty animals. It was a grand sighting indeed; our efforts finally paid off.

Although the domesticated Bactrian camels are abundant in central Asia, the wild form is one of the most endangered mammals on the planet with less than 1000 individuals surviving. They are distributed in the Gobi desert of Mongolia, and Xinjiang and Gansu provinces of China. Despite concerted conservation efforts, its population continues to dwindle due to competition with livestock and poaching.

The feral camels in Nubra has long remained isolated from the larger population in the aforementioned central Asian countries, and perhaps represent a genetically distinct population. Thus they need immediate attention from conservationists, as they are in conflict with the people. "They enter the fenced orchards and destroy trees" said Abdul Razaq, a villager of Hundar. "People throw axe in retaliation and the animals succumb to the injuries" he added while sipping a traditional Ladakhi tea.

Furthermore, some agitated villagers drown the foals by driving them into the high currents of the Shayok river. "People urged the district administration to appoint temporary guards to prevent the animals from entering private properties, but to no avail" said another villager. The situation is worsening with the soaring needs and aspirations of the people.

Fortunately, the opening of the valley to tourists a decade ago gave new economic opportunities. Camel Safari is a recent initiative and is increasingly becoming popular in the area. Young entrepreneurs are fascinated by this new prospect, and are increasingly taming the feral camels. However, since the animals have been left untended for a long time, it is often difficult to recognize them in the wild. This sometimes leads to scuffle amongst the alleged owners.

One day, we joined a group of tourists riding camels on the sand dunes near Hundar. As I sat astride and rocked on a camel trudging across the sand dunes, the guide told me about this newfound business. Although Camel Safari enhances the income of the locals, the animals seemed stressed and emaciated. The ones we rode were certainly weaker than those we had seen earlier in the thicket. But perhaps enhancing the economic value is the only way to conserve them in the long run.

"People also take a few camels to Leh every year to participate in the week-long Ladakh Festival in September, and earn some additional income" snapped the guide. With this increasing business prospect, the people of Nubra are becoming possessive about their camels. According Abdul Razaq, people were up in arms when four Bactrian camels were taken for breeding in Pushkar, Rajasthan, home to the Dromedary in India. They contend that if tourists see the Bactrian in Rajasthan, they (tourists) will not make an effort to come to a remote place like Nubra to see them. "Fortunately, the animals did not survive in Rajasthan due to the intense heat and were brought back" informed a villager.

We set out on the last leg of our journey to Hundar, where we camped at Nyerchung Resort located in a gorgeous orchard in the middle of the village. We pitched our tents below an apple tree that shed its fruits day and night. After a couple of memorable days at Hundar, we bid adieu to Nubra and drove back with the fond memories of Bactrian camels, hoping that they survive the negative impacts of modern development and continue to be the cynosure of the valley for centuries to come.

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