Transit of Venus

One of the rarest astronomical phenomena, a transit of Venus, will occur on the evening of Tuesday, June 5. Similar to a solar eclipse, Venus will move across the face of the sun and block light from the sun to Earth. The planet's transit -- the last Venus transit until 2117 -- will take about six and a half hours to travel across the face of the sun. It will be viewable from many places around the world, and this map shows global viewing locations. 

The transit of Venus also demonstrates how scientists on NASA's Kepler mission are detecting planets beyond our solar system. NASA's Kepler space telescope measures the change in brightness from distant stars when a planet passes or transits in front of the star. From the transit data, scientists can determine the size of the planet, the length of its year and calculate the distance the planet is from its star. Kepler has confirmed 61 planets and more than 2,300 planet candidates using the transit method. 

"Tahrir Square" The Egyptian Revolution

At the center of Tahrir Square is a large and busy traffic circle. On the north-east side is a plaza with a statue of nationalist hero Omar Makram, celebrated for his resistance against Napoleon I's invasion of Egypt, and beyond is the Omar Makram

The square is the northern terminus of the historic Qasr al-Ayni Street, the western terminus of Talaat Harb Street, and via Qasr al-Nil Street crossing its southern portion it has direct access to the Qasr al-Nil Bridge crossing the nearby Nile River.

The area around Tahrir Square includes the Egyptian Museum, the National Democratic Party-NDP headquarters building, the Mogamma government building, the Headquarters of the Arab League building, the Nile Hotel, and the original downtown campus of the American University in Cairo.

View northwest towards Tahrir Square from Qasr al-Ayni Street.

The Cairo Metro serves Tahrir Square with the Sadat Station, which is the downtown junction of the system's two lines, linking to Giza, Maadi, Helwan, and other districts and suburbs of Greater Cairo. Its underground access viaducts provide the safest routes for pedestrians crossing the broad roads of the heavily trafficked square.

Tahrir Square has been the traditional site for numerous major protests and demonstrations over the years, including the 1977 Egyptian Bread Riots, and the March 2003 protest against the War in Iraq.

Protesters on an army vehicle during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution in Tahrir Square.

Tahrir Square was the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution against former president Hosni Mubarak.Over 50,000 protesters first occupied the square on 25 January, during which the area's wireless services were reported to be impaired.In the following days Tahrir Square continued to be the primary destination for protests in Cairo.On 29 January Egyptian fighter aircraft flew low over the people gathered in the square. On 30 January, the seventh day of the protests, BBC and other correspondents reported that the number of demonstrators had grown to at least 100,000,and on 31 January Al Jazeera correspondents reported that the demonstrations had grown to at least 250,000 people.On 1 February, Al Jazeera reported that more than 1 million protesters peacefully gathered in the square and adjacent streets.

Tahrir Square on February 8, 2011. Demonstrations calling for the departure of the Mubarak's regime.

Over 1 Million in Tahrir Square on February 9, 2011

Protesters at Tahrir Square on February 8, 2011

The square became established as a focal point and a symbol for the ongoing Egyptian democracy demonstrations. On 2 February violence erupted between the pro-Mubarak and pro-democracy demonstrators here, followed by the 3 February 'Friday of Departure' demonstration, one of the named "day of" events centered in the square. Within a week, due to international media coverage, the image and name of Tahrir Square became known worldwide.

The 18-day revolt centered in the square — led by the young people of Egypt and joined by citizens of all ages, genders, and classes — succeeded in removing Mubarak from power on Friday 11 February 2011, when the president officially stepped down from office. The announcement that Mubarak had passed all authority to the Council of the Armed Forces, was made by longtime intelligence chief and new vice president Omar Suleiman.Tahrir Square erupted in a night-long celebration after the twilight announcement, with shouts such as "Lift your head up high, you're Egyptian," "Everyone who loves Egypt, come and rebuild Egypt," and others. The next day Egyptian Cairen women and men came to clean up the square, "they came and cleaned up after their revolution," relaying 'projectiles' in the cobblestone paving and removing eighteen day's worth of trash and graffiti.

Metropoliya

Metropoliya, a 1.6 million sq m sustainable development valued at over $3 billion, in the Russian capital of Moscow, has obtained approval to proceed with project planning by city officials managing the 2025 vision for the General Plan of Development of Moscow.

Based on cutting edge Japanese sustainable technology the huge ‘city-within-a-city' Metropoliya project features a colossal mixed use development several kilometres from the Kremlin. Metropoliya will utilise the latest ‘green' technology available by architecture practice Nikken Sekkei of Japan.

Mitsuo Nakamura, President and CEO of Nikken Sekkei, said: "Our sustainable design technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 60%. This is critical considering Moscow's extreme range of temperatures throughout the year, from minus 9 degrees centigrade to over 23 degrees centigrade." The focus of the Metropoliya project - grouped around 12 buildings connected by green public spaces - will be sustainability and energy efficiency with a low carbon footprint.

"Although the news has only just been made official, the preliminary notification coincided with our participation alongside Nikken Sekkei at Cityscape Global Exhibition in Dubai. We were delighted with the response we received from regional investors," said Oleg Korol, CEO of the Metropol Development, developer of the Project.

Moreover GCC investors will have been warmed by a recent report by real estate analyst CBRE, which estimated that the Russian property market would witness robust and consistent growth from 2012, which should coincide with the start of construction on the site.

Jumeira Gardens

A Super-City Within Dubai

As the inexorable juggernaut of Dubai‘s construction boom wears on amid a turbulent economic era, the city recently unveiled an incredible new development that is intended to cement its status as “a global city of the future”. Master-planned by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and developed by Meraas, Jumeira Gardens is a modern megopolis that will feature no fewer than three soaring superstructures designed by AS + GG: 1 Dubai, Park Gate, and 1 Park Avenue. Although the super-massive project will consume approximately $95 billion, it’s encouraging to see that the entire community has been designed with sustainability in mind.

Conceived as “an integrated city within a city”, Jumeira Gardens is designed to be a mixed-use development that incorporates low, medium, and high-density zones for business, residences, retail, leisure, and recreation. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill master-planned the East Park Zone, while Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill master-planned the Atrium City area. Although plans are still being finalized, Meraas Development has confirmed that “‘Green’ buildings and construction, resource conservation and overall sustainability will inform every aspect of this new district, with tools such as intelligent infrastructure technology and cutting-edge eco design serving to reduce the district’s collective ecological footprint.”

Chicago-based Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture are credited with designing scores of other structures that incorporate sustainable strategies. The centerpiece of Jumeira Gardens will be 1 Dubai, A tri-partite skyscraper that will rise to 3281 feet, making it the third structure tower in the UAE. Its soaring towers will be connected by a series of glass suspension sky-bridges.

Park Gate comprises six mid-rise towers that are arranged in facing pairs. A hanging garden canopy stretches between each set of structures, providing shade and cooling the neighborhood by as much as 10 degrees centigrade.

The smooth curves of 1 Park Avenue evoke Dubai’s historic relationship with the Arabian Gulf. The 1,800 foot tower will incorporate solar panels, wind turbines, and a variety of other sustainable strategies in its design.

Excavation for Jumeira Gardens has already begun, and the development is expected to take 12 years to complete.

Via World Architecture News

Paron Palace

In 1906, Empain established the Cairo Electric Railways and Heliopolis Oases Company, which bought a very large stretch of desert (25 square kilometres) to the northwest of Cairo at a low price from the colonial government.Commencing in 1906-07 this company proceeded with the building of the new town of Heliopolis, in the desert ten kilometers from the center of Cairo. It was designed as a "city of luxury and leisure", with broad avenues and equipped with all necessary conveniences and infrastructure; water, drains, electricity, hotel facilities, such as the Heliopolis Palace Hotel (now the presidential palace of Hosni Mubarak) and Heliopolis House, and recreational amenities including a golf course, racetrack and park. In addition, there was housing for rent, offered in a range of innovative design types targeting specific social classes with detached and terraced villas, apartment buildings, tenement blocks with balcony access and workers' bungalows.

Today, Baron Empain is perhaps best known by modern visitors to Egypt for the building of a palace (the Palais Hindou) in the Avenue des Palais (renamed Orouba Avenue in the Nasser era) Heliopolis, Egypt. Inspired by Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Hindu temples of Orissa, the Baron Empain palace was designed by French architect Alexandre Marcel (1860-1928) and decorated by Georges-Louis Claude (1879-1963), with construction being completed in 1911.

In 1905, Empain assisted the Belgian government in the purchase of an Old Kingdom mastaba for the royal museum in Brussels, of which he was a benefactor. In 1907 he received the title of Baron, and also suggested to Belgian Egyptologist Jean Capart that he excavate at Heliopolis, where his building constructions were underway. He also made it possible for Capart to acquire some fine ancient artefacts for the Brussels Museum.

Floating & Rotating Hotel Tower

Dubai, UAE

When it's completed, Waterstudio’s Floating & Rotating Hotel Tower will rise 25 stories off the coast of Dubai. The Amsterdam-based architecture firm specializes in waterborne projects, and its 100-meter hotel concept will be a feat of engineering made with glass and steel, featuring a boulevard ring that connects the shore with the hotel and a floating foundation that measures only 19 feet in depth. The hotel will also rotate one-degree every minute or so, meaning it will be a truly remarkable experience for those privileged enough to enjoy a stay.

Atlantis Hotel in Dubai

Water world … the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai, one of the world’s most
anticipated hotels, finally opens its doors on September 24. Situated on 113
acres of the Palm Jumeirah, the hotel boasts over 1539 rooms.

Water bed … the Neptune and Poseidon Suites are exclusive to Atlantis,
with both bedroom and bath views directly into the mesmerising underwater
world of the Ambassador Lagoon.

. Sea view … the Ambassador Lagoon is a window into the wonders of the
ocean, and the centre-piece of Atlantis, with over 250 species of fish and
sea creatures.

Fish surprise … keeping with he water theme, the Lost Chamber is amaze
of underwater halls and tunnels under the Ambassador Lagoon with over
65,000 fish.

See sea food … Ossiano is home to a three-star Michelin chef, and
offers gourmet seafood with views of the exotic marine life of the
Ambassador Lagoon.

Pleased to meet you … Dolphin Bay is a four-and-a-half hectare Lush
tropical setting where you get the chance to meet the colourful characters
in their natural habitat.

Big dipper … Aquaventure is a 42-acre waterpark with the Zigguret
Centerpiece that touts a 27.5m vertical drop.

Shark tank … after the Ziggurat, you will emerge slowly through the
lagoon at Shark Attack.

All washed up … the Rapids is a 2.3km path of tidal river with one
metre waves though a lush tropical landscape.

Shark proof … you can also experience the Shark Tank from the dry, and
more comfortable, viewing chamber.

Bar view … sip cocktails in the oceanic space of Barazura and enjoy
views overlooking Palm Jumeirah.

Grand view … the Grand Lobby makes a colourful first impression.

Bath time … the spa experience includes two hours of Spa treatments,
your own private time in a jetted tub and access to Both indoor and outdoor
relaxation areas.

Spa service … the Royal Spa Suite offers treatments designed to
individual needs, and a spa menu delivered by private butler service.

Grand designs … each of the 1373 spacious guest rooms and 166 suites
is designed with subtle oceanic and Arabic influences.

Landmarks of Dubai

Burj Al Arab:
Burj Al Arab has become an iconic symbol of Dubai. It is one of the regions most famous tourist landmarks, and as a hotel it has set new standards for excellence in Arabian hospitality. The hotel, which was inaugurated in 1999, established its presence with its futuristic and magnificent exterior.

The World:
An archipelago of 300 manmade islands off the coast of Dubai, created from sand dredged from the sea. The World is a landmark for future eco-tourism projects worldwide. The World is one of several tourist and commerce related projects off the coast of Dubai which can be seen from space.

Dubai Marina:
Set to be the world’s largest manmade marina, located close to the heart of ‘new Dubai’ and linked with Jabel Ali Port Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and the American University in Dubai.

Dubai Internet City:
An information-technology park created as a free economic zone by the Government of Dubai, Major companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Nokia and UAE based companies sich as i-Make and Acette have established operations at the DIC, attracted by taxation and custom benefits guaranteed by law for the next 50 years.


Dubailand:
An entertainment complex set to be opened in four phases over the next decade. The complex will eventually include six zones, or worlds to be known as Attractions and Experience World, Retail and Entertainment World, Themes Leisure and Vacation World, Eco-Tourism World, Sports and Outdoor World and Downtown.

Mall of Arabia:
Set to be the largest shopping mall in the world the City of Arabia will play host to this wonder of modern consumer activity. Final Gross Leasable property will be 10 million sq. ft.



Dubai Sports City:
An entire sports city currently under construction in the entertainment complex of Dubailand, featuring apartment buildings as well as state-of-the-art stadiums and facilities. Dubai Sports City will be the envy of venues around the world. Its centre-piece, a 60,000 seat, multi-purpose outdoor stadium, will play host to football, athletic and rugby matches.

Business Bay:
A central business district located in Downtown Dubai. Designed primarily for international trade purposes, Business Bay will have upwards of 230 buildings for both commercial and residential purposes.

Dubai Metro:
A driverless, fully automated rail network, set to be the largest of its kind in the world. Dubai Metro will comfortably connect a city of an estimated 15 million visitors a year by 2010. Its first stage will be finished by 2009.

Burj Dubai:
Opening in 2009, the Burj Dubai is a super-tall skyscraper set to be the tallest in the world. In a breathtaking design, which encompasses the makings of a small city in its interior, the Burj Dubai will be the center piece of Dubai’s new Dubaitown District.



Palm Trilogy:
Many know Palm Jumeirah as an international icon, but few realize that it was created help solve Dubai's beach shortage. The Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum drew a sketch of a palm tree, realizing its fronds would provide more beach frontage than a traditional circular island. From this insight, the idea of Palm Jumeirah was born and the trilogy of islands envisioned including the Palm Deira and the Palm Jebel Ali.



Atlantis:
Atlantis, The Palm is a 1,539 room, ocean-themed destination resort located at the centre of the crescent of the man-made Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. This US$1.5 billion joint venture project was developed with Dubai Government owned, Istithmar. Opening in September 2008, the resort will utilise the 46 hectares site with 17 hectares of water park amusement, further marine and entertainment attractions and a collection of some of the most renowned world-class chefs including Nobu, Giorgio Locatelli, Santi Santamaria and Michel Rostang. Atlantis, The Palm will offer an unprecedented entertainment centre, an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops and extensive meeting and convention facilities. It will be home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with some 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis.

Jerusalem… What Does it Mean to You

Share Your View "The Land of peace…" "It is an ancient city, and it is my holy city…" "Not Only for Muslims! It is the pilgrimage place for all Abrahamic faiths…" "To me, it is the gist of our civilizations, the birthplace of all faiths, and the rhythm of peace… I wish I could visit it one day" It is all about Jerusalem! These views just show a small glance on how people, regardless what their faiths and nationalities are, recall what Jerusalem means to them. 1. Whoever you are, Jew, Christian, or Muslim, what is the first thing you have in mind when hearing "Jerusalem"? 2. Have you ever thought to visit this holy city? If yes, what places will you love to stop by? If not, what hinders you from visiting the city?