YEMEN OBSERVER - ISSUE 36

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LEARNING ENGLISH WITH TEACHER AMINAH

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MONDAY - MAY 06, 2013

YEMENI WOMEN AS DECISION MAKERS

YEMENI INVENTED THE 1ST SMALLEST MICROSCOPE Exclusive interview

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SELF-DETERMINATION LEADS TO INFIDELITY AND DESTRUCTION, YSA A spokesman for the Yemen Scholars Association said that the right to self-determination slogan that is raised by southerners today is void and against Shariah, citing some verses from the Quran.

Culture

“We hear today the “self-determination” slogan traded on the tongues without knowing the difference between us the Nation of Islam and other nations. Who has the right to self-determination and who has the right to direct the passions and desires?” Explained Dr. Abdulmalik Hussain al-Taj in an article published by the media.

Community

BY ABDUL-AZIZ OUDAH

The taskforce on Sa’adah issue suspended on Sunday all meetings in the National Dialogue Conference (NDC), upon the request of the General People’s Congress (GPC) component.

The GPC request, which was handed by member Hussein Hazeb, called for completing the formation of the taskforce presidium by choosing a deputy leader and a rapporteur and the delivery of records of previous meetings in addition to identifying the final of names list

of the team members and absentees and clarifying the procedures against them.

Meanwhile, the Field Committee emanating from the Sa’adah

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

HEAVY RAINS TAKE OUT 40 PEOPLE IN YEMEN

Members of the 17th Infantry Brigade in Thubab coastal district of Taiz province seized a boat carrying 20 thousand pistols after they clashed with smugglers and forced them to flee, leaving the boat with weapons that were on board.

Brigadier General Saleh Mussad al-Sabbari said that the boat skipper was arrested and one member of the 17th Infantry Brigade was wounded with a shot in the right leg.

“What is this self-determination?

Our fate which God ordered is unity, the unity of speech and the rejection of division at the level of the family, villages, groups, the state and the nation as God Almighty said: (Lo! this, your religion, is one religion,

The commander of the 17th Infantry Brigade praised the heroes who have seized the boat confirming their loyalty to CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

BY MOHAMMED KALFOOD

Yemen’s National Centre for Meteorology revealed that the death toll, caused by “heavy rains and floods” in Yemen since the beginning of April, rose to more than 40 people during the past few days, many of them were children and women, in addition

CALLS TO “STOP EXPORTING TERRORISM TO SYRIA” Yemeni politicians and activists condemned what they described as “stop exporting terrorism to Syria” by sending thousands of Yemenis

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BY OBSERVER STAFF

The spokesman said «We know who decides our fate. Our desires are affiliated to the law of God Almighty with absolute submission with no doubts in one’s mind, neither north, south, east nor west interest control our desires”

BY OBSERVER STAFF

WHEN LESS MEAN MORE: LESSONS IN HEALTHY LONGEVITY

SA’ADA NDC TASKFORCE IN SUSPENSION

TURKISH GUNS SEIZED IN TAIZ

BY HESHAM AL-KIBSI

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VOL. XVI - ISSUE 36

to fight in the war between radical groups and the Syrian regime.

During a publicity ceremony “the Committee of the Supreme People to advocate for Syria and issues

of the Arab nation” yesterday in Sana’a, JMP leading member Naif al-Qanis said, “There are bodies that exploit young Yemeni by luring them so as to send them to Syria

where death will receive them,” adding that “the national interactions of the Yemeni people contribute earnestly to stop the Arab Syrian bloodshed.”

During the ceremony, which was held under the slogan of “Together to stop exporting terrorism to Syria and support the peaceful option,” al-Qanis called for uphill struggle to find the true exits to the Syrian crisis through Syria - Syrian political dialogue with mutual conviction,” adding that dialogue is the only way to spare Syria an entire downfall that will inevitably lead to the collapse of the entire region.

“There is no doubt that the load

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

to huge material losses.

Statistics showed that about 13 CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Monday - May 06, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 36

PUBLISHER

LOCAL NEWS

FARIS SANABANI

WWW.YEMENOBSERVER.COM

MISSION STATEMENT

T

o provide comprehensive,

trustworthy and unbiased information on

Yemeni Affairs and constantly

improving the professionalism of our staff and their lives through the compound effect

ACTING EDITOR IN CHIEF ABDUL - AZIZ OUDAH DEPUTY OF CHIEF EDITOR FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

FAISAL DAREM

EDITORIAL ADVISER ZAID AL-ALAYA’A AMINAH LEONARD HASNA ABDUL MAJID

EDITING SECRETARY FARES ANAM

SENIOR JOURNALISTS AKRAM AL-GAOLAHI

JOURNALISTS MOHAMMED ALI KALFOOD MOHAMMED SHARHAN

TRANSLATOR MOHAMMED A. ABDULRAHMAN

INTEGRATING INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW INTO YEMEN’S DOMESTIC LEGISLATION: A specialized training course on the integration of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) into Yemeni Law began in Sana’a today. Organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at the request of the Yemeni authorities, the training is being conducted by the ICRC’s Regional Legal Advisor for the Near and Middle East, Dr. Chérif Atlam.

Taking part in the four-day training are jurists and legal experts from the Ministries of Justice, Legal Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Human Rights, as well as representatives from the Supreme Court, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of the Yemen Parliament, and the Yemen Bar Association.

“IHL is important to enhance respect for the life and dignity of human beings in time of conflict,” said Ahmed Al-Mahroq, viceminister in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, who spoke during the opening ceremony.

Amongst other topics, the training course

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will address the Republic of Yemen’s obligations under IHL Treaties to integrate IHL into Yemen’s domestic law. The course will also include the technicalities of drafting IHL legislation, “The purpose of this training is to present to the Yemeni legal experts and other inter-

ested persons what it means to implement international humanitarian law at the national level, whose responsibility it is to do so, what general measures must be adopted in the national legislation and how this can be done,” explains Dr. Chérif Atlam.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.

The ICRC has been present in Yemen since 1962, working in the fields of health, water and sanitation, emergency assistance, and protection, as well as promoting respect for international humanitarian law with arms carriers, academics and decision makers within civil society.

5.2 TREMOR DETECTED IN YEMEN’S SOUTH

BY MOHAMMED KALFOOD

The Seismic Center for monitoring earthquakes and volcanoes in Dhamar recorded on Sunday a tremor measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale at 11:20 am in the east of Aden Gulf, 100 km to the south of the city of Mukalla, Engineer Saleh alMaflahi Deputy Director of the Center told the state-run 26 Sep. newspaper.

He said that the seismic monitoring stations detected the location of this tremor in the eastern Gulf of Aden, a 100 km to the south of Mukalla between latitudes (46.49) east and longitudes (26.11) north.

The stations also detected the depth of this surface tremor at 10 km.

Al-Maflahi said that it was felt in the neighboring areas. “It is considered an over-moderate tremor due to its location in the Gulf of Aden,” he said, confirming that such tremors occur in different areas of the country especially those which are located in the western part alongside the Red Sea, and that these tremors don’t cause any damages due to its location in the center of Aden Gulf.

BY MOHAMMED KALFOOD

Ahmed Ben Farid al-Suraima, deputy of NDC chairman confirmed his withdrawal from the conference last Friday.

In a statement published by news sites loyal to the Southern Movement last Friday al-Suraima said, “I have made a final decision to fully withdraw from the so-called National Dialogue Conference in Sana’a.”

This includes the decision to withdraw from all of the sites occupied by the leadership in this conference and I’m no longer relevant to this conference, according to the statement.

Justifying his withdrawal, he said, “There is a conspiracy against the issue of the south people.”

“Despite all the facts of the Dialogue Conference in Sana’a, we have made a genuine effort in an attempt to change the rules of the dialogue to serve the cause of our people in the south, to no avail, because the facts of the dialogue are moving towards reproducing the former ruling system in Sana’a, with the knowledge of all parties and we have all confirming facts and we will reveal them in due course,” he said.

This move of the southern NDC deputy chairman would appeal to the moderate Southern factions especially when he said he will hold an extraordinary Conference for the Southerners to take regulatory actions against other NDC participating members as a matter of bringing together the forces advocating for secession.

CONTINUATION FROM FRONT PAGE

NABEEL SALEH AL-WA’AIL

ALYA FUAD TALAL AL ASQOR ABDUL NASSER SULTAN

SOUTHERN LEADER ATTACKS NDC

A CHALLENGE FOR LEGAL EXPERTS

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR GRAHPIC DESINERS

SELF-DETERMINATION LEADS TO INFIDELITY AND DESTRUCTION, YSA

and I am your Lord, so worship Me.). Do separatism, federalism and Confederation achieve this? “al-Taj Said.

He said in the article «The fate that God wants from of us is the rule of his law at every difference and conflict. The fate that God forbade and leads to the loss of life and the Hereafter is the obedience of Jews and Christians, citing the verse: (O ye who believe if you obey those who disbelieve they’ll turn you backwards, then you’ll turn back as losers).”

“So does listening to them and obeying them in our internal affairs and obeying Amnesty International to dismiss the provisions of the Shariah law and legalize homosexuality in Yemen achieves profit and gains?”.

“The self-determination that leads to internal conflict, strife and bloodshed is a disruption of the law of God Almighty.

Self-determination that leads to fear, poverty and the collapse of the economy, which God warned of, is ungratefulness to graces and repaying them with sins. Selfdetermination that leads to the violation of the sovereignty, empowering of enemies and the looting of wealth is the judgment with something other than what Allah has revealed.» He said.

Self-determination leading to failure and the withering of power is conflict and difference, God Almighty says: (And obey Allah and His Messenger, nor fought lest ye lose heart and your power depart and be patient God is with the patient).”

Self-determination leading to self damage and destruction is the obnoxious trio: prostitution, transgress and Guile. Selfdetermination that leads to humiliation and suppression comes through following guidelines other than god’s laws. God Almighty said: (Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) they will be

among the lowest (most humiliated). “ He stressed that the right to self-determination means determination to ignorance and to reviving partisanship, regionalism and others, whether by raising the slogan O Muhajereen or O Ansar, or O for the North or O for the south. The prophet peace be upon him said to Abu Dhar, may Allah be pleased with him, when he raised the slogan ((You are a person with Jaahiliyyah (Literally ignorance, referring to pre Islam conduct)).

Is it right to call names and revive Jaahiliyyah whether zonal, partisan or other?

Self-determination that leads to god’s aversion and wrath is through the shedding of the blood of a Muslim unjustly as the prophet peace be upon him said: (God hates people to three: Atheist On campus, one who follows Jaahiliyyah in Islam, and the requirement to shed the blood of an innocent unlawfully” Al-Taj concluded his article saying «Our destiny is that the lands of the Muslims are one without any made up borders where a Muslim loves his brother/sister and loved this the sign of prosperity, God Almighty said: (And (it is also for) those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Banû An-Nadîr), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful.)

So is it in the brotherhood of Islam to burn a Muslim brother, damage his property, and harassing him with obscene words?!

SA’ADA NDC TASKFORCE IN SUSPENSION

issue team held a meeting, which discussed the proposals of the field visit

plans, categories, components and target audiences in order to collect documents and information relating to the grounds of the issue.

The UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar, partook in this Sa’adah issue meeting to oversee the latest developments of the team and the challenges facing the work.

Taskforce leader, Nabila al-Zubair, welcomed the UN envoy, while the Deputy leader Jameelah Ali Raja’a delivered an outline of what the team has so far accomplished during the last period.

For his part, Benomar urged the Sa’adah taskforce on cooperating, overcoming difficulties, and looking ahead to the future, considering that the ultimate goal of all Yemenis is to turn over the page of the past.

He also urged them on justice for Sa’adah victims and the completion of constitutional articles related to the rights and freedoms.

TURKISH GUNS SEIZED IN TAIZ

God and Homeland. “The brigade heroes will make dearly for the sake of the security and stability of our homeland,” he told the defense ministry website, 26 Sept.

Security sources confirmed to the Yemen Observer that the boat seized contains also different pieces of arms and that the shipment is now being held into custody by the Taiz security department.

HEAVY RAINS TAKE OUT 40 PEOPLE IN YEMEN

houses destroyed completely by the floods, while other dozens were damaged and 20 groundwater wells used for drinking were buried.

A number of roads, major bridges and ferries rainwater ducts were also seriously

damaged over the past few days.

The heavy rains were centered on the provinces of Hadramout, Shabwa, Mareb and Baidha as well as the mountainous provinces, causing the loss of thousands Apiaries and the death of thousands of livestock.

Weather Forecast Expert Rashid al-Arifi, said, “The center’s warnings are not being taken into account by the people, which causes the high rate of human and material losses,” pointing out that the community interaction with the warnings are very weak, and that there is a total absence of the local councils role in terms of awareness and the dangers involved.

A Yemeni meteorological expert also warned that weather in the country will witness depression during the months of May and June.

CALLS TO “STOP EXPORTING TERRORISM TO SYRIA”

will be heavy and tasks will be even more difficult, but we are confident that we are the people of Yemen and wisdom, not for destruction and murder, but to make peace and love; Syria is our soul, what hurts Syria, hurts Yemen as well,” he said.

For his part, Mohamed Mansour, the JMP official spokesman said, “We assert our solidarity with the Syrian people as an expression of the position of the majority of the the Arab and Muslim people that has been taking place over years.”

Former al-Qaeda leader revealed that thousands of elements of the organization were sent to Syria.

The Yemeni position on the Syrian crisis has been always neutral, while the fundamentalist groups kept sending thousands of their elements to Syria through Turkey to partake in the war against the Assad regime, according to statements by the former leader of al-Qaeda Tariq al-Fadhli.

ISSN 23065958

Malnutrition is dangerous to the health of children in Yemen, it decreased the body's immunity and makes them more susceptible to serious and deadly diseases.

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772306

595009

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Monday - May 06, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 36

LOCAL NEWS

ARAB TRAFFIC WEEK KICKS OFF IN YEMEN

Arab Traffic Week was set off on Saturday in Sana’a and other Yemeni cities under the slogan «My Safety, My Responsibility.»

BY MOHAMMED KALFOOD

Dozens of Traffic police officers in the capital Sana’a were seen distributing awareness leaflets to driv-

ers which started from the morning.

The leaflets encourage all drivers to abide by traffic rules, not to use mobile phones while driving and to understand the importance of using «safety belts».

The Yemeni Interior Ministry issued a statement last week which confirmed that the launch of the Arab

Traffic Week activities under the slogan «My Safety, My Responsibility» will start today and will continue from the 4th until the10th of May. The Yemeni Interior Minister, Abdul Qader Qahtan said this week›s events will come as a real manifestation of the sense of social responsibility for traffic safety, according to the Yemeni news agency (SABA).

He pointed out that the Ministry’s leadership aspires to make all months of the year “Traffic Weeks” in terms of awareness, community partnership and a sense of responsibility, considering that safety on the roads is everyone’s concern.

The interior minister also called on all citizens to respect the traffic police and the traffic rules and regula-

tions.

The celebration of Arab Traffic Week this year comes under the slogan «My Safety, My Responsibility» to ensure that traffic safety is primarily the responsibility of each driver on the road, for everyone is responsible for realizing safety by complying with traffic laws and regulations.

Official statistics confirm that 8066 traffic accidents were registered during 2012 and that these incidents had resulted in the killing of 2382 people and the injuring of 11598, while 5551 of them were seriously injured. Huge material losses resulting from such incidents were also recorded.

Continuation of malnutrition in Yemen deteriorated more and hinders more than ever on the path of economic development.

Monday - May 06, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 36

LEARNING ENGLISH Do you know what place this is?

with Teacher Aminah

___________________up the tickets and she was waiting for us near the entrance. She was really angry because she (wait)_________________ for more than half an hour. She said she (give, almost) ____________________ up and (go)_______________ into the theater without us.

Kathy told me you (be) ________________ late several times in the past and that she would not make plans with you again in the future. She mentioned that she (miss)__________________ several movies because of your late arrivals. I think you owe her an apology. And in the future, I suggest you be on time!

d) comitmant e) Don›t Know 5. Which of the following spellings is correct? a) consensus b) concensus c) consencus d) consenssus e) Don›t Know 6. Which of the following spellings is correct? a) deductible b) deductable c) deductuble d) deductabel e) Don›t Know 7. Which of the following spellings is always preferred in American English and preferred as an adjective in British English? («He has insulin-__________ diabetes.») a) dependant b) depindant c) dependent d) dependunt e) Don›t Know

Past Perfect Continuous FORM

[had been + present participle]

8. Which of the following spellings is correct? a) embarras b) embaras c) embarass d) embarrass e) Don›t Know

Examples:

You had been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived.

Had you been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived?

You had not been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived.

USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Past

9. Which of the following spellings is correct? a) existance b) existence c) existanse d) existanc e) Don›t Know

Examples:

10. Which of the following spellings is correct for a page at the beginning of a book? a) foreward b) forword c) forworde d) foreword e) Don›t Know

We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and continued up until another time in the past. «For five minutes» and «for two weeks» are both durations which can be used with the Past Perfect Continuous. Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect Continuous; however, the duration does not continue until now, it stops before something else in the past.

They had been talking for over an hour before Tony arrived.

She had been working at that company for three years when it went out of business.

How long had you been waiting to get on the bus?

Mike wanted to sit down because he had been standing all day at work.

James had been teaching at the university for more than a year before he left for Asia.

A: How long had you been studying Turkish before you moved to Ankara?

B: I had not been studying Turkish very long.

Commonly-Used American Slang

USE 2 Cause of Something in the Past

I almost fell asleep during the test after an all-nighter.

Using the Past Perfect Continuous before another action in the past is a good way to show cause and effect.

Examples:

Jason was tired because he had been jogging.

Sam gained weight because he had been overeating.

Betty failed the final test because she had not been attending class.

Past Continuous vs. Past Perfect Continuous If you do not include a duration such as «for five minutes,» «for two weeks» or «since Friday,» many English speakers choose to use the Past Continuous rather than the Past Perfect Continuous. Be careful because this can change the meaning of the sentence. Past Continuous emphasizes interrupted actions, whereas Past Perfect Continuous emphasizes a duration of time before something in the past. Study the examples below to understand the difference.

He›s an ace reporter.

Do you know where the action is in this town?

My sister is a real airhead.

Your ideas about politics are all wet.

The gun was useless after the killer ran out of ammo.

This town is really an armpit.

What an awesome sunset.

Wow, that was really a bad movie.

He barfed all over the seat of the airplane.

The boat was bashed beyond recognition.

After working all day I am really beat.

He just bought a new beemer to drive to work in.

He was benched during the basketball playoffs.

He was tired because he was exercising so hard.

This sentence emphasizes that he was tired because he was exercising at that exact moment.

He was tired because he had been exercising so hard.

This sentence emphasizes that he was tired because he had been exercising over a period of time. It is possible that he was still exercising at that moment OR that he had just finished.

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Past Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use Past Perfect.

Examples:

The motorcycle had been belonging to George for years before Tina bought it. Not Correct The motorcycle had belonged to George for years before Tina bought it. Correct

ADVERB PLACEMENT

You had only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived.

Had you only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived?

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Examples:

Most Commonly Misspelled Words 1. Which of the following spellings is correct? a) acomodate b) accomodate c) acommodate d) accommodate e) Don›t Know

Chef Jones had been preparing the restaurant›s fantastic dinners for two years before he moved to Paris. Active The restaurant›s fantastic dinners had been being prepared by Chef Jones for two years before he moved to Paris. Passive NOTE: Passive forms of the Past Perfect Continuous are not common.

2. Which of the following spellings is preferred in American English? a) acknowledgment b) acknowledgement c) acknowlegment d) acknowlegement e) Don›t Know

Verb Tense Exercise

3. Which of the following spellings is correct? a) arguement b) argument c) arguemant d) arguemint e) Don›t Know

Past Perfect / Past Perfect Continuous Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate tenses.

I›m sorry I left without you last night, but I told you to meet me early because the show started at 8:00. I (try) ______________to get tickets for that play for months, and I didn›t want to miss it. By the time I finally left the coffee shop where we were supposed to meet, I (have) _______________ five cups of coffee and I (wait) ___________________ over an hour. I had to leave because I (arrange) ___________________ to meet Kathy in front of the theater.

When I arrived at the theater, Kathy (pick, already)

13. Which of the following spellings is correct? a) indispensabel b) indispensible c) indispensable d) indespensible e) Don›t Know

15. Which of the following spellings is correct? a) liason b) liasson c) liasone d) liaison e) Don›t Know

REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs

Examples:

12. Which of the following spellings is correct? a) inadvertant b) inadvartant c) inadvartent d) inadvertent e) Don›t Know

14. Which of the following spellings is preferred in American English? a) judgement b) judgment c) judgemant d) judgmant e) Don›t Know

Examples:

The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.

11. Which of the following spellings is correct? a) harass b) haras c) harrass d) herrass e) Don›t Know

4. Which of the following spellings is correct? a) comitment b) comitmment c) commitment

Slang Definitions: ace - very good action - excitement airhead - stupid person all wet - completely wrong all-nighter - after studying all night ammo - ammunition armpits- undesirable place awesome - great bad - intense barfed - vomited bashed - crushed beat - exhausted beemer - B.M.W. car benched - taken out of the game

HAVE QUESTIONS?

WANT ANSWERS? Need help?

Want to submit articles, stories, poems, etc? sharon.umibrahim@gmail.com

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Monday - May 06, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 36

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

YEMENI INVENTED THE 1ST SMALLEST MICROSCOPE

U

ndoubtedly, “Necessity is the mother of invention”, which moves the countries forward to be one of the leading ones in the field of technology and scientific researches resulting in promoting the cycle of development scientifically, economically, politically and culturally. It has been postulated that a country that pays attention to its sole inventors and intellects provide them with whatever they need for adopting their projects and ideas, will ensure a prosperous future and deeprooted foundations for post generations armed with knowledge enough to be amongst the developed countries.

Exclusively, the Yemen observer has conducted such an interview with an outstanding Yemeni inventor who is distinguished for his own various inventions which haven’t received sufficient support by the government as of yet.

He is really courteous, gentle, social , quite responsive , and a deep-thinker .

Name Date & Place of Birth

Mohammed Mansour Damaj Alsyani district, Alnaqeelain sub-district 1967, Ibb City, Yemen.

Qualifications

Teachers Diploma (1985-86) & B.E, Biology Major (19…), University Of Taiz,

Occupation

Supervisor & Trainer

Marital Status

Married, five kids, One male and Four females

BY AKRAM MOTHANA HAIDER

Can you tell us when your idea of invention started?

Well, when I was 7 years old , I was interested in anything evoking my curiosity, even the new and the strange objects around, that is, I was so interested that I was able to dismantle some apparatuses to be familiar with their inner parts; how they were manipulated. I have been able to repair many radios of my neighbors along with my own and immediately installing them again.

Besides, I could mend my own toys with very mysterious techniques resulting in attracting the attention of the people around. Definitely, I think everybody has a power of creativity which varies from one person to another. The genetics of invention if not activated, they must be explored because the more you read, the more your powers of creativity will be spurted and flourished.

The idea of invention was inspired from my participation in training courses conducted at the training and qualifying department, Education office ,Ibb city. The special courses in designing local microscope made of plastic materials existed in the surrounding area. However, this idea was still unsatisfied so this pushed me forward to lead a fight that is still ongoing through the years; taking up my time for about 12 hours per day.

Could you mention the persons who support you?

It is very hard to mention those who stand before me and assist me but indeed unless I›d received some support, I couldn›t have manage to reach my current situation.

There are some positive and gradual enhancements that I have noticed of the persons especially the individuals whom I show my ideas to through their faces appearances , their smiles, their surprise and their meditation to what I have already invented, for example, Mr. Abd Arahman Alhaibari, the Manager of Examinations and Assessment Department, Education office, Ibb city.

How do you coordinate between your job as a supervisor , a trainer and an inventor ? and do your children have adequate time to spent with you?

Firstly, saving time and effort to the extent that you are to be responsible of the number of food›s fragments you eat, is the secret behind what I have reached at achieving a part of my own inspirations and aims. In other words, I have been working between 10-12 hour per a day. I burn my mid night oil; I do

my utmost so I get thrill and comfort at the same time and this is one of the blessings that have been bestowed on me by Allah. Besides, when I have dinner with my family, I meditate and look carefully at the materials nearby and how I could deal with them successfully. My mind and spirit scour for objects, suddenly, over a long period of time, I do find them in the simplest things. Oddly enough, I feel some objects as if they are calling me to approach closely and caught them.

To the contrast, I have worked with the special team of supervisors while having such field supervision to the schools. The coordination is mutually done between the team and me regarding the schedules of supervision. What makes me more confident is achieved through putting forward my topics of scientific researches during my several visits to schools. Not only this, but urging also the teachers staff along with the students in the public and private schools to create some aids benefiting from their educational environment. I have showed them pictures of inventions for motivation and encouragement. Similarly, for my children, I have coordinated with my dear wife to share their

ones all over the globe.

Developing Mini Microscope: which cannot be seen by the naked eye but through connecting it to a computer or T.V Set with zoom reaching at 5000 thousand times.

Recently, by the will of and thanks to Allah, I have invented groups of Telescopes of different sizes; Mini, Medium and large. I am about to show the latest of my couple proj-

MOHAMMED MANSOUR DAMAJ

support or reward you have received?

Certainly, I participated in many meetings conducted across the country; firstly, the special meeting for the president›s rewards conducted in the capital Sana›a,2008 under the auspices of the Ministry of the Youth and Sports. Secondly, the meeting, entitled « the 1st meeting for the Yemeni Inventors with the ex-president of the Republic conducted in University Of Aden, faculty of Engineering and Architec-

individuals- focused on reviewing my inventions with the latest ones which I have made during my walks of life.

Would you mind telling me about the programs, channels and magazines you are interested in, please?

Certainly, Magazine of «Technology»; published by the Yemen Mobile Cooperation followed by the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Technology, some channels which pursue the latest topics of inventions and technology for instance, the channel of» Noggom Aloloom (Stars of Science), Qatar-based. Definitely, my time is too valuable to be wasted , viz , I have to be most dedicated to bring new innovations into existence which eventually will serve the humanity.

What is your opinion if a country offers an opportunity to adopt your projects, will you agree?

Absolutely, yes because it is a big shame if I monopolize knowledge which should be for the prosperity of humanity since it is originated principally from our true Islam which strongly urges us to share our knowledge for the sake of others across the globe. However, what I want is demanding justice regarding my own inventions and the country of the origin, that is, obtaining a Patent so my inventions could not be leaked out into another country. I make it clear that I have to ensure my own right as an inventor and the rights of my country under the approval of the couple.

What›s your point of view with respect to modern technology ?

Well, the latest technology serves the humanity and there is a big breakthrough, but sometimes I feel that when I check any electronic or electromagnetic apparatuses; computers, Over Head Projectors and alike, the future will make such a distinctive jump in the lives of human beings, a living creatures all

I used to break the empty colored Pepsi bottles and perfumes containers into a few pieces and put them into papers, rolling them similarly to binoculars. Then, I filled it with the colored glass that is susceptible to the sunbeams so the colors overlap as rainbow. homework between us equally.

Surprisingly, when I teach them, I don›t give them all the information or ideas but urge them to search for the ideas and information by themselves in order to make those concepts stored and lasting for a long time. I have done this deliberately, lest ceasing their creativity›s powers.

What are your inventions?

Mini Apparatus: to scrutinize and discover fake currencies.

Groups of Mini-microscopes: which don›t exceed the little finger, they are entitled as: The butterfly for being pretty and elegant, The Bee for being active and beneficial and The Yemeni Lamp for illuminating minds.

D e c o m p o s a b l e Microscope:(which can be decomposed into many parts within five minutes and composed within five minutes too.) so this makes it distinguished, one amongst the other

ects to the president of the country; Marshal Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi and the prime Minister; Mr. Mohammed Salem Basundowa through establishing such Telescopic and astronomical Observatory. It will be designed and made in Yemen by original Yemeni hands along with the whole parts except the essential ones like the lenses and some measurement apparatuses specialized for settings. It can be used for studying the astronomical and universal phenomena, observing the moon›s movements from the first day of rise and the last second of being a full moon , consequently, we are capable of announcing the two Islamic Eids› occasions, the approach of Ramadhan›s month and the couple phenomena of the sun and moon›s eclipse together with other astronomical studies.

Have you ever taken part in conferences, meetings, forums, or exhibitions ? and what kind of

ture 2010. Thirdly, the Educational Aids Exhibitions for all the governorates conducted in Ibb city. Fourthly, the meeting with the Prime Minister of the caretaker government conducted in the Sana›a,2011 entitled « the 1st Exhibition of the Yemeni Inventions» under the patronage of the University of Science and Technology.

Have you ever been hosted by any outlets ?

Of course, AlGumhuria newspaper, Sana’a , 14th of October newspaper, Aden, Technology Magazine, the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Technology, Sana’a, Ibb Radio, the Official Yemeni channel in an a program entitled “ Figures from Yemen» which was broadcasted during the Ramadan›s month, Alsaeeda›s channel in the program of» Yemeni Brains», Azal Channel. Most of the outlets which hosted me- along with some outstanding creative Yemeni

over this planet. New regulations would have appeared in the upcoming future so that the human being find it hard to reach such solutions thus, this pushes us necessarily to reduce significantly the factors of time and effort through looking for that means which will make the world jump distinctively.

Furthermore, I find holdbacks in the computer›s manufacturing concerning the velocity, the amount of power wasted, the battery,.. etc and I am sure if given such opportunity and support , I could manage to overcome those holdbacks.

Would you like to say something to your nation?

Yes, of course, I would like to deliver some messages: Firstly, to the president of the Republic of Yemen and the Prime Minister together with the concerned authorities for Scientific Research and the Inventions to shed light on anyone who has such an idea or

a new invention needed to be developed or improved or supported through paying a higher amount to him so this undoubtedly will contribute to promoting the development›s cycle economically and culturally as well as politically across the country.

Secondly, motivating the inventor is not only through paying some amounts of money to but opening also some technology›s incubators ( Scientific & Technological workshops) all over the nation so far to present the invention by granting the patent to preserve the legal right according to the law internationally recognized especially in the field of Education.

Thirdly, establishing Science labs: I could, if supported personally, manufacture the whole apparatuses and the equipments at a rate of 70% more efficiently than those foreign ones manufactured and exported from abroad .

Fourthly, since I have made visits to different regions across my city, for example, I do assure that Yemen has possessed qualified cadres of creative youth; both males and females who surpass us for their creativity and originative thinking. However, the government including the concerned authorities for the Scientific Research have to scour for those individuals in order to sharpen their talents and skills since they are the actual inputs and the outputs of Yemen in the upcoming 20 years. If this is taken into account, we will reach the top level which Malaysia has reached nowadays.

What is your appeal to the members of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC) ?

I do hope that the NDC representatives have adopted the concepts of the Yemeni inventors and provided them with such appropriate budget which enable them to show their potentialities, talents and distinguished gifts along with their inventions. This could be fulfilled through bringing them into existence, promoting the faculties of the upcoming generations, by establishing institutions, establishments and workshops for enhancing our gifted students so far to ensure their certain rights. My concluding word is directed to the NDC members to be one hand getting rid of their personal disputes and turning forward to hold the responsibility for the sake of the Modern and Civil Yemeni state characterized by justice marked for all, coexistence, peace, freedom, equal opportunities, mutual and respect , thus, we could leap up to be one of the developed countries because there is nothing impossible in this life.

What do you want to say at last?

Eventually, I do thank you Mr. Acram and the Yemen Observer Newspaper, as the first and foremost English one which caught a chance to hold such an exclusive English meeting with me. I wish I could meet you another time providing the newspaper along with the readers with whatever I am to invent In Shaa› Allah in the upcoming future.

Thanks a million Mr. Mohammed looking forward to hearing from you regarding your upcoming inventions.

Don›t mention it, I will be in touch with you later on.

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Monday - May 06, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 36

C U LT U R E

YEMENI WOMEN AS DECISION MAKERS

Y

Yemeni Socialist Party in Thammar, member of the youth dialogue, member of the revolutionary council in the Province, member of the transparency center for rights and freedom – Sana’a, a youth rights’ activist and a member in Thammar Youth initiative.

emen Observer managed to shed light on leading women of rights activists, who occupy decision making positions in Thammar Province, and they were able to achieve their ambitions in more than a field, in a atmosphere which attributes everything to wrong traditions, in addition to the role of the communal culture in increasing the challenges that face the working woman in Yemen.

BY NUHA AHMED FOR YEMEN OBSERVER

The communal culture in Yemen has its role, in considering the woman to be frail while the man is more powerful than her. In light of this concept, which has its influence on men who haven’t yet known the role of the woman in the work environment and her ability, sometimes, to overweigh men, as well as her position which should be beside her brother ,the man, not in front or behind him.

On asking her about her achievements and the challenges which women faced in their progress, the ambitions which they aspire to present, hoping to discuss at the National Dialogue conference (NDC) we received the answers of some of them below.

Asma’ al-Masri, is the member of the dialogue center in Thammar and member of the Yemeni Writers Union. She was elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Yemeni Union Writers in the Capital Secretariat. She also obtained the first excellent rank medal of innovative Arab Writers’ Union in 2009.

She also won the President’s distinction medal, the fifth rank at al-Sharjah first contest for literary publications in its eleventh round and the shield of the Ministry of Culture at the Sana’a fourth literal festival for story and novel. She also won the President’s 2012 prize for the youth short story.

She is an official at the Information office in Thammar Province and the head of the children rights at the dialogue center. She said, “Since my childhood I sought to be distinctive and to challenge all difficulties. I continued to develop my talents in story writing until I occupied a number of cultural and literal positions.

I met many difficulties, especially that Thammar society is domi-

nated by male perception, and a narrow attitude towards the working woman. I ignored all such racial concepts and stepped towards the future without fear from racism breaking all barriers, to achieve my aspirations, and to prove that woman is able to be equal to her brother the man.”

She added, “My aspirations in regards to the NDC, are many. As a member of this homeland, I hope the NDC will be serious and to be a turning point for overcoming differences and work for its progress in all fields, taking care of man in first place. “as a citizen of Thammar Province, which suffers from many of the security, tribal problems, lack of services, administrative and financial corruption, cultural and intellectual stagnation and ignorance to youth issues, though it is the city of the innovative and scientists, which offered the country a lot. I hope genuine interest should be paid to its people and resources.

Hanan Rebad, Head of al-Riadah (pioneer) Society said, among the things that I made was the establishment of a charitable society in a village that lacks many services. We worked within the society despite our limited potentials to resolve many of the problems, foremost of them the opening of illiteracy classes for over 50 women.

We also trained over 90 of the women leadership in different Thammar Directorates on communal and political partnership, , and trained 55 members of Thammar local governance and executive offices on corruption combat and transparency promotion.

We also participated in awareness campaigns for participation in the 2012 presidential elections, encouraging girl education and illiteracy, protection from infectious diseases and swine flu as well as

She attended many courses in several fields, (rights, politics, elections, human resources)

the distribution of the Eid cloths and food stuffs to 100 families in Kharbat Afiq village.

She is a trainer in human resources development, in electoral fields and in voluntary work and youth initiatives. She added that there are a number of youth activities in training fields, youth initiatives where the qualification courses for youth especially the female in the Province through holding a number of training courses in several fields, as well as voluntary work and initiatives by a number of specialists and volunteers for creating awareness in several fields.

We used to look forward as leaders to rural areas to participate in the NDC, so as to reflect the rural woman suffering and work for resolving the problems that the rural woman suffers, because we know their problems through experience and not through the studies and references on which the government depends without working to resolve them.

But it seems that the NDC gives no importance to the rural woman, and that is why they chose the urban woman leaders only, although we tried to participate through the ways that were published, but the wrong policy that the NDC adopted and the domination of the political parties seemed to prevail.

The woman in Thammar suffers from male oppression as it is in a Province based on the tribalism customs, most of them if not all are oppressive to woman, however in spite of the un-encouraging environment, the woman charismatic state , especially that of the youth is prevailing.

Akhlaq Ali Mehras, a lecturer at al-Hikma University and the High Institute for Health and Sciences, is one of the founding members of Shabab al-Azm, a member in the Youth Initiative in Thammar and a participant in several of the civil society organizations. She said,

“I met great challenges in a community that rejects girl’s education and believes that the house is the appropriate place for the woman, however I didn’t surrender, but preserved and overcame all obstacles, finished the university with distinction and being one of the top of our patch I became a lecturer at the university and a woman activist.”

I also opened a printing and research center, despite the significant opposition (especially from male society,) because I am a woman. I undertook my work myself and proved that woman is able to work in the labor market system and to challenge all obstacles to prove that she is half of the society.

I have several hopes, regarding the NDC, foremost among them

Yemen is a country which all the people of the world hope to be theirs. The Yemenis suffered for centuries form political conflicts and from the political positions which mistreated everything that has a link to humanity, not because it is a poor country, but because all its wealth is not exploited for the good of public interest.

are, equality with men within the Islamic principles, to accept the woman testimony at the Yemeni courts, to sort out the woman important transactions without resorting to a guardian, especially if she is a working woman, and to draft a law which protects the woman from men abuse and persecution.

Dalal A’iedh Saleh al-Siadi, who has a bachelor degree in mathematics, an English diploma, a human development diploma and post graduate studies in local administration. She is the head of the woman sector department at the

This, in turn exhausted the citizens and humiliated them, as they see the international progressive technological, civilized and scientific advance, while on the other hand there is only instigation of sedition and conflicts among the Yemenis.

This required that the people should recover their identity and civilized position, leading to a peaceful, civilized revolution that astonished the world, with its new method in acquiring rights, changing the whole scene, as the Yemenis resorted to the dialogue table, which will be immortalized as a new history, for these people for their leaving aside their 60 mil-

lion pieces of weapon for the sake of dialogue. They are now on the threshold of building a civilized civil Yemen, based on justice, equity and the rule of law.

This is our view, we the youth towards the NDC, which is considered to be a historical opportunity to all, she went on saying, “we have deep belief that NDC will come out with issues for recovering the basic rights for everybody in this beloved homeland, especially the woman, who suffered for decades from the lack of laws and legislations which guarantee her the honorable laws, the same as the man. If there are some of these laws, they are not actually implemented, such as her right in continuing education, and the right in participation in different aspects of life, equivalent to her duties. She cannot do her right properly as long as she hasn’t her full rights.”

Rana Nasser al-Sanabani, a lecturer in Thammar University and a teacher in Cambridge Institute for English language, said that there are many challenges and difficulties that face the woman in Thammar Province, because it is to some extent a male tribal community, because the old concepts towards woman are still existing, considering her to be created only for being a house wife, however there is the other full part of the glass, in recent years, where the woman in Thammar managed to break the intellectual and reactionary deadlock and to leave her fingerprint on all aspects, defying all difficulties.

As for my aspirations, I look forward to do my post graduate studies abroad , to establish a newspaper for the Yemeni woman to cover all her concerns, and call it Bint al-Yemen ( the Daughter of Yemen).

Regarding the NDC, I am concerned with resolving the southern issue, because unity means security and stability to Yemen.

In order to build a new Yemen, security and stability should prevail in all Yemen and then we can achieve all our ambitions and aspirations, and achieve all the projects that give the advantages of security and stability which give the other countries an investment opportunity in our country.

YEMEN’S ARMY MEMBERS LEARN FRENCH

E

ight members from different Yemeni army units graduated last Saturday from French Cultural Institute after completing a one year French course.

nication and the basis to get skills, experiences and knowledge about the Military techniques and methods” Colonel Qasem Abdulsalam, General Manger of the Military Languages Institute, said in a celebration held at the French Cultural Institute in Sana’a.

“ Georges Pompiduo, the former president of the French Republic said teach them French language to make them buy French weapons and goods, that’s include the military mechanics,” Abdulsalam added.

He said that the two sides participating in this mutual cooperation and cultural exchange would both trade benefits from that, and that we simply instead of standing in front of the running wheel, we have to convey it and it will lead us to many interests and advantages.

FROM RIGHT TO LEFT (FRANK JULIE THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR AND COLONEL JÉRÔME COURTOIS, THE DEFENSE ATTACHÉ IN THE FRENCH EMBASSY) BY: ELHAM HASSAN FOR YEMEN OBSERVER

One Trainee’s certificate read that he gets this certificate for completing level III in the General

References French Language.

This program came as part of the cooperation activities between French Embassy, represented by the French Defense attaché and

French Cultural Institute as well as the Yemeni Defense Ministry represented by the Military Language Institute.

“Language is the key of commu-

“The militants need to know what happened in other part of the world. It is a mechanism of opening, discovering and developing…even if you found it is not suitable to you, you can then satisfy staying as you are, but what is important is to get acknowledge.” Colonel Jérôme Courtois, the Defense Attaché in the French Embassy, said in answering a question asking why seeing Yemeni militants learning French makes him happy.

“What is important in the cultural exchange, including military cultural exchange, is the founding and understanding the other…. I can get benefits from your experience more than what I will give you,” he added.

Colonel Jérôme said that the upcoming step is to enhance Yemeni marine capacity which would be very important to determine the Yemeni maritime boundaries and to take the country to the international context.

“Military task is not only to fight terrorism” he said “For example in case that Yemeni marine capacity is developed, one can get benefits from fish resources that are very abundant in the Yemeni waters,” he added.

“Navigation and aviation devices and machines are in French language. France is the pioneer in such a field” Yaser AlHobaishi,first lieutenant in Yemeni air force spoke about the reason that made him learn French.

“I believe that knowing French would open wide horizons in front of me. I may gain a master degree scholarship in France, or may join one of the peacekeeping forces outside of Yemen. In both, I will return to Yemen with a lot of information about keeping peace and dealing with conflicts in my homeland” he added.

Yaser had learnt French in the Military Languages Institute for

six months before gaining the scholarship to study French in the French Cultural Institute for one year.

Chantal Bousquet, Deputy Director of the French Cultural Institute and said that in the beginning of the course there were 20 militants studying French, but some are banned, failed or stopped, they ended with 8. She added that through the French institute certificate they could be offered an opportunity to do some training or some kind of workshop study in France.

“You, the militants, reach to that point after going through a lot of difficult. I appreciate you for what you do in the field. I can’t prevent myself from remembering your army mates that sacrifice their blood, so that your country now is free” Frank Julie, the French ambassador said.

He added that the military is a very important element in raising and protecting the country, especially in the period of restructuring, maintaining the national dialogue and drafting the constitution, as the French support depends on the settlement of the country.

“The motivation that push you to learn this language reminds me of a principle of an old known French military school that goes: We build ourselves to win the victory, and this is exactly what you do,” he said.

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Monday - May 06, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 36

COMMUNITY

WHEN LESS MEAN MORE : LESSONS IN HEALTHY LONGEVITY

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ome people advocate under eating as a means of achieving health and longevity. Does eating less guarantee a longer life expectancy? What can we learn from countries that have a longer span?

BY HASNA’ ABDULMAJID *

Western culture and those who emulate it are often distinguished by excess consumption. Excess consumption in areas of all types of merchandise and even the most basic necessity, like water, is used in a manner such that an average shower would fulfill the daily water usage for more than one person in an underdeveloped country. A 10 minute shower uses about 70 liters of water. Yet more than one in six people worldwide - 894 million don’t have access to 20-50 liters of safe freshwater a day to meet their basic requirements.|

Food intake is also starkly contrasting when one compares wealthy countries to those in the developing third world. America has been noted for being a land of excess and although one would imagine that having more would bring about more benefit the opposite is what is seen to be the case.

With supersize fast food meals and supersized bodies the rates of heart disease, diabetes and many ailments are higher than in any country. There are people however who realize that aging should not start so early and that it is possible to maintain good health well into the later years. They attempt to change their diet and exercise.

And there are some that advocate eating but never to the point of fullness while others promote intermittent fasting in which a person rotates between eating during one day and then another day not eating but drinking cleansing teas and juices.

Hunger is often equated with lack and associated with illness and deprivation. Perhaps deep in the psyche of mankind is the fear of dying from lack of food. Whatever the situation people avoid hunger at times with health in mind. But studies on primates may translate into the idea that perhaps people need a little more hunger in their lives.

Monkey See, People do?

Primates who were studied during a two year period showed evidence that being fed a restricted low calorie diet would yield a healthier monkey. Previous tests on rats that showed an extended life span between 20% and 80% when their diets were restricted and yeast and roundworms. Professor Cythia Kenyon an American geneticist and biochemist made a breakthrough by suppressing an ageing gene through controlled carbohydrate intake. Roundworms who lived no longer than 20 days on average were sluggish, fat and wrinkled by day eighteen. With diet manipulation these same worms were able to live up to 144 days and maintaining a level of unexpected vitality as if they were young. This led many to believe that restricted calorie would have a similar impact with people. This was not as practical but a study was set up at the University of Wisconsin, led by Richard Weindruch, to study the effect of calorie restriction on two groups ofvprimates.

An article in ScienceNow said, “Researchers allowed half of the monkeys to eat as much as they wanted during the day, while restricting the other half to a diet with 30% fewer calories. The scientists gave the restricted monkeys vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure they did not suffer malnutrition and treated any animals that fell sick, says Weindruch.... Sixtythree percent of the calorie-restricted animals are still alive compared to only 45% of their free-feeding counterparts.

For age-related deaths caused by illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and

cancer, the voracious eaters died at three times the rate of restricted monkeys: 14 versus five monkeys, respectively.”

In another study with the National Institute for Aging monkeys put on a similar calorie restricted diet did not show a difference in life span but in the end both studies showed improved quality of life devoid of non age related illness.

The study at the University of Wisconsin has been conducted for more than two decades and will continue to see the long term effects on restricted calorie intake on the remainder monkeys.

Do countries with long healthy life span eat less?

CANTO ON THE LEFT EATS HALF OF WHAT OWEN ( RIGHT) EATS. WHILE BOTH ADVANCED IN MONKEY YEARS, CANTO’S COAT IS STILL SHINY AND SOFT; HIS SKIN IS ELASTIC; AND HE HAS A YOUTHFUL ENERGETIC DEMEANOR. OWEN IS LOSING HAIR HAS DEVELOPED ARTHRITIS, AND HIS FACE IS VISIBLY AGED.

listed the top Blue Zones as follows.

- The Italian island of Sardinia - Okinawa, Japan

- Loma Linda, California

- Costa Rica’s isolated Nicoya Peninsula

- Ikaria, an isolated Greek island

Wickipedia summarized from Beuttner’s book “Blue Zones”

- Sardinia, Italy (specifically Nuoro province): One team of demographers found a hot spot of longevity in mountain villages where men reach the age of

One country famous for long life spans is Okinawa which is a small remote area in Japan and for decades they were the number one in the world for longevity. But in 2011 the Chinese took the lead for living the longest. The diet of the Japanese and Chinese is one that is vegetarian based. It is usually steamed or cooked with very little oil. There is little meat and a lot of fish. This by itself would contribute to being a lower calorie diet than one that is based on fried foods and lots of meat, dairy, processed foods and refined carbohydrates and sugar.

But diet is not the only factor. In Hong Kong, medical care is extremely affordable with any treatment costing the equivalent of 15.50 a day. If a retired person visits a hospital then whatever surgery they need or treatment is free of cost. Along with this daily exercise is an integral part of the life in Hong Kong.

An article from NY times published in August 2012 reported, “The average life expectancy of women at birth ( in Hong Kong) is 86.7 years, according to government statistics published last month. For men it’s 80.5 years.

That’s up from 78.5 years for women and 72.3 years for men 30 years ago. The report attributes the increase in longevity to better medical services and greater health consciousness.”

Japan and China are not alone

Okinawa , Japan and Hong Kong, China are amongst several other countries that are located in what is known as the Blue Zone.

“WE’VE OBSERVED THAT THE ANIMALS ON CALORIE RESTRICTION LIVE LONGER AND THAT THEY DEVELOP DISEASES LATER IF AT ALL,” SAID DR. RICHARD WEINDRUCH OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN.

100 years at an amazing rate.

- The islands of Okinawa, Japan: Another team examined a group that is among the longest lived on Earth - Loma Linda, California: Researchers studied a group of Seventh-day Adventists who rank among America’s longevity all-stars - Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: The Nicoya Peninsula was the subject of research on a Quest Network expedition which began on January 29, 2007 - Icaria, Greece: The April ‘09 expedition to the island of Ikaria uncovered the location with the highest percentage of 90 year-olds on the planet - nearly 1 out of 3 people make it to their 90s. Furthermore, Ikarians “have about 20 percent lower rates of cancer, 50 percent lower rates of heart disease and almost no dementia”.

THE TOP THREE COUNTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST LONGEVITY ARE LINKED BY QUALITIES SUCH AS A PLANT BASED DIET, NON SMOKING, AND COMMUNITY

Residents of the first three places produce a high rate of centenarians, suffer a fraction of the diseases that commonly kill people in other parts of the developed world, and enjoy more healthy years of life.”

Blue Zone Traits..

Dan Beutnerr shared the common traits that these long living countries had. The following is taken from his Blue Zone website

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS A PART OF THE DAILY ROUTINE OF THOSE WHO LIVE THE LONGEST. IN SARDINIA, ITALY, WHOSE MEN CAN BOAST AT LIVING THE LONGEST IN THE WORLD, MANY MEN ARE SHEPHERDS AND WALK MILES A DAY OVER ROUGH TERRAIN.

The blue zone refers to the regions of the world that are characterized as having the longest life expectancy that often is beyond 90-100 years of age. Not only do the inhabitants of these regions live longer lives but they also live them the illness and diseases that are often associated with aging.

Journalist Dan Beuttner went out for National Geographic to identify and research these locations. He

Where he explains how they brought together a team of specialists in the fiels of medicine, anthropology, demography, and epidemiology to search for evidence based common denominators . Here are some: 1. Move Naturally The world’s longest-lived people don’t pump iron, run marathons or join gyms.

Instead, they live in environments that constantly nudge them into moving without thinking about it. They grow gardens and don’t have mechanical conveniences for house and yard work.

2. Purpose. The Okinawans call it “Ikigai” and the Nicoyans call it “plan de vida;” for both it translates to “why I wake up in the morning.”

Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy

3. Down Shift. Even people in the Blue Zones experience stress.

Stress leads to chronic inflammation, associated with every major age-related disease. What the world’s longest-lived people have that we don’t are routines to shed that stress. Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap and Sardinians do happy hour.

RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT COMMITTING TO A LIFE PARTNER CAN ADD 3 YEARS TO YOUR LIFE EXPECTANCY.

4. 80% Rule. “Hara hachi bu” – the Okinawan, 2500-year old Confucian mantra said before meals reminds them to stop eating when their stomachs are 80 percent full.

The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight or gaining it. People in the Blue Zones eat their smallest meal in the late afternoon or early evening and then they don’t eat any more the rest of the day.

Hunger is often equated with lack and associated with illness and deprivation.

Perhaps deep in the psyche of mankind is the fear of dying from lack of food.

5. Plant Slant. Beans, including fava, black, soy and lentils, are the cornerstone of most centenarian diets. Meat—mostly pork—is eaten on average only five times per month. Serving sizes are 3-4 oz., about the size of deck or cards.

6. Belong. All but five of the 263 centenarians we interviewed belonged to some faith-based community. Denomination doesn’t seem to matter. Research shows that attending faith-based services four times per month will add 4-14 years of life expectancy.

7. Loved Ones First. Successful centenarians in the Blue Zones put their families first. This means keeping aging parents and grandparents nearby or in the home (It lowers disease and mortality rates of children in the home too.). They commit to a life partner (which can add up to 3 years of life expectancy) and invest in their children with time and love (They’ll be more likely to care for you when the time comes).

8. Right Tribe. The world’s longest lived people chose–or were born into–social circles that supported healthy behaviors, Okinawans created ”moais”–groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research from the Framingham Studies shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious. So the social networks of long-lived people have favorably shaped their health behaviors.

Although diet is a major role in the longevity and health of a people it is obvious that it is not the only factor to contribute to well being and a long lifespan. Longevity and health depend on a combination of factors and in striving to improve we can take from multiple sources.

Whether incorporate the concept of eating less or moving more there are many options that are available and it is best to use an integrative approach which combines habits that are found in regions such as those aforementioned. ............

* Hasna’ Abdulmajid is an expatriate who came to Yemen to study Arabic and Islamic studies in a traditional manner. A visual artist and former radio host, she is currently writing pieces for the Yemeni Observer which highlight vital social aspects of the global and local community. Was this article informative? Take a minute to let her know @ hasna.abdulmajid@ gmail.com

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Monday - May 06, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 36

REPORT

UNDP’S 3X6 APPROACH LAUNCHED IN ADEN TO MITIGATE YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

The Government of Yemen, through its Youth Economic Empowerment Project (YEEP) implemented with support from UNDP and the Governments of Japan and Korea launched the “3x6 approach” on May 2, aiming to create sustainable employment for young disadvantaged Yemenis in Aden.

The 3x6 approach has been implemented in Yemen for the first time and it does not only address the economic aspects but it contributes to conflict mitigation by tackling drivers of instability.

The Youth Economic Empowerment Project uses the approach to contribute to peace building and the economic recovery process by mitigating the rampant unemployment issue amongst youth.

The approach has three main phases—inclusiveness, ownership and sustainability.

During phase I, the period of temporary employment, individuals are encouraged to develop a business idea that they will implement individually or in association with others In Phase II, once the business plan is found to be solid, UNDP will triple the savings of the individual or group to provide start-up capital for implementation of the business idea.

Phase III is a period of consolidation of the business and the project ensures that the young entrepreneurs have access to information about the business environment and existing services relevant to their business idea. The project will

OUR MISSION

facilitate linkages with other services so that long term sustainability of the businesses is ensured.

The approach aims to support the country to solve the rampant issue of youth unemployment in Aden.

“We want to create sustainable livelihoodsfor youth in Aden,” says Caroline Lensing-Hebben, the Chief Technical Advisor of the project.

The launch was under the patronage of and attended by the Ministry of Planning, the Governor’s office, the Local Authority of Aden and Guidance and Endowments office.

More than150 youth attended.

The 3x6 employment generation initiative in Aden will workwith water restrictors, a plastic disc that pushes air through with the water to reduce water usage. The idea is

to install this small plastic disc into the water taps at schools, mosques and public places. It will reduce the amount of water flow and contribute to reducing the consumption of water which is a critical problem in Yemen considering the water scarcity.

“It is very important to implement such a project and I call upon all business people and officials to support youth to build their bright future,” says Majed al-Shajeri, from the Union of the SCOs. Ahmed Al-Dulai, the Deputy Governor of Aden, expressed his pleasure to have 3x6 approach implemented in Aden “Youth should not only depend on the government to provide them with jobs. The 3x6 approach will provide them with an income at the end of the period of

the first phase which will be tripled if they chose to implement their projects. I hope youth do not take their saved capital and utilize the chance to put their businesses plans to benefit from the grants of the approach.

The 3x6 approach is a good chance for them,” he says, “The business market is also big and inclusive to youth’s upcoming businesses.”

“The approach will help youth to be self-dependent and to allow their skills to grow which will ultimately result into supporting the economic development in Aden,” says Intisar Murshid, from MoPIC office in Aden.

150 youth beneficiaries attend the launch, the youth beneficiaries aspire to secure a sustainable income as most of them are jobless struggling to secure their living not

T

only for them but for their families as well.

“I hope that I would have a source of income to support myself and my family,” says Abdullah Makashi, 19, who left his school to support his family and planned to be a street vendor jointly with others.

“I always wanted to be a lawyer but I stopped my university education to work,” says Rana Mahioub, 24, unemployed for four years aiming to have a beauty salon out of her participation in the approach.

The approach has been launched in Sana’a in December 2012 where youth are now engaged in building their businesses (second phase) mentored by UNDP and the approach will be launched in Taiz on May 9th.

o provide comprehensive, trustworthy and unbiased information on Yemeni Affairs and constantly improving the professionalism of our staff and their lives through the compound effect

Knights & Dames

Yemen Observer honored its staffers and employees for their great dedication and remarkable efforts they have made over the past month of April.

Ashwaq al-Hamdani

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Hisham Kibsi

Samirah

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Mohammed Sharhan

Mohammed Ali kalfood

Malnutrition threatens more than half of the children in Yemen, what portends a major humanitarian problem bears its responsibility the family, the community and the local authority and government institutions involved in child welfare and food security, and civil society organizations

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Yemen’s Most Informed, Professional & Widely Circulated

MONDAY - MAY 06, 2013 VOL. XVI - ISSUE 36

MTN YEMEN AND INJAZ FOUNDATION SIGN AN AGREEMENT TO FUND THE INTILAQATI ENTREPRENEURIAL PROJECT

dents embody their ideas into reality through the production of specialized solar-powered equipment innovated recently by female students who created a fan, lantern and umbrella which all work with Solar power. The girls established a company that they called Creative Generation for this purpose and aspire to establish a factory for the production of electrical appliances and electronics powered by eco-friendly solar energy.

Following the signing of the agreement, project manager and Creative Generation representative Wafa’a al-Raimi explained that the company will work to devise a mechanism to convert electrical appliances to solar-powered devices.

Mobile phone operator MTN Yemen and Injaz Yemen Foundation signed an agreement to fund the

AIR-CRAFT MACHINE GUNS USED IN YEMENI WEDDINGS

BY FARES ANAM

A video has been distributed on YouTube for Yemeni tribes using air-craft machine guns in wedding parties. The video shows two cars carrying air-craft machine guns surrounded by groups of people celebrating the wedding of their relative in an unknown location.

It is known that Yemenis are using fireworks in wedding parties, and it is the first time for Yemeni people to see air-craft machine guns being used in the weddings. These weapons are only used in wars to overturn warplanes, but in Yemen, they use it for wedding as expression of joy and happiness.

In recent times, the use of light and heavy guns in weddings has spread among Yemeni people. According to GunPolicy.org, the estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Yemen is 8,000,0001 to 11,500,000. The rate of private gun ownership in Yemen is 54.82 firearms per 100 people. In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Yemen ranked at No. 10. In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Yemen ranked at No.2.

The defense forces of Yemen are reported to have 283,1954 firearms, and Police in Yemen are reported to have 210,0005 firearms, according GunPolicy.org.

Intilaqati (My Start) entrepreneurial project. The project which is implemented by a number of female students at al-Sayeda Zein-

ab School in the capital secretariat was allocated with the amount of US $ 15,000.

The project aims to help stu-

A number of female students from Zainab School scored first place in the first contest for young entrepreneurs in Sana'a in 2012. They also won the title of the best company in a student competition in the Injaz (achievement) of Arabs for Arab youth in © 2013 M&C Saatchi MENA. All rights reserved. mcsaatchi.me Doha this year.

TRUST YEMEN INSURANCE & REINSURANCE CO. (Y.S.C.) P.O .Box 18392 Sana’a Republic of Yemen T +967 1 412592 / 425007 F + 967 1 412570 MEMBER OF TRUST GROUP www.trustgroup.com

STUDY IN THE USA! MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy and AMIDEAST, is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for master’s degree studies in the United States under the J. William Fulbright Scholarship Program. Applications are for Fulbright grants beginning August 2014. Fulbright grants provide full funding (tuition and all associated costs) for two years of master’s degree study in the U.S. in all fields except computer science, engineering, dentistry, medicine or medical fields, nursing, and pharmacy.

Qualified applicants must have: A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (four- or five-year degree) from an accredited institution awarded at least one year prior to application; Demonstrated ability to undertake advanced studies, with a B.A. or B.S. grade point average equivalent to at least a 3.20 of 4.00 scale; Strong English language skills; and Preferred: At least one year of paid or voluntary work experience (minimum of two years for applicants to masters of business administration programs only).

Applicants must also be Yemeni citizens currently residing and working in Yemen. Individuals holding dual U.S./Yemeni citizenship or permanent residency are ineligible for Fulbright grants.

To obtain detailed application instructions and to receive further program details, please visit http://www.amideast.org/yemen/academic-and-cultural-exchange/fulbright-foreign-student-program or contact AMIDEAST at: AMIDEAST Sana’a: Off Algiers St., (behind Tunisian Embassy), Sana’a. Tel/Fax: 01-400-279/80/81.

Mobile: 711416660/733033334. E-mail: scholarships-sanaa@amideast.org. Contact: Entelak Al-Absi.

AMIDEAST Aden: 162 Miswat St., Khormaksar, Aden. Tel/Fax: 02-235-069/070/071.Mobile: 711421313/733454043. E-mail: scholarlships-aden@amideast.org. Contact: Fatima Gulam.

Complete application submissions must include: 1. Submission of online Fulbright Application Form, available at: https://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/international/20/ by June 5, 2013, which also includes: a. Copies of all university transcripts and diplomas. Transcripts in any language other than English or Arabic must be accompanied by official translations. b. TWO essays typed and prepared in ENGLISH c. THREE letters of recommendation in ENGLISH from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional achievements. d. Curriculum Vitae. e. Either a valid International TOEFL® or Institutional TOEFL® Program (ITP TOEFL®) score equivalent to at least a 550 (or 80 iBT). Test scores may not be older than two years from date of application.

2. Submission of the application’s signature page and original TOEFL score report to the AMIDEAST offices in Aden or Sanaa by the application deadline below.

NOTE: Applicants who do not have a valid International TOEFL® score should contact AMIDEAST immediately to arrange for the ITP TOEFL® examination. The last scheduled ITP examination before the application deadline will be administered on May 20, 2013. Special exams may be arranged for an additional fee no later than Wednesday, May 29, 2013.

COMPLETED APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE AMIDEAST OFFICES IN ADEN OR SANA’A NO LATER THAN 4 P.M. on JUNE 5, 2013.

Socotra Press Tel: 01 - 505 430

BY HESHAM SAMI AL-KIBSI

For his part, Deputy CEO of MTN Yemen, Ali Abdulwarith pointed that the project comes within the framework of the company's support for female students to enhance their creative abilities in the field of innovation. He noted that the role of women in the development process of the community is of great importance as they represent half of the society and are working on the upbringing and education of the other half.