Rare Vultures on View at Al Ain Wildlife Park
|
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Rare Vultures
Sand Cat
Sand Cat
Sand cats are a rear find in the desert, but I thought this cat was interesting and since 2007, the first four kittens born in captivity are being raised at the Al Ain Zoo in the United Arab Emirates as an effort to preserve the local fauna. The sand cat are small desert dwelling cats native to North Africa and the Middle East. I hope to see them when we go to Al Ain Zoo.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia | Sand Cat[1] | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Felidae |
| Genus: | Felis |
| Species: | F. margarita |
| Binomial name | |
| Felis margarita Loche, 1858 | |
The Sand cat (Felis margarita), also referred to as the "sand dune cat", is a small wild cat distributed over African and Asian deserts. The name "desert cat" is reserved for Felis silvestris lybica, the African wildcat, but it could be appropriate for this species. It lives in those arid areas that are too hot and dry even for the desert cat: the Sahara, the Arabian Desert, and the deserts of Iran and Pakistan. It lives for about 13 years in captivity.
Contents[hide] |
[edit] Physical characteristics
The Sand cat's length averages almost 50 cm (20 in), plus a 30 cm (12 in) tail. The average weight of a sand cat is 2.7 kg (6 lbs). Their heads are conspicuously broad, and their ears are large, pointed, and widely spaced to the point they can be flattened horizontally or even pointing down (this aids in hunting). The colour of the fur is a pale sandy yellow, with pallid bars, which are sometimes hardly visible. Generally the bars are more visible in the African subspecies. The mucosa of their eyelids is a striking black. Their paws are covered with long hairs that allow it to tolerate and easily maneuver the hot sand of its environment. The sand cat can survive in temperatures ranging from −5 °C (23 °F) to 52 °C (126 °F).
[edit] Habitat and behavior
Sand cats live solitarily (until mating season; see below), digging burrows to escape the desert heat, and come out after dusk to hunt rodents, lizards, birds and insects, although their diet may consist mostly of rodents. They "skulk" close to the ground and will use any available cover to protect themselves. Using their large ears they listen for prey, digging rapidly when they hear it underground. Since the sand cat obtains all the water it needs from eating its prey, it mostly stays far away from watering points where other predators may harm it. Sand cats congregate only for mating so numbering them is a difficult task. It seems however that their numbers have been declining in the Arabian desert following a rarefaction of their prey.
Threats to the Sand cat include humans, wolves, snakes, and raptors.[3] Although solitary animals, sand cats do not have their own territories like tigers or bobcats, and may even "take turns" over burrows with others.
Conservation
Hunting this cat is prohibited in Algeria, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Niger, Pakistan and Tunisia. No legal protection is offered by the following countries: Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates.[4]
Since 2007, the first four kittens born in captivity are being raised at the Al Ain Zoo in the United Arab Emirates as an effort to preserve the local fauna.
[edit] Subspecies
There are six subspecies of the Sand cat:
- Felis margarita margarita, North Africa, from Algeria to Arabia
- Felis margarita airensis, Niger
- Felis margarita harrisoni, Arabian Peninsula
- Felis margarita meinertzhageni, Sahara
- Felis margarita thinobia, Caspian Sea area (Iran, Turkmenistan)
- Felis margarita scheffeli, Pakistan
F. m. thinobia is sometimes regarded as a separate species; F. m. scheffeli is listed by CITES as endangered, although IUCN only lists it as near threatened as of 2001.
Monday, December 28, 2009
First Pig Tails
Sydney finally has hair long anuff for her first pig tails. She has a big smile. I hope everyone enjoys this photo. We even got the Coca Cola Light not Diet Coke in the photo, ha ha.
First Pony Tails
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Merry Christmas
The story behind that is we have been having several birthdays in our family and she can say Happy Birthday and well I think she thought Christmas was someone's birthday so I told her it was Jesus's birthday, which you should never lose sight of that during Christmas anyway. I can't wait to look back and think how cute that was. Since we got it all on video tape. We spent the day with all three of us and the dogs just relaxing and opening gifts. The day was filled with fun moments that hopefully we will never forget. We had ham for our Christmas dinner and even the dogs had a special meal for Christmas Lucy had a little ham and Teddy had a green bean with there dog food. The dogs got a toy too which they seemed to love. Everyone had a wonderful day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Ski Dubai
It’s s-now or never
Santa noticed A big difference on his return to Ski Dubai this week. It was snowing during the day! That’s right, real snow falling– another world first at the world famous indoor ski resort.
The team at Ski Dubai who have been able to make 30 tons of fresh dry powder snow fall each night for the last four years when the centre is closed, have now developed the technology to make real snow fall during the daytime when the snow park is open.
After four years of design and development, the race was on to have the system up and running for the arrival of Santa and Mrs Claus.
Mike Mahoney, General Manager of Ski Dubai, says, “We are proud to announce another world first! Since Ski Dubai opened we have been able to provide many of our guests with the opportunity to touch snow for the first time. Now with the development of our Snow Flake technology, we can allow them to also see it falling which for many in this region will be a new experience”.
“The timing for this launch has been perfect for Santa’s visit and I’m sure the snowflakes will enhance the Free Photos with Santa available with every child entry ticket from now till Christmas Eve”.
The real snow flakes will fall in the snow park area for the enjoyment of families and other visitors.
The system uses nothing more than nature’s ingredients of water, air and a drop in temperature. See real snow falling at Ski Dubai from 2pm daily over the festive period.
It’s s-now or never
Santa noticed A big difference on his return to Ski Dubai this week. It was snowing during the day! That’s right, real snow falling– another world first at the world famous indoor ski resort.
The team at Ski Dubai who have been able to make 30 tons of fresh dry powder snow fall each night for the last four years when the centre is closed, have now developed the technology to make real snow fall during the daytime when the snow park is open.
After four years of design and development, the race was on to have the system up and running for the arrival of Santa and Mrs Claus.
Mike Mahoney, General Manager of Ski Dubai, says, “We are proud to announce another world first! Since Ski Dubai opened we have been able to provide many of our guests with the opportunity to touch snow for the first time. Now with the development of our Snow Flake technology, we can allow them to also see it falling which for many in this region will be a new experience”.
“The timing for this launch has been perfect for Santa’s visit and I’m sure the snowflakes will enhance the Free Photos with Santa available with every child entry ticket from now till Christmas Eve”.
The real snow flakes will fall in the snow park area for the enjoyment of families and other visitors.
The system uses nothing more than nature’s ingredients of water, air and a drop in temperature. See real snow falling at Ski Dubai from 2pm daily over the festive period.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Rain
We are thankful for the rain God has given us this week.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Christmas decorations
National Day
38th National Day Celebrations
On December 2 the UAE celebrated 38 years as a country, which is just like our 4th of July back home, but here they do everything bigger. The whole city seemed to come alive with all there UAE decorations from buildings to cars and yes they partied until the wee hours of the morning.
National Day Fireworks in Abu Dhabi
On National Day night, Abu Dhabi will make its way to the record books when a spectacular display of fireworks lights up the city’s skyline.
A forty five minutes display of fireworks which anticipates one million viewers aims to become a major tourism event.
Lighting up the Abu Dhabi sky to a height of over 1,584 feet, the event aims to enter the Guinness Book of Records as the largest fireworks display in the world history in line with HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's vision to be the 1st in the world. The event features a wall of fireworks choreographed to selected music that can be heard all along the beach front.
The fireworks show will start at 8:30pm and last for 45 minutes from three barges at Emirates Palace Marina Bay and from five more alongside the West Corniche.
We went to see the fireworks and they truly lasted 45 minutes. I never seen so much parting in all my life they really get into it.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
We couldn't have asked for a better company for my husband to work for and co-workers who try to make this country our home away from home. We have a lot to be thankful for this year with Paul's new job and another country that we get to experience that only happens once in a life time. We are also thankful for co-workers who really try to help you every way they can while you are here.
I am also thankful for our daughter and my wonderful husband and best friend Paul. We couldn't have asked for a better child then Sydney.
We are also thankful for our family and friends back home who we love and miss.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Eid Mubarak
Eid Mubarak
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eid mubarak (Arabic: عيد مبارك, Persian/Urdu: عید مُبارک) is a traditional Muslim greeting reserved for use on the festivals of Eid ul-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr. The phrase translates into English as "blessed festival", and can be paraphrased as "may you enjoy a blessed festival". Muslims wish each other Eid Mubarak after performing the Eid prayer. This celebration continues until the end of the day, and continues a further three days. It is notable that saying these exact words is a cultural tradition influenced by deep roots of religion in it; however, it is not part of any religious obligations. Speakers of Arabic might also add "kul 'am wantum bikhair."
Eid refers to the occasion itself, and Mubarak means 'congratulations'.
Throughout the Muslim world there are numerous other ways of greeting for Eid ul-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr. The Companions of the Islamic prophet Muhammad used to say to each other when they met on Eid ul-Fitr:
Taqabbalallâhu minnâ wa minkum
which means "may God accept from us and you [our fasts and deeds]".
An exception to this use in the Muslim world is Turkey where 'Eid Mubarak' is not common at all. The Turkish Bayramin Mubarek olsun, meaning may your holiday be blessed is common.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Big Girl Cup
The Pugs
Lucy did have to have her teeth cleaned and two teeth removed so the past couple of days she has been taking it easy and not eatting vary much. Which should help her even more to lose some weight. I am glad they have vets here from all over the world and it seems to be the best care they could have while they are here. I am vary happy with the vets office when I picked her up after her cleaning they had her in the front in the reception area and giving her lots of love which pugs just love and eat right up. I am also vary excited to know there are so many pugs here I was a little nervous about bringing them over here because it is so hot in the summer, but I am not worried now knowing there are other pugs here that have been in the heat. Lucy goes for a follow up appointment about her teeth tomorrow.
Teddy seems to be fine and eatting well we are hoping to put him on regular food soon. I think he might have been upset while we were gone and now that we are together and they have been pampered by us and my mother in law they should be just fine. After all we are the lucky ones to have the pugs in our life. The pugs are really special dogs and love to be with there owner 24 7. We really missed that while they were gone.
Sydney is really happy the dogs are here and she is helping me walk them everyday. She is really growing up as we speak, but she will always be my little girl. She seems to be getting really tall she is almost 3 feet tall now. She is going to be tall, which is a good thing. Sydney is also learning to throw the toys for Teddy which is so cute. She is doing great with the dogs.
Pre School
Saturday, November 7, 2009
F1 race
The F1 race finally came to Abu Dhabi and it was really cool they had several concerts and finally the big event on Saturday the final race of the 2009 F1 year. The box seats we had were really cool and the free food was not bad either. Going to this race brought me back to NASCAR when our family went to a few races when I was a kid. The race was really cool and seeing Abu Dhabi make history was even better. They plan to have races here every year for a least 5 years maybe more. I am glad we went to the race.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Villa
Sydney will start a new school now that we have moved and the new school will be closer to our new home. Which makes it really nice. She will still go 5 days a week. She has been home with me this week and I have enjoyed having her around. She is already asking about the new school and she seems to be excited about going there. Hopefully in the next week or so.
The weather is starting to cool down some, but I would like it to be a little cooler though everyone says it happens in the next few weeks.
Halloween
Sydney was a witch for Halloween she looked so cute. The neighborhood was full of kids and we ran out of candy. I didn't think that would happen here.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Back to School
Sydney has been invited to her first birthday party here on October 2. It is for someone in her class. I got the invitation from school today it was in her lunch box. That gives me an idea on how to invite her class for her birthday party. They are having it at the mall in one of the game areas. I plan to see how it goes so I know what to do for her birthday party this year. The child is turning 3 years old so it should be a lot of fun. The game area is called Fun World.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking)
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).
Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking).
On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.
After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday. These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim countries, the entire 3-day period is an official government/school holiday.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Dubai Mall-Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Aquarium
A key centerpiece inside the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium, one of the of the largest tanks in the world at 51m x 20m x 11m and featuring the world’s largest viewing panel at 32.8m wide and 8.3m high. Over time, Dubai Aquarium will have more than 33,000 living animals, representing more than 85 species including over 400 sharks and rays combined.
Dubai Aquarium's 270-degree glass walk through tunnel makes for an incredible close-encounter experiences with some of the most fascinating underwater animals on the planet. It was really cool being able to walk through and see up close and personal sharks and there teeth and stingrays mouth and eyes I had never seen anything like it before. It was really cool and Sydney just loved it.
Underwater Zoo
Walk along the Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean environments at the Underwater Zoo and you’ll find yourself face to face with dangerous Piranha, Giant Catfish, playful Otters, a Humbolt Penguin colony, Harbor Seals and more. Also a huge king crab half the size of Sydney.
Whether viewing the Rainforest from a suspension bridge high above the river and tree canopy, or reaching out and touching some of the more hardy rock pool inhabitants, this is an aquatic experience you will never forget.
First Week Of Pre-School
Monday, August 31, 2009
Red Bull Air Race
Red Bull Air Race Abu Dhabi 2009
Hannes Arch of Team Abu Dhabi secured fourth place at the fourth round of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest. I really like this photo that was in an article of the local magazine. I thought it was really cool that it had Abu Dhabi on the plane. From car races, to planes and even camel races who would have thought they would have all of this in the sand. They are really big in sports here from European football to horse raceing you just wouldn't believe it unless you were here.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Church
I was reading an article the other day about the Sheikh Zayed Mosque remember it is the third largest Mosque in the world. (the Mosque photo was taken earlier in the blog postings). The Mosque can accommodate a staggering 40,960 worshipers and Paul thought the church we went to was big, haha.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Pre school
Villa
Ramadan update
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Thawb (kandura)
A thawb or thobe (Arabic: ثوب, ṯawb), dishdasha (دشداشة dišdāšah), kandura (كندورة kandūrah) khameez (قميص qamīṣ) or suriyah in Libya, is an ankle-length garment, usually with long sleeves, similar to a robe.
The word thawb is the standard Arabic word for 'a garment'. It is the traditional Arabic dress for men. It is sometimes spelt thobe or thaub. It is a tunic, generally long. The word is used specifically for this garment in the Persian Gulf States. There has been some debate regarding the correct length of the thawb. In the orthodox view of Muslim dress code, the length should be somewhat shorter than ankle.
The thawb is typically worn by men in the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, Morocco, and other Muslim countries. It is normally made of cotton, but heavier materials such as sheep's wool can also be used, especially in colder seasons. The style of the thawb varies slightly among the various regions within the Persian Gulf. The sleeves and the collar can be stiffened to give a more formal appearance. Other names may be used for this garment. For example, in the United Arab Emirates, the word kandura is more common. In the Levant, dishdasha is the most common word for the garment. In Morocco, the sleeves tend to be much shorter so that the thawb may seem more like a long T-shirt and is locally called gandora. Also the neck tends to be more open than in its Saudi counterpart and is often embroidered as is the breast pocket. Also it might lack buttons altogether.
The term thawb is also used to refer to similar women's garments. The traditional Palestinian woman's long tunic is called thawb. Another example is a very long, over-sized woman's garment with a heavily embroidered front panel and billowing back, also known as a Khaleeji dress, which is most commonly seen in the West worn for performance of the Saudi women's social-style dances, in which manipulation of the large thawb is a key component.
From Wiki
Henna
As a tradition, in some countries, henna is applied to the hands and feet of brides to celebrate their wedding day; some apply it also for ‘eid and other religious celebrations, or indeed to celebrate any good occasion.
The dramatic, dark red designs of henna are considered to have originated first from the Middle East and India. The striking and intricate designs of henna are painted on the body with a paste made from the crushed leaves of the henna plant and a mixture of aromatic oils.
Henna gained popularity in the U.S. after the early 1990’s. Many American musicians and Hollywood personalities adopted the pain-free method of applying henna as a form of body decoration in preference to tattoos–the temporary tattoo. As the trend grows in popularity, so does the list of personalities.
There are different rituals everywhere involving henna. Some people believe henna brings everlasting love and makes a successful married life, some do it to chase away evil. But whatever the reason, most people do it for the sake of its enchanting designs.
The application of the henna can take any where from one to five hours depending on the type of designs being applied. The more elaborate and intricate the designs, the longer it takes for the henna artist to apply the bridal henna designs. Designs of henna last from a few days to a few weeks before fading magically from the skin and it costs a lot less than a permanent tattoo.
Please take a look at some of the beautiful henna designs that I found on line recently.
Photo by Ameer HamzaDressed for Eid-ul-Fitr, with lovely floral henna design on hands.
Photo by Asma-krEid-ul-Fitr floral assymmetric Arabic henna design on hands.
Feet are not forgotten, bridal henna designs on the feet.
Abaya
The abaya "cloak" (Arabic: عباية ‘abāya[tu] or عباءة ‘abā'a[tu], plural عبايات ‘abāyā[tu]) is an overgarment worn by some women in parts of the Islamic world. It is the traditional form of hijab, or Islamic dress, for many countries of the Arabian peninsula such as Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates, where it is the national dress. Contrary to popular belief, the abaya is not mandated by The Qur'an. [1]
Traditional abayat are black and may be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long caftan. The abaya covers the whole body except the face, feet, and hands. It can be worn with the niqab, a face veil covering all but the eyes. Some women choose to wear long black gloves, so their hands are covered as well.
Saudi Arabia requires women to cover in public. Covering is enforced by the religious police, the muṭṭawwi‘īn (also known as the muttawwa). In Iran the cover is often referred to as a chador. In South Asia, it is known as a burqa. Some Muslim women living in the West also cover themselves as part of their religion and culture.
Abayat are known by various names but serve the same purpose, which is to cover. Contemporary models are usually caftans, cut from light, flowing fabrics like crepe, georgette, and chiffon. Styles differ from region to region: some abayat have embroidery on black material while others are brightly coloured and have different forms of artwork across them.[2]
From WikipediaMonday, August 17, 2009
Ramadan
For those who don't know about Ramadan it is in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest time of the year. It lasts for 30 days.
The holy month continues until the next new moon is spotted in the evening sky which is around September 19.
It is a time to contemplate one's personal beliefs and increase ones faith through the act of fasting, spiritual reflection, prayer, performing charitable deeds and spending time with family and friends.
Muslims abstain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset.
So out of respect non Muslims should not smoke in public, eat or drink in public. Dress modestly in public and no alcohol and no live music night clubs etc.
Most restaurants are closed during the day unless it is not seen by the public so we will have to eat in or have delivery during these hours. We will keep you posted on how the experience is when it takes place starting next week.
Dirham
Abu Dhabi currency is in fact known as the United Arab Emirates Dirham. (AED) There are 100 fils in one Dirham. The UAE Dirham is closely linked to the US Dollar.
There are Dirham notes in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. Coins can be found in the following denominations: 1 AED, 50 fils, 25 fils, 10 fils and 5 fils.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Seven Emirates
The Seven "states"of the UAE (known as "Emirates") are:
Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
American Restaurants
McDonald's
Hardees
KFC
Popeyes
Pizza Hut
Baskin Robins
Krispy Creme
Papa John's
Domino's
Burger King
Ponderosa
Dunkin Donuts
Subway
Costa
TGI Fridays
Seattle's Best
Fudruckers
Cold Stone
Starbucks
Chili's
Applebee's
Dairy Queen
Marble Slab
We shouldn't miss anything from home unless it was Arby's or Wendy's. Who would have thought they would have so many American restaurants in the sand. If we find any others we will add to this list.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell has a branch in the newly opened Dubai mall. Since it’s in Dubai, I think the chances of it opening here in Kuwait have increased a bit. Someone said it would be going other places maybe Abu Dhabi I say. Looks like we will be going to Dubai soon to check it out. Who would have thought Taco Bell would be the next big thing here.
Formula 1™
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Emirates Palace Hotel
Emirates Palace Hotel
The Emirates Palace Hotel is located overlooking the Persian Gulf in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, within one kilometer of the city center. The Marina Mall is 1.5 kilometers away and the Heritage Village is two kilometers from the hotel. The hotel is truly breath taking. I used online photos and we plan to take our own photos soon. It is hard to get a good photo because the hotel is so big.
Monday, August 10, 2009
The four most expensive capitals
I saw this in the local newspaper today online. Abu Dhabi is number 2 on the most expensive capitals in the world. The four most expensive capitals:1. Mascow
2. Abu Dhabi
3. Paris
4. New York City
Who would have thought that? For a capital I have to say I have never heard of until my husband took a job here in Abu Dhabi that it would be ranked up there with New York City. Everything seems to be booming here. Everywhere you turn they are building something. The capital was know for its Pearls and Oil. Now it is working on being a top tourist destination. I have to say being here a month now I am glad we came to see a different part of the world. Everyone seems to be very nice. I am not sure this would have been my first stop ever overseas, but it is an experience like no other.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Interesting photos
They have a interesting building with a ball on top of it. They also have several water fountains around town and they are always on. The canon is one of several statues in the area. The marina is full of boats, which is next to what "another mall". The marina mall is so huge it is four floors with 165 stores plus an expansion in place with 180 new stores and a skiing facility. I love to shop, but even I think it is to big. They seem to have malls and vendors everywhere. In a place, which is in the sand who would have thought they would love to shop.... this much.