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Creative Urban Planning for Play Time in Jordan

Tafline Laylin
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Creative Urban Planning for Play Time in Jordan

urban planning, urban density, play, nature, amman, jordan

My nephews are fortunate. They live on a verdant property called Hungrytown Hollow among enormous trees and bucolic rolling hills outside Charlottesville, Virginia. In the summertime the two boys splash around in a lake near their property and go on long hikes with their father. They chase chickens and plant seeds and are called upon to help harvest crops, make jam, and even bake bread.

Sadly, and I know they would feel the same way, they represent a very small minority of young boys in the world blessed with such an environment. But that’s not the only way to live. How to ensure that children can still thrive in dense third world cities is a topic of concern for LPU – a Rome-based organization that strives to encourage traditional children’s play to integrate different communities around the world.

The group recently teamed up with Tareeq in Jordan to address just this, with some very exciting results.

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EcoBasalt’s Volcanic Rock Fabric to Clean Oil Spills

Brian Nitz
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0
EcoBasalt’s Volcanic Rock Fabric to Clean Oil Spills

lizard on volcanic rock
Volcanic basalt is a rock which can be turned into oil-absorbent fibers.

A company named EcoBasalt was founded in Israel in February of 2012.  Its founders are leveraging Russian space technology to create a new product for cleaning up oil spills.  Their product is named SB-1 and is based on the absorbent properties of basalt.  Basalt is a common kind of dark volcanic rock which has been used in everything from the floors of Egyptian pyramids to the insulation of Soyuz spacecraft and now it might help us clean up oil spills.

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Middle East’s Olympians Exempted from Ramadan Fasting

Faisal O'Keefe
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0
Middle East’s Olympians Exempted from Ramadan Fasting

muslim athlete praying
Islamic scholars decree that Muslims athletes participating in the Olympic games are exempted from fasting.

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims must refrain from eating or drinking from dawn to sundown.  The commitment demand both mental and physical stamina.  Fasting challenges sedentary workers in air conditioned offices.  Imagine the toll on world-class athletes who, depending on their particular sport, can lose 15 percent of their body weight sweating through practice and qualifying events.

With the Olympics falling during this Islamic holy month of Ramadan, religious leaders in Egypt, Algeria and the United Arab Emirates determined that their London-bound athletes were relieved from fasting.  They cited the same reason for the exemption: undertaking extensive travel with an intention to return home.

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A Desert Shrub That Outwits Mice

Tafline Laylin
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0
A Desert Shrub That Outwits Mice

nature, evolution, wildlife, desert, IsraelWhile humans inch closer to their eventual demise by burning up the resources upon which they so richly depend, the earth’s “lower” species are making moves to ensure their longevity. US and Israeli researchers published a joint study in the journal Current Biology that unveils how a desert shrub called Ochradenus baccatus outwits the spiny mice by planting a “mustard bomb” in its seed. When a mouse chews the seed, which then turns to pulp, an embedded enzyme releases a toxic cocktail that causes the mouse to spit it out. This in turn ensures the seed’s survival.

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Israel’s Marine Center Will Reveal Sea Secrets

Karin Kloosterman
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Israel’s Marine Center Will Reveal Sea Secrets

coral reef Tel Aviv Deep sea corals off Tel Aviv’s coast will be more of what new marine center will investigate.

Despite having a gorgeous coastline of sandy beaches, the oldest ports in the world, and a new offshore bounty of natural gas wells, Israel has contributed very little to Mediterranean Sea research.

But the same is true for all countries in the Mediterranean basin including Turkey, Cyprus, Greece and Lebanon. A new national center that will give an anchor to solid Mediterranean research has been slated to open up at the University of Haifa. At the center, scientists from leading Israeli academic institutions will help Israel understand and bank on its onshore and offshore assets.

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Traffic Accidents Increase in the UAE During Ramadan

Linda Gradstein - The Media Line
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Traffic Accidents Increase in the UAE During Ramadan

driving dubai, egypt road safety stamp
Police say Ramadan and Bad Driving Habits to Blame

As the sun starts to go down after the blistering heat of the day, drivers in Dubai rush to get home for the last prayer of the day and then the iftar, the break-fast meal. But Dubai police say they may be rushing just a little too much. Dubai police have reported some 3600 traffic accidents, and two fatalities, since the beginning of Ramadan on July 20.

“In 10 days, 195 of the accidents that occurred half an hour before iftar were caused by motorists speeding and driving recklessly, regularly changing lanes and not keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front,” Brigadier General Omar Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, of the Dubai police told Gulf News.

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Fasting Jordanians Eat $700 Million Worth of Food During Ramadan

Faisal O'Keefe
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Fasting Jordanians Eat $700 Million Worth of Food During Ramadan

syria, jordan, ramadan meal, iftar
It’s counter-intuitive, but food consumption soars during the month of Ramadan fasting.

Jordanian households spent nearly $150 million on food during the first three days of Ramadan this year, according to the Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC). Khalil Haj Tawfiq, from the JCC food sector, told The Jordan Times that over the past few years Ramadan food consumption has been averaging over $700 million.

Iftar, the evening meal when Muslims break their day-long fast (read our Green Iftar Guide here), is best likened to America’s Thanksgiving: a splendid multi-course feast that combines religious observance with family celebration. It’s most commonly held within the home, but businesses and social organizations hold special formal iftars too, lengthy dining events offering a fabulous display of traditional foods. Whereas Thanksgiving is a one-day occurrence, Jordan’s one million households are very likely participating in an iftar celebration every night of the holy month.

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Baghrir, Moroccan Crepe to Break Ramadan Fasts RECIPE

Miriam Kresh
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Baghrir, Moroccan Crepe to Break Ramadan Fasts RECIPE

baghrir recipe pancake bagimage-ramadan-pancakes-baghrirHomey, comforting and light, these crepes of 1000 holes make a delicious start to a Ramadan iftar (break-fast) meal.

As Arwa pointed out, what a body wants after a day’s fast is light, nutritious food (see Arwa’s list of links to our favorite Iftar recipes).  Carbs and something sweet suit the bill, giving that initial, reviving energy until the night’s bigger, festival meal gets underway. To me, that sounds like baghrir.

Baghrir crepes are pierced with lots of little holes, which allows honey and butter to permeate throughout, not only flavor the top. The ingredients are standard pantry items, and the recipe is easy. Tasty, inexpensive and easy – just right for right now. To really refresh, I suggest serving Baghrir with cold almond milk.

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Ramadan Crafting Ideas

Arwa Aburawa
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9
Ramadan Crafting Ideas

ramadan-crafting-ideas-greenWhile away the long, hot hours of fasting with these fun and festive crafting ideas for Ramadan

In times of stress, I turn to sewing and crafting. Colouring in and cutting out shapes, gluing, stitching and sticking things together is just so much fun that I can’t believe entire nations aren’t hooked on it. For a couple of hours you can forget you are an adult, with bills to pay and dishes to wash, and just make useful things. So, to help you celebrate and unwind this Ramadan I have scoured the internet for the best Ramadan-inspired crafting ideas for you to try. From beautiful banners, lovely lanterns to yummy Ramadan cookies, there’s something for everyone (of every crafting capability) to try.

Ramadan Wall Calendar

This lovely idea from Debbie Qalballah over at the ‘My So Called Life And Other Lies’ blog is just gorgeous. Made with the help of her adorable boys, this fabric wall chart is made up of little pockets with the days of Ramadan on the front. In the pockets which you can place chocolates or little toy treats for your kids (or yourself!) to enjoy at the end of the fasting day. The best thing is that you can use this over and over again and you can also make it using scraps of fabric you have lying around.

Night Lanterns

The night lantern is not only the symbol of Ramadan but is also a great way to light up your home at Sahoor (meal just before Muslims start fasting at sunrise). There really is no end to the variety and style of lantern you can craft although upcycling cans and jars does earn you some greenie points. There are some great instructions for a mosque-design over at Crafty Arab which is just chockablock with great ideas. If you are feeling particularly crafty, you can have a go at making the stunning lanterns I featured in the top image. Papermatrix have the full details and good luck!

Ramadan Banners, Mobiles  and Garlands

Spruce up your home and really get into the Ramadan spirit with some hand-made Ramadan banners and gorgeous sun and moon garlands. All you need to make these is paper, scissors, strings and a little bit of creativity. Place the banners and garlands next to a window or over a door for maximum effect. If you have kids, this also makes a great crafting activity to keep them busy so that you can enjoy some quiet time during daylight hours. You can even download and print some designs from Ramadan Joy.

Ramadan Peace Pack

I think this is great idea to help Muslims share Ramadan with their neighbours or colleagues who may not know a lot about Ramadan. The ‘Ramadan Peace’ pack is an idea I found at the Ramadan Joy site and it basically consists of a moon-shaped cookie (or any other Ramadan-inspired shape) in a hand-made packet which includes a note which briefly explains what Ramadan is all about. I think it’s great- yummy and informative.

Fantastic Felt Ideas

I admit I have a soft spot for all things woolen or felt so I have gathered my favourite Ramadan-inspired things made out of the soft stuff. Ramadan Joy have a range of felt banners and bags and you could also get really creative and make a mosque-shaped tea cozy. Ramadan Joy crafter Khadija has got a blog with showcases a range of designs you can use to make your very own stunning little tea cozy. For more ideas go to pinterest.com which has these collections: Ramadan/Islamic craft ideas and Ramadan crafts.

For more on crafting and upcycling see:

Ancient Middle East Craft is Knitting Bridges

How To: Upcycle Eid Greeting Cards

Meet Hana Faouri – the Upcycling Designer from Jordan

Can CO2 Mobilise Cairo?

Does Vandousselaere
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Can CO2 Mobilise Cairo?

mansoura cairo 350
350.org proves that Egypt has an enormous reservoir of young and engaged people.

Scientists have determined that to keep the climate stable the average concentration of CO2 in the sky should be limited to 350 ppm, compared to the 400 ppm that was reached in 2012.

And while the science of climate change is solid, the efforts and initiatives to halt it remain defunct or insufficient.  Nothing but a broad grassroots movement can change this, climate activists thought, and so they founded 350.org. Shortly after the main organisation was founded in theUSin 2008 Cairo joined in. During Climate Action Day in October 2009 fifty of them, packed with fancy bikes and a conscience, drove to the pyramids to organise a clandestine climate gathering and show the world they care.

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Greenland’s Melting Glaciers Will Affect Your Middle East

Maurice Picow
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1
Greenland’s Melting Glaciers Will Affect Your Middle East

greenland icefields, melting ice, glaciersMaps showing depletion of Greenland’s ice fields between July 8 and 12 2012. July 12 version is on the right. Maps via The Weather Channel and NASA

It’s happening much faster than most climatologists thought it would: the world’s polar ice caps and ice fields are melting at an alarming rate and virtually simultaneously. It’s not a problem of giant plumes of gurgling methane. The problem of rising temperatures has brought on the “greenhouse effect”; a phenomena  caused by increased use of fossil fuels.

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Hot and Hungry Saudis Protest Ramadan Power Outages

Tafline Laylin
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0
Hot and Hungry Saudis Protest Ramadan Power Outages

Ramadan, Saudi Arabia, Oil, Power Outages, ClimateA silly argument breaks out in the street? Ramadan. A customs control officer falls asleep while processing passports at the airport? Ramadan. A random stranger passes out bottles of juice during Iftar? All of these events are explained by one word in the Middle East and North Africa: Ramadan – the holy month during which Muslims brave hunger and dehydration in order to purify their souls.

But in Saudi Arabia, where temperatures are among the highest in the region, the onset of Ramadan has resulted in a series of power outages that have sent hot and hungry protestors to the streets.

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Green Iftar Event Hosted By Abu Dhabi’s Eco-Chicks

Arwa Aburawa
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Green Iftar Event Hosted By Abu Dhabi’s Eco-Chicks

green-iftarJoin Abu Dhabi’s Eco-Chicks for a Green Iftar on 6th of August and support ‘Recycle for a Cause’

After a busy year mapping out green activities across Abu Dhabi, the eco-minded women at Abu Dhabi Eco-Chicks are inviting everyone to a green iftar this Ramadan. “This is about bringing together like-minded individuals, supporting an environmental initiative and enjoying a greener iftar together,” the green group explains. They are asking guests to being along aluminium can tabs and plastic bags to donate to Recycle for a Cause, which send the items to the Philippines where they are transformed into recycled goods. These then help provide shelter, food and education for children rescued from living on dump sites across the Philippines.

Abu Dhabi Eco-Chicks explained that they were particularly keen to support this project as it incorporates three aspects of sustainability: re-use of materials (environment); social/people (engaging low-income communities); and economy (developing income). The hotel where they are hosting the event has also agreed to provide recycling boxes for the event, to use local sustainable fish and maintain the A/C at 24C.

The green iftar will take place on August 6th at the One to One Hotel in Abu Dhabi. You must RSVP no later than August 1st by emailing [email protected]. This is an open event for families, men and women so feel free to pass on the invitation to anyone who is interested! For more information about the work of the Abu Dhabi Eco-Chicks see their website. Update: It hasn’t been updated since 2014.

For more on green news from Abu Dhabi see:

Abu Dhabi Cyclist Are A Riding Target

Help the Abu Dhabi Eco-Chicks Map Out a Green Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Princes Shames White House by Crowning Court Roof with Solar Panels

Win a Climate Change Summer Camp in Jordan

Faisal O'Keefe
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12
Win a Climate Change Summer Camp in Jordan

woman in bedouin tentA free, week-long summer camp on climate change at the end of the summer, in Jordan. Apply now!

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Foundation (HBS) in Ramallah, along with their Beirut and Tunis offices, hosts their Second Regional Summer School. This year they’re tackling two aspects of climate strategies specific to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) : the question of gender-sensitivity in adaptation efforts, and the impacts of  climate change upon resource-challenged urban life.

Workers in NGOs and civil society organizations, activists, young professionals, post-grads and researchers active in the fields of climate, gender and environment are urged to apply.

Here’s an open call for applicants to attend a free boot camp for social and environmental activism in Amman, Jordan from September 30 through October 4. Deadline for application is 4 August 2012.

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Pink Balloon Protest: Lebanese Reclaim Beirut Beach

Tafline Laylin
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2
Pink Balloon Protest: Lebanese Reclaim Beirut Beach

Pink Balloon Saturday, Beirut, Beaches, Public Space, Urban, Lebanon, woman on a beachHorsh Beirut is not the only public space that has been hijacked from the residents of Beirut. In the years since the war, most of the sandy stretches along the Mediterranean Sea have been usurped by wealthy developers, who – according to Abir Ghattas – have forgotten that Beirut’s beaches belong to everyone.

These private resorts charge extortionist entrance fees, prohibiting the average resident from enjoying one of the most pleasant summer experiences in the city. And the only beach that is still available to everyone has been off-limits since the war. In an effort to reverse this scenario and take back their beach, Lara Balaa has launched Pink Balloon Saturday, which takes place today, July 28, between 1 and 6pm.

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