Ski Dubai: An unforgettable snow experience!!

Are you dreaming of snowboarding, tobogganing, or just playing in the snow?? but you live in the Gulf where it never snows or you have no enough time to make a far trip? Now you don't have to go to Alaska to enjoy the snow. Dubai has made it easier for you. Ski Dubai is the first ski resort in the Middle East. Everyone from all ages is welcomed to enjoy real snow all over the year.

An amazing 22,500 square metres covered with real snow all year round.
Ski Dubai has 5 runs that vary in difficulty, height and gradient, the longest run being 400 meters with a fall of over 60 meters.

Professionals or beginners can practice their skills in the indoor on the different available runs.
The whole family could share the joy without being worried about ski clothing and equipments, because Ski Dubai has made it all available to confort its guests. And don't worry about your hunger!! Because it also thought about creating varieties of restaurants that satisfy you tastes like; St Moritz Cafe is located at the entrance of Ski Dubai, while Avalanche Cafe at mid-station with views of the slope. Not only that, Ski Dubai also thought about your safety that's why it hired experts and a professional staff to help you choose your equipment and learn the techniques of ski or snowboard...

The safety and comfort of all guests is of prime importance to Ski Dubai. Guests are required to follow and respect certain rules and regulations. And if any guest failed to meet the minimum skill requirements, Ski Dubai has the right to ask any guest to leave the slope and refunds will be determined at Ski Dubai's discretion.

Opening times are as followed:

• Sunday - Wednesday:10.00 - 23.00Last ticket to be sold at 21.30
• Thursday - Saturday:10.00 - 24.00Last ticket to be sold at 22.30
  

Prices are suitable for all people from different social levels. They just differ between adults and children. For more information about prices, check the Ski Dubai prices.

I never visited this place but i'm really looking forward to. I think that it would be a great experience enjoying the pleasure of what human kind has created. If you're willing to visit it soon, contact these numbers for more information:

Tel: 04 409 4000
Fax: 04 409 4101
E-mail: info@skidxb.com

Nour Hajj

Are you interested in visiting Dubai?

Dubai is a city where global trade routes meet traditions of hospitality, where the wind blows over golden sand-dunes and steel skyscrapers, where you can shop at Bvlgari by day and watch belly-dancing by night. A desert of contrasts and contemplation, of hot, sultry days and cool Arabian nights, Dubai is an experience you will want to relive over and over again.

It's the premier location for tourism and leisure in the Middle East. Dubai has a fantastic nightlife ..for the taste of everyone ,having variety of restaurants and bars. Attracting people from every single spot in the world , the rich and famous people and it's said to have something for everyone, from karaoke, to belly-dancing, salsa to comedy clubs.

Dubai is developing very quickly..getting investors from all over the world...Becoming one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities.

Dubai is an experience you will want to relive over and over again.

Nour Hajj

Podcast Promotion

Podcasting is a great new media, but creating a podcast is only half of the work, promoting your podcast is the hardest part of the job.

1. Educate the Public.
It is crucial to remember that podcasting is a relatively new technology and not everyone understands or knows what podcasting is, therefore it is important to educate your nontechnical audience. Not only should you explain what a podcast is, but also you should explain how your podcast will help listeners. Plus, you should include instruction on how users can listen to your podcasts.

2. Graphics.
Add a podcast graphic to your website so that visitors know that podcasts are available. Colorful graphics are always preferred; the graphic you chose will be the signature of your podcasts.
You can access www.feedforall.com/public/rss-graphic-tool.htm to customize buttons or you can choose ready made graphics from www.feedforall.com/podcasting-graphics.htm.

3. Descriptive Content.
Be sure the podcast RSS feed contains enough information related to the contents of the podcasts to grab the interest of listeners. The description should be keyword rich and a link to the audio file should be included in the description field because it is a great way for listeners to sample a podcast.

4. Press Release.
Send a press release about the podcast or/and you can submit the release to free online press release directories. Submit Press Release on www.softwaremarketingresource.com/pressreleases.html

5. Podcast Directories.
Submit podcasts to the podcast directories. It will get you a whole new audience. Submit to Podcasting Directories on www.podcasting-tools.com/submit-podcasts.htm

6. Consistent Theme / Interesting Content.
Regularly provide consistently formatted and consistently themed audio files. Interesting content will increase your listening base.

7. Create a Community.
Interact with your listeners. Listen to their feedbacks and test their suggestions. Remember the podcast is for them not you.



Nabiha Abdul-wahab

Correction post

On April 16th i published a post titled: "Pirate radio" and i would like to apologize for the misinformation i posted about "HobbyBroadcaster.net".
My post might have implied that "HobbyBroadcaster.net" promotes or supports illegal broadcasting, which it does not. "HobbyBroadcaster.net" is a resource for those persons in the United States and Canada who wish to broadcast LEGALLY within the law, as referenced by the Federal Communication Commission's Part 15 regulations (USA) and Industry Canada's RSS-210 regulations (Canada). The site actually publishes such links for FCC and Radio Canada low power broadcasting regulations as well as the statement on the HobbyBroadcaster info page that clearly states "Pirate broadcasting is outside the scope of this site"..

I am sorry for any inconvenience my post caused.

Nour Hajj

Podcasting everywhere!! Even from Prison:

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Bonuan Gueset is now into podcasting!! A first among jails nationwide...
The Dagupan City Jail (DCJ) podcast was launched on Feb. 24 by Sison and Billand and is now working on maximizing the internet connection provided by the city government...It also has its blogspot at "bjmpdagu­pancityjail.blogspot.com" with news and photo releases and it is the first and the only jail countrywide going high-tech like this: To be included in their next postings are ongoing projects like rehabilitation of their facilities like the visitor’s waiting shed, cooperative store, guard house, basketball court, revival of their saloon, repair of their infirmary, illumination of the jail premises, renovation of the administrative and warden offices and all existing cells, and other livelihood activities.
Podcasting is now increasingly becoming popular because information can be shared to anyone anytime and heard like on a radio..

Nabiha Abdul-wahab

Pirate Radio:Pirate Broadcasts

You gOt your iPod and iTrip ready for broadcasting, you have all the tools you need, and have installed all the stations on the dial to broadcast on. Now what's missing is what kind of broadcast you want to offer!!!! don't worry there's few suggestions, it all depends on the situation you're in.

• Always keep couple tracks of silence ready to go, so if you ever stuck at the stop light for like 10 minuts , and the dude next to you is blasting the radio, with your mini iPod interface you can get to the station he's listening to, and send over whatever you want... in this case ocean waves or birds sound would work out great:P.
  


• Have you ever been to a gym, or even starred in to one from the outside? well if so, I'm sure you have noticed the TVs are usually muted, and the radio is on specific FM frequencies. Did you ever think of freaking out your gym pals??!! ofcourse i would not suggest you broadcast CNN, but i think broadcasting something like " a very strong earthquake is hitting the city today..everybody should take precautions before the big disastert happens." would be a fun idea ,watching the faces of people hearing this news .






• Sometimes you feel like you reallyyyyyy need to broadcast back..imagine you're spending a nice quit day at the park with your girlfriend/boyfriend, then comes along someone blasting the radio. Don't you think that's annoying??? well i think broadcasting a silent track tend to work nicely,and be sure no one would suspect their FM is getting usurped by you.
  

• If you get multiple iPods, you can mash up track options. So you might have a silent track, a friend would walk 20 feet away and another would trail 30 feet behind. You could shut down an entire venue's unwelcome music selection that way.

PS:Remember: pirate radio is an unlicensed activity.

Nour Hajj

Pirate Radio: Make your own Pirate Radio Station with an iPod.

Did you know we could use a couple iPods to broadcast something you wanted to get out there, and here's an explanation of how to:

1. First you should get the ingredients you need which are:

• 1 iPod mini
• 1 iTrip mini
• Or you may use Additional iPods, iTalks and iTrips for wider broadcasting.

2. Increase the range and signal of your iTrip mini. . All you need is to remove the top sticker of the antennae built inside the iTrip mini, and by using your finger pull the antennae out.

3. If you're using the iTrip mini make sure to install all the stations on the dial to broadcast on. Remember, the iTrip is a FM broadcasting device, intended to broadcast 10 to 30 feet to a FM radio.

4. choose your broadcast..You're free wether to choose any song or a spoken word mp3.

Just go buy an FM mic. They are small and cheap. Hook them onto the head phone input.Get the FM mic with variable frequency adjuster. They have a range of 100 ft.

Nour Hajj

The Education Podcast Network:

The Education Podcast Network is a multicast society of speakers and listeners teaching and learning.
The Education Podcast Network is an effort to bring together the wide range of podcast programming that may be helpful to teachers looking for content to teach their students, and to explore issues of teaching and learning in the 21st century.
Most of the producers of these programs are educators, who have found a way through which they can share their knowledge, insights, and passions for teaching and learning and for the stories that they teach. The directory will grow as more people come forward with their stories and ideas, and all visitors are invited to start sharing their ideas with the larger education community by producing their own program.


Nabiha Abdul-wahab

Podcasting Quiz:

How much do you know about podcasting? Take this podcast quiz and test your knowledge :)

• Question 1: Are there any size limitations to podcasts?

Actually, there is no maximum or minimum concerning the podcasts' size but what you should know is that the bigger is the size of the podcast, the slower the listeners' connection will be.

• Question 2: Are Podcasts always in the RSS format?

No, while the current RSS 1.0 supports podcasting, RSS 2.0 is the most popular format for podcasting. This is due to the fact that Apple iTunes uses RSS 2.0 for it's podcasts.

• Question 3: Can podcasts be restricted to a specific group of listeners?

Yes, podcasts can be password protected. You can use any security option available on the server to protect the entire feed or the selected audio file.

• Question 4: Are there any unfree based podcasts?

Yes, some publishers charge listeners for the contents of the podcast rather than charging advertisers to advertise in the podcasts. Typically the audio file is password protected and only subscribers are able to download or listen to the file. This model is similar to that which the cable shows HBO/Showtime use.

• Question 5: What file formats are acceptable in a podcast?

Technically you can put any type of file in the feed, but it is more preferable that you use either MP3 or M4a formats. The benefit of using an MP3 or M4a file is that both formats are supported by iTunes.


Nabiha Abdul-wahab

The History of Podcasting:

The first appearance of the word “podcast” in history was in an article in The Guardian on February 12, 2004. The creation of the term is credited to Ben Hammersley who wrote the article and used podcast as a synonym for audioblogging . The word stuck.

1- The first step in the history of Podcasting was blogging. Shortly after the arrival of the internet, weblogs, or as we know it "Blogs", started to appear. Blogging has become a popular way for people to share their thoughts and ideas on the internet very casually, and in many ways blogs are responsible for the existence of podcasts: Podcasting is just a progression from blogging.
Reading your favorite blogs became much easier with the creation of news feed technology, called RSS, by Dave Winer; so by subscribing to a blog’s news feed (also called RSS feed), you will be automatically notified of any new information posted on the blog and and a program called "news reader", or aggregator, will regularly check the blog for updates and download them to your computer.

2-The next step in the history of podcasting was audio blogging, created due to faster connection speeds and the ability to transfer larger pieces of information. Therefore, instead of writing their thoughts, they recorded themselves speaking and posted it to their blogs as an MP3 file, but the problem with audio blogs was that readers had to regularly check for new MP3 files, visit the web site to download them and then synchronize them to their MP3 players by hand.
So, Adam Curry worked on simplifying this process, he improved it in a way that whenever a new MP3 file is posted to a blog,it would be automatically detected and downloaded in the RSS feed, which means that the feed tells your computer where to download the audio file.

3-The last step in podcasting history is when Adam wrote the first podcatcher software (or collector for podcasts). This software checks for new updates and reads the feed to see where to go and download the audio file. The MP3 was then automatically transferred to an iPod.

Podcasting would not have happened without the rapid spread of MP3 files and MP3 players. MP3s allow audio to be compressed into small enough files to be transferred on the internet and stored on small devices.
The story of podcasting doesn’t really stop there; New podcasting technologies continue to emerge, new markets are being created, new ideas are being formed. Podcasting is moving at the speed of light.

Nabiha Abdul-wahab

Pirate Radio:The Last Step Toward Creating Your Own Radio Show.

Once you have created your radio show and are offering it to the world on a regular basis, you’ll probably to have as many listeners as possible.

After deciding what kind of radio shows you want to broadcast as well as the method they are going to be broadcasted, you must now create these shows. these shows can be very simple or can be extremely complex depending on the type of show.
Be aware that if you decide to use a very cheap hardware, you will get nominal sound quality. But, for voice, it’s acceptable and a good way to start or practice. If you want to increase the quality of your broadcast, there are many types of hardware which range in quality and price.
after creating your radio show and are offering it to the world on a regular basis, you’ll probably to have as many listeners as possible. You can have the greatest product in the world but if nobody knows it you won’t make many sales. It’s the same with your radio show. When you feel it’s ready for being put out there, don’t expect people to find you; be a little aggressive and don’t be shy about offering your product. You can always click here, to read more about it...

Nour Hajj

Pirate Radio: Stream or Podcast?

Creating your own radio station has never been easier! Unlike past history, where radio was only delivered through an Am or Fm Frequency,now days anyone with sufficient computer skills can broadcast music or any type of audio to listeners all over the world using just about any type of Internet connection and practically paying nothing.

Online radio broadcasting has become so inexpensive and simple, that just about anyone could do it. Another similar method of broadcasting is called Podcasting which in most cases is just about free. Podcasting is favored since it doesn't require the user to have any past coding knowledge.

The main difference between streaming audio and Podcasting is the distribution method and the content load. in general, a streaming station can around the clock using only a simple software player to tune it. Streaming means that wherever you put program in the cue, is where the listener will hear it.
podcasting is a little different. podcasts are smaller, shorter programs which r usually pre-recorded and uploaded 2 a server and then the listener decides which program he wants to listen to and when.
if someone decides to air a radio program on the Internet, they should keep in mind that the stream should b available 24/7 since users around the globe, with different time zones will have access to the program.
Podcasts are extremely flexible. You can create any length show, as often as you like. Then, you can upload it into your blog or Podcast provider and let listeners listen as they like.
Once you create a show it will be available as long as you want. Using Podcasts, you can quickly build a library of shows to offer listeners.
Podcasts are usually recorded before time, allowing you to mix everything just right. even though all you need is a microphone and your computer to create a simple Podcast, some people like 2 create elaborate sound studios in their place of work to build very professional shows. This is a personal preference. people are advised to start out slow, and work their way upwards with time.

Nour Haj

Pirate Radio: First Step to Being a Broadcaster.

Imagine yourself doing a live radio broadcast, it sounds fun right? Well it is fun, and soon you will be on the road to making it happen.

Decide what kind of program you want your audience to hear. You can be DJ and play songs or you can just have a subject to discuss with someone. Whatever you choose just make sure it is something that people want to hear. For example if you’re targeting rockers then you should play rock music, if you are targeting old people then you should play something that suits their old hearing. For example don’t play Limp Bizkit and expect someone who is 65 to be having a blast. In the case of the discussions, make sure it is something interesting to the majority and not something boring. Either way these types are good because if you have a guest, his or hers answers will be unknown for many. It will be very rewarding and you will get good feedback and great popularity as a Host.

Don’t limit your self to the other programs that play. Be very original. There are many subjects to go about and many music styles that people are waiting to hear. Make sure that your broadcast will be unique. If you create an interesting and listenable program you will find people who will appreciate your broadcast. Take your time in choosing the kind of radio program you want to broadcast and make sure it is a reflection of what you want and what the people want to hear.

Nour Hajj

Pirate Radio: How To Create Your Own Internet Radio Station

Do you want to set up a broadcast? but don't have the fees for Live365, don't want to go through the trouble of configuring your computer for Shoutcast, or just cannot devote your computer's time and resources to being a dedicated server. there's still an option you didn't think about, using only your computer and having a dial up connection, you can start broadcasting for practically paying nothing.

Pirate radio is an Internet broadcasting product that allows you to braodcast using only your computer and dial up connection. you can now start your own Internet-based radio station with the least fees and less worries, cause this software is really easy to set up and inexpensive.

I have listed in my last post a full review of the the software so check it here.

Pirate radio is one of the most common options i can offer, but still there are other options for broadcasting including more software for PCs and MACs.

-here's a list of some of the other options:

• Helix Universal Server
• Quicktime Streaming Server
• Quicktime Broadcaster
• Peercast.org
• Icecast.org
• Andromeda
  

Nour Hajj

10 Tips for a successful Podcast:

As podcasts increase in popularity, listeners have more choices. So even if your podcast managed to achieve a high rank, you should always think of ways to make it unique and standing out from other podcasts sharing the same theme as yours.

1. Plan Accordingly:
When making the decision to podcast, and before starting, you should think of the following questions:
- How much time will the podcast production take?
- How will podcasting fit into a current schedule?
- How frequently will you podcast?
- How will hosting of podcasting files be handled?
- In case your podcast is extremely popular, how will fees be generated to pay for hosting?
- What will be the theme of your podcast?
- What will make you distinct or different from others podcasting sharing the same theme?

2. Original Content:
Just like any other media company, in order to attract and maintain your audience, you will have to provide original content, or at least, present your theme in an original way. You should think of a long term strategy that will help your show distinguish itself from others.

3. Get to The Point:
Listeners in today's society don't have time for incessant rambling. If you have a point to make, make it in a reasonable amount of time.

4. Do Your Homework:
Incorrect information will hurt a broadcasters long term reputation just like a journalist's credibility. It is important that the information you are providing is accurate.

5. Consistency:
The best content is consistent content. Podcasts should contain convincing content with episodic titles, that are united in a common broad theme. Each show should be about the same length and contain a common format.

6. Timeless Content:
Broadcasters will benefit more from content that is timeless and can be effectively archived. "How to" content that solves problems will often have long term appeal and listening life.

7. Articulate Words:
The quality of the audio content does matter. Listeners will not want to suffer to hear a clear podcast; pay particular attention to articulation.

8. Optimize Podcasts:
Podcast titles should try its best to gather all the data relating to the contents of your podcast. Think about the themes when selecting a podcast channel title and description. Use critical and related keywords and phrases that relates to the theme.

9. Listener Expectations:
Listeners always seem to expect certain things from broadcasters. In order to maintain a listening audience, it is important that broadcasts are consistent and satisfying the expectations of your listeners.

10. Archive:
Many new listeners will want to review previous broadcasts. Consider ways to make older shows available through archives. Maintaining archives of older podcasts might bring in new listeners and satisfy listeners who just can't get enough.

Podcasts require effort, but by following basic guidelines and thinking things through, podcasts can be an essential factor of communication within a community.
For more details on ways to make your podcast successful, please check:www.podcasting-tools.com


Nabiha Abdul-wahab

Pirate Radio in new package

Pirate Radio is actually the latest version of the Radio Destiny broadcaster. And you can get it now in it's new nice package, which is simple and easy to function.The Pirate Radio package puts Internet broadcasting into the palm of the common person, anyone can broadcast through pirate radio,whether a teenage boy who wants to stream his favorite songs list to his girlfriend on Saturday night..or any senior citizen who wants to upload a recorded show about anything he desires.It doesn't get any easier than this!!!
Pirate Radio is similar to Shoutcasts' process except easier. With Shoutcast you must configure Winamp (since it broadcasts using that platform), download some additional software doo-dads and tinker with it more. I appreciate the simplicity of Pirate Radio and its setup. Pirate Radio empowers anybody with the ability to reach the world on a shoestring.


as i said its really simple to function, here are some of the pros that would encourage you to try Pirate radio package:

• Easy to set up your own Radio station
• Can switch from pre-recorded to live quickly
• Minimum requirements easy to meet

and as there are pros there must be some cons that i should let you be aware of:

• To reach larger audience, you will need broadband
• You'll need to know a little bit about IP address
• Enclosed documentation skimpy but docs are online

here's a simple description about the pirate radio package:

• Setup is quick: Pick a play list of mp3 files or broadcast live with a mike in your sound card.
• Input your settings, establish your IP address and bitrate, press BEGIN and you are on the air!
• End users must have the Destiny Media Player, which is free.
  Just $29.95 for personal use.

Nour Hajj

Podcasting and Education:

Students and teachers from all over the world are learning from audio and video programs. Online educational media is not produced only by broadcast and cable networks, radio professionals, and education experts, but also by ordinary students and teachers, and this became possible through Podcasting..
Podcasting offers educators and students remarkable opportunities for their voices to be heard in their local communities or around the world. One could think of podcasting as a vocal blog or as a way for every class to have its own radio station, the teacher will find podcast episodes for students to listen to or watch...
Educational Podcasting can be used to extend class time, provide class activities, record student work, and much more. You are only limited by your imagination in this online learning. Students can work on their own or in groups to create podcasts, and these podcasts could serve as the online database to post their projects that can be used later on in other class activities.
Podcasts can also be used for professional development: Educators can easily stay updated on educational issues through the many free web sites dedicated to that purpose.

Creating podcasts has also many educational benefits:
1-Students are able to create a product to share with a potentially world-wide audience.
2-Their podcast can be listed in iTunes, right along with podcasts from The Discovery Channel, Disney, and NPR.
3-Knowing that there is a real-world audience gives students purpose and motivation to create a spectacular product.

Nabiha Abdul-wahab