Guinness World Records 2013 hits stands

Pakistan News & Features Services

The 2013 edition of the Guinness World Records, known until 2000 as the Guinness Book of Records, has arrived. It was released in USA and Canada on September 11 followed by its worldwide launch on September 15. 

As in the past the publishers have added new features and attractions for the readers. 

Their team of creative and skilled photographers have brought back some of the most amazing images which are exclusive to the Guinness World Records 2013. 

One will find an estimated 4,000 records besides countless facts throughout the book with at least 75% of the content being brand new. 

New to the 2013 edition is the infographics panel, a strip running down the page packed with amazing stats, facts, titbits and trivia, all presented in an engaging, reader-friendly way. 

The quality of the information and images in the Guinness World Records is generally outstanding, easy to read, and is a great conversational piece for parties, and social gatherings. 

It’s regarded as an excellent and fun book to sit on a coffee table, in a library, or at a dentist office. 

The content is interesting, the book is informative, and many find it fascinating, and entertaining. It delivers information about astonishing stunts, the longest bridge, the tallest man and much more. 

This book not only discovers amazing people in the world but also provides hours of pure fun-filled enjoyment. Guinness World Records, published annually, containing a collection of world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the natural world, remains popular with people of all age groups in every corner of the world. 

The book itself holds a world record, as the best-selling copyrighted book series of all time. Its first edition was published in August 1955 having gone on become to the top of the British bestseller lists by Christmas. 

The franchise has extended beyond print to include television series and museums. 

The popularity of the franchise has resulted in Guinness World Records becoming the primary international authority on the cataloging and verification of a huge number of world records.

PULISAA organize seminar on writing research proposal

Pakistan News & Features Services

The Continuing Education (CE) Committee of the Punjab University Library and Information Science Alumni Association (PULISAA) with the collaboration of the Department of Library and Information Science of the University of the Punjab, recently organized a seminar on ‘Writing a Research Proposal’ at the main campus in Lahore. 

Prof Dr Mohammad Ehsan Malik, Dean Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, University of the Punjab, was the chief guest on the occasion. 

During his address in the inaugural session he emphasized the need of the development of research culture in universities. 

Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen, Chairperson DLIS and Patron PULISAA, shared her future plans and past efforts for the capacity building of both the alumni of DLIS and PU teachers. 

Shahid Soroya, President PULISAA appreciated the research output and credentials of DLIS-PU faculty members, generally considered the best in all LIS schools in Pakistan. 

Dr Nosheen Fatima Warraich, Secretary PULISAA and Assistant Professor, Department of LIS, was the coordinator of the seminar and she was assisted in the organizational matters by Ammara Yousaf and Asif Bilal. 

Prof. Dr Mumtaz Anwar, Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen and Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood were the resource persons and they discussed the different facets of research report. 

Prof Dr Mumtaz Anwar explained research topic, background of the study, statement of the problem and limitations and delimitations of the study while Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen discussed the importance of literature review, organization, presentation and synthesis of relevant literature. 

 Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, a former chairman of the DLIS, threw light on research objectives and questions, hypothesis formulation, rationale and significance and research design. 

More than 25 researchers and LIS professionals participated in this seminar and thoroughly appreciated the efforts of the PULISAA team to have organized such a wonderful and need-oriented seminar urging them to continue such activities in future.

8th Karachi International Book Fair 2012 to be held from December 6 to 10

Pakistan News & Features Services

The Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association (PPBA), with the collaboration of the National Book Foundation (NBF), will be once again organizing the country’s largest book trade event, the Karachi International Book Fair 2012, from December 6 to 10 at the Karachi Expo Centre with Event and Conference International (Pvt.) Ltd being the event managers.

The annual KIBF has continued to provide an exclusive opportunity to reach out to citizens and bookworms in Pakistan’s largest city and the trade hub of the country besides facilitating the international publishers to interact with the local industry specialists in order to explore business possibilities in this highly potential market. 

This premier book trade event of Pakistan brings together domestic and international publishers, booksellers, librarians and institutional customers. The KIBF creates an excellent opportunity to the readers to view and purchase the best of the local and foreign books and publications at discounted prices. The growing participation of the exhibitors and the rising number of visitors every year has been the testimonials for the success of the KIBF over the years.

“It is encouraging that the number of exhibitors at the KIBF is increasing every year. This clearly indicates that the object of holding such kind of events is highly appreciated by the book lovers of our country,” a member of the organizing committee remarked. 

“The number of stalls is limited and the booking is being entertained on ‘first come first serve’ basis. We have advised the potential exhibitors to complete the Application Form and forward it to us along with participation charges as soon as possible to avoid inconvenience and disappointment,” the KIBF official stated. 

The rates for the three by three square-meter stall would be Rs 43,000 for the national exhibitors and US $ 800 for the international exhibitors. 

Meanwhile the KIBF, as in the past, will be setting up an exclusive arena for staging book launch ceremonies with the authors.

SSUET set to launch book on legendary Ali brothers

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The voluminous book on the lives and accomplishments of the legendary Ali brothers, Maulana Mohammed Ali Jauhar and Maulana Shaukat Ali, is set to be launched on January 4, 2013 under the auspices of the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi.  

This was announced by the SSUET Chancellor, Engr Z A Nizami, following his meeting with the visiting noted peace activist, writer and critic from London, Sayeed Hasan Khan, on September 20.

Chancellor Nizami pointed out that the launch of the book on January 4 will coincide with the ‘Jauhar Day’ which the SSUET observes every year.

A book of about 600 pages been written by Khalid Alig, a prominent former diplomat, writer, journalist and thinker and a grand son of the Ali brothers, who now resides in the US.

“Even at the age of 90, Khalid Alig still drives his car and goes to the gym,” Sayeed Hasan Khan informed Chancellor Nizami during their meeting at the SSUET.

He was of the opinion that no one else other than Khalid Alig can throw light on the lives and achievements of the Ali brothers in a more better and authentic way and its launch at a venue named after the great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan would be the most appropriate occasion.

Sayeed Hasan Khan, who is a most close friend of Khalid Alig, lives in London for the last 50 years and as a writer he has produced two books namely ‘No Clear Hands” and ‘Kurt Jacobsen – Parables of Permanent War.’

Now-a- days he is writing a book based on his memoirs relating to the period of his migration from Breli (India), association with Muslim Students Federation in his teenage and the events which occurred before shifting to UK in 1961 and as a peace activist.

During his meeting with Chancellor Nizami, he also had an exchange of views with prominent Aligarhians and members of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA). 

SIBF’s presence enriches Chiswick Book Festival 2012

Jumbo Editorial Team

The participation of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) added value to the fourth edition of the Chiswick Book Festival, held in London from September 14 to 16, which turned out to be a great event with the proactive authors, interviewers, helpers, cake-makers, audiences, sponsors, booksellers and venue hosts.

The SIBF was represented at the Chiswick Book Festival by its versatile Director, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Amri, spreading the message of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who remains passionate to promote knowledge and extend bridges of cultural communication with the outside world. 

 The SIBF participation in the London event also provided an opportunity of promoting the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair 2012, a well-reputed and major event in the Arab region which gathers thousands of book lovers every year from across the world.

“We are always keen to participate in all global events as they allow us to promote knowledge and understand various cultures. The Chiswick Book Festival offered a brilliant opportunity to publishers, distributors, writers, and intellectuals to exchange ideas and expertise and meet with the directors of various international book fairs,” Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Amri reckoned. 

"The event, which is one of the most prestigious book festivals in the world, was attended by the leading international publishing houses and big names in the field of literature, therefore offering an ideal platform for publishers, authors and other professionals for networking, the exchange of ideas, and an opportunity to gain an understanding of the dynamic cultures of the world," the SIBF Director added.

The Chiswick Book Festival 2012 was officially opened by renowned children's book author Cressida Cowell, followed by speeches from top world writers who spoke about their inspiration in writing books. 

 The iconic figure of Michael Palin, actor, comedian, novelist and legendary travel writer, delivered a keynote address during which he spoke at length about his novel 'The Truth'. The festival lived up to the billing of being one of west London’s literary highlights. 

This year’s stellar line up included A.N.Wilson, Cressida Cowell, Jeremy Vine, Michael Palin, Clare Balding, Antony Beevor, M.C.Beaton, Anne Sebba, Lawrence Norfolk, Kate Colquhoun, Sophie Hannah, Stav Sherez, Mike Marshall, Andy Briggs, Rose Prince, Simon Brett, Julia Gregson, Lucinda Riley, Adam Smith and India Knight.

Somerset writer Angie Cox’s book launch raises over £2,000 for Alzhemier's Research UK

Jumbo Editorial Team

Somerset writer Angie Cox raised more than £2,000 at the launch party for her fundraising book, Forget-Me-Not, near South Petherton, with Sir Cliff Richard, Dragon’s Den’s Deborah Meaden and Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eavis among the many contributors. Every £20 raised from the proceeds of sales will pay for another hour of pioneering research.

A host of famous names have added their fascinating tales to a book of memories brought together by Angie Cox to raise funds for charity Alzhemier’s Research UK, while the inspiration for the book was the author’s mother-in-law, Nina, a kind and vivacious spirit who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease six years before she died, aged 79, last February. 

“It was heartbreaking seeing her become just a shadow of the vibrant lady who loved village life and would help anyone. She gradually lost her precious memories and couldn’t communicate with us anymore. Despite all the love and care, Alzheimer’s overwhelms everything and there’s no turning back. That’s why research is so important; it’s the only way to defeat this devastating disease,” Cox, an office manager at Bow House Physiotherapy Practice in Langport, Somerset, observed.

“I started writing letters and emails 18 months ago and gained confidence as I received more and more replies with heart-warming stories. When Michael Eavis agreed to be interviewed by me I was absolutely thrilled. Enthused, I wrote to Sir Cliff Richard as he’s a patron of Alzheimer’s Research UK. When I opened my emails one cold winter’s afternoon and found a reply from his office, I was ecstatic,” she added. 

“Nina would have been so enthusiastic if she could have seen what I’ve done. As a family we’ve been shocked to realise how little money there is for research for new treatments, that’s why we’re supporting the experts, Alzheimer’s Research UK. We hope to raise thousands of pounds through Forget-Me-Not,” Cox remarked.

Forget-Me-Not is a collection of stories, poems and illustrations from a diverse range of people, each revealing a significant memory from their life. Michael Eavis has talked about a chance encounter which led to the start of the Glastonbury Festival. 

Deborah Meaden has recalled saving up for her first pony and how it influenced her attitude to business. 

The memories from the 1948 Olympics and the Second World War, tales of marriage, travel and much more add to the real life stories. Local dentist Paul Marffy tells how his father left Hungary to forge a new life in Africa after the Second World War.

Traditional enthusiasm at Manila International Book Fair 2012

Jumbo Editorial Team

The 33rd edition of the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), the biggest and oldest book fair event of the Philippines, was held at the SMX Convention Centre in Manila from September 12 to 16, 2012.

As usual it offered a plethora of book choices for readers of all ages and all walks of life. There were books from teen and young adult fiction in both Filipino and English to books about health, lifestyle and much more. 

The MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI), Overseas Publishers Representatives Association of the Philippines (OPRAP), and Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc. (PBAI). 

The 33rd Manila International Book Fair witnessed the traditional enthusiasm of the bookworms who braved the infamous bad traffic and the much feared tussle for parking to visit the fair.

With over a hundred exhibitors and publishers, it was considered a veritable feast for even the most voracious reader out there. 

‘The Best of Anime 2012’ was on display. This pocket exhibit catered to manga and anime enthusiasts, gamers and cosplayers allowing them to connect with their fellow anime lovers and check out the comics, books, magazines and toys for sale. 

Another major attraction for the visitors was the rare chance to meet their favourite authors. The National Book Store’s schedule of events included book signings by authors across different genres.

Lourd de Veyra, Ambeth Ocampo, Jenni Epperson, Budjette Tan, Kajo Baldisimo, Mervin Ignacio Ian Maria, Gerry Alanguilan, Pol Medina, Jinri Park and Claude and Mary Ann Tayag were happy to oblige their fans with autographs as were the US-based authors Alex Gilvarry and Jennifer Hillier, who had flown for a special book signing session. 

Almost every exhibitor offered discount and deals for books to attract a larger pool of customers. The comic book lovers had the added incentive of National Book Store’s Free Comic Book Day. 

There were prizes and lucky draws to keep every visitor interested. Although books took the centre stage at the MIBF, the stalls for fun stationery and school supplies also remained crowded.

Manila publisher unveils own Android-based tablet

Jumbo Editorial Team 

Diwa Learning Systems, a Manila-based publisher, has launched a new Android-based tablet by the name of Yopad, targeted at the education sector fast switching towards e-learning and e-books.

The device was formally unveiled during the recently held 33rd Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. 

The China-made tablet computer will become available in the coming school year 2013-2014 and it’s expected to be sold for less than P 10,000 as a stand-alone unit. 

The 7-inch tablet can also come pre-packaged with Diwa’s digital content such as Genyo e-learning and e-textbooks. The schools, however, will have to pay an additional amount to cover the cost of the digital publications. 

Yopad has been regarded as just an option for educational institutions since the company’s digital resources are device-neutral and can run on any Internet-enabled tablet or PC. It also has Wi-Fi capabilities and runs on Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich.

It may be recalled Vibal Publishing, another company of Manila, had launched its own Android-based tablet titled Vibe, an 8-inch unit for students and a 10-inch model for teachers during an educational conference at the Philippine Normal University (PNU) in May. 

The tablets, priced competitively at P 10,900 for the 8-inch model and P 12,900 for the 10-inch tablet, are manufactured in China but are tailored-fit for local school use. 

The specs of the device are fairly decent, with the 8-inch variant sporting a 1.2 GHz dual-core chip from Samsung and multi-touch capacitive LCD screen from LG. Both tablets run on Android 4 or Ice Cream Sandwich operating system.

The tablets were built according to the specifications of Vibal Publishing, integrating a host of educational apps, e-reader, and interactive textbooks. 

Vibal ventured to create its own tablet although it also provides e-learning content to other tablets being used in local schools such as the e-Rizal tablet in Laguna and the Samsung Galaxy Tab in La Salle Greenhills.

SIBF functionaries visit universities in Jordan, Saudi Arabia

Jumbo Editorial Team

The officials of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), in pursuit of their eagerness to preserve Arabic culture and identity and highlight Sharjah as an education hub and a cultural destination, recently visited various universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after having undertaken a similar tour of Jordan.

The prime objective of the visits was to invite Jordanian and Saudi universities, libraries, and cultural institutions to attend the upcoming edition of the SIBF scheduled to be held from November 7 to 17. 

The delegation included Salim Omar Salim, SIBF Head of Sales and Marketing, and Fadil Hussein, Vice Coordinator-General of the SIBF. 

It expressed optimism over the level of progress and advancement the Arab universities have reached, thus heralding a promising future.

The visits covered a large number of universities where the delegation contacted various academic cadres and faculties in order to familiarise them with the SIBF's cultural and academic capabilities.

They also informed them of the titles and literary releases that would be available on the shelves of the SIBF. 

The SIBF, it may be recalled, was established in 1982 under an Emiri Decree issued by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has continued to patronize the event generously.

The SIBF has grown in stature with every passing year, having become one of the biggest book fairs in the Middle East. 

The 10-day annual event is a direct result of Sharjah's dedication and commitment to developing and maintaining a culture of reading within the Emirate and the UAE, as is clearly encapsulated in the SIBF motto - For the Love of the Written Word. 

The SIBF has gone beyond just holding a successful book fair. It’s working on the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to extend bridges of cultural and intellectual communication, exchange knowledge with other countries, and highlight Arab identity.

Deputy Premier launches book on Bahrain's urban development history

Jumbo Editorial Team

A book documenting the history of urban planning of towns in Bahrain was launched at the Shaikh Isa Cultural Centre in Juffair on September 15.

The Deputy Premier, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, was the chief guest in the launch ceremony which was attended by a large number of ministers, engineers and architectural specialists. 

Authored by Engineer Mohammed Nour Al-Nabi, the book traces the use of land and urban development since 1968, with the establishment of the Planning Coordination Board and the Natural Planning Unit at the municipality the same year, in addition to the Housing Ministry which was officially set up in 1975. 

Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa praised the content of the book which documents a crucial period of Bahrain’s history, crediting the author to trace urban development strides in the Kingdom.

The author, a former planning adviser who retired in 2009, also thanked Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa for patronizing the book launch ceremony.

The History of Land Use and Development in Bahrain is a detailed account of Engineer Nabi's time working in physical planning from 1971 to 1975 and then as chief town planner, town planning adviser and acting director of physical planning. 

Five hundred copies of the book have been printed and they will be available at all public libraries in the kingdom.

The initiatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain towards cultural development have been awesome and the venue of the book launch, Shaikh Isa Cultural Centre and National Library, was itself a reflection of their priorities. 

The landmark cultural edifice, the biggest of its kind in the GCC, a tribute to the late Amir His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, was inaugurated in 2008. 

It has been regularly hosting cultural and scientific activities, exhibitions, conferences and forums since then.

Madhuri Dixit breaks into tears in book launch

Jumbo Editorial Team

The legendary Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, iconic singer Asha Bhosle and celebrated columnist-novelist Shobhaa De, graced the launch of book ‘Chehre’ on the first death anniversary of photographer Gautam Rajadhyaksha.

The launch was held in Mumbai on September 14 and Madhuri Dixit apparently got emotional remembering photographer Gautam Rajadhyaksha and was seen in tears. 

“At the release of Chehre: a tribute to Gautam Rajadhyaksha in Dadar. We miss him dearly,” Madhuri Dixit wrote on Twitter. 

It was the first death anniversary of the ace photographer the late Gautam Rajadhyaksha the favourite of the top line celebrities of Bollywood who have not forgotten him either. 

He was acclaimed as one of India's leading fashion photographers and the best known celebrity portraitists, having photographed almost all the icons of the Indian Film industry.

Born on September 16, 1950 Rajadhyaksha got his first break at the age of 30, when he shot his close friend Shabana Azmi. Five years later, he started Chanderi, a Marathi non-gossip magazine. 

By then, he was on his way to becoming an established photographer and continued to write and shoot pictures for many publications. In 1992, he wrote his first screenplay, for the film, 'Bekhudi', which launched actress Kajol's career and his second, 'Anjaam' presented, Madhuri Dixit with a challenging role.

 

In 1997, he released Faces, a coffee table book featuring the most intriguing portraits by him. 

Faces contained profiles of 45 film personalities beginning with Durga Khote, one of India's first ladies of the Indian screen and ending with Aishwarya Rai, the former Miss World and going on to become Bollywood's leading actress. 

In 2000, he held his first-ever photo-exhibition in Pune which showcased, 20 years of his photography work. 

He held exhibitions in Pune, Goa and Kolhapur with all attracting large crowds before exhibiting in San Francisco, London, Birmingham and Dubai, which were also very well attended.

Seminar library of Basic and Applied Sciences established at SSUET

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, has been equipped with a seminar library for the faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences.

The library, equipped with latest computer system, was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Syed Javed Hassan Rizvi in the presence of faculty members on September 8. 

The library has a number of high quality reference books, other publications and informative resource material in all areas of Basic and Applied Sciences for usage and work impact of the researches. 

The books for the library were donated by the faculty members, SSUET’s and central library. The department of Basic & Applied Sciences offers published material, freely available to all interested students who, by investing some time, can increase their knowledge about the relevant subjects, concepts and ideas.

In his remarks on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor while emphasizing the need of creating an academic and research culture in the faculty, said the library will serve as top most knowledge resource for students and motivate them to involve themselves into basic and applied science research that is important to the advancement of human knowledge with different end goals in sight. 

The basic research is conducted solely for the purpose of gathering information and building on existing knowledge, as opposed to applied research, which is geared to address and answer real-world problems.