The World?s Best Holiday Building of 2011 Welcomes 2012 // The RAAS Hotel in Jodhpur, India

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Keeping with tradition, the Yatzer family welcomes a New Year with the breathtaking beauty and artistic wonder we have become known for sharing. We couldn?t think of a better example of the two than the RAAS Hotel in Jodhpur, India, member of Design Hotels? and the World?s Best Holiday Building of 2011 according to the 2011 WAF | World Architecture Festival Awards.

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Here, we find ourselves in a colorful corner of the world, an inherently exotic country known for its spices, colors, fabrics, and scents. The Walled City of Jodhpur has a rich history where the ''rose red'' sandstone makes up most of the buildings. The Mehrangarh?s Victory Palace and Gate commands attention as it sits atop the center of the city. Completed in the 17th century and surrounded by a large protective wall, this majestic fort was built to protect the historic palaces of Rajasthan. At the foot of the Mehrangarh Fort (rated as ''Asia?s Best Fortress by Time Magazine in 2008''), you will find the only luxury boutique hotel in an Indian Walled City; the RAAS.

Where does one even begin to describe the understated elegance that has been captured at the RAAS Hotel? The architects behind this rare hotel complex are the Lotus Praxis Initiative based in India. Their talent knows no bounds as exemplified in their approach to designing the four original standing buildings together with three modern ones (all built in the sultry red sandstone) whilst maintaining an organic earthiness throughout the property. This natural feel is a nice opposition to the luxury that abounds and works to ground the hotel avoiding a ''stuffy'' or snobby aspect. The architects allowed the natural beauty of Jodhpur to lead them. One can see the story that The Lotus Praxis Initiative has put into the luxurious hideaway. The RAAS is a re creation of the city in which it stands with its body of water in the center, a square, an eclectic mix of styles both old and new and striking views of the Mehrangarh from each and every room just as each house within Jodhpur has a view of the fortress.? ''Its ground- breaking architecture seamlessly integrates a modern use of light and space with an eighteenth century Rajput haveli, offering the best in modern and traditional luxury. By marrying sensational vistas with a beautifully calm central garden oasis, the RAAS? all-pervasive warmth mirrors the city itself.''

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

The modern buildings? perimeter walls are perforated with rectangular slats that allow a checkerboard of light into the hallways while the sun is up. Playing with light is a modern characteristic executed well, and surprises you as you enter a modern building from an older one. In so many instances the tie between new and old is executed with such expertise and so seamlessly that it is in the details like the perforations in the walls, that truly make you step back and admire the thought that was put in behind the scenes. ?Jodhpur?s red sand-stone unites the new with the old, even as modern designs and patterns in its dressing and carving add an exciting and fresh dimension to the region?s age-old stone carving industry. This seamless harmony between the modern and the traditional, the familiar and the surprising ? extend to all aspects of the RAAS; it is everywhere, at all times, as comforting as it is inspirational.?

Harmony as a theme is evident not only in the architecture, but in the landscaping, the vistas, the restaurants, and the overall tranquility the hotel has become known for. Warm and welcoming, many travel to the RAAS once a year like a pilgrimage for those who find relaxation to be their religion.

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

There are 32 spacious rooms and 7 delicious suites that each has its own sitting area (separate from the bedroom) that sit below sprawling arches, large balconies and very large bathrooms. There are 35 rooms with views of the Mehrangarh and the remaining four have views of private gardens that overlook the older restored buildings. All rooms are designed in a clean and modern manner and decorated with great attention to detail including high-end designer furniture and fixtures. The d?cor is modern and eclectic with reference to the rich colors Jodhpur, The BLUE city which is known for (pink/sandstone, blue/''Jodhpur blue'' blue washed homes, black/ terrazzo).? One look at the rooms and it is easy to imagine yourself like a swan diving into the large bed or relaxing in the sitting rooms in a soft white robe after an Ayuverdic treatment at the spa. A barefoot walk through the enchanting grounds would be enough to both ground you and take your mind to faraway places. It is almost magical, as if the air within the walls of the RAAS is intoxicating, there is a raw emotion that is shared and everyone is at peace.

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

In addition to a spa that leans towards Ayuverdic treatments, there are two restaurants; one that is indoors, the other is outdoors, a chic caf? by the gorgeous pool area.? The RAAS is Jodhpur?s gem, a prestigious boutique hotel nestled into the foothills of the Mehrangarh, a layering of natural beauty and manmade beauty, the epitome of Rajasthan culture. As Yatzer enters its fifth year, we are grateful for both the opportunity and the challenge to keep on taking your breath away.?

The RAAS hotel is only the beginning of 2012...

Happy New Year!

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

Image Courtesy of RAAS, Jodhpur

sources:

RAAS Hotel, Jodhpur, India, Design Hotels, V2com

Source: http://www.yatzer.com/RAAS-Hotel-Jodhpur-India-yatzer

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emschultz: Got a chance to test iCloud's iPhone back-up capabilities today to set up a replacement iPhone. The short version: it works.

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President Islam Karimov congratulates Chinese President Hu Jintao

27.12.2011

His Excellency
Mr. Hu Jintao,
President of the People?s Republic of China

Your Excellency,

I sincerely thank You for the heartfelt congratulations and kind wishes on the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People?s Republic of China.

In its aspiration for development and prosperity, Uzbekistan has from the very moment of attaining independence relied on the robust support from China, our close neighbor and trustworthy partner. We highly acknowledge the special significance attached by China?s leadership to a consistent and dynamic enhancement of longer-term relations with Uzbekistan on principles of equality, mutual respect and confidence.

An open and prolific political dialogue has been built between our two nations for the historically brief period across a whole range of bilateral and multilateral cooperation; a steadfast trend has been secured in the growth of volumes and diversification of trade stock-lists; growth in investments has been evident, primarily to high-tech industrial sectors defined by us as priority areas. Remarkable has been the expansion of cultural and humanitarian exchange, academic and technical interaction.

The Agreement on Partnership Relations of Friendship and Cooperation signed by us in 2005 has helped craft a solid normative backbone for a persistent and systematic building up of mutually rewarding Uzbek-Chinese ties amid new realities.

One of critical outcomes of Uzbek delegation?s state visit to China in April 2011 ? a symbolic event in the history of our relations ? has been the establishment of a committee on cooperation to have secured an institutional foundation for the eventful interstate dialogue and comprehensive partnership on even higher a layer.

We stay steadily supportive of Your balanced and reasonable foreign policy, the one China policy, measures to combat terrorism, extremism and separatism. Uzbekistan is interested in furthering its constructive interaction with China within the framework of the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other prominent international organizations and financial institutions.

I feel convinced that given the concurrence of vital interests, we will continue to work together toward consolidating the bonds of traditional friendship and add new tangible content to them for the good of our two countries and peoples.

Taking this delightful opportunity, I would like to greet You, esteemed Mr. Hu Jintao, on the New Year, wish a sound health and every success in Your activities, along with progress and wellbeing to the friendly people of China.

Sincerely,

Islam KARIMOV,
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Source: http://www.press-service.uz/en/news/show/main/pozdravlenie_prezidenta_respubliki_uzbek/

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EarthBlog: Gulf Of Mexico Deep Drilling Thrives 18 Months After BP #OilSpill http://t.co/nMMbvcqj

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Elance_Web: Basic Iphone drawing application | Elance Job: Hi, Im looking for an experienced and creative... http://t.co/FCqwYJ41 #programming #jobs

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Former NFL Linebacker Chris Draft Inspires Thousands After Losing His Wife To Cancer

?

It?s a modern day fairytale mixed with all the ingredients that make up one of the greatest love stories of 2011. In one day over 12,ooo people had been touched by the story of Chris and Keasha Draft

It wasn?t until after reading about the recent passing of Keasha Rutledge Draft, wife of former NFL Linebacker Chris Draft, that I realized that true love still exist. According to sources close to the couple, Keasha had been diagnosed with cancer yet Chris loved her throughout her illness and granted her wish to become his bride on November 27, 2011. Sadly, Keasha lost her fight with cancer on Tuesday December 27, 2011; ironically one month after marrying Chris.

For the full story visit Atlanta Tastemaker Magazine.

Source: http://downtown.11alive.com/news/96145-former-nfl-linebacker-chris-draft-inspires-thousands-after-losing-his-wife-cancer

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Obamanomics: Only 55% of Americans Between Ages of 16 And 29 Have Jobs?

The economic train wreck rolls on.

(CNN) ? In 2008, the youth vote helped sweep Barack Obama into office. Americans 18-29 spread the word on social media, energized fundraising and went to the polls.

In 2012, the youth vote is moving on and throwing those omnipresent ?Hope? bumper stickers and t-shirts in garbage bins.

Not because of apathy. Not because another candidate generates more enthusiasm. Not because of his character. Not because they think voting is pointless. The 18-29 vote is up for grabs in 2012 because youth can?t afford cars to put bumper stickers on and those t-shirts are worn out from too many days sitting on the couch unemployed.

The sobering reality: just 55.3 percent of Americans between 16 and 29 have jobs. And earlier this year, Americans? student loan debt surpassed credit card debt for the first time ever.

Rather than develop a lasting initiative to help young unemployed Americans, the President launched ?Greater Together? ? a campaign tool that offers community forums rather than jobs. Rather than provide a bailout to those crushed by the burden of educational loans, his student debt relief program was pathetic ? only reducing interest rates by a measly 0.5 percent.

Keep reading?

Source: http://weaselzippers.us/2011/12/30/obamanomics-only-55-of-americans-between-ages-of-16-and-29-have-jobs/

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Perry challenges Santorum on earmarks (AP)

WASHINGTON, Iowa ? Texas Gov. Rick Perry is questioning former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum's conservative credentials.

Perry said Thursday that he's sometimes confused when Santorum talks about fiscal conservatism. Perry says the former senator loaded up federal legislation with so-called pork-barrel spending for his home state and calls Santorum a "prolific earmarker."

In the race for the GOP presidential nomination, Perry is casting himself as an economic and social conservative best suited to take on President Barack Obama. Perry has slipped in recent polling as Santorum, who also casts himself as the only true conservative, has risen.

Looking to halt Santorum's rise, Perry said, quote: "I love Iowa pork but I hate Washington pork."

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/politics/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111229/ap_on_el_pr/us_perry

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Top 10 Church-State and Religious Liberty Developments for 2011

Here are my nominations for the 2011 Top Ten Church-State and Religious Liberty Developments. The choices are based on the long-range implications of the developments on legal doctrines and on relations between government and religion. I have linked to representative postings on each issue:

1. Legalization of same-sex marriage expands, as religious objections continue to be voiced loudly. ?New York passed a same-sex marriage statute and the Obama administration announced it would no longer defend the constitutionality of DOMA while the Defense Authorization Bill assured that military chaplains would not be forced to perform same-sex marriages. Meanwhile litigation over California's Proposition 8 continues and?some Catholic social service agencies in Illinois end foster-care and adoption programs to avoid placement with couples in same-sex civil unions.
2. Christian crosses on public property become the focus of litigation. Utah Highway Patrol Association memorial crosses on public property violate the Establishment Clause (10th Circuit). Supreme Court review is denied over dissent by Justice Thomas. The Mt. Soledad Memorial cross violates the Establishment Clause (9th Circuit) and Sunrise Rock Cross litigation continues after a fragmented Supreme Court decision last year.
3. Under pressure from Western countries, the United Nations Human Rights Council and General Assembly pass freedom of belief resolutions that move away from the concept of "defamation of religion."
4. The Supreme Court in Snyder v. Phelps holds that the 1st Amendment protects offensive anti-gay funeral picketing by members of the Westboro Baptist Church.
5. Religion remains an important issue in the battle for the Republican presidential nomination. ?Mitt Romney's Mormon faith raises questions for some Christians, while Republican debates have included significant discussion of candidates' attitudes toward church-state matters, religious liberty and Muslims in America.
6. Uncertainty remains on the role of religion in Egypt in the wake of its Arab Spring uprising. ?Will religious liberty be assured for Christian Copts? What role will Shariah law play in the country's new constitution and legal system?
7. A measure to ban circumcision makes it onto the San Francisco ballot until a court forces it off on state pre-emption grounds. The proposal was seen by many as reflecting anti-Semitism.
8. The Supreme Court interprets standing narrowly in rejecting an Establishment Clause challenge to Arizona tax credits for contributions to organizations that provide scholarships to private and religious schools. The case is Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization v. Winn.
9. A Canadian trial court upholds?Canada' anti-polygamy law against challenges under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, except for prosecution of minors under the statute.
?10. The Supreme Court in Sossamon v. Texas?holds that states which accept federal funding for their prisons retain sovereign immunity to monetary damage claims under RLUIPA.
For comparison, here is a roundup of top 2011 religion developments from BJC blogger?Don Byrd? I invite your e-mails (religionclause@gmail.com) if you disagree with my picks.

Source: http://bit.ly/tD1OhM

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