1781 Bank of North America, 1st US bank opens.
1857 Queen Victoria chooses Ottawa as new capital of Canada.
1879 Edison gives 1st public demonstration of his incandescent lamp.
1946 French troops leave Lebanon
1970 Paul McCartney files a lawsuit to dissolve Beatles
1973 Johan Cruyff chosen European soccer Player of year
1977 Amir Sheikh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah becomes leader of Kuwait
1982 TV soap "Doctors" ends 19 year run
1991 USSR, last day of existence
1991 Dow Jones closes at record high 3168.83
1997 Microsoft buys Hotmail E-mail service
1999 Control of Panama Canal reverts to Panama00690901
2006 The death toll for Americans killed in the Iraq war reached 3,000
Christmas is early in Dubai
"I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.", Albert Einstein.
It's already Christmas in Dubai! After a couple of weeks of uncertainty, Dubai woke up today to a gift. 10 Billion Dollars is the amount that Abu Dhabi splashed to make sure that Dubai's troubled government-owned companies are safe.
In simple terms, this means that companies like Nakheel will be able to fulfill their commitment and pay back the banks. Is this a good news? Well, it depends on how you look at it. See, the alternative for Dubai would've been risking the City's reputation as a safe and reliable investment destination. Companies and individual investors would have been reluctant to come here and spend millions of dollars on investments.
So we established that this will help Dubai protect it's image. The question is; are there any strings attached to it?
Well, let's agree that no one gives free money. Definitely not 10 Billion dollars. It is highly probable that Abu Dhabi would like to have some stake in Dubai's thriving businesses; like Emirates Airlines or Dubai Ports, etc. It's also possible that Abu Dhabi wants to get a chunk of the Cherry that is Dubai's global image. Is it that bad? Absolutely not.
UAE is made of 7 small emirates, and it's certainly not bad that you have one Emirate helping the other. That's what a union is all about after all. Besides, if one city goes down it will drag the other one with it, and if one thrive it will pull the other up with it. So, if there were any strings, it will only make the bond between the two cities stronger and the residents whether locals or expats will definitely benefit from it.
This scenario becomes all the more favorable when you consider that other sources of funds/ strings can come from abroad. It was never a positive thing to have an external influence on your domestic policies or decisions. Whether help comes from USA, EU, Russia, China, KSA or any other source, that is an influence and a potential risk that UAE doesn't need.
So, Happy Eid and Merry Christmas to Dubai.
It's already Christmas in Dubai! After a couple of weeks of uncertainty, Dubai woke up today to a gift. 10 Billion Dollars is the amount that Abu Dhabi splashed to make sure that Dubai's troubled government-owned companies are safe.
In simple terms, this means that companies like Nakheel will be able to fulfill their commitment and pay back the banks. Is this a good news? Well, it depends on how you look at it. See, the alternative for Dubai would've been risking the City's reputation as a safe and reliable investment destination. Companies and individual investors would have been reluctant to come here and spend millions of dollars on investments.
So we established that this will help Dubai protect it's image. The question is; are there any strings attached to it?
Well, let's agree that no one gives free money. Definitely not 10 Billion dollars. It is highly probable that Abu Dhabi would like to have some stake in Dubai's thriving businesses; like Emirates Airlines or Dubai Ports, etc. It's also possible that Abu Dhabi wants to get a chunk of the Cherry that is Dubai's global image. Is it that bad? Absolutely not.
UAE is made of 7 small emirates, and it's certainly not bad that you have one Emirate helping the other. That's what a union is all about after all. Besides, if one city goes down it will drag the other one with it, and if one thrive it will pull the other up with it. So, if there were any strings, it will only make the bond between the two cities stronger and the residents whether locals or expats will definitely benefit from it.
This scenario becomes all the more favorable when you consider that other sources of funds/ strings can come from abroad. It was never a positive thing to have an external influence on your domestic policies or decisions. Whether help comes from USA, EU, Russia, China, KSA or any other source, that is an influence and a potential risk that UAE doesn't need.
So, Happy Eid and Merry Christmas to Dubai.
Dada egh!
I can proudly boost that the last time I intentionally tuned to an Arabic music channel was 8 years ago. The reason is that I got disgusted and ashamed by the extravagant amount of bullshit they play. And although I commend Melody for the great job their marketing team is doing promoting the channel with themed sketches like "Melody Tunes, all engelish all za time", "Melody tatahadda al malal", and "Melody aflam, aflam arabi... Om el agnabi", I can safely assume that they also have outclassed everyone else with their outrageous and shameless clips!
Today, and while I was vegging with a friend of mine doing absolutely nothing, we ended up throwing away the remote with Melody on. Suddenly, appeared on TV what initially looked like a joke, or maybe a new sketch. Much to our surprise it was actually a song by a girl called Pamela Quwaiq! The song was titled "Dada egh!". Still not knowing what is it that is just about to be thrown at us we kept watching! If I want to best describe her I'd say she looked like a cheap prostitute. With a dress barely covering her butt, she appeared to be acting in the opening scene of some porn movie! Things got better with her first two lines:
Dada dada egh.. Ngegh ngegh!!...
Now, I can't claim that the girl is not pretty. She probably qualifies as a candidate for Hareega's Mikro-blogging eye candy, but letting her sing on satellite TV is an insult to everyone! The point is, if I wanted to see flesh or a naked girl I would've simply got me a porno and cut straight to the chase! My question is, what purpose does this video serve??
This is definitely not a song for adults, cause dada egh is barely the line you'd use to address your lover, and if it's directed to kids then the amount of prostitution on display makes it inappropriate for humans well into their 40's! It's worth mentioning that the clip was directed by the "artist" herself.
Just as it ended we were treated to a song by Rami Ayyash - who is still convinced that he is sexy- and Ahmad Adawyya! Bullshi again. Less amount of prostitution though. Finally, a guy called Nabil Ajram caused my a Diarrhea with his " Bet'azzebni leh" clip. Prisoners sporting gayish unifroms being persecuted by wanton girls.
We decided the best thing to do is to go to sleep.
When I have my own kids I'll do the same thing our neighbor in Jordan did and will delete Melody, Mazzika, Rotana and the rest from my channel list.
Finally, I've predicted in an earlier post that we will start exporting porn to the rest of the world in 50 years. I'll revise that. It's going to happen in 20.
Today, and while I was vegging with a friend of mine doing absolutely nothing, we ended up throwing away the remote with Melody on. Suddenly, appeared on TV what initially looked like a joke, or maybe a new sketch. Much to our surprise it was actually a song by a girl called Pamela Quwaiq! The song was titled "Dada egh!". Still not knowing what is it that is just about to be thrown at us we kept watching! If I want to best describe her I'd say she looked like a cheap prostitute. With a dress barely covering her butt, she appeared to be acting in the opening scene of some porn movie! Things got better with her first two lines:
Dada dada egh.. Ngegh ngegh!!...
Now, I can't claim that the girl is not pretty. She probably qualifies as a candidate for Hareega's Mikro-blogging eye candy, but letting her sing on satellite TV is an insult to everyone! The point is, if I wanted to see flesh or a naked girl I would've simply got me a porno and cut straight to the chase! My question is, what purpose does this video serve??
This is definitely not a song for adults, cause dada egh is barely the line you'd use to address your lover, and if it's directed to kids then the amount of prostitution on display makes it inappropriate for humans well into their 40's! It's worth mentioning that the clip was directed by the "artist" herself.
Just as it ended we were treated to a song by Rami Ayyash - who is still convinced that he is sexy- and Ahmad Adawyya! Bullshi again. Less amount of prostitution though. Finally, a guy called Nabil Ajram caused my a Diarrhea with his " Bet'azzebni leh" clip. Prisoners sporting gayish unifroms being persecuted by wanton girls.
We decided the best thing to do is to go to sleep.
When I have my own kids I'll do the same thing our neighbor in Jordan did and will delete Melody, Mazzika, Rotana and the rest from my channel list.
Finally, I've predicted in an earlier post that we will start exporting porn to the rest of the world in 50 years. I'll revise that. It's going to happen in 20.
A world of dreamers and pragmatists
The world is a tragedy to those who feel, and a comedy to those who think.
Perspectives is what makes life interesting. It's what actually makes people different, not race or color.
people are born identical. With goodness instilled in them. They all believe in truth and happiness. They all believe in justice and the power of the human soul. But then, we grow up. We are taught different versions of history and God. We are made to believe that we own the truth, and that we are somehow better than the rest. It sure helps us advance in certain aspects of life, but the trade off is that we lose some part of our humanity as life goes by, and we see it happening with pride, thinking that we are somehow growing stronger and better.
If you are lucky, you go on with your life failing to notice this, as your reality doesn't challenge your ideas. If you're not that lucky, you meet someone who unintentionally strikes a truth that you will never be comfortable with. The greater the divide, the more difficult it is for you to accept the new facts. You might change, but there is only so much you can change without being denounced for relinquishing your superiority and your version of the truth. Suddenly, what you know, or thought you knew, becomes the greatest wall separating you from reality and your humanity.
Ignorance is a bless.
Being naive is often what makes you happy. That's why children have the most genuine smiles. You might think It is inevitable, but there are those who are blessed with a humane reservoir that decades of life won't consume. As for the rest of us, we grow older and we lose our humanity to nothing.
Those who are prepared to cross barriers are the unsung heroes of this race. Sadly, quite often they are the ones who pay the price. Blessed are those who believe in abstracts and non-existing values, for without them the earth will be inhabited by Swiss watches and robots dressed in human skin working relentlessly and obliviously on terminating this race.
It's your choice whether you die of a great Tsunami, an ice age, an Ozone hole, or a sudden non-existence of dreamers!
Dreamers give losers life, and lovers give everyone a home.
Perspectives is what makes life interesting. It's what actually makes people different, not race or color.
people are born identical. With goodness instilled in them. They all believe in truth and happiness. They all believe in justice and the power of the human soul. But then, we grow up. We are taught different versions of history and God. We are made to believe that we own the truth, and that we are somehow better than the rest. It sure helps us advance in certain aspects of life, but the trade off is that we lose some part of our humanity as life goes by, and we see it happening with pride, thinking that we are somehow growing stronger and better.
If you are lucky, you go on with your life failing to notice this, as your reality doesn't challenge your ideas. If you're not that lucky, you meet someone who unintentionally strikes a truth that you will never be comfortable with. The greater the divide, the more difficult it is for you to accept the new facts. You might change, but there is only so much you can change without being denounced for relinquishing your superiority and your version of the truth. Suddenly, what you know, or thought you knew, becomes the greatest wall separating you from reality and your humanity.
Ignorance is a bless.
Being naive is often what makes you happy. That's why children have the most genuine smiles. You might think It is inevitable, but there are those who are blessed with a humane reservoir that decades of life won't consume. As for the rest of us, we grow older and we lose our humanity to nothing.
Those who are prepared to cross barriers are the unsung heroes of this race. Sadly, quite often they are the ones who pay the price. Blessed are those who believe in abstracts and non-existing values, for without them the earth will be inhabited by Swiss watches and robots dressed in human skin working relentlessly and obliviously on terminating this race.
It's your choice whether you die of a great Tsunami, an ice age, an Ozone hole, or a sudden non-existence of dreamers!
Dreamers give losers life, and lovers give everyone a home.
Dubai... A Middle Eastern Dream
As I grew up people dreamt about going to the US, the land of opportunities. Some wanted the UK, others wanted anything out of this stagnating region!
As I graduated there was a new destination. One that is unusually close, and easier to fit in. An Arab country. Somewhere we don't worry about being descriminated against or punished for who we are or what we believe in. People came from all corners of the world to experience it and live it. To be part of the boom and part of the phenomenon. This place is Dubai.
Unfortunately, the world is not fair. And while we always demand the best from governments and coutnries, we tend to crucify those who dream. Even if there dream worked for awhile. We rush and compete in bringing those who dream down. We point the fingers of blame and we open our mouths and we say: I KNEW IT!
I don't blame Europeans or North Americans. It just amazes me how middle easterners and specifically arabs feel so vendicated by what's going on now! What was it that you wanted? One more mundane place? Inorganized, flat, dirty, dull, Oil-dependant, aid-dependant & grey City?
Dubai offered people an alternative for our corrupted countries and cities. A place to work and live in security and peace. A multi-cultural environment. A platform to meet people from other cultures in an unbiased condition. Prejudice free. Tax free.
Everyone is allowed to dream, and everybody is encouraged to. nevertheless, we jump into the forefront and race to step on the the shoulders of a giant that fell down to accelerate its demise.
One question for, Egptians, Lebanese, Jordanians, Palestinians, Iranians, Indians, Filipinos, Australians and others; What is your alternative? What is your plan B?
Was Dubai perfect? Definitely not. Was everyone here happy and living the perfect life, absolutely not! But for many of us it was the perfect solution and the perfect alternative? Thousands of families lived on remittances from this country. Thousands of other families were built because of careers and expereicnes which would have been otherwise impossible.
I still believe that it is not over. Maybe it will never be the same booming city it was before. There were mistakes and they will definitely need to be fixed, but that doesn't mean that the dream is dead.
It better still be alive. For everyone's sake!
Status Update
The past few weeks were a little different from what preceeded them. A change is always welcome. The question is; was it a good change?
Last time I scored 7.4!
Social: 8
Life is pretty rewarding sometimes, and after some dry spells you get reminded that you're not socially dead :).
Financial 8:
Hard work ocassionally pays off! It looks like it's going to be a good year. A new method in handling my finances is apparently paying off, even during Holidays.
Professional 9:
I'm having a great time :) ... If I manage to avoid the scramble of the year-end I will be bursting with fruits flavors.
Weather 9:
As I wished, I Felt a little cold in Jordan, and then came back to the wonderful winter of Dubai. It's a great time for outdoor activities.
Health 6:
You can't win it all!! I hate Flu.
Overall 8:
Looks like it was a good change :) .. I hope it goes on... Targeting 9.5 by March!
Egypt and Algeria or Algeria and Egypt
Egypt and Algeria or Algeria and Egypt, doesn’t really matter which comes first, because in my eyes both comes last, the last 2 countries I will have any respect for after what happened lately because of a stupid football game.
I kept silent about this idiotic act for long enough until I saw an ad on the TV for a stupid, low budget, cheap Egyptian movie, the ad said, soon on all cinemas in all the Arab countries except Algeria!!!! When I saw this I thought, this must be a joke.
I don’t know who started this or how it started in the first place, but if there is one thing I’m sure of it's that it’s all the fault of the media, one dumb reporter says something stupid, whether he meant bad or good it doesn’t matter, then all the TV channels pick that up and start to build stories on it, and the simple people just watch this and the blood boils in their veins, it’s the honour of their countries, someone is insulting their countries, they want to go to war!!! They want to go to war because of a football game!!!
One guy on TV was shouting (the TV host was crying, I swear to god he was crying with tears) “they have insulted us, they have burnt our flag, we have to defend our dignity and honour”, he wants his dignity back! What dignity are you talking about, dude we are Arabs, I thought that ship has sailed, it has sailed since we lost Palestine, it has sailed again and again and again many times after, and never came close to the Arab countries since then, we lost Iraq after Palestine, and we lost thousands of people in few days just a year ago, and you want to get back at the Algerians?! Is that how you get your dignity back?!
Now I just talked about the simple people here, didn’t mention anything about the “highly educated” public figures of both countries and I didn’t say anything about the governments too, and I won’t, for one single reason, we Arabs are a hopeless case, the only thing we are good at is to find artistic ways to bring shame to ourselves.
I kept silent about this idiotic act for long enough until I saw an ad on the TV for a stupid, low budget, cheap Egyptian movie, the ad said, soon on all cinemas in all the Arab countries except Algeria!!!! When I saw this I thought, this must be a joke.
I don’t know who started this or how it started in the first place, but if there is one thing I’m sure of it's that it’s all the fault of the media, one dumb reporter says something stupid, whether he meant bad or good it doesn’t matter, then all the TV channels pick that up and start to build stories on it, and the simple people just watch this and the blood boils in their veins, it’s the honour of their countries, someone is insulting their countries, they want to go to war!!! They want to go to war because of a football game!!!
One guy on TV was shouting (the TV host was crying, I swear to god he was crying with tears) “they have insulted us, they have burnt our flag, we have to defend our dignity and honour”, he wants his dignity back! What dignity are you talking about, dude we are Arabs, I thought that ship has sailed, it has sailed since we lost Palestine, it has sailed again and again and again many times after, and never came close to the Arab countries since then, we lost Iraq after Palestine, and we lost thousands of people in few days just a year ago, and you want to get back at the Algerians?! Is that how you get your dignity back?!
Now I just talked about the simple people here, didn’t mention anything about the “highly educated” public figures of both countries and I didn’t say anything about the governments too, and I won’t, for one single reason, we Arabs are a hopeless case, the only thing we are good at is to find artistic ways to bring shame to ourselves.
Thoughts of a 40,000 ft high passenger
* They say that smoking will kill you. I'm not really sure whether this has something to do with the actual intake of all this gloriously poisonous stuff, or is it because the things a smoker will do to get his fix! I walked probably half a mile from and crossed two terminals today to go to the smoking room! More like a gas chamber. Smoked two ciggies and went back the same distance with my bags on me! Now, this is what people call dedication.
* Airports always give you, well at lest me, this weird feeling of hope mixed with loneliness and solitude. I'm very quiet in airports. I will probably look like a man carrying the globe over his shoulders. Usually, I'm just having extra time to think about so many things that I usually forget.
* After what happened the other day, Egypt & Algeria should be banned from the World Cup! It's an embarrassment and a disgrace to Arabs, Africa and the whole sporting community. Their associations should impose a self-ban just to teach their Holligans a lesson and tell the world that those rubbish don't represent us.
* Tunisia decided to embarrass itself against Mozambique, as opposed to doing it during the world cup. They are keeping a low profile. How wise of them.
* Bahrain should not qualify. Period.
* When an Arab tries to explain to a Sri Lankan that he/she shouldn't discriminate agains Philippinos that means that the world is coming to an end!.. The west do it for us, and we do it for each other!
* Emirates airlines is a great Airliner. Wonderful service. But Royal Jordanian is as well, and their Entertainment programs are much better. Yes, I care about my entertainment especially during long flights.
* Emirates only comes on top by the virtue of the absence of the self-proclaimed scary non-civilan staring at everyone who steps in.
* 401 Miles to Amman.
* Smoking isn't the most damaging thing to your health. Remember, eventually you will get married.
* Heading to Amman, the first few ideas that pop into my head are:
A)finally I will be able to wear a jacket! I miss those winters.
B) Once I'm out of customs I'll buy me a Latte from Blue Fig and smoke me a ciggie.
C) I'm going to miss that house warming party Eloisa is throwing this weekend, and
D) I've just approved a 4-day vacation that my privacy will take. It will commence the moment I step off the plane.
* We Jordanians complain a lot about Jordan.. But we love going back. Because it's beautiful.
* Two days of work and then the weekend. After that, the weather is getting better in Dubai and I'm not about to miss it!
* Airports always give you, well at lest me, this weird feeling of hope mixed with loneliness and solitude. I'm very quiet in airports. I will probably look like a man carrying the globe over his shoulders. Usually, I'm just having extra time to think about so many things that I usually forget.
* After what happened the other day, Egypt & Algeria should be banned from the World Cup! It's an embarrassment and a disgrace to Arabs, Africa and the whole sporting community. Their associations should impose a self-ban just to teach their Holligans a lesson and tell the world that those rubbish don't represent us.
* Tunisia decided to embarrass itself against Mozambique, as opposed to doing it during the world cup. They are keeping a low profile. How wise of them.
* Bahrain should not qualify. Period.
* When an Arab tries to explain to a Sri Lankan that he/she shouldn't discriminate agains Philippinos that means that the world is coming to an end!.. The west do it for us, and we do it for each other!
* Emirates airlines is a great Airliner. Wonderful service. But Royal Jordanian is as well, and their Entertainment programs are much better. Yes, I care about my entertainment especially during long flights.
* Emirates only comes on top by the virtue of the absence of the self-proclaimed scary non-civilan staring at everyone who steps in.
* 401 Miles to Amman.
* Smoking isn't the most damaging thing to your health. Remember, eventually you will get married.
* Heading to Amman, the first few ideas that pop into my head are:
A)finally I will be able to wear a jacket! I miss those winters.
B) Once I'm out of customs I'll buy me a Latte from Blue Fig and smoke me a ciggie.
C) I'm going to miss that house warming party Eloisa is throwing this weekend, and
D) I've just approved a 4-day vacation that my privacy will take. It will commence the moment I step off the plane.
* We Jordanians complain a lot about Jordan.. But we love going back. Because it's beautiful.
* Two days of work and then the weekend. After that, the weather is getting better in Dubai and I'm not about to miss it!
The great inheritance
"The meek shall inherit the Earth, but not its mineral right". J. Paul Getty
None of the said above applies to this region. We inheritted nothing
more than two dozens of fat cats which keep getting stuffed and refuse
to die or let live!
Somehow not a single set of rules, neither scientific nor social, can
describe what's going on here. And somehow the down spiral process is
accelerating.
Sporting my Nostradamus hat, I believe in 10 years time we'll start
commercially exporting Porn to the rest of the world. I just wish I can ride the tide and get my share. In the end, if you can't beat them, you better join them.
Peace and love for all of you sleepers.
None of the said above applies to this region. We inheritted nothing
more than two dozens of fat cats which keep getting stuffed and refuse
to die or let live!
Somehow not a single set of rules, neither scientific nor social, can
describe what's going on here. And somehow the down spiral process is
accelerating.
Sporting my Nostradamus hat, I believe in 10 years time we'll start
commercially exporting Porn to the rest of the world. I just wish I can ride the tide and get my share. In the end, if you can't beat them, you better join them.
Peace and love for all of you sleepers.
Abbas should apply for an Israeli Passport
This generation has lived log enough to see various manifestations of
defeatism in the spirit and actions of our "so-called leaders". We've
also read about conspiracies and policies solely aimed at protecting
regimes and thrones. Still, politicians had a sense of shame. Or maybe
political acumen which will prevent them from committing political
suicide! Not that it would matter, nor that it will affect their seats
and thrones, but to win some extra naïve heads amongst this
hibernating nation! And there are quite a few of them.
defeatism in the spirit and actions of our "so-called leaders". We've
also read about conspiracies and policies solely aimed at protecting
regimes and thrones. Still, politicians had a sense of shame. Or maybe
political acumen which will prevent them from committing political
suicide! Not that it would matter, nor that it will affect their seats
and thrones, but to win some extra naïve heads amongst this
hibernating nation! And there are quite a few of them.
Abbas and his PA will go down in history as the first Palestinian to
authorize and bless the killing of fellow Palestinians by the Israeli
war machine. 1,400 deaths are not worthy of the lamest possible
support from his side.
He didn't do the invistagtion, the UN did. And as a shameful head of
the PA he Vetoed the only break the Palestinians had to prove to the
international community that the Israeli government is made of a bunch
of thugs and criminals.
I bet you that if the UN report concluded that the Palestinians "
through Hamas" were the ones to commit those atrocities he would have
thrown his support behind it.
It is such a sad thing to live to see such an embarrassment. If he
wants to save some face I suggest e applies for an Israeli passport
and get it over with.
--
More than 40000 people are over 100 years old
Japan has decided to teach the world another lesson in survival, after the rise from WWII Hiroshima and Nagasaki’s inhuman attacks, they stood up, dusted themselves, worked really hard to come back as the world’s second biggest economy, but they didn’t stop there, they worked on their health also to stun the world with probably the healthiest people on earth (I don’t have any studies about that but it’s not so hard to figure it out), they have more than 40000 people over the age 100 years.
“TOKYO – The number of Japanese centenarians has doubled in the past six years to a record high of more than 40,000, with women dominating the list of those whose lives have spanned more than a century, the government said Friday.
Japan will have 40,399 people aged 100 or older this month, surpassing the previous record of 36,276 last year, the Health and Welfare Ministry said in an annual report marking a Sept. 21 national holiday honoring the elderly. More than 86 percent are women.
The number of centenarians in Japan has risen at an accelerating pace for nearly 50 years. The centenarian population surpassed 10,000 just 10 years ago, reached 30,000 in 2007 and grew another 10,000 in the past two years, the ministry said.
By 2050, Japan's centenarian population is expected to reach nearly 1 million, according to the U.N. projections.”
And why is that? The answer is below...
“Officials have stepped up programs that encourage older citizens to stay active and continue working. The government is gradually extending the retirement age to 65 from 60, and some advocate pushing it further to 70.
Japan has one of the world's longest life expectancies — 86 years for women and 79 years for men.”
Yes, the answer is work, we are fighting to lower the retirement age, because we don’t want to work, we want to sit there and die peacefully, they want to die in the field, working and producing, being useful, we want to import everything, we don’t want to invent we want to buy the ideas (and buy we I mean Arabs who live in the Arabic countries, ironically, those who live in other parts of the world are fine).
I’m not saying that we are stupid, not at all, we are not, we are just too scared to injure our brains if we think, because work is not part of our culture anymore, although in the past it was the center of our lives.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090911/ap_on_re_as/as_japan_centenarians
By MARI YAMAGUCHI, Associated Press Writer
“TOKYO – The number of Japanese centenarians has doubled in the past six years to a record high of more than 40,000, with women dominating the list of those whose lives have spanned more than a century, the government said Friday.
Japan will have 40,399 people aged 100 or older this month, surpassing the previous record of 36,276 last year, the Health and Welfare Ministry said in an annual report marking a Sept. 21 national holiday honoring the elderly. More than 86 percent are women.
The number of centenarians in Japan has risen at an accelerating pace for nearly 50 years. The centenarian population surpassed 10,000 just 10 years ago, reached 30,000 in 2007 and grew another 10,000 in the past two years, the ministry said.
By 2050, Japan's centenarian population is expected to reach nearly 1 million, according to the U.N. projections.”
And why is that? The answer is below...
“Officials have stepped up programs that encourage older citizens to stay active and continue working. The government is gradually extending the retirement age to 65 from 60, and some advocate pushing it further to 70.
Japan has one of the world's longest life expectancies — 86 years for women and 79 years for men.”
Yes, the answer is work, we are fighting to lower the retirement age, because we don’t want to work, we want to sit there and die peacefully, they want to die in the field, working and producing, being useful, we want to import everything, we don’t want to invent we want to buy the ideas (and buy we I mean Arabs who live in the Arabic countries, ironically, those who live in other parts of the world are fine).
I’m not saying that we are stupid, not at all, we are not, we are just too scared to injure our brains if we think, because work is not part of our culture anymore, although in the past it was the center of our lives.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090911/ap_on_re_as/as_japan_centenarians
By MARI YAMAGUCHI, Associated Press Writer
09.09.09
The date 09.09.09 is now an important day in the history of the Arab nation, it’s the launching day of Dubai Metro, the first modern train in the gulf region.
Celebrating this day was a must on every Arab who lives in the gulf region; it shows that we are capable of adapting new and modern ideas, and as always Dubai is the pioneer in this, always giving us the hope that we can rise and take the place that we deserve on earth, giving us the hope that we might one day advance from the third world to the first world, the way we were before.
So, I was happy in that day and glued myself to Dubai One TV because I didn’t know when the ceremony will start, waiting waiting waiting,..., and finally it started, and what a shame, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, the officials were speaking English and there was no Arabic translator, I couldn’t believe it when an Egyptian reporter asked his question in Arabic, he got the answer in English, and to be fair, not good English, the English of a beginner, nothing professional in it,....
Why Dubai, why couldn’t you do it in Arabic and provided translators to the most important languages? What is wrong with speaking your own language?
YOU ARE NOT GOING TO LOOK LESS CIVILIZED IF YOU SPEAK ARABIC, or at least learn to speak good English.
Photo was taken by (Ali Haider / EPA / September 9, 2009)
The best Arabic TV show ever made
Khawater is a TV show that compares between Japan and the Arab world, in terms of life style.
This programme shows on MBC1 at 15:15 GMT, and I can say without even thinking about it that this show is the best show ever shown on TV in Ramadan, and probably the best Arabic TV show ever made.
Why am I saying that? It’s because I stopped watching TV about 3 years ago (apart from sports and news) because simply I lost any hope that the Arabic media will one day make a show or a documentary that will prove to be useful, they don’t want to, they just want to be like Melody Hits or the other prostitution channels we have on our great NileSat.
This show is the best because the presenter shows the truth, no compromise, no “ass kissing”, he simply is answering the question that every Arab has asked themselves one day, why does all the world call us the 3ed world? Or maybe a more direct question, why are all the others better than us?
The answer is simple, just watch one episode of this show and you will know.
This programme shows on MBC1 at 15:15 GMT, and I can say without even thinking about it that this show is the best show ever shown on TV in Ramadan, and probably the best Arabic TV show ever made.
Why am I saying that? It’s because I stopped watching TV about 3 years ago (apart from sports and news) because simply I lost any hope that the Arabic media will one day make a show or a documentary that will prove to be useful, they don’t want to, they just want to be like Melody Hits or the other prostitution channels we have on our great NileSat.
This show is the best because the presenter shows the truth, no compromise, no “ass kissing”, he simply is answering the question that every Arab has asked themselves one day, why does all the world call us the 3ed world? Or maybe a more direct question, why are all the others better than us?
The answer is simple, just watch one episode of this show and you will know.
Happy Birthday PALORDINIA
Palordinia The Birthday Boy!
It's already been a year. Well, to be more specific 370 days, since Palordinia started. When we started this thing we had nothing in mind more than creating a portal for our thought, and yes, why not sharing it with everyone interested on the web.
We have our ideas which usually fall short of being realized due to us being preoccupied with our jobs and our daily lives. Add to that a small dose of laziness and you find yourself looking at a product of two Arab guys in their late twenties.
During this year we strived to offer you, the visitor, an interesting perspective on many subjects. We tend to lean towards politics and business, but we also have an interest in arts, culture and just about everything else. Unfortunately, we are not blessed with the necessary skills to write about everything, and that's why you find the material about arts for example next to non-existent.
Inspiration
Our little adventure came to life when we started noticing what is commonly known amongst all of you as the Blogosphere! I know I know. A little too late, but hey! why judge us :). In times where Facebook, Twitter, Digg, and Myspace invaded our homes and minds, it is very difficult to notice something less flashy but admittedly richer!
I find myself obliged to mention the first blog that we noticed. Naturally, this blog helped develop the idea in our heads, and soon it was a reality. This blog was the Roba's weird and sometimes self-centered AndFarAway! Of course, that takes nothing away from the quality of that blog, but I thought it would be a decent way of describing it. It is also important to mention her that we are thankful for a different reason. Soon you will know why.
You might think, This guy is making creating a blog look like a difficult things to do. Well, true it is done with a couple of clicks. But to decide to take the time and commit to such thing is really difficult. I am not claiming that we have been consistant all along! Just a look at the number of entries of September 2008 gives you an idea about how fluctuating things have been around here.
No Promises!
I'm not going to make any promise that I'm not sure of fulfilling. I don't think Ali "my partner in crime" is going to do so as well. We will stick around. This is something for us before anything else, and if we are blessed enough to have people coming by to read what we write and share their thoughts and ideas with us, then that would be wonderful!
We might move to the next leverl, we might not. We might change our skins, we might not. We might grow, and we might not. But we will be around :)
How big is the bubble.
As all of you know, wonderful Google has this great tool called Google Analytics. It gives you some wonderful insights about yuour blog. It allows you to know how your blog is performing, and what is it that your readers take interest in. Here, we are going to share some facts about this blog with you. So Enjoy.
Top Ten Articles "By number of Readers"
1. The Seven Arab Girls You Should Never Date.
2. Dubai & The Financial Crisis.
3. Natalie The Virgin Bunny.
4. Ten Things You Need To Know About Your Arab.
5. Stereotype Moment: Lebanese.
6. Jordan Ranks 33 on Forbes List of Best Countries for Business
7. Stereotypes Moment: Jordanians
8. This Is How The Arabs Make The World Laugh At Them. Courtesy Of Mona Al Tahawy
9. World's Friendliest Countries.
10. Kadima's Website Hacked By Gazzans. E-War
Top Ten Visitors "Countries"
1. United States Of America.
2. Jordan
3. United Arab Emirates.
4. Saudia Arabia
5. United Kingdom
6. Canada
7. Germany
8. Egypt
9. Australia
10. Lebanon
Top Ten Referring Sites
1. Jordan Blogs
2. Blogger
3. And Far Away (That's why we are grateful :) )
4. Expat Blogs
5. Facebook.
6. The Black Iris
7. Blog Catalog
8. Palestine Blogs
9. Notes From A Grumpy Old Man
10. Google
11. Hareega (Honorary Mention)
It is important to mention here that we are still waiting for Toot to take us in! We don't know what the delay is all about! :)
Some Other Fact.
59% of our visitors came from referrals. We tkake this with pride.
84 is the number of countries from which people graced us with a visit.
There you go folks. A year of Palordinia and more to come. Thanks for all of those who came and took interest in what we write, and we are looking forward to share more with you.
Regards,
Palordinia Team.
It's already been a year. Well, to be more specific 370 days, since Palordinia started. When we started this thing we had nothing in mind more than creating a portal for our thought, and yes, why not sharing it with everyone interested on the web.
We have our ideas which usually fall short of being realized due to us being preoccupied with our jobs and our daily lives. Add to that a small dose of laziness and you find yourself looking at a product of two Arab guys in their late twenties.
During this year we strived to offer you, the visitor, an interesting perspective on many subjects. We tend to lean towards politics and business, but we also have an interest in arts, culture and just about everything else. Unfortunately, we are not blessed with the necessary skills to write about everything, and that's why you find the material about arts for example next to non-existent.
Inspiration
Our little adventure came to life when we started noticing what is commonly known amongst all of you as the Blogosphere! I know I know. A little too late, but hey! why judge us :). In times where Facebook, Twitter, Digg, and Myspace invaded our homes and minds, it is very difficult to notice something less flashy but admittedly richer!
I find myself obliged to mention the first blog that we noticed. Naturally, this blog helped develop the idea in our heads, and soon it was a reality. This blog was the Roba's weird and sometimes self-centered AndFarAway! Of course, that takes nothing away from the quality of that blog, but I thought it would be a decent way of describing it. It is also important to mention her that we are thankful for a different reason. Soon you will know why.
You might think, This guy is making creating a blog look like a difficult things to do. Well, true it is done with a couple of clicks. But to decide to take the time and commit to such thing is really difficult. I am not claiming that we have been consistant all along! Just a look at the number of entries of September 2008 gives you an idea about how fluctuating things have been around here.
No Promises!
I'm not going to make any promise that I'm not sure of fulfilling. I don't think Ali "my partner in crime" is going to do so as well. We will stick around. This is something for us before anything else, and if we are blessed enough to have people coming by to read what we write and share their thoughts and ideas with us, then that would be wonderful!
We might move to the next leverl, we might not. We might change our skins, we might not. We might grow, and we might not. But we will be around :)
How big is the bubble.
As all of you know, wonderful Google has this great tool called Google Analytics. It gives you some wonderful insights about yuour blog. It allows you to know how your blog is performing, and what is it that your readers take interest in. Here, we are going to share some facts about this blog with you. So Enjoy.
Top Ten Articles "By number of Readers"
1. The Seven Arab Girls You Should Never Date.
2. Dubai & The Financial Crisis.
3. Natalie The Virgin Bunny.
4. Ten Things You Need To Know About Your Arab.
5. Stereotype Moment: Lebanese.
6. Jordan Ranks 33 on Forbes List of Best Countries for Business
7. Stereotypes Moment: Jordanians
8. This Is How The Arabs Make The World Laugh At Them. Courtesy Of Mona Al Tahawy
9. World's Friendliest Countries.
10. Kadima's Website Hacked By Gazzans. E-War
Top Ten Visitors "Countries"
1. United States Of America.
2. Jordan
3. United Arab Emirates.
4. Saudia Arabia
5. United Kingdom
6. Canada
7. Germany
8. Egypt
9. Australia
10. Lebanon
Top Ten Referring Sites
1. Jordan Blogs
2. Blogger
3. And Far Away (That's why we are grateful :) )
4. Expat Blogs
5. Facebook.
6. The Black Iris
7. Blog Catalog
8. Palestine Blogs
9. Notes From A Grumpy Old Man
10. Google
11. Hareega (Honorary Mention)
It is important to mention here that we are still waiting for Toot to take us in! We don't know what the delay is all about! :)
Some Other Fact.
59% of our visitors came from referrals. We tkake this with pride.
84 is the number of countries from which people graced us with a visit.
There you go folks. A year of Palordinia and more to come. Thanks for all of those who came and took interest in what we write, and we are looking forward to share more with you.
Regards,
Palordinia Team.
Haifa Wehbe shows her religious side
The following article was taken from MSNArabia, 
"Haifa Wehbe -4 months into marriage to Egyptian businessman Ahmed Abu-Hashisma- will spend this Ramadan with him in her country of residence and homeland Lebanon, where she’ll be joining her family.
The Lebanese sensation said she will be dedicated during the Islamic holy month to caring after her household, as well as serving the yummiest food and all -she says she is a skilled cook.
Wehbe shuns offers for concerts at the traditional Ramadan marquees.
Her earlier proclamations about her intention to go for a month-long worship seclusion, were responded to rather sarcastically in media, but she reaffirmed: “I’m a Muslim, I used to fast since i was just a little child, and no one should interfere between a worshipper and his God”."
Breaking the news is worth a beer!
Steve, Bob, and Jeff were working on a very high scaffolding.
Suddenly, Steve falls 50 feet to the ground below and he is killed
instantly.
Suddenly, Steve falls 50 feet to the ground below and he is killed
instantly.
After the coroner leaves with Steve's body, Bob volunteers to inform
Steve's wife of the terrible news. Some two hours later, Bob returns
to the work site with a six-pack of beer under his arms.
"Say, Bob, where did you get the six-pack?"
"Steve's wife gave it to me!"
"What! You just told her that Steve died and she gave you a six-pack?"
"Well, before I broke the news to her, I asked her if she was Steve's
widow. And, she said she wasn't, so I said I'd bet her a six-pack she
was!"
... I heard the same story happening to Kumar, Shirish and Venkitesh
here in Dubai!
--
Sent from my mobile device
Vampires do exist!! They're called Corps!
After staying in office until 4 AM in the morning, attending meetings with delegates while you’re suffering fever, over achieving your goals, constantly reading and replying to your emails while on vacation, going regularly to your company’s office in the country where you are vacationing, and attending five conference calls during your only month of peace, you are ten minutes late for a meeting and somebody tells you that you are not punctual, always miss meetings and have scary working habits!!!
Doesn’t it step on your breathing nerves!!?
Fucking Corps!
Doesn’t it step on your breathing nerves!!?
Fucking Corps!
Jordan
No, I don't hate Jordanians.
No, I don't hate their style
No, I don't hate this country
No, I don't think it's vile
No, I don't hate their style
No, I don't hate this country
No, I don't think it's vile
No, I don't hate amman
No, I don't hate these alleys
No, I don't hate its mountains
No, I don't hate its valleys
No, I don't hate its men
No, I don't hate its girls
No, I don't wish her bad
No, I don't hate its curls
No, it's not all perfect
Nor does love always thrive
Cause there's just this tiny thingy
I just hate how its people DRIVE!!
O salamatkum!!
--
Sent from my mobile device
BeatBoxing
Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion which primarily involves the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, voice, and more. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation of turntablism, the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments. Beatboxing is connected with hip hop culture although it is not limited to hip hop music.
Unbelievable....
Unbelievable....
The birth of a STAR
In this glorious day, one when the sun shone with a smile upon its
face, and the birds woke up singing the song of life.. All the girls
from Amman to Manama all the way to Dubai danced the tomato dance and
guys mourned their self-claimed charm and elegance.. A star was born!
face, and the birds woke up singing the song of life.. All the girls
from Amman to Manama all the way to Dubai danced the tomato dance and
guys mourned their self-claimed charm and elegance.. A star was born!
We celebrate with owe the disasterous birth of the co-author of this
mediocre blog! Ali.
Ali! Kan yom eswed youm ma gueet!
Hope in a year's time you'll manage to overcome your narcissism!
Ironically this coincides with the birthday of Louis de Funes! Ali
sure has some of his sense of humor!
HaBBy Birthday Buddy!
--
Sent from my mobile device
Today's Dose of Wisdom: Marriage!
Being in Jordan, you find yourself forced to share the joyful and scandulous wedding atmosphere of everyone around you!! Even those you don't know. From Parades and convoys in the street that force you to line up and participate in the horn-honking contest to the social obligation of showing up in every single wedding of a member of your super-extended family!! All of this merits a scratch of the brain, and A call for wisdom. Especially that the hot topic of this mating season is marriage!
Here are some quotes to help you through the casual discussions while you'rE driving around with your friends/family, or while you'rE engaging in the social activity of smoking shisha in one of the Zillion coffee shops around the city!!
"A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband."
Honore de Balzac
"A husband is what is left of a lover, after the nerve has been extracted."
Helen Rowland
"A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it." John Steinbeck
"A man marries to have a home, but also because he doesn't want to be bothered with sex and all that sort of thing." W. Somerset Maugham
"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." Mignon McLaughlin
"All marriages are happy. It's the living together afterward that causes all the trouble." Raymond Hull
"Bachelors know more about women than married men; if they didn't they'd be married too." H. L. Mencken
"We, as Humans, are bound to make mistakes. If nothing else, we get married." Ehab
"Humans go against nature all the time. For example; We get married, animals sleep around." Ehab
If you look closely you'll find Spirms flying all over the city!!
HAPPY MATING SEASON EVERYONE!!
Here are some quotes to help you through the casual discussions while you'rE driving around with your friends/family, or while you'rE engaging in the social activity of smoking shisha in one of the Zillion coffee shops around the city!!
"A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband."
Honore de Balzac
"A husband is what is left of a lover, after the nerve has been extracted."
Helen Rowland
"A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it." John Steinbeck
"A man marries to have a home, but also because he doesn't want to be bothered with sex and all that sort of thing." W. Somerset Maugham
"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." Mignon McLaughlin
"All marriages are happy. It's the living together afterward that causes all the trouble." Raymond Hull
"Bachelors know more about women than married men; if they didn't they'd be married too." H. L. Mencken
"We, as Humans, are bound to make mistakes. If nothing else, we get married." Ehab
"Humans go against nature all the time. For example; We get married, animals sleep around." Ehab
If you look closely you'll find Spirms flying all over the city!!
HAPPY MATING SEASON EVERYONE!!
For Sex Lovers! It's a good time to be living in Britain!!
I came across this article on Gulf News during a day long meeting I'm having today! This will last for two days before I go on vacation! I naturally planned to start my trip by heading to Jordan, but after reading this I have a not-so-mysterious drive to go to London, and actually settle there for good!
Their National Health Service body is so KOOOOooOL!
There you go.. Have "fun" reading:
London: The National Health Service (NHS) is telling school pupils they have a "right" to an enjoyable sex life and that it is good for their health. A health service leaflet says experts concentrate too much on the need for safe sex and loving relationships, and not enough on the pleasure it can bring. But family campaigners condemned the guidance, saying it encouraged underage sex and could increase rates of sexually-transmitted diseases.The advice, which also claims regular sex is good for cardiovascular health, has been circulated to parents, teachers and youth workers. It came to light just a week after it emerged that teenagers who took part in a Dh35.74 million (almost 10 million dollars) government initiative to reduce teenage pregnancies were more than twice as likely to fall pregnant as other girls.
The scheme tried to persuade girls not to get pregnant by handing out condoms and teaching them about sex. The NHS leaflet has been drawn up by Sheffield primary care trust. Its author, Steve Slack, director of the Centre for HIV and Sexual Health at NHS Sheffield, defended it by saying the advice could encourage young people to delay sex.But Anthony Seldon, master of Wellington College, Berkshire, who introduced classes in emotional well-being at the public school, described the approach as "deplorable". Dr Trevor Stammers, of the pressure group Family and Youth Concern,said the leaflet would encourage "risky" behaviour and an increase in sexually transmitted diseases. "It is unbelievable that this is being sent to schools" he said. "I'd like to know what scientific evidence there is to back this up. There are an awful lot of overpaid and under-occupied health promotion officers around who are obsessed with sex." He added that inciting underage sex was "nothing less than encouraging child abuse".
I'm not quite sure how to react to this! I mean, is this just over the top, or do you think that this is actually the right way to go aboutit?!... Any thoughts?
Their National Health Service body is so KOOOOooOL!
There you go.. Have "fun" reading:
London: The National Health Service (NHS) is telling school pupils they have a "right" to an enjoyable sex life and that it is good for their health. A health service leaflet says experts concentrate too much on the need for safe sex and loving relationships, and not enough on the pleasure it can bring. But family campaigners condemned the guidance, saying it encouraged underage sex and could increase rates of sexually-transmitted diseases.The advice, which also claims regular sex is good for cardiovascular health, has been circulated to parents, teachers and youth workers. It came to light just a week after it emerged that teenagers who took part in a Dh35.74 million (almost 10 million dollars) government initiative to reduce teenage pregnancies were more than twice as likely to fall pregnant as other girls.
The scheme tried to persuade girls not to get pregnant by handing out condoms and teaching them about sex. The NHS leaflet has been drawn up by Sheffield primary care trust. Its author, Steve Slack, director of the Centre for HIV and Sexual Health at NHS Sheffield, defended it by saying the advice could encourage young people to delay sex.But Anthony Seldon, master of Wellington College, Berkshire, who introduced classes in emotional well-being at the public school, described the approach as "deplorable". Dr Trevor Stammers, of the pressure group Family and Youth Concern,said the leaflet would encourage "risky" behaviour and an increase in sexually transmitted diseases. "It is unbelievable that this is being sent to schools" he said. "I'd like to know what scientific evidence there is to back this up. There are an awful lot of overpaid and under-occupied health promotion officers around who are obsessed with sex." He added that inciting underage sex was "nothing less than encouraging child abuse".
I'm not quite sure how to react to this! I mean, is this just over the top, or do you think that this is actually the right way to go aboutit?!... Any thoughts?
A Brand New American Lie
We all remember the American invasion to Iraq, we all remember why that happened – according to the American government and the CIA- but still, I will remind you of the main reason president Bush gave us to justify this war. According to Bush, Iraq has developed mass destruction weapons, and he wanted to be the hero who saves the world from the Iraqi monster, he claimed he has the evidence before he went to the war and “convinced” the whole world that he is right.
Now, again everyone knows that it was just a lie; he didn’t have any evidence that Iraq has MDW, he confessed that the CIA has fooled him, and again, we all know that it’s just another lie to justify the first lie, it’s a stupid one though.
And yet again, the American government comes with a brand new type of lies, they claims that Saddam, the late Iraqi leader has lied to them and told them that he has developed MDW!!!!!! Yes they do. On the 2ed of July the BBC reported the US investigators have released documents of questioning of Saddam Hussein, it is documents and recordings of interviews and informal conversations he had when he was in the FBI custody in 2004!!!!!!!
The documents reveals that Iraq was so weak, and according to the FBI Saddam has refused to let UN investigators do their job because he thought that they will go and report to Iran that Iraq is so weak now and they will tell Iran where to hit to cause the maximum damaged!!!!!!
It continues to show that Saddam has identified the Iranian threat long time ago, he knew that Iran was developing nuclear weapons and he claimed has those weapons too and more to scare the Iranians, again !!!!!!!
So in the end, the CIA didn’t fool anyone, president Bush was a hero and he did want to save the world, and the rest of the world are just a bunch of idiots.
I really upload the Americans for their boldness, no matter what happens they still can’t admit they were wrong, and they still can find a way to tell us how fool we are, and they are the guarding angels of the earth, they really deserve to run a world full of idiots.
To see the BBC story, please visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8131478.stm
Now, again everyone knows that it was just a lie; he didn’t have any evidence that Iraq has MDW, he confessed that the CIA has fooled him, and again, we all know that it’s just another lie to justify the first lie, it’s a stupid one though.
And yet again, the American government comes with a brand new type of lies, they claims that Saddam, the late Iraqi leader has lied to them and told them that he has developed MDW!!!!!! Yes they do. On the 2ed of July the BBC reported the US investigators have released documents of questioning of Saddam Hussein, it is documents and recordings of interviews and informal conversations he had when he was in the FBI custody in 2004!!!!!!!
The documents reveals that Iraq was so weak, and according to the FBI Saddam has refused to let UN investigators do their job because he thought that they will go and report to Iran that Iraq is so weak now and they will tell Iran where to hit to cause the maximum damaged!!!!!!
It continues to show that Saddam has identified the Iranian threat long time ago, he knew that Iran was developing nuclear weapons and he claimed has those weapons too and more to scare the Iranians, again !!!!!!!
So in the end, the CIA didn’t fool anyone, president Bush was a hero and he did want to save the world, and the rest of the world are just a bunch of idiots.
I really upload the Americans for their boldness, no matter what happens they still can’t admit they were wrong, and they still can find a way to tell us how fool we are, and they are the guarding angels of the earth, they really deserve to run a world full of idiots.
To see the BBC story, please visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8131478.stm
Reality and Potential
A kid asks his father for help on a writing assignment. "Dad, can you
tell me the difference between potential and reality? "His father
looks up thoughtfully and says, "I'll demonstrate. Go ask your mother
if she would sleep with Robert Redford for a million dollars. Then go
ask your sister if she would sleep with Brad Pitt for a million
dollars. Come back and tell me what you've learned."
tell me the difference between potential and reality? "His father
looks up thoughtfully and says, "I'll demonstrate. Go ask your mother
if she would sleep with Robert Redford for a million dollars. Then go
ask your sister if she would sleep with Brad Pitt for a million
dollars. Come back and tell me what you've learned."
The kid is puzzled, but asks his mother. "Mom, if someone gave you a
million dollars, would you sleep with Robert Redford?"" Don't tell
your father, but, yes, I would." He then goes to his sister's room.
"Sis, if someone gave you a million dollars, would you sleep with Brad
Pitt?" She replies, "Omigod! Definitely!"
The kid goes back to his father. "Dad, I think I've figured it out.
Potentially, we are sitting on $2 million bucks, but in reality, we're
living with two sluts."
Reality Bites... Poetential fools.
--
Sent from my mobile device
Arabs! Come on... Give Israel a break!
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The United States and its Western allies are
sounding out Arab governments to see if they might ease sanctions on
Israel if it stopped building Jewish settlements on Palestinian
territory, diplomats said on Friday.
sounding out Arab governments to see if they might ease sanctions on
Israel if it stopped building Jewish settlements on Palestinian
territory, diplomats said on Friday.
As Washington presses Israel's new government on settlements in order
to unblock peace talks with the Palestinians, Israeli officials are
looking for benefits to show their own voters, and easing Israel's
isolation within the region could fit that bill.
This is the funniest and most rediculous "serious" piece of news I
read in a long time!!
Isreal is looking for some incentives to stop ILLEGAL expansion of
settlements in The West Bank!! This sounds exaclty like the kind of
request a thief and a murderer would ask from Police in order to stop
breaking the law! If you want me to stop stealing you need to make me
happy! Give me some money. Give me more access to your homes and then
I might, just might, decide to stop stealing from you.
I remember once upon a time Hamas was asked by the civilized and
lawful world to stop "terrorizing" the poor settlers in Sdirot "which
is built on top of a palestinian village's ruins" before they start
asking for their and the Palestinians' rights! I guess the concept
was, that you are allowed to ask for things ONLY when you are a good
boy!... But I guess Israel is the spoiled child of this world that can
get away with absolutely anything!
Yea man... It's a pretty screwed up world we live in!
--
Sent from my mobile device
Israel Condemned by Human Rights Watch
Israel has been condemned by Human Rights watch for using drones to kill civilians during Gaza War. According to the report, Israel used unmanned aircrafts during the war in Gaza, and has unlawfully killed 29 civilians in the process.
You can read the full story here:
http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Middle_East/10327469.html
It's nice to see that someone is actually paying attention!! However, this raises some serious questions, and only the reaction of the International Community in the coming few weeks can answer them. Would Israel be condemned by the UN, or the Security Council? Would the US denounce the Israeli actions?! Would that change Israel's policies towards the Palestinians?!! If yes, then maybe the International Community including the US will retain some face, and along with it some of its lost credibility. Because I'm sure a lot would agree with me that the reaction of countries like the USA or the EU would be very predictable if the condemnation was targeting countries like Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Russia or any other arab country. I'm quite sure that the US will be limbering up and flexing its muscles in preparation for a new Holy war, or a set of davastating sanctions.
Naturally, Israel denied those allegations and accused Human Rights' Watch of being biased. Come on! for heaven's sake. How can people develop such thick faces!
You can read the full story here:
http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Middle_East/10327469.html
It's nice to see that someone is actually paying attention!! However, this raises some serious questions, and only the reaction of the International Community in the coming few weeks can answer them. Would Israel be condemned by the UN, or the Security Council? Would the US denounce the Israeli actions?! Would that change Israel's policies towards the Palestinians?!! If yes, then maybe the International Community including the US will retain some face, and along with it some of its lost credibility. Because I'm sure a lot would agree with me that the reaction of countries like the USA or the EU would be very predictable if the condemnation was targeting countries like Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Russia or any other arab country. I'm quite sure that the US will be limbering up and flexing its muscles in preparation for a new Holy war, or a set of davastating sanctions.
Naturally, Israel denied those allegations and accused Human Rights' Watch of being biased. Come on! for heaven's sake. How can people develop such thick faces!
Memories
You can hear people saying sometimes, I wish there is a pill to erase bad memories, but how did you know that what happened an hour or two ago is going to be a bad memory? maybe it's a bad experience, but you can't say it's a bad memory until you remember it after a long time, and you feel really bad when you do, then you can call it a bad memory. And I think that it's hard to have a bad memory.
a couple of days ago I was looking at some old photos, some of these photos were taken in really bad times, but much to my surprise, it was the photos that I smiled the most when I looked at. I've always thought these were bad memories of bad days, but they weren't, as I said earlier these were just some bad experiences, and those bad experiences along with the good and successful ones are what made me who I am now, these are the bricks that built my personality.
We've always thought that school times are the worst, we've always prayed to god days and nights for these days to be over, at prom night, we were the happiest people on earth and we thought that the worst is over, and now the easy life will begin.
After going to university, we found out that it's not as easy as we thought, in fact, it was harder than school time, you are older now, people will expect more from you, and not just that, it's actually the first step towards the real life, so it had to be in the right direction. But how would you know the right direction? you never know, you just speculate. So here we are again praying to god for these days to end, we wanted to start working, because we thought it's going to be easier.
With high hopes we finish collage, we celebrate it and put ourselves to sleep, dreaming about the brighter tomorrow, but guess what? it's real life now, you can't pray for it to end too, because it will mean the end of your life. It's hard, hard work, fake smiles and friendships, full of backstabbing and double crossings, we curse it everyday, and yet after sometime, you look at those days, the days you spent at your old job, and smile, and think it wasn't that bad.
And i say it now, it's not that bad, no matter how hard it is, it is still not that bad. Now just to be clear here, I was not talking about school or university days as whole, I was just talking about the bad days, and so is life after college.
Something that is worth mentioning by the way, I am really surprised with how much I wrote about this, when I started I didn't even have anything to write, but as soon as I started, I didn't stop to think of the next word at all. And I'm not really sure about what's going on here, because i'm not usually romantic like this :-s
Something tells me that I'll come back to this post few days later, and realize that it was something Forrest Gump had probably said while sitting on that bench talking to the old lady and waiting for that bus! yea.. that bus, the one that was supposed to take him to the place he wanted to be the most.
a couple of days ago I was looking at some old photos, some of these photos were taken in really bad times, but much to my surprise, it was the photos that I smiled the most when I looked at. I've always thought these were bad memories of bad days, but they weren't, as I said earlier these were just some bad experiences, and those bad experiences along with the good and successful ones are what made me who I am now, these are the bricks that built my personality.
We've always thought that school times are the worst, we've always prayed to god days and nights for these days to be over, at prom night, we were the happiest people on earth and we thought that the worst is over, and now the easy life will begin.
After going to university, we found out that it's not as easy as we thought, in fact, it was harder than school time, you are older now, people will expect more from you, and not just that, it's actually the first step towards the real life, so it had to be in the right direction. But how would you know the right direction? you never know, you just speculate. So here we are again praying to god for these days to end, we wanted to start working, because we thought it's going to be easier.
With high hopes we finish collage, we celebrate it and put ourselves to sleep, dreaming about the brighter tomorrow, but guess what? it's real life now, you can't pray for it to end too, because it will mean the end of your life. It's hard, hard work, fake smiles and friendships, full of backstabbing and double crossings, we curse it everyday, and yet after sometime, you look at those days, the days you spent at your old job, and smile, and think it wasn't that bad.
And i say it now, it's not that bad, no matter how hard it is, it is still not that bad. Now just to be clear here, I was not talking about school or university days as whole, I was just talking about the bad days, and so is life after college.
Something that is worth mentioning by the way, I am really surprised with how much I wrote about this, when I started I didn't even have anything to write, but as soon as I started, I didn't stop to think of the next word at all. And I'm not really sure about what's going on here, because i'm not usually romantic like this :-s
Something tells me that I'll come back to this post few days later, and realize that it was something Forrest Gump had probably said while sitting on that bench talking to the old lady and waiting for that bus! yea.. that bus, the one that was supposed to take him to the place he wanted to be the most.
Today's Dose of Wisedom: Knowledge
Albert Einstein:
Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.
Benjamin Spock:
Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.
Goethe:
Knowing is not enough; we must apply!
Kahlil Gibran:
A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.
Leonardo da Vinci:
Anyone who conducts an argument by appealing to authority is not using his intelligence; he is just using his memory.
For more, please visit http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_knowledge.html
Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.
Benjamin Spock:
Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.
Goethe:
Knowing is not enough; we must apply!
Kahlil Gibran:
A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.
Leonardo da Vinci:
Anyone who conducts an argument by appealing to authority is not using his intelligence; he is just using his memory.
For more, please visit http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_knowledge.html
Michael Jackson, he was...
He was an icon.. He was an innovator.. He was unique.. he was an entertainer.. He was deep.. he was vain.. he was popular.. yet he was lonely.. he was loved, yet he was despised. He was a source of pride, and of shame.
He was neither black nor white. People looked up to him, yet he was no role model. He was a man, yet he was a child.. and he loved children, maybe a little too much.
He did a lot of good things, and equally bad ones. He is a manifestation of every flaw a human being has, and a live example of how one can make his own destiny. It was a great one, but it was ill-fated.
Michael was a phenomenon.. He was a star!! He lived like a star. shone brighter and brighter everyday.. exploded with energy until he eventually imploded and turned into a black hole!!
We made him a legend!! just as we did with Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hindrix!!.. Remember how they died?!?
We only glorify those who destroy themselves!! I wonder what that says about us.. and what that makes them!
People loved him, and others believed he was a freak!!
He was neither black nor white. People looked up to him, yet he was no role model. He was a man, yet he was a child.. and he loved children, maybe a little too much.
He did a lot of good things, and equally bad ones. He is a manifestation of every flaw a human being has, and a live example of how one can make his own destiny. It was a great one, but it was ill-fated.
Michael was a phenomenon.. He was a star!! He lived like a star. shone brighter and brighter everyday.. exploded with energy until he eventually imploded and turned into a black hole!!
We made him a legend!! just as we did with Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hindrix!!.. Remember how they died?!?
We only glorify those who destroy themselves!! I wonder what that says about us.. and what that makes them!
People loved him, and others believed he was a freak!!
Scraps about politics! Risk and Nothing Else!
It's very hard to be blogging these days. At least for me! Being a person who has a keen interest in politics because of how it impacts our lives I find it very hard to write about it more and more everyday, because it feels like in 99% of times we are on the losing end. If you consider the exception of Hezbollah that percentage might actually go higher.
It's funny and equally pathetic to know that the only victories we score are in some irrelevant quarrels amongst us, and even in that case we end up losing sometimes. A perfect example would be the brotherly relationship between Jordan and Qatar, or the new Middle Eastern Allies vs Axis situation.
I wonder if politicians have a huge Risk Board game in some room -probably in the Monarch Hotel in Dubai- where they sit around a big table, each one of them carrying his colored pawns "us", and wondering where he should be putting his reinforcements, while another is contemplating exchanging his 3 Cards for a Blitzrig of Soldiers! In Iran's case nobody really knows if its collection of cards can actually yield anything, while Israel will always be drafted a Wild card, and the Palestinians will never manage to add another card to their limbing collection because it's been a long time since they achieved any advances on any front!
I think it's high time for someone to show up and spank all of those players on the back of their heads!.. Maybe they'd realize that life isn't simply a Risk Game!!
Whatever!
It's funny and equally pathetic to know that the only victories we score are in some irrelevant quarrels amongst us, and even in that case we end up losing sometimes. A perfect example would be the brotherly relationship between Jordan and Qatar, or the new Middle Eastern Allies vs Axis situation.
I wonder if politicians have a huge Risk Board game in some room -probably in the Monarch Hotel in Dubai- where they sit around a big table, each one of them carrying his colored pawns "us", and wondering where he should be putting his reinforcements, while another is contemplating exchanging his 3 Cards for a Blitzrig of Soldiers! In Iran's case nobody really knows if its collection of cards can actually yield anything, while Israel will always be drafted a Wild card, and the Palestinians will never manage to add another card to their limbing collection because it's been a long time since they achieved any advances on any front!
I think it's high time for someone to show up and spank all of those players on the back of their heads!.. Maybe they'd realize that life isn't simply a Risk Game!!
Whatever!
Stereotypes Moment: Egyptians
An egyptian can sell you a bean for a Cyclotron. You'll only find out when you're left with no other choice but to eat it!!
Ten things you need to know about your Arab!
There are certain things you need to know about Arabs. These are essential, and it is important to take them straight from Arabs, or from those who lived with Arabs. I'd say they'd be a more reliable source of information than CNN, FOX, SKY, Jack Powers...etc
Remember, these are basic, and are overwhilmingly standard among Arabs. So, here we go:
1) 90% of Arabs don't eat pork. They do so because 90% of Arabs are Muslims, and it's in their religion that they shouldn't eat pork, not because they hate you or don't want to be like you.
2) Arabs don't hate Americans' or Europeans' way of life! Actually we don't mind it. Some of actually live by it, and those who don't enjoy watching it on TV. We are just a little bit attached to our style of life, and we don't want some redneck like G.W.B to come and force a change on us.
3) Arabs don't hate Jews. If you check our genetic tree you will not find a gene that automatically enduces hate towards them. Actually, until 1920's we were getting a long just fine ans Andalucia, Morrocco, Egypt, Turkey, Iraq and Yemen are a testament to that. It's just a little bit hard to get a long with somebody who is occupying your house and living on your land, while occassionally getting a little bit naughty and killing a bunch of your own people.
4)Those Arabs you call middle easterns, are actually Cauccaisans. In other words WHITE!. Outside the middle east you have other types of arabs in Sudan & North Africa. They are ethnically black or Amazigh, and we love them just as much.
5) Just to emphasize point #3; Arabs are not anti-Semitic. For the very simple an obvious reason: Arabs Are Semitic.
6)Arabs usually, like in 95% of cases, have one wife! So, asking the same old question on how many women a guy is married to is not funny and is actually considered stupid and insulting.
7) When we pray we don't carry spears.
8)If somebody tells you he's Kanaanite, he is an Arab, Akkadian, he is an arab, A Pharoah, he is an Arab, a phoenician, he is an Arab, Lebanese, yes believe it or not he is an arab.
9) Arabs don't want to convert you. We don't care if you are Jewish, Christian, Buddahist, Bahaaist, or whatever. We just want you to let us be, mind your own business and we will mind ours.
10)People you might have seen in Jad Choueiri "Cool/Funky Arabs" are probably arabs, but they are neither representatives nor apologists for the rest of us. They are just a bunch of people with too much time on their hands and you can find people like these anywhere in the entire world. So please don't think that we are as cool or carefree as the Jamaicans!
Remember, these are basic, and are overwhilmingly standard among Arabs. So, here we go:
1) 90% of Arabs don't eat pork. They do so because 90% of Arabs are Muslims, and it's in their religion that they shouldn't eat pork, not because they hate you or don't want to be like you.
2) Arabs don't hate Americans' or Europeans' way of life! Actually we don't mind it. Some of actually live by it, and those who don't enjoy watching it on TV. We are just a little bit attached to our style of life, and we don't want some redneck like G.W.B to come and force a change on us.
3) Arabs don't hate Jews. If you check our genetic tree you will not find a gene that automatically enduces hate towards them. Actually, until 1920's we were getting a long just fine ans Andalucia, Morrocco, Egypt, Turkey, Iraq and Yemen are a testament to that. It's just a little bit hard to get a long with somebody who is occupying your house and living on your land, while occassionally getting a little bit naughty and killing a bunch of your own people.
4)Those Arabs you call middle easterns, are actually Cauccaisans. In other words WHITE!. Outside the middle east you have other types of arabs in Sudan & North Africa. They are ethnically black or Amazigh, and we love them just as much.
5) Just to emphasize point #3; Arabs are not anti-Semitic. For the very simple an obvious reason: Arabs Are Semitic.
6)Arabs usually, like in 95% of cases, have one wife! So, asking the same old question on how many women a guy is married to is not funny and is actually considered stupid and insulting.
7) When we pray we don't carry spears.
8)If somebody tells you he's Kanaanite, he is an Arab, Akkadian, he is an arab, A Pharoah, he is an Arab, a phoenician, he is an Arab, Lebanese, yes believe it or not he is an arab.
9) Arabs don't want to convert you. We don't care if you are Jewish, Christian, Buddahist, Bahaaist, or whatever. We just want you to let us be, mind your own business and we will mind ours.
10)People you might have seen in Jad Choueiri "Cool/Funky Arabs" are probably arabs, but they are neither representatives nor apologists for the rest of us. They are just a bunch of people with too much time on their hands and you can find people like these anywhere in the entire world. So please don't think that we are as cool or carefree as the Jamaicans!
Jordan Ranks 33 on Forbes List of Best Countries for Business
Jordan came No.33 in Forbes list for best counties for business up 28 spots from last year, right after Bahrain and beating the United Arab Emirates (No.46) by 13 spots, Saudi Arabia (No.44) by 11 spots, Kuwait (No.49) by 16 spots, Oman (No.39) by 6 spots, and Qatar (No.37) by 4 spots.
Rank-previous year 61
GDP Growth 4.5%
GDP/Capita $5,000
Trade Balance -29.4%
Population 6.2 mil
Federal Budget Balance as % of GDP -5.9%
Jordan is a small Arab country with insufficient supplies of water, oil, and other natural resources. Poverty, unemployment, and inflation are fundamental problems, but King ABDALLAH II, since assuming the throne in 1999, has undertaken some broad economic reforms in a long-term effort to improve living standards.
Since Jordan's graduation from its most recent IMF program in 2002, Amman has continued to follow IMF guidelines, practicing careful monetary policy, making substantial headway with privatization, and opening the trade regime. Jordan's exports have significantly increased under the free trade accord with the US and Jordanian Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ), which allow Jordan to export goods with some Israeli content duty free to the US.
In 2006 and 2008, Jordan used privatization proceeds to significantly reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio. These measures have helped improve productivity and have made Jordan more attractive for foreign investment. The government ended subsidies for petroleum and other consumer goods in 2008 in an effort to control the budget. The main challenges facing Jordan are reducing dependence on foreign grants, reducing the growing budget deficit, attracting investments, and creating jobs.
Jordan is currently exploring nuclear power generation to forestall energy shortfalls. Jordan's conservative banking sector has been largely protected from the worldwide financial crisis, but many businesses, particularly in the tourism and real estate sector, are predicting a slow-down in 2009.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/6/bizcountries09-best-countries-for-business_Jordan_CHI051.html
Rank-previous year 61
GDP Growth 4.5%
GDP/Capita $5,000
Trade Balance -29.4%
Population 6.2 mil
Federal Budget Balance as % of GDP -5.9%
Jordan is a small Arab country with insufficient supplies of water, oil, and other natural resources. Poverty, unemployment, and inflation are fundamental problems, but King ABDALLAH II, since assuming the throne in 1999, has undertaken some broad economic reforms in a long-term effort to improve living standards.
Since Jordan's graduation from its most recent IMF program in 2002, Amman has continued to follow IMF guidelines, practicing careful monetary policy, making substantial headway with privatization, and opening the trade regime. Jordan's exports have significantly increased under the free trade accord with the US and Jordanian Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ), which allow Jordan to export goods with some Israeli content duty free to the US.
In 2006 and 2008, Jordan used privatization proceeds to significantly reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio. These measures have helped improve productivity and have made Jordan more attractive for foreign investment. The government ended subsidies for petroleum and other consumer goods in 2008 in an effort to control the budget. The main challenges facing Jordan are reducing dependence on foreign grants, reducing the growing budget deficit, attracting investments, and creating jobs.
Jordan is currently exploring nuclear power generation to forestall energy shortfalls. Jordan's conservative banking sector has been largely protected from the worldwide financial crisis, but many businesses, particularly in the tourism and real estate sector, are predicting a slow-down in 2009.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/6/bizcountries09-best-countries-for-business_Jordan_CHI051.html
IBM Hard Disk Drive 1956
The above picture shows a hard disk drive made by IBM in 1956, HDD with 5 MB storage.In September 1956 IBM launched the 305 RAMAC, the first computer with a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD weighed over a ton and stored 5 MB of data.
Appreciate your 350 GB portable HDD!
Marrying a Programmer
I recieved this funny jock via e-mail, read it, it's really funny.
Husband(returning late from work): Good evening dear, I’m logged
Wife: Have u brought the groceries?
Husband: Bad Command or file name.
Wife: But I told u in the morning.
Husband: syntax error. Abort?
Wife: what about my new T.V?
Husband: Variable not found.
Wife: At least, give me your credit card; I want to do some shopping.
Husband: sharing violation, access denied.
Wife: Do u love me or do u love computers or are u just being funny.
Husband: Too many parameters.
Wife: It was a great mistake that I married an idiot like u.
Husband: Type mismatch.
Wife: U r useless.
Husband: It’s by default.
Wife: Wt about your salary.
Husband: file in use…try later.
Wife: Wt is my value in this family.
Husband: Unknown virus…
Husband(returning late from work): Good evening dear, I’m logged
Wife: Have u brought the groceries?
Husband: Bad Command or file name.
Wife: But I told u in the morning.
Husband: syntax error. Abort?
Wife: what about my new T.V?
Husband: Variable not found.
Wife: At least, give me your credit card; I want to do some shopping.
Husband: sharing violation, access denied.
Wife: Do u love me or do u love computers or are u just being funny.
Husband: Too many parameters.
Wife: It was a great mistake that I married an idiot like u.
Husband: Type mismatch.
Wife: U r useless.
Husband: It’s by default.
Wife: Wt about your salary.
Husband: file in use…try later.
Wife: Wt is my value in this family.
Husband: Unknown virus…
Bahrain Grand Prix - F1 - Race Facts
These are some facts from Bahrain Grand Prix;
Circuit information
Length - 5.412km
Race distance - 57 lap / 308.238km
Full throttle - 63%
Top speed - 309kph
Longest flat-out section - 14s / 1.05km
Right/left-hand turns - 9/6
Tyre wear - Medium
Brake wear - High
Downforce level - Medium
Gearshifts per lap - 58
2009 tyre compounds: medium, super-soft
2008 tyre compounds: medium, soft
Race results;
1. Jenson Button
2. Sebastian Vettel
3. Jarno Trulli
4. Lewis Hamilton
5. Rubens Barrichello
6. Kimi Raikkonen
7. Timo Glock
8. Fernando Alonso
9. Nico Rosberg
10. Nelson Piquet Jnr
11. Mark Webber
12. Heikki Kovalainen
13. Sebastien Bourdais
14. Felipe Massa
15. Giancarlo Fisichella
16. Adrian Sutil
17. Sebastien Buemi
18. Robert Kubica
19. Nick Heidfeld
Did not finish
Kazuki Nakajima (48 laps)
For more information and photos please visit
www.f1fanatic.co.uk
Formula 1 Experience
In the beginning I wasn’t sure I want to watch the race, I just bought the ticket because it’s happing in the country I’m living in so I thought why not, let’s go.
Everyone told me it’s boring in the circuit, you get to see only a small part of the whole race, cars’ engine are so loud that you ears will hurt for the next 3 days, buy the ear-plugs or die, it’s very hot so the time is better spent on the “beach”, ..., and more and more on these words, but I thought I will go anyway since it’s happening and I’m there.
The reality was completely different; the race was so exciting even though you see only part of it, ear-plugs? It’s the biggest mistake one can make when going to such an event, the cars were loud, I agree, but the engines’ sound is a vital part of the experience, and it’s the next day now, and you know what? My ears don’t hurt, we spent a couple of hours under the direct sunlight but it was totally worth it.
This is the most interesting and exciting sport event that I’ve ever been to, and I will be going every time it happens in this area, Abu Dhabi is coming on November, book your ticket now, it’s one of kind experience.
Stereotypes Moment: Lebanese
Lebanese are podiums. That is good, at least for the duration of the speech!!
YouTube to show full length movies
A new era in YouTube’s life is coming soon, YouTube to show full length movies, the Financial Times reported on Friday the 17th of April. This comes with the huge afforts made by the parent comapny Google to win over the proffisional content producers, and to make real money from the most clicked site on the World Wide Web.
“We’ve been looking for a business model where the content owner is happy and making money,” Mr Schmidt told the Financial Times on Tursady.
The new business idea will be to show the full length movie with adds included in the movie, and the profit will be split between YouTube and the producing studio, a deal like that has been signed between YouTube and Universal Studios earlier this month.
The largest studio involved in making a partnership deal with YouTube is Sony, but this deal is different, since Sony has it’s own web cast site, Crackle. Sony will offer only 15 movies including dated materials, and the movies will play on Crackle not on YouTube, Sony will also control the adds which will appear every 10 minutes.
So finally Google has figured a way to make money out of YouTube!
“We’ve been looking for a business model where the content owner is happy and making money,” Mr Schmidt told the Financial Times on Tursady.
The new business idea will be to show the full length movie with adds included in the movie, and the profit will be split between YouTube and the producing studio, a deal like that has been signed between YouTube and Universal Studios earlier this month.
The largest studio involved in making a partnership deal with YouTube is Sony, but this deal is different, since Sony has it’s own web cast site, Crackle. Sony will offer only 15 movies including dated materials, and the movies will play on Crackle not on YouTube, Sony will also control the adds which will appear every 10 minutes.
So finally Google has figured a way to make money out of YouTube!
The 5 Monkeys Theory
Once a scientist wanted to do an experiment on behaviour trends and how it develops with time, so he got 5 monkeys and put them in a cage, he places some bananas on the top of the cage and put a ladder in the cage, one monkey tried to reach the bananas, and at once the scientist aimed a water hose and fired very cold water at the other 4,he scared them to death.
Next, another monkey tries to reach the bananas and the scientist did the same thing, after sometime and couple of cold water hits, he found that whenever a monkey tries to reach the bananas, the other monkeys will hit him hard and keep him from reaching the banana.
Next, he took one of the monkeys out and let another one in, let’s call the new monkey XY. The moment XY gets into the cage, he goes up the ladder to get the banana, but the other monkeys still remember the cold water torture, so they jump and start hitting him to ban him from reaching the banana, after a couple of tries and some really hard hits XY learned that if he tries to get the banana he will be hit hard by the other monkeys, although none of them wants the banana, he doesn’t understand why he’s being hit, he just knows it will happen.
The scientist continued on the process of taking out one monkey and adding a new one and the same thing happened all the time with all the new monkeys and even XY was hitting the new comers even though he doesn’t know why.
After taking out all the monkeys that have been tortured with the cold water and placing new monkeys in the cage, and even repeating this process until he changed the group twice (of course one by one he does it) the same thing kept happening.
Now, none of the new monkeys has been tortured with the cold water, so none of them knows why he is defending these bananas, but they still do it anyway, because they are used to it and they saw the late ones doing it, and also each one of them get hit at least once because he tried ti reach the bananas.
Get it?!
Next, another monkey tries to reach the bananas and the scientist did the same thing, after sometime and couple of cold water hits, he found that whenever a monkey tries to reach the bananas, the other monkeys will hit him hard and keep him from reaching the banana.
Next, he took one of the monkeys out and let another one in, let’s call the new monkey XY. The moment XY gets into the cage, he goes up the ladder to get the banana, but the other monkeys still remember the cold water torture, so they jump and start hitting him to ban him from reaching the banana, after a couple of tries and some really hard hits XY learned that if he tries to get the banana he will be hit hard by the other monkeys, although none of them wants the banana, he doesn’t understand why he’s being hit, he just knows it will happen.
The scientist continued on the process of taking out one monkey and adding a new one and the same thing happened all the time with all the new monkeys and even XY was hitting the new comers even though he doesn’t know why.
After taking out all the monkeys that have been tortured with the cold water and placing new monkeys in the cage, and even repeating this process until he changed the group twice (of course one by one he does it) the same thing kept happening.
Now, none of the new monkeys has been tortured with the cold water, so none of them knows why he is defending these bananas, but they still do it anyway, because they are used to it and they saw the late ones doing it, and also each one of them get hit at least once because he tried ti reach the bananas.
Get it?!
Stereotypes Moment: Jordanians
Jordanians don&'t like being told what to do!.. However, they're fine with being forced to do it.
Miles Away.. Decades Behind!
Warning: No good vibes in this post. The main purpose for it is to bitch and moan about the subject matter. So, if you don't want to be put down, don't read it.
Now that you have been warned, my main reason for this post is basically to complain about an area that, for me, is major cause of distress and suffocation!
Sharjah!!
I stated in numerous occasions to my friends living in Sharjah that under no circumstance will I be going there for a visit or to spend some time. It was due to the rediculously screwed up traffic for the most part. But today reality hit me. The moment the skyline of Sharjah welcomed us and we dived into the hellish traffic of Sharjah I suddenly became depressed! It surprised me because five mintues ago as we were crossing Garhoud Bridge overlooking Festival City on the right, and Grand Hayyat on the left I was happy and dandy. It's amazing how this city changes my mood into one that is suitable of a grumpy old fart who lost his wife to cancer and was abandoned by his six kids.
The first thing that welcomes you into Sharjah is a chaotic skyline. Towers that seem to be stemming out of nowhere, so random that you find it hard to imagine what network might put them all together. inexplicable 10:00 pm traffic, and raodworks that you know damn well will not lead to any remedy. I can't imagine the meeting in which the "City Planners" have sat to come up with the grandest of plans to make this a metropolitan! They stuffed hundreds of thousands of people in a couple of square kilometers adjacent to Dubai to harvest as much as they can from those who can't afford a living in Dubai. No horizon, no air to breathe and countless number of small time shops adding to the overwhilming fuzzy atmosphere of this place.
It seems to me that Sharjah was builts to bring together the worst of Riyadh and Cairo. Mind you, I never went to Cairo, but it is my imagination that those rotting buildings standing for decades in the old and crushed district of Cairo can't be any worse. And since I was born in Riyadh I can say that they remind my of those concrete blocks gracing NOT the city! Lively? it sure is. But, you get the feeling that this city is a combination of Bat'ha in Riyadh, Al Balad in Amman and a refugee camp somewhere in Irbed!
A jungle of Concrete. This is exactly what it is. No parking, no traffic flow, no beautiful buildings, no grace whatsoever. Ironically, if you go and visit the Lake "a.k.a EL Buhaira" this article will be what you call a Phu Phuck Lai! A new level of lying.
But it's not. It really isn't. Apologies for all those who live in Sharjah, but I can't deny that the moment I step foot in that city I feel like I need a session with Dr. Phil!!
Can you imagine the desparation!!
Now that you have been warned, my main reason for this post is basically to complain about an area that, for me, is major cause of distress and suffocation!
Sharjah!!
I stated in numerous occasions to my friends living in Sharjah that under no circumstance will I be going there for a visit or to spend some time. It was due to the rediculously screwed up traffic for the most part. But today reality hit me. The moment the skyline of Sharjah welcomed us and we dived into the hellish traffic of Sharjah I suddenly became depressed! It surprised me because five mintues ago as we were crossing Garhoud Bridge overlooking Festival City on the right, and Grand Hayyat on the left I was happy and dandy. It's amazing how this city changes my mood into one that is suitable of a grumpy old fart who lost his wife to cancer and was abandoned by his six kids.
The first thing that welcomes you into Sharjah is a chaotic skyline. Towers that seem to be stemming out of nowhere, so random that you find it hard to imagine what network might put them all together. inexplicable 10:00 pm traffic, and raodworks that you know damn well will not lead to any remedy. I can't imagine the meeting in which the "City Planners" have sat to come up with the grandest of plans to make this a metropolitan! They stuffed hundreds of thousands of people in a couple of square kilometers adjacent to Dubai to harvest as much as they can from those who can't afford a living in Dubai. No horizon, no air to breathe and countless number of small time shops adding to the overwhilming fuzzy atmosphere of this place.
It seems to me that Sharjah was builts to bring together the worst of Riyadh and Cairo. Mind you, I never went to Cairo, but it is my imagination that those rotting buildings standing for decades in the old and crushed district of Cairo can't be any worse. And since I was born in Riyadh I can say that they remind my of those concrete blocks gracing NOT the city! Lively? it sure is. But, you get the feeling that this city is a combination of Bat'ha in Riyadh, Al Balad in Amman and a refugee camp somewhere in Irbed!
A jungle of Concrete. This is exactly what it is. No parking, no traffic flow, no beautiful buildings, no grace whatsoever. Ironically, if you go and visit the Lake "a.k.a EL Buhaira" this article will be what you call a Phu Phuck Lai! A new level of lying.
But it's not. It really isn't. Apologies for all those who live in Sharjah, but I can't deny that the moment I step foot in that city I feel like I need a session with Dr. Phil!!
Can you imagine the desparation!!
Gothic Dubai!
I have seen a lot curious stuff in this city. Dubai strived to bring together everything New York, London and Paris stood for. However, it tried to retain its oriental feel, and I doubt that it succeeded.
Recently, Dubai has experienced a drastic change in the way it looks and feels. Less traffic, less glamour, prices going down, promotions on practically everything! Hell even Lexus is running promotions nowadays, and RAIN!! It's crazy. It's been raining in Dubai practically every other day for the past two weeks. This never happened for as long as I've been here, and certainly not in late March. Reports say that the country hasn't experienced that kind of rain for the past 15 years, and my experience during Coldplay concert confirms it.
Now to share with you the latest twist in the atmosphere here in Dubai, take a look at these photos! It feels like a mediveal european castle where Count Dracula lived. Actually it feels like Mount Doom from Lord of The Rings! How do you think those who invested in this building see these images? A sign? That there investments have been struck by a natural "or not so natural" disastor?
I personally think it was beautiful.
Recently, Dubai has experienced a drastic change in the way it looks and feels. Less traffic, less glamour, prices going down, promotions on practically everything! Hell even Lexus is running promotions nowadays, and RAIN!! It's crazy. It's been raining in Dubai practically every other day for the past two weeks. This never happened for as long as I've been here, and certainly not in late March. Reports say that the country hasn't experienced that kind of rain for the past 15 years, and my experience during Coldplay concert confirms it.
Now to share with you the latest twist in the atmosphere here in Dubai, take a look at these photos! It feels like a mediveal european castle where Count Dracula lived. Actually it feels like Mount Doom from Lord of The Rings! How do you think those who invested in this building see these images? A sign? That there investments have been struck by a natural "or not so natural" disastor?
I personally think it was beautiful.
Coldplay STORM Abu Dhabi!!
One of the most interesting things that one can do in his/her life would be to do something you know you'd enjoy after a long wait. Now, doing that in one of the most awkward and unlikely circumstances adds that edge to it and makes it even more wonderful!
Coldplay, which in my opinion is one of the best rock bands ever were in Abu Dhabi last weekend. This band is one who successfully built I unique sound for themselves and produced some songs that became anthems like Yellow and Fix you! And no, these are not the sugar-coated anthems you think about. So in case you were one of those who had the pleasure of watching Coldplay live you'll know what I mean!
Chris Martin has this unique ability of acting dorky in an adorable way! The guy connects with his crowd in an effortless fashion! Certainly he was helped by how great their songs are and how genuine their fans are! I actually attended an Akon concert here in Dubai and I don't remember a single song he did! I was enjoying the crowd, my group, and that dance floor hanging from a 15-storey crane! But with Colplay everything felt right! Their music, Chris Martin's antiques, the beautiful lighting system and the huge crowd! 15,000, Gulfnews reported the next day!
Now, imagine this coupled with thunder storms and amazonic rain!! in freaking UAE!! It's almost poetic! I remember I was soaking wet, and I looked like an idiot but I loved every minute of it! Chris asked the crowd to stick around in spite of the rain, but I really don't think he needed to! The only people who might have thought of running away were those sitting in the VIP section, because the rain ruined their dream of a Ragheb Alama like concert with people rounding dinner tables and a cheesy Haifa giving her butt to the crowd!
One funny thing though was that Chris thought that the crowd would be insulted because he couldn't speak arabic! Little did he know, which was a bit awkward, that more than half the crowd was made of non-arabs! Still he threw around some words like Shukran, ma alsalama, ahlan wa sahlan and key-fuck!!
To their credit, Mercury Rev, the opening act did a good job as well. Their music took time to be digested by my ears but I can't say they were bad. Their lead singer, however, needs to be told that if he is planning to act dorky, he better be as famous and successful as Chris Martin to get away with it! Also, that flying eagle thingy he did, or whatever you want to call it, was not cute! But hey, what do I know?! In few years time they'll probably produce a masterpiece and after that no matter how idiotic they will look, it will still look coool.
All in all it was an unforgettable night, and probably a once in a lifetime experience! Next concert should be Matchbox Twenty or U2
The World's Worst Places to Work
A friend e-mailed me a part of an article about the world’s worst places to work, so, I had to go search for the full story to see what’s going on.
It’s an article published on the businessweek magazine about a study made by ORC (a HR consultancy company) about the cities that fall in the hardship tag.
Now, before I go and list these cities, I have to say that this article is not fair, not because the cities don’t fall in the hardship tag, but because of the reasons it was chosen for.
There it is starting from number 1;
No. 1 Lagos, Nigeria
Overall Grade: Very High Risk Location
Severe Problems: Infrastructure, Crime
Major Problems: Pollution, Disease & Sanitation, Medical Facilities, Availability of Goods and Services
Other Problems: Climate, Education Facilities, Physical Remoteness, Political Violence & Repression, Political & Social Environment, Culture & Recreation
There's no more challenging place on ORC's list than the largest city in Africa's largest country. Lagos not only has a severe crime problem and extremely poor infrastructure, the city has inadequate housing, sanitation, and medical facilities. Moreover, according to ORC, "the risk of being caught up in sectarian violence is another concern."
I’ve never been there, but from what I see in the news, that might be true.
No. 2 Jakarta, Indonesia
Overall Grade: Very High Risk Location
Major Problems: Pollution, Disease & Sanitation, Medical Facilities, Political Violence & Repression, Political & Social Environment, Crime
Indonesia may be holding up better than many other developing countries during the global recession, but that doesn't make life in Jakarta much easier for expatriates moving there. Despite problems common to many Third World cities—risk of disease, poor sanitation, and excessive pollution—the Indonesian capital "can be an enticing location," according to ORC. However, Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country and has suffered several high-profile attacks by Islamic terrorists targeting foreigners. "The threat of violence, from Islamic extremists in particular, is a serious drawback to living here," says ORC.
Now, I see where they are coming from, “IT’s THE WORLD LARGEST COUNTRY” I don’t have to say more, guess who’s next!!
No. 3 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Overall Grade: Very High Risk Location
Severe Problems: Political Violence & Repression, Political & Social Environment
Major Problem: Culture & Recreation Facilities
Other Problems: Housing, Climate, Disease & Sanitation, Education Facilities, Physical Remoteness, Communications
No surprise here. Life in the Saudi capital is not easy. "The possibility of a terrorist attack is an ongoing threat," according to ORC, "while wide-ranging restrictions on dress, movement, conduct, food, alcohol, travel, and communications limit expatriate life." The city is especially hard for foreign women. Finally, adds ORC, "violating the country's strict moral religious codes is a particular danger in this conservative city."
I agree, life there is hard, I’ve tried it, but not because it politically violent, especially for the Americans and Europeans, it’s because after work, there is absolutely nothing to do there but to kill yourself out of boredom.
No. 4 Almaty, Kazakhstan
Overall Grade: Very High Risk Location
Major Problems: Pollution, Disease & Sanitation, Medical Facilities, Physical Remoteness
Other Problems: Housing, Climate, Education Facilities, Infrastructure, Communications, Culture & Recreation
The remoteness of Almaty, largest city in Kazakhstan, is one of the city's biggest problems as far as outsiders are concerned. Other significant hardships include pollution, the threat of disease, and poor medical facilities. "Inadequate infrastructure, substandard housing, crime and difficulties with communications are additional drawbacks," says ORC.
I can’t argue with that, I don’t know anything about Kazakhstan, not even from the news.
No. 5 Mumbai, India
Overall Grade: High Risk Location
Major Problems: Pollution, Disease & Sanitation, Infrastructure, Political Violence & Repression
Other Problems: Climate, Medical Facilities
India's financial capital has some of the country's best architecture, restaurants, and museums. It also has some of the worst slums, traffic jams, and security problems. "While some may be energized by the hustle-bustle of this cosmopolitan city and by its beautiful setting," writes ORC, "many more are likely to be overwhelmed by its crowded and chaotic conditions and by the poor sanitation and violence."
I don’t know about that either, but I saw some photo’s of Mumbai and I have friends who’s been there, and they all say it’s like every other city, it has some good places and some bad ones to be.
I will settle for the top 5 and will add the link to the full article at the end of the post.
It’s really annoying that they kept on using high crime risk as one of the top reasons, it’s not that London or New York has the lowest crime rate in the world!
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/03/0304_difficult_cities/1.htm
The Seven Arab Girls You Should Never Date
P.S. No images were included for lack of authentic material or time for creativity. Image donations are accepted and will be attributed to the donor!!
This one is inspired by the post at www.andfaraway.net, which in turn is inspired by the one at www.KabobFest.com!! But since the purposes of dating vary hugely, and since I would assume that the purpose implicitly stated in the previously mentioned posts is a long lasting relationship, then I will build the list based on that assumption. Because honestly speaking, the list might become the most wanted in case you were looking for something else.
It is also worth mentioning that I didn’t try to categorize girls based on their favorite hangout, hobbies, clothes, or upbringing background, but more on their mentalities.
I’m not sure whether the point I’m trying to make here is clear to everyone, or is it just clear in my head. Anyway, there goes nothing. Below is a list of eight girls you should not date in Amman.
1.The “ENNU” girl!! a.k.a The “I WAS LIKE” girl:
Boosted with a couple of private school years under her belt and a self-induced feeling of sophistication, she sticks the above mentioned words/phrases in every sentence replacing all punctuation marks. She thinks that the world revolves around her, and that guys would die at her feet just because she knows how to say Oh My God and she remotely resembles Europeans. She spends her time hours on end gossiping with her equally light-headed friends, usually about the other group of her light-headed friends and vice versa. She is usually rich.
She usually wears shades that cover half her face, and makeup covering the other half. Has more bags than an airport belt and relentlessly brag about her love for shoes.
2.The feminist:
-And no, by definition, not all females are feminists- Usually she’ll smack you with a speech about how women are equal to men, and how they can perform almost all tasks and duties a man can do! For obvious reasons, she will not come to mention semen. She will use every chance to mention her passion for work, and the nightmares about marrying a guy who will stop in the way of her career. Usually will complain about guys manners in queues, buses and restaurants because they don’t behave as gentlemen towards women, and will make no secret of her desire to quit work a few years from marriage.. Sighting numerous reasons, one of which is the presence of the kid!
No single dress code usually fits the group. As it is more related to an age bracket.
3. The plastic girl:
Usually have done a couple of surgeries to enhance her assets! And as much as it is pleasing to us, all will become negligible next to the empty space between her ears. She thinks that cars and clothes are assets, and believes that a guy’s love is directly proportional to how much money leakage he is willing to accept. The most annoying treat in a man for her is; him being stingy.
What she is wearing? Brands, brands and more brands. And more brands.. and yet more brands
4. Shareefet Makka:
The girl whom you were the first to kiss!! Touch or, exercise any kind of foreplay with. Because according to her you are the first… but the truth is, there is a long line of firsts. Note: Virginity is not a measure, since this type of girls is so accommodating through other entry points.
5. The Ugly one: For obvious reasons
6. The age-conscious girl.
She is so insecure about her age, and about still being single. You can easily spot that type because they talk a lot about marriage, and their refusal to marry the first guy knocking at her door. She is keen on mentioning all suitors knocking on her door, and the reason why she allegedly “rejected” them. Reason for not dating her is simply because she will hook up with a monkey if he is coming close to raising a marriage LPO. Turn on your detectors around those older than 26, because this is the threshold for Jordanian girls. Usually it takes them 2-3 years after graduation to get over the career dream, and then they develop into men-hunters!
7. The “not so sure about this” girl:
Testy girls who want to make a challenge of every little thing. She wants you to get into her heart through a treasure hunt contest. Reason for not dating is simply because she should go fuck herself. There is a lot of fish in the sea, and it has been proved times and times again that it is not worth it!
The purpose of this post in not primarily to be funny… It has a point, and if you don’t get it, then you are beyond help.
This one is inspired by the post at www.andfaraway.net, which in turn is inspired by the one at www.KabobFest.com!! But since the purposes of dating vary hugely, and since I would assume that the purpose implicitly stated in the previously mentioned posts is a long lasting relationship, then I will build the list based on that assumption. Because honestly speaking, the list might become the most wanted in case you were looking for something else.
It is also worth mentioning that I didn’t try to categorize girls based on their favorite hangout, hobbies, clothes, or upbringing background, but more on their mentalities.
I’m not sure whether the point I’m trying to make here is clear to everyone, or is it just clear in my head. Anyway, there goes nothing. Below is a list of eight girls you should not date in Amman.
1.The “ENNU” girl!! a.k.a The “I WAS LIKE” girl:
Boosted with a couple of private school years under her belt and a self-induced feeling of sophistication, she sticks the above mentioned words/phrases in every sentence replacing all punctuation marks. She thinks that the world revolves around her, and that guys would die at her feet just because she knows how to say Oh My God and she remotely resembles Europeans. She spends her time hours on end gossiping with her equally light-headed friends, usually about the other group of her light-headed friends and vice versa. She is usually rich.
She usually wears shades that cover half her face, and makeup covering the other half. Has more bags than an airport belt and relentlessly brag about her love for shoes.
2.The feminist:
-And no, by definition, not all females are feminists- Usually she’ll smack you with a speech about how women are equal to men, and how they can perform almost all tasks and duties a man can do! For obvious reasons, she will not come to mention semen. She will use every chance to mention her passion for work, and the nightmares about marrying a guy who will stop in the way of her career. Usually will complain about guys manners in queues, buses and restaurants because they don’t behave as gentlemen towards women, and will make no secret of her desire to quit work a few years from marriage.. Sighting numerous reasons, one of which is the presence of the kid!
No single dress code usually fits the group. As it is more related to an age bracket.
3. The plastic girl:
Usually have done a couple of surgeries to enhance her assets! And as much as it is pleasing to us, all will become negligible next to the empty space between her ears. She thinks that cars and clothes are assets, and believes that a guy’s love is directly proportional to how much money leakage he is willing to accept. The most annoying treat in a man for her is; him being stingy.
What she is wearing? Brands, brands and more brands. And more brands.. and yet more brands
4. Shareefet Makka:
The girl whom you were the first to kiss!! Touch or, exercise any kind of foreplay with. Because according to her you are the first… but the truth is, there is a long line of firsts. Note: Virginity is not a measure, since this type of girls is so accommodating through other entry points.
5. The Ugly one: For obvious reasons
6. The age-conscious girl.
She is so insecure about her age, and about still being single. You can easily spot that type because they talk a lot about marriage, and their refusal to marry the first guy knocking at her door. She is keen on mentioning all suitors knocking on her door, and the reason why she allegedly “rejected” them. Reason for not dating her is simply because she will hook up with a monkey if he is coming close to raising a marriage LPO. Turn on your detectors around those older than 26, because this is the threshold for Jordanian girls. Usually it takes them 2-3 years after graduation to get over the career dream, and then they develop into men-hunters!
7. The “not so sure about this” girl:
Testy girls who want to make a challenge of every little thing. She wants you to get into her heart through a treasure hunt contest. Reason for not dating is simply because she should go fuck herself. There is a lot of fish in the sea, and it has been proved times and times again that it is not worth it!
The purpose of this post in not primarily to be funny… It has a point, and if you don’t get it, then you are beyond help.
Validation can actually make your life better!
I haven't seen an idea as genuine in a long time!!! And I must admit, Mohammad Abbas looks funny as a Yasser Arafat :)... But I get too many parking tickets here in Dubai to be able to overcome that particular trauma!! :S
Beautiful Morning
Today I woke up early in the morning at around 8, had my coffee, smoked a couple of cigarettes before I dare to open the window blinds and look outside, as it’s usually dusty here, I thought it would be another lousy weekend, but to my surprise, the weather was great, sky was clear, no dust in the air, and it’s not so hot.
What a beautiful morning, after a stressful week at work, I must go out and have breakfast somewhere “on the beach”, since I live on one of the smallest islands in the world, you would think that is actually what I should be doing everyday.
Moving on, I jumped in the car and drove all the way to my friend without even calling him, because I know he would be sitting in the same sh…place to have his morning sheesha, it’s a great morning, which is something that doesn’t happen a lot in Bahrain, and all he want’s to do is to sit and have sheesha and post some videos on FaceBook.
Anyway, we had breakfast and did some boring stuff, then I drove him home, and was going home too, but then I decided not to was this beautiful gift, so what to do? Of course hit the beach! But then again I hit another wall; I live on an ISLAND where there is no public beach, not even one.
I really wanted to seize the moment, I really wanted to enjoy this lovely day, so, I went to one of the clubs that enjoys having a “beach” and was ready to pay $60 to enjoy a 20 meters beach, and I’m not kidding here, it’s really just 20 meter, and guess what, they didn’t let me in because weekends are just for members!
So I went home mad, frustrated, and here I am lying on my couch, writing this boring story, and asking myself after each word I write, why the hell am I writing this?
On Problem Solving!!
This post has been inspired by Ali, Kababji, and obviously Scott Adams!!
And I can swear I've seen happening before!!
Difference between Focusing on Problems and Focusing on Solutions
A couple of days a go I received an interesting e-mail from a freind, and i thought it would be nice to share it, read it below.
"Case 1
When NASA began the launch of astronauts into space, they found out that the pens wouldn't work at zero gravity (ink won't flow down to the writing surface). To solve this problem, it took them one decade and $12 million. They developed a pen that worked at zero gravity, upside down, underwater, in practically any surface including crystal and in a temperature range from below freezing to over 300 degrees C. And what did the Russians do...?? They used a pencil.
Case 2
One of the most memorable case studies on Japanese management was the case of the empty soapbox, which happened in one of Japan's biggest cosmetics companies. The company received a complaint that a consumer had bought a soapbox that was empty. Immediately the authorities isolated the problem to the assembly! line, which transported all the packaged boxes of soap to the delivery department. For some reason, one soapbox went through the assembly line empty. Management asked its engineers to solve the problem. Post-haste, the engineers worked hard to devise an X-ray machine with high-resolution monitors manned by two people to watch all the soapboxes that passed through the line to make sure they were not empty. No doubt, they worked hard and they worked fast but they spent a whoopee amount to do so.
But when a rank-and-file employee in a small company was posed with the same problem, he did not get into complications of X-rays, etc., but instead came out with another solution. He bought a strong industrial electric fan and pointed it at the assembly line. He switched the fan on, and as each soapbox passed the fan, it simply blew the empty boxes out of the line."
It's true isn't it, we always work really hard to solve a problem, sometimes we come up brilliant ideas to solve it, but most of the times you don't need a brilliant solution, we just need a solution.
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