I came across two Bollywood celebrity's blogs, enjoy:
- Amitabh Bachchan blog aka BIGBlog
- Amir Khan blog aka Aamir Khan
If you know any celebrity's blogs, share it with us.
Dec 27, 2008
During AGCC 2008 summit
News from Times of Oman:
News from Alwatan:
ROP puts curbs on parking of vehicles during AGCC summit
Saturday, December 27, 2008 12:29:35 AM Oman Time
MUSCAT — The Directorate of Public Relations, Royal Oman Police, has prohibited parking of vehicles on the service roads parallel to the following roads on account of the AGCC summit, which will be held here on December 29 and 30.
The prohibition will be effective from 8pm tomorrow (Sunday) to 11pm on Tuesday.
l Sultan Qaboos Road from Assahwa Tower Roundabout to Al Bustan Palace Hotel Roundabout through Muttrah Corniche, Muscat town and Sidab.
l Sultan Qaboos Road from Assahwa Tower Roundabout to Al Bustan Palace Hotel Roundabout through Al Qurum-Darsait-Al Wadi Al Kabir.
l The road will be closed as scheduled below to traffic on both sides from Assahwa Tower Roundabout to Al Bustan Palace Hotel Roundabout via Al Qurum-Darsait-Al Wadi Al Kabir. Instead, the traffic will be directed to alternative routes.
a. Monday (December 29) from 10am to 3pm
b. Tuesday (December 30) from 3pm to 8 pm.
l Heavy vehicles and trucks will not be allowed on Sultan Qaboos Road from Assahwa Tower Roundabout to Al Bustan Palace Hotel Roundabout. They will be directed to alternative routes as from 8am to 5pm on Monday (December 29) and from 12 noon to 11pm on Tuesday (December 30).
All motorists are requested to comply with the above and cooperate with the Royal Oman Police personnel.
News from Alwatan:
أثناء انعقاد مؤتمر قمة دول مجلس التعاون
شرطة عمان السلطانية تحدد الطرق البديلة للقادمين إلى مسقط
كتب ـ وليد محمود :حددت شرطة عمان السلطانية الطرق البديلة التي يجب على القادمين إلى محافظة مسقط ارتيادها بديلا عن شارع السلطان قابوس والذي سيكون مشغولا باستقبال قادة دول مجلس التعاون حيث سيتم إغلاق شارع السلطان قابوس بداية من دوار برج الصحوة حتى دوار فندق قصر البستان مرورا بجسر القرم دارسيت والوادي الكبير كما أوضحت شرطة عمان السلطانية أنه سيتم تحويل السير كليا قبل وصول ومغادرة أصحاب الجلالة والسمو قادة دول مجلس التعاون من دوار برج الصحوة إلى دوار فندق قصر البستان مرورا بجسر القرم ـ دارسيت والوادي الكبير والعكس إلى مسارات بديلة وذلك يوم الإثنين 29/12/2008م بداية من الساعة العاشرة صباحا وحتى الساعة الثالثة مساء ويوم الثلاثاء الموافق 30/12/2008م بداية من الساعة الثالثة مساء وحتى الساعة الثامنة مساء حيث يمكن للقادمين من منطقة الباطنة والمتجهين إلى محافظة مسقط والعكس سلوك شارع 18 نوفمبر بداية من جسر الموالح مرورا بالعذيبة الشمالية والغبرة الشمالية والخوير الشمالية .
أما بالنسبة للقادمين من الشرقية والداخلية إلى محافظة مسقط والعكس عليهم سلوك طريق مرتفعات المطار بداية من معسكر المرتفعة حتى دوار المستشفى السلطاني ومجمع السلطان قابوس الرياضي والخوير الجنوبية حتى مدينة الإعلام أو مرورا بطريق الأنصب شارع الأنصب ـ الجفنين ـ والرسيل إلى دوار مستشفى القوات المسلحة.
من ناحية أخرى سيتم تحويل سير الشاحنات الكبيرة كليا من شارع السلطان قابوس بداية من دوار فندق قصر البستان والعكس إلى مسارات أخرى وذلك بين الساعة الثامنة صباحا وحتى الساعة الخامسة مساء يوم الإثنين الموافق 29/12/2008م ومن الساعة 12 ظهرا حتى الساعة 11 مساء يوم الثلاثاء الموافق 30 ديسمبر .
كما تنوه شرطة عمان السلطانية إلى أنه سوف يمنع وقوف المركبات على جانبي شارع السلطان قابوس ـ جسر القرم ـ حتى فندق قصر البستان وشارع السلطان قابوس من دوار برج الصحوة حتى دوار فندق قصر البستان مرورا بالشارع البحري ـ دارسيت فمطرح فسداب .
Dec 26, 2008
Monopoly of insurance companies
Ahmed Al Falahi wrote an article on 23 Dec 2008 at the Oman Daily, an Arabic newspaper, about how insurance companies in different Welayats (regions) rip off the Omani citizens because of no supervision from higher authorities.He gave a four wheel drive with 4300 cc with third party insurance, as an example may cost OMR 300 at one company and same specification and facility it will cost OMR 70 in other company.
He said as per my understanding, the lack of competition in the regions comparing to Muscat region and neighbouring regions, which has high competitions and multi options suits everyone‘s needs. The greedy insurance companies at other regions manipulate and set the fees as they please.Can the regulatory authority do anything about it? Or do we encourage the new Intilaaqah participants to go towards setting up new insurance companies, which lacks competitions to kill monopoly and blood suckers?
Bits and Bytes
- No immigration visa to USA for Khat consumers in Yemen. Must have three years minimum of free of Khat out of the body system, with periodic medical test as a proof.
Dec 25, 2008
Rules and regulations
On my way back home, from a lovely dinner, I stopped at roundabout, waiting for the cars to pass by, I was thinking, what will really happen if I got in? what are the risks?I started thinking about how terrific for the person who came up and developed the traffic rules and regulations; how such rules is applied world wide, over years, without that, we would have been living like hooligans.
We have different Rules, standards and guideline for different purposes, some have been developed, some have been extinct and others have evolved, depending on the circumstances, economics, religion, etc many countless factors.
Without all that, we would not have existed at all.
(Click here to view the image source.)
Think out of the Box..
A friend have dropped me this article, from unknown source, and thought of sharing the same with you, it might change your thoughts.
Every company has a performance appraisal system in place to measure the effectiveness of its employees.
Employees are normally rated in most of the companies in the above categories. Apart from the above non performance category is also there, which is not depicted here . Needless to say everyone wants to be rated Outstanding.
What is the yard stick and how do you measure these aspects?
Employee "A" in a company walked up to his manager and asked what my job is for the day?
The manager took "A" to the bank of a river and asked him to cross the river and reach the other side of the bank.
"A" completed this task successfully and reported back to the manager about the completion of the task assigned. The manager smiled and said "GOOD JOB"
Next day Employee "B" reported to the same manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task as above to this person also.
The Employee "B' before starting the task saw Employee "C" struggling in the river to reach the other side of the bank. He realized "C" has the same task.
Now "B" not only crossed the river but also helped "C" to cross the river.
"B" reported back to the manager and the manager smiled and said "VERY GOOD JOB"
The following day Employee "Q" reported to the same manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task again.
Employee "Q" before starting the work did some home work and realized "A", "B" & "C" all has done this task before. He met them and understood how they performed.
He realized that there is a need for a guide and training for doing this task.
He sat first and wrote down the procedure for crossing the river, he documented the common mistakes people made, and tricks to do the task efficiently and effortlessly.
Using the methodology he had written down he crossed the river and reported back to the manager along with documented procedure and training material.
The manger said "Q" you have done an "EXCELLENT JOB".
The following day Employee "O" reported to the manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task again.
"O" studied the procedure written down by "Q" and sat and thought about the whole task.
He realized company is spending lot of money in getting this task completed. He decided not to cross the river, but sat and designed and implemented a bridge across the river and went back to his manager and said, "You no longer need to assign this task to any one".
The manager smiled and said "Outstanding job 'O'. I am very proud of you."
What is the difference between A, B, Q & O????????
Many a times in life we get tasks to be done at home, at office, at play….,
Most of us end up doing what is expected out of us. Do we feel happy? Most probably yes. We would be often disappointed when the recognition is not meeting our expectation.
Let us compare ourselves with "B". Helping some one else the problem often improves our own skills. There is an old proverb (I do not know the author) "learn to teach and teach to learn". From a company point of view "B" has demonstrated much better skills than "A" since one more task for the company is completed.
"Q" created knowledge base for the team. More often than not, we do the task assigned to us without checking history. Learning from other's mistake is the best way to improve efficiency. This knowledge creation for the team is of immense help. Re-usability reduces cost there by increases productivity of the team. "Q" demonstrated good "team-player" skills,
Now to the outstanding person, "O" made the task irrelevant; he created a Permanent Asset to the team.
If you notice B, Q and O all have demonstrated "team performance" over an above individual performance; also they have demonstrated a very invaluable characteristic known as "INITIATIVE".
Initiative pays of every where whether at work or at personal life. If you put initiative you will succeed. Initiative is a continual process and it never ends. This is because this year's achievement is next year's task. You cannot use the same success story every year.
The story provides an instance of performance, where as measurement needs to be spread across at least 6-12 months. Consequently performance should be consistent and evenly spread.
Out-of-Box thinkers are always premium and that is what every one constantly looks out for. Initiative, Out-of-Box thinking and commitment are the stepping stone to success.
Initiative should be life long. Think of out of the box.
Every company has a performance appraisal system in place to measure the effectiveness of its employees.
Employees are normally rated in most of the companies in the above categories. Apart from the above non performance category is also there, which is not depicted here . Needless to say everyone wants to be rated Outstanding.
What is the yard stick and how do you measure these aspects?
Employee "A" in a company walked up to his manager and asked what my job is for the day?
The manager took "A" to the bank of a river and asked him to cross the river and reach the other side of the bank.
"A" completed this task successfully and reported back to the manager about the completion of the task assigned. The manager smiled and said "GOOD JOB"
Next day Employee "B" reported to the same manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task as above to this person also.
The Employee "B' before starting the task saw Employee "C" struggling in the river to reach the other side of the bank. He realized "C" has the same task.
Now "B" not only crossed the river but also helped "C" to cross the river.
"B" reported back to the manager and the manager smiled and said "VERY GOOD JOB"
The following day Employee "Q" reported to the same manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task again.
Employee "Q" before starting the work did some home work and realized "A", "B" & "C" all has done this task before. He met them and understood how they performed.
He realized that there is a need for a guide and training for doing this task.
He sat first and wrote down the procedure for crossing the river, he documented the common mistakes people made, and tricks to do the task efficiently and effortlessly.
Using the methodology he had written down he crossed the river and reported back to the manager along with documented procedure and training material.
The manger said "Q" you have done an "EXCELLENT JOB".
The following day Employee "O" reported to the manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task again.
"O" studied the procedure written down by "Q" and sat and thought about the whole task.
He realized company is spending lot of money in getting this task completed. He decided not to cross the river, but sat and designed and implemented a bridge across the river and went back to his manager and said, "You no longer need to assign this task to any one".
The manager smiled and said "Outstanding job 'O'. I am very proud of you."
What is the difference between A, B, Q & O????????
Many a times in life we get tasks to be done at home, at office, at play….,
Most of us end up doing what is expected out of us. Do we feel happy? Most probably yes. We would be often disappointed when the recognition is not meeting our expectation.
Let us compare ourselves with "B". Helping some one else the problem often improves our own skills. There is an old proverb (I do not know the author) "learn to teach and teach to learn". From a company point of view "B" has demonstrated much better skills than "A" since one more task for the company is completed.
"Q" created knowledge base for the team. More often than not, we do the task assigned to us without checking history. Learning from other's mistake is the best way to improve efficiency. This knowledge creation for the team is of immense help. Re-usability reduces cost there by increases productivity of the team. "Q" demonstrated good "team-player" skills,
Now to the outstanding person, "O" made the task irrelevant; he created a Permanent Asset to the team.
If you notice B, Q and O all have demonstrated "team performance" over an above individual performance; also they have demonstrated a very invaluable characteristic known as "INITIATIVE".
Initiative pays of every where whether at work or at personal life. If you put initiative you will succeed. Initiative is a continual process and it never ends. This is because this year's achievement is next year's task. You cannot use the same success story every year.
The story provides an instance of performance, where as measurement needs to be spread across at least 6-12 months. Consequently performance should be consistent and evenly spread.
Out-of-Box thinkers are always premium and that is what every one constantly looks out for. Initiative, Out-of-Box thinking and commitment are the stepping stone to success.
Initiative should be life long. Think of out of the box.
Dec 24, 2008
George W Bush's farewell party
A simple gesture for George W. Bush’s farewell via shoes turned into a laughingstock. Enjoy.
1
No comment.
2
Locked
3Memories
4Now it’s the property of….
5No comment.
6The memory
7Dec 23, 2008
Spam attack
My journal been Spammed by an Anonymous who has left 6 new comments on 6 different posts, advertising his two Arabic Tunisian blogs.(Click here to view the image source.)
It seems that the person is craving for attention for his blogs, needs to increase the number of traffic (who doesn‘t), as a result I have activated the word verification for comments.
Bits and Bytes
- Mark Ruffalo brother died, and a Saudi woman was arrested then released as it was rulled out his death as homicide. As per Al Arabiya newspaper, she is a Business woman, while the other newspapers refer her as a Saudi princess. So is who is Shaha Mishaal Adham?
- Condoleezza Rice admits USA's popularity decreased since George W Bush became the precident of USA.
- Rumours about 'killer perfume' in UAE and the police denies it.
- A Turkish shoe factory had to employee 100 individuals in order to fill in the 370 thousand pair of Muntadhar al-Zaidi shoes, as it turned out to be a Turkish made.
(The post been Edited on 24 Dec 2008 20:59 PM. GMT 4+).
Dec 22, 2008
Some Financial Humor
Thought of sharing several Humor jokes from my inbox, which is related to the recent global financial crisis of 2008.
Some Financial Humor:
· The US has made a new weapon that destroys people but keeps the building standing,. Its called the stock market - Jay Leno
· Do you have any idea how cheap stocks are?? Wall Street is now being called Wal Mart Street - Jay Leno
· The difference between a pigeon and a London investment banker. The pigeon can still make a deposit on a BMW.
· What's the difference between a guy who lost everything in Las Vegas and an investment banker? A tie!
· The problem with investment bank balance sheet is that on the left side nothing's right and on the right side nothing's left.
· I want to warn people from Nigeria who might be watching our show, if you get any emails from Washington asking for money, it's a scam. Don't fall for it - Jay Leno
· Bush was asked about the credit crunch. He said it was his favorite candy bar - Jay Leno
· The rescue bill was about 450 pages. President Bush's copy is even thicker. They had to include pictures - Jay Leno
· President Bush's response was to meet some small business owners in San Antonio last week. The small business owners are General Motors, General Electric and Century 21 - Jay Leno
· What worries me most about the credit crunch, is that if one of my checks is returned stamped 'insufficient funds'. I won't know whether that refers to mine or the bank's.
Bits and Bytes
- Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of KSA, despite estimated loosing 18.06% of his wealth because of the global financial crisis of 2008, he still maintained his status as the wealthiest Arab for year 2008.
- Oman government won't shift to Fri-Sat weekend.
Dec 21, 2008
I can't access my journal
I am not able to access my journal since Friday because of cut in
internet, it seems Nawras is effected too. Google services are either
not accessable or too slow.
internet, it seems Nawras is effected too. Google services are either
not accessable or too slow.
Sorry everyone for that.
Dec 16, 2008
Gain Thawab
Umrah or Ummrah is a minor pilgrimage performed by the Muslims who follow Islam as religion. Muslim may perform it unlimitedly and anytime.
I personally know people go to perform it every year, it’s their choice, they may want to gain more Thawab (Reward for good deeds) and pray to Allah (God) to wipe out their Ithims (sins).
I believe if one already performed Umrah, and wants to perform again, he can gain more Thawab by sponsoring the below categories to go to Umrah:
- An elderly person, who can not afford,
- An orphanage (allot who were not adopted),
- Poor individual/ family,
or
- sponsoring someone to perform Haj.
Think about it, you may gain double or triple or countless Thawab (only God knows how much he will reward you) as if you had performed Umrah. But that is all depends on your true intention, and no one knows it except you and God in addition to the Mala’ikah (Angles) on your left or right who write your deeds, if your intention was good, the right Angle will write it as good deed, and vice verse.
Click here for Glossary of Islamic terms in Arabic.
Bits and Bytes
- Medal For Courage will be geven to Muntadhar al-Zaidi by Aicha, daughter of Lybian leader Muammar Gaddafi because of his courage to throw his shoes towards the forty-third President of the United States.
Dec 15, 2008
Finally!!!
My personal journal, irevere.blogspot.com is finally redirected to http://www.shula-b.com, but the url address http://shula-b.com is not redirecting to www.Shula-B.com for unknown reason.
I chose Shula-B.com as it’s my nickname and its symbolic to me, my label.
Bits and Bytes
I chose Shula-B.com as it’s my nickname and its symbolic to me, my label.
Bits and Bytes
- A Saudi citizen offers to pay USD 10 millions for Muntadhar al-Zaidi shoe, which was thrown towards the forty-third President of the United States.
- Mazoon Mobile may ink with Oman Mobile as a reseller for mobile services in the Sultanate beside Renna and FRiENDi. Now who will ink with Nawras? Both Injaz International, and Kalam Telecommunications (No sign of their brand yet)? or one of them? or none of them?
- AGCC summit to discuss five-year cap on unskilled expatriate employees in the Gulf.
- Help for overseas Indians just a free phone call away soon via toll free number. (When will Oman or an Arab country do the same?)
- Four emirates commit to 2009 Earth Hour (When will Oman join?)
Dec 14, 2008
As per Typealyzer
I came across typealyzer via Per Your Request journal. Its analysis the presonality of author's journal/ blog through the writting skills.
This is my result:
The analysis indicates that the author of http://irevere.blogspot.com is of the type:
ESTP - The Doers
The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.
The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.
Analysis
This show what parts of the brain that were dominant during writing.
This is my result:
The analysis indicates that the author of http://irevere.blogspot.com is of the type:
ESTP - The Doers
The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.
Analysis
This show what parts of the brain that were dominant during writing.
- Thinking (T)
- logical
- mathmatics
- Practical (ST)
- Sensing (S)
- order
- habit
- details
Dec 13, 2008
Sorry for been offline
After thorough thought, I have decided to purchase a domain name Shula-B.com for my journal/ blog and its done through Go Daddy; I don’t know if it was a right decision or not to purchase from such internet domain registrar and web hosting company; I didn’t do my homework right, I just picked what was in font of me.
Now I am having a problem of redirecting my journal from Blogger.com to Go Shula-B.com; that’s is why my journal was offline, it may take a while, but it worth a shot.
Any tips or advice? will be appreciated.
My Eid
Eid celebrations went well, busy with family and relatives, the holidays went pretty fast and tomorrow back to work for all the government, semi-government, semi-private and banking sectors in Oman.
Tagged
I have been Tagged by Blue-Chi; despite I am not a fan of Tags, as I don't like reveals allot of my self, but I won't disappoint my friend.
List down five things people probably do not know about me:
Now I am having a problem of redirecting my journal from Blogger.com to Go Shula-B.com; that’s is why my journal was offline, it may take a while, but it worth a shot.
Any tips or advice? will be appreciated.
My Eid
Eid celebrations went well, busy with family and relatives, the holidays went pretty fast and tomorrow back to work for all the government, semi-government, semi-private and banking sectors in Oman.
Tagged
I have been Tagged by Blue-Chi; despite I am not a fan of Tags, as I don't like reveals allot of my self, but I won't disappoint my friend.
List down five things people probably do not know about me:
- I am addicted to 'Daim' candy.
- I love to eat fresh green chilli with my meal when I am starving for a long time.
- I was too moody.
- I watch Indian (Hindi) movies.
- I olny drink decaffeinated coffee.
Who tag naw??? Amjad and Dubai Guy.
Dec 9, 2008
Are you a fan of Noor?
Seriously, are you Noor and Mohannad’s fan? If so you came at the right place. (Please note, I am not a fan of Noor TV series.)
Prove your self that are a fan of Noor TV series by participating to Noor competition via SMS and win a trip to meet The actor and actress who played Muhannad and Noor, in addition to that you will receive a DVD collection of the whole episodes of Noor TV series with the autograph of the casts.
Who will gain?
MBC, telecoms (STC, Zain, Mobily, Etisalat, Zain, Wataniya, Oman Mobile, Nawras, Qtel, MTN, Sabafon, Mauritel, Mattel, Zain Iraq, Asiacell, Orange, MTN and Syriatel), and ads.
Who will loose?
The disappointed participants who will pay allot of money for over 10 SMS per day until the winner is been announced.
Prove your self that are a fan of Noor TV series by participating to Noor competition via SMS and win a trip to meet The actor and actress who played Muhannad and Noor, in addition to that you will receive a DVD collection of the whole episodes of Noor TV series with the autograph of the casts.
Who will gain?
MBC, telecoms (STC, Zain, Mobily, Etisalat, Zain, Wataniya, Oman Mobile, Nawras, Qtel, MTN, Sabafon, Mauritel, Mattel, Zain Iraq, Asiacell, Orange, MTN and Syriatel), and ads.
Who will loose?
The disappointed participants who will pay allot of money for over 10 SMS per day until the winner is been announced.
The outcomes:
- Disappointments.
- Strikes in the household.
- Higher number of divorces.
Dec 8, 2008
Eid Greetings
Eid Mubarak to everyone around the world, as 8th December 2008 marks the first day of Eid around the world except Oman, as the government announced 9th December 2008 marks the first day of Eid.
Bits and Bytes
Bits and Bytes
- The late Omani pioneer, to be honoured in Syria in the field of invention, research and academics.
- Moroccan families sell their furniture to buy goat for Eid celebration.
- The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources to adept the e-payment system.
- 20% cap for down payments for financing your car via Finance companies as per Central Bank of Oman (CBO) new regulation.
- An unusual incident, were a bird followed the dead body for 350 km from Macca to Mahd al-Dhahab District in KSA were the body was buried as its his home town. The bird set near the head of the deceased man and was moving his head front and back while people were reading verses from the holy Quraan. It has been said it indicates the good deeds of the deceased man.
Dec 7, 2008
I am scared
It took me awhile to write this article, short one but it worth writing. I don’t want to look too brave to start attacking the higher authority nor condemn the government or anyone, at the end of the day, I get behind the bars.
I am honestly scared, I wish I had wings ليت لي جناح has strong view of condemning the high authority, allot of people are risking their lives, is it worth it, your name, family and tribe’s dignity is on stake.
We may try to be enormous, hiding ourselves behind the mask of nicknames, we may think no one knows us, but in really everyone do, we have witness the cost of the Sabla forum, it’s not worth it.
I am honestly scared, I wish I had wings ليت لي جناح has strong view of condemning the high authority, allot of people are risking their lives, is it worth it, your name, family and tribe’s dignity is on stake.
We may try to be enormous, hiding ourselves behind the mask of nicknames, we may think no one knows us, but in really everyone do, we have witness the cost of the Sabla forum, it’s not worth it.
Dec 3, 2008
What will you do?
I have just found out some news, which the people in the house never told me for unknown reason:
- My sister-in-law's uncle passed away few weeks ago & my sibling found out by accident.
- My cousin's cousin mate with accident few weeks ago & I heard the news from outside source.
- I was invited for dinner & was told after it was over as they apologized on behalf of me without tell me (they insisted that I was informed & I was not).
What ill you do he it happened to you?
- My sister-in-law's uncle passed away few weeks ago & my sibling found out by accident.
- My cousin's cousin mate with accident few weeks ago & I heard the news from outside source.
- I was invited for dinner & was told after it was over as they apologized on behalf of me without tell me (they insisted that I was informed & I was not).
What ill you do he it happened to you?
Nov 26, 2008
Overcoming unemployment barrier
Young graduate Egyptians started to overcome the unemployment barrier by taking care of elderly people as a new career in Egypt. I found this gesture, is good for them as persons and sociality too. It makes them more aware of human rights and family bonds.
Bits and Bytes
- Sharjah launches project to provide every Emirati family with a library.
- Tunisian Doctor says 'The Eastern Dancing is a meditation for depression for Arab women.'
- Oman Mobile signs pacts with Renna (branding name of Majan Telecom), FRiENDi two mobile resellers in ME.
- Dubai International Film Festival 2008 will be held December 11-18, 2008.
- Techie’s holiday plan.
Nov 24, 2008
In UAE
This thought came to me when I read an article 'Locals not allowed' by Osama in Arabic, about not allowing locals wearing their national cloths dine in fancy restaurants as part of policy.
In UAE:
- The local citizen is a foreigner,
- It’s a western not eastern country,
- Bars and discos open 24/7,
- 24/7 developments.
Hippie or not
Over three years ago, I mate a young man, from the same community, I always found thing strange in his behaviour and character, which made me feel uncomfortable.
Since then, I was trying to figure out, which group he may fit in, he looked like a care free person, long hair, I realized he has a Hippie character, don‘t ask me, I just sense it.
The question is, are their Hippies in the Arab world or not?
Nov 22, 2008
Friendships
Some gleams of Friendships thought of sharing with my honoured readers.
Friendship among Women:
A woman didn't come home one night.
The next morning she told her husband that she had slept over at a friend's house.
The man called his wife's 10 best friends.
None of them knew anything about it.
Friendship among Men:
A man didn't come home one night.
The next morning he told his wife that he had slept over at a friend's house.
The woman called her husband's 10 best friends.
Eight confirmed that he had slept over, and two said he was still there.
Friendship among Women:
A woman didn't come home one night.
The next morning she told her husband that she had slept over at a friend's house.
The man called his wife's 10 best friends.
None of them knew anything about it.
Friendship among Men:
A man didn't come home one night.
The next morning he told his wife that he had slept over at a friend's house.
The woman called her husband's 10 best friends.
Eight confirmed that he had slept over, and two said he was still there.
Nov 21, 2008
George Carlin's Views on Aging
My friend Sunil dropped this article in my mail and I though it is good to share it with the people who have the time to drop by and read my blog.
IF YOU DON'T READ THIS TO THE VERY END, YOU HAVE LOST A DAY IN YOUR
LIFE. AND WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED, DO AS I AM DOING AND SEND IT ON.
George Carlin's Views on Aging
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.
'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.
'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life .. . You become 21.
Even the words sound like a ceremony . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30 ; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.'
Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.'
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next state; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them , at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Do share this with someone. We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!
IF YOU DON'T READ THIS TO THE VERY END, YOU HAVE LOST A DAY IN YOUR
LIFE. AND WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED, DO AS I AM DOING AND SEND IT ON.
George Carlin's Views on Aging
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.
'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.
'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life .. . You become 21.
Even the words sound like a ceremony . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30 ; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.'
Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.'
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next state; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them , at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Do share this with someone. We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!
Nov 20, 2008
AlRahma Campaign
When you treat persons/ animals mercifully, God also treat you mercifully. Never slave or oppress persons/ animals, because God will get someone else to oppress you.
If you have an atom of feelings of mercifulness, you won’t oppress anyone.
View the videos, Learn from it, recalculate your accounts and reconnect your self and be fair to your self first then others.
Sharing is caring, and the first video, which touch me the most, as I personally know people who fall on that category.
Bits and Bytes
If you have an atom of feelings of mercifulness, you won’t oppress anyone.
View the videos, Learn from it, recalculate your accounts and reconnect your self and be fair to your self first then others.
Campaign #1
Campaign #2
Campaign #3
Sharing is caring, and the first video, which touch me the most, as I personally know people who fall on that category.
Bits and Bytes
- An interview with Abeer Ali Al-Mukhaini, Programme Manager, Women In Technology (WIT), Oman Women's Association.
- Cyber-bullying trial opens in US.
- The King of Pop, Michael Jackson is been sued by Prince of Bahrain Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, second son of the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
- The new credit card with keypad that promises to fight online fraud.(read more)
FaceBook blocked via mobile access
I am trying to access facebook via my mobile but its blocked by Omantel. Its unusual & I'm a Nawras not OmanMobile (Omantel sister) customer.
Does anyone facing the same problem or its just my mobile phone?!
Does anyone facing the same problem or its just my mobile phone?!
Nov 19, 2008
Aqim Salatak
AqimSalatak.com, A Message For Every Muslim.
Bits and Bytes
- Nawras won the 2nd Fixed-Line bid in Oman.
- Emarat Al Youm, an Arabic UAE-based newpaper has been banned for publishing for 20 days from 20th Nov 2008 and Mr Sami Al Reyami, the editor-in-chief of Emarat Al Youm has been fined DHS 20,000.
Nov 18, 2008
5 stars for BreadTalk
Today, I was in a bad mood, as some personal issues has arisen and made feel angry, I tried to control my emotions the whole day, after picking up my sister, I decided to go to BreadTalk, after her recommendation.
When I arrived at the location (Bareeq Al-Shatti Mall), I was blown up with the mall and
atmosphere, which I didn’t know about, when I entered the BreadTalk, the smell of the pasties reminded me of La Brioche bakery in Abu Dhabi - UAE; I used to go there at least once a week when I was living in UAE (five years ago). The whole location reminded me of AD, the best memory and the free spirit.
Back to BreadTalk pastries, I give it 5 full star, and the value its worth it.
When I arrived at the location (Bareeq Al-Shatti Mall), I was blown up with the mall and
atmosphere, which I didn’t know about, when I entered the BreadTalk, the smell of the pasties reminded me of La Brioche bakery in Abu Dhabi - UAE; I used to go there at least once a week when I was living in UAE (five years ago). The whole location reminded me of AD, the best memory and the free spirit.
Back to BreadTalk pastries, I give it 5 full star, and the value its worth it.
Bits and Bytes
- Oman National day.
- A Saudi judge sentences an Asian Expatriate to clean 5 mosques and its toilets during pilgrim season after been caught several times for missing group prayers at the mosque.
Nov 17, 2008
His Majesty on the WWW map
Who ever read the flashing news ‘Website on HM launched in 7 languages’ by now and several local and international blogs posting about HM’s personal website. oman-qaboos.net
Will Obama quite using email?
Email is becoming an essential form of communication around the world, as it’s one of the fastest form of communication, which brought made social networking simple beside chatting. Now you can get your mails instantly in your fingertips at anywhere and anytime via your Blackberry, without worrying if you got an email or not.
The 44th president of USA, is hooked up with the latest digital and technology revolution, as he owns a Blackberry gadget, and he’s addicted to emails.
The big question is, will be able to live without checking your email when he gets into the White House? How secure it is?
God knows, but I am seriously thinking of getting Blackberry soon, but I need the feedback from people who are currently using in Oman and abroad.
Read the follwing article Obama 'could stop using e-mail' related to it.
Bits and Bytes
The 44th president of USA, is hooked up with the latest digital and technology revolution, as he owns a Blackberry gadget, and he’s addicted to emails.
The big question is, will be able to live without checking your email when he gets into the White House? How secure it is?
God knows, but I am seriously thinking of getting Blackberry soon, but I need the feedback from people who are currently using in Oman and abroad.
Read the follwing article Obama 'could stop using e-mail' related to it.
Bits and Bytes
Nov 16, 2008
Osama bin Laden tactics
Omar Bin Laden, the fourth son of the legend Osama bin Laden has been seeking a free global publicity since mid 2007 up to date, it’s becoming uncomfortably irritating and fishy too.
I believe that his father is behind this charade, which has been planned very well.
He may have tipped him of to create diversions of the world from Osama’s 'the Terrorist' to sympathise with his son 'the victim' of his father’s sins (that he kills innocents for the name of Islam), who was once covering his daddy’s back in Afghan and supporting Talibaan with their manly and primitive thoughts by the name of Islam.
His side of the story
- March 2007 - Marriage to Zaina Mohamed Al-Sabah (No prove if it is true or not), legally named Jane Felix-Browne, a British woman who is twice his age, and divorced her in September 2007 after series of death threats from KSA. After 2 weeks they got back together.
- Since then, his request for visa to enter UK was declined on several occasions because of he refuses to provide his father’s address up to date.
- On November 3, 2008 he flew to Spain with his wife and applied for Asylum petition, for the reason his life is in danger in Cairo. His request was declined twice even with the appeal.
- Flew back to Egypt, they claim that they were interrogated and deported by the Egyptian officials about his claim of safety in Egypt when he have applied for Asylum petition in Spain.
- On November 9, 2008 they arrived in Qatar, and currently staying there and Omar claimed that USA offered him a Green Card but he declined their offer and preferred to stay in Qatar.
Is all that true? God knows.
Nov 15, 2008
Hamasna
Hamasna is an online movement launched by a group of Islamist activists. The whole purpose of Hamasna is campaigning to fight pornography in the Arab world.
Hamasna.org and read their point of view.
Nov 14, 2008
AIESEC in Oman
The following article is from TheWeek Issue 297, the whole purpose is to develop the local workforces and explore them to the internationally, which will benefit both the individual and the country.
One of the world's largest international organisations for students, AISEC, is all set to start operations in Oman with an innovative foreign internship programme.
At 19, Saqib Khan is like any other student within the Majan College premises in Muttrah but for one thing. Come February next year this third year student of computer networking will be off to Keio in Japan for a three-month internship with Kiban, a technology company dealing with e-commerce. Saqib, will be the first person rom Oman to go on an internship arranged by the international youth organisation AIESEC.
He will be the first of many hundred more young people from the sultanate who will be off in the coming years on an exchange programme that opens the doors for Omani youth to develop their skills abroad. At the same time, AIESEC’s programme will offer local busines-ses a chance to tap into an international talent pool especially for temporary roles.
“At the moment, AIESEC, with 32,000 active members, is present in more than 108 countries and territories around the world. We have a deep history in the Middle East-North Africa region, dating back to the 1960s,” said Brett Borkan, director of business development, AIESEC official extension to Oman.
“With student chapters in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Iran, Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Oman is logically the next step in our efforts,” he added.
Although AIESEC has been present in Oman for some time now, their official launch is expected to take place at year-end. The organisation itself, which is run entirely by students and recent graduates of higher education, was launched 60 years ago in 1948 in Stockholm with just seven member countries.
The aim was to promote peaceful relations between these seven nations in a world fresh out World War II. In its first year the then fledgling organisation arranged 89 traineeships. Interestingly enough, many of these early internship exc-hange programmes were between France and Germany, a country that had occupied much of France during the war.
But how does all this make a difference to people in Oman? Kenneth MacFarlane, senior country partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), which is AIESEC’s global partner and also its local partner in the sultanate, has this to say. “PWC absorbs around ten Omanis into its permanent staff each year.
The main attraction for me is to get Omanis on outbound internships where they can gain international exposure,” he expl-ained, adding that this would help build a young national workforce that would come armed with knowledge of how things work outside their own country.
MacFarlane’s argument is vindicated by the views of inbound interns who are already working in Oman. “I have already worked with PWC in Mexico City. I wanted to see how the firm operated elsewhere so that I could learn about its global operation methods,” said 25-year-old Rebeca Rubi Alvarado, a student of accounting from Mexico. Yet, the idea of overseas internships is not the only attraction for AIESEC’s members.
A non-profit global organisation run like a business house, it gives its members the opportunity to try their hand at being professionals before even exiting the academic world. “Firstly, I enjoy the sense of responsibility that comes with being a key member of the organisation. Secondly, as the vice-president of marketing, I get practice in reality what I learn in the confines of the classroom,” said Hasna Sultan, who recently graduated from the Modern College of Business and is the vice- president of marketing for AIESEC’s local committee in Bausher.
For Rashad al Jamali, president, local committee, Bausher, AIESEC, it was the whole professional aura of its members that drew him in. “I got to know about AIESEC when Brett and a friend were promoting the organisation in our college. At the time I thought the whole thing seemed a lot more professional than anything else,” he said.
Since then Rashad has attended two international AIESEC conferences, one in Bahrain and another in Tunisia, and the only thing that he thinks could be a deterrent to more people joining the organisation is the need for time management. “It can get difficult to manage time on occasion, especially during exams,” he said, adding that he would nevertheless recommend becoming a member.
Meanwhile Saqib’s initial excitement about going to Japan has given way to apprehensions about the change in environment. “Language is probably going to be a big problem. Unlike in Oman where most people speak in English, everything in Japan is in Japanese,” he explained, adding with a nervous smile, “And I don’t know a syllable of Japanese.” According to 26-year-old Kristina Mader, a student of finance and tax audit from Germany, the only way to get over such apprehensions is to take the plunge and find out what the situation on the ground is really like rather than depend on second hand experience or the opinions of others.
“Back home, everyone has a negative opinion of the Middle East region because of what they read or see in the media. But no one really knows what things are like here. Only after coming here do you realise that not all of the Middle East is a conflict zone,” she said.
Besides, according to Adriana Marinaro, senior manager, assurance/business advisory services, PWC, being an AIESEC member might even work out in your favour when it comes to employment.
“Having AIESEC on your CV immediately communicates that you are more likely to be a dedicated employee,” said Adriana, who was a member of the organisation for three years and is now coordinating PWC’s activities with AIESEC in Oman. So, does being a member of AIESEC mean a ticket to overseas internships, fancy designations and an easier route to a job? Not quite. “You could either choose to be a passive member or someone who is actively involved. Most people who benefit from their time as AIESEC members are the latter,” said Adriana.
After all you get what you give. Email BrettB@aiesecom.org or log on to www.aiesec.org for more details
H E Dr abdullah al sarmi undersecretary, ministry of higher education, speaks to THEWEEK
What will AIESEC be able to accomplish for Oman and its youth?
AIESEC, the world’s largest international student organisation and the second largest organisation registered with the United Nations (UN), has taken recent steps in a bold initiative to bring new human development opportunities to the youth in the Arab region.
In Oman, AIESEC will work with higher education institutions to give students the opportunity to participate in its empowering programmes. These would offer students the chance to participate in conferences with youth from across the region and the world and in skills training from local and global businesses in Oman.
In addition, they will help develop a sense of community and giving back through cultural programmes; foster a greater understanding of what is happening in the Omani society and in the world. What exactly is the ministry’s role in the establishment of AIESEC in Oman?
The ministry has already liaised with the government sectors involved in this regard. AIESEC is now registered in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as an independent body, and can exercise its functions, one of which is to sponsor visits of inbound interns to Oman.
The ministry has also encouraged public and private higher education institutions to participate and contribute with AIESEC in order to activate its noble functions. What sets AIESEC’s internship programme apart from others? The exchange programme will open the doors for Omani youth to develop their skills in any of the countries where AIESEC currently operates, and at the same time give Omani businesses the chance to access an international talent pool to fulfill their business needs in temporary roles while building future local capacity.
Nov 12, 2008
Family Random Thoughts
My family is my identity and I am proud of them.
With out my family, I am lost.
Family can't be bought nor be replaced.
With out my family, I am lost.
Family can't be bought nor be replaced.
Nov 8, 2008
From temporary to permanent burden
I never knew I was a burden to some people until two months after my late father’s death. I never felt how some people I always looked up to them and considered them part of my cycle.
It turned out they are trying to get rid of me though marriage proposal.A question several questions was asked to me:
“Are you ready to accept to marry an pure Omani?”
“What is your criteria for your future Husband?”
“The reason I am asking, is my daughter in law’s mother went to this lady who found a husband for her daughter and now she’s the wife for my son, she is coming soon and I want you to give my your list so I can tell her to find you a husband.”
She posed for a while and continued “If you already have someone”,
she posed again and said with a higher peach of tone “Let him come fast and propose.”
I just smiled and nodded.
The whole night I was thinking, I am burden but not for long and I thank God for showing me the path.
It turned out they are trying to get rid of me though marriage proposal.
“Are you ready to accept to marry an pure Omani?”
“What is your criteria for your future Husband?”
“The reason I am asking, is my daughter in law’s mother went to this lady who found a husband for her daughter and now she’s the wife for my son, she is coming soon and I want you to give my your list so I can tell her to find you a husband.”
She posed for a while and continued “If you already have someone”,
she posed again and said with a higher peach of tone “Let him come fast and propose.”
I just smiled and nodded.
The whole night I was thinking, I am burden but not for long and I thank God for showing me the path.
Nov 7, 2008
Animated Mr Bean
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While I was clicking the TV channels, I stopped at MBC 3 channel (kids channel) from MBC Group. I saw Mr. Bean, in animated. I never knew that they have created..jpg)
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Nov 6, 2008
Sara Maple's Art may cost her life
Art is art, it's beutiy may defere from one's eyes to another. It has it's own statement, we may accepted others may rejected.That's what Sara Maple trying to express. The left paintart 'Haram' an Oil and acrylic painting, is one of her painitngs that made a wave of criticism by the Muslims for having Muslim woman holding a pig, which insults Islam.
Visit sarahmaple.com website and view her Photography and Paintings, which may provoke you.
Sarah Maple is a British Muslim woman living in UK.
Read more about the results of her art: 'Gallery showing Sarah Maple's pig painting suffers wave of threats ...' and 'Muslim artist gets death threats'.
Nov 5, 2008
Yahoo's message and Obama won
Yahoo! the well known search engine and mail services beside other services is now recommending its visitors and loyal members to use 'Firefox 3' FREE web browser from Mozilla Firefox.Is it a clear message to Microsoft, 'I don't want to deal with you!!?' or in another word 'Back off'.
Best Wishes for both of them.
Barack Obama has won the 2008 presidential election and now offically known as '44th President of the United States'.- His father is Muslim from Kenya.
- Mother is Christian from USA.
- Step Father is Muslim from Indonesian.
- Wife is christian African American.
The question is:
- Will he support Africans?
- Will he support Muslims?
- Will he support Asians?
- Will he support Israel?
We'll see the next four years of his career as a President of the United States.
Read other bloggers from Middle East voice about it:
- 'Obama to the White House' in Arabic
- Obama Wins!
- Sen. Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States of America
- We love Barack Obama
From Omani forums:
And more to come.
Nov 3, 2008
The 99 Most Beautiful Names of God in danger
A new fatwa been spread around in Egypt that 21 names of God (Allah) out of The 99 Most Beautiful Names of God are fabricated and must be deleted.
This fatwa has been supported by some Ministries and religious Bodies.
After this fatwa has been escalated, a six months study has been conducted for researching 50 thousand book via high speed computer by Dr. Al Radhwani.
Based on the outcome, a court warning has been issued against the Ministries and religious Bodies which supports the fatwa. As a result a religious battle arise in Egypt between 50 Islamic scholars Vs Al-Zhar University scholars and the Dar Alifta in Egypt.
Click here to read more about it in Arabic.
This fatwa has been supported by some Ministries and religious Bodies.
After this fatwa has been escalated, a six months study has been conducted for researching 50 thousand book via high speed computer by Dr. Al Radhwani.
Based on the outcome, a court warning has been issued against the Ministries and religious Bodies which supports the fatwa. As a result a religious battle arise in Egypt between 50 Islamic scholars Vs Al-Zhar University scholars and the Dar Alifta in Egypt.
Click here to read more about it in Arabic.
Nov 2, 2008
Are you Lipton Chai Latte fan?
I have received a forwarding mail about Lipton Chai Latte containing trace of melamine.
The whole fear because of the milk scandal in China which contained melamine that coursed death and sickness for babies.
The question, is Lipton Chai Latte milk powder, which are sold in Oman & AGCC made in China?
Read More
Dangerous Melamine Might Have Entered Croatia
Switzerland pulls Sri Lanka Lemon Puff over melamine scare
Melamine contamination has worldwide effect
The whole fear because of the milk scandal in China which contained melamine that coursed death and sickness for babies.
The question, is Lipton Chai Latte milk powder, which are sold in Oman & AGCC made in China?
Read More
Dangerous Melamine Might Have Entered Croatia
Switzerland pulls Sri Lanka Lemon Puff over melamine scare
Melamine contamination has worldwide effect
Oman gets criticised over Charismas
For the first time I hear Sultanate of Oman government get criticised by the West because of ruining the tourist’s Charismas in Oman.
Read more from news:
Read more from news:
- Sultanate takes over Oman hotels over Christmas
- Sultan ruins Christmas in Oman
- Oman holiday plans wrecked by Sultan
And here more from Bloggers arround the world:
- Spoilt Oman Christmas Holiday
- Oman holiday plans wrecked by Sultan
- Sultanate takes over Oman hotels over Christmas
- Story of a tragedy : Christmas 2008 in Oman
- British tourists up in arms over Christmas holiday let-down in Oman
- Diwan and Ministry of Tourism manage to get bad press for His Majesty in the UK
- Sultan ruins Christmas in Oman
- Beware the harshness!
- Sultan Billed as Grinch by Telegraph
Oct 28, 2008
No more half sleeve shirts for Men in Egypt
Mohammed Abu Zaied, a lecturer in Al-Azhar university, had given a lecture to men to stop wearing half sleeve shirts and T-shirts as well as short thawb or thobe/ dishdasha/ kandura/ khameez (an ankle-length garment, usually with long sleeves, similar to a robe), opened buttoned shirts and fitted pants/ trousers; because it attracts and rouses female’s sexual emotions. He also advised people to wear socks when they wear short thawbs. Read more from Arabic newpaper.
Bits and Bytes
Bits and Bytes
- On 26 October 2008, at 5 pm KSA i.e. 1 pm GMT, MBC.net has lunched it’s latest free air channel known as ‘MBC MAX’. I don’t know what’s the difference between this channel and MBC 2.
- Lebanon's First National Bank (FNB) has introduced new product for fertilization to those can’t conceive normally. It’s the first bank in Middle East to launch such humanitarian product.
- PCCW - Awaser Oman Consortium was awarded the second fixed-line license tender by Oman’s Telecoms Regulatory Authority (TRA) and now it's coming to an end of monopoly for the majority state-owned Omantel is the sole fixed line service provider in Oman. Pacific Century Cyber Works (PCCW), an Hong Kong-based telecom company had joined in hand with a Omani partner (a joint venture) and won the tender. It seemed Nawras, the 2nd mobile company had bided for the second fixed-line license tender and lost.
Oct 24, 2008
Does Management know their Staff?
On walking into the factory, the MD noticed a young guy leaning against the wall, doing nothing.
He approached the young man and calmly said to him, "How much do you earn?"
The young man was quite amazed that he was asked such a personal question, he replied, none the less, "I earn $ 2000.00 a month, Sir. Why?"
Without answering, the MD took out his wallet and removed $6000.00 cash and gave it to the young man and said, "Around here I pay people for working, not for standing around looking pretty! Here is your 3 months salary, now GET OUT and don't come back".
The young man turned around and was quickly out of sight.
Noticing a few onlookers, the MD said in a very upset manner, "And that applies for everybody in this company".
He approached one of the onlookers and asked him, "Who's the young man that I just fired?"
To which an amazing reply came of, "He was the pizza delivery man, Sir...!"
He approached the young man and calmly said to him, "How much do you earn?"
The young man was quite amazed that he was asked such a personal question, he replied, none the less, "I earn $ 2000.00 a month, Sir. Why?"
Without answering, the MD took out his wallet and removed $6000.00 cash and gave it to the young man and said, "Around here I pay people for working, not for standing around looking pretty! Here is your 3 months salary, now GET OUT and don't come back".
The young man turned around and was quickly out of sight.
Noticing a few onlookers, the MD said in a very upset manner, "And that applies for everybody in this company".
He approached one of the onlookers and asked him, "Who's the young man that I just fired?"
To which an amazing reply came of, "He was the pizza delivery man, Sir...!"
Oct 23, 2008
TOP 20 MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN OMAN
From Oman Economic Review, October 2008 issue:
Patron, Women in Business Conference
Listings are horribly hard to put together. This one is more so because how does one measure power? For another when there are so many talented and successful women in business how does one zero in on the 20 most powerful? For us power is what power does. To have a flamboyant title is one thing but to actually do something that amplifies that the power of position another. We defined power as influence over an industry, the ability to change the rules of the game or a distinction that is unique. We relied on industry watchers to arrive at the final list. You will meet them over the following pages
Mindful of business power
Patron, Women in Business Conference
Because she is the driving force behind the highly successful Women in Business Conference – the highly acclaimed exclusive conference for women who are in business. This conference was held for the second time this year in Muscat under HH Sayyida Alia's patronage. The Women in Business Conference held in Muscat attracts women entrepreneurs, prominent businesswomen from all over the world, who share inspiration and knowledge through their experiences in the corporate arena. It provides a platform for women in the Sultanate to come together for networking and imbibe core business values and principles for running a successful enterprise. Workshops and seminars during the event addresses key issues which are particularly relevant to Arab world where women are still bracketed into conventional roles of being a mother, wife and a homemaker.
Other associations: HH Sayyida Alia is also the honorary president of Al Noor Association for the Blind
* The list is in alphabetical order of names
A quite performer
Amal Bahwan
Director, Suhail Bahwan Group
Because as the Director of Bahwan IT she has led the company from the front. The 23 year old company is seen as a pioneer in the IT and scape of Oman. Bahwan IT offers end-to-end IT products and services which revolve around the industry standard hardware, networking, security, data capture and software domain. The company has worked on delivering and implementing solutions in a timely and professional manner over the years.
This has won Bahwan IT partners like Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Cisco, 3i Infotech, Red Hat, Oracle etc. The company practices strong quality systems and excellent project management approach. Amal is also a member of the Board of Director's of the Suhail Bahwan Group one of the foremost business houses in Oman.
Managerial style: A consultative approach to address customer requirements
The driving force
Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish
Joint Deputy Managing Director, MHD
Because she looks after the automotive division of MHD which boasts of state-of-the-art brands like Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover. As a member of the company's corporate committee she is actively involved in developing strategies to realign the company's business model to tap into upcoming opportunities. Says Areej, "I believe that quality after sales service is very important to retain customer loyalty and have chalked out plans towards restructuring the customer care function that would have specific action items linked to deliverables and performance indicator objectives." A firm believer in an 'enabling' style of leadership she specifies her objectives to her subordinates giving them the freedom to accomplish the assigned tasks within a reasonable time frame.
Leadership principle: A leader's obligation is to lay out clear-cut strategies and goals and to create a healthy working environment of mutual trust, respect and consideration for each other's ideas and feelings
Getting out of one's comfort zone
Assilah Zaher Al Harthy
Head of Corporate Affairs, Oman Oil Company
Because she quit as the Managing Director of the Al Harthy Group in 2001, her family owned business and decided to work for Oman Oil Company. Assilah has gone on to prove her mettle in the intensely competitive oil and gas industry. At OOC she leads a 13 member corporate affairs team involved in fostering a performance culture within the organisation and building its reputation as a world class company. An alumni of Harvard Business School she played an important role in securing a "Sultan of Oman Professorship of International Relations" at her alma mater in April 2004. The professorship encourages scholarship regarding Oman's special contribution to international affairs.
She has been involved with the "Five-Year Planning" process for the government of the Sultanate of Oman from 2001 to 2005 as a representative of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Work ethic: As long as you are ready to take on challenges you are bound to grow
Communicator par excellence
Dr Fatima Al Barwani
Manager – Corporate Communications, MB Holding Company
Because she has done exceedingly well in conceptualising and managing the internal and external communications for the entire MB Holding and its group companies employing more than 6000 people in over 12 countries across the globe. Not a mean task as the group is moving fast towards $1bn revenue. She has constantly set new standards in communications to successfully meet the group's business objectives, bring the employees together to create a well-knit large family and make a meaningful contribution to the society with her environment conservation and social development initiatives.
Dr Fatima has a Ph.D in Medical Informatics from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, an MBA from Strathclyde University, Glasgow, and M.Sc. in Computer Science from the Stirling University, Scotland. Prior to joining MB Holding in 2004, she taught at the Higher College of Technology, Majan College and Sohar University.
Career milestone: Winning the 'Excellence Award' in the Communicator 2007 Print Competition in Seattle, Washington, USA; Invited as a speaker in Corporate Communications Middle East conference 2008.
Transforming lives
Dr Fatma O 'Ali
CEO, Founder & Medical Director, Emirates Medical Center
Because she is in the business of 'beautifying' people. Everyone likes to look beautiful and it is only at places like Emirates Medical Center (EMC) that ordinary people go to literally transform their lives. EMC is proud to have been the first centre in Oman to provide laser treatments with the advent of laser surgery. A major factor in the success of the EMC is the eagerness of Dr Fatma to embrace emerging and cutting-edge technology and the commitment to nurture a customer-centric culture. Dr Fatma says that citizens and residents of Oman no longer have to travel to neighbouring countries to get high quality health care; it is available right here on their doorstep.
Professional view: Dermatology calls for an acute observation with an ability to pay attention to details from which deduction can be made. Dermatology includes the whole range of life from the human mind to the various micro-organisms.
Superwoman
Hind S Bahwan
Director, Suhail Bahwan Group
Because her contribution to the Suhail Bahwan Group (SBG) cuts across verticals. As a Director of the SBG Group she is recognised as an enterprising and dynamic young businesswoman across the Middle East. As the Director of Bahwan Travel Agency, she has been instrumental in creating all travel related facilities in Oman under one roof. She has been instrumental in making Bahwan CyberTek a leader in the Global IT Solutions market with world-class products. Bahwan CyberTek links four nations known for excellence in IT and ICT – Oman, the UAE, India and the US. Hind is the Executive Chairperson of Bahwan CyberTek. She also plays a leading role in working with government and other leading commercial companies in the joint pursuit of creating a digital society in Oman. A graduate in Computer Science and a Harvard Business School alumna, Hind is a member of the Young President's Organisation.
Roster of achievements:
Young entrepreneur of the year 2000' awarded by the Government of Oman
and Ernst & Young
Arabian Business 'e-Achiever of the Year' award from HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rasheed in 2001
'IT women of the year 2002' award by United Nations Development Programme
'Global Leaders for Tomorrow' by the World Economic Forum in 2003
Dynamo personified
Lujaina Mohsin Darwish
Joint Deputy Managing Director, MHD
Because a write up on her achievements runs into numerous pages – from SQU lecturer to Majlis as Shura member to being voted as one among the 50 most powerful women in the region year after year by Forbes Arabia, Lujaina has seen it all and done it all. At MHD as the head of the Human Resources Omanisation and Training (HROT) department she has built up a well trained and equipped workforce, which has cohesively worked together, to achieve and exceed targets. Says Lujaina, "In my role as the head of the HROT department I have tried out a strategic and coherent approach to the management of our organisation's most valued asset – our employees who individually and collectively contribute to the objectives of the business."
Deeply held belief: Oman has traditionally been a conservative nation and women have preferred to stay at home or behind the scenes in the corporate world too. But things are different now and women are emerging as a power to reckon with in business.
Social conscience
Maryam Al Zadjali
Chairperson, Dar Al Atta'a
Because she has taken Dar Al Atta'a from a six member team in April 2002 to a 190 member strong organisation. Whenever a company or an individual thinks about making a charitable contribution Dar Al Atta'a is the first port of call. The organisation has helped raised awareness about the need to help the underprivileged through its programmes and fund raising activities. It has helped over 600 cases over the years. Says Maryam, "We have gained the trust of people over the years and I cannot describe the joy that I get from working for the needy." She confesses that while she was hesitant in the initial years, her confidence has grown over the years.
"When you start things it takes a lot of time and effort but once an organisation gets established one does not need to be physically present all the time." Apart from Dar Al Atta'a, she is the Chairman of Essence Spa and the Editor-in-Chief, Al Youm al Sabah.
Gem of a quote: "When you work for charity you feel blessed"
Lady with a Midas touch
Manal Mohammed Al-Abdwani
Chairperson, Oman Flour Mills
Because as the Chairperson of Oman Flour Mills (OFM) and Mazoon Distribution Company (MDC) she has proved her abilities in business. OFM is a leading mill in the region with flour capacity of 850 tons per day and over 1000 tons of animal feed. Says Manal in her Chairperson's report, "With a sales turnover of more than RO 26 million, we are proud to be the market leader in the Sultanate, way ahead of competitors… Our presence in over 10 countries is a proof of our ability to understand customer requirements across the globe." MDC which distributes power in Al Dakhilyah, Al Sarqiyah and the South Al Batinah region has improved it financials, reduced losses and improved its operations under her leadership. Apart from these she also happens to be the Director General of Planning and Follow Up at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Abiding contribution: Has been instrumental in introducing a one-window clearance system at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Charting a different path
Maitha Al MahroUqi
General Manager, Gulf Air
Because, she is perhaps among the few women, who are heading the complete operations of an airline in the country. Maitha wanted to be a cartographer, but chose a high-flying career instead. But it was not an easy rise. Maitha, studied cartography at the University of Oxford Brookes in the UK and did a short training stint with the Ministry of Defence. She moved to Bahrain because of her family. Later she joined Emirates in Bahrain as a reservation ticketing agent, moved on to back support unit-in-charge of sales and then to account executive and finally became corporate in-charge, all in a short span of just six years. Maitha joined Gulf Air in Bahrain as Business Development Manager in 2006 and later moved to Oman as general manager of the airline.
Motto in life: Believe in yourself all the time and keep your faith in God. If you have a goal; don't surrender, make sure you achieve it!
Transcending boundaries
Mohana Prabhakar
CEO, Apex Press and Publishing
Because she heads one of the leading publishing houses in the Sultanate and straddles the world of journalism and the executive office with equal ease. Having joined Apex in 2001 as editor of its monthly business publication, Business Today she went on to take over as Managing Editor, responsible for all titles including Oman Today and Tribute. She led the team that launched the company's first foray into the newspaper arena with The Week in March 2003. Apart from her official chores she plays an important part in organising the annual Oman Awards For Excellence an initiative that acknowledges and felicitates achievers from the corporate sector. Her advice to entrepreneurs – 'Be prepared to be in there for the long haul and understand that you have to work very hard to be successful.'
Business leaders whom she admires: Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple and N R Narayana Murthy, Chief Mentor, Infosys
Unwavering focus
Malak Ahmed Al Shaibani
General Manager, Sharakah Fund for Development of Youth Projects
Because as the general manager of Sharakah she is promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship in Oman. Sharakah provides start ups with the necessary funding and expertise needed to convert their business ideas into profitable ventures. Says Malak, "In any country over 80 per cent of the contribution comes from small and medium enterprises (SME's), they work as employment generators and innovators." The Fund for development of Youth projects was established by a Royal Decree in 1998. Malak has worked in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, OCIPED and Sohar Aluminium. With such a professional background she had no dearth of offers but she chose Sharakah because, "I liked the cause that the Fund is trying to promote and see great potential for it in Oman."
Looking ahead: "There is so much to achieve that at times I feel that there is not enough time in a day," she avers
A rising star
Natasha Yahya Nasib
Member, Board of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Because she is not just a board member at the OCCI but presides over the newly created Omani Businesswomen's Forum as its Chairperson. Natasha reflects the increasing number and clout of businesswomen in Oman and is looked up by women entrepreneurs as someone who embodies their aspirations. As the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Snowhite, her family business she has steered the growth of the company over the last five years. She looks after long term policy issues, customer relationship, employee welfare and matters related to Omanisation. Her style of management while result oriented and assertive takes into account the genuine concerns and sympathies of her employees. An alumni of the Sultan School and a business major from Switzerland, Natsaha is a businesswomen destined to go places in the years ahead.
Fond of saying: 'We bring a women's touch to business.'
Empowering woman
Dr Nora N Alnahedh
Resident representative in Oman
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Because Dr Nora heads the UNFPA office in Muscat which represents the entire GCC. From Oman, the UNFPA plays a seminal role in promoting employment and empowerment of women and youth around the region. The UNFPA also focuses on ensuring that all women in Oman are protected from diseases and against discrimination at all levels. Under Dr Nora's leadership, the UNFPA has initiated women empowerment activity in Wadi Bani Khalid in the eastern province of Sharqiyah in association with Oman's Ministry of Social Development. Dr Nora believes that Oman is among the most advanced countries in the Gulf region in terms of women's rights because the government of the Sultanate is actively promoting female education.
Her moot question: The government of Oman has opened numerous doors for women with its policies, but why are women not seizing these opportunities?
Forefront in communicating
Naashiah S Al Kharusi
Full time member
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
Because when Engineer Naashiah talks everyone listens otherwise you may never get to talk or listen, on your phones that is!
Engineer Naashiah is a full-time member of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), which regulates the telecommunications market in Oman, both fixed line as well as mobiles and the Internet. She served as a member of the board of Omantel since its establishment in 1975 until May 2002. Engineer Naashiah was instrumental in establishing the first frequency oordination committee for the AGCC countries. In 1996, she acted as a governor for a full year in Intelsat Board, representing AGCC group in this organisation. On the international level, Engineer Naashiah was elected as a Vice-chairperson of the Telecommunications Development Advisory Group of ITU from 2001 to 2002.
Enviable position: Engineer Naashiah was the telecom advisor to the Minister of Transport and Communications on all technical and policy matters relating to telecommunications sector development.
In the spotlight
HE Dr Rajiha bint Abdulameer bin Ali
Minister of Tourism and Chairperson, Omran
Because she is the Chairperson of Omran (Oman Tourism Development Company), a public-private vehicle established to develop key tourism infrastructure in the Sultanate. She also occupies the chair of one of the most important government authority namely the ministry of tourism, the cynosure of all eyes as tourism is expected to be the mainstay of the government's bid to diversify the national economy from oil to non-oil resources. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said issued a Royal Decree in 2004 and provided for the establishment of the Ministry of Tourism and appointed Dr Rajiha as its minister, elevating her from the post of undersecretary in the Ministry of National Economy. The formation of the Tourism Ministry in 2004 consolidated Oman's tourism functions into one organisation to allow the tourism industry to grow and prosper.
Oft-quoted statement: "We want to work closely with the private sector to further develop international markets for Oman tourism as tourism is going to be a principal driver of the country's economic development."
Steely determination
Reem Bint Omar Al Zawawi
Chairperson, Oman International Bank
Because she is the Chairperson of Oman International Bank (OIB), one of the leading banks in the Sultanate. OIB came into existence on 1st January, 1984 and became the first 100 per cent Omani owned commercial bank in the Sultanate of Oman. It now has 82 branches in the country and four overseas branches at Mumbai and Kochi in India and Karachi and Lahore in Pakistan. OIB is known as an innovative bank with a long list of firsts to its name – it was the first bank in the Gulf region to offer mobile banking service, the first Omani bank to issue a Visa Card, and the only bank in Oman currently offering a phone banking service.
Vision for the bank: "The business philosophy of the bank is to continue to delivering consistent returns to its shareholders backed by a determination to pursue growth with prudent risk management," says Reem in her Board of Directors report for 2007.
Beyond business
Radha Mukherji
Executive Director, DDB
Because she believes in using her communication skills honed over the years in advertising, not just to promote brands and business, but to impact society through raising public awareness, mobilising support for charitable causes and so on. Radha is also on the Board of Indian Schools in Oman and a Director in charge of the Indian School Muladha and Indian School Rustaq. She has recently been actively involved with fundraising activities for the flood affected people of Bihar, India. She also finds the time to teach a course on Marketing Communications to business management students at Indira Gandhi National Open University's (IGNOU) Glory Institute at Wadi Kabir. And in her role as Regional Talent Director for the DDB Middle East & Africa region she runs advanced training sessions for talent development across the Region.
Little known fact: She wants to write a book someday and has already in her mind sketched out mental portraits of its protagonists drawing inspiration from people she knows
Green Crusader
HH Sayyida Tania bint Shabib al Said
President, Environment Society of Oman
Because she is spreading awareness about the environment through the Environment Society of Oman (ESO). HH Sayyida Tania has been working towards increasing the number of active members and volunteers in the ESO and increasing the number of corporate members to keep ongoing projects going. She brings to the organisation her academic expertise in Marine and Freshwater Biology. ESO has led initiatives to reduce the use of plastic by offering shoppers an alternative in canvas bags. It has conducted clean ups, held lectures, started a paper recycling project in schools and taken part in various marine research projects focusing on turtles, whales, dolphins and the coral reefs around the Daymaniyat islands. She wishes to build a green building as the headquarters of the ESO, so that it sets an example for other real estate projects in Oman.
Little known fact: She is a trained Montessori teacher and loves to teach her daughter whenever time permits.
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