Hey friends,
Fono, one of the many mobile phone outlets here are having a special offer, from the 6th of July to the 19th of July. I can trade in my old phone for a new one, and pay the price if the new phone costs more than my old one. I have the Nokia 7250i, and I am looking for the flip-phone ones. My only condition is that it has to be a Nokia one. H.A told me that none of the flip phones that Nokia currently offer are worthwhile. I wanted to ask anyone else out there who mght have had some experience with Nokia flip-phones, if you could please let me know which one is nice.
Here are my options:
Nokia 2650
Nokia 6170
Nokia 6260
Nokia 7200
Nokia 7270
I am not looking for a phone with a specialized camera, or bluetooth or other fancy extras. SMS and MMS are enough. A radio is a bonus.
Mansur
UPDATE: I went into Fono today and they said my present phone, Nokia 7250i, which I had bought for Dhs1000, is only worth 275. So that means even if I get the nicest of phones, I will be expected to pay at least Dhs 600 plus. Since I cannot really afford to get something that expensive (and I am beginning to realize that I don't really need a new phone, I was just caught up in the frenzy of getting a new phone). So, there is another phone which I am beginning to fall in love with. It is Nokia 2650 It does not have a camera, radio or bluetooth and I personally don't care. I have a digital camera with me. I have my iPod. I don't even see how Bluetooth can change my life for the better. All I need is a phone which will make calls and send messages. So, do I keep my 7250i, or get this new really cute flip-phone. I know many people do not like the inside of it, but I am beginning to like it.
Mansur
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Reader's Request #3: Foot Fetish
Hi friends,
One of the reader requested I write about feet, or in other words foot fetish. For sure no one wants to read a biological article about a foot and the skeletal structure, do they? Foot Fetish is such a topic that can easily become sexual by nature. I will try to stay away from using sexual words and references as much as I can, but since fascination of feet is based on man's desire for sex, I will have to mention it. *** So, if you are uncomfortable with reading about sexual stuff, you can leave. Warning, you will not find anything there that would excite you, or arouse you-- if you are one of those kind of readers, there are other places on the web to go to! My talk here will be strictly academic in nature!***
Fetish for Foot
Big feet, small feet, old feet, young feet, smooth feet, rough feet....We all have feet, each with one big toe and four small fingers. We all use our feet to walk, run, play sports with. A foot is one of the most used body part. The foot is a biological structure found in many animals that is used for locomotion. Imagine what it would be like if you did not have a foot, or both feet? Having no feet would restrict us from being effectively mobile. So, in short, feet are very important parts of our human body, something that we take for granted each day we get out of bed.
Now, over the course of history, man (man is a generic term referring to both man and woman) has been fascinated with feet. What is it about a foot that attracts them? What is it about a foot that makes one a fetishist? On one hand, enjoying the look of pretty feet and good pedicure as well as caressing the partner's feet is normal human behavior, as long as the interest in his/her whole personality persists.
On the other hand, a sexual nature persists in fascination of feet. The official definition for a foot fetishist is "...a pronounced fetishistic sexual interest in human feet. It is also one of the most common fetishistic interests among humans. A foot fetishist can be male or female (although males account for over 70%)." There are four common theories for this sexual interest in feet. They are:
1. One explanation, advanced by neurologist Vilayanur S. Ramachandran, highlights the fact that the feet and the private parts occupy adjacent areas of the sensory cortex, possibly entailing some neural crosstalk between the two.
2. An alternate hypothesis is that in many cultures, an infant's experience of its mother may involve crawling around her feet. If sexual/behavioral imprinting occurs during this time, this might lead to the feet becoming the primary object of sexual arousal.
3. Another theory is that the shape of the human foot is distinctly phallic from certain angles and replicates the shape of either male private parts (explaining homosexual attraction to male feet), or the curves of the female body (again explaining the tendency of heterosexual foot fetishists to be men).
4. Yet another theory proposes that visually, the feet and private parts occupy the same space within the sexual visual field that a male sees of a female, when the legs are raised for sex, and that some males are genetically brain imprinted to find parts of the body within that field as erotic.
So while there have been some scientific theories in trying to explain foot fetish, I myself have personally no answer for why people are fascinated with feet. However, I do believe that you can tell a lot of a person by looking at their feet. I look at them. If there are badly cut nails, foot odor, rough/ cracked heels, that tells me the person doesn't take care of themselves well. A foot well maintained would mean the person takes care of themselves.
I could branch off from here and talk about a lot of other things as well, like the shapes and sizes of feet, the shoe-wear that accompanies feet and so on. What I have written here is a basic definition for foot fetish. I hope this answers to the particular reader who had requested for this article. I have never written anything like this before, but I guess we all can learn new things. Next time you meet someone who breathes heavily while looking at your feet, you can thank me for informing you of what's going on in that person's mind. You can then use your mighty foot to kick him in the you-know-where!
Kicking-myself-out-of-this-topic-now,
Mansur
(All my sources were used from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Friday, July 08, 2005
Reader's Request #2: Friends' Factor
Hey friends,
Jawaher had requested me to somewhat write about two of the commentors here. In her own words, "u have 2 choose numbers of ur friends who write here in ur blog ...tell about the characteristics of each friend that come 2 ur mind when he or she write his /her first comments on ur blog ..then write about his/her characteristics now after u know him/her very well...afterthat , write 3 or 2 things u like and dislike in his or her personality (beware that u should mention if this friend is not only ur reader but u know him /her b4 or u know him /her by other ways like chating or sth else ..finally , this is just a game and may be we all be benefit from our mistakes , so NO MISUNDERSTANDING OR ANGER)"
No doubt, I was initially very apprehensive about writing something like this. It can get personal. But, I wanted to honor my words, when I had said I will write about "anything." So here I am!
So, the two commentors who have commented here frequently here that I will choose to write about are Jawaher and Q8IBlogger. I could have chosen to write about Xena, but then I know Xena from a long time. I could have chosen Jowhara's Chamber and Saudi Jeans and others, but then, all of my interactions with them has been positive throughout, so I could not come up with any dislikes. As Jawaher has said, this is only a game of sorts, and I have absolutely no ill-feelings towards anyone.
Ok, so Jawaher, you go first:
Before: I thought you were a simple, naive Saudi girl, who needed to get out of the house more. I thought you were someone who displayed an over-affectionate attitude towards me, by way of your wordings. I thought you were somewhat immature (remember Hrithik Roshan?) and needed to grow up more, especially when I realized you were in university.
After: One thing I learned about Jawaher after that huge misunderstanding is that she was nothing like the person I had imagined. If anything, I learned through this lesson that stereotyping people is a very dangerous thing. I admire Jawaher for her attitudes towards her life, her ability to continue with her studies after her father's unfortunate death. I came to realize that Jawaher is mature and is nothing like the person I had pictured her to be.
Dislikes:
1. Too frank and direct with comments
2. I honestly can't think of anything else
Likes:
1. Honest comments
2. Sensible comments
Ok, Q8IBlogger, you are next:
Before: Anytime you would leave a comment, I would get upset, especially when the Islamic angle was brought in. I would picture you are someone who is bin Laden's younger brother. I would have picture of long bearded, white cap kind of guy.
After: That perception changed dramatically when Q8IBlogger, left a comment for me explaining to me about his use of :P emoticon. Also, when he left me several comments after I had written about my issue of hearing loss, I changed my mind about him.
Dislikes:
1. Islam had to be brought into every single thing I wrote about
2. Being too direct (sometimes cannot be a good thing)
Likes:
1. Being too honest and direct (sometimes we need the truth right into our faces)
2. Having a sense of humor, unlike other Islamists who I encounter. :P
PLEASE, JAWAHER AND Q8IBLOGGER, I DO NOT MEAN TO CREATE ANY ILL-FEELINGS TOWARDS YOU. I have done this because Jawaher had requested me to do so and I am being honest here. If anything, I am glad to have come to know you, and you two are great people, and as I spend more time reading comments from you, I come to appreciate you on a deeper level for the values and ideals you stand for.
I hope you can understand this post and not take it personally.
Mansur
Jawaher had requested me to somewhat write about two of the commentors here. In her own words, "u have 2 choose numbers of ur friends who write here in ur blog ...tell about the characteristics of each friend that come 2 ur mind when he or she write his /her first comments on ur blog ..then write about his/her characteristics now after u know him/her very well...afterthat , write 3 or 2 things u like and dislike in his or her personality (beware that u should mention if this friend is not only ur reader but u know him /her b4 or u know him /her by other ways like chating or sth else ..finally , this is just a game and may be we all be benefit from our mistakes , so NO MISUNDERSTANDING OR ANGER)"
No doubt, I was initially very apprehensive about writing something like this. It can get personal. But, I wanted to honor my words, when I had said I will write about "anything." So here I am!
So, the two commentors who have commented here frequently here that I will choose to write about are Jawaher and Q8IBlogger. I could have chosen to write about Xena, but then I know Xena from a long time. I could have chosen Jowhara's Chamber and Saudi Jeans and others, but then, all of my interactions with them has been positive throughout, so I could not come up with any dislikes. As Jawaher has said, this is only a game of sorts, and I have absolutely no ill-feelings towards anyone.
Ok, so Jawaher, you go first:
Before: I thought you were a simple, naive Saudi girl, who needed to get out of the house more. I thought you were someone who displayed an over-affectionate attitude towards me, by way of your wordings. I thought you were somewhat immature (remember Hrithik Roshan?) and needed to grow up more, especially when I realized you were in university.
After: One thing I learned about Jawaher after that huge misunderstanding is that she was nothing like the person I had imagined. If anything, I learned through this lesson that stereotyping people is a very dangerous thing. I admire Jawaher for her attitudes towards her life, her ability to continue with her studies after her father's unfortunate death. I came to realize that Jawaher is mature and is nothing like the person I had pictured her to be.
Dislikes:
1. Too frank and direct with comments
2. I honestly can't think of anything else
Likes:
1. Honest comments
2. Sensible comments
Ok, Q8IBlogger, you are next:
Before: Anytime you would leave a comment, I would get upset, especially when the Islamic angle was brought in. I would picture you are someone who is bin Laden's younger brother. I would have picture of long bearded, white cap kind of guy.
After: That perception changed dramatically when Q8IBlogger, left a comment for me explaining to me about his use of :P emoticon. Also, when he left me several comments after I had written about my issue of hearing loss, I changed my mind about him.
Dislikes:
1. Islam had to be brought into every single thing I wrote about
2. Being too direct (sometimes cannot be a good thing)
Likes:
1. Being too honest and direct (sometimes we need the truth right into our faces)
2. Having a sense of humor, unlike other Islamists who I encounter. :P
PLEASE, JAWAHER AND Q8IBLOGGER, I DO NOT MEAN TO CREATE ANY ILL-FEELINGS TOWARDS YOU. I have done this because Jawaher had requested me to do so and I am being honest here. If anything, I am glad to have come to know you, and you two are great people, and as I spend more time reading comments from you, I come to appreciate you on a deeper level for the values and ideals you stand for.
I hope you can understand this post and not take it personally.
Mansur
Reader's Request # 1 (Marriage) and "Tagged!"
Hello readers,
I finally managed to come down here and write up the first of a series of reader's requests. Also, this particular request will also be tagged. Xena, had suggested I write about 10 emotionally, intelligent questions I would ask a woman who I might consider for marriage, and how I would answer those same questions myself. Since that is a personal matter for me to disclose on a world platform like my blog, I have asked questions which are next to personal.
I finally managed to come down here and write up the first of a series of reader's requests. Also, this particular request will also be tagged. Xena, had suggested I write about 10 emotionally, intelligent questions I would ask a woman who I might consider for marriage, and how I would answer those same questions myself. Since that is a personal matter for me to disclose on a world platform like my blog, I have asked questions which are next to personal.
10 Questions I would ask my potential spouse
1. What does 'love' mean to you?
My Reply: Love is Unconditional. In other word, I do too believe that one should love another unconditionally, and not withhold their love simply because the other person doesn't fit into my idea of an ideal person.
2. What does 'marriage' mean to you?
My Reply: Commitment and Compromise and Trust and Truth (honesty). I find these four values to be the epitome of any marriage. If one of these values are not there, then works need to be done on the marriage.
3. Do you believe in 'love at first sight?'
My Reply: I don't. I think that should be called "lust at first sight" or "attraction at first sight." I just don't understand how someone can fall in love with another person simply meeting on a first date.
4. How many children would you like?
My Reply: Three. Two is two little and can get lonely when the eldest goes off to college. One is too little for me. Four and above are all right, but honestly, it would all depend on how rich I would be, in order to provide for the best for the children.
5. If given the opportunity, what is that one song you would sing for me on wedding day?
My Reply: I would sing You Are Still The One by Shania Twain. It's my favorite love song, and it encapsulates what I vision of two people in love going through the odds despite what everyone else says.
6. What is your favorite holiday destination?
My Reply: It would have to be somewhere in the Mediterranean, like Greece, Turkey, Italy, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. I think that represents a relaxed life-style, something that I need more of in my life!
7. What are three qualities you would look for in man?
My Reply: In a woman, I would look for (a) commitment to faith (moderation please), (b) honesty, (c) sense of humor
8. What are the three qualities and three bad habits that you have?
My Reply:
Qualities (a) Honesty, (b) Maturity/ Decency, (c) Serving others (hint hint, which other blogger out there would take pleasure in writing stuff for their readers? lol!)
Bad Habits (a) Procastinator (b) Being reserved and on the quieter side (c) Bad money spender (need to budget wisely)
9. Did you have any previous relationships?
My Reply: I have had three strong, deep, meaningful relationships with three girls while growing up. One in school, one in high school and one in university. However, when I say relationships, what I mean is that it was purely non-sexual. I did not date them, took them out anywhere on a one to one basis. I loved each one of them dearly so much so I could have married them if the opportunity were right.
10. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
My Reply: Working in my own architecture firm, with people working under me, OR working at a charity organization for the under-privileged (mainly with kids, be they deaf, mentally challenged, handicapped, orphans etc)
Ok, friends, now I "Tag" the following bloggers to answer the same questions:
Xena's World
Jowhara's Chamber
Saudi Jeans
Muscati (I know you are married, but maybe just for fun)
Q8IBlogger
Kashif
Noora's Thoughts and
Anyone else who I may have missed, feel free to "Tag" yourself!
Mansur
Movie :: War of the Worlds
Hey friends,
I know I have a separate blog where I put my movies, books and music reviews, but I felt no one would really check up on that, so from now on, I will post such articles here. Last night my friend and I saw War of the Worlds at the movie theatres. It was an experience for me, with so much going on. To cut it short: I loved this movie!
War of the Worlds stars Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning and Tim Robbins in a cameo. Tom is Ray, a divorced husband whose wife drops off their two kids at his place. Dakota, who is Rachel, and her elder brother Robbie are least interested in spending time with Ray. Ray comes across as a cynical, arrogant father. Robbie makes off with his father's car, and that is when all the action and tension start. Ray is startled to see huge swirls in the skies above, with gray and black clouds, all swirling in circles, like an upside down whirlpool. Rachel comes outside as well, where the wind is blowing, the clouds have covered the town and lighting strikes.
My gosh, each time the lighting struck, I could feel the sensation sitting in my seat. Everytime the wind blew, or the lighting struck, I thought I was actually there. For the rest of the movie, Ray tries to saves his family from the devastation and destruction that begins to take place. The ground is ripped apart, telecommunications fail and scenes were reminiscent of the end of the world as described in the religious books. My friend and I were scared during these moments.
Soon, alien tripods come out from the grouds below and exterminate people. Aliens have invaded planet earth and killing the people. I will not spoil the rest of the movie. It's essentially a science-fiction movie, but it is extremely realistic, so much so it could almost be a documentary on Discovery channel. We go along the whole journey with Ray and his two kids.
I loved the direction of this movie, in particular when we witness Ray and his kids leaving frantically in the car, and the camera just captures all the action within the car in one long shot, which goes round and round the car. Another scene, when the alien investigates a basement, which holds Ray and his daugter, is so full of tension, I was actually fidgeting in my seat, developing sweaty palms.
It is also a very symbolic movie, at least in my mind. The movie begins and ends with the narrator commenting on the idea that all living things exists even in the smallest of all places, like a water drop on a leaf. What I gathered from the movie is that too often man destructs nature, wihout realizing that nature is one huge living organism. So the movie is symbolic of what the sitution would be like if a higher force would invade us and terminate us like the way man terminates nature (deforestation and pollution). However, it is also this nature with saves us- think about how plants give out oxygen! There are also religious symbolism as well, especially when the trumpets sounds, announcing the death of the people.
The special effects are awesome. Direction is top-notch, and if watched with the mind-set I talked about, I think one would love this movie as well. A must watch!
Mansur
I know I have a separate blog where I put my movies, books and music reviews, but I felt no one would really check up on that, so from now on, I will post such articles here. Last night my friend and I saw War of the Worlds at the movie theatres. It was an experience for me, with so much going on. To cut it short: I loved this movie!
War of the Worlds stars Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning and Tim Robbins in a cameo. Tom is Ray, a divorced husband whose wife drops off their two kids at his place. Dakota, who is Rachel, and her elder brother Robbie are least interested in spending time with Ray. Ray comes across as a cynical, arrogant father. Robbie makes off with his father's car, and that is when all the action and tension start. Ray is startled to see huge swirls in the skies above, with gray and black clouds, all swirling in circles, like an upside down whirlpool. Rachel comes outside as well, where the wind is blowing, the clouds have covered the town and lighting strikes.
My gosh, each time the lighting struck, I could feel the sensation sitting in my seat. Everytime the wind blew, or the lighting struck, I thought I was actually there. For the rest of the movie, Ray tries to saves his family from the devastation and destruction that begins to take place. The ground is ripped apart, telecommunications fail and scenes were reminiscent of the end of the world as described in the religious books. My friend and I were scared during these moments.
Soon, alien tripods come out from the grouds below and exterminate people. Aliens have invaded planet earth and killing the people. I will not spoil the rest of the movie. It's essentially a science-fiction movie, but it is extremely realistic, so much so it could almost be a documentary on Discovery channel. We go along the whole journey with Ray and his two kids.
I loved the direction of this movie, in particular when we witness Ray and his kids leaving frantically in the car, and the camera just captures all the action within the car in one long shot, which goes round and round the car. Another scene, when the alien investigates a basement, which holds Ray and his daugter, is so full of tension, I was actually fidgeting in my seat, developing sweaty palms.
It is also a very symbolic movie, at least in my mind. The movie begins and ends with the narrator commenting on the idea that all living things exists even in the smallest of all places, like a water drop on a leaf. What I gathered from the movie is that too often man destructs nature, wihout realizing that nature is one huge living organism. So the movie is symbolic of what the sitution would be like if a higher force would invade us and terminate us like the way man terminates nature (deforestation and pollution). However, it is also this nature with saves us- think about how plants give out oxygen! There are also religious symbolism as well, especially when the trumpets sounds, announcing the death of the people.
The special effects are awesome. Direction is top-notch, and if watched with the mind-set I talked about, I think one would love this movie as well. A must watch!
Mansur
Target London
Hello friends,
I was out at the City Center Mall from 10am onwards, when one of my uncle called me and started talking to me frantically, "Mansur??! How is your brother? His wife, and his kid? How are they?" I was so surprised. So shocked! Uncle what happened? "Mansur! There have been major blasts in London, please tell me how your brother are?" I couldn't register the shock; the idea London had been bombed! London, the city where I have been making summer trips practically since I was a little boy. London, where most of my mom's family, and my cousins from my mom's side live. London, where my brother, his wife and my niece live.
Why?
I frantically sent out text messages to my brother and his wife, since they work in different places. I did not hear from them for a short while. I got another message from a friend, who had received a text message from her friend in London. My heart sank. The message read: There are people running around with half a face. Many many injuries. It's mad. Nobody can move in the city. No way of getting home. Phones not working. Panic." I was confused, and suddenly I was scared for everyone I knew in London, which includes some of the bloggers I know based in London.
My mom called. Thankfully everyone were all right. Soon after, I received messages from my sister in law, saying, "we are all fine." I was so relieved. I just watched an hour of television coverage of the incidents. Blair has declared Al-Qaida the culprits. It could be anyone at this stage. Maybe it is related to the G8 Summit taking place. Maybe it is something related to London winning the Olympic bid. It could be anything at this stage.
However some evidences point out to Al-Qaida:
A group calling itself ``The Secret Organization of al-Qaida in Europe'' posted a claim of responsibility, saying the blasts were in retaliation for Britain's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The statement also threatened attacks in Italy and Denmark, both of which have troops in Iraq. It was published on a Web site popular with Islamic militants, and the text was republished on Elaph, a secular Arabic-language news Web site, and Berlin's Der Spiegel magazine. This is clearly an al-Qaida style attack. It was well-coordinated, it was timed for a political event and it was a multiple attack on a transportation system at rush hour,'' said Lawrence Freedman, professor of war studies at King's College in London.
The mayor of London, Ken Livingstone made a statement, and I don't think I could agree with him more:
"I want to say one thing: This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty or the powerful, it is not aimed at presidents or prime ministers, it was aimed at ordinary working-class Londoners. That isn't an ideology, it isn't even a perverted faith, it's mass murder. We know what the objective is. They seek to divide London. Black and white, Muslim and Christian, Hindus and Jews, young and old. It was an "indiscriminate attempt to slaughter irrespective of any considerations for age, class, religion -- whatever."
At the end of day, I think we all have to remember God during times like these. We have to tell ourselves and others that God is in control of the world situation. Nothing here happens without God's knowledge. We have to take peace in knowing the God is running the world. He is in charge. He is the All-Knowing and that there must be a purpose, according to God, regarding these events. If we don't have faith in God, then we can only hope, barely hope, to live in a world that would run amok with chaos and anarchy, thereby creating people who would fail one another with loss of compassion, peace, justice and love.
With much well wishes for people affected in all ways with these events,
Mansur
I was out at the City Center Mall from 10am onwards, when one of my uncle called me and started talking to me frantically, "Mansur??! How is your brother? His wife, and his kid? How are they?" I was so surprised. So shocked! Uncle what happened? "Mansur! There have been major blasts in London, please tell me how your brother are?" I couldn't register the shock; the idea London had been bombed! London, the city where I have been making summer trips practically since I was a little boy. London, where most of my mom's family, and my cousins from my mom's side live. London, where my brother, his wife and my niece live.
Why?
I frantically sent out text messages to my brother and his wife, since they work in different places. I did not hear from them for a short while. I got another message from a friend, who had received a text message from her friend in London. My heart sank. The message read: There are people running around with half a face. Many many injuries. It's mad. Nobody can move in the city. No way of getting home. Phones not working. Panic." I was confused, and suddenly I was scared for everyone I knew in London, which includes some of the bloggers I know based in London.
My mom called. Thankfully everyone were all right. Soon after, I received messages from my sister in law, saying, "we are all fine." I was so relieved. I just watched an hour of television coverage of the incidents. Blair has declared Al-Qaida the culprits. It could be anyone at this stage. Maybe it is related to the G8 Summit taking place. Maybe it is something related to London winning the Olympic bid. It could be anything at this stage.
However some evidences point out to Al-Qaida:
A group calling itself ``The Secret Organization of al-Qaida in Europe'' posted a claim of responsibility, saying the blasts were in retaliation for Britain's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The statement also threatened attacks in Italy and Denmark, both of which have troops in Iraq. It was published on a Web site popular with Islamic militants, and the text was republished on Elaph, a secular Arabic-language news Web site, and Berlin's Der Spiegel magazine. This is clearly an al-Qaida style attack. It was well-coordinated, it was timed for a political event and it was a multiple attack on a transportation system at rush hour,'' said Lawrence Freedman, professor of war studies at King's College in London.
The mayor of London, Ken Livingstone made a statement, and I don't think I could agree with him more:
"I want to say one thing: This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty or the powerful, it is not aimed at presidents or prime ministers, it was aimed at ordinary working-class Londoners. That isn't an ideology, it isn't even a perverted faith, it's mass murder. We know what the objective is. They seek to divide London. Black and white, Muslim and Christian, Hindus and Jews, young and old. It was an "indiscriminate attempt to slaughter irrespective of any considerations for age, class, religion -- whatever."
At the end of day, I think we all have to remember God during times like these. We have to tell ourselves and others that God is in control of the world situation. Nothing here happens without God's knowledge. We have to take peace in knowing the God is running the world. He is in charge. He is the All-Knowing and that there must be a purpose, according to God, regarding these events. If we don't have faith in God, then we can only hope, barely hope, to live in a world that would run amok with chaos and anarchy, thereby creating people who would fail one another with loss of compassion, peace, justice and love.
With much well wishes for people affected in all ways with these events,
Mansur
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Faithful Readers--- Your chance to have your say!
Hello Faithful Readers of Life of Mansur,
I am going to do something for the first time here (thanks to Jawaher's idea!) I am going to take requests from you all! I am taking in requests from you all about what my next topic should be. It can be anything you want to know about, anything at all. It can range from the dumbest of all topics to the most intellectual ones. It can be anything you want-- something totally taboo or something totally accepted. Anything. This is your chance people! Be the first to have your say. Be the first to make your voice heard. Let it all out. What is that one burning issue you want other people to know? What is that one thing you want to let off from your chest? What is that one issue you want highlighted! Well, this is your chance. Let me know what topic you want, and I will write about it!!
Don't be shy at all. Even if it something I may not agree with, I will still write about it. Of course, sensitive issues will be debated, and I will see if I can write about that. I don't want to be kicked out of the country!! lo!! The countdown has begun...5...4...3...2...1....HAVE YOUR SAY!
Mansur
I am going to do something for the first time here (thanks to Jawaher's idea!) I am going to take requests from you all! I am taking in requests from you all about what my next topic should be. It can be anything you want to know about, anything at all. It can range from the dumbest of all topics to the most intellectual ones. It can be anything you want-- something totally taboo or something totally accepted. Anything. This is your chance people! Be the first to have your say. Be the first to make your voice heard. Let it all out. What is that one burning issue you want other people to know? What is that one thing you want to let off from your chest? What is that one issue you want highlighted! Well, this is your chance. Let me know what topic you want, and I will write about it!!
Don't be shy at all. Even if it something I may not agree with, I will still write about it. Of course, sensitive issues will be debated, and I will see if I can write about that. I don't want to be kicked out of the country!! lo!! The countdown has begun...5...4...3...2...1....HAVE YOUR SAY!
Mansur
Blogger's Block
Hey everyone,
I am sure you all have heard of Writer's Block, where the writer feels they don't know what to write. Well, I am suffering from Blogger's Block, meaning, I don't know what to write. I don't really like writing about Dubai, because I have affection for it. I am not in Saudi right now. I don't know what to right. One friend suggested taking a break to think and reflect, but honestly, blogging is in my blood now. I have brought myself to this stage where I feel it is a must to write something every day! Even if its about nothing! But then, who would want to read a post about nothing, if you know what I mean. I am stuck now. I will go home now and think of something cool to write about. In many ways, I have substituted my blog as an online journal, so I have reduced writing in my book-journal by hand. Gosh, I really need to think of something! Wish me luck!
Mansur
I am sure you all have heard of Writer's Block, where the writer feels they don't know what to write. Well, I am suffering from Blogger's Block, meaning, I don't know what to write. I don't really like writing about Dubai, because I have affection for it. I am not in Saudi right now. I don't know what to right. One friend suggested taking a break to think and reflect, but honestly, blogging is in my blood now. I have brought myself to this stage where I feel it is a must to write something every day! Even if its about nothing! But then, who would want to read a post about nothing, if you know what I mean. I am stuck now. I will go home now and think of something cool to write about. In many ways, I have substituted my blog as an online journal, so I have reduced writing in my book-journal by hand. Gosh, I really need to think of something! Wish me luck!
Mansur
Front Seat Drop!
I love roller coasters, and my hormones get all excited and rage-y when I see such drops. I guess its the adrenaline rush I get from sitting on roller coasters. Plus, its the only place in this world where I can scream my frustrations away without having anyone to see me in a weird way!
Mansur
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Saudi Personality # 5
Hi friends,
Today I am nominating two Saudi people who I have come to appreciate deeply during my short stay there. I am not going to disclose their names, not because I fear for their lives or anything, but just don't want to for privacy's sake.
These two Saudi boys are working at the two jewellry shops I had gone to with my mom. As we all know, Saudization has been making waves in the nation, and it has met with turbulence and ups and downs. The Saudization process has not been easy. One of the industry the Labor Ministry has targetted to Saudize is the jewellry business. Soon, all the Indian experts on gold and silver were to be replaced with Saudis.
Initially, it became obvious that Saudis were not as competent or knowledgable as the Indians who had been in the market for years and years. However, having said that, on this recent trip, all of that has changed.
Al Rehaily Jewellry in Internation Market has a young Saudi teenager working. He was very knowledgable, very friendly, courteous and extremely helpful. He made my mom and I feel very welcome, so much so, we actually returned to his shop twice. The third time were there, he gave us an awesome discount on this gold "Allah" pendant of about SR 150. I just had the heart for him, and I was so pleased to see a Saudi guy working at a shop. With no feelings of dis-respect to the previous workers, I think a Saudi working just made the whole experience of shopping so much more pleasant and fun!
Al Thobaithy Jewellry in Basateen Mall was my favorite place. My parents had come here to get a necklace for my sister's birthday. I was with my parents. The young Saudi guy there served us so professionally, I was just awe-struck watching a Saudi guy handling his job so professionally. Call me a softy, but I had such a warm heart for him, in other words, all my wishes and prayers went out to this guy. My dad got talking to him, and he revealed that he plans on going to the UK to pursue his Masters in Metereology and Geology. I was so impressed by his attitude. He was not the kind of guy who would hang out in a mall, dressed in baggy jeans and bandana, throwing pieces of paper to the opposite sex, but someone who had an ambition in his life!
I am sure there are loads of other Saudis out there working in the jewellry business, and I wish them all the best in their endeavors to handle their job with success. In any case, whenever there is a process like Saudization happening, there will be bound to be a rough patch as the workers are being replaced, but give it some time, the process will smooth out itself.
So, here it is to all the new Saudi jewellers in Saudi, good luck, especially to the two Saudis I mentioned above!
Mansur
Today I am nominating two Saudi people who I have come to appreciate deeply during my short stay there. I am not going to disclose their names, not because I fear for their lives or anything, but just don't want to for privacy's sake.
These two Saudi boys are working at the two jewellry shops I had gone to with my mom. As we all know, Saudization has been making waves in the nation, and it has met with turbulence and ups and downs. The Saudization process has not been easy. One of the industry the Labor Ministry has targetted to Saudize is the jewellry business. Soon, all the Indian experts on gold and silver were to be replaced with Saudis.
Initially, it became obvious that Saudis were not as competent or knowledgable as the Indians who had been in the market for years and years. However, having said that, on this recent trip, all of that has changed.
Al Rehaily Jewellry in Internation Market has a young Saudi teenager working. He was very knowledgable, very friendly, courteous and extremely helpful. He made my mom and I feel very welcome, so much so, we actually returned to his shop twice. The third time were there, he gave us an awesome discount on this gold "Allah" pendant of about SR 150. I just had the heart for him, and I was so pleased to see a Saudi guy working at a shop. With no feelings of dis-respect to the previous workers, I think a Saudi working just made the whole experience of shopping so much more pleasant and fun!
Al Thobaithy Jewellry in Basateen Mall was my favorite place. My parents had come here to get a necklace for my sister's birthday. I was with my parents. The young Saudi guy there served us so professionally, I was just awe-struck watching a Saudi guy handling his job so professionally. Call me a softy, but I had such a warm heart for him, in other words, all my wishes and prayers went out to this guy. My dad got talking to him, and he revealed that he plans on going to the UK to pursue his Masters in Metereology and Geology. I was so impressed by his attitude. He was not the kind of guy who would hang out in a mall, dressed in baggy jeans and bandana, throwing pieces of paper to the opposite sex, but someone who had an ambition in his life!
I am sure there are loads of other Saudis out there working in the jewellry business, and I wish them all the best in their endeavors to handle their job with success. In any case, whenever there is a process like Saudization happening, there will be bound to be a rough patch as the workers are being replaced, but give it some time, the process will smooth out itself.
So, here it is to all the new Saudi jewellers in Saudi, good luck, especially to the two Saudis I mentioned above!
Mansur
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