Sunday, October 29, 2006

Human Rights down the gutter...

I hate how people are treated differently purely based on skin color or ethnicity...

Although racism isn't as publicized in this region as it is in the US, it does not mean that it happens less frequently!

Racism has become embedded into our minds to an extent where even young children, in the age of innocence, are racist!! Even in the US, the land of ultimate racism, children do not start racially abusing others until they reach an older age!!

I might have posted about a similar issue in the near past, but that's only because it's something that irritates me!

I understand that we're a society that is built on pride, be it ethnical pride, religious pride or what ever kind of pride we have... That's not a problem, because being proud of who we are is a plus! But degrading others in order to feel better about ourselves is where the problem lies!

I think there's a main reason behind our racisim, it's not because we think we are better than them. Actually it's probably the complete opposite! I think we see expats from these countries as a threat to us... They are occupying jobs which we are supposed to be doing, and are getting the money we're supposed to be getting... Proud nations usually brag about their achievements... What achievements have we got to brag about!? NONE! Since we have nothing to brag about in order to take us higher, let's try to bash others and drop them lower, right?! Exactly!!

The problem is that these expats are the fuel that keeps the country running! They are carrying out the work that needs to be done on a daily basis for us to survive! Picking trash, construction work, cooking food, producing goods!

I would love to see Saudis picking trash, cleaning houses or cooking for families, but until that happens, we should learn to appreciate and respect those who are doing so now... We should keep one thing in mind, we will never be respected until we learn to respect others...

Posted by -OT- @ 12:45 PM, with 41 Comments so far!

Add to the comments

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Who's Better?

Note: The below post is a broad and general look at the negative values and characteristics of our society and does not in any way reflect me or anyone I know specifically... The comparison between me and you is solely used to point out the issues discussed..

• Does it make you better than me if your family comes from Bedouin origins while mine doesn't?
• Does it make you better than me if you drive a Porsche while I drive an average Japanese car?
• Does it make you better than me if your father owns a 10 bedroom villa while mine owns a 2 bedroom flat?
• Does it make you better than me if you graduated from an Ivy League University in the US and I graduated from a local university in the Middle East?
• does it make you better than me if you spend your vacations in Cannes and St. Tropez while I spend mine in Cairo and Bahrain?

Are we so obsessed with family names and money that we forgot the true values that REALLY make us better than others!? What happened to the days where actions spoke more than a thousand words? Is it really about what family one's from, or how many dollars there are in one's account? Unfortunately, to most, this is what now seems to matter, but rest assured that to God, this means nothing...

What matters to God is how much we appreciate what God has given us, and how much we give back to humanity... This can be done with the simplest of things, such as providing encouraging words to those in need...

This world we're living in has become so corrupted and driven by greed and arrogance... I just wish people would stop to think a little bit and understand that a small change on a micro level can do the world a lot of good on a macro level...

Posted by -OT- @ 11:47 PM, with 12 Comments so far!

Add to the comments

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Monday, October 23, 2006

Happy Eid, and a not so happy night before Eid!

I should start with the happy and joyful thoughts, so to kick things off: HAPPY EID everyone! Kol 3am winto bkhair and 3asakom min 3uwwadoh!!

Now for the 'not so merry and nice' part!! Right after finishing Iftaar today at around 6.30 pm, I decided to write something nice about Eid and SMS it to most of my phone book... I finish picking out the people I wanna send the message to, and I come up with 200 names! (Yeah I know, even I didn't imagine I had 200 people I could possibly wish Happy Eid to).. Back to the topic, I push the send button and the phone freezes for like a minute (That's understandable, after all, it is sending 200 messages in one go)... Then the horror starts!!! I get a "Cannot send to recipient XYZ" 200 times!!!

"What the hell is going on!!!"

I try sending some of them again and I get the same message! I freaked out! Could my line be disconnected? I call the Saudi Telecom toll free number and hear the automated machine saying that my unbilled amount is about SR100, and mind u, my limit is more than 10 times that much, so it can't be that! I keep trying to send and it keeps failing! Then I remembered something!

Every year, our beloved STC's capacity is stretched during the days of both Eids because basically the entire Saudi population is either sending or receiving calls/texts! This happens every year, and after every time, we think to ourselves, surely they'll increase capacity next year to accomodate for the demand... Right!? WRONG!!! VERY WRONG! To cut this story short, I kept trying to send the messages, and it was slooooowly working... By slowly, I mean each message take about 2-3 minutes to get sent! By the time the 200th message was sent, it was 1.30 in the AM!!! I mean what the fuck!? :

I usually use my Mobily service (Another cell phone network in Saudi Arabia), and it was working fine cuz they actually anticipated the rush, but I have 500 free messages in my STC number to use this month, so I thought this would be the perfect time to use them! If I could go back and do this all over again, I'd definitely ditch the free messages for the convenience and ease of Mobily's messages... Ahhhh this, among other things, ruined my day!

P.S. Michael Schumacher (Formula 1) had his last race today before retiring... Although he finished 2nd in the overall season standings, and although he finished 4th in today's race, he gave a fight to remember! He came all the way from last to 4th after his tyre blew up! Amazing race by the best F1 driver ever!! Give a round of appluase to the 'Pele of F1' as Pele himself called him...

Posted by -OT- @ 5:02 AM, with 17 Comments so far!

Add to the comments

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Ahhhhh, good times, good times!!

So I just got my American Express Bill in the mail... For the past 4 months, I've run up my AMEX to about 80% of its limit and I couldn't be bothered to pay the entire amount all in one go, so I kept on paying small amounts every month... Then last month, I'm like khalaaas, it's about time I pay a major chunk, so I decided to pay 50% and leave 50% for this month... I didn't pay the entire 50% in one go, instead I transferred a small amount, then another small amount and finally a 3rd payment... As I was opening the bill, I was expecting to have the remaining 50% to pay, but to my surprise, I only have like 20% remaining.. I somehow paid 2 big chunks and then a 3rd smaller chunk last month... I guess I was initially planning on paying last month's amount in 2 parts, but then forgot and added a 3rd part! It's a nice feeling! It only means more money to spare, therefore new clothes, gadgets and other shopping sprees! Wooohooo!! :)

Posted by -OT- @ 3:29 PM, with 28 Comments so far!

Add to the comments

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Saturday, October 14, 2006

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going!!

I'm bored... I'm tired and exhausted... I'm deprived of sleep... I'm sick of work...

I need to relax... I need a vacation... Luckily one's coming up in 3 days, albeit only for a week!

Still worth getting hyped up about!! Even if I end up doing nothing and just sleeping through it, I'll be satisfied by the amount of rest and relaxation I'll be getting...

I've lost my inspiration and creativity to write new posts (hence 2 tags as my last 2 posts)... I have so much running through my mind, but I either can't think of them, or can't figure out how to put them down in post format...

I still visit my blog as well as others' blogs daily, but I just can't find the creativity to write anything! Why is that?! I am not a fan of poetry, so you'll never see me commenting on a poetry post, simply cause I probably won't even bother reading it...

As for fictional stories, I sometimes enjoy them, but nonetheless, if I really wanted to read fiction, I'd go to a bookstore and buy a bestseller... What I'm trying to do here is to create a focus on an extract of my personal life, interesting things that happen to me, issues that I can relate to, matters that could make a difference in my life... I know other readers might be more interested in reading exciting fictional stories or romantic poems, but I'm not gonna do that... I know readers might not be interested in a post about my views on racism, or my take on poverty, but that's besides the point... It's my blog, I should write what I want to write... I still get excited when I get lots of comments, and I like responding to comments that people leave me, but you won't ever find me changing my style to please others...

Posted by -OT- @ 11:53 PM, with 10 Comments so far!

Add to the comments

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Friday, October 13, 2006

Sexual Personality Test

Tagged by Blue Ice Envy

Sexual Personality Test (Click on the link to take the test, You have to register first though)

1. I sometimes wonder whether I'm doing things right during sex. Disagree
2. Sex has a strong impact on my feelings for a person. Agree
3. Orgasm is the most important aspect of sex. Agree
4. When it comes to sex, I will try almost anything once. Strongly agree
5. I sometimes feel ashamed of my own sexual desires. Strongly disagree
6. I'd rather not have sex at all, than have sex with someone I don't love. Agree
7. I'm curious and ask lots of questions when I'm learning something new. Strongly agree
8. I have spent a lot of time and energy learning sexual techniques through reading and talking to others. Agree
9. I am intimately familiar with every inch of my body. Agree
10. Kissing is essential to good sex. Strongly agree
11. I draw attention to my looks by wearing seductive clothing. Disagree
12. People sometimes mistake my friendly gestures as sexual come-ons. Disagree
13. I have fully explored ways to give myself sexual pleasure. Agree
14. People often underestimate my abilities. Disagree
15. People often compliment the way I look. Agree
16. When I see others having sex, I get highly aroused. Agree
17. Seductive talk during sex is a turn-on for me. Strongly agree
18. I find it hard to turn away someone in need. Disagree
19. I am very talented when it comes to sex. Agree
20. Sex is all about the emotional connection behind it. Agree
21. The people I work with contribute directly to how much I like my job. Agree
22. I'd rather masturbate alone, than have sex with someone who didn't get me to orgasm. Agree
23. When I think about the best sex I've ever had, it's the physical sensations I remember most. Disagree
24. When I close my eyes, I am able to think more clearly. Strongly Agree
25. Sex is best when you're having it with someone extremely attractive. Strongly agree
26. I would have sex more than once a day, every day, if I could. Strongly agree
27. I am a procrastinator. Strongly Agree
28. I try to catch as many glimpses of my sexual partner's naked body as I can. Strongly agree
29. I find it hard not to brag about my sexual abilities. Agree
30. Roller coaster rides are usually a disappointment. Disagree
31. I like to get creative in bed. Strongly agree
32. I often use facial expressions to communicate things to my partner during sex. Agree
33. Without affection, sex is hardly worth it. Agree
34. I sometimes use subtle gestures during sex, such as brushing my leg against my partner's, as a way to show affection. Agree
35. The game "Twister" can be extremely erotic. Agree
36. I can be talkative during sex. Strongly agree
37. I love poetry. Strongly Disagree
38. I'll use a slight nudge to get my sexual partner to change what they're doing. Agree
39. I don't like my sexual partner to see me naked. Disagree
40. Direct eye contact is essential for good communication during sex. Strongly agree
41. When playing Charades, I'd rather be the one acting things out than the one guessing. Agree
42. I like to stick to basic kinds of sex. Strongly disagree
43. I'm comfortable discussing sexual matters. Agree
44. I prefer the corner table in restaurants. Agree
45. I fantasize about having sex with many different people I know. Disgree
46. I have trouble sticking to the speed limit. Strongly agree
47. Thoughts of sex are in my mind even when I don't want them there. Agree
48. When it comes to sex, I know how to ask for what I want. Agree
49. I have had a variety of sexual experiences. Agree
50. Are you currently in a sexual relationship? No

OT, your sexual personality is Zeta-ELDN-10

Your sexual personality is determined by your sexual persona (Zeta), 4 sexual scales (Emotional/Physical, Look/Touch, Daring/Modest, Verbal/Non-verbal), and your libido score (10).

• Ζ: As a Zeta, the high degree of confidence you feel around your sexuality matches your level of experience. Your sexual confidence and awareness are particularly high, but your sex appeal is somewhat lower.
• E:As an E you tend to focus more on an emotional connection to your partner during sex.
• L: As an L you tend to enjoy watching yourself, and your partner while having sex.
• D: As a D you tend to be more experimental and willing to try new things when it comes to sex.
• N: As an N you tend to communicate with body language, not words, during sex.
• 10: As for your interest in sex, your libido score is 10 on a scale of 1-10.

I tag whoever thinks they have the guts to share their test results with the rest ;)

Posted by -OT- @ 8:40 PM, with 25 Comments so far!

Add to the comments

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Monday, October 09, 2006

Tagged by Adorra

• Last birthday? June 22nd
• Last meal? Samboosa and Soup (Iftar yesterday)
• Last spending splurge? Apple Macbook a couple of months ago...
• Last time you cried? X-Men III last week (Yes, I teared when Charles died lol)
• Last career? My current one at BME...
• Last website visited? Facebook
• Last person you spoke to? My friend Moe last night
• Last song you listened to? Chocolate Puma - Always & Forever
• Last book you read? Veronika Decides to Die
• Last TV show watched? "How I Met Your Mother" on Paramount
• Last person you IM’d? Princess
• Last word you said? "I'm so sleepy" hehe

I tag *thinking* *still thinking* *thinking even harder* whoever wants to be tagged, preferably everyone on my blog roll :P

Posted by -OT- @ 12:12 PM, with 15 Comments so far!

Add to the comments

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Friday, October 06, 2006

(RED)

• Did u know that every year 3 MILLION people die from AIDS?
• Did u know that there are 40 MILLION people infected by HIV/AIDS all over the world, and that 60% of them are in Africa?! (Even though Africa makes up only 10% of the world population)

Can YOU help?! Yes u can! And I want YOU, actually US, all of US to take the initiative and try to help find a cure for HIV/AIDS! Here's one easy way to do it:

Introducing (RED)!!

What is (RED)? Well, u can look at (RED) as a brand within a brand! It is not a charity, nor is it an organization, it's simply a business model with a chance to grow exponentially! (RED) has teamed up with brands such as GAP, Emporio Armani, Motorola, American Express and Converse to come up with (PRODUCT) RED under each brand... One can look at it as a line within a specific brand...

Basically for every (RED) product bought, the company will give part of the profits to The Global Fund, a private/public organization that raises money towards illnesses in Africa (HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria, etc)... To date, The Global Fund has contributed $5.5 Billion in 132 countries to fight these diseases... Of that amount, about $10.4 Million was raised by (RED) and that's where we can make the difference!! That's where we decide to buy a (RED) product over a non-(RED) product...

"We believe that if consumers are offered this choice, and the products meet their needs, they will choose (RED). And if they choose (RED) over non-(RED), then more brands will choose to become (RED) because it will make good business sense to do so. And more lives will be saved."

I really love this idea!! I hope we can all work individually as well as together to help raise awareness and provide the necessary help to these countries that are in dire need of assistance!

Posted by -OT- @ 5:06 PM, with 22 Comments so far!

Add to the comments

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Music playlist....

Ms. Nayla asked me to list some of the new songs I'm listening to these days and I thought I'd put it in a post for others to benefit from as well :) I'm gonna put stars beside the songs (With 5 stars being the highest rating and 1 star being the lowest rating)!! So here goes, hope u like them!

Hip-Hop/R&B/Pop/Alternative:

1. Justin Timberlake - My Love ****
   
2. Diddy & Nicole - Come to Me *****
   
3. Janet ft. Khia - So Excited *****
   
4. Beyonce - Ring The Alarm **
   
5. Justin Timberlake - Sexy Back ***
   
6. Akon + Eminem - Smack That ***
   
7. Cassie - Long Way to Go (Remix) **
   
8. Mary J. Blige + Bono (From U2) - One **
   
9. JoJo - Too Little Too Late *
   
10. Gym Class Heroes - The Queen & I **
    
11. Fergie - London Bridge **
    
12. 50 Cent ft. Fergie - London Bridge (Remix) ***
    
13. Gnarls Barkley ft. Joe Budden - Crazy (Remix) ****
    
14. Rihanna - We Ride **
    
15. The Game - It's Okay (One Blood) *
    
16. R. Kelly - Slow Wind **
    
17. Stacie Orrico - I'm not Missing You ***
    
18. E-40 - U & Dat ***
    
19. Sean Paul - Never Be The Same Again **
    
20. Shareefa ft. Ludacris - Need a Boss **
    
21. Young Jibbs - Does Your Chain Hang Low *
    

Dance/House/Funky House:

1. Chocolate Puma - Always & Forever *****
   
2. Armand Van Helden - My My My 2006 *****
   
3. Oakenfold - Faste Kill Pussycat ***
   
4. Fedde Le Grande - Put Your Hands Up for Detroit ****
   
5. Wilder & Clarke - Stand Up ***
   
6. Bob Sinclair - Rock This Party ****
   
7. Coburn - We Interrupt this Program ***
   
8. Dennis Cristopher - Soul Shakin' **
   
9. Royal Gigolos - Tell it To my Heart **
   
10. Steve N King - Bounce **
    
11. David Guetta vs. The Egg - Love Don't Let me Go (Walking Away Remix) ****
    
12. Tomas Andersson - Washing Up ****
    
13. Wonderland Avenue - White Horse ****
    
14. Psycosomatic - Get on Da Move ***
    
15. Michael Gray - Borderline ***
    
16. The Drill - One More Night ***
    
17. Dance Nation - Ridin' High (Hi Tak Remix) **
    
18. Fallen Angels - City Life (Hi Tak City to City Remix) **
    
19. Global Deejays - Mr. Funk **
    
20. Infernal - Self Control (Extended Mix) **
    
21. Madonna - Get Together ***
    
22. Satellites - September (Extended Mix) ***
    

Posted by -OT- @ 3:05 PM, with 24 Comments so far!

Add to the comments

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~