Blogger power:Safeguard the web for children

February 24th 2007
Budaiya

I have been tagged by my friend eastcoastlife and here it is, to show my support and my humble opinion.

The project Blogger Power is a campaign to safegard the internet for children against pornography.

A Request To All Webmasters Of Adult Sites:

"Please require a password-protected login before allowing even free access to explicit adult content. We understand that selling porn is your business and we respect your right to make a legal living. But understand our legitimate concerns and work with us. You already have the “warning adult content” on your websites. Yet kids, who are not legal customers of your product, ignore the warning. So to prevent them from having direct access to explicit images, texts and sounds, the simplest way is to have a password-protected login. No more “free tours” before a visitor supplies basic information."

In my opinion:
1)Children should be made aware that they are still too young to be viewing such sites and what impact it could have on them or what it may lead them to. Let them know that such sites are for adults only. At their age, sex should be educational and not for entertaintment or leisure.

2) Kids these days are very smart, a lot of them are much better than us adults, with regard to computers. They will find a way, to hack codes and passwords.
For home computers, we can install parental controls and block certain websites while browsing. Or place the computers in the general area of the house.

3) Parents should supervise their childrens online activities. But it is a little sensitive, as to to how much control that you want impose. They can still be online and do whatever they want behind closed doors or when the parents are not home, or they would view them at their friends place.

4) It is important that your kids circle of friends are not into porn, because children and teenagers specially, will want to feel belong to a group and not feel left out.Parents should be role models to their children, whereas friends often influenced one another.

5) Distract the children from such sites, and encourage them to surf or browse on safer websites. Buy them PS Playstations !

6) It is not easy being parents...! Lets hope and pray that our children will be disciplined enough to respect the parents and teachers and instilled it in themselves to be a good kid. Cross the bridge when you come to it. There will be time for everything in life.

Serendipity

February 24th 2007
Budaiya

Friday was a nice sunny morning and as usual I was sitting by the big window watching the world go by. By 9am I could see the marathon runners doing their thing. Some were running and some were walking, but it was all for a good cause.
Shame on me who didnt take part. I dont jog much..but I do enjoy a long walk. The weather is perfect for such walks especially in the evenings.

I have been trying to complete my packing,which just seem to be endless, but I am getting there. Almost.
A friend came to help reformating the pc and hopefully it will not give me any trouble in the future. Had a nice chat while working on the pc, and it was the first time that he got the opportunity to read my humble blog. He was suprised that I had things to write, more so now when things are like a circus here. Clowns on a merry-go-round.

Saw the rerun of 'serendipity', and watching a romantic movie once a while is not a bad idea actually. It refreshes the mind, make me feel its nice to be in love again and definitely good for the soul.

Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely.
About Jonathan and Sara, two strangers who met by accident while shopping for their respective partners' Christmas presents. Tussling over the only pair of black cashmere gloves on display, the sudden electricity between them catches them both off-guard. From that first chance meeting, their attraction to one another surprises them by growing stronger, despite the fact they are happily committed to others. Sara is a big believer in letting fate decide the way.And it was a happy ending to them both, when they found each other again...by chance or fate ..! They are meant to be together...and this happens only in movies.

That was the weekend that was gone, and today I continued doing my chores again. Went to the souq to collect my abayas and along the way, managed to pamper myself to some window shopping. I found some beautiful jewellery staring at me in the glass display windows. Let me sleep on it first..!

A little corner in the souq selling local products.

Yesterday's musings ...

February 22nd 2007
Budaiya

The morning started well... promising a sunny day...tea and all.
Got confirmation of my flight ticket. And this is the amusing part.
From the admin:
" I have to confirm with you, according to the company policy we can only issue you a ticket based on the cheapest flight. I have booked you on Kuwait Airways since it is the cheapest, and if you would like to fly QR or EK then you have to top up the difference !"
The date for KU was a day earlier so it is not convenient, so I had to settle for QR, as the next best option as per the itenary. With that I had to top up BD48.
Moral of the story:
1) When they need your service they would get you the first flight out of your home country. Visas arranged and they dont bother much if the ticket is higher in price.
2) When they dont need you, you have to leave via the cheapest flight home.

And then I asked, will you also be charging me to send my cargo boxes to the cargo depot at the airport ?
She said..." Oh no... I will make arrangement for that "

Looking back, now I understand and relate to the bitterness felt by all those that had resigned or just left without resigning. There were a couple of guys who defected to London and Europe while doing some projects there. Smart guys.
A lady who forged a signature and ran away with a large sum of money.
A lady who used the company facilities for her own benefits.
And others who went for vacations and never returned ( at least they dont have to top up the air fares ! )
There was not a soul who left with a happy heart.
Oh..happy days..oh..happy days..!

And towards the afternoon, a friend came, gave me a hug and crackled my ribs!
Some people never know their own strength, on "fragile" people like me...And the doctor said, it will take a couple weeks forthe pain to go.
Meantime I had to bear the inconvenience..! What a life..!

No Matter ...

February 21st 2007
Budaiya

No matter what, there will always be two sides to a coin. Have we been fair when listening to both sides of the stories ? Have we made the right decisions, or form an opinion ? Have we been biased in our decision just because one party is your wife; your ex girlfriend..or someone that you have to pleased or carry a favour; indebted perhaps ? Or your rice bowl depends on it ?

I shall leave it to those concerned, if they can sleep at night knowing that they have been unfair to some.

February 20th 2007
Budaiya

My early morning was greeted by a beautiful sunrise that moves up and become a ball of fire. Promising a bright sunny day.
This morning I went down to the souq to collect my blazer and wondering around for a bit. I will surely miss this place. Like it has become a part of me. Like this is home.
Major renovation works are going on at the bab al bahrain and if it is anything like the perspective shows, it is going to be beautiful. A lot of businesses are affected, but you have to look at the bigger picture in the future. No doubt Bahrain will prosper.


A couple of shots in Manama this morning.

Piggy Bank

February 19th 2007
Budaiya

It was quiet in the office front today since it was an unoficial holiday to mark the Chinese New Year.They had a big party last night and all the **** were there...all lost in the drinking and merry making.
I went out to spend some time with a friend for coffee and sharing a moist chocolate cake and dates pudding.

This morning I had a not so pleasant encounter at the bank. After I finished my transaction at the counter, I requested for a final bank statement. Since I had closed my account it was only logic that I need to see the statement.
The teller said..."You can get it from the customer service"
Off I went to customer service counter but was served by a girl who was not really service oriented and certainly not helpful.
She wanted to charge me BD3 for it.
After being their customer for years and never missed to pay my bills..they cant even give me a print out of my final bank statement.
The only reason I opened an account with their bank was because they are open from 7am to 7pm even on public holidays.
So I told her..that I am so glad that I have closed my account with their bank.
I dont need to write the bank name here, but everyone should know that there is only one bank that opens everyday, even on public holiday...here in Bahrain. "We are open 7 days a week, from 7 to 7"...ahhh..The power of advertisement..!
So I had better take all my 'fills' and put them in a piggy bank..after all it is the year of the PIG. At least I dont need to see the customer service at the PIGGY BANK.

Ten simple things...

February 18th 2007
Budaiya

Ten simple things that make me smile and say.."Life is good"

1) Waking up in the early morning, I love the cool morning breeze, it is so refereshing and watching the sun coming up slowly and the day gets brighter by the minute. A beautiful start to a new day.

2)My first cup of tea, my comfort food to warm up my soul.

3)Going about my daily duties, greetings from friends and workers, people from all walks of life.

4)No bad news for the day, which means things are okay.

5)Phonecalls, SMS, emails from those people who remembers me and treat me as their friends.

6)When people read my blogs, leaving positive thoughts and I am glad that I have met them through the blogosphere.

7)Enjoying smooth rides in the country sides, while listening to my favourite musics.

8)Food... I love food. I love to see food, tasting them, learning how to cook them, trying new recipes and sharing them with friends.

9)Enjoying good health, the most important thing in life. I pray that God will grant good health to all my family and friends and those people that have been good to me.

10)When I am able to render a small help to someone who is in need.

A Simpler Lifestyle ...?

February 16th 2007
Budaiya

I have been reading a few blogs and there have have been a few bloggers and people that I know who are at the crossroads in life. Guess I am not alone, am I supposed to feel good knowing that I am not alone ?

A friend who resigned from his job to prepare for a world trip, but ended up with something else after the trip was called off.

Some lady friends are seriously thinking about setting up her own business.
One is a housewife who has a lot of time and talent in her hands.
Another is thinking of leaving her job to start a new venture.

After you reached a certain points in life, priorities changed. Life is not just work and work alone. It is no longer about making money, It is no longer who can stay longer to make more money. Life is not all about getting all stressed up and having nightmares.
Money will never be enough. But we will soon learn to live within our means.

Life is short. Life is unpredictable.
Have we done all that we need to do in this life... for we only have one chance. The clock doesnt turned back in time. The past is gone, and we can only look forward to whatever is left of the future.
How much time do we have...no one knows.
But we can certainly start anew before it is too late.

A simpler lifestyle.
Away from all the rats and rat race.

All you rodents can run round and round chasing your ultimate goals...but one day... you will missed a step and get your tail trapped.

Anger

February 15th 2007
Budaiya

If you are patient in one moment of your anger,
you will escape a hundred days of sorrow ...

Countless of times I wish that I could be so cool and not get upset nor angry in life. I wonder those people who said... "Never mind...just leave it as it is... what to do..this is life...What can I do ?
It was as if they were oblivious to all the ill feelings and ill treatments that they are getting.
I keep asking myself...How could they not have a moment of anger ? Or are they very good at concealing them ?
Dont they get stressed and all worked up ? I am sure they do, but they wont make it known. Thats their strength. Taking it all in their strides with a smile or without a trace of anger.
Anger can consumed you and eating you up.
How do we accept defeat ? Losses ? Victimised ?
How do we become a better person ?
How do we take things easy ?
How do we accept fate with an open mind...with an open heart...and be thankful for what that had happened ?


I wish I have all the answers. But I dont.
I wish I could do it. But I could not. Not yet anyway.

Shredded Memory ...

February 14th 2007
Budaiya

Another empty day. The weather was good but I dont get to enjoy it.
My friend delivered the carton boxes today and frankly I feel sad at the thought of packing. Discovered a box containing old letters and junks of at least few years old which I still have to sift through.
Yesterday I went through some letters and cards from those 'people" that were in my life before. And I decided to throw all of the letters away, no use keeping them in shoe boxes, not even for memory sakes. Whats the point... Someone who suddenly defines love as..I love you..but I am not in love with you..( All that being said after he met someone else of course )
Then what the hell did you confess all your love if it doesnt mean much. Anyway all his letters have been torn to small pieces. Too much memories to be saved..there just isnt enough space anymore !

There are just too much things to be crammed in the next two weeks.
Its like so desperately trying to salvage whatever I can in such a short notice and time.

On the other hand I read in a friends blog that said..

Napping May Be Good for Your Heart !!

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health who conducted a study on Greek men and women found that taking a daily midday nap may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease by more than 30%. Siestas are common in Mediterranean countries and several Latin American nations, where the rate of dying from heart disease is comparatively low. Researchers believe that naps are effective at promoting heart health because they relieve stress.

I am taking a break from all the back stabbing community, less stresful when I dont have to see their faces.

Sail Away ...Like a Ship Should...

February 13th 2007
Budaiya

Ship is always safe at shore... but it is not built for it

Woke up at 4am this morning. Its such a cool and peaceful morning. The road is quiet except for a few vehicles doing their early morning chores.
My cup of earl grey to keep me warm is already empty. I need another cup now.
Checked my email, and there was a letter of appreciation from a client. That really makes my morning, at least there was someone who appreciates the efforts that I had put in. But it is too late now, I am moving. Moving away from all the ill intentions and back stabbing community that I had been trying to endure for the past seven years.

A friend who tried to talk some sense into me yesterday said, it definitely is for the better that you move on. It is an act from the One above, only He knows what is best for us. Whatever happens there must be something good that will come out of it.

oh well...like a ship..I need to set sail and try the open seas. It will not be calm, the winds will help me to sail forward to my next destination.
But the fresh air I hope, will do me good. Away from it all.
And as I sail away, I might just give another glance to the shore,to see them continuing with their fight as the survival of the fittest.
Minutes by minutes, they would appear smaller and smaller until they diminished from sight.

Dont be sad ...

February 11th 2007
Budaiya

When you are successful your well wishers know who you are, when you are unsuccessful you know who your well wishers are...

Like when you have a limo, everybody wants to ride with you, but when your limo breaks down... who will take the bus with you..?

This has been proven times and again and again.

Sad but true. You will realised it when people forgot to invite you to their functions. You only hear about it. You feel a bit awkward but dont be sad.
You wont miss the world if you were not invited to their dinner parties.

But the message has been sent quite clearly. You dont belong anymore.
Your time and popularity has run out. As your luck has run out.

I wonder how
I wonder why
Yesterday you told me 'bout the blue blue sky
And all that I can see is just a yellow lemon-tree
I'm turning my head up and down
I'm turning turning turning turning turning around
And all that I can see is just another lemon-tree

Sounds familliar ?

Dont be sad... just be grateful and enjoy what you have at the moment...

Five Things

February 10th 2007
Budaiya

Still Breathing tagged Munther... and Munther tagged me...
So here goes...the Five things that bloggers dont know about me...

1) I like to use gents perfumes/edt. I cant stand the overly sweet smell of ladies perfumes.
My current favourites are Boss, Armani and Beyond Paradise.

2) If murder is not a crime ...I would have murdered some double headed snakes... just kidding..ok..I am not that cruel !

3) Dreams that have kept me going ...That motivates me. Dreams pacify my stressful days.
Dreams and hopes are all that I have.

4) Most of my good intentions are always being misunderstood...and that makes me feel sad.
I often asked myself... is my English that bad...or you are ignorant...
One thing for sure..never argue with idiots.

5) Those people who do not know me..often think that I am a very quiet person.
They are actually right..!!!

There are many more ... but Munther asked for only five !

A Drop of Water

February 8th 2007
Budaiya

If a drop of water falls in a lake there is no identity.But if it falls on a leaf of lotus it shines like a pearl. So choose the best place where you would shine...

To have found a place where you would excel is not easy. Luck often plays a major role here. Sometimes when opportunity knocks on your door, you have to take it.
At other times, you have to go thorugh the hard way. Often when one door closes another will open.

Lets hope those who are with good intentions will find their spots on the lotus leaves and shines under the sun.

Falling Down Is Not Defeat ...

February 7th 2007
Budaiya

Falling down is not defeat...defeat is when you refuse to get up...

Spent an evening yesterday in the souq area. My first stop was the Batelco office. Havent been there for sometime, When I reached the top of the escalator I was greeted by a brand new Batelco office. Cool. Nice counter. Nice display area for the phones. Took me a while to find the place to take the queque number. That is bad planning. Saw quite a number of customers waiting. Took my number, looking around I couldnt find any seats, there were a few being occupied by plastic shopping bags ! So we had to stand around. Many nice and beautiful customer service counters but only two with a customer service officer ! One is taking his time to service a client and the other is too busy chatting on his mobile phone !
So I am wondering why they build so many counters when they only use two..and only one is serving a customer !
Feeling frustrated by the scene...we left. Perhaps we should go to another branch.

Anyway the souq was not very crowded and most of the places are being cordoned off for the renovation works.
Oh boy...I am gonna miss this place very much ! The place that I have grown so fond of and fell in love.
Somehow a 'goodbye' is often very hard to say.
But I had to leave. And leave I must.

I fell down. Fall out of favour.Humbled. But we do what we have to do. Get up, get your chin up high, although your heart is broken into a thousand pieces.

Ready To Rise Again

February 6th 2007
Budaiya

Never expect things to happen..
Struggle and make them happen.
Never expect yourself to be given a good value, create a value of your own.

Life has never been an easy path. Hurdles after hurdles, falling down and scraping down my knees, tears rolling down my cheeks and nobody to kiss it better. It takes a while for me to brush off the dirts and take the next hurdle.
But to some people's eyes my struggles are seen as incapabalities.

I shall never forget your words that has been tearing my heart like a serrated bullet.

True to an old saying that says.."Words are sharper than sword"
To the person saying it... they may not remember what they have just said. Nor do they realised that their words have hurt someone's feelings.

"Look at my life
Look at my heart
I have seen them fall apart
Now I'm ready to rise again
Look at my hopes
Look at my dreams
I'm building bridges from these scenes
Now I'm ready to rise again"

Thats part of the lyrics from a song by Gabrielle.

Fate. Karma. Suratan.
We have no way of knowing it, but certainly have to take them all in our strides.
Another long road to travel. But it has to start somewhere in order to reach the destination.

Senior Citizens

February 5th 2007
Budaiya

Old people has outlived their usefulness ?

An excerpt from a conversation that I had with an Asst GM.
We were talking about people of old age and how they can still contribute to the company.
He has the impression that old people has run out of use. They are old and thus not able to contribute much to the company. So when you are old, it is time for you to leave.
He said that he had no heart to tell a staff who is passed his pensioned age and still employ him out of pity.
He had been thinking about himself, when he too would be in the same predicament, and that he should make an early preparation when that day comes.
Well, definitely he has plenty of time to fill up his nest egg and have a big one by the time he retired. If my maths is correct, he would be a multimillionaire by the time he retires.
How lucky can some people be ? How Blessed can anyone be ?

Back to the Old Age issue. Is it for real or just an excuse ? A sad story really.
To his mind...when you are old... you have become useless.
How shallow can an Asst GM be ?

Excuses:
When you are old:
- Your mind is not sharp anymore, thus difficult for you to learn of new things or pick up any new skills.
- Your body will not be able stand much hard work, laborious kind or stayed up late.
Age is catching up...thats what they say when you feel tired. Your bcak is killing you.
- When you are old... you slowed down. Whatever you do is slow.

Double Standards

February 4th 2007
Budaiya

Why is double standards being practiced everywhere ?
The manager can make mistakes and they keep both eyes closed.
The assistants, if they make a slight mistake even through no faults of theirs, would have to face the consequences.
The assistants, are being monitored of every move, every word they type, every conversation and every other things under the sun and the moon.

Solution:Dont be an assistant, its not really cosy chair, better be the Manager.
And if you still have to be an assistant, better get into the Manager's good book and never ever make any mistakes. Not even a tiny atom size of mistake.

I thought:When you work in a team, everyone should help and support each other so that the end result would be a success.
And not trying to blame or picking on someone.

I observed:If they like you, they can ignore your mistakes. Even it is the size of an elephant. They are blind and the elephant is see through.
If they formed an opinion or a first impression on you, the opinion stays.
If you are related to someone whom they want to do business with, then your job is secured. Its who you know.

Why:
The double standard ?

Conclusion:
It is the survival of the fittest.
If you can manage to reach for the sun, maybe you can survive, unless of course someone jig-sawed your trunk. You will still kaboom !!!

Thus:
FAITH.
Faith is all that we have left.
Have faith in yourself and have faith in GOD.
GOD will not let you down as long as you remember Him and keep him close to your heart.

Its the day

February 3rd 2007
Budaiya

Its the day when I handed over my letter. To be in a R.O.D mode is just a wonderful feeling. Not that I shun responsibility, but the stress is very much less.
I can now concentrate on my packing and tying up few loose ends, like change of address, forwarding my mails etc.
Actually I hate packing and unpacking but I have to do it. But packing is better than sitting in the office next to the CID.
I do have some mixed feelings, I will miss the country but I would very glad to be away from the office and certain people.
I need to clear my larder with all the food supplies too.Looks like there will be some SP cooking session on the way.

The winds of change is here again ...

February 2nd 2007
Budaiya

The morning is as gloomy as what I am feeling right now.It rained again since last night, the ground is wet, poodles of water has started to form in the open ground.
Looking through my window, I think to myself...I am going to miss this place, I am going to miss its people, its food and everything there is to it.
The time has come for me to take the next step and move on again.
Although everyone says to look at the positive side of things, I tried to convince myself that everything happened for a reason(s) which I may not know yet.
Hurdles after hurdles before we could touch the finishing tape. And that too is a race... a competition of sort.
I tried to list down all the good things that would come out of this move.
At the same time, I cant ignore all the losses that I am experiencing. Where is the balance ?
Health...peace of mind...responsibility...Contentment...Will that equals the loss of wealth ?
Money will never be enough, but what is "enough" going to be measured with ?
Somehow...there will be at a certain point of our life that we have to make a life changing decisions.
"Change" is the only constant in our life.
Was I prepared for the change this time around ?
No..not really...but I have seen it coming my way since almost a year ago.
I thought I could hang on to a thin thread, but the winds and the drafts are to strong, the thin thread just snapped.Niether a fishing line nor a cable would be able to hold it either, since there are a few pairs of stronger hands that was holding a pair of scissors to cut off the line.
There was even a bulldozer that pushed me into the drain.
I am not really lamenting on my predicament. We never know what is in store for our lives. Nobody knows what tomorrow brings.
And so the day begins...rainy..gloomy and all.

After a nice cup of hot earl grey tea...
But...where do I begin ?

Life ...

February 1st 2007
Budaiya

Two years ago around this time our colleague passed away due to a brain haemorrhage. I remember visiting him in the hospital, he was in a coma and the doctor said that he was only waiting for his time.
It was really sad to see him lying unconcious on the bed and thinking that at any moment he would draw his last breath.
I remember him as a nice and quiet guy and could still recall the last few days with him in the office. Little did we know, in a couple days he would be gone.
Life is so fragile and we will never know what to expect. Or whose turn would be next.

Someone told me to not to harbour any bitter feelings about anyone or anything. For it would only consumed our life and dissipate our energy.
But we are just ordinary human, we cannot run from feeling sad, upset, angry or being in that "killing mode".