TimesofOman.com: The Spirit of Ramadhan

Glad to be back and away from that horrid hospital environment. And now I can get back to what I love and makes me feel like I am doing something in this life of mine.

Below you can all ready and comment on the latest article that was published on the TimesofOman.com website, under the title 'The spirit of Ramadhan'.

Do enjoy:

Ramadhan approaches in less than five days from today and we're barely even set into the mood. I'm not talking about the mood of festivities whereby one goes out and goes on a frenzy of buying everything that is on discount or special offers. Or partying out at the latest new trends of Ramadhan tents at a hotel or some restaurant.

For once, I would be glad if Ramadhan to everyone was just about being around the family, going to the mosque every night lending your ears at least once in a year to hearing the Qura'nic verses of the Holy Quran or a lecture from the Imam at a near mosque whether it was a moral to be learnt about the story of our beloved Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) or one his age-old battles that helped conquer Islam after seeing that it was the solution to spread the religion that believes that there is ‘No God But God’.

For once, I would like to see people actually making an effort to putting the energy that they put during the holy month of Ramadhan throughout the whole year. They have no idea what it is they’re missing out on. The feeling of joy that fills someone up and lights up their soul is beyond all meaning and all measures that could ever be looked into. It would be like seeing a young child smile an innocent smile with the entire gleam in their eyes.

This is month that God closes the doors on Hell and locks up the Devil away during the entire month and sends the Angels down to Earth to help protect and see the good deeds that God's subjects are into during the holy month. This was the month that God delivered the Holy Qur'an upon His last Prophet, Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him).

I really hope this would be the month that would truly change a person's life from bad to good, from worst to fair, and from better to great.

I really hope and wish that everyone would just think for a second about what the Ramadhan spirit is all about.


(The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of timesofoman.com)

two new blogs

As you can see, I have been busy with quickly working on the new blogs that I promised I would deliver; the musical blog - Your Choice of Music & the Ramadhan blog - Ramadhan Spirit.

While the first is still in development, I have opened it up for public viewing and commenting to see what you all think of it and in terms of any suggestions you might have for it.

As for Ramadhan Spirit, I had just established the blog address, title and layout so it's still a working progress but I am looking forward to finishing very soon because I will be very busy very very soon.

You can check out the musical blog here - Your Choice of Music.

While Ramadhan Spirit is still closed up for development, so even if I gave you the link (which is already on the right hand side sidebar) you wouldn't be able to access it anyhow until I open it up for public viewing.

Enjoy your day ahead...

finally! someone takes a stand!

From the Gulf News:

Abu Dhabi: The Western Medical Zone welcomed the decision of Al Dhafra Cooperative Society to stop selling all kinds of tobacco in all its branches in the region.

Salem Eisa Al Mazroui, director of Western Medical Zone, said: "The decision has positive effects on the health of the people in western region whether they are smokers or non-smokers."

Lots of posters were prepared by the medical zone to illustrate the negative effects of smoking.

Al Mazroui asked other stores to take example from Al Dhafra Society.

He appreciated the idea of distributing awareness posters in the same places that sold tobacco. Al Mazroui emphasised that all stores must apply the municipality decision to ban sale of all kinds of tobacco to people aged less than 18.

I say it took guts to pull off a decision like that and I applaud it as one of the non-smokers that is often abused by the smoker's tendency to smoke where-ever they please and unlike how Muscat Municipality has gone about it's own decision - which is yet to be seen - this proves that there are those who have a stronghold for building up healthy lives despite the consequences it may lead to health-wise and economically.

I applaud this decision very loudly and look forward to a similar decision from our retail industry here in the Sultanate of Oman very soon, hopefully.

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Link:

- Society's decision to stop tobacco sales draws praise

'..that's a fact, Jack!'

After having removing myself from the Oman Community Blog, I decided to look for other means to point my frustration, my anger and my serious writing methods in which I would hope to be a true writer to the world, if not, the Middle East.

It had hit me that I was re-invited by a fellow blogger from the Secret Arabian Journal blog to come back and write for them since I had better responses and a bigger amount of appeal on that specific blog.

So I decided to take up the challenge and asked if the offer was still in place and indeed it was.

So, now I am an official blogger on the Secret Arabian Journal blog - again.

removal from Oman Community Blog

Having come to a dead end in my opinion against the members and contributors of the Oman Community Blog; I have decided therefore to resign from my post over there as an acting administrator but that was not before appoint Muscati & Amjad in my place to rule the blog until they deem appropriate to appoint someone else who they think that is in a better position than I in such circumstances.

I have no regrets on this move whatsoever.

And I still stand by what I believe despite all the negative impact it has resulted in from the members.

If you wish to be a member of the Oman Community Blog, then you will have to contact either Muscati or Amjad through this link.

Thanks very much for your time.

slowing down the pace

In the past, I had been regarded as the blogger with the most posts than any other Omani blogger. Not a title I was after, never the less. Now, since I have been in, out, in and out again of hospital, along with Ramadhan coming up and my exams all during that month and Eid I am hardly finding anytime to come online to post anything on any of the blogs.

I had earlier arranged to open up a few blogs that would talk about Ramadhan, music and possibly just a writer's blog for their perspectives on anything in the world around them which is a different idea altogether than the Oman Community Blog.

Those ideas are all being put to hold for the time being until such a time arises to which I would be able to address those issues, topics and blogs in a more focused manner.

I am sorry, but I will also be slowing down the pace here on Sleepless In Muscat. So you might not always see an update here until that whole period has blown over.

I apologize for this inconvenience...

FREE

I'm sorry, I'm going to have to say this.

But I am getting sick and tired of people telling me what to do and what not to do. What? Do I not have a mind of my own? Don't I have a share of what to say especially if I came up with it?

I am talking here about the bullshit that's going on the OCB and how I am always guilty of putting things I have in perspective into action without having prior negotiation. There are things, sure, I am willing to talk about. But there are topics where even if a person grew a million date trees from their scalp I still wouldn't change my mind. That's my philosophy and that's what I am sticking to, even if the world doesn't like it.

Out of that context, and regardless of my age or sex, am I not a human being with certain desires? Should I not follow my wishes my aspires? Or do I have to give in everything at the minute just because a few people think that I should go about the other way?

God gave me life to learn in my own way. If I see it as a wrong way, then I will decide then upon to change my course whether is a banana turn, a u-turn or whatever. You get the picture.

So get off my back by trying to tell me how I should run things along with them my life.

I was born free.

And I will die free.

doodahs about not blogging

So, it's been two days since I've seen any activity on the Oman Community Blog; Sleepless In Muscat or any other blogger's blog ever since I had to be rushed back into the hospital again.

I mean, I know all of you people have lives and such, but your blogs are supposed to be a demonstration of what goes on in your lives - even if not on a daily basis - or whatever it is you tend to focus on in your blog.

But leaving it there for such a long time with nothing entered is just plain - boring, I am sorry to say. It makes people like me want to stop coming back to your blog for checking out what's new.

I guess this is a bit harsh for me to have said, but that's how I feel.

TimesofOman.com: The powerful medium

The TimesofOman.com website have finally updated their columns section with all new columnists' articles, including, that of which, is mine under the title "The powerful medium".

If you hadn't read the article before, here's your chance to read it from the website, and I have double checked my original against their published copy and nothing seems to have been censored from the entire length of the article, even though it may seem to be a little shorter.

Do enjoy reading it, and let me what you think.

Cheers

Apologies..

I apologize to everyone for the absence. I have been admitted to hospital due to high fever.



But, I assure you all that I will be back ASAP.



Thank you for understanding..

Rush Hour 3 on 28th August, 2007

Oh wow.

Like that really makes a difference. Bring in the movie a day before it's actual showtime on Gulf cinemas. Like they did with Star Wars; Spiderman.

This movie has been out, cirulated more times than a daily newspaper could ever get around the whole country - and all thanks to the internet - and by now been seen by every person whose ever been in love with the Rush Hour series of movies.

Honestly, I totally agree with Muscati - Shatti Plaza haven't a clue on how to run a professional movie theatre.

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Link: - Shatti Plaza decides to bring in Rush Hour 3 on the 28th of August instead of the 29th.

so after yesterday - what exactly happened?

Everyone was expressing a happy birthday greeting and everyone was happy, shy and so humble when they came up to me to say they wished me a great day.

I got so many SMS's and calls - even internationally - for the same occasion.

I have to say, it really did make me feel good about myself. I thought being 29 would be a drag, now I can't wait to be 30. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha.

So what after that day? What after that glorious true momentum in the height of happiness? What happens now?

Now there's a more serious role and character to be rolled out not to the public, but unto me. For my well being. For my mental security. Pressing on the desires and needs that I want in my life; be that if I get married or not.

One of the features of turning 29 when you're a male of which I have noticed happen to me over a period of time is independency. Born a man, you have to realize a true fact of life. Woman mature at a younger age than men do. Therefore, men take their time until they reach a true moment of matureness; no matter how childish his behavior may be.

Hence, in that context, independency, is a feature of both the man & the woman's sign of maturity, i.e.: realizing they have to achieve things on their own without the help of their peers, spouses or legal guardians. But that's not to say that they steer clear away from trouble, as guidance is a necessity in all aspects of life - no matter how big or small.

To save up, to buy their own things, to not need to ask money or help when a solution is right there for them, etc. This is often sought through obtaining a medium whereby they can get the financial exchange or rewards for their services towards society, be it through a company or a governmental organization or a self employed agency.

To say that one grows wiser is about as intelligent a saying as doctors say about the elderly and how they lose their memory along the way up the 'staircase' - so to say; it just cannot be generalized.

So, back to that question.

What happens now?

We'll just have to wait & see; won't we?

29 today

Happy Birthday to me..

Happy Birthday to me...

Tralala lalalala leeee

I could've been a monkey, or a horsekey....

But I turned to be meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


It's my 29th birthday. Wow, that's a big number. Just wait until I become 70. Then, I won't be able to talk without my dentures. But I would sure be able to break-dance. roflmao

PS: Will add video later on to this blog post - so come back to check!

its about time...

Muscat Muncipality has finally decided to come to terms to deal with waiting work needed on the roads that had been damaged in the Gonu incident that hit the Sultanate of Oman, not too long ago.

Along the named projects to be worked upon are the dual carriageway of Wadi Addai/Amerat; and the service roads of Bowshar; Amerat; Quriyat; Seeb; Muttrah; Qurum beach road that links between Qurum/Sarooj; development of the Seeb sea front road; and rehabilitation of the Muttrah Corniche road.

All the new plans and drawings have been redesigned with consideration to anti-flood resistance measures in such cases as the past storm incident in Oman. All new work should start sometime around the month of September of 2007.

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- Link:

- Muscat Muncipality draws tenders for rehabilitation of damaged roads during severe weather conditions

no way hosay

Previously, I had announced that I would stop blogging by the end of this year - 2007/2008.

But I have reconsidered my decision, because I can't just give up my writing, it would be like giving up my soul for nothing - it's in my blood.

I love writing. And if it means that I breathe my last breathe whilst writing - so be it.

Writing is the soul within the soul. The very fabric that our minds define ourselves by. Our personality grows by it. It challenges us everyday to take on new heights, new experiences, new depths. It alone holds the secret to the human mind and what makes it 'tick'.

I am never going back on this decision unless it's a life or death matter.

Hopefully, it won't come to that - he he.

tied up

Right now I am very busy with a schedule of mock exams and two final exams to be prepared. That is why you don't see me publish a lot posts on my blog here, but you can still find me on the Oman Community Blog along with the other contributers posting about several other things that are either happening in the Sultanate of Oman or even just discussing issues of relevance between us all.

In any case, I wish I could sort out the kind of thoughts that are going through my mind right now because I have developed a slight case of insomniac that keeps me awake throughout the night until predawn timings plus I have been getting a lot of nightmares that don't make sense whatsoever.

I hope it all passes away very soon.

Transformers director vows not to direct sequel - part 2

It seems Michael Bay has been bought by the Paramount cash cow after posting on his blog that he is going back on his decision to direct Transformers 2 and supporting the HD-DVD camp 100%.

As he states:

'...I think I might be back on to do Transformers 2!'

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Link:
- Michael Bay "drinks the kool Aid," now supports HD-DVD

Transformers director vows not to direct sequel

Everyone has something on their mind these days that they want to achieve saying that if it isn't then they want nothing at all. They forgive nothing - not even themselves; nor even the people who - in the past - supported them.

This is the case with Michael Bay who along with Paramount brought the childhood heroes Transformers from a bunch of child's play toys in the 80's to the big screen spectacular that hit the cinemas this year all across the globe, grossing more than $600 million dollars in just a few days and making it the most successful movie that Hollywood has come up with since Independence Day and Pearl Harbor.

But, since the next generation industry has been in sway moves for the past two years over which side to support - be it the HD-DVD or Blu-Ray, a lot of studios have had a tough decision to come up with a winner; which until now is still an unprcendeted move that the entire entertainment industry awaits over who will topple who.

Now, Paramount & Dreamworks have decided to pullout their support for both formats and push it all the way for the HD-DVD. Stating that since the HD-DVD is lower in manufacturing costs it will be easier to supply to the consumer industry.

Having said that, Michael Bay the director of the Transformers movie epic, vowed not to direct the sequel by responding on his blog;

'

I want people to see my movies in the best formats possible. For them to deny people who have Blu-ray sucks! They were progressive by having two formats. No Transformers 2 for me!

'.

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Links:

- Michael responds to Paramount's abandonment of Blu-Ray: 'No Transformers for me!'

- Paramount, Dreamworks dropping Blu-Ray in favor of HD-DVD exclusivity

OCB suggestions

If you're a contributer of the Oman Community Blog (or you used to be but got removed for one reason or another) then this post would be somewhat important to you.

I have just update the OCB with a new post under the title 'Hands up, please...' regarding the recent comments due to the new amendments that I had tried to enforce on the blog, asking that the bloggers make their voices heard about this issue.

If you would like to participate in the blog's post, please click here.

Also, if you aren't currently a contributer to the blog, you can send your email address to me through this link so that I may add you to the list of contributers.

Thank you all...

proposed article in TimesofOman.com

Below you will find the newest article that was supposed to see it's way to being published on today's online edition of TimesofOman.com. But, unfortunately, it did not for a reason to which I do not know.

Please review it, and tell me your thoughts about the subject of the subject being discussed.

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Media Censorship

I used to be a very big supporter towards stopping censorship of different media news such as the news we see in the newspapers, TV, and even radio. And although I maintain my own private views with discretion over such issues locally and internationally, I have come to understand that some certain topics do actually require censorship to stop a waterfall effect that would prove negative directly and indirectly on other third parties.

I was always told to stay away – in matters of conversation – on topics about religion, politics and economics. As those were the three most topics that would otherwise cause a conflict in relationships, friendships and otherwise because of the clash of ideas, and perspectives.

As it stands, the Sultanate of Oman is still considered as a developing country, in the physical and mental sense. Since that it is still trying to catch up with everyone else in the world by bringing in modern technology, updating its cultural databases, and setting itself as a major international tourist hotspot for people across the globe. Along with that, there is also the matter of how our country's population constitutes of more than 75% people – male and female – under the age of 40 years. Something that stands as a challenge to develop the mental attributes of one's nation.

Therefore, being the most powerful medium into the minds of the people of the nation, it also carries a large burden on it's shoulders to uphold the responsibility of reporting true, justified facts along with setting the right momentum to pick the right time and place to hold a news headline that would not cause chaos unto the population that it stays in touch with.

I guess what I am trying to get at here is that I appreciate the freedoms that I have been given in Oman as a local as opposed to seeing the amount of chaos that could happen from an overload of freedom in the world outside the borders of my country