They say driving is courtesy. I tend to subscribe to the saying and abide by it. On the road I consider other peoples' urge to get home quickly from work and whenever I'm on the left lane I give way to faster vehicles.
However, I dread people who turn their head lights from a whooping 500 meters asking you to step away. I even hate it when somone shows silly attitude such as sticking up so close to the car. I've had 5 meter gaps between my car and the car behind. I don't mind drivers being fast and appraching my car while I'm on the left lane. I would certainly find a gap to my right and try to gave way.
Sadly, I feel the general driving attitude in Bahrain has been in constant decline when it comes to manners and courtesy. I, for one, never swore at any driver and made sure they saw I was swearing.
Today, some silly asshole comes from a far distance while flashing their head light and sticking up my ass as close as 3 or 4 meters. THAT'S fucking dangerous and it's not acceptable. Any step on my breaks would mean a crash and the consequences are terrible to both cars and to whoever is on the road.
So this shithead comes with an attitude flashing his headlights like he own the road, horns like a maniac and can clearly see I can't move to the right because there are so many bloody cars. Anyway, he keeps on pressing the car horn and I signaled him to wait a bit with my hand until I find a fucking gap. As soon as I try to go to the right, the asshole must have been doing 150 Km/H going from the left lane to the right most lane (3 lanes to my right) and comes in front of me. He waives his hands saying "Bye Bye I managed to cross you". For the very first time in my life on the road here I laughed and I thought the occasion deserves a sweet finger.
...And finger he got.
WTF is wrong with people these days, no manners on the road!! Must I go so low!!!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
Jelly Fish attack
I've seen a swarm of jelly's in our waters before but this many!!! The images were taken on the 28Th of June near Bahrain's coast (Not exactly sure if this was near Qraya or Al-Bandar)
I've seen two types of Jelly fishes here in Bahrain. The type you see in the images below (don't know what it's called) and another one locally referred to as "El-Dour". Now from what people tell me that bare skin contact with the first type causes some itchiness that goes away quickly and may be a bit annoying. Besides this type's length could go up to 1ft or just a margin above.
However, with the "El-Dour", contact will seem like an electrical shock which is quit painful and may cause some swelling in the area of contact.
As a diver, I learned to cure this immediately with Vinegar. Vinegar neutralises the area of contact. It's very important not to scratch the affected area (poisonous cells from the jelly fish may be spread around), NOT to pour fresh water on it and not go under direct sunlight for a while until the pain goes away. In severe cases it's recommended to apply a Hot pack. Hot pack is an essential part of the diving medical kit which heats up to 45C or 50C. The idea in applying heat is a universal solution to slowing down poison in general and not just for jelly fish stings. The analogy behind that is that poison is composed of proteins. And the effect of such protein wears off by cooking it (Applying heat to it).
The average "El-Dour" jelly's length could be around 2ft to 4ft. However, I have seen up to 10ft long here in Bahrain. Long tentacles! I thank god our jelly stings are not fatal or serious. Some countries like Australia have deadly ones such as the box jelly fish and the blue bottle.
I've seen two types of Jelly fishes here in Bahrain. The type you see in the images below (don't know what it's called) and another one locally referred to as "El-Dour". Now from what people tell me that bare skin contact with the first type causes some itchiness that goes away quickly and may be a bit annoying. Besides this type's length could go up to 1ft or just a margin above.
However, with the "El-Dour", contact will seem like an electrical shock which is quit painful and may cause some swelling in the area of contact.
As a diver, I learned to cure this immediately with Vinegar. Vinegar neutralises the area of contact. It's very important not to scratch the affected area (poisonous cells from the jelly fish may be spread around), NOT to pour fresh water on it and not go under direct sunlight for a while until the pain goes away. In severe cases it's recommended to apply a Hot pack. Hot pack is an essential part of the diving medical kit which heats up to 45C or 50C. The idea in applying heat is a universal solution to slowing down poison in general and not just for jelly fish stings. The analogy behind that is that poison is composed of proteins. And the effect of such protein wears off by cooking it (Applying heat to it).
The average "El-Dour" jelly's length could be around 2ft to 4ft. However, I have seen up to 10ft long here in Bahrain. Long tentacles! I thank god our jelly stings are not fatal or serious. Some countries like Australia have deadly ones such as the box jelly fish and the blue bottle.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Salary Raise
With the recent news on salary adjustment in NBB of 15% and ABC's matching 1% increase, now we all have a serious raise in our salary expectations!
The raise must have come from the pressure exertion by the voices of employees of NBB (Bravo if so); otherwise if it was the bankers' union, we would all be happy with a raise (whatever the percentage really, you can't complain). Will all banks or companies go under pressure for adjustments too?
Should our organisations really be affected by whatever pressure to make any adjustement if not equivalent? Personally, I would love for an adjustment to be made (who wouldn't?) but if I was the CEO, I think I might be tempted to resist raising any expectations within my organisation in the very short run. However, that's a very political situation for a decision maker; "Should I or should I not?", "What if I do, and what if I don't?". It would be an interesting period ahead of us I must say.
How would any organisation play this given the expected 9% GOSI deduction within the next 2 years, unpredictable stability in the region, inflation (Aaaahh, our new age sorrow) and the general workers' mood in this country? I think while the cries of the worker class seems to get louder, the situation may only server a tiny proportion of that class. To the rest of us, god bless us!
The raise must have come from the pressure exertion by the voices of employees of NBB (Bravo if so); otherwise if it was the bankers' union, we would all be happy with a raise (whatever the percentage really, you can't complain). Will all banks or companies go under pressure for adjustments too?
Should our organisations really be affected by whatever pressure to make any adjustement if not equivalent? Personally, I would love for an adjustment to be made (who wouldn't?) but if I was the CEO, I think I might be tempted to resist raising any expectations within my organisation in the very short run. However, that's a very political situation for a decision maker; "Should I or should I not?", "What if I do, and what if I don't?". It would be an interesting period ahead of us I must say.
How would any organisation play this given the expected 9% GOSI deduction within the next 2 years, unpredictable stability in the region, inflation (Aaaahh, our new age sorrow) and the general workers' mood in this country? I think while the cries of the worker class seems to get louder, the situation may only server a tiny proportion of that class. To the rest of us, god bless us!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Bahrain is swelling
You know things in the country are sort of itching everyone these days. In almost every conversation I hear someone complaining about prices and life in this place.
Let's go over some of the events:
The Universal Pain: Land prices have risen at least 400% in the last 3 - 4 years!! Figuratively, lands in A'ali jumped from around 3 BD to over 12 BD and sometimes 15BD or 16BD. The previous trend has completely transformed from people trying to get the enough 20K-25K loan to secure a land and make a living to a master plan of Housing Loan - hehehe coming shortly - preferably a 40K and then try in get another 15K or 20K to buy a descent 80X60 ft land. People are trying to make a life living in flats now. Were we really short of lands to allow foreign investment in our residential lands?
The Couples' Dream: A.K.A the famous housing loan. Aside from its previous problems like a long wait to get it (For those who got financed during the bull land phase, they were probably the biggest losers!). I personally applied for one but got rejected because the housing ministry have introduced a new rule by which one does not qualify for a property buying loan if one's salary - including the spouse - exceeds 1,200BD which as I have been told might still get even lower to 1,000BD. So those like me, I will have to finance my property by a mortgage loan. Lets say I will be needing 70K to 90K and scheduled over 20 to 25 years I'll have to pay a whooping 600BD in installments on monthly basis and total repayment of 110K!!!!!! Let's not forget schooling fees, other expenses!!!
Crazy Inflation: With 10,000 construction projects it's no wonder to see just iron prices hit from 1BD to 1.3BD in just a quarter! Iron rod prices where much lower 2 years ago. Materials have increased by at least 200% - 300% over the last 3 years too. I won't say much about other goods and services since the whole country is complaining about rice, fish and poultry. Let's not forget the poor sellers in the Central Market whom we see articles and interviews about once in a while (No air conditioning, low meat stock, not as much buyers)
Bloody Traffic: Has anyone noticed that the general mood for going out has completely changed? I remember people going out almost everyday for car cruises. Some just cruise around and some take their children for cruises. I, personally, hate this these days because the whole place is invested with 2 things; Cars and Traffic lights.
The Extra Terrestrial: This is shady! So you've heard of the minority societies introduced significantly in the country where their children have entered the education system and sooner or later all your sons and daughters will have to compete for jobs - inshallah when they graduate - and lands -if any remains till then - with them. People must have heard about the school bullying incidents in Riffa and Hamad Town.
This is what a descent income ranged individual is saying. I think the view is even different for those with low income.
I think I can go on mentioning more things but I hate politics and I'd rather leave the floor for those who know it better.
I'll be back with more pain, Asta Lavista
Let's go over some of the events:
The Universal Pain: Land prices have risen at least 400% in the last 3 - 4 years!! Figuratively, lands in A'ali jumped from around 3 BD to over 12 BD and sometimes 15BD or 16BD. The previous trend has completely transformed from people trying to get the enough 20K-25K loan to secure a land and make a living to a master plan of Housing Loan - hehehe coming shortly - preferably a 40K and then try in get another 15K or 20K to buy a descent 80X60 ft land. People are trying to make a life living in flats now. Were we really short of lands to allow foreign investment in our residential lands?
The Couples' Dream: A.K.A the famous housing loan. Aside from its previous problems like a long wait to get it (For those who got financed during the bull land phase, they were probably the biggest losers!). I personally applied for one but got rejected because the housing ministry have introduced a new rule by which one does not qualify for a property buying loan if one's salary - including the spouse - exceeds 1,200BD which as I have been told might still get even lower to 1,000BD. So those like me, I will have to finance my property by a mortgage loan. Lets say I will be needing 70K to 90K and scheduled over 20 to 25 years I'll have to pay a whooping 600BD in installments on monthly basis and total repayment of 110K!!!!!! Let's not forget schooling fees, other expenses!!!
Crazy Inflation: With 10,000 construction projects it's no wonder to see just iron prices hit from 1BD to 1.3BD in just a quarter! Iron rod prices where much lower 2 years ago. Materials have increased by at least 200% - 300% over the last 3 years too. I won't say much about other goods and services since the whole country is complaining about rice, fish and poultry. Let's not forget the poor sellers in the Central Market whom we see articles and interviews about once in a while (No air conditioning, low meat stock, not as much buyers)
Bloody Traffic: Has anyone noticed that the general mood for going out has completely changed? I remember people going out almost everyday for car cruises. Some just cruise around and some take their children for cruises. I, personally, hate this these days because the whole place is invested with 2 things; Cars and Traffic lights.
The Extra Terrestrial: This is shady! So you've heard of the minority societies introduced significantly in the country where their children have entered the education system and sooner or later all your sons and daughters will have to compete for jobs - inshallah when they graduate - and lands -if any remains till then - with them. People must have heard about the school bullying incidents in Riffa and Hamad Town.
This is what a descent income ranged individual is saying. I think the view is even different for those with low income.
I think I can go on mentioning more things but I hate politics and I'd rather leave the floor for those who know it better.
I'll be back with more pain, Asta Lavista
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Playing with Great Whites
Out of the many shark species that dwell the waters, you would probably think -because of Jaws - that Great Whites are by far the most aggressive. Trust me they are, but I wouldn't say they're the most aggressive since bull sharks and tigers come into the competition.
There are cage dive trips for tourists in South Africa, Australia and the US which give those seeking a close and safe encounter with great white sharks one hell of an experience (I would certainly love to try it). The key word here is safe and behind a cage. Basically you know you can see the beast and not get hurt - unless you're stupid enough to leave a limb or an arm out -.
Guess what, some people go beyond cages. Actually no cages: http://fleander.blogspot.com/search/label/Mike%20Rutzen
Watch the video and smile.
There are cage dive trips for tourists in South Africa, Australia and the US which give those seeking a close and safe encounter with great white sharks one hell of an experience (I would certainly love to try it). The key word here is safe and behind a cage. Basically you know you can see the beast and not get hurt - unless you're stupid enough to leave a limb or an arm out -.
Guess what, some people go beyond cages. Actually no cages: http://fleander.blogspot.com/search/label/Mike%20Rutzen
Watch the video and smile.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Woke up again...
Well it's been some time since I last made a post here. Can't blame me, I got busy with lots of stuff especially setting up my nest :)
I am building my casa next to my house which is a decent flat. The flat has everything apart for a kitchen which I don't really need given that there are two kitchens at home -Food is always served, thank god-. However, I have provisioned for a small kitchen on the side which will have a water boiler for tea and coffee, nice double sink, electrical stove for making eggs and perhaps a microwave. I will also have some storage for utensils, so that's more than enough for a kitchen. the whole idea is not to spend money in flat rental for convenience and obviously saving money. Besides I'll be near my house if I need anything.
I can't want to get the necessities over because my focus needs to be on these toys:
that would probably cost me more than what the whole flat is already costing me!
Other than my flat, my whole life has been spinning around what the future of this country is going to become socially! Inflation, Lands, Aliens, Corruption, Work and possibility of war in the region.
The good thing is that I stopped nagging about things. I either do something about it or just shut up and accept things, but no nagging :)
I am building my casa next to my house which is a decent flat. The flat has everything apart for a kitchen which I don't really need given that there are two kitchens at home -Food is always served, thank god-. However, I have provisioned for a small kitchen on the side which will have a water boiler for tea and coffee, nice double sink, electrical stove for making eggs and perhaps a microwave. I will also have some storage for utensils, so that's more than enough for a kitchen. the whole idea is not to spend money in flat rental for convenience and obviously saving money. Besides I'll be near my house if I need anything.
I can't want to get the necessities over because my focus needs to be on these toys:
- A ****ing 45" LCD
- PS3, Wii and XBOX
- Speakers everywhere
- New PC (not just any new PC)
- LazyBoy
- DVD, BlueRay -whatever- Something that plays movies and series
- DreamBox
- Drums Set
that would probably cost me more than what the whole flat is already costing me!
Other than my flat, my whole life has been spinning around what the future of this country is going to become socially! Inflation, Lands, Aliens, Corruption, Work and possibility of war in the region.
The good thing is that I stopped nagging about things. I either do something about it or just shut up and accept things, but no nagging :)
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Cold Water Diving
Up until I experienced a cold water dive, I was always thinking about Ice Diving -being the nut head that I am-. Yesterday we went out for a fun dive to a 15meter depth site. Waters in the sea were getting way too rough. We're talking 5 feet plus. The boat was rocking and there was just no way for us to gear up and jump in that site.
So we decided to change the location to a less rough area with a 6-7 meter depth. The scary part wasn't the rough waves... On the contrary I love a bit of adventure. The scary part was that first contact with the water knowing the temperature was 19c!!!
With the think suite (at least I thought) I was wearing I made a jump into the water and my god it was cold! With 5 divers in the water and 20 minutes into the dive 3 of us went up, because you consume lots of air in cold water and you do loose energy. I hadn't known until I tried it.
With two of us left underwater, we decided to challenge our limits and continue until our air was out or the time was up. Fortunately, our air went out and we managed a 45 minute dive in cold water. The experience was amazing because it got me shivering in the last 10 minutes. I had to continue the dive to know my limit plus understand the suit I was wearing.
When I got out of the water, everything was warm in comparision to 6 meter down there. I was happy to have tried something different and yet even happier to have understood my limitations.
So we decided to change the location to a less rough area with a 6-7 meter depth. The scary part wasn't the rough waves... On the contrary I love a bit of adventure. The scary part was that first contact with the water knowing the temperature was 19c!!!
With the think suite (at least I thought) I was wearing I made a jump into the water and my god it was cold! With 5 divers in the water and 20 minutes into the dive 3 of us went up, because you consume lots of air in cold water and you do loose energy. I hadn't known until I tried it.
With two of us left underwater, we decided to challenge our limits and continue until our air was out or the time was up. Fortunately, our air went out and we managed a 45 minute dive in cold water. The experience was amazing because it got me shivering in the last 10 minutes. I had to continue the dive to know my limit plus understand the suit I was wearing.
When I got out of the water, everything was warm in comparision to 6 meter down there. I was happy to have tried something different and yet even happier to have understood my limitations.
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