Thursday, October 27, 2005


Technical Difficulties PART II

Here is a webshot of the popup - for the curious ones ( hattip P-Craig). Still trying to delete the java thingys ( or whatever they are called) which caused it. Interesting popup don't you think ;)



I'll get back to proper blogging soon.

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Technical difficulties...


It has been brought to my attention that some of you were experiencing difficulties in accessing the comment section. Until yesterday Saturday, I was able to use the comment section, and it does not seem like Blogger are doing any maintenance on their site, but I had been getting some spam lately so that may have been the cause . Anyway I have reset and republished the whole template to try and get around this bug and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Also some of you have been getting pop-up ads when loading the blog . I don't know how that happened either as I have no commercial ads on my site at all, and I'm not sure if it depends on which browser you use. Programmer_Craig who first noticed this suggested it might be because of my "make poverty history" banner, I'm not sure it is because of that as there were no problems before ..but I'm going to do my best to trace this thing and eliminate it , if I need to remove the banner I'll just have to do it.

In the meantime, please all be patient , stick around and don't be discouraged.

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Snippets ..here and there

Libya calls for an international investigation into the death of Yasser Arafat...and I say why not if so many suspicions are held, many people would like to know the truth once and for all, just like Hariri's death is being investigated.
My theory: it's an inside job he has been poisoned by either the Abu Mazen gang or another hopeful...


On another note with regards to the devastating earthquake in Pakistan I'm pleased to see that Libya is sending relief :

'A plane carrying 40 tones of food from the Libyan people arrived in Islamabad airport Tuesday morning.
Sources at the General Peoples Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation told Jana reporter that this air bridge will continue, as tomorrow Wednesday, another cargo plane will transport tents and blankets. ' Here is the link scroll to Tuesday 11th October JANA NEWS (I'm not sure the link stays live for long though).

This is all great news as the desperate families in Pakistan need a lot of things, however I'm wondering if they will get a hundred million dollars from us like the victims of Katrina?

Related post.


Oh and by the way ...MaGdee from The Rossetta Stone is back from his honeymoon dare I say we missed you;) or will that get you in trouble?

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

A python in Libya ?

As far as I know this is not a typical Libyan fauna, so it was more likely someone's pet who got dumped later .. This is crazy and irresponsible. But I don't know the story about it, just received it by email saying that it was found in South Tripoli hmm.. I'm waiting for updates. I'm really curious how this monster got here. If someone reading this blog knows anything please share with us.




Libyan Canadian blogger

Nura's blog is proving to be a treasure throve of bloggers :) here is Aisha a Canadian blogger of Libyan origin who has just established her own blog Aisha's musings ...she thinks she has nothing to say , but I'm sure you have tons of questions to ask her ... Aisha welcome and hope you enjoy it; this new dimension of virtual reality ... we are a fun lot: The Libyans....

On another note since there are so many Libyan bloggers it may be time to think of making some kind of aggregator - or whatever that is called - but I'm technically hopeless so if someone can give me some hints out there it would be appreciated . Though I won't be able to work on that till the end of the month.

Monday, October 10, 2005

Hur al3ayn - aka the '72 virgins' - and other Ramadan TV series

Sandmonkey is surprised that "there is a syrian TV-show, being broadcasted on a Saudi-owned TV network, during Ramadan, that attacks terrorism and Jihadis."

I was deploring the fact that I have no satellite TV to watch here while abroad ..but look forward to seeing the re-run or at least the last episodes soon, but I did not think that the foreign media will pick up on what we watch in Ramadan ;) Boy was I wrong eh ? This series is now going to be praised in the West and damned by the militants lol.

Najdat Anzour's series are ALWAYS great, the man is a genius.

Let's recall another controversial series last Ramadan : The Road to Kabul a love story in Afghanistan, which had to be taken off the air, apparently due to threats from militants also who did not want any badmouthing of the Taliban.
But somebody has another plausible 'conspiracy' theory and rumours :

'One such is that Condoleezza Rice, President George W Bush's national security advisor, phoned the Qatari leaders to ask them not to air the series.'

interesting

'The series is woven around a love story between a Palestinian whose parents lost their homes when Israel was created, and an Afghan woman whose family were forced to flee Kabul when the Communists seized power in 1979.
Once he develops an interest in the Afghan imbroglio, the Palestinian quickly concludes that this is the wrong war, provoked by the United States against the Soviet Union in the context of the Cold War. In one dramatic scene, he gives an Arab volunteer who is going to Afghanistan a lecture on how the whole thing is an American conspiracy to divert attention from the only war that matters: The war to liberate Palestine, presumably by wiping Israel off the map.
That view is hammered in throughout. One scene shows American intelligence agents encouraging Afghans to grow opium poppies that can then be used to produce heroin to be sold to Soviet soldiers.'

very very interesting...it's a pity they cancelled it .

Apparently the series 'suggests that the jihadists chose the wrong enemy.'

No Comment .

Check the whole essay here.

Talking about controversial Ramadan series, we can't forget the Egyptian Horseman without a Horse aired in 2002 in spite of US and Israeli requests that it be banned as anti-Semitic, because *gasp* 'it includes a sub-plot involving a [n allegedly] forged document - the Protocols of the Elders of Zion'. It gets funnier because forty-six members of the US Congress saw it as their duty to actually send a letter to President Mubarak expressing concern about it. hmmm talk about heavy lobbying here. If they had actually watched the show this is what they would find, read Alahram article about it.

'The show reviews the history of Arab struggle against imperialism, from Ottoman rule to British occupation. It tackles the Balfour Declaration and the role of imperialism in planting Israel in the region, together with the Jewish assault on the rights of the Palestinian people. The show only mentions The Protocols in passing.'

I enjoyed watching the show even though I think that Muhamad Subhi 's ( Egyptian actor) theatrical antics were overdone. But honestly without the hysterical outpouring from the international media I probably would have skipped it .. on hindsight maybe they should not have concentrated on it mush kiddah ? ;)

Thank you ( to whoever is in charge) for not cancelling it and hardluck for caving in on The Road to Kabul

Here is a good list of this year's Arab crop, here also . Unfortunately I can't see any of these at the moment. So I get to watch only one Ramadan series on Masriya TV: Places in the Heart- which so far looks a tiny bit *ahem* controversial to me..... more on that later ;) excuse me now I have to go and break my fast....
Yet another Libyan blogger

I think this post is becoming a feature spot now .. ladies and gentlemen I discovered this young Libyan medical student blogging from Indiana ( US) on Nura's website.. . Welcome Ayman Grada. And a bonus ..he's got two blogs : The Oasis and a place he calls HIVstop AIDS and he is learning French I think. You go Ayman.
The Lockerbie bomb -revisited

Was Libya and the Libyan citizen now in jail setup for larger and more evil political plotting and scheming ? I've always maintained that there is a larger chance that my country had nothing to do with this atrocious event, that we should look beyond to WHO benefits ? Cui bono and Cuoi prodest? These are the questions we should always ask ourselves. People just don't shoot themselves in the eye if they are already in a tight spot. It is the same thing with the Hariri assassination...why would the Syrians be so stupid ?

There has been talk recently of a lot of irregularities at the trial of Megrahi:

The fresh doubts over the forensic evidence are being considered alongside recent claims by an anonymous former Scottish police chief who last month gave Megrahi's lawyers a sworn signed (please check the links on the right in The Scotsman) statement claiming that key evidence in the trial was fabricated.

After the trial, legal observers from around the world, including senior United Nations officials, expressed disquiet about the verdict. Many believed the true suspects in the case were members of the Syrian-led Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine General Command (PFLP-GC), a terror group backed by Iranian cash. Documents leaked from the US Defence Intelligence Agency two years after the Libyans were identified as the prime suspects still blamed the PFLP-GC.

Further tests are now set to be conducted to see how the mix-up happened.

Not accusing anyone here ..I have my little theory on the subject. But paying compensation to the victims is insignificant to get out of international isolation, if that is the price even if he is innocent because stagnancy on the issue dragged on too long. As the old adage says "when you can't beat them .join them !".
If further evidence prove he is innocent, then he should be compensated, Libyans should be compensated, the compensation money we paid should be returned and the world will owes us a collective apology. If he is not innocent ..well he is in prison anyway and compensations to victims have been settled. All is legal.

Memeeeeeeeeee again

Redenclave is definetely curious about us bloggers ;) ( just joking are'nt we all?)..thanks for tagging me again sweetie. Well I guess I should not procrastinate more now should I ?

1. LAST MOVIE YOU SAW IN A THEATER:War of the Worlds
2. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?Harry Potter and the half blood prince.
3. FAVORITE BOARD GAME?Does monopoly count? Somebody is teaching me chess also ...and I'm enjoying it immensely ;)
4. FAVORITE MAGAZINE? The Economist, Top Sante , Science et Vie , Zahrat Al Khaleej.
5. FAVORITE SMELL? baby
6.FAVORITE FOOD? lasagna
7. FAVORITE SOUND? my car engine
8. WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD? loosing
9. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP? thank God I can still get up
10. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?Any street shawerma stall in SYRIA!They are the best in the world.
11. FUTURE CHILD'S NAME: I'm not telling you that ....
12. FINISH THIS STATEMENT. IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY: I would help my family and sponsor some orphans.
13. DO YOU DRIVE FAST? Do you need to ask ? I'm a road hazard !
14. DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? No comment
15. STORMS-COOL OR SCARY? It depends, if you're home safe then they are cool ..otherwise hmm.
16. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? Renault 5
17. FAVORITE DRINK? strawberry milkshake
18. FINISH THIS STATEMENT, "IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD...": watch more movies.
19. DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI?yes!
20. IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY COLOR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE? NO WAY ...I love my hair
21. NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS YOU HAVE LIVED IN:Please go to this map here for full information.
22. HALF EMPTY OR FULL? empty
23. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH: Are you kidding?
24. ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS! she is very photogenic!
25. MORNING PERSON, OR NIGHT OWL? 24/7
26. OVER EASY, OR SUNNY SIDE UP? well done
27. FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX? Bed
28. FAVORITE PIE : cherry pie

Alan K ...you are tagged my friend .... the rest ;) consider yourself tagged and start thinking hard about those answers ...you know what I meant right ?
A harvest of souls -Pakistan

There are too many sad news going around the world lately, it seems like the Archangel Asrael is having a field day, from Katrina, to Rita, to Stan, to Pakistan, India and Afhganistan, not forgetting the daily souls reaped in Iraq...and now there are warnings over the flood defenses in London ...too many deaths too many tragedies ...... I'm just wandering is it the end of times? It is depressing but what is more depressing is how come Pakistan is not receiving massive aid from other Muslim countries ? This is so far the list of pledged aid . This is the list for Katrina and Muslims donating to Katrina relief even Libya has donated 100 million dollars .

Quote Sunday, 25 September, 2005: When Hurricane Katrina smashed into the Gulf Coast, Americans and people from around the world were quick to offer help. And although some Muslim-dominated nations have been at odds with the U.S. in recent years, those nations were among the most generous donors. Kuwait provided $500 million in oil and cash; Saudi Arabia donated $255 million; and Qatar and Libya each donated $100 million. The U.S. Muslim Hurricane Relief Task Force donated $10 million. Total Katrina aid from Muslims and Muslim-dominated nations exceeded $1 billion. A disaster such as Katrina tends to erase political antipathies. [Tucson Citizen] Unquote

Ok still too depressed to think . May God rest their souls in peace especially that it is Ramadan.

Sunday, October 09, 2005

Ramadanyat... the humour continues

...some cartoons about Ramadan effects from the local media.....
(thank you N. )




cats partying in expectation of lots of leftover food ....



Libyan family comparing Ramadan and the football World Cup.... ( anyone wanting to volunteer a clarification or translation is welcome).

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Customer Helpdesk

Well I've already wished everyone a Blessed Ramadan and Khadijateri has a wonderful essay about Ramadan in Libya so if you wish to learn about it that is a very no nonsense version with non of the obscure jargon ..go on click on the link.

So in the meantime I received this email, and though it might be a little bit cheesy I thought I'd share a few laughs with you -- at least I laughed , but maybe you have already read these before ? ..whatever..

The following are true telephone conversations recorded from various Help Desks around the U.K :

Helpdesk: What kind of computer do you have ? Customer: A white one... *********************************************
Customer: Hi, this is Celine. I can't get my diskette out.
Helpdesk: Have you tried pushing the button ?
Customer: Yes, but it's really stuck.
Helpdesk: That doesn't sound good; I'll make a note ...
Customer: No ... wait a minute... I hadn't inserted it yet... it's still on my desk... sorry . *******************************************************************
Helpdesk: Click on the 'my computer' icon on to the left of the screen.
Customer: Your left or my left ?
*****************************************************************
Helpdesk: Good day. How may I help you ?
Customer: Hello... I can't print. Helpdesk: Would you click on start for me and ...
Customer: Listen pal; don't start getting technical on me ! I'm >>>not Bill Gates damn it ! >>> ******************************************************************
Customer: Hi good afternoon, this is Martha, I can't print. Everytime I try it says 'Can't find printer'. I've even lifted the printer and placed it in front of the monitor, but the computer still says he can't find it... *******************************************************************
Customer: I have problems printing in red...
Helpdesk: Do you have a colour printer ?
Customer: No.
*****************************************************************
Helpdesk: What's on your monitor now ma'am ?
Customer: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me in the supermarket. *****************************************************************
Helpdesk: And now hit F8.
Customer: It's not working.
Helpdesk: What did you do, exactly?
Customer: I hit the F-key 8-times as you told me, but nothing's happening. ****************************************************************
Customer: My keyboard is not working anymore.
Helpdesk: Are you sure it's plugged into the computer ?
Customer: No. I can't get behind the computer.
***************************************************************
Helpdesk: Pick up your keyboard and walk 10 feet away.
Customer: OK Helpdesk: Did the keyboard come with you ?
Customer: Yes Helpdesk: That means the keyboard is not plugged in. I
s there another keyboard?
Customer: Yes, there's another one here. Ah...that one does work ! *******************************************************************
Helpdesk: Your password is the small letter a as in apple, a capital letter V as in Victor, the number 7.
Customer: Is that 7 in capital letters? *******************************************************************
A customer couldn't get on the internet:
Helpdesk: Are you sure you used the right password ?
Customer: Yes I'm sure. I saw my colleague do it.
Helpdesk: Can you tell me what the password was ?
Customer: Five stars.
******************************************************************
Helpdesk: What antivirus program do you use?
Customer: Netscape.
Helpdesk: That's not an antivirus program.
Customer: Oh, sorry...Internet Explorer. ********************************************************************
Customer: I have a huge problem. A friend has placed a screensaver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears !
********************************************************************
Helpdesk: Microsoft Tech. Support, may I help you?
Customer: Good afternoon! I have waited over 4 hours for you. Can you please tell me how long it will take before you can help me?
Helpdesk: Uhh..? Pardon, I don't understand your problem?
Customer: I was working in Word and clicked the help button more than 4 hours ago. Can you tell me when you will finally be helping me?
*******************************************************************
Helpdesk: How may I help you?
Customer: I'm writing my first e-mail.
Helpdesk: OK, and, what seems to be the problem ?
Customer: Well, I have the letter a, but how do I get the circle around it ?

Next time I phone any customer service helpdesk ( I know they always record stuff in the UK) I am so going to watch what stupid nonsense I will be uttering . I'm not sure how technically challenged the above people were, but really I can't totally blame them, I've done worse things and they were a major embarassment ..hmmm I still don't feel I can share them here ...no one will ever read this blog again if I do , thank God they did not cath me on tape ...hmmm ok now to think of it maybe they did ...*gasp* I'm outta here.

Monday, October 03, 2005

Libya Solar eclipse October 2005 and March 2006


I wanted to mention this event but was waiting for the date to be near to talk about it. However, blogger Khadijateri broached the subject earlier last month and since I won't be in Libya for the event. I would like to ask her and the other bloggers and readers in Libya to check it out on my behalf and tell me how it went, any photos would be welcome of course.

In the meantime I'll leave you with the following

courtesy of LJBC.net I just copy pasted the article below

Libya will become a tourist destination and a perfect place for sky gazers as it will witness two solar eclipses in October 2005 and March 2006.

Researchers and astronomers, and even sky watchers will flock to Libya (I hope) to enjoy a spectacular view of the two eclipses, as Libya is in prime position for the solar eclipses.

The first eclipse is a partial one and will take place on October 3rd 2005. It is confined to the Eastern Hemisphere. The track of the annular eclipse crosses the Iberian Peninsula and stretches across the African continent. Europe, Western Asia, the Middle East, India and most of Africa will fall within the Moon's penumbral shadow.

Six months later Libya will cast into darkness as a total eclipse will be visible in the skies. On 29 March 2006, a total eclipse will be visible from north and central Africa, Turkey and southern Russia, ending at sunset in western Mongolia. A partial eclipse will be seen across the northern two-thirds of Africa, central Asia and Europe.

The Libyan Center for Space Sciences and Remote Sensing said it has received many applications from world researches who wish to visit Libya and study this phenomenon.

“ Libya’s total eclipse will last longer than other countries because of the fine weather and clear skies here, in addition to the location of monitoring center, which will be stationed in the desert.” The Center said in a statement.

Heading for Libya

Tourists and sky gazers will rush to the country to caught glimpses of this spectacular phenomenon which is expected to propel Libya to the top of the heap.
( I'm not there yet so I would not know )

Holiday company "Explorers" is offering tours to Libya to enable curious eclipse-hunters enjoy a better view of the solar eclipse.

“Already 90 per cent of the places have been sold and we are now searching for a second vessel to cope with the influx of travelers.” The company said.

"It is a very, very beautiful event and I defy anybody not to be moved by it," says Brian McGee, of the holiday company Explorers.

The programme went on sale with prices ranging from £1,000 to £2,000. All the cheaper cabins sold out quickly. At close of business only 10 per cent of the original 600-plus places remained. Mr. McGee, who has been organizing eclipse expeditions since the Kazakhstan event in 1981, said: "I've never known an eclipse exhibition to sell so fast".

On the day of the eclipse, passengers will make a 4am start by bus to the viewing site deep in the Sahara; after the event, they will be taken back to the ship and set sail.

Libya is already preparing to cope with the expected influx of tourists. The Secretary of Tourism has held meetings with some specialists and experts from the Secretariat of the General People’s Committee for Tourism and the Libyan Center for Space Sciences and Remote Sensing.

The meetings focused on the preparations to receive thousands of tourists and researches, and offer all facilities to them.

“ This phenomenon is a good opportunity to build-up tourism in Libya, and a lot of tourists will arrive here to enjoy the solar eclipse and visit the country’s archeological site, so we should prepare our selves to accommodate the huge numbers of tourists.” The Secretary said.

Specialized Committees have been set up to arrange and plan the reception of tourists, and build desert camps to them where they can catch a better view of the solar eclipse. The propgramme includes visiting some of the ancient sites.

Solar eclipses

An eclipse of the Sun (or solar eclipse) can only occur at New Moon when the Moon passes between Earth and Sun. If the Moon's shadow happens to fall upon Earth's surface at that time, we see some portion of the Sun's disk covered or 'eclipsed' by the Moon.

Since New Moon occurs every 29 1/2 days, you might think that we should have a solar eclipse about once a month. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen because the Moon's orbit around Earth is tilted 5 degrees to Earth's orbit around the Sun.

As a result, the Moon's shadow usually misses Earth as it passes above or below our planet at New Moon. At least twice a year, the geometry lines up just right so that some part of the Moon's shadow falls on Earth's surface and an eclipse of the Sun is seen from that region.

The Moon's shadow actually has two parts:
Penumbra - Faint outer shadow; partial eclipses are seen from within this shadow.

Umbra- Dark inner shadow; total eclipses are seen from within this shadow.

When only the Moon's penumbral shadow strikes Earth, we see a partial eclipse of the Sun from that region.

Partial eclipses are dangerous to look at because the un-eclipsed part of the Sun is still very bright. You must use special filters or a home-made pinhole projector to safely watch a partial eclipse of the Sun.

However, if the Moon's dark umbral shadow sweeps across Earth's surface, then a total eclipse of the Sun is seen. The track of the Moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the Path of Totality. It is typically 10,000 miles long but only 100 miles or so wide. In order to see the Sun totally eclipsed by the Moon, you must be in the path of totality.

The total phase of a solar eclipse is very brief. It rarely lasts more than several minutes. Nevertheless, it is considered to be one of the most awe inspiring spectacles in all of nature. The sky takes on an eerie twilight as the Sun's bright face is replaced by the black disk of the Moon. Surrounding the Moon is a beautiful gossamer halo.

Libya's last total solar eclipse took place in August 30th 1905. The Western North part of the country fell in darkness for 3 minutes and 46 seconds.



These people are providing tours to Libya for the eclipse and the Explore company as well.

The Beebs says 'it should be quite a show' check their article here ...oh why am I away when there is fun ?

Saturday, October 01, 2005

Stolen moments

Ok I haven' t done much blogging lately I apologise to anyone who is still interested in this site ;) to keep coming. I have personal reasons and will blog about them when it's all over .

Today I've managed to steal some moments from those reasons and to try and update this blog before I 'loose all my fans' as one guy said in an email ;) ..guess this will be a longuish post ...so keep scrolling till the end ...no it's not a farewell ..I'm not dying..at least not yet ....

Now first on the list ...I've stolen this test from the Egyptian Sandmonkey ( check out his results and that of his readers) , well I turned out to be *gasp* Democrat ! I don't know if I like it that much knowing the connotations ...lol but another friend told me "at least it was not socialist" so I guess I should count my lucky stars and pin up the results here....31% economic permissive is that bad ? Anyone please explain


You are a

Social Moderate
(56% permissive)

and an...

Economic Liberal
(31% permissive)

You are best described as a:

Democrat




Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid

Just make sure to read all today's 5 posts see below :)

The second post for today ...

...a meme ( again ? they are everywhere)

Sandmonkey tagged me for this one ...and I have not been lazy but have my reasons ( see here) . So since I have a few stolen moments ..I will take care of all the stuff that I have postponed lately.

10 years ago- I had just finished an important chapter of my life and look forward to the next one with hope and anticipation.

5 years ago- I turned the page of another cornerstone in my life which would set the pace for the next decade ...it's all about choices I guess as dear SM would say ..Iwas grateful for the opportunity to learn a wonderful lesson and that it all went well .

1 year ago- Again exactly this time last year , I was at another crossroad , saying "yes" and the future could have a different taste.... saying "no" and I could regret and live with the bitterness of "it could have been" ... therefore after much careful thought I agreed ... 3 is the magic word , it already happened twice before ..therefore it had to be ..there was no way I could refuse this time. I'm glad I did not ...I have grown so much and learned even more at the great school of life ...now I feel I'm ready for the next step.


Yesterday- Actually I slept for the most part ... I think I deserve some rest after all that's been going on.

5 snacks I enjoy- Plain yoghurt to which I love adding honey, Ferrero Rocher , M& M's , Maltesers , and for the ultimate sensation? Nutella spread on homemade bread washed down with a glass of full fat milk ...

5 songs I know all the words to- Al7elm al-3arabi الحلم العربي ( the Arab Dream - a 'we are the world style song' see link here for explanation and lyrics) , Still got the blues ( by Gary Moore), Hello ( by Lionel Richie, Soldier of fortune ( by Deep Purple), Nothing else matters (by Metallica).

5 things I would do with $100 million dollars- (1)Take care of any financial needs of my family. (2)Invest part of the money for the future. (3)Sponsor ten orphans until they graduate from university, because making children happy especially orphans is one of the basic tenets of Islam and apart from the joy that you bring them you hope to accumulate brownie points with God and these will stand you good on the day of judgment and have ten people praying on my grave and remembering me would be awesome. (4) buy a house in each of these places: Beirut, London, and Cannes. (5)Get my own 2000 acres 7waza or farm in Libya complete with satellite system, sheep , camels, swimming pool , 4 wheel drive van , settle in the community and help the young minds there and perhaps write my book in peace without having to worry about the finances.

5 places I would run away to- (1)There is one where I know I will always be welcome maybe someday I will tell you about it. (2)The Omayyad mosque in Damascus, (3)the Holy Qur'an ( I guess you can run to God it would be the safest place right?), (4) my parents houses, (5) a loving heart.

5 things I would never wear- black lipstick, plastic accessories , plastic earrings , faux bijoux and nylon socks...yiiiiiiiiikes

5 favorite tv shows- Lost, Buffy the vampire slayer, Dark Angel, Sex and the City, all Ramadan shows on Arabic TV.

5 biggest joys- (1) Sharing thoughts with parents, (2)Talking for hours with friends -on the phone, in a cafe or wherever (3) curling up with a good book and snacks, (4) reading my email, (5) Travelling.

5 favorite toys- My cell phones, my PDA, my laptop, my digital camera, and my car.

5 people to tag ...hmm ok Khadija, Redenclave, Tyeness , Tareq and last but not least Smokey ( if you can muster the time;) )..good luck !
Post number three today- Desktop challenge

Last month , Khadijateri ingeniously invented her own meme, well bravo Khadija as she kept wondering what bloggers desktop looked like ;) he he he talk about being curious K ? well the people she tagged have all answered, here have a look at their desktops ( one , two, three ).

On the other hand, Redenclave's innovation was to tag a reader! - a fan of Libyan blogs , Programmer Craig .

Well my camera is finally back Khadija , so I can take up that challenge. Also P-Craig was kind enough to agree to Redenclave suggestions and mine to send either of us his desktop photo too ( now all we have to do is convince him to blog ;) ) ... so yay double treat for you mish hikki?

Programmer- Craig's desktop (so much nicer than my space ....see below)


Highlander's desktop

Okay I wish to tag you guys ..please quench my curiousity ..thanks in advance: Smokey , Tyeness , Sandmonkey, Ritzy , Nadz , AlanK , Twosret and Big Pharaoh. Also any reader that wants to show us his/her desktop please post or email them to me and I promise to post them here ok ?


Post number 4 : Libyan bloggers and Libyan fans

Lately I can hardly keep up with Libyan blogs ..which is good ...2005 is a bumper crop year .

So another (hattip Programmer_Craig for pointing me to her on Tareq's blog ) Libyan female blogger from Switzerland and soon to be in Canada..if you ever wondered about banking issues go ask her..she says she's a banker in her profile..for the moment all we know about Nura is that she holds a fierce respect and love for her parents that in my book is 100% okay .. welcome Nura and let's hear more noises from your head.

Barnita or Paula is from India and she looks on her past life in Libya with fondness.....I have always noticed the fascination any foreigner who lived in Libya would have with the country...Even when you leave..Libya always stays in your heart ! Oh and her boyfriend is pinup material ..so go check her blog:) .

This is exciting.
Post number 5 : Ramadan Kareem

Each year we expect this beautiful month..may it be merciful and bountiful on the Muslim Ummah. Ramadan Mubarak to you all friends , family , readers and passers by..