"under the garb" - Google Search

"under the garb" - Google Search

I use "under the guise" and not "under the garb." I guess most people do b/c "under the guise" generates almost 2 million google hits while "under the garb" generates 36,000.

At any rate, the use of "under the garb" metaphor seemed particularly jarring as applied by our No. 1 favourite newspaper today: "A controversy has erupted over a Dubai-based women’s Adult Education Centre hiring male teachers under the garb that they were more experienced and competent. . . ."

Spot the real Beckham

Head over to Pixel8's blog for some exclusive pictures of "Posh'n'Becks" at GITEX. Here's a sample, of her pic, with some older ones:




Who can spot which one is the real deal?!

Chan'ad Bahraini :: A report on the confiscation of migrant workers' passports

From the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, but applicable throughout the GCC: A report on the confiscation of migrant workers' passports. Worth reading.

Highlights here.

Thank You, HP

I would like to express my gratitude to IT giant HP, who has kindly placed large bright-orange advertising signs around the speed cameras on Sheikh Zayed Road as far as Jebel Ali, meaning I can now see them a mile off.

I wonder if they will remain in place after GITEX has finished?

Honest people do exist :: Dubai Consumer Mirror

Link: Dubai Consumer Mirror: Honest People

In case you're down on human nature, read the post and the comments.

You are temporary workers, not immigrants

Is there any connection between this and this?

Emirates Today "Blog bites"

Emirates Today ran a little feature today quoting UAE blogs:


(Click to see big version)

As well as quoting from blog-author entries, they're also quoting comments on entries. It may not be clear to newspaper readers that the remarks represent the voices of several different people, so I am going to write and mention it to them.

Ladyman, cautiously, to Darling: everyone needs a little black box

The Gulf News this morning reports

Following an initiative first adopted by the UAE, the UK is now considering installing black boxes in cars to curb reckless driving.

The smart box will record information regarding the speed of the car and transmit it through a wireless system via satellite.

Britain is also thinking of introducing financial incentives for those willing to install the devices that keep vehicles within the speed limit, as reported in the British media.

The article refers to the 19Mar04 Gulf News coverage of the UAE plan here. See also this 16Apr05 GN article. See also this Khaleej Times article on impletation of the Abu Dhabi plan.

The Telegraph on 19 September reported:

The proposals, regarded by ministers as being at an embryonic stage, are based on a report produced by the Motorists' Forum at the request of Alistair Darling, the Transport Secretary.

They formed part of a wide-ranging package unveiled by Stephen Ladyman, the roads minister, who gave it a cautious endorsement.
. . .
Whitehall believes it can build on technology which is already in use. Many cars have computers providing information to garages about how they have been driven.

Norwich Union has offered motorists pay-as-you-drive insurance based on data collected by a black box it installs in the car.

Similar technology is being used on a far wider scale in the United Arab Emirates, which plans to install black boxes in 700,000 official cars.

These tell the driver when the speed limit is being broken. If a warning is ignored, it tips off the nearest police patrol car by text message and alerts a control centre, which issues a speeding ticket.

Such a draconian approach is unlikely, given ministers' reluctance to antagonise motorists or provoke accusations of Big Brother tactics.

The Motorists' Forum, which called for the introduction of the black boxes, said real-time monitoring of the data should not be allowed.
. . .
With the Government keen to encourage rather than coerce motorists, one option would be for drivers to be given an incentive to buy safer cars through the tax or - if it is introduced - road-pricing system. Incentives are already in place for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Regarding UK road pricing proposals, here is a recent article.

From time to time you read that Dubai is planning some form of toll system. Here's one of the more modest concepts, quoting in full:

Three consortia submitted bids to Dubai Municipality on 3rd April for the main contract to install an electronic road toll system in the emirate. The consortia leaders: Austria’s Kapsch, Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation; and the US’ Transco. A fourth bidder - Spain’s Televent - pulled out of the race.

Dubai Municipality plans to fast-track the scheme as part of a wider drive to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in Dubai. It will also be a major source of revenue for the municipality. The 12 month design and build contract will see the installation of manual and electronic systems in and around Dubai with specific focus on entry from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

The municipality is also mulling options to toll drivers on exit routes to neighbouring emirates. Among the streets to be tolled in Dubai are Bank Street, Banias Street and Al-Maktoum Street. The successful consortium will also be required to operate the system for six years.

jbc - http://emirateseconomist.blogspot.com/

Autocasting

Here is a fun way for bloggers to make podcasts from their blogs, while maintaining privacy: with Autocasting.

Autocasting is an automated form of podcasting that allows bloggers and blog readers to generate audio versions of text blogs from RSS feeds. Autocasting software uses XML parsers, TTS (text-to-speech) engines, and audio conversion utilities to convert text blogs into audio files that can be placed on a blog for download, synchronized to a portable audio device, or played on a desktop computer.

For Mac OSX, there is some great freeware available to do this:

1. Vox Machina - converts text to speech using Apple's pre-installed system voices. Mac and PC users can try an online version here (and download the resulting files)
2. Orator - converts text to speech using Apple's pre-installed system voices, this one allows easier adjustment of speed.

For extra, high quality voices (Mac, PC and Linux compatible) try Cepstral. It also allows you to do online demos: try selecting Millie (UK English) for a hilarious Jumeirah Jane-style voice. I find the best voices to be Diane, William and Lawrence.

When you've converted your blog into an mp3 or aiff, you can upload it to the internet. One free way is with CC Publisher (Mac and PC versions available). It puts your podcast up at The Internet Archive, but there is a 24-hour delay while they check your file.

Here is an experiment using the text at Secret Dubai: .Ill considered inquiry and the resulting Podcast file (I also used a sound editor with this, so I could mix in different "voices" - but this is optional).

Opinions/votes

A while back, it was agreed that only non-commercial sites would be linked to on UAE community blog. (Obviously Google ads etc are no problem - just not actual business sites).

I received the following site for submission and I think it's fine, but I just wanted to run it past people here in the spirit of democracy:

Computer Consultant - despite the title, the writer appears to be blogging about tech issues in general, and not specifically promoting his business or services.

Assuming no objections, it will be added to the General Blogroll.

On a similar subject: opinion has been expressed that some blogs linked to on here contain offensive/racist content. While freedom of speech is generally encouraged, if there are a significant number of people objecting to a specific blog who make their views known (either in comments or a new blog post here, or privately to me by email) then we will open up discussion about removing those links.

Handbook for bloggers and "cyber-dissidents"

Reporters Without Borders has published a blogging handbook to help bloggers protect themselves from recrimination and censorship:

"Reporters Without Borders has produced this handbook to help them, with handy tips and technical advice on how to to remain anonymous and to get round censorship, by choosing the most suitable method for each situation. It also explains how to set up and make the most of a blog, to publicise it (getting it picked up efficiently by search-engines) and to establish its credibility through observing basic ethical and journalistic principles."

It can be bought from bookshops for Eu10, or accessed/downloaded for free online at this page. It is available in English, French, Chinese, Arabic and Persian.

As a disclaimer, it should be observed that some of the information in this guide contravenes UAE law, which UAE community blog does not advocate. However much of the general advice in the guide is both legally acceptable and relevant, such as how to set up a blog, tips on effective writing, ethical guidelines, and information on publicising your blog.

The refugees

There is one aspect of this expat situation that is not taken into account. That is of the religious refugees. There are many, many who come to UAE as well as other Muslim countries not to make money but to hear the call to prayer (Adhan) five times aday, to wear those "oppressive" black cloaks (abayahs) to feel free in niqab, and to learn the dreaded language of Arabic, and to recite that "dangerous book" the Quran. Because in those free democracies, their presence is a nuisance. Thus they are harassed, called names, remain jobless, are forced out of universities, or therir families and friend just don't understand how they could have fallen so low.

And now as the disease of the west has spread like sars, even in this country those who want to practice this way of life, be they local or expat have to be on their best behaviour or they may be, sat down and shut up.

Followup: Two-year sentence for rape gives wrong signal, says lawyer

Link to Gulf News article.

A recent post here in our community raised the question of whether a rape sentence was too light. The article provides some insight into the role judges in the UAE have in setting sentences, and we learn that prosecutors can appeal a sentence.

The varied opinions of several persons are reported in the article. Here's one that disappointed me (r.e., middle paragraph):

Dr Fatma Mohammad Al Khumeiri, Head of Pathology at the Department of Forensic Medicine at Dubai police, said: "I cannot comment on the judgment. The judge must have seen different circumstances.

"However, I haven't seen any true rape cases. It is a rare crime in Dubai. I have seen many women claiming that they have been raped. Such incidents have happened with the victim's consent. In general, a rapist is considered socially sick and needs rehabilitation."

Dr Al Khumeiri described the UAE law as adequate in terms of sentencing rapists.

"I'm not sexist" - yes, you are - AND misinformed AND deluded

I’m not sexist - but still say women can’t drive

This letter is regarding the criticism I have been receiving since writing about women being bad drivers. I am not judging female drivers by keeping one incident in mind, as the list is very long.

First of all they drive or should I say they stroll in the overtaking lane without glancing in their mirror.

I agree with one writer saying women are rarely involved in accidents, well if you note women drivers are out numbered so densely by men drivers hence making it a one-sided show.

Keeping in mind the ratio in a day if two ladies are involved in an accident consider it as a catastrophe.

I didn’t seem to understand the logic in Christine Sheppard’s letter as she says, ‘the reason female drivers don’t take accidents lightly because they respect and value their fellow road user, so you think we don’t value any life what so ever.”

Reality check ladies. The reason female drivers are worse than male drivers is simply because male drivers (not all) always keeps a calm head and knows what he is doing behind the wheel.

I am not a sexist or a hypocrite just a person who wants the roads of UAE be a bit safer and traffic free. I apologise if I offended any one.

What a complete and utter tit.

The fact that women in countries worldwide get cheaper insurance than men ought to give this cretin a clue.

The sooner a (male!) driver rearends some sense into him the better.

Smoking and its "Non"

No Smoking apparently is the new religion that binds people. My frustration stems from the total inconsideration of smokers' rights. Mainly at the Dubai Technology & Media Freezone Authority.

Why? Well it is now an official no smoking environment in the buildings i.e. one cannot even smoke during their lunch break and one must leave the premises to go smoke outside the building.I am all for not smoking in offices, but not in cafes nor restaurants!?!

My colleagues' argument is that it harms others too; driving kills more people annually than smoking! I don't see that banned! Especially driving in the UAE.

People speak of the rights of non-smokers. How about the rights of smokers. If non-smokers wanted fresh air why can't they go outside? I mean why polute the environment, rather have the smoking indoors with appropriate ventillation and filters. This way the harmful smoke is filtered and the environment won't be polluted nor will others be harmed.

This reminded me of the regulations in Ontario, Canada where smoking is banned in all buildings including clubs and bars, so most Ottawans drive to Hull, Quebec to go clubbing as it is permitted to smoke in clubs over there!

Alcohol kills and harms others, I don't see that banned anywhere (some drunks do lose control of their senses and cause harm).

Advanced nations kill, I don't see anyone stopping them.When are we going to wake up to all the hype that we are sold for the sake of distraction. Till when are smokers going to keep being made to feel guilty, show me ONE Adult without a vice.

Smoking kills, yeah well ignorance kills, stupidity kills, driving kills, the sun kills, salt kills, sugar kills, coffee kills, food kills, water kills, air kills.EVERYTHING thing KILLS in excess.

Another Ode to a Cigarette

pass me our breath
Let my mind rush
In a fervent hush
As I write you,

burn, for your life is in your embers
A silent glow
Of red, white, and grey
As I take you,

Come through and fill me
And hurry! As you thrill me
Surround me with your aroma
As I breathe you,

Crushed, slowly but surely
Between my forefinger and thumb
In your own suffocation
You lie numb
As I kill you,

A temporary existence, of a similar pleasure
In a short need of your breath against mine
Not temporary
As I want you,

Circa May 2005