The Watcher

اتجاهاتي

2011-07-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

أنت شرقي
و شمسي تشرق في عينيك
أنت جنوبي
حيث يسافر قمري
قلبك قلبي
و روحك روحي
و إبتساماتك شمالي
كتفك الغربي
حيث يسكن قلبي

بالنسبة لك ،عبد العزيز، شمالي ، جنوبي ، شرقي وغربي - العالمي

Here, and Now

2011-05-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

Just the other day I was walking to work, when I noticed this: a bumblebee, buzzing around a bunch of flowers, until finally settling on them.

It was something small, but wonderful.
And it got me thinking.

I walk past that street every day of the week, almost every week of the year. Those flowers were probably there the day before, and the day before that one, and I had not seen them. Why?
Because when walking to work, I have my eyes on my mobile phone all the time, updating Facebook with some fascinating status, or answering emails, or chatting with friends.

A few decades ago, communication was mostly one on one, unless you were a politician, or a preacher; travelling was slow, living was slow, and distractions were few and far between.
Today, in comparison, all we have are distractions; work distracts us from our family, friends distract us from work, girlfriends/boyfriends/spouses distract us from friends - and TV and the internet distract us from the latter.
The vast majority of the most important people in my life are in different parts of the world from me - and I find myself "living" in their time zone, mind and soul in their countries, chatting away to try and share in their lives as much as possible even without being there; but in doing that, and in using the Internet to distract myself from the parts of my life I don't like, I'm missing out on that same life.
We all are.

We all ignore our "here and now" and look at videos of what somebody else lived; films that someone else came up with; photos of our friends lives on social networks.
And in doing this, we're walking past countless bumblebees sitting on countless flowers; we're missing out on the moments that would make up our own photos.
As we walk in a busy street, nose stuck in our phone, checking out the updates, we might be missing an old friend who we haven't seen in years and who just walked past, nose stuck in his own phone; as we sit at the laptop checking out the latest videos we ignore the mother who comes to check on us, the grandfather who wants to show the coin collection like he used to when we were kids; when dad sits staring at the TV to forget the day at work, he might be missing out on son's laughter, or on the conversation her daughter really wanted to have, to tell him how well she was doing at maths.

I used to say a lot that the Present is called so because it is a gift; the Past is gone, the future is not formed yet, so Now is the only time to live.
And, at some point, I forgot about that.

It's not to say that the TV, and the Internet, and the Social Networks aren't great; they are, and I'm immensely grateful to all of that for allowing me stay in touch with all the people who matter.
We just have to make sure that besides that, we still see the bumblebees. And still smell the flowers.

S.F.

و أركب الحنطور

2010-12-16T22:33:00.000-08:00

اعتقد بأن هذه الرحلة الوحيدة في العالم التي يتعذب ضميرك من رؤية الخيل و هي تعامل معاملة بعيدة عن اخلاقيات الرفق بالحيوان

change of heart!

2010-07-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

when will you come dear Winter?

Love in the time of war!

2010-06-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

many of the Kuwaitis that lived in Egypt during the invasion will know these compounds, the are the equivalent of Al-Sawaber- Kuwait city.

it harbored many of the Kuwaiti families, and was amazing the first time I was there, how calm it was, how open every one and welcoming, I remember every one had some one to share his worries with, not a girlfriend but a companion, mine was a charming smart and tantalizing girl, she was 3 years older than me, I don't know what it was but I had to come daily from Muhandeseen just to see her!

I'm not the romantic guy, but I felt connected to her, and protective too!

we used to hide in the staircases (the make out place) just to talk away from praying eye, we had our time of kissing, and like all good things we parted when they left to Kuwait.

I didn't see her since which was strange, when I opened my balcony in Al-Agouza apartment I was washed by memories of her when I saw Abraj al-Khaleej!

was it love in the time of war?

In the 20th Floor even your cigar butt falls up!

2010-05-21T23:51:00.000-07:00

Shine.. just like a star, spreading your light, where ever you are!

2010-02-06T19:34:00.000-08:00

feeling..

Whats in a place....?!

2010-02-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

one of the amazing places in Jordan, Um Qais, overlooking Tabaria lake

in one of the restaurants using Pepsi to cover the sandy taste of the food!

I denounce the devil in me.....!!!

2008-08-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

repent mother fucker, or suck the consequinces.....!!!

don't read my post now, and take a seat.....!!!

I decided to give it another chance, and contineu the Watcher project....

Summer

Winter

Automn and Ramadan are the subjects of next month

enjoy

Lebanon first, and utmost....!!!

2006-07-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to say a thing about why or how of the real reasons why Hizbullah did what they did, mainly because what's done is done, and none can take it back.....!!!

Hizbullah wanted to shift the Israili lashes towards Gaza but in the effect shifted a monsterous campain to demolish Beirut.....!!!

was it wrong, irrational, I believe so with all of my heart, but does that justify the Israili act, abso-fucking-lutely NOT.....!!!

I don't understand why all networks and news channels are more concerned on the evacuation of expats more than what Lebanese people are going through.....!!!

why do all those who gone to the streets cheered for Hizbullah and but a few held the flags and called for LEBANON....!!!

it's great that you declare your utmost patriotism by declaring you'r awaiting a signal from Nasirallah to fight the israelis, but what about Lebanon....?!?!

and is it me, or have each area of onflict and war is competing with each other to reach the headlines, now we see, Iraqis distribute a news that saddam is being dragged to the court, as if this is a mojor headline.....?!?! how lame is that, of course he participates against his will, do you think he comes every day to court from his castle to play ps2......?!?!

the iranies and syrians declare their support to Lebanon but until now even when the US is providing israelis with the soo called "smarter bombs" with precise aiming at the UN rep.s .....!!!

and why do a retard show up in the TV to tell us how to donate our money, wither we lose OUR money in gambling or buying cucumber, what the fuck is your buisnes in it.......!!!
is trying to gain publicity, of course he is....!!!
do we need people to avoid donating to Lebanon especially when a loony is not satisfied with it.....!!!

I don't see the syrians acting, nor the iranians, not even when whole of Lebanon is engulfed in this massacre, and we will see the millions cheering and screeming their throats out for Hassan Nasirallah.....!!!

God be with Lebanon and the Lebanese people, Gaza now is safe and sound in the eyes of Hasan.......!!!

God bless his soul......

p.s.:
two israelis are worth the destruction of a whole country.....!!!
do we have this mentality in our arab countries.....?!?! or do we see sheeps and goats more valuable.....?!?!
or can some one explain hundreds are dead now for the sake of two.....!!!

Don't stare...!!! and the autism charity fund..

2006-03-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

she's the jewel of Bu maryoom whom I raise my hat to salute him for bringing the subject....

I went last thursday to the autism charity party in mishref, hoping to see the work of those who seem caring for the children, and not to forget to see TATA in action there, I went there with JJ2 and william, and we walked through the tables watching stuff, food, and other stuff, but something was missing, this tent was big, but the thing I was looking for wasn't there....!!!

I thought since there were many chairs facing the same direction that there will be a lecture or talking at least about autism, and problems they face in this world, but not that night, no one talked about them or even knew about them, they know it was for a good cause but apparently didn't know for what it was.....!!!

I send flowers to Bu Maryoom and his jewel "Mneera", she's mine as well, I also send flowers to all the children of the world who are not bothering me now....!!!to all the loving parents, loveing couples, and to anyone who loves Kuwait and her people....!!!

I also send a Huge FUCK YOU sign to all the assholes that park in the disabled space, the assholes making fun of them....

not to forget..

I have some facts on autism that I wanted you to share...

Definition

Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS (not otherwise specified) are developmental disabilities that share many of the same characteristics. Usually evident by age three, autism and PDD-NOS are neurological disorders that affect a child's ability to communicate, understand language, play, and relate to others.

In the diagnostic manual used to classify disabilities, the DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994), "autistic disorder" is listed as a category under the heading of "Pervasive Developmental Disorders." A diagnosis of autistic disorder is made when an individual displays 6 or more of 12 symptoms listed across three major areas: social interaction, communication, and behavior. When children display similar behaviors but do not meet the criteria for autistic disorder, they may receive a diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS (PDD not otherwise specified). Although the diagnosis is technically referred to as PDD-NOS, throughout the remainder of this fact sheet we will refer to the diagnosis as PDD, as it is more commonly known.

Autistic disorder is one of the disabilities specifically defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal legislation under which children and youth with disabilities receive special education and related services. IDEA, which uses the term "autism," defines the disorder as "a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, usually evident before age 3, that adversely affects a child's educational performance. Other characteristics associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences." (In keeping with the IDEA and the way in which this disorder is generally referred to in the field, we will use the term autism throughout the remainder of this fact sheet.)

Due to the similarity of behaviors associated with autism and PDD, use of the term pervasive developmental disorder has caused some confusion among parents and professionals. However, the treatment and educational needs are similar for both diagnoses.

Incidence

Autism and PDD occur in approximately 5 to 15 per 10,000 births. These disorders are four times more common in boys than girls.
The causes of autism and PDD are unknown. Currently, researchers are investigating areas such as neurological damage and biochemical imbalance in the brain. These disorders are not caused by psychological factors.

Characteristics

Some or all of the following characteristics may be observed in mind to severe forms:
Communication problems (e.g., using and understanding language);
Difficulty in relating to people, objects, and events;
Unusual play with toys and other objects;
Difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings; and
Repetitive body movements or behavior patterns.
Children with autism or PDD vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors. Some children do not speak; others have limited language that often includes repeated phrases or conversations. People with more advanced language skills tend to use a small range of topics and have difficulty with abstract concepts. Repetitive play skills, a limited range of interests, and impaired social skills are generally evident as well. Unusual responses to sensory information -- for example, loud noises, lights, certain textures of food or fabrics -- are also common.

Educational Implications

Early diagnosis and appropriate educational programs are very important to children with autism or PDD. Public Law 101-476, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), formerly the Education of the Handicapped Act, includes autism as a disability category. From the age of three, children with autism and PDD are eligible for an educational program appropriate to their individual needs. Educational programs for students with autism or PDD focus on improving communication, social, academic, behavioral, and daily living skills. Behavior and communication problems that interfere with learning sometimes require the assistance of a knowledgeable professional in the autism field who develops and helps to implement a plan which can be carried out at home and school.

The classroom environment should be structured so that the program is consistent and predictable. Students with autism or PDD learn better and are less confused when information is presented visually as well as verbally. Interaction with nondisabled peers is also important, for these students provide models of appropriate language, social, and behavior skills. To overcome frequent problems in generalizing skills learned at school, it is very important to develop programs with parents, so that learning activities, experiences, and approaches can be carried over into the home and community.

With educational programs designed to meet a student's individual needs and specialized adult support services in employment and living arrangements, children and adults with autism or PDD can live and work in the community.

Resources

Dillon, K.M. (1995). Living with autism: The parents' stories. Boone, NC: Parkway. (Available from Parkway Publishers, Box 3678, Boone, NC 28607.)
Harris, S. (1994). Siblings of children with autism: A guide for families. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (Telephone: 1-800-843-7323; (301) 897-3570.)
Hart, C.A. (1993). A parent's guide to autism: Answers to the most common questions. New York: Pocket Books, Simon & Schuster. (Telephone: 1-800-223-2336.)
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. (Available from Plenum Publishing Corporation, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Telephone: 1-800-221-9369.)
Maurice, C., Green, G., & Luce, S.C. (Eds.). Behavioral intervention for young children with autism: A manual for parents and professionals. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.
New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC). (1994, December). National directory of programs serving individuals with autism and related pervasive developmental disorders. Ewing, NJ: Author. (Available from COSAC, 1450 Parkside Avenue, Suite 22, Ewing, NJ 08638. Telephone: (609) 883-8100.)
Powers, M.D. (Ed.). (1989). Children with autism, a parent's guide. Rockville, MD; Woodbine House. (Telephone: 1-800-843-7323; (301) 897-3570.)
Schopler, E., & Mesibov, G.B. (Eds.). Several books are available in the "Current Issues in Autism" book series: Communication problems in autism (1985); Social behavior in autism (1986); Autism in adolescents and adults (1983); Effects of autism on the family (1984); High-functioning individuals with autism (1990); Preschool issues in autism (1993); and Learning and cognition in autism (1995). (All available from Plenum Publishing at the address above. Telephone: 1-800-221-9369.)

the Jordanian bloggers meeting....!!!

2006-02-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

the Jordan Planet (JP) bloggers meetup.....

this was an amazing, as well as fruitiful experience to me, it enabled me to get to know an amazing group of fellow bloggers from a different kind of envirnment and background, I got to know what makes them tick, work and intrigue them in communicating and bloging in this medium....

I attended the jordanian bloggers meetup on saturday of feb. 11th.(I know it's late but I had, but I needed time off)
the location was in wild jordan, an enthralling location that over views Amman. it's sad to say that the meeting was at night so I couldn't capture any scene with my cam....!!!a down fall to the location was the quality of reception of the staff or waitors.....!!!

the company was really wonderful, both inteligent and eager to express thier point of views on the various issues that were discussed through the meeting, stories of Ohoud's book club, or the hunting of books project, and wether Isam would give them space to foster the club, we discused the expat v.s. native bloggers and the point of view of this separation, as well as anonymous bloggers against varified bloggers, ofcourse I was on the anonymous side (don't ask)....?!?!

many suggestions were made to outfold the JP experience and bloggers activity, such as organizing a group activities that focus the light on Jordanian heritige and culture, I would like to see an interaction between the Kuwaiti and Jordanian bloggers as well as enlighting schools, students, and children on the importance of new communicational technologies, and mass media such as online news agencies, blogs, forums and other issues.....
dispercing books on children.......
forming a channel that links the new age with the traditional journalism....
along side other objectives....

now here is the funny story, I was the first one to enter the cafe which is not a café, it's the royal to preserve the wild life, I went through many parts of the place till I reached the café, I went there chicking each possible blogger, and they all seemed to reach my image of a potential blogger, if only I had known the difference....!!!

I heard behind my back, an inquiry by this fellow who asked about a reservation for 30 somthing, yeah join the club......!!! and I hitched up with him on the hunt for the other bloggers, this guy was Naseem El-Tameemi, a real nice guy and a gentleman, we went all over the W.J. like the ancient packman game, and we had to resort to another method, call the ones responsible for the meeting (that's Roba), but I didn't have her phone so I went to the closest one I knew, that's Khalida, she told me to wait for her 5 minutes, till she come and to go to the 2nd floor which the building lacked......?!?!so we waited for, and immediatly I knew her the moment she stepped in and signed the "save the forest" petition that Naseem campained about (yeah I did sign it)....

so us three, we came to the café, and saw that it wont handle the 30 something of potential bloggers, but we had to wait so we decided to sit and gather our breaths......!!! we noticed by now a stalking guy, eyeing us the whole time, apparently he was trying to figure us out, are the ones he was waiting for or he was in the wrong place.....?!?! we found that he too was waiting for the meeting and I was introduced to him, Ala'a was his name(correct me if I mixed the names up), also a nice guy who has an outstanding blog, so after a small chitchat, we decided that we should reserve the upper floor to the meeting, and arrange it to the others so that each one would find a place to sit.......!!!

then the other bloggers showered us, we were:

from left to right they are the lovely Abeer, Khalidah, and Lina

and summerizing the whole thing in few word in contradictory to what I'm used to.....

I HAD A REALLY GOOD TIME,

and I will certainly accept thier invitation to attend the next meetings, but this time as a member....!!!

the thing is..... EXzombiesm is a bit extreme and vulgar to be viewd in JP so I'll be posting there in my bit restrained "The Watcher".....!!!
and not to mention that I am a lazy writer, swamped by the many projects I drawned myself in, I have to post now the delayed drafts in both blogs, so that I can start with my upcoming project.... the A.S.U. English club's "League of Amature Writers", I can't wait till I show you how good those people are..... if I find them that is.....?!?!

last thing I really enjoyed my conversations with all the atendees but Isam's and Laith were enlighting to some issues that I didn't know about......

thanks to you all and till we meet up the next time....

The Jubaihan mix

2005-12-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

Jubaiha is the Jordanian universities student's Mecca. Located north east central Amman. The compacted community it contain allows Jubaiha to be one of the important destinations a new comer looks for to find vacancy.....

Although it's hard now to find an empty apartment, or a suitable one with reasonable rent, still hundreds of apartment hunters engage in a searching mode hoping to locate and finish the formalities in stealth...
You might ask me "what does it look like?", and I would like to say it sounds, looks, feels like Hawalli in Kuwait....?!?! Except it's smaller. With restaurants of all types, book shops, supermarkets, convenient stores, barbers, laundry, coffee shops, bars, banks, moles, all of which constitute the mosaic distribution throughout the area.

The coherent mix of blended nationalities, gives, an imprison of a friendly version, of the U.N. The interaction between different individuals, when each represent a culture or a background, and all of them integrate to form the Function of the Jubaihan entity.

I have met more people of different orientations that I conceder as friends in one month that exceeded any place I ever ben to. The advantage of such a thing is by broadening your intellectual spectrum, see the diff. Customs and traditions, which I consider to be as the Spices of the early merchant travels; although it's not hard to obtain, never the less, it has high value and is rich in flavor and taste.

What saddens me is that even though the different orientations in this compacted area are susceptible to conflicts and quarrels, minimum control with no visible police supervision is clearly noticed. The need for police assistance and security is one of the most essential services Jubaiha needs.

For the dominant percentage of the Jubaihan community is of teenagers, whom conflicts to prove each one's point of view, leading to fights, harsh arguments, especially during major incidents such as football matches or important events. But never the less this place overlaps these minor negativity in the wormth of this divers human cultures.

no 1

2005-08-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

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