Dec 30---salik and resolutons

OK so there have been a few problems with the Salik road toll system in Dubai.

At the end of the day the system seems to be working! More callers and SMSers than not have said that the roads are better and that the added cost is simply good value.

Don't agree?

Listen to the JAMESCAST and send us your feedback!

Ramesh called in and spoke about doing good!
How?
Weekly Ramesh wants to sponsor an eye surgery in India, value 400 dirhams.

Want to learn how?
email RAMESH.VENKAT@EMIRATES.COM

Have a great new year!

Dec 26---MOBILE PHONES KILL!

We talked about the use of mobile phones while driving and the distraction factor!

No clear answers... but those who love their phones had all the excuses!

Check out this page!

Reason enough to turn off the hone while int he car!

Car-Accidents.com Home Page Main Picture Gallery Crash Causes Page
Cell Phone Car Accident Pictures and StoriesSeveral studies show cell phones are a leading cause of car crashes. It is estimated that cell phone distracted drivers are four times more likely to be in a car wreck. According to a Harvard University study, cell phones cause over 200 deaths and half a million injuries each year. Car-Accidents.com has collected together cell phone related crash pictures! Driving while on a cell phone does seem to be a serious problem if these photos are any indication. Please send in your Cell phone crash pictures>>

Dec 23---what we do!

We started the night by asking a simple question... wht do you do to get through the holiday season...

No simple answers.

But what did come about were stories of people missing family or how they have come together with friends to make a difference.

Farah and her friends visit people in hospitals! Not just during the holidays!

Want to join this growing band of do gooders?

Call Farah @ 050-481-3223

Then there is Abdullah and his friends who want to start a recent history journal to share the stories of Dubai.

What an idea!

Have you lived here forever? Have you sen Dubai change? Do you have a story?

Abdulla @ 050-698-9566

And what is another great way to make friends?

Off road driving in the desert and you can go even if you do not have wheels!

www.Dubai4X4.com

Give them a call!

So Dubai has a lot going on and it is not all about construction.

Happy holidays!

Dec 19---not a lot happening

Wednesday nigh on Nightline was sleepy.

I was awake, Anastasia was awake and a few other brave soles but all of our other usual suspects were very quiet!

It is the holiday season...

Happy holidays to all from Nightline!

Dec 18---are the hilidays about spending today?

As usual a great evening on Nightline.

Are the holidays about money and spending or...

Anastasia brought it all together with this post...

A great example of what those listening to Nightline have on their minds!

Keep it coming!

----------------
To: James@arnonline.com
From: Anistasia

For some reason, people seem to think that money = love. more money =
more love. he who buys the more expensive present loves the son or
daughter or spouse more. I think that's too material. and a lot of
companies make a business out of it (Hallmark for instance; they seem
to have a card for everything!) I'm not cheap mind you. There are
times i buy expensive presents for people. but physical things never
replace the non physical things. if you're miserable, buying a little
something, might keep you happy for a little while; but then you get
depressed all over again. rich people aren't necessarily the happiest
people. If you have a lot of 'stuff' does it mean you are happy? yeah
maybe, if you can afford it and if it doesn't send you further into
debt come January. for non rich folks like you and me; if we spend a
fortune on gifts, later on we're left with huge bills to pay off.
wouldn't a picnic with your family; a camping trip to Hatta; a night
out having fun somewhere, doing something different, be better than
giving eachother the latest iPod, souped up stereo, huge TV that cost
a small fortune....etc. (although these things are nice, we do live in
a material world, and people seem to judge eachother by the amount of
stuff you have. especially here. the car you drive matters, the phone
you have matters. etc etc. and dear Lord if you ever be nice to
someone, there's always the people that get suspicious about what you
are up to/what you have done wrong/what do you want/etc.

and i've said it we're a material world. he who has most stuff, wins.
or something along those lines. but we hardly ever seem to consider
the non physical 'gifts' that people can give us. one of the best
gifts i've ever received from someone was a thank you from my manager
at the library, for all the work i've done. and that's part of the
problem. we seem to have forgotten how to say 'thank you' even for the
little things people do. sometimes those two words can make a person's
day. granted, there are those that go "forget that, i want something
material" which leads back to the whole "money = love" well money
can't buy love. if you buy your kids a PlayStation, a Wii, couple of
computers, books, games, stuff... but barely spend time with them,
ultimately, is that a good thing?

this show reminded me of something I heard by a comedian some time
ago. A House is basically a place to put your stuff...and you keep
getting more stuff...then you have to move because you have no place
for your stuff.

George Carlin on Stuff

Actually this is just a place for my stuff, ya know? That's all, a
little place for my stuff. That's all I want, that's all you need in
life, is a little place for your stuff, ya know? I can see it on your
table, everybody's got a little place for their stuff. This is my
stuff, that's your stuff, that'll be his stuff over there. That's all
you need in life, a little place for your stuff. That's all your house
is: a place to keep your stuff. If you didn't have so much stuff, you
wouldn't need a house. You could just walk around all the time.

A house is just a pile of stuff with a cover on it. You can see that
when you're taking off in an airplane. You look down, you see
everybody's got a little pile of stuff. All the little piles of stuff.
And when you leave your house, you gotta lock it up. Wouldn't want
somebody to come by and take some of your stuff. They always take the
good stuff. They never bother with that crap you're saving. All they
want is the shiny stuff. That's what your house is, a place to keep
your stuff while you go out and get...more stuff!

Sometimes you gotta move, gotta get a bigger house. Why? No room for
your stuff anymore. Did you ever notice when you go to somebody else's
house, you never quite feel a hundred percent at home? You know why?
No room for your stuff. Somebody else's stuff is all over the goddamn
place! And if you stay overnight, unexpectedly, they give you a little
bedroom to sleep in. Bedroom they haven't used in about eleven years.
Someone died in it, eleven years ago. And they haven't moved any of
his stuff! Right next to the bed there's usually a dresser or a bureau
of some kind, and there's NO ROOM for your stuff on it. Somebody
else's shit is on the dresser.

Have you noticed that their stuff is shit and your shit is stuff? God!
And you say, "Get that shit offa there and let me put my stuff down!"

Sometimes you leave your house to go on vacation. And you gotta take
some of your stuff with you. Gotta take about two big suitcases full
of stuff, when you go on vacation. You gotta take a smaller version of
your house. It's the second version of your stuff. And you're gonna
fly all the way to Honolulu. Gonna go across the continent, across
half an ocean to Honolulu. You get down to the hotel room in Honolulu
and you open up your suitcase and you put away all your stuff. "Here's
a place here, put a little bit of stuff there, put some stuff here,
put some stuff--you put your stuff there, I'll put some stuff--here's
another place for stuff, look at this, I'll put some stuff here..."
And even though you're far away from home, you start to get used to
it, you start to feel okay, because after all, you do have some of
your stuff with you. That's when your friend calls up from Maui, and
says, "Hey, why don'tchya come over to Maui for the weekend and spend
a couple of nights over here."

Oh, no! Now what do I pack? Right, you've gotta pack an even SMALLER
version of your stuff. The third version of your house. Just enough
stuff to take to Maui for a coupla days. You get over to Maui--I mean
you're really getting extended now, when you think about it. You got
stuff ALL the way back on the mainland, you got stuff on another
island, you got stuff on this island. I mean, supply lines are getting
longer and harder to maintain. You get over to your friend's house on
Maui and he gives you a little place to sleep, a little bed right next
to his windowsill or something. You put some of your stuff up there.
You put your stuff up there. You got your Visine, you got your nail
clippers, and you put everything up. It takes about an hour and a
half, but after a while you finally feel okay, say, "All right, I got
my nail clippers, I must be okay." That's when your friend says,
"Aaaaay, I think tonight we'll go over the other side of the island,
visit a pal of mine and maybe stay over."

Aww, no. NOW what do you pack? Right--you gotta pack an even SMALLER
version of your stuff. The fourth version of your house. Only the
stuff you know you're gonna need. Money, keys, comb, wallet, lighter,
hanky, pen, smokes, rubber and change. Well, only the stuff you HOPE
you're gonna need.

--

Yup, we're a material world...

As for the children living with parents. when is enough, enough? when
the kid can support himself/herself. that might be after they finish
their education, it might be before. it might be when they get
married...it's on a case by case basis i guess. although....my
brother is 30 years old, recently married; he still lives with us.
he's fully capable of supporting himself, but he just doesn't want to
it seems. Dad suggested he move out, they get their own place and so
on; my brother doesnt want to yet. Maybe because he's not ready to do
so. Me? I'm moving out soon as i get a steady job and get on my own
two feet, so to speak. whether it's here in UAE or out of the
country. I think it's the parents' responsibility to teach their
children to be responsible and not to feed off of the parents. so if
all your kid is doing is sitting at home and playing games at 30,
instead of going out and getting a job, by all means, kick 'em out of
the house, because that sort of behavior is just.... rude. of course
to parents, the children will always be their little babies, and maybe
that's why a lot of the parents dont want to kick their kids out at
any age. you gotta be pretty tough a parent (or just heartless?) to
kick your kid out once they reach a certain age or finish their
studies "all right you got your degree, get outta the house!" no,
that's a bit...sudden. but the other side of things, is parents
aren't going to be around forever, the kids have to be aware of that
and be ready to support themselves.

Dec 16---Bali and do we care?

The short and simple from last night is we really don't care.

Marcus has suggested we don't care about that which we cannot get involved in!

So we need a voice.

Blogging as the voice? Maybe.

Do you have a blog?

Do you use your voice via technology?

My experience is that people o not use their voice and don't want to.

Why? we care about our immediate environment and that is 5 feet around us, all else is bonus.

DEC 12--- M.A.C. INSPIRE.

Vimi Joshi spoke yo us about the growing number of men using cosmetics today to get a leg up in the workplace and even with selfsame!

We ended the evening talking about common sense only to discover that common sense is not so common!

DEC 11-=--fines for smoking and the EEG

We had a nice hat with the people t the Emirates Environmental Group about UAE clean up 2007!

And we then spoke about the 500 dirham fines for smoking in forbidden places!

The best part?

If you smoke in mall and they don't stop you, they get a fine as well.

Love that! Now lets do the same with traffic rules.

Dec 10 RTA

And there will be, we are told, by an anonymous source 10 toll roads by 2009 in Dubai.

Great!

Your take on tolls?

Dubai International Film Festival

Curious about my take on DIFF?

I am spending the mornings at DIFF all through the festival!

I am blogging my experience at http://think2extremes.blogspot.com.

The good, the bad and the ugly all unplugged in the unofficial Dubai Film Festival Blog!

Dec 10----when is it ok to cut the purse strings for our children?

When do we force our children to leave the nest?

Dec 9---anti american

Do we give America, the government a fair shake?

Or should we be giving America a roughter ride for its foreign policy?

No shortage of views!

December 5-We Are What We Do!

Imagine setting out to change the world one person, one small tiny gesture/action/idea at a time?

CHECK IT OUT

...and welcome to We Are What We do, a new movement inspiring people to use their everyday actions to change the world. We're not talking moving big mountains. More of a gentle nudge from the corner desk. A little prod from the sofa. A gentle push from the PE room.

So go on then! Track an action, share, connect.


Picture of the week

Manchester's Little Green Bag From: Manchester City Council is yet another supporter of Plastic Ain’t My Bag!It launched its little green bag to inspire shoppers to remember 'Action 01: Decline Plastic Bags' and held an event where it r... Submitted: 2007-10-10

Dec 5 part 1---The secret society of dragon protectors

www.thesecretsocietyofdragonprotectors.com

THE SECRET SOCIETY OF DRAGON

PROTECTORS

If you have not seen these books, there are 3 now, you need to take a look.

In one word, AMAZING!

Last night on Nightline we discussed Workplace Safety.

We had a HUGE response, the phone was ringing all night and text messages were coming in fast.

Workplace Safety is a big issue here in UAE with stories of so many workers suffering injuries or dying at work. One of the calls we received was from a worker from a Crushing Plant that described the dangerous and terrible conditions he and his workmates had to endure.

We hope that the government will take action to improve the safety standards and regulations in the many different industries that desperately need them but in the mean time it is ESSENTIAL that everyone at work has the WORKSAFE mentality.

Think about SAFETY at work, your safety and your work mates safety.

DEC 4----workplace safety

Do we care enough about the safety of the environments we work in?

Not likely!

Listen to the JAMESCAST it says it all.

Dec 3---START Dubai

If you are like me you had no clue before yesterday what START was or that it existed in DUBAI!

www.startworld.org

or contact Sonia brewin the director at sonia@startworld.org



START was launched by the Al Madad Foundation, The Prince's Drawing School and Art Dubai (formerly the DIFC/Gulf Art Fair).

START uses art as a means to heal, educate and empower the younger generation in disadvantaged areas in the Middle East and elsewhere by giving them a voice through the universal expression of art, by engaging them with their communities and their peers, and by teaching them a sense of self-worth.

Dec 2 UAE national day

UAE national day is a very special day in the life of this young country!

On the Jamescast you can listen to a UAE national talk about seeing the flag rise for the first time when he was 14, wow.



Rulers of emirates send National Day messages
posted on 02/12/2007

Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of Emirates greeted the UAE leader, citizens and residents on the occasion of the 36th National Day of UAE.

In their respective messages given through the Defence magazine 'Dir Al Watan', the Rulers of emirates hailed the progress achieved by the country during the past years and asked the citizens to be more determined to continue to work for more prosperity.

In his message, H.H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, reiterated that the UAE federation is gaining more strength and power as the years pass by. The continuing growth and development of the country has also brought pride and prosperity for its people.

He said that the unity of the country gave it a glorious history promising more prosperity in the future under the prudent leadership of H.H President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Sultan called upon the citizens to continue strive for knowledge and sincere work which constitute the basis of the development of any society.

He expressed his hope that the citizens will rise up to the expectations of the founders of the federation. He also asked them to strive for realizing the ambitions of their nation through hard work, unity and adherence to the Islamic values and their Arab identity.

The Ruler said that the real wealth lies inherent in the citizen who is conscious about his duties and work with dedication making the best use of his potentials.

H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah said in his message: 'We are celebrating the 36th anniversary of the National Day of our young country. Thirty-six years ago our seven emirates became one single entity unifying our potentials under the prudent leadership of my lost brother Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

'During these years we have made great achievements in domestic and international levels bringing us to the levels of advanced countries in the world. The federal institutions have played significant role in strengthening the march of the federation into progress.

'When we stand at the threshold of a new year in our history, we have great ambitions which we will achieve with the help from Allah the Almighty.

'On this occasion I express my sincere greetings to brother H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Their highnesses the Supreme council members and Rulers of emirates and the entire people of the UAE.

'I also pray to the Almighty to shower His blessings upon us all to achieve more prosperity in the future'.

H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah said in his message: 'On December 2nd the people of United Arab Emirates made a tryst with destiny to write the history with the light of great achievements. The founding father of the nation the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan spared no efforts to unify the people of various emirates into a federation, and it gave our country prosperity and progress.

'Sheikh Zayed always reminded us the rulers about our duty to work hand in hand to realize prosperity for our people.

'His footprints are sincerely followed by H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who enhanced the process of democracy and consultation based on the true teaching of Islam and its eternal values.

Al Sharqi expressed his sincere greetings to Sheikh Khalifa and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council members and Rulers of emirates.

He said that the country's achievements in educational, economic, social, healthcare and agriculture have converted the land which was a barren desert into a green oasis.

More over the UAE also played a very important role on international level supporting justice, peace and security around the world.

Sharqi also said that the neutral foreign policy of UAE has always been lauded as it always supported international legitimacy and sovereignty of countries.

He reminded the armed forces of their duty to safeguard the integrity of their motherland and protect its achievements.

Sharqi also prayed to God Almighty to bestow His divine mercy upon the lost founder of the federation Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan and admit him into the eternal paradise.

In his message H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm al-Qaiwain said: 'When we celebrate the 36th anniversary of our National Day we are cherishing the memories of the day when we achieved a single joint identity unifying us into a single nation.

'During our journey we could make a lot of achievements in various fields ensuring prosperity to our people and for the future generations.

'Our federation has become a faith and a distinguished model for unity among nations.

'Our policies always gave enough attention to the human factor and the empowerment of them through education and ensuring them good living standards.

'During last year H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa enhanced the role of Federal National Council by way of electing half of the members through voting, as well as giving women an equal footing in the political process.

Sheikh Rashid fondly remembered the great vision of the founding father of UAE Late Sheikh Zayed.

H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman said in his message: 'On the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the National Day of our country, I express my sincere greetings to H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of emirates and the citizens.

'We also remember on this occasion the great leader and the founding father of the federation Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who could give a birth certificate to our Ummah.

'This march into progress and prosperity will continue with the will of God under the prudent leadership of H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
'On this blessed day we reiterate our promise to stand together hand in hand with sincere intentions for the success of our nation.

nov 28--just wills

Do you have a will and last testament?

7 of 10 of us do not.

What are we thinking?



Just Wills
PO Box 73310 Dubai United Arab Emirates
Mobile: 0097150 2567121

Tel: 009714 3116 592
Fax: 009714 332 8810

Nov 27 DIABETES

20% of the UAE has DIABETES!
20% has DIABETES but does not know it!

By 2020, according to the WHO, 300million worldwide will have this disease!

Dr. El Tayeb waled us through DIABETES!

Learn More!

www.inspiredbydiabetes-me.com – website

www.inspiredbydiabetesme.wordpress.com – blog

‘I’m Inspired by Diabetes’ – Facebook group for UAE network

Inspiredbydiabetes-me@tbwaraad.com – email for the competition

http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/atrisk.asp

You could be one of many Canadians who have type 2 diabetes and don't know it.

If you are age 40 or over, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes and should be tested at least every three years. If you check any of the boxes to the right, you should be tested for diabetes earlier and/or more often.

Your Risk Assessment

I have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes.

I am a member of a high-risk group (Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian or African descent).

I have health complications that are associated with diabetes (see list below).

I gave birth to a baby that weighed over 4 kg (9 lbs) at birth

I had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)

I have been told I have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG)

I have high blood pressure.

I have high cholesterol or other fats in my blood.

I am overweight (especially if you carry most of your weight around your middle).

I have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Acanthosis nigricans (darkened patches of skin)
• Schizophrenia

Don't ignore these risk factors. The earlier you are diagnosed, the sooner you can take action to stay well — now and in the future!

If you already have diabetes, your children, brothers and sisters are at risk. Urge them to be tested for diabetes.

Today, more than ever before, people with diabetes can expect to live active, independent and vital lives if they make a lifelong commitment to careful management of the disease.

It is important to be tested for type 2 diabetes if you are at risk. Left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of complications, including:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Eye disease
• Problems with erection (impotence)
• Nerve damage

Recognize these signs?

Signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

• unusual thirst
• frequent urination
• weight change
• extreme fatigue or lack of energy
• blurred vision
• frequent or recurring infections
• cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
• tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• trouble getting and maintaining an erection

Diagnosis of diabetes

Show your doctor this fact sheet and ask him or her to test you for diabetes using one of the following tests. The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood is measured in mmol/L.

Fasting blood glucose (FPG)

You must not eat or drink anything except water for at least eight hours before this test. A test result of 7.0 mmol/L or greater indicates diabetes.

OR

Casual blood glucose

This test may be done at any time, regardless of when you last ate. A test result of 11.0 mmol/L or greater, plus symptoms of diabetes, indicates diabetes.

OR

Oral glucose tolerance test

You will be given a special sweetened drink prior to this blood test. A test result of 11.1 mmol/L or greater taken two hours after having the sweet drink indicates diabetes.

A second test must be done in all cases (except if you have acute signs and symptoms). Once diabetes has been diagnosed, ask your doctor to refer you for diabetes education. The Canadian Diabetes Association also has other resources available to help you understand diabetes better and live a long and healthy life.

Other healthcare workers (such as dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, eye doctors, dentists, podiatrists, social workers) need to know if you have diabetes. Show them these test results.

Date:

______________

1st Test:

______________

mmol/L

Nov 26 BusyMothers Companion

WWW.busymothers.com.au

At Busy Mothers we are committed to supporting parents in the exciting and challenging task of managing a busy family.

We spoke to Catherine Lockhard about this great resource!

The Concept:

At Busy Mothers’ we are committed to supporting parents in the exciting and challenging task of parenting and organising a busy family. We know that parenting is busy, hard work yet truly rewarding. The Busy Mothers team, Catherine and Gillian, wanted a resource to help them organise their families and lives. As teachers they were used to having systems in place to help make the running of their classroom smoother and easier allowing them more time to concentrate on what was really important – teaching their students. They wanted something similar for their homes that would allow them to concentrate on what was really important – spending time with their families. When they couldn’t find anything that suited their needs, they came up with their own system and The Busy Mothers Companion was created.

The Companion:

The Companion gives parents tools they can use to help keep the day to day running of their family and household in order. You can individualise your companion to suit your family.

What do you receive when you purchase the Busy Mothers’ Companion?

• Your own personal assistant. Well, not quite but the next best thing.

• More time to do the things you like to do.

• Less stress in your day.

• An end to feeling that you are always chasing your tail.

• A way for you to acknowledge what it is you actually achieve each day.

• A place for you to easily access all the tools you need to organise your busy household.

At Busy Mothers what we want for you, is to be able to:

• Really enjoy the time you spend with your kids.

• Acknowledge the great job you are doing.

• Reduce the amount of time you spend on fiddly, sometimes annoying yet necessary household organisation.

• Increase your energy levels by redirecting your time to the most important areas of your life.

• Stay one step ahead of your family so you can anticipate their needs and respond rather than react in damage control.

• Create the space to be able to take care of your own needs as well as those of your family.

Here are some emails we have received from our customers:

Your companion is fantastic. Having a lot of fun sorting it all out,

Thank you again.

Nikki

---

Thank you for compiling the companion, it has so much in the way of tools that have been around for so long, it just took a couple of clever mums to put it all together. So far I am still filling up my companion, but, I have actually used it more than a few times. I am looking forward to spending more time finalizing and personalizing my companion more.

Kind Regards

Maryanne

---

Just knowing that I can record every little aspect of our day to day lives, in the one spot (where it can''t get lost) and it will all be there to refer to when I need it and help our family unit run so much more smoothly and organised, will be such an enormous help to our family and finally let me get back on top of things. Sally, Qld I have found the BMC so helpful, I really don’t know if I can pick a single page out! If I was to choose the one we use the most, it would be the menu planner… this has been a life saver in our household… I now know exactly what is for dinner every night, no more struggling to dream up something at the last minute… but the one page I would probably pick out [as my favourite] would be the Medical information tracker as I have never had anything like this to record all the children’s medical info, chickenpox and surgeries etc… its fantastic. We have changed Doctor’s a few times over the years, due to moving etc… so our medical records are all over the place, its great to have our own records to keep track!!

So thank you!!

Karen Qld.

Nov 25: Advertising in the UAE/Middle East

Are we getting the best advertising, branding, experience when it comes to PR and Marketing in the the UAE?

Maybe?

What is certain is we get a lot of excuses.

What we also know is that small is the new big and the boutique agencies are cleaning up!

What we also know is there are many jobs waiting to be had IF YOU ARE HUNGRY!

Too bad people today want the easy way out!

MOVEMBER

You still have time to throw a dirham, dollar, pound at my MO!

www.movember.com

James Piecowye

161223

nov 21 Sexy and Handsome with Hood Habits

We spoke to the Good Habits ladies last night, and ate some great cake!

Carole Holditch and Paula Savage walked us through a way to look like a million dirhams for life.

Seems pretty easy!

contact us!
Please feel free to contact us for information, advice or help.

info@goodhabitsuae.com

Welcome to Good Habits
THE GOOD HABITS WAY!!!

If you�re looking for a quick fix to permanent weight loss, here�s why you are destined to fail����.

So diets don�t work for you. You�ve tried every one going and lost a few pounds on all of them. You�ve starved on grapefruits, brought packets of slim shakes, sickened yourself with cabbage soup, know the calorie count of every biscuit etc. You do lose weight�..and then you�ve started eating normally again and arrived back at square one.

The truth is if you are overweight there are no miracle cures to give you instant and permanent weight loss. Healthy weight loss should be gradual, �if its fast it will not last!� On a well balanced healthy diet, you should lose 1lb-2lb/ � -1kg per week. Basically all you need to do is take in fewer calories than you burn up, combine this with increased exercise and you�re on the way to success!

A Healthy body needs a healthy diet and you don�t get this by eating just one or two specific foods or existing on a calorie intake that�s just above starvation level. Healthy eating need not be boring or expensive and doesn�t mean worrying about what to eat. Its about feeling well and staying healthy, It means eating more of many popular foods that help our health, which makes it easier to eat less of fatty and sugary foods. No food should be forbidden and variety is important. It often means only small changes in the meals you already eat, just eat more of some food and less of others.

Take your diet seriously and make the choice to change your eating habits for life and start making your diet work for you!
We don�t wish you good luck, luck has absolutely nothing to do with it! Instead we invite you to become part of Good Habits. That way you can�t fail and that�s a promise!

nov 20 CYBER Presence with Dr. Catherine Todd

We spoke to Dr. Catherine Todd about the cyber world and how we live there and why! Amazing.

The message? We need to think more about all things cyber!

Faculty Profile

Dr. Catherine Todd
B.Eng. [Hons.], PhD [Electrical Engineering]

Dr. Catherine Todd is an Assistant Professor in the College of Information Technology. Catherine received the B. Eng. (Electrical) degree with honors (Class I), followed by the PhD degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Wollongong, Australia. In 2002 she completed a cadetship in Electrical Engineering at the BHP Steelworks in Port Kembla, Australia. Prior to joining UOWD, Dr. Todd worked as a staff member at the School of Informatics, University of Wollongong in Australia. Her academic interests are in the areas of digital signal (image) processing and control systems, with particular focus on virtual manipulation and its applications in medical education. Dr. Todd’s research interest includes: Decision Support Systems for Mammogram and Prostate Cancer Diagnosis, Artificial Retinas, and Automated Segmentation and Manipulation of the Human Cochlea.

Cyber (subculture)

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This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. Please improve the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (September 2007)

An example of cyber fashion

Cyber, also referred to as cyber culture or cyberculture, is the name given to a subculture that has roots in multiple music scenes including the European Dark scene and rave/clubbing scenes. Someone who identifies with the Cyber subculture can be referred to as a "cyber", although the term "cybergoth" is used to refer to what is perceived by some as a goth-influenced end of the subculture, and "cyberkid" to refer to those who attend trance/hard dance clubs. While science-fiction inspired fashion and an interest in electronic dance music are two areas that define the cyber subculture, cybers also tend to have a general interest in new and future technology, an optimistic view of its influence on society, and other such cyberculture topics. The subculture enjoys niche status and a

Tips And Resources: Teens Online

Web Sites And Blogs About Teens And Technology

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2007

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(AP / CBS)

(CBS) Parents of teenagers have always been concerned about what their sons and daughters are up to. But in the technology era of ultra-connected tweens and teens, it's a lot harder to keep track of young adults' every move.

A new study shows that at least 93 percent of Americans between the ages of 12 and 17 use the Internet regularly. When socializing is largely digital, what's a parent to do?

Read on for tips on how to keep teens safe online - and lots of useful links for Internet users of all ages.

Expert Tips For Parents

CBS News science and technology correspondent Daniel Sieberg interviewed author Gregory Smith about how to keep teens safe online. He gave CBS News some tips to share.

1. Get up to speed on modern-day technologies. Parents can't fight a battle that they don't understand. This includes taking an inventory of everything in the house that can connect to the Internet.

2. Use content filtering on any computer that a minor uses at home to access the Internet. My recommendation is CyberPatrol, which has easy to use pre-set age-based filter settings.

3. Use stealth technology where appropriate for troubled teens or teens suspected of using the Internet to access inappropriate content or those who communicate with strangers. My recommendation is PC Tattletale. No matter what - don't disclose that your using stealth software to your kids. They'll think you know a little more than they do and that's good enough to make them think twice.

4. Develop an Internet Use Policy for your children and clearly spell out expectations and repercussions. My book gives a good example of a draft agreement. If kids break the rules, warn first, then revoke the appropriate online capability if abused a second time. Internet usage and tools are a privilege, not a right and most come with fees to use them.

5. Talk to your children about the risks of going online. Don't sugar coat the risks either. This is possibly the most important recommendation I can make. Make sure your kids know that they can come to you and talk about anything. A healthy relationship between parents and kids helps pave the way for a good childhood and better prepares them for a prosperous life as an adult.

Related Resources

Check out Gregory Smith's Web site here.

GetNetWise is a service supplied by the Internet industry corporations and other groups "to help ensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences." Check out its tools for families database or its training series.

For a report from the Progress and Freedom Foundation titled Parental Controls and Online Child Protection: A Survey of Tools and Methods, click here.

Check out the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee, a "diverse group of public interest, non profit and industry groups working to educate the Congress and the public about important Internet-related policy issues."

GenTech on CBSNews.com

In compiling the series "GenTech: The Wiring of Teen America," the staff at CBSNews.com looked at many Web sites and blogs. Here are some interesting places to find more information. While we found them useful, we can't vouch for all the information found in them.

BlogSafety.com - A forum where teens, parents, teachers and adult bloggers can learn about the benefits of safe blogging & social networking.

WebMD’s Health Blogs - The blog page of WebMD, with discussions on variety of health-related topics.

CMDC: Children’s Digital Media Center - Funded by the National Science Foundation, this university partnership examines the impact of the media on youth.

CyberTipline - National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's site for reporting sexual exploitation of children.

Instructional Technology Resources - A blog on technology resources for educators, maintained by an Ashland University librarian.

Technology and Child Development Blog - The blog for a class at the University of Washington on the new technologies influencing kids and how technology influences childhood development.

Family Resource - Uses the accessibility of the Internet to educate parents on subjects ranging from relationships to finances.

GetNetWise - From the Internet Education Foundation, this Web site enables parents to protect their families from online dangers.

Guardian Angel Technology - Research and shop for the latest technologies in personal tracking, from cell phones to child monitoring devices, to prevent kids from going missing.

i-SAFE America - Non-profit foundation, endorsed by the U.S. Congress, dedicated to protect the online experiences of youth.

Kotaku - A regularly updated insider’s look to the freshest trends in computer gaming.

National Institute on Media and the Family - A nonprofit, national resource center for research, information, and education about the impact of the media on children and families.

NetSmartz Workshop - Co-founded by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, this Web site is an interactive safety resource to teach kids and teens how to stay safe on the Internet.

Newsome.org - The personal blog of lawyer and professor Kent Newsome, with a focus on legal and technology-related topics.

Parent Hacks - A blog about parenting that includes “practical parenting wisdom.”

Opinionated Parenting - A parenting blog where a mother and a father face-off on different issues.

Parenting Club - An online parenting community that includes parenting tips and advice, as well as message boards.

Parents.com - Web site for Parents magazine that includes articles and advice.

Pew Internet & American Life Project - Produces official survey reports on the impact of the Internet on multiple facets of life.

Polly Klaas Foundation - An organization that distributes missing child information, child internet safety advice, and other parenting information.

SafeKids.com - A site that is a “family guide to making the Internet and technology fun, safe and productive.” It includes child internet safety advice and information for parents.

SaferSurfers.com - A site “dedicated to helping families surf the Internet with awareness, safety, and knowledge.”

SafeTeens.com - A site with information for teens and parents about safe blogging and internet surfing.

Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education - An academic site dedicated to technology use in education.

Software Time - A product that limits the amount of time that can be spent online.

National Cyber Security Alliance - Advice and resources on cyber security.

The Mom Coach - A blog for mothers and their families.

The Parenting Chat - A message board for parents of young children that covers a wide range of parenting topics.

Wise Kids - A site that promotes safe internet use for children and teenagers.

Wired Safety - An online safety and help community.

Ypulse.com - Daily news and commentary about Generation Y for media and marketing professionals.

Wealth,complaining and prices.

Does it all come down to how you and I think about the distribution of wealth?

A person making 40,000 dirhams a month doesn't care about bread prices up 20%.

But a person making 600 dirhams a month does.

Maybe wealth needs to be reconsidered?

Pioneering Study Shows Richest Two Percent Own Half World Wealth

The richest 2% of adults in the world own more than half of global household wealth according to a path-breaking study released today by the Helsinki-based World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations University (UNU-WIDER).

The most comprehensive study of personal wealth ever undertaken also reports that the richest 1% of adults alone owned 40% of global assets in the year 2000, and that the richest 10% of adults accounted for 85% of the world total. In contrast, the bottom half of the world adult population owned barely 1% of global wealth.

The research finds that assets of $2,200 per adult placed a household in the top half of the world wealth distribution in the year 2000. To be among the richest 10% of adults in the world required $61,000 in assets, and more than $500,000 was needed to belong to the richest 1%, a group which — with 37 million members worldwide — is far from an exclusive club.

The UNU-WIDER study is the first of its kind to cover all countries in the world and all major components of household wealth, including financial assets and debts, land, buildings and other tangible property.

‘One should be clear about what is meant by “wealth”,’ say co-authors James Davies of the University of Western Ontario, Anthony Shorrocks and Susanna Sandstrom of UNU-WIDER, and Edward Wolff of New York University. ‘In everyday conversation the term “wealth” often signifies little more than “money income”. On other occasions economists use “wealth” to refer to the value of all household resources, including human capabilities.’

‘We use the term in its long-established sense of net worth: the value of physical and financial assets less debts. In this respect, wealth represents the ownership of capital. Although capital is only one part of personal resources, it is widely believed to have a disproportionate impact on household wellbeing and economic success, and more broadly on economic development and growth.’

Wealth levels across countries

Using currency exchange rates, global household wealth amounted to $125 trillion in the year 2000, equivalent to roughly three times the value of total global production (GDP) or to $20,500 per person. Adjusting for differences in the cost-of-living across nations raises the value of wealth to $26,000 per capita when measured in terms of purchasing power parity dollars (PPP$).

The world map shows per capita wealth of different countries. (Figure 1: World Wealth Levels in Year 2000) Average wealth amounted to $144,000 per person in the USA in year 2000, and $181,000 in Japan. Lower down among countries with wealth data are India, with per capita assets of $1,100, and Indonesia with $1,400 per capita.

Per capita wealth levels vary widely across countries. Even within the group of high-income OECD nations the range includes $37,000 for New Zealand and $70,000 for Denmark and $127,000 for the UK.

Wealth is heavily concentrated in North America, Europe, and high income Asia-Pacific countries. People in these countries collectively hold almost 90% of total world wealth. (Figure 2: Regional Wealth Shares)

Although North America has only 6% of the world adult population, it accounts for 34% of household wealth. Europe and high income Asia-Pacific countries also own disproportionate amounts of wealth. In contrast, the overall share of wealth owned by people in Africa, China, India, and other lower income countries in Asia is considerably less than their population share, sometimes by a factor of more than ten. (Figure 3: Population and Wealth Shares by Region)

The study finds wealth to be more unequally distributed than income across countries. High income countries tend to have a bigger share of world wealth than of world GDP. The reverse is true of middle- and low-income nations. However, there are exceptions to this rule, for example the Nordic region and transition countries like the Czech Republic and Poland.

The authors of the UNU-WIDER study explain that in Eastern European countries ‘private wealth is on the rise, but has still not reached very high levels. Assets like private pensions and life insurance are held by relatively few households. In the Nordic countries, the social security system provides generous public pensions that may depress wealth accumulation.’

World wealth inequality

The concentration of wealth within countries varies significantly but is generally high. The share of the top 10% ranges from around 40% in China to 70% in the United States, and higher still in other countries.

The Gini value, which measures inequality on a scale from zero to one, gives numbers in the range from 35% to 45% for income inequality in most countries. In contrast, Gini values for wealth inequality are usually between 65% and 75%, and sometimes exceed 80%.

Two high wealth economies, Japan and the United States, show very different patterns of wealth inequality, with Japan having a wealth Gini of 55% and the USA a wealth Gini of around 80%.

Wealth inequality for the world as a whole is higher still. The study estimates that the global wealth Gini for adults is 89%. The same degree of inequality would be obtained if one person in a group of ten takes 99% of the total pie and the other nine share the remaining 1%.

Where do the world’s wealthy live?

According to the study, almost all of the world’s richest individuals live in North America, Europe, and rich Asia-Pacific countries. Each of these groups of countries contribute about one third of the members of the world’s wealthiest 10%. (Figure 4: Regional Composition of Global Wealth Distribution)

China occupies much of the middle third of the global wealth distribution, while India, Africa, and low-income Asian countries dominate the bottom third.

For all developing regions of the world, the share of population exceeds the share of global wealth, which in turn exceeds the share of members of the wealthiest groups. (Figure 3: Population and Wealth Shares by Region)

A small number of countries account for most of the wealthiest 10% in the world. One-quarter are Americans and another 20% are Japanese. (Figure 5: Percentage Membership of Wealthiest 10%)

These two countries feature even more strongly among the richest 1% of individuals in the world, with 37% residing in the USA and 27% in Japan. (Figure 6: Percentage Membership of Wealthiest 1%)

According to Anthony Shorrocks, a country’s representation in the rich person’s club depends on three factors: the size of the population, average wealth, and wealth inequality.

‘The USA and Japan stand out’, he says, ‘because they have large populations and high average wealth. Although Switzerland and Luxembourg have high average wealth, their populations are small. China on the other hand fails to feature strongly among the super-rich because average wealth is modest and wealth is evenly spread by international standards. However, China is already likely to have more wealthy residents than our data reveals for the year 2000, and membership of the super-rich seems set to rise fast in the next decade.’

Composition of household wealth

The UNU-WIDER study shows major international differences in the composition of assets, resulting from different influences on household behaviour such as market structure, regulation, and cultural preferences.

Real property, particularly land and farm assets, are more important in less developed countries. (Figure 7: Asset Composition in Selected Countries) This reflects not only the greater importance of agriculture, but also immature financial institutions.

The study also reveals striking differences in the types of financial assets owned. Savings accounts feature strongly in transition economies and in some rich Asian countries, while share-holdings and other types of financial assets are more evident in rich countries in the West. (Figure 8: Composition of Financial Wealth in Selected Countries)

According to the authors of the UNU-WIDER study, savings accounts tend to be favoured in Asian countries because ‘there appears to be a strong preference for liquidity and a lack of confidence in financial markets. Other types of financial assets are more prominent in countries like the UK and USA which have well developed financial sectors and which rely heavily on private pensions.’

Surprisingly, household debt is relatively unimportant in poor countries. As the authors of the study point out: ‘While many poor people in poor countries are in debt, their debts are relatively small in total. This is mainly due to the absence of financial institutions that allow households to incur large mortgage and consumer debts, as is increasingly the situation in rich countries’

The authors go on to note that ‘many people in high-income countries have negative net worth and—somewhat paradoxically—are among the poorest people in the world in terms of household wealth.’

Nov 18 PAKISTAN 2 weeks on.

Two weeks into the Emergency Rule in Pakistan we asked what is your take today?

The number of people coming out on the side of the President/General is high.

Others suggest we need to mind our own business, western countries, any country!

According to the CBC,

Musharraf has insisted that the emergency rule powers were necessary to ensure fair elections and to strengthen the fight against Islamic militants. He reiterated Saturday that he would not lift the widely criticized measures unless the security situation improves.

Just to remind you of the situation in brief.

Again from the CBC.

Musharraf, who took power in a 1999 coup, swore in a caretaker government on Friday and declared he had "introduced the essence of democracy" in the country.

Bhutto and Musharraf had been negotiating a power-sharing arrangement, but talks apparently collapsed as the general moved against the opposition following his decision to suspend the constitution.

She has in recent days made increasingly strident demands for Musharraf to resign, and has proposed the opposition form a unity front to serve as a transition government ahead of the scheduled elections.

Nov 14: BPeace

What if people in business, you and I, did just as we think and made our work empower others and lead to them changing their world?

This is not a dream!

Here is a group that really seem to have their ideas, hearts and minds in the right place!

Fostering Peace by Building Women's Businesses Members of the Business Council for Peace (Bpeace) volunteer their time to help women in regions of conflict and post-conflict start businesses. What We Do & How We Do It Apply your business experience to help women in conflict regions. Details >> Origins Read about how we started in 2002—and how we're growing. Details >> Governing Board Our Governing Board includes leaders from diverse industries. Details >> Partners Bpeace works closely with UNIFEM and other organizations focused on the economic empowerment of women. Details >> Back to top

November 13 MOVEMBER the man!

Well we spoke with Adam Goroni one of the founders of MOVEMBER, back in 2003, Nicole Betts who is pushing the cause in the UAE and Julian Wilcock a MObro.

It is all about awareness!

Here are my details!

go to www.movember.com and give it a go!

Member Name	James Piecowye
Member Rego	161223
Member Country	United Arab Emirates

Cancer Nov 12

We talked about Cancer!

Finding out you or someone you love has cancer brings many changes.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in active treatment, or are caring for someone with cancer, you will probably need to deal with many practical issues, make tough decisions, and cope with a range of emotions.

When everything feels like it’s just too much, remember that everyone living with cancer deals with cancer in their own way. There are ways you can cope.

http://www.cancer.ca/ccs/internet/standard/0,3182,3172_200694892__langId-en,00.html

November 11: Remebrance Day

Sorry no audio is available from last night.

We talked about Remembrance Day and whether or not remembering those who have fallen in war really has currency today.

There was no easy answer.

Why the Poppy?

Today, fields of brilliant poppies still grow in France.

A writer first made the connection between the poppy and battlefield deaths during the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century, remarking that fields that were barren before battle exploded with the blood-red flowers after the fighting ended.

During the tremendous bombardments of the First World War the chalk soils became rich in lime from rubble, allowing 'popaver rhoeas' to thrive. When the war ended the lime was quickly absorbed, and the poppy began to disappear again.

After John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields was published in 1915 the poppy became a popular symbol for soldiers who died in battle.

Three years later an American, Moina Michael, was working in a New York City YMCA canteen when she started wearing a poppy in memory of the millions who died on the battlefield.

During a 1920 visit to the United States a French woman, Madame Guerin, learned of the custom. On her return to France she decided to use handmade poppies to raise money for the destitute children in war-torn areas of the country. In November, 1921, the first poppies were distributed in Canada.

Thanks to the millions of Canadians who wear flowers each November, the little red plant has never died. And neither have Canadian's memories for 116,031 of their countrymen who died in battle.

James' Movember growth!

James Piecowye of NIGHTLINE in Dubai.

Nov 7 Gemma Bryden, Amazing Story

Gemma Bryden , Gemma@bryden.com, is going to trek in South Africa to help raise money for a great cause.

Gemma is 20, a Dubai resident, and was told she would never walk again after a car accident 18 month ago!

WOW.

How is this trek happening? Gulf for Good and that means she also has to raise 17,000 dirhams.

Did I mention she is 20?

The Strandloper Challenge - South Africa

Difficulty - Moderate to Hard

(See scale below)

February 8th-15th, 2008

Gulf for Good’s first Charity Challenge of 2008 will take a group of participants on the ‘Strandloper Challenge’, hiking the full length of the renowned Strandloper Trail in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Those taking part will raise substantial funds for South African charities that support children affected by poverty, violence and AIDS.

Hiking the Strandloper Trail includes trekking across some rough terrain and wading across rivers, so it will be a good test of fitness and determination. It’s important that anyone considering taking part in this Challenge starts training as early as possible – the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy yourself.

Prospective challengers, who will need to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship to take part, will be accompanied through one of the finest landscapes in Africa by a local team of qualified guides. Those wishing to participate are advised to register now, as places are limited.

October 6: Smoking, youth and we have failed.

More youth than ever before are smoking!

The evidence that smoking can kill is loud and clear YET our youth smoke!

Why?

Allen Carr has a great book to help them quit!

The title is Easy Way to Stop Smoking.

Why stop?

Cigarettes are one of few products which can be sold legally which can harm and even kill you over time if used as intended.

Currently there are ongoing lawsuits in the USA which aim to hold tobacco companies responsible for the effects of smoking on the health of long term smokers.

Benzene (petrol additive)
A colourless cyclic hydrocarbon obtained from coal and petroleum, used as a solvent in fuel and in chemical manufacture - and contained in cigarette smoke. It is a known carcinogen and is associated with leukaemia.

Formaldehyde

(embalming fluid)
A colourless liquid, highly poisonous, used to preserve dead bodies - also found in cigarette smoke. Known to cause cancer, respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal problems.

Ammonia

(toilet cleaner)
Used as a flavouring, frees nicotine from tobacco turning it into a gas, found in dry cleaning fluids.

Acetone (nail polish remover)

Fragrant volatile liquid ketone, used as a solvent, for example, nail polish remover - found in cigarette smoke.

Tar

Particulate matter drawn into lungs when you inhale on a lighted cigarette. Once inhaled, smoke condenses and about 70 per cent of the tar in the smoke is deposited in the smoker's lungs.

Nicotine (insecticide/addictive drug)

One of the most addictive substances known to man, a powerful and fast-acting medical and non-medical poison. This is the chemical which causes addiction.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) (car exhaust fumes)

An odourless, tasteless and poisonous gas, rapidly fatal in large amounts - it's the same gas that comes out of car exhausts and is the main gas in cigarette smoke, formed when the cigarette is lit. Others you may recognize are :

Arsenic (rat poison), Hydrogen Cyanide (gas chamber poison)

So why do youth smoke?

Cool!

Plain and simple, cool!

How can we win against that?