The Inauguration of Obama

Photo by Scott Andrews/Reuters
"Crowds filled the National Mall in the early morning hours on Tuesday." NYT
The Whole World is waiting...
I love these photos on:
"Obama's People" in The New York Magazine with the nice commentary check it out.
I also liked this interactive page they had set with all the inaugural addresses of all the 43 presidents before Obama under:

January 17, 2009
Inaugural Words: 1789 to the Present

A look at the language of presidential inaugural addresses. The most-used words in each address appear in the interactive chart below, sized by number of uses. Words highlighted in yellow were used significantly more in this inaugural address than average.

I am trying to find links to watch the inauguration on the web in my clinic in between patients till this time I found these links:
http://www.cnn.com/live/
http://www.nytimes.com/ which has a link to a live video to start 11:30 am EST

Added:
The Speech:

Atlantis The Palms Dazzeled Grand Opening in Dubai

A light display is illuminated during the grand opening of Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai.. photos from photo gallery of Khaleej Times dot com
These are the links to the story coverage in:

Khaleej Times
Stars, fireworks dazzle at Atlantis launch
21 November 2008

From Kylie Minogue, Denzel Washington, Robert DeNiro, Charlize Theron, Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Michael Jordon, Boris Becker, Priyanka Chopra, Lily Allen, Agyness Deyn, Richard Branson, Sol Kerzner, Quincy Jones, Arjun Rampal, Farhan Akthar the list was endless as a host of celebrities walked the red carpet at the probably the biggest bash in the world to launch Sol Kerzner and property developer, Nakheel’s million-dollar baby.

Saudi Gazette
Nov 22 2008
Dubai hotel’s star-studded bash
DUBAI – Shrugging off the global financial crisis, Dubai overnight toasted a new luxury hotel with a $20-million bash attended by film stars and sporting greats and marked by a spectacular fireworks display.
More than 2,000 world celebrities were invited to the event, which began Thursday night and continued into Friday.

I have seen the original Atlantis In the Bahamas Pradise Island... so yet to come to see this one which is only 2 hours flight away.. will leave it for some sort of special occation.. had fun in the bahamas for sure will have fun in dubai as always..

Turkish word #12:

Harika! harika =Wonderful!

Obama Won

Obama Victory Speech Video Link in NYT

The Sunday Paper... miss it..

OK, so one of the things that I miss when I was living in North America is the Sunday paper.. you get a huge stack of papers.. its the best thing I just love waking up walking around in my PJ's and a big cup of coffee and sitting reading the paper.. in the US its usually $1.99 for 15 sections plus a Magazine.. one of my favorites is The New York Times in New York my favorite city in the world.. my second favorite city now is becoming Dubai.. the paper is the best thing to lazying around all day or if its nice and sunny to take it to the park or to a nice outdoor cafe ( that's usually for a Sat ) I miss those small pleasurable rituals.. and when you are busy and cant read it all in one day it lasts you the whole week.. it has loads of reading from the important news in the week to travel and style.. so that what I ve done one of the first things I bough at the shop when I got to Chicago is buy the Sunday paper The Chicago Tribune because I am busy it is lasting me the whole week almost.. I love the TV guide in it as well I can plan my breaks.
The above picture was taken from The Chicago Tribune The Sawmp section The Article with a video of the editor of The New Yorker talking about this cover which has been talked about a lot in the media and the news this is the article link:
New Yorker flap turns attention to satire

Fun Lilliy
Visit MyBlogLog and get a signature like this!

Fun Lilliy Women-Issue News Selection " Female assesses masters thesis of male "

Female assesses masters thesis of male

Saudi Gazette Friday, 20 June 2008 Riyadh - For the first time in the history of higher education in Saudi Arabia, a female is taking part in an evaluation of a scientific thesis submitted by a male researcher.
It was the norm at Saudi universities to exclude female academics from discussions involving male students.
However, the English Department of the College of Languages at King Saud University has made this habit a thing of the past, which may usher in a new era. The step was described by academics as “historic,” giving the credit for this development to Dr. Saad Al-Baze’i and Dr. Odah Al-Jahni, both of whom have long been advocates of involving women in scientific debates.
Researcher Ibrahim Azizi earned Wednesday a Master’s degree with a rating of excellent with honors for his study on US-Arab Literature.
Dr. Marsha Qatareya, who took part in the discussion of the thesis together with Dr. Al-Jahni, said, “I am proud to be among the first to break the barrier in the area of discussion of thesis at Saudi universities and I hope this will allow for more events like this in the future.”
Qatareya said she had her reservations for taking part in such a landmark event however with the support from from Dr. Odah Al-Jahni, the department head, and Professor Saad Al-Baze’i gave her the needed push. – Al-Hayat

What can I say.. I guess I have to say " yay ".. I have to keep telling myself "baby steps baby steps"...

This is another article'
Summer camp aims to help young women plan for future
Walaa Hawari | Arab News

RIYADH: With the aim of generating a sense of social responsibility among young Saudi adults, the Summer of Luthan camp for girls has been established at Luthan, the first women-only hotel in Riyadh.

The three-week camp, which begins on July 5, is a new concept in summer camps. Among its many programs include visits to workplaces where women are taking the lead. It will also present workshops to enhance the girls’ knowledge of many aspects of life and to build their self-esteem and confidence.......

I hope that all these efforts are encouragement to do more and more..

This article in Arab News gives me minute hope.. I just hope it wont be crushed again..

I have read before about the meeting that was held in

the Khadija Bint Khuwailed Center for Businesswomen hosted a lecture by Al-Jawhara Al-Angari, vice chairman of the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR), on the legal, social, political and civil rights of women in Islam.

I was disappointed that I didn't know about it or I would have attended.. but I read before there was a good number of women that attended.. we need more like these kind of lectures.. because women need to understand what their rights really are not just what they have been wanted to only know.. I don't take this as just an article.. it is a call to women...

Plight of Women Gets Deserved Attention
Samar Fatany, samarfatany@hotmail.com.

Recent national initiatives increased public awareness among women and addressed misconceptions that lead to regulatory discrimination against Saudi women. The media is also keeping pressure on by exposing violations and outmoded attitudes about women. There is a genuine effort by all to keep the public informed about social concerns and government directives that are influencing change and reinforcing reforms.

The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) should be commended for its vigorous campaign to raise the level of awareness among women about their legal rights. The chamber’s Center for Law and Arbitration launched an initiative to spur research on divorce and custody laws. The initiative included research on three major categories, divorce under Shariah, the rights of divorcees in Islam and the custody rights of children in Islam.

To encourage researchers to participate, a cash award will be offered to the best, and the best nine studies will be printed in a book that will be distributed to the public free of charge. It is hoped that such studies will help bring about solutions for many unresolved divorce and custody cases and address the suffering of many women and children who are victims of injustice or misinterpretation of the Shariah law.

Meanwhile, the Khadija Bint Khuwailed Center for Businesswomen hosted a lecture by Al-Jawhara Al-Angari, vice chairman of the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR), on the legal, social, political and civil rights of women in Islam. Al-Angari addressed unimplemented laws and regulations that favor women and criticized the deficiencies in other regulations. The human rights advocate recommended that a civil family code be distributed with every identity card issued to a woman in order to inform her of her rights.

She then addressed the issue of business representatives imposed on women conducting business in the Kingdom. She said women should take advantage of the legal assistance provided by the Khadija Bint Khuwailed Center. The center, she said, could assist by drawing up specified powers of attorney that do not give absolute power to such representatives.

Al-Angari also urged women to be more active in promoting change. In her lecture, she noted that ignorance about their legal rights and under-appreciation by society are the reasons for the current plight of Saudi women.

The chamber publicized the event well and ensured that many women attended. Transportation was provided from every charity organization in Jeddah. Flyers were posted at colleges and universities along with SMS message and e-mail campaigns. As a result, 600 enthusiastic women showed up and used the opportunity to discuss issues that affect their lives. The lecture was an eye-opener for many women who had lost hope in government or society providing any protection or support.

The center presented Maha Fitaihi, wife of Jeddah’s mayor, lecturing on “Women in Islam.” She stressed the importance of recognizing women as a source of strength and pride, and she said that we should concentrate on building the character of our young girls and women to allow them to serve their country and religion. It is important, she said, to define the true Muslim identity of the Saudi woman so that she can take her rightful place in the international community and contribute toward global prosperity. Women left the hall inspired with a sense of pride in their identity and history.

Meanwhile, in Riyadh a group of Saudi legal and medical experts appealed to scholars at the Board of Senior Ulema and the Ministry of Justice to enact a law that bans child marriage. They highlighted many negative reports about this rural phenomenon and related many instances of abuse against child wives, in which judges citing Shariah law ruled against the victims. The experts urged the launch of an intensive awareness campaign to highlight the destructive effects of this practice. They called for an end to child marriage and stressed that those who indulge in this practice should face criminal penalties.

Arab News recently reported about women being locked up in their homes with their children when their husbands go to work. This practice is always discouraged by the police and Civil Defense officials as most Saudi homes lack fire-escape routes and almost all have iron security bars. Civil Defense officials continuously point out the dangers of such practices and urge against locking any family member or servant in the house. Police remain helpless because they cannot intervene without an official complaint. “If the wife consents willingly the law cannot interfere,” one official said. This is another example of how lack of awareness among women leads them to stay passive and accept such dangerous and demeaning situations — not only for themselves but for their children as well.

These efforts to raise awareness and the extensive campaign to enlighten women about their rights must continue in order to provide every woman with an opportunity to live in dignity. Many women remain resistant to change out of fear of the unknown or distorted views of their culture and faith. It is the duty of every sociologist, government official or employee and every educated citizen, man or woman, to improve the welfare of our sisters, mothers and daughters. We have a responsibility to help our society evolve and recognize the need to support women who may be isolated and unaware of a better way to live. Moreover, our educated and progressive women should accept a greater responsibility to lead by example to remove the suspicions of those who are against modernization and progress. We all — men and women — need to work together to devise laws and regulations that maintain respect and protect women both at home and in the workplace.

— Samar Fatany is a Saudi radio journalist based in Jeddah.

The British Council in Jeddah "International Young Visual Arts Entrepreneur Award"

Just recived this e-mail any one who is intrested I can e-mail you the applications:

The British Council is launching its International Young Visual Arts Entrepreneur Award - IYVAE

They are looking for young Saudi artists who already run businesses in the visual arts sector. Candidates should be 25 – 35 years old, and with entrepreneurial skills and background.

Kindly find attached the application form and more information on the award programme.

The deadline for receiving applications is 16 July 2008

I read a very intresting post from fellow blogger Ammaro

This was a very intresting post that I wanted to direct my friends to read as well this is the Link: Isolated from the World
Ammaro is a fellow Bahraini Blogger that I have read very intresting posts and this is one of them.. the pictures are amazing..

Just read this article and listen to the video..

I read this in the NYT and also listened to the video, just to tell you how still some of the new generation is still thinking with that kind of mentality..

GENERATION FAITHFUL
Love’s Rules Vex and Entrance Young Saudis
By MICHAEL SLACKMAN
Published: May 12, 2008
Young Saudis may chafe against the rules, but they often condemn mercilessly those who flout them too brazenly.

Pangea Day May 10th 2008

I just found out about this today I didn't see all the videos, but at some point I will but I saw some of the One Hour Highlight Movie Reel they have on their website which is really enjoyable and worth watching.. This is the playlist of the YouTube clips on their channel that I want to get around to see when ever I take my breaks from studying so we will watch them together and see if we like it or not..
I'll start with this one Austrealia sings for lebanone


Pangea Day Website

Ohh no.. Bhutto was killed...

This is from Reuters:

Dec. 27 - Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto is dead at the age of 54 after being subject to a gun and bomb attack at a political rally in Pakistan.

As a Western educated woman in an Islamic society, and the first female Prime Minister of a Muslim country, Bhutto forged many new paths in a turbulent political career which spanned decades.

Karen Noack reports.

Ohh this so sad I always thought she was such a brave woman to stand up the way she did for what she belived in, in a world thats hard for a woman to have such a strong voice.. she knew her life was always constantly in dangour but she still fought for what she stands for..

Eid Mobarak And Hajj Mabrore!!!

Hi everyone..
I am sorry I am posting this a day late but I didn't have internet connection yesterday..
But..
EID MOBARAK EVERYONE!!!! and Hajj Mabrore to everyone who was able to perform Hajj this year..
What did you do on the first day of Eid? I hope you had a good one!

Fun Lilliy YouTube Selection The Podcast " Avian Flu " a.k.a. The Bird Flu...

I know this is not my usual " Fun " selection but because I was asked to write on my blog some info about "The Bird Flu" which has affected a lot of the birds in KSA, a lot of people had asked me to post information on it.. so I found these informative podcasts to go through ( I am a very visual person so I tend to like videos and podcasts ).. I have also gathered some articles on Fun Lilliy del.icio.us under the tag "Bird-Flu" or "Avian-Flu" , and I will put a concise summery on the subject with in the next few days.. for now just for you to get an idea, I am posting these clips ( by the way it was made by Vets but they included information on human infection which is why I started with part 3 first, and they did a good job on their podcast)

A very informative site with good information on The Bird Flu ( that I recommend looking at) is on eMedicineHealth.com which has information to non medical people, but they are thorough. This is the link:
Bird Flu on eMedicinHealth.com
When I looked up the WHO site and their updates on the Avian Influenza I didn't see any Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO in KSA in their Dec 4, 2007 report.
They had a nice video on The Global Influenza Surveillance that you can watch if you are interested.
The WHO is monitoring what is being done in KSA with regards The Bird Flu outbreak which is reported to be within birds only, no reports of any human infections. Here is the link to the article in Arabnews:
WHO Monitoring Kingdom’s Fight Against Bird Flu

When I just heard about this on the News I couldnt say anything other than cry.....

Please dont comment on this post .. because I cant bare to read any more about it.. we all know how we feel .. but I had to say something about this Woman and I hope that she will be able to survive this... its the story of a 19 year old Qatif woman who was Gang Raped and she is punished with lashes and jail...
These are the Links:
You can watch the videos on International CNN.com/ World
Saudi rape victim punished

Read the story on Arab News:
A Slap in the Face of Justice

The story on BBC news
Saudis back rape victim sentence

On This Day in History November 20 " 1947: Queen Elizabeth II marries Prince Phillip"

60 years side by side through all those troubling times the good and the bad..

Added:
This is the CBS news video report Link
Queen's Diamond Anniversary
Its so sweet they are going to Malta to celebrate their Anniversary..

also this is the link to BBC world news YouTube Channel ( sorry cant embed it )
Queen celebrates anniversary

Mark your calender " Kalam Nawam " Topic on " The Discussion about Medical Students in KSU not to train on a patient from the opposite gender!!!"

Now this is something for sure I `ll watch because frankly I didn't know about it... and Im glad I studied when that question didn't apply..
according to next weeks show listing it said on MBC dot netthis"سيدات نواعم"
"سيدات نواعم" يناقشن تحريم التدريب السعودي على الجنس الآخر :
وفي الحلقة ذاتها - التي تبث مساء الأحد 25 نوفمبر في تمام الساعة 9.30 بتوقيت السعودية ( 6.30 مساء بتوقيت غرينتش) - يناقش البرنامج موضوع الفتوى التي حرمت على طلاب الطب في "جامعة الملك سعود بالسعودية من مزاولة التدريب المهني على الجنس الآخر بحسب جنس كل طبيب .

I would be really interested in this discussion and also what do you think about that? would you go to such a doctor if you knew this was his/her training in Medical school..
How can we be complete Medical Doctors and expect to be accredited internationally if this will be the case when you are training in this Medical School.. I dont know if that rule has been applied yet but honestly?
it will be next Sun 25 nov 9:30p.m. KSA time on MBC 1


Added: I saw the show and I was very disappointed by the way they handled their discussions.. their train of thoughts was very disorganized.. Thumb Down..

" Lead in Lipstick " on ABC news and The New York Times...

This is the link to ABC news video report:
Lead in Lipstick
" Levels of lead have been detected in randomly selected samples of lipsticks.
10/12/2007"

And I have read it before in The New York Times in this article:
Really?
The Claim: Some Red Lipstick Brands Contain High Lead Levels

"The list of products that were tested in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Study, along with the full report, are available online at www.safecosmetics.org "

I truly think the report is worth taking a look at.. because there is a warning especially for pregnant women..

Added:
This is a post on YouTube By "Dr. Evelyn A. Mauss, a leading figure in the exploration of the dangers of lead poisoning, physiologist at New York University and consultant to the Natural Resources Defense Council, explains how lead came to be widely used in various products -- from paint to plumbing --its toll in illness and death, and what must still be done to eliminate this threat to public health."

Oh No !!! Not our hairbands too!!

This is the link to what was posted by fellow blogger Dotsson
Crazy Chinese Make Hair Bands From Used Condoms
and this is the link to the original article on Yahoo! news:
China recycling used condoms as cheap hair bands
Mon Nov 12, 10:48 PM ET
BEIJING (AFP) - Used condoms are being recycled into hair bands in southern China, threatening to spread sexually-transmittable diseases they were originally meant to prevent, state media reported Tuesday.
......... "People could be infected with AIDS, (genital) warts or other diseases if they hold the rubber bands or strings in their mouths while waving their hair into plaits or buns," the paper quoted a local dermatologist who gave only his surname, Dong, as saying. "

This is soo gross and such a health hazzard.. the problem now is that everything you touch is " made in china " its in everything..