2008/01

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2008/01/31

Working week summary

   January 31, 2008      

Still can feel muscle and bone pain after soccer. Some very young arabs have kicked our asses pretty hard - it has been clear from the begining that they like this game. Around 8PM all fields were rented. Still it is nice to remember young days.

Have tried Korean food - strange shit! The meat has been one of the best I had in ages, but vegetables were undescribable and tasted the same. Like cut socks or something. The service has been superb.

Washed clothes in the laundry, which is run by the guy from pakistan. I was surprised, but received all of them back. for seven shirts and 1 pair of trousers I have paid 17 SR and received them packet nicely.

Finished "Friday" with roasted steam chicken.

   / / / /

   No Comments

at January 31, 2008 0 comments

Working week summary

   January 31, 2008      

Still can feel muscle and bone pain after soccer. Some very young arabs have kicked our asses pretty hard - it has been clear from the begining that they like this game. Around 8PM all fields were rented. Still it is nice to remember young days.

Have tried Korean food - strange shit! The meat has been one of the best I had in ages, but vegetables were undescribable and tasted the same. Like cut socks or something. The service has been superb.

Washed clothes in the laundry, which is run by the guy from pakistan. I was surprised, but received all of them back. for seven shirts and 1 pair of trousers I have paid 17 SR and received them packet nicely.

Finished "Friday" with roasted steam chicken.

   / / / /

   No Comments

at January 31, 2008 0 comments

2008/01/27

Red shoes and locals

   January 27, 2008      

Tomorrow I am going to play soccer so had a nice walk in the shopping avenue (suitable only for cars) searching for shoes. Fucking country - they are obsessed about good quality, branded shoes, average prices around 500 riyals. For one evening of soccer game it is a bit too much. So I have walked and walked around and found some Puma shop with "special prices". The result:

Pic-0286

for 125 riyals (approx 25 euroes).

While going back to the hotel I have been morally abused by locals. Or at least they have tried to do it and failed for these simple reasons:

a) I am not indian

b) I don't speak arabic

c) If you are shouting while driving - look at the road.

BTW, I have got new charger for 10 riyals (approx 2 euroes). The question was - "do you want real one or a fake?".

   / / / /

   2 Comments

at January 27, 2008 2 comments

Red shoes and locals

   January 27, 2008      

Tomorrow I am going to play soccer so had a nice walk in the shopping avenue (suitable only for cars) searching for shoes. Fucking country - they are obsessed about good quality, branded shoes, average prices around 500 riyals. For one evening of soccer game it is a bit too much. So I have walked and walked around and found some Puma shop with "special prices". The result:

Pic-0286

for 125 riyals (approx 25 euroes).

While going back to the hotel I have been morally abused by locals. Or at least they have tried to do it and failed for these simple reasons:

a) I am not indian

b) I don't speak arabic

c) If you are shouting while driving - look at the road.

BTW, I have got new charger for 10 riyals (approx 2 euroes). The question was - "do you want real one or a fake?".

   / / / /

   2 Comments

at January 27, 2008 2 comments

2008/01/26

Fighting cybercrimes in Saudi Arabia

   January 26, 2008      

Few bits of information about cybercrime laws in Saudi Arabia:

  • Persons found guilty of running websites in support of terrorist organizations will be jailed for 10 years and fined SR5 million
  • Persons who illegally take others’ money or obtain bank and credit data will be jailed for three years and fined SR2 million
  • Persons who attack others’ private life using mobile phone cameras and the like and try to defame them will be sentenced to one year and SR500,000
  • Those who use information technology to spread and market pornography face up to five years in jail and a SR3 million fine
  • Those who produce and distribute IT material that violate public law, religious values and public etiquette will also receive the same punishment
  • Those who eavesdrops to email messages or other messages sent through computer will be sentenced to a maximum of one year and fined up to SR500,000
  • Those who threaten or blackmail a person as well as hackers who enter into others’ websites to change their designs and destroy or change data will also receive the same punishment
  • The new law will also impose the same punishment for anyone caught tampering with computer systems or destroying computers to obstruct access to data within (DDOS)
  • People who encourage others to commit IT crimes will get the same punishment received by those who committed them

More information about this in Arab News - New Law to Combat Information Technology Crimes

   / /

   2 Comments

at January 26, 2008 2 comments

Fighting cybercrimes in Saudi Arabia

   January 26, 2008      

Few bits of information about cybercrime laws in Saudi Arabia:

  • Persons found guilty of running websites in support of terrorist organizations will be jailed for 10 years and fined SR5 million
  • Persons who illegally take others’ money or obtain bank and credit data will be jailed for three years and fined SR2 million
  • Persons who attack others’ private life using mobile phone cameras and the like and try to defame them will be sentenced to one year and SR500,000
  • Those who use information technology to spread and market pornography face up to five years in jail and a SR3 million fine
  • Those who produce and distribute IT material that violate public law, religious values and public etiquette will also receive the same punishment
  • Those who eavesdrops to email messages or other messages sent through computer will be sentenced to a maximum of one year and fined up to SR500,000
  • Those who threaten or blackmail a person as well as hackers who enter into others’ websites to change their designs and destroy or change data will also receive the same punishment
  • The new law will also impose the same punishment for anyone caught tampering with computer systems or destroying computers to obstruct access to data within (DDOS)
  • People who encourage others to commit IT crimes will get the same punishment received by those who committed them

More information about this in Arab News - New Law to Combat Information Technology Crimes

   / /

   2 Comments

at January 26, 2008 2 comments

2008/01/25

Arabian weekend and families

   January 25, 2008      

Today is like Sunday for Arabs. The concequences of that are very simple - in most shops, restaurants etc you are allowed in you are going with your family only. At first I have been very angry about that, but later have found starbucks coffee :)

While drinking grande mocha with caramel and eating steak panini, I have been thinking that it is a very good idea to connect family together. For example: father wants to pasmaksot, so he has to take his son together and socialize at least a bit. Mother wants to go shopping - must take a daughter with her. And if you want to eat somewhere on Fridays here - you must marry a girl. Interesting..

   / / /

   5 Comments

at January 25, 2008 5 comments

Arabian weekend and families

   January 25, 2008      

Today is like Sunday for Arabs. The concequences of that are very simple - in most shops, restaurants etc you are allowed in you are going with your family only. At first I have been very angry about that, but later have found starbucks coffee :)

While drinking grande mocha with caramel and eating steak panini, I have been thinking that it is a very good idea to connect family together. For example: father wants to pasmaksot, so he has to take his son together and socialize at least a bit. Mother wants to go shopping - must take a daughter with her. And if you want to eat somewhere on Fridays here - you must marry a girl. Interesting..

   / / /

   5 Comments

at January 25, 2008 5 comments

Conspiracy against me

   January 25, 2008      

Today I could not find my phone charger in the hotel room - they are trying to cut off my local communications probably. Complaining to the staff did not help - they have promised to search for it and of course it could not be found. I will check tomorrow - maybe I have left it in the office, just in case and if not - then will think about counter attack.

   / /

   6 Comments

at January 25, 2008 6 comments

Conspiracy against me

   January 25, 2008      

Today I could not find my phone charger in the hotel room - they are trying to cut off my local communications probably. Complaining to the staff did not help - they have promised to search for it and of course it could not be found. I will check tomorrow - maybe I have left it in the office, just in case and if not - then will think about counter attack.

   / /

   6 Comments

at January 25, 2008 6 comments

2008/01/23

Humanized - for keyboard geeks

   January 23, 2008      

I have seen this in Europython conference, but somehow it did not occur to me to try it. Recently a friend has sent me a link and then it started. I am writing about Humanized Enso - this is little piece of software I have fallen in love with. From their website:

„

Software is too frustrating. But not all of it. We're here to help. Enso.

Having to change programs to perform simple tasks—for example, making a quick calculation, or looking up a definition—breaks your concentration, takes you away from the task at hand, and wastes your valuable time. Enso lets you do common computing tasks easier and faster than ever before. You get a huge productivity boost and a simpler digital life. And now that Enso is free, it won't cost you a penny.„

I don't care about calculations or looking up definitions - what I really like is opening applications without moving my hand to use a mouse, especially if I am working with a laptop. So go to see the demo and try it (not suitable for children under 25): DEMO

You will love it and will remove quick launch from taskbar in a few days ;)

   / /

   No Comments

at January 23, 2008 0 comments

Humanized - for keyboard geeks

   January 23, 2008      

I have seen this in Europython conference, but somehow it did not occur to me to try it. Recently a friend has sent me a link and then it started. I am writing about Humanized Enso - this is little piece of software I have fallen in love with. From their website:

„

Software is too frustrating. But not all of it. We're here to help. Enso.

Having to change programs to perform simple tasks—for example, making a quick calculation, or looking up a definition—breaks your concentration, takes you away from the task at hand, and wastes your valuable time. Enso lets you do common computing tasks easier and faster than ever before. You get a huge productivity boost and a simpler digital life. And now that Enso is free, it won't cost you a penny.„

I don't care about calculations or looking up definitions - what I really like is opening applications without moving my hand to use a mouse, especially if I am working with a laptop. So go to see the demo and try it (not suitable for children under 25): DEMO

You will love it and will remove quick launch from taskbar in a few days ;)

   / /

   No Comments

at January 23, 2008 0 comments

2008/01/22

Some news about news

   January 22, 2008      

Today I have been reading Arab News newspaper and thought to share some articles with you, just to have overview about current problems in the region:

"...

Reasonable discussions and taking time for things to cool down would definitely bring about progress and reconciliation in a peaceful manner. Wives and mothers have a very important role to play in any man’s life. Women tend to have other women to talk to when they want to give vent to their emotions, but a man has only his wife. Soft-spoken words and gestures of love definitely have a positive impact on any man. Unfortunately, we do not see that a lot happening. When will women understand?" - "Behind Every Divorce Is a Foolish Woman"

"...

Two day ago, Israel announced a “complete closure” against Gaza — as if it was open before. Prior to this decision of a complete closure everything was already closed. Gazans’ suffering continues. The other day as I was playing with my son, I heard a massive explosion that shook the house and made my four-month-old started crying in fear. I turned on the radio to hear that an Israeli F16 has fired a half-ton missile on the building of the former Interior Ministry in Gaza. The building was destroyed and a woman was killed and another 45 persons were injured..." - "What Bush Left Behind"

 

"...

She admitted that she was not looking forward to the lack of amenities. Washing will be limited to the absolute minimum, for example but that, she thought, was all part of the challenge..." - "Strand to Sand; Young Saudi Woman Takes the Desert Challenge"

   / / /

   No Comments

at January 22, 2008 0 comments

Some news about news

   January 22, 2008      

Today I have been reading Arab News newspaper and thought to share some articles with you, just to have overview about current problems in the region:

"...

Reasonable discussions and taking time for things to cool down would definitely bring about progress and reconciliation in a peaceful manner. Wives and mothers have a very important role to play in any man’s life. Women tend to have other women to talk to when they want to give vent to their emotions, but a man has only his wife. Soft-spoken words and gestures of love definitely have a positive impact on any man. Unfortunately, we do not see that a lot happening. When will women understand?" - "Behind Every Divorce Is a Foolish Woman"

"...

Two day ago, Israel announced a “complete closure” against Gaza — as if it was open before. Prior to this decision of a complete closure everything was already closed. Gazans’ suffering continues. The other day as I was playing with my son, I heard a massive explosion that shook the house and made my four-month-old started crying in fear. I turned on the radio to hear that an Israeli F16 has fired a half-ton missile on the building of the former Interior Ministry in Gaza. The building was destroyed and a woman was killed and another 45 persons were injured..." - "What Bush Left Behind"

 

"...

She admitted that she was not looking forward to the lack of amenities. Washing will be limited to the absolute minimum, for example but that, she thought, was all part of the challenge..." - "Strand to Sand; Young Saudi Woman Takes the Desert Challenge"

   / / /

   No Comments

at January 22, 2008 0 comments

2008/01/21

2008/01/20

Lost in datacenter

   January 20, 2008      

Today I have visited datacenter of arabian telecom. Niiiiiice!!! Looks like paintball playing area or like old ruins from some 3d shooter: old monitors stacked near the wall, signs with "WARNING DO NOT ENTER SHOOT ON SIGHT" everywhere. The guard has checked everything very carefully, but after that surprised me by welcoming to Saudi and wishing me nice stay here in very warm way. If I had fallen on some rack - probably would left half or Saudi Arabia without internet and telecommunications. In the news - "Saudi is upgrading from dial-up to fiber and in the end of this year will replace 256kbps connections with 30mpbs links for almost the same price" (news in the paper regarding internet for private individuals).

   / / / / /

   No Comments

at January 20, 2008 0 comments

Lost in datacenter

   January 20, 2008      

Today I have visited datacenter of arabian telecom. Niiiiiice!!! Looks like paintball playing area or like old ruins from some 3d shooter: old monitors stacked near the wall, signs with "WARNING DO NOT ENTER SHOOT ON SIGHT" everywhere. The guard has checked everything very carefully, but after that surprised me by welcoming to Saudi and wishing me nice stay here in very warm way. If I had fallen on some rack - probably would left half or Saudi Arabia without internet and telecommunications. In the news - "Saudi is upgrading from dial-up to fiber and in the end of this year will replace 256kbps connections with 30mpbs links for almost the same price" (news in the paper regarding internet for private individuals).

   / / / / /

   No Comments

at January 20, 2008 0 comments

2008/01/19

Short summary on Saturday - the first arabian working day in a week

   January 19, 2008      

They are crazy about computers and tech stuff - whole area dedicated for that (but most of items have no price tags - you need to negotiate).

I have seen Arabian women in the shopping mall (obviously the character is similar to all women in the world). Scary shit - like ninjas - dressed in bible black and lots of them. Also they are expressing themselves in the only way they can - painting eyes. Look like laser gun from starcraft.

During prayer time whole city is dead. Completely. And also you can hear some poor souls crying.

Starting to think about suicide - there is a temptation to go to the "Indian Barber" to shave my beard.

Have seen the restaurant called "Memories of China Restaurant" - looks old and ruined.

   / / / /

   4 Comments

at January 19, 2008 4 comments

Short summary on Saturday - the first arabian working day in a week

   January 19, 2008      

They are crazy about computers and tech stuff - whole area dedicated for that (but most of items have no price tags - you need to negotiate).

I have seen Arabian women in the shopping mall (obviously the character is similar to all women in the world). Scary shit - like ninjas - dressed in bible black and lots of them. Also they are expressing themselves in the only way they can - painting eyes. Look like laser gun from starcraft.

During prayer time whole city is dead. Completely. And also you can hear some poor souls crying.

Starting to think about suicide - there is a temptation to go to the "Indian Barber" to shave my beard.

Have seen the restaurant called "Memories of China Restaurant" - looks old and ruined.

   / / / /

   4 Comments

at January 19, 2008 4 comments

2008/01/18

Treasures in the hotel room

   January 18, 2008      

I have been looking at the mini bar for awhile - it is such a teaser, but nothing interesting inside. Found room service menu - they are offering to make you a meal according to your directions if it is not available in the list. I am thinking of ordering Cepelinai (please give me dumpling of potatoes with dead pig inside).

Another fine thing - pad for the prayer and Koran in English. Will have something to read at least for few weeks.

   / /

   No Comments

at January 18, 2008 0 comments

Treasures in the hotel room

   January 18, 2008      

I have been looking at the mini bar for awhile - it is such a teaser, but nothing interesting inside. Found room service menu - they are offering to make you a meal according to your directions if it is not available in the list. I am thinking of ordering Cepelinai (please give me dumpling of potatoes with dead pig inside).

Another fine thing - pad for the prayer and Koran in English. Will have something to read at least for few weeks.

   / /

   No Comments

at January 18, 2008 0 comments

2008/01/16

More fun in Saudi

   January 16, 2008      

Today I have changed the hotel, from old one to new one. From 20 riyal by taxi to 5 minutes by feet. Have checked - this one has heating in my room, colour tv (which even works) and hot water. The room is premium luxury smoking one, very nice.

So I have made two staffs unhappy today - old one, which was not happy that I am leaving and new one - which was not happy that I am comming ;)

Yesterday I have tried to eat something like a pear with taste like a pine - some wax stuff.

Riyadh looks rich today again. Security here is high (probably related to Bush visit), almost in every building you need to provide passport with visa.

No women, no boose, no drugs - it is christian heaven!

   / /

   2 Comments

at January 16, 2008 2 comments

More fun in Saudi

   January 16, 2008      

Today I have changed the hotel, from old one to new one. From 20 riyal by taxi to 5 minutes by feet. Have checked - this one has heating in my room, colour tv (which even works) and hot water. The room is premium luxury smoking one, very nice.

So I have made two staffs unhappy today - old one, which was not happy that I am leaving and new one - which was not happy that I am comming ;)

Yesterday I have tried to eat something like a pear with taste like a pine - some wax stuff.

Riyadh looks rich today again. Security here is high (probably related to Bush visit), almost in every building you need to provide passport with visa.

No women, no boose, no drugs - it is christian heaven!

   / /

   2 Comments

at January 16, 2008 2 comments

2008/01/15

Saudi Arabia

   January 15, 2008      

Finally I am in Saudi Arabia. Haven't been cheated so often in whole my life, especially by taxi drivers (especially by one in Prague - it ripped me off 2000 krowns to go from train station to airport. According to my calculations it should have been 600 krowns MAX).

City looks rich, lots of gasoline trucks driving (counted till 35 and then just stopped).


   /

   No Comments

at January 15, 2008 0 comments

Saudi Arabia

   January 15, 2008      

Finally I am in Saudi Arabia. Haven't been cheated so often in whole my life, especially by taxi drivers (especially by one in Prague - it ripped me off 2000 krowns to go from train station to airport. According to my calculations it should have been 600 krowns MAX).

City looks rich, lots of gasoline trucks driving (counted till 35 and then just stopped).


   /

   No Comments

at January 15, 2008 0 comments

2008/01/11

2008/01/07

A very wise advice from my consigliori

   January 07, 2008      

Consigliori! - [10:19]: take these two links
Consigliori! - [10:19]: useful when you're bored
Consigliori! - [10:19]: http://joox.net/
Consigliori! - [10:19]: http://quicksilverscreen.com/
Consigliori! - [10:19]: and when internet is in your proximity
Consigliori! - [10:19]: good point is that movies are cached on your harddrive so "saveable"

  

   No Comments

at January 07, 2008 0 comments

A very wise advice from my consigliori

   January 07, 2008      

Consigliori! - [10:19]: take these two links
Consigliori! - [10:19]: useful when you're bored
Consigliori! - [10:19]: http://joox.net/
Consigliori! - [10:19]: http://quicksilverscreen.com/
Consigliori! - [10:19]: and when internet is in your proximity
Consigliori! - [10:19]: good point is that movies are cached on your harddrive so "saveable"

  

   No Comments

at January 07, 2008 0 comments

A fully renovated new flat for rent

   January 07, 2008      

This is how it looks like:


as you can see - plumbing is very simple and uber effective.



toilet has been forgotten. Anyway - who gives a shit about the place you shit.



at least you have something to eat all the time.

This is the best - compact bathroom, kitchen and bedroom

   / / /

   No Comments

at January 07, 2008 0 comments

A fully renovated new flat for rent

   January 07, 2008      

This is how it looks like:


as you can see - plumbing is very simple and uber effective.



toilet has been forgotten. Anyway - who gives a shit about the place you shit.



at least you have something to eat all the time.

This is the best - compact bathroom, kitchen and bedroom

   / / /

   No Comments

at January 07, 2008 0 comments

2008/01/01

Happy Silvester

   January 01, 2008      

Wish you all a reality tunnel full of good opportunities next year. Iron optimism and also inner understanding of the chaos around us.

This has been inspired by a friend, who is searching for girls right now, by a very close friend, who is missing someone and very nice friend, who is waiting for something.

Wish you all courage to embrace everyday challenges and imagination to create tomorrow as familiar as nipple of the mother and as deeply surprising as the picture by my very dear friend bellow.

   2 Comments

at January 01, 2008 2 comments

Happy Silvester

   January 01, 2008      

Wish you all a reality tunnel full of good opportunities next year. Iron optimism and also inner understanding of the chaos around us.

This has been inspired by a friend, who is searching for girls right now, by a very close friend, who is missing someone and very nice friend, who is waiting for something.

Wish you all courage to embrace everyday challenges and imagination to create tomorrow as familiar as nipple of the mother and as deeply surprising as the picture by my very dear friend bellow.

   2 Comments

at January 01, 2008 2 comments
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