Social Networking with Hi5, Orkut, and Faces

Fatma just mentioned to me that Orkut is blocked by Etisalat for some reason! So, I asked around for alternatives and Shake just told me that Hi5 is very similar. You can also try Friendster. I have also found a social network with blogging and picture sharing facilities called Faces.com. So, try these ones out and let me know what you think of them. Happy social networking everyone!

Orkut Invites are here :)

David Just informed me that I should have some invites for whoever wanted to try Orkut but never got a invite. So email me or place a comment and I will gladly send you an invite :-)

Download Opera for Windows Mobile 2003

Now you can download the Opera browser for your i-mate SP3, Orange C500 or Moto MPx.. So cool!

Ahhh!

So cute... many more in the link below :)

Patch up your Windows... Again!

Three new, serious security flaws were found in Windows by two Chinese security firms. The one that concerns me the most has to do with an API used to load images: "LoadImage" API can be exploited with a specially crafted image file. So, no need to click an exe file to be infected, just download an infected image and you're toast!

I Have Orkut.... Yaaaay!

Thanks to David Hay, I have a new account at Orkut. I don't have any Invites yet, but when I do, I will let you guys know :)

Sony SPS Review by Samsoomah

Q: What games do you have? and how is the payability like? A: So far i have a wrestling game and its not as fun..im waiting for more games to be released..there are two other games of car racing that are out..but i dont really like racing games.. Q: Is the screen clear in daylight? A: it is as clear as water.. VERRRRYYYY Q: What battery does it use? (what size and is it rechargable or alkaline) A: It's a rechargable kinda battery.. this is whats written on it: 3.6 V 1800mAh Q: How long does the battery last? A: It lasts for around four hours.. Q: Is it a japaneese version? I heard that the american version is not released until March 2005. A: It's japanese.. Thanks again for Samsoomah for her great review and interview :)

Orkut Anyone?

I didn't even know that Orkut existed until today! I thought that Friendster was the only cool social network kind of thing ;) Anyway, I guess Orkut is google's version (or at least a google affiliate's version) of Friendster. It is by invite only like gmail :) So, good luck getting an invite... I still don't have one :( Let me know if you have an Orkut account and what you think of it in the comments. If you would like an invite, look elsewhere hehehe!

Gmail Swap

Do you want a Gmail account? and you don't know anybody that has an invite :( Well, now you can swap almost anything for the gmail invite :) Follow the link and happy gmail hunting hehehe

New Opera Browser - Beta though :(

Opera has released a new version of its browser and it now supports RSS and has better interface and a wider viewing area... Give it a try :)

Laptop Icepack from X-Files Actor!

X-files actor Dean Haglund invented an Icepack made especially for laptops. You know when you have your laptop in your lap, it tends to heat up and some people say that this can lead to infertility! So, for those people who are worried about this issue, they can use the icepack invention to cool off their laps and their laptops. By cooling your laptop, you can also enhance its performance... Why didn't anyone figure this one before!

SD Card on one side, USB flash drive on the other!

This is so cool! Espically if you have a mobile phone that supports SD cards. No need for the converter or card reader anymore with this device. To find out more, visit the link.

Nokia 7820 Review by SAMSOOMAHdotCOM

The new minimal Nokia 7820 is a mobile made specially for the ladies ;) That is why a review by a lady is in order hehehe. So, I asked Samsoomah to review it for marwan.com and she did :) So, here is her review and interview (with some editing): Marwan: I heard a lot about the phone and someone told me that you can't even save any numbers with it and that you can only dial the numbers save on the sim card. Is that true? Samsoomah: So far my phone is cool... I can save numbers and dial any number without saving .. Maybe those people got those phones that need an upgrade..Luckily mine is not a prob so far..it's not as practical though..That's why im using it as a second phone...

Clusty the Clustering Engine

Love google? Then try clusty... You will be pleasantly surprised :) It is slow sometimes though :( Let me know what you think of it in the comments... I personally love it!

New Philippe Starck watches

Philippe Starck's latest watches are now available in multiple colors :)

Technology for Cheaters & Unfaithful !

Soundster is a new technology that provides different background noises that can be played over cell phone conversations. A cheating spouse in a hotel room could select sounds of honking car horns and pretend to be stuck in traffic. "If you're a devious person, and you choose to do devious things, certainly Soundster would empower you to do that," said Harry Kargman, whose software company, Kargo, just launched Soundster.

1.6 Terabyte External USB/Firewire Drives

So far, I have seen two of them and they are from LaCie and IO Data. You can read more about them in ShinyPlastic.com. More on the IO Data drive is found here. While more on the Lacie drive can found by clicking the link below. It is only a matter of time untill we see terabyte flash drives!

Slim Playstation 2 Review By GadgetMadness.com

I am not sure if the new PS2 is out in UAE but it is out here in Australia. It sells for A$238. Let me know in the comments if it is out in UAE or if you have any questions about it.

8GB Flash Drive - This is Not a Typo!

PRETEC i-Disk II 8GB. "The Highest Capacity USB Flash Drive in the World" was announced by Pretec. Need I say more... Read the press release for more details.

My Name in the New York Times!

If you've read the blog entry on October 20, 2004 you would know what this is about! The ad was finally out on December 16th (I think!). Back copies of the New York Times may be purchased directly from the paper by calling 1-800-543-5380. If you would like a poster you can buy it from Mozilla Store. You can also download a PDF copy from here. Note that all names are in alphabetical order by last name. BTW: My name is on the right corner of the fifth row :)

$26,500 Payed for a "Virtual Island!"

A player by the name of "Deathifier," bought an island within the game "Entropia", a multi-player online game. The gamer considers the buy as a good investment and he is already taxing other gamers to hunt or mine for gold on his property. He has also started to sell plots to people who wish to build virtual homes on the island :) Now that is what I call "Virtual Investment" with real, non-virtual money!

[video] Ballmer on Security and Linux: | CNET News.com

Microsoft's CEO at Gartner Symposium/ITxpo in Florida, answers questions on security and Linux. Interesting.

mobiado - Luxury Mobile Phones

These luxurious mobiles are made of aircraft aluminum that makes them strong yet light, and the are polished with silicone carbide, and then anodized to produce a ceramic surface. It is loaded with tri-band, video recorder and player, digital VGA camera, active TFT color display, and Bluetooth . All this at $1,200 U.S. The mobile is available in 6 different colors.

Multi-Screen Displays

You can buy "Swordfish" style multi-screen displays from Digital Tigers. Their range includes from 2-6 Monitors with different arrangements. Pretty cool and impressive if you have the money ;)

The UAE F-16 Block 60 among the top 100 Tech Innovations in 2004!

According to Popular Science Magazine (December 2004 Issue), The UAE F-16 Block 60 is among the top 100 Tech Innovations in 2004! A high-tech makeover has turned Lockheed Martin’s 30-year-old F-16 into one of the most modern fighters flying. The jet’s AN/APG-80 radar uses more than 1,000 finger-size transmitters so that the pilot can track ground and air targets simultaneously. The upgrade also includes an automated radar jammer, head-up cockpit displays, and a tweaked GE engine that delivers 25 percent more power than the original F-16’s engine.

France opens the World Tallest Road Bridge!

Piercing the sky above the verdant hills of southern France, a stunningly modern roadway bridge hailed as the tallest in the world was officially inaugurated Tuesday (December 14th 2004). Millau bridge will enable motorists to take a drive through the sky -- 270 meters (891 feet) above the Tarn valley for a 2.5 kilometer (1.6 mile) stretch through France's Massif Central mountains. Designed by British architect Norman Foster, the steel-and-concrete bridge with its streamlined diagonal suspension cables rests on seven pillars -- the tallest measuring 340 meters (1,122 feet), making it 16 meters (53 feet) taller than the Eiffel Tower.

'Blog' is the word of the year!

the word "Blog" was picked by Merriam-Webster US dictionary as the most looked-up term on its site during 2004.

Ultimate Ears (Earbuds)

The ultimate earbuds! The most comfortable (most expensive too) ear buds you will ever buy. It is actually one of a kind. You get them for $550. First an audiologist creates impressions of each of your ears, a painless ten-minute process completed by filling them with a cool green silicone. A week later you get the custom-fitted earbuds, engraved with your initials on each bud, blue on the left and red on the right! Read the full Forbes magazine review here.

Fingerprint-Scan Mobile Phone

The first biometric based commercial mobile phone by Pantech is now available in Dubai. You can read a full review for it from a Russian site here.

TechNet Magazine Online

TechNet Magazine from Microsoft is now online with all content from the printed version. The magazine is for windows server administrators. The current issue focuses on security and integration with other security devices and appliances.

The Worst Products of the Year - According to PC Magazine

Ten techno products to avoid this year include worst digital cameras, mobile phones, PCs, Laptops, and Printers.

Green Tea - Good for Cancer Patients

I have shown you before how green tea can slow down Alzheimer's Disease, now they say that it slows down cancer too. Especially ovarian cancer... Check it out!

Hieroglyphic Name Translator

A web based tool that translates your name from English to Hieroglyphic.

Google Scholar - Finally, a search for Academic Research

Search Google for scholarly literature, including peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, preprints, abstracts and technical reports from all broad areas of research. To learn how to better use it click here.

How To Do (just about) Everything!

The "How To" guide for just about anything. Categories include automotive, food, health, finance, ... etc.

Women snuggle up with 'Boyfriend's Arm' - MSNBC

A pillow shaped like a man's arm is the latest trend in Japan. There is also a "Woman's lap" pillow for guys :)

Google Groups!

Create, join, and search email-based mailing lists. Dynamic "conversations" like the ones in Gmail. Postings appear within 10 seconds and are indexed within 10 minutes. Search groups easily with google!

Turn Off Any TV with a Push of a Button!

TV-B-Gone(TM) is a keychain device and turns off virtually any television with a push of a button!

Shaikh Zayed Passes Away

May Allah bless his soul and grant him Jannah Inshallah. If you don't know who Shaikh Zayed is Click Here.

US Electoral Vote Predictor 2004

In my books, bush is leading, on electoral-vote.com Kerry is currently leading by a comfortable margin (Kerry 298/Bush 231). Michael Moore has it for Kerry too. It is not over till the fat lady sings! Let us know what you think or who you voted/would have voted for.

Emirates Melbourne Cup Day - Tuesday, November 2, 2004

Big day at the race that stops the nation! Emirates is up front and at the center of the biggest day in Australia. Makes you proud mate!

NEC N940 TV Phone!

The N940 is already released in China. It is a mobile phone with a 2.1 inch and 260,000 color screen. It even has touchscreen with handwriting recognition in chineese :( Gotta get me one of those :P

Densa III - You Think You're Smart? Prove It!

Take the dumb test. If you are smart, you'll answer all questions at once. Whatever you do, don't jump to the answers! (Not to be confused with Mensa!)

Ahh ... Now This is Funny :)

A bird singing... A voice only a mother would listen to! Others will just... well... see for yourself ;)

Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet

Learn about the life and legacy of our prophet Mohammed peace be upon him. If you can, watch the five part series. If you can't, at least browse the site. It puts modern day perspective on Islam. There are many sections in the site including: A section on women, violence and jihad, Muslims and America, Jews in the time of prophet Mohammed, and Koran. Let me know what you think of the site in the comments section.

Tea Prevents and Slows Down Alzheimer's Disease

A cup of tea a day can slow down Alzheimer's Disease. A cup of green tea works even better and longer (A cup a week does the job!) Read the Arabic article in Albayan newspaper's website. Or click the link below for the BBC News website which also has more information on Alzheimer's Disease.

How to Create a Bootable USB

Easy! It is easier than I thought... The possibilities are limitless. Hints: knoppix, autorun, pranks, etc. :) If you have any ideas about how to use (or abuse) this, let me know either in the comments section or by email.

Search files on your PC with Google!

Google has launched a downloadable program that can search the following on your PC: - Outlook and web based email - MS Office files - Web history - AIM chats Brilliant! Download it now :)

LogMeIn - Remote Access Software and Remote Control Software

Access your home PC or Office PC from anywhere in the world. Best of all, it is FREE!

Watch Dawood's Ramadan Special on KuwaiTeen.com

Full episodes of Dawood's new Ramadan show called "قـرقـعـان" are available through the link below. Happy Ramadan everyone :)

Learn about Security in Trend Micro's "Breakout" Game

It is a security challenge, but this time it is REALLY for boys'n'girls :)

HACK Dot AE

Try your security skills at spyhat's challenge. The challenge is similar to the one put up by datafort last time on Gitex. Give it a shot boys'n'girls :)

Get Your Name in "The New York Times" and Help Spread Firefox!

All this for $10 U.S. (for students). You get to see your name in the newspaper ~~how desparate ;) ~~ Your name will be featured in the first-ever, full-page advertisement in a major daily newspaper created and paid for by the open source community. You also get a PDF file by e-mail of the one page ad. Click the link below for more information.

I have Spam! Thousands of it!

I think that I get more spam than anyone on this earth! In the last month alone, I got 11196 (I got six new spams between the period of taking the screen shot and posting it on the blog!). I don't bother much with them. Gmail takes care of most of them :) If you get more spam, let me know... But I seriously doubt it!

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Nags!

I tried it! I was not happy with it at all :( Nags are not a good thing! Especially when it comes to security... In other words, don't try this at home... Say no to the security options thing when your Windows XP is updated with Service Pack 2. Furthermore, save all the stuff on your desktop somewhere else, because SP2 erases everything on your desktop, at least it did on my home PC!

Dubai Autodrome and Business Park

I first saw pictures of the Autodrome at Elmasi's website and I couldn't believe that the race track was in Dubai. I saw the F1 track in Bahrain with Salama earlier this year and I was really impressed. I can't wait untill I get back to dubai and see the track by myself :)

Adidas - Scooby Doo vs. ???

Guess who Scooby Doo is going to tackle next!

Arsenal's Emirates Stadium Image Gallery

Now that Emirates Airlines is supporting Arsenal, the new Arsenal stadium is called "Emirates Stadium" :) and it looks great with the Emirates logo :P

Free Books for Nerds

Programming books on topics like PHP, Lisp, OOP, Fortran, CVS, and more.

GMail Drive Shell Extension for Windows - Turn Your Gmail account into a Portable Drive!

Now you can turn your GMail account into a portable storage area for your Windows Machine! Just download GMailFS for Windows and enjoy ;)

Googlism - Find Out What the Web Says About YOU... Really Funny But Real!

Try putting your name or a name of a famous person and look at the results you get. You can also search for objects, brands, places and times in history :) Really funny and Interesting! Let me know what you searched for and what you got back in the comments section ;)

Hack a day - Hardware Hacks

Hack-A-Day provides you with hardware hacks that you can use to get the most out of your tech hardware :) It also has a how-to special every week. Careful, as some of these hacks will void your warranty. They might even destroy your precious hardware if you are not cautious. Try them at your own risk! [ Thanks Shake ;) ]

My Yahoo Search - Personalize and share your searches. BETA

Search and save the results you like and block the ones you don't like and share the results with your friends. Also, lookup searches you saved at a later time. Sounds good? Try it by clicking the link below and let me know what you think in the comments section

Firefox Browser Users Beware!

Firefox, the new Mozilla browser for Windows and Linux has a new "Download Directory File Deletion Vulnerability" which means that someone can delete files in your download directory. This directory by default is your desktop on Windows and your $HOME directory on Linux. For more information and fix, click the link below.

GITEX Dubai is Here!

The Middle East's Premier Information Technology & communications Event. It lasts from 3rd to 7th of October... Enjoy ;)

Technorati: Weblogs Search

Now you can search blogs for information. This blog limited search engine searches more than four million blogs for the last ten days of entries. Pretty amazing!

Use MSN Messenger in Uni and Work!

MSN Web Messenger, Microsoft's own web based messenger that allows you to use the Messenger service behind firewalls and in corporate LANs. Alternatively, there are third party companies offering similar services such as trillian (requires setting up) and e-messenger.net which is also web based. If you know more services or programs that do the same, please mention them in the comments section :)

While being sick with the Flu!

I just saw this picture on Shake's plogger :( I am sick and bed bound with flu and fever while Shake went to the beach and watched BMX competetions...

Orange SPV C500

Can't wait to get my hands on one of those Orange SPV C500 My SPV E200 feels like a brick nowadays :( I stopped carrying it around about a month ago. I am using the very light and awesome NEC N900 (I get at least a couple of complements on it everyday). But I got used to the features and games on the E200 that the N900 doesn't cut it anymore :( Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the N900 but it is just too small for comfort and the smart phones can just do so much more!

Google Hacks from Kevin Rose

Really interesting Google hacks. The visa one is scary! Try some of them on your own. You'll be surprised of what you can find.

The Consumer Based Space Flight is Almost Here :)

A number of companies are trying to start a consumer-based space program. These companies include Virgin!

All I need right now is for my star to come!

For all my loved ones...

Long Live UAE Nationals

UAE nationals were found to live longer than other GCC countries! Read about it in Khaleej Times link below. Qatar is 2nd and then Bahrain, then Oman then saudi. What is really surprising is that Kuwait is missing from the statistic!

Get a Free iPod Mini or 20GB iPod through Me!

A company is offering a Free (yes you heard right!...Free!) iPod for anyone that signs up for an offer from a partner company plus invites five friends to do the same. Easy!... I signed up and waiting for the iPod to arrive! Do the same and get yours for FREE now :) Just click on the link below:

Wild Flowers are Here!

It is wild flower season again and Kings Park in Perth is a good place to spot those wild flowers. I took some pictures of them with my mobile and posted them on my Moblog for your pleasure. For more information on Kings Park, click the link below.

My Moblog is Up and Running Again :)

My Moblog was out for a while now (about a week or so) but it is up and running again... So, expect more pictures from my mobile starting from.....Now!

My Bookstore is Ready - For Beta Testing!

My online bookstore is ready for beta testing... So please let me know how I can improve it to better serve you. I currently have security books and will add more categories and my reviews soon... Very soon! The permanent link to the store is also available on the bottom left of your screen, just under the chatter box.

Media Player 10 is Here!

It is feature packed and has a new design... download it.

The Apprentice - On Yahoo

A new companion web site for "The Apprentice" is produced by Yahoo and provides extra 40 minutes of video each week. Plus, the site has videos from the first Apprentice like Sam's nap video ;)

Huge Web Based Email with Arabic Support

Gawab is offering 1001MB of storage with Arabic support for those who frequently use Arabic fonts in sending and receiving email. Another option that Gawab is offering is a smaller storage (15MB) account but with POP3 support. [ Thanks Shake ;) ]

Disable Camera Phones Via Bluetooth

Some students in Temasek Polytechnic (NOT Temasek cafe in Perth!) have discovered a way to disable the camera function by using Bluetooth. What does that mean to you? Well, it means that if you have Bluetooth enabled on your phone, someone can disable the camera function on it. On the other hand, does that mean that people can "jam" cameras in weddings and other events? Probably not! It could be useful against some people but others (the smart ones) will probably disable Bluetooth on their mobiles! For more details and to see the phones effected by this issue visit link below.

Walla! - free 1G mail

Walla!... (i am not swearing here!) Walla in this case is a web based email service offring 1GB of storage.

Nokia's Latest Mobiles

Nokia has come up with three new mobile phone models. They are a part of their "New Fashion Collection". I particularly liked the slim Nokia 7280 which replaces the conventional keypad with a dial-type device. It has a high-gloss finish complemented by leather and mirror accents.

Perth Weather

I just added the weather link under "Perth Links". The link contains weather forecasts, for people with limited knowledge of the weather, and weather charts for more knowledgeable people.

Louis de Branges Publishes Proof of the Riemann Hypothesis

What does that mean to you? Well, in the long run it means that encryption used in e-commerce is breakable (in theory). Strong encryption was (still is) considered impossible to break (i.e. will take you forever to solve it! Nothing is impossible!)... but the proof of Riemann Hypothesis suggests connections in apparently random sets of prime numbers. Large prime numbers are considered the basis of some of the worlds most secure cryptographic algorithms and therefore any prediction of relations between them could lead to breaking encryption based on them. For more read E-Commerce times. For the actual paper go to the Dr's page linked below.

Gmail Notifier

I love the people at Google! Just when I thought gmail could never get any better, they come up with a notifier! It acts exactly like the email notifiers that come with most instant messengers. Cool huh! Gotta love GMail....

Fun LoveMeter

Test your compatibility with your loved one! Or test how romantic you are or he/she is! Don't take it too seriously though!

Be Happy

Don't let anything in life bother you... Don't worry, be happy... I got this link from Oranje's Blog... Thanks :)

Listen to the Quran in MP3

I have added the Quran MP3s section on the linkorama thingie on the left of the page. I hope that you visit the links and listen to the Quran. You can also save the MP3s on your MP3 player or burn them on a CD to listen to them in your car or MP3 CD player.

:: Sambanistas :: - Perth, World Record Attempt!

Quite an exciting day to participate in an attempt to break the Guiness Book of Records for the largest simultaneous percussion performance... It's going be loud and it's happenin right here in Perth.

GmailFS - Gmail Filesystem

Now you can use the space provided by GMail as a mountable Linux file system... How cool is that... I loved GMail BEFORE I knew I could do that with it... Now I love it even more... So, come on people use GMail... it is the coolest thing to happen to email (apart from me using it). P.S. kids, stay away from this stuff, it's for grown-ups only... Linux knowledge is required.

I Have More GMail Invites :)

Just when I thought I ran out of invites, the good people at GMail provided me with more :) I will pay this forward and provide my visitors with the invites... That makes me a really nice person doesn't it ;)

Postcard-Sized PC

What are they going to build next!... A Japanese company has come up with a post card sized PC. I thought that something as small as my Sony Vaio U101 was too cramped up toghether for everyday use. Now this is just insane.

Think Twice Before Selling Your Mobile Phone

If your are thinking of selling your mobile phone with a built-in camera, think again. If you thought that pictures taken with your mobile phone are erased from the memory once you delete them, chances are that you are wrong... Studies show that almost all flash memory based devices do not "bit erase" pictures and other data but rather erase links to them. This means that they are still very much retrievable by specialized software. So be careful!

What the world needs now.. Another jimmy Jump

Just when you thought that the world was safe from the likes of JimmyJump.com, here comes an Olympic version of him... This guy is not new either! He's done this before in F1.

Amr Khalid has a Web Site :)

Amr Khalid's website is great and full of content. The only problem is that it is only available in Arabic. The cartoons section is funny and makes you think at the same time. God bless :)

I Have GMail Invites... Come and Get Some!

I have GMail Invites to share... If you want one, email me and i will gladly send you an invitation. GMail is the best thing that happened to email. 1GB of storage to start with, spam filtering, conversations and much more.

Mobile Blogging Via MMS

The pictures you see at the top of the page are uploaded from my mobile phone to the blog via MMS. You can view the text with each photo by clicking on it! You can also reply to me on my mobile through the link provided with each photo. Thanks to Buzznet.com!

Got Gmail?

I got GMail.... yaaay.... yaaaay ... i got GMail ... yaaay!....yaaay!.... :)

UAE Wins Gold :)

I am so proud of UAE getting a gold medal in the Olympics :) It was by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum in the double trap.

Blog from Your Mobile with Atomic Lava!

Now you can blog right from your Mobile, thanks to Atomic Lava. It makes a blogger's life much easier :) It is still in beta mode and need some work... so, don't get your hopes up yet!

Athens 2004

Athens 2004 is finally here and it is time for people again to get stuck in front of their TVs watching the different Olympic games.

Mac Eye for the Windows Guy!

I saw "Mac Eye for the Windows Guy" Comic and it was too funny not to share with my visitors.
I am back in Perth and settling down. Hope that everyone in Dubai is doing fine and not missing me too much ;)

No Drugs Arabia

No Drugs Arabia is a noble web site written in Arabic that teaches our youngsters about the dangers of using drugs. 

Google Overwhelmed?

Google overwhelmed? I just got this error while searching in Google. Maybe they got too involved in new projects like blogger and GMail and forgot about their bread and butter project... Google! Or is it because of people trying XSS on it?! Puts a whole new spin on "Google is your friend!"

In-Dash PC System

The In-Dash PC System by Logic Supply and others look promising. People are heading from in-dash DVD and MP3 players to full PC systems starting at a low price of around $400 U.S.

The Asian Cup

The Asian Cup starts with its own set of surprises and upsets. The tiny kingdom of Bahrain draws 2-2 with the mighty Chinese then Indonesia upsets Qatar with a 2-1 win. Finally, newcomers Turkmenistan draws with the Saudi's 2-2.

Bahrain is Hottt!

I just came back from a trip to Bahrian. I visited my friend Salama and made a new friend Yasser :) Bahrain was much hotter than Dubai (it was 35 in Dubai when I left and it was 45.5 in Bahrian) 

Copa America

The battle of the coaches starts again! Just when we thought the Germans beat the Brazilians in Euro 2004 (Rehhagel vs. Scolari), Copa America will start today with its own set of coach battles. These battles include coaches like Brazilian Paulo Autuori (Peru), Marcelo Bielsa (Argentina), Jorge Fossati (Uruguay) and Argentine-Mexican Ricardo Lavolpe (Mexico). 

Euro 2004

Scolari is to face Rehhagel at the Euro 2004 finals. Both coaches are foreign to the team they are coaching. Both coaches have changed the fortunes of their teams. Greece was led in several occasions by national coaches but it failed to produce results with them. Otto Rehhagel was brought in from Germany to change the Greek's luck and so far he is a success. Scolari, on the other hand, was brought from his five-time-world-cup winning team Brazil to lead the Portuguese to their first ever European title. Scolari clashed with Luis Figo from the get-go. Figo spoke out against the nationalization of Brazilian midfielder Deco, Scolari defended the decision, and then Deco scored in his national team debut vs. Brazil. When Scolari was conducting business as usual, Portugal lost to Greece in the opening match. Ever sense, he became bolder in his decisions. He benched both midfield star Rui Costa and team captain Fernando Couto. He also replaced Figo with 21-year-old Helder Postiga (No. 23) while Portugal was losing to England in the quarterfinals and was able to draw the game and take it to penalty kicks. Even scolari's choosing of goal keeper Ricardo over Vitor Baia was a success when he not only saved a penalty kick with his bare hands, but also scored the winning goal against England. The winner is yet to be decided and there can only be one success story. Both coaches were both bold and courageous in their decisions and both will have to surprise us once again and who ever produces the bigger surprise, in my opinion, will win it all! 

Reasons Why I Love Dubai

Reasons why I love going back to Dubai:

Italy in Dubai

You can feel like you're in Italy just by going to Mercato Mall ;) 

Mosques Everywhere!

Mosques everywhere! 

Statue of liberty in Dubai

you can fit the statue of liberty inside a building on sheikh Zayed road! 

Back in Dubai

Back in Dubai I am back in Dubai. It feels weird to be back in Dubai after getting used to living in Perth. Euro 2004 is underway and keeping me busy for the moment. The first surprise of the tournament is the Greece win over Portugal 2-1.

SPV C500 Smartphone

SPV C500 Smartphone The new and smaller Orange Smartphone is to be released this summer! The picture above is from Gizmodo.com. The newer phone is the replacement for my E200 and the E100 before that. Can't wait to get my hands on one of these and replace my bulky but wonderful E200. Nowadays however, I often use my NEC N900 which is a wonder of technology and is a very tiny and slim phone (actually it is the slimmest, smallest, and lightest phone in the world).

Posing!

After the match, Suhaib, Justin, and I celebrating our loss to Nadia's Melbourne team :(  

Heavy Rain

Heavy rain on my first AFL match. 

My First AFL Game

I attended my first AFL (Australian Football League) match today. The arena was packed and it rained heavily.  

My Friends and I

My Friends and I I am leavin' Perth to Dubai soon! I'm gonna miss some of my friends that I might never see again... or at least not soon :( To those people I say... you will always be in my heart and in my thoughts ;)

Room 19 Wins "My Restaurant Rules"

Room 19 "Room 19" the Perth based restaurant wins the "My Restaurant Rules" Ausie TV show... yeaaay!

Brazil vs. Argantina

Brazil vs. Argantina. Can't wait to watch one of the greatest football matches ever. Brazil vs. Argantina on June 2nd. It's gonna be bloody!

Salvatore!

Salvatore is spending way too much time in the lab. No sleeping or eating, just work and study :( 

Studying Hard, NOT Hardly Studying

I am currently working hard on assignments. This means frequent trips to the vending machines and a whole lot of coke and candy intake and no sleep time at all. 

Why Cry? Now You Ccan Be Sure Why!

Your baby drivin' you crazy? Tiered of your baby crying and not knowing why? "WhyCry?" is a patented baby cry analyser that has 95% accuracy. Not convinced? Watch the video. Picture is courtesy of Gizmodo. It only costs $99 US and buys you a whole bunch of quiet time! Now, if they can only make an automatic baby-shutter-upper!

Hay Street Photo

Hay St. towards subi.