Arab Unhealthy 2006
What will the abiding memory of Arab Health 2006 be? Will it be the vast amount of companies that attended this year's event (requiring an extra, temporary Hall to be built)?
Will it be the spectacularly advanced medical equipment on display?
Will it be the impressive array of medical professionals from all over the globe?
No.
It will be fat Arab men in suits smoking cigarettes, on stands for cancer hospitals and high blood pressure equipment. Despite the very large, very prominent No Smoking signs in every single hall.
Will it be the spectacularly advanced medical equipment on display?
Will it be the impressive array of medical professionals from all over the globe?
No.
It will be fat Arab men in suits smoking cigarettes, on stands for cancer hospitals and high blood pressure equipment. Despite the very large, very prominent No Smoking signs in every single hall.
Labels: culture
27 Comments:
do i sense delicious irony? or perhaps blatant pointlessness in these health companies spending a fortune and a half in attending if they're going to be represented by complete idiots.
hmmm.....
No,No, they will just built this: http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Health/10014064.html to test people for various diseases, mainly thalassemia, a preventable genetic disorder which has a high rate of incidence in the UAE.
Why not just ban the cousin marriages?
@Balushi
Excessive drinking will only harm the person who is doing it. Whereas smoking affects ordinary people like us who are disgusted by the habit. Haven't you heard of secondhand smoke?
practise what u preach!
or not?
hmmmmm!
This post of yours has been really dry and so were some of them in past. Whats wrong with you?
leave off sd. she has a day job you know.
I agree with anon @ 25 January, 2006 12:26. This blog is getting boring and somehow, even when there is stuff to talk about, there is a monotonous and repetitive tinge to the arguments here.
I wonder if you caught that news item on seven days about a woman writing how she is groped around at work and exploited by other men at her workplace? I really thought you would have posted something about it.
Which makes me wonder, how exactly do you decide what to put up here? I hardly see any political discussions? I thought the US bombings in Bajaur, Pakistan, could have been worth putting up here and hearing your take on it. But, I guess you try to concentrate on whats going on in Dubai.
Anyways, hope you can post some good stuff soon!
Cheers!
al-republican....
get your own blog and comment on it then....
"al-republican....
get your own blog and comment on it then...."
All of you SD supporters have no problem criticising the UAE even though you are not citizens here.
Yet you cannot any handle criticism of this blog.
Either you accept criticism of everything , be it the UAE or any blog, or you use the same old, "if u dont like it, just leave/dont come here" line,
you cant have it both ways!
Yet you cannot any handle criticism of this blog.
Well I can handle criticism of this blog. So yes, a lot of things have pissed me off recently, and it was my desire to blog about them. And some things have been nice, and I've blogged about them too.
I could say "if you don't like it, leave" but that would be hypocritical, in so far as I deride that attitude among people here getting impatient when expats (and even locals) air justified grievances. No country and no blog is perfect.
Recent annoying things
People smoking at a health expo
The fact that IT sued in the first place
Stupidly phrased comments about MMS
Appallingly ignorant rape comments
Disgusting Fujairah verdict
The TRA
Recent nice/amusing things
Businesspants.com
The nice weather
The GN "libel" victory/free speech moves
Discovering ancient artifacts
"Genderless" residents
The couple "parking" on SZR
Attempting to sue Lebanese pop starlets
Dr Khalid's progressive attitude
Census evaders
I'm also somewhat confused by accusations of being negative/grouchy and then queries why I didn't cover a story on sexual harrassment? So what: do I cover every single negative story here and rantrantrant, or do I stick to light and warm stuff?
What I actually do is blog what interests, amuses and infuriates me. Which is a MIX of stuff.
Which makes me wonder, how exactly do you decide what to put up here? I hardly see any political discussions? I thought the US bombings in Bajaur, Pakistan, could have been worth putting up here and hearing your take on it. But, I guess you try to concentrate on whats going on in Dubai.
Well - the title might just give that away, don't you reckon? "Secret Dubai diary - intrigue and adventure in the United Arab Emirates". Admittedly with occasional extensions to exceeding amusing happenings in other part of the Middle East.
I think this makes sense;
it is SD's blog, so SD writes about what SD wants, and nothing else.
Why on earth would SD air other peoples opinions when it is "secret dubai diary" and not "a blog that pleases what you want to read".
If you want an opinion forced into your head go and watch MTV/CNN.
Here's the real IQ test, if you are complaining about the contents of the blog then why are you reading it? But if you're reading it, then disliking it, rather than stop reading it, you are telling SD how much you don't like it, which i'm pretty sure SD really gives a damn about, why don't you save your energy and make your own blog which is 13.85% better?, then when it sucks, we'll all visit it and poke fun at you.
And in case anyone hasn't learnt yet, discussing war/politics on the internet and in real life achieves absolutely nothing, it's the biggest waste of time ever, save your breath, pick up a gun, and fix the problem yourself.
More importantly, politics are damn boring.
I have to say that if SD's blog ever had more than casual mentions of politics I wouldn't bother visiting it, politics are boring, SD manages to achieve hilarity, humour, serious discussion, criticism and a few other things, anyone can talk about politics, politics are boring.
I guess i'll point out the clue train here, but someone is bound to miss it, the mere fact that SD leaves comments on, and also allows anonymous posting just shows that SD can accept criticism.
Arab and Health are oxymorons (Unless ofcourse, you're blessed with a good metabolic rate). If you're a true vegetarian, you're going to have a very hard time, even finiding an affordable restaurant with something to offer than the regular generic recipes. And it makes you cringe when vegetarian dishes are priced more than non-vegetarian ones.
@ Al-Republican - Familiarity breeds contempt, eh?. You're as open minded as Bush himself. You da true republican, maaan.
Uff man, why do people get so worked up here? I only asked SD how she goes around publishing articles here. I am relatively new to this blog and hence the query. Somehow Samuraisam seems to be SD's sidekick and takes offense at everything anyone says to her. Why are you so obsessed with "defending" SD when no one is attacking her in the first place? I just had a polite inquiry and it is nice to see that SD took time to respond to it and tell me exactly what her vectors are. Some of you are really touchy about anyone saying anything to SD. SD, you have worshippers here!
As per my username of Al-Republican, it is a light-hearted sarcastic swipe at the Western concept of "all evil things stem from Al-Quaida". It points out at who the real terrorists are in the 21st century without putting all Americans in one bag; I am very aware (having lived in the US for 6 years) of the very sane and politically aware populace of America.
Finally, just because you don't like something does not mean you stop reading it! Not that I hate these blogs, on the contrary, I love it! But, why are the champions of democracy (such as samuraisam et al) being so authoratarian about this - "if you dont like it, leave it"? It is this mentality that makes Westerners not understand different cultures and societies... "we don't like them, so we wont bother reading or finding out about them and just continue hating". I have long advocated that 20th and 21st century democracy is the most undemocratic thing that has happened to mankind. Why is it that no other ideology can exist besides democracy in the 21st century? This same mentality can be seen in lay people from the West who are unwilling to listen to any view that goes against what they, dare I say, BELIEVE in.
Why is it that no other ideology can exist besides democracy in the 21st century?
If you are wondering why the US is attempting to promote democracy around the world, it is because they have come to realise that the Cold War practice of supporting "friendly" despots and dictators provides for neither stability nor security in the post-Cold War era, and that oppressive regimes and lack of a political representation are the root causes of terrorism.
Whether the US are going about it in the right manner or if they will be successul or not is anoter question altogether, but this is the reasoning behind their actions.
Tim Newman:
So Japanese Imperialism was about terrorism? Russians, South American states, Socialist movements, Baathists, Vietnamese, North Koreans et al were all promoting terror? It's sad that all of humanity is promoting terror, dont you think? The truth is that Democracy seems to think that any system alongside it is a threat to it's existence (dominance?). Let's not even get into the acts of state-sponsored-terror these democracies have carried out in the name of new "threats". These days it's Islam and somewhere in the near future (if the West can extinguish Islam that is) it will be Chinese Communism.
Unfortunately, it is this doctrine of pre-emption that is the root cause of terror. And until democracies dont realize this, you are not going to make any progress. Please dont even think that Muslims will take you seriously when you say that America has REALIZED that supporting despotic rulers and rogue states has only complicated their problem. The truth is that there is absolutely no realization, which is why America continues to support Hosni Mubarak's iron grip on Egypt and is happily married in a marriage of convenience with Musharraf in Pakistan and King Abdullah in Jordan.
Everytime a popular revolution comes around in these places, our American friends mobilize all their resources to not only qwell these rebellions, but further strengthen these leaders in key states. America has successfully crushed all upcoming world powers and forced them into obedience (so much so that the Japanese constitution was written by them!). So I can understand why America feels confident it can take out this newest threat of "Islamism". Whether that will really happen or not is for all of us to wait and see.
So Japanese Imperialism was about terrorism? Russians, South American states, Socialist movements, Baathists, Vietnamese, North Koreans et al were all promoting terror?
No. I am saying that oppressive regimes and lack of a political representation are root causes of terrorism; not that oppressive regimes and a lack of political representation always cause terrorism.
Unfortunately, it is this doctrine of pre-emption that is the root cause of terror.
A brief look at a few notable terrorist acts over the course of history will show you that this statement is utterly false.
Please dont even think that Muslims will take you seriously when you say that America has REALIZED that supporting despotic rulers and rogue states has only complicated their problem.
So, you speak for all Muslims as to whether they take me seriously or not, eh? Who are you, Mohammed himself?
The truth is that there is absolutely no realization, which is why America continues to support Hosni Mubarak's iron grip on Egypt and is happily married in a marriage of convenience with Musharraf in Pakistan and King Abdullah in Jordan.
So there has been no change in American foreign policy since the end of the Cold War, eh? Well, there are several noted historians who disagree with you, and I find their arguments rather convincing.
America has successfully crushed all upcoming world powers and forced them into obedience (so much so that the Japanese constitution was written by them!).
Just for you information, Japan was not an up and coming power at the time the US wrote their constitution for them. Your grasp of history seems a bit weak in this area.
Anyone who has any lingering questions about US foreign policy, I highly recommend a new documentary called "Why We Fight." It is well-done and very, very eye-opening, using facts and history to tell the story, as opposed to emotions or religiousity.
al-republican said...
"I only asked SD how she goes around publishing articles here."
Nice passive-aggressive response! When I went back to reread the comments because I thought I had missed this innocent query that was so unjustly pounced on, it turned out I didn't.
I think phrases like, "This blog is getting boring", "there is a monotonous and repetitive tinge to the arguments here", "I really thought you would have posted something about it", and "I hardly see any political discussions" would explain why some people got worked up.
Maybe, Al-Republican, you need to work on your communication skills.
Hamas sweeped the elections!! And how does the US and the West in general react to it?? Talk about democracy...
If any of you were watching any news channel last night whatever has been said here would make a whole lot more sense.
Tim Newman, in response to all of your diatribe I will just thank you for being able to admit the US' role in drafting and implementing the Japanese constituion (how this is "democratic" is beyond any sane person).
To No One's Sidekick, please take it easy!
Tim Newman, in response to all of your diatribe I will just thank you for being able to admit the US' role in drafting and implementing the Japanese constituion (how this is "democratic" is beyond any sane person).
Well, the Japanese don't seem to have had much of a problem with it over the last 50 years. In fact, it seems to have worked rather well with Japan having reached extraordinary heights of prosperity whilst guaranteeing freedom and liberty for its citizens under its consitution.
But as I said, your grasp of history in this area seems a bit weak, so this is likely to be of news to you.
Looks like Emirates Today just mis-quoted SD by saying, "Fat (..) men in suits", omitting the 'Arab' word.
Funny.
"No One's Sidekick" was not me, and I am not SD's sidekick, I just think it's stupid that people take time to read something, hate it, continue reading it, and then bother to make a comment if they didn't like it in the first place, I would happily defend anyone that had these types of comments made to them. I defend people against idiocy. I like to burn idiots. I hate idiots. Are you and idiot?
As for "monotonous arguments", incase you DID NOT NOTICE, literally the entire UAE blogging community revolves around whinging, I enjoy nothing more than having a good whinge, it's fun, it rids me of stress, whinging is fun, it's rarely productive, I suggest if you don't want to read monotonous arguments and whinging that you read blogs based upon other countries, because I think it's very evident that everyone here loves having a good whinge, as i've said, I know I do.
I suggest if you don't want to read monotonous arguments and whinging...
Oh, he wants to read monotonous arguments and whinging all right, but only on the subject of his choosing.
Tim Newman:
You think the Japanese don't have a problem with their fake constitution? You are absolutely wrong on that account! The people of Japan want radical changes to their constitution, but obviously Godfather US of A doesn't let them. The Japanese parliament has seen the most ugly scenes where pro-US vs pro-Japanese senators go around punching each other both accusing each other of selling out. Your bubble will burst the day you see the Japanese hitting back at the US (don't you think for a second that people forget the hegemony your country has been spreading). Is it any wonder why the American tax-payer pays such a hefty chunk of their hard earned money to keep US forces deployed on the Japanese coast?
Japan's success story has nothing to do with the Constitution! Common, Timmy, dont make us laugh! What part of the constitution of Japan talks about Engineering and know-how of cutting edge technology? And what part of the constitution talks about the extra hours of work the Japanese put in? They have always been a hardworking nation. How come other countries where the US have coerced their writ have not been as successful as Japan? And please read the history of the Japanese consitution and you will know how their present constitution was vehemently opposed by the majority of Japanese! So much so that America has made a few changes to it because of popular revolt (one of the clauses being the induction of an armed forces that was ripped off as part of the original constitution drafted by the US).
Your arrogant attitude speaks volumes of how the US is not learning any lessons from their political adventures since World War II. But, like I said, the day your bubble bursts it might be too late to gather yourself and understand what the heck had happened.
You think the Japanese don't have a problem with their fake constitution? You are absolutely wrong on that account! The people of Japan want radical changes to their constitution, but obviously Godfather US of A doesn't let them.
Sorry? Can you please link to a story covering any parliamentary motion to change the constitution
which was subsequently quashed by the US? Can you?
Japan's success story has nothing to do with the Constitution! Common, Timmy, dont make us laugh! What part of the constitution of Japan talks about Engineering and know-how of cutting edge technology? And what part of the constitution talks about the extra hours of work the Japanese put in?
Dear me. You must be the only person on the planet who believes that the Japanese success story is not related to the dramatic changes in their society that the Japanese constitution brought about. I'm going to reappraise your grasp of Japanese history from "weak" to "non-existent".
And please read the history of the Japanese consitution and you will know how their present constitution was vehemently opposed by the majority of Japanese! So much so that America has made a few changes to it because of popular revolt (one of the clauses being the induction of an armed forces that was ripped off as part of the original constitution drafted by the US).
Sorry, I am struggling to find an authoritative source - such as an encyclopedia - which backs up any of what you claim. Do you care to provide one, or are you just talking nonsense?
Tim Newman said:
Sorry? Can you please link to a story covering any parliamentary motion to change the constitution
which was subsequently quashed by the US? Can you?
I wont go back too far: Article 9 of the Japanese constitution is coming under severe fire (and has been for over 40 years now). Anyone who has read the constitution and article 9 can vouch how America blatantly CASTRATES Japan of it's right to self-defence. Ever since the first Gulf War, the people of Japan have pressed on (and finally approved in November 2005) to remove and change the wordings of Article 9 as claused by General MacArthur under the "peace" treaty.
You follow a very convenient line of argument where you ask others to show you where in Japan there was opposition to it's constitution, yet you have yourself admitted here how the US coerced the Japanese into submission! Do you see a contradiction in what you say? The Japanese had no option, but to keep quiet to American diktats after Hiroshima and Nagasaki (and the eventual loss in WWII at the hands of the allies). It would only take an American fool to translate their silence as "approval"!
Consult any encyclopedia and you will see how The Japanese never approved the US of providing it military support; after all this is the land of the samurai honor! The recent almost unanimous approval of the Japanese parliament to change Article 9 and rid Japan of de facto foreign occupation is a proof that the Japanese are having no more of American hogwash. Perhaps the Japanese are learning through Iraq and Afghanistan how the US is being severely beaten and it is about time they stood up for what was rightfully always theirs.
As for you asking for proof of the Japanese raising voices against the American-inspired constitution, kindly refer to the US-Japan peace treaty of 1952 and its eventual ratification in the 60s. You will find how there were complete riots with incidents of vandalism and what not.
Article 9 is all set to be changed, and there is not a damn thing America can do about it. How can one blame them; after all how many fronts can the the mighty US fight all alone at a given time? It might be a good time to remind you of an old Japanese saying, "A strong economy means a strong military!". So if I were an American, I would be very worried about the Japanese ratifying Article 9 (now that they are an undeniable economic power). But, I guess you have other things (like Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan etc) to worry about right now.
Good luck!
I wont go back too far: Article 9 of the Japanese constitution is coming under severe fire (and has been for over 40 years now). Anyone who has read the constitution and article 9 can vouch how America blatantly CASTRATES Japan of it's right to self-defence.
Yes, and was imposed at a time when Japan had finally been pacified following a decade of military expansionism which included the mass murder of 300,000 Chinese in one episode alone, and an unprovoked attack on the United States. If you can point to any authoritative source that argues the Japanese constitution was written in the interests of the US alone, and not supported by the non-militaristic Japanese and their recent victims in the region, I'd be glad to read it.
The recent almost unanimous approval of the Japanese parliament to change Article 9 and rid Japan of de facto foreign occupation is a proof that the Japanese are having no more of American hogwash.
In recent times, Article 9 has been controversial, but largely because the Japanese wish to keep it in place and not a defence capability along the lines of other nations. Far from the US wanting to keep the Article in place in order to maintain an imaginary hold over Japan, it has been calling for Japan to play a larger role in its own security and in other flashpoints in the region. Quite how you have managed to interpret this as the US want the article kept against the wishes of the Japanese is something you alone can fathom.
Article 9 is all set to be changed, and there is not a damn thing America can do about it.
Erm, I thought you said the US had Japan in a stranglehold and were in effect foreign occupiers? Make your mind up!!
Perhaps the Japanese are learning through Iraq and Afghanistan how the US is being severely beaten and it is about time they stood up for what was rightfully always theirs.
Actually, the US seem to be doing rather well in Afghanistan and Iraq. The opposition forces in each country seem to be able to do little but knock off a couple of soldiers a week and massacre a few dozen of their own people. But that aside, I think the Japanese are a bit too smart to be taking lessons in geopolitics and war from those that the US is fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
So if I were an American, I would be very worried about the Japanese ratifying Article 9 (now that they are an undeniable economic power).
Erm, the Japanese economy peaked in the late 80s/early 90s and has struggled in terms of growth ever since (although is still large in size). I think the scenario of a Japan throwing off Article 9 and making problems for the US are based more in fantasy than reality.
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