This post is dedicated to our furry friends. No, not the abominable snowmen. I mean the animals in Bahrain, with special emphasis on those that have been abused and abandoned on the streets.
For a relatively small country, Bahrain has an alarming number of stray animals lurking around in alleys and streets, traumatized and scared out of their wits. They are often seen scavenging for food in the rubbish piled high in dumpsters or zipping across streets, frightened and dazed by the blaring honks and the glowering high beams of cars.
It is not their fault that they have been subjected to such a hellish existence, it is ours.
It is we who shut them out of our lives. It is we who refused to care for them. It is we that turned our backs on them and never went looking for them afterwards.
It is infuriating that people adopt pets without a long term plan. They do not sketch out the demanding responsibilities that come with being a pet owner. Is there enough space? Is there time to exercise my dog/cat/flying monkey? Is there a place for him/her to stay while I’m gone?
Summers are the worst time to be a pet. Holiday makers ruthlessly decide to let go of their animals rather than making arrangements for them till they return. This leads to a manifold increase in the stray population in the summer and even though BSPCA is a messiah, it has to be acknowledged that it is just one organization and that it is already overflowing with animals beyond its capacity.
That brings up yet another issue. Dumping your pet in BSPCA during the summer is NOT an option. BSPCA is not a boarding kennel service; it is a sanctuary to care for unfortunate animals.
Another horrific truth about strays in Bahrain is the sickening, gut wrenching abuse they are subjected to. Youngsters find it ‘highly amusing’ and ‘entertaining’ to inflict pain on helpless strays, cutting their ears or setting them on fire; images that make me go sleepless on many nights.
Also, I was aghast to learn that many people were writing letters to newspapers stating that wild(a derogatory term for street animals) dogs should be shot! It was an appalling idea. How can anyone be so cruel as to hurt innocent animals?
Please put an end to this animal holocaust and end the atrocities committed to these defenseless creatures.
Make wise decisions and think twice before adopting or leaving a pet. Do think about your pets and their needs when you move, go for a holiday or are unable to support them any longer.
And also, if you are interested in caring for a pet without bringing it home, contact the BSPCA and you can financially assist an animal by ‘fostering’ it.
Remember animals are just as important as people and abusing them is equivalent to ‘Crimes Against Humanity’.
Help out and do your part! Help Bahrain get animals off the streets and into good, caring homes where they belong!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Dream to Live; Live the Dream
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know who Pablo Picasso was.
My mother said to me, "If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope." Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso.
Every artist, every writer, every inventor and scientist in the world, began small. They were nobodies in this big vast frightening world. They weren’t just born great. They made their mark in this world by sole hard work, determination and the will to succeed.
It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you’re from, which race or colour you belong to; greatness is set alight by the spark of ambition. You may be small, but you can always dream big.
It doesn’t matter what you desire to be. Let your dreams be great. Let them be glorious achievements. Let them be crazy. But just dream.
You may want to be a rock climber. Or a photo-journalist. Or a paleontologist. Or even a member of a rock band. Anything is possible if you just believe.
Don’t get disheartened with failures because in reality, they’re the ones that lift you up. Walt Disney didn’t sit at home when he was fired from his first job because of lack of creativity. Albert Einstein didn’t give up when he flunked out of grade school. J.K.Rowling didn’t give up hope when her book was turned down by dozens of publishers. Even Winston Churchill didn’t hold back when his father told him quite plainly that he was good for nothing.
Every great person who made it big in life started no more than we are. They dared to dream and they chased it relentlessly.
So remember dream big, work hard and keep your goals in sight. For every individual may not be destined for greatness but can make greatness their destiny. And there is nothing to be afraid of as William Shakespeare said “Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
My mother said to me, "If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope." Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso.
Every artist, every writer, every inventor and scientist in the world, began small. They were nobodies in this big vast frightening world. They weren’t just born great. They made their mark in this world by sole hard work, determination and the will to succeed.
It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you’re from, which race or colour you belong to; greatness is set alight by the spark of ambition. You may be small, but you can always dream big.
It doesn’t matter what you desire to be. Let your dreams be great. Let them be glorious achievements. Let them be crazy. But just dream.
You may want to be a rock climber. Or a photo-journalist. Or a paleontologist. Or even a member of a rock band. Anything is possible if you just believe.
Don’t get disheartened with failures because in reality, they’re the ones that lift you up. Walt Disney didn’t sit at home when he was fired from his first job because of lack of creativity. Albert Einstein didn’t give up when he flunked out of grade school. J.K.Rowling didn’t give up hope when her book was turned down by dozens of publishers. Even Winston Churchill didn’t hold back when his father told him quite plainly that he was good for nothing.
Every great person who made it big in life started no more than we are. They dared to dream and they chased it relentlessly.
So remember dream big, work hard and keep your goals in sight. For every individual may not be destined for greatness but can make greatness their destiny. And there is nothing to be afraid of as William Shakespeare said “Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
NO Go For YES; Aspiring Students, Shattered Dreams
Imagine having all the pieces in your life just falling into place. Imagine your dream coming true. Imagine that after all your hard work and perseverance, you have attained the goal you have yearned for.
77 students, from 16 Middle East countries, experienced this adrenaline rushing thrill, having received confirmation from the Youth and Exchange Student Programme (YES); giving them the green light to head to various American universities for a year long study programme.
They underwent rigorous training complete with interviews and examinations for six months gearing up to the challenge.
Four days before their departure, when their bags were packed and the goodbyes had been said, the unforeseen happened. Their visas were cancelled.
They were left devastated, reeling from shock. Disappointment, disbelief and hopelessness came crashing down whilst their dreams were shattered and their faiths were shaken.
Inadequate housing was the poor reason given to these poor unfortunate youths.
While the 77 were left behind, the remaining 913 applicants from other parts of the world will descend upon the United States of America to embark on a new journey.
Isn’t this the height of unfairness? Not only do these unlucky teens miss out on ‘their opportunity of a lifetime’ but they have to carry the burden of seeing their fellow counterparts living the dream they once fantasized.
Further implications pursue this dilemma as these 77 applicants require re-registration at their old schools, half way through the academic year, to complete their education in their respective countries.
This programme that intended to give aspiring academics hope instead has left them heartbroken. Alternative arrangements or compensations are definitely due to these students.
Deferred participation for the next academic year, a six month YES programme starting next January and a short term four-to-six weeks YES summer leadership programme are some of the suggestions put forth by the authorities who hold the reigns of the YES programme.
However, for the Middle Eastern students, these options are not viable as it insinuates that they will remain idle for up to six months or worse, find it difficult to get a diploma.
As a student, I realize how important it is for these teenagers to fight for their ambitions to guarantee a propitious future. They cannot afford anything that jeopardizes their chances of reaching that ultimate aim.
So I propose that the committee responsible for the YES programme look into this issue seriously and provide them with temporary housing or at least pay them compensation with a guarantee that they will participate in their exchange programme in the near future.
I wish all 77 of them the very best of luck and hope that they will be requested to jump aboard the YES express once again!
They are indeed upcoming future leaders, fighting for their rights and will no doubt have a bright, successful future!
77 students, from 16 Middle East countries, experienced this adrenaline rushing thrill, having received confirmation from the Youth and Exchange Student Programme (YES); giving them the green light to head to various American universities for a year long study programme.
They underwent rigorous training complete with interviews and examinations for six months gearing up to the challenge.
Four days before their departure, when their bags were packed and the goodbyes had been said, the unforeseen happened. Their visas were cancelled.
They were left devastated, reeling from shock. Disappointment, disbelief and hopelessness came crashing down whilst their dreams were shattered and their faiths were shaken.
Inadequate housing was the poor reason given to these poor unfortunate youths.
While the 77 were left behind, the remaining 913 applicants from other parts of the world will descend upon the United States of America to embark on a new journey.
Isn’t this the height of unfairness? Not only do these unlucky teens miss out on ‘their opportunity of a lifetime’ but they have to carry the burden of seeing their fellow counterparts living the dream they once fantasized.
Further implications pursue this dilemma as these 77 applicants require re-registration at their old schools, half way through the academic year, to complete their education in their respective countries.
This programme that intended to give aspiring academics hope instead has left them heartbroken. Alternative arrangements or compensations are definitely due to these students.
Deferred participation for the next academic year, a six month YES programme starting next January and a short term four-to-six weeks YES summer leadership programme are some of the suggestions put forth by the authorities who hold the reigns of the YES programme.
However, for the Middle Eastern students, these options are not viable as it insinuates that they will remain idle for up to six months or worse, find it difficult to get a diploma.
As a student, I realize how important it is for these teenagers to fight for their ambitions to guarantee a propitious future. They cannot afford anything that jeopardizes their chances of reaching that ultimate aim.
So I propose that the committee responsible for the YES programme look into this issue seriously and provide them with temporary housing or at least pay them compensation with a guarantee that they will participate in their exchange programme in the near future.
I wish all 77 of them the very best of luck and hope that they will be requested to jump aboard the YES express once again!
They are indeed upcoming future leaders, fighting for their rights and will no doubt have a bright, successful future!
Life is too short to be somebody else
“Just be yourself.”
Sounds queer, doesn’t it?
If we’re not ourselves, who else can we be?
It’s not unknown that we like fitting in, feeling at home and being part of a ‘family’.
Sometimes along the road to being inducted, we tend to lose ourselves, the people we really are.
They say everyone is unique just like everybody else.
But with the pressure of ‘fitting in society’, our individualities have been eroded and rubbed blunt till we all now seem quite alike.
What is ironic is the fact that toddlers and infants, the ones considered least mature, educated and developed, are the ones that harbour the most uniqueness.
It is later that replication begins and the distinctness is lost.
Imitation usually starts stemming from high school.
Being a teenager in high school is frustrating. The very empire of high school is built on a foundation known as ‘a delicately balanced status quo’.
And all we try to do when we’re at school is to be an undistinguished, accepted fish in the sea, finding comfort in being a part of a club, a group, a crowd.
Well, that’s plain wrong.
Everybody IS somebody.
You can be whoever you want to be.
Don’t be afraid to be unique. Be different- Don’t fit in, stand out!
Sure you’ve heard people preach this a million times and you usually retort that it doesn’t rake in any friends.
But it’s better to have a friend who likes you for who you are not what they want you to be.
So remember, don’t let the World change you, you change the World!
Sounds queer, doesn’t it?
If we’re not ourselves, who else can we be?
It’s not unknown that we like fitting in, feeling at home and being part of a ‘family’.
Sometimes along the road to being inducted, we tend to lose ourselves, the people we really are.
They say everyone is unique just like everybody else.
But with the pressure of ‘fitting in society’, our individualities have been eroded and rubbed blunt till we all now seem quite alike.
What is ironic is the fact that toddlers and infants, the ones considered least mature, educated and developed, are the ones that harbour the most uniqueness.
It is later that replication begins and the distinctness is lost.
Imitation usually starts stemming from high school.
Being a teenager in high school is frustrating. The very empire of high school is built on a foundation known as ‘a delicately balanced status quo’.
And all we try to do when we’re at school is to be an undistinguished, accepted fish in the sea, finding comfort in being a part of a club, a group, a crowd.
Well, that’s plain wrong.
Everybody IS somebody.
You can be whoever you want to be.
Don’t be afraid to be unique. Be different- Don’t fit in, stand out!
Sure you’ve heard people preach this a million times and you usually retort that it doesn’t rake in any friends.
But it’s better to have a friend who likes you for who you are not what they want you to be.
So remember, don’t let the World change you, you change the World!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Misunderstood Metal
Metal is a form of music that has gathered the following of a few in Bahrain.
But for most part of it, it has been snubbed and has picked up a nasty reputation as it is largely not understood.
Like abstract art, metal music is merely raw expression with limitless freedom.
But this rejection and lack of appreciation has driven the metal scene in Bahrain underground.
There are dozens of unsigned bands out there playing in garages without the means to turn their amazing talent to something productive.
The Bahrain authorities have a rather severe attitude towards Metal having stated 'that it is synonymous to satanic activities', closing down a major concert last year, making people think twice about heavy metal.
Yet metal, besides the black t-shirts and elevated sound levels, is quite harmless and is usually fraught with meaning and emotion.
It is an opportunity for people to express themselves artistically.
The Reflux Festival held recently in the Bahrain International Circuit was an enjoyable experience, with people even conforming to less gothic clothing and all the rules for the sake of the music.
Yet, Bahrain still doesn't understand metal enough to come out in numbers.
The MPs of Bahrain should be less hostile to the Metal scene if it has to develop.
Bahrain is teeming with potential and talent and it is only right that it has to be channelled effectively.
Metal is just like any other genre of music, maybe a few decibels higher. But it still reaches out to the audience with the same messages of hope, change and a better tomorrow.
But for most part of it, it has been snubbed and has picked up a nasty reputation as it is largely not understood.
Like abstract art, metal music is merely raw expression with limitless freedom.
But this rejection and lack of appreciation has driven the metal scene in Bahrain underground.
There are dozens of unsigned bands out there playing in garages without the means to turn their amazing talent to something productive.
The Bahrain authorities have a rather severe attitude towards Metal having stated 'that it is synonymous to satanic activities', closing down a major concert last year, making people think twice about heavy metal.
Yet metal, besides the black t-shirts and elevated sound levels, is quite harmless and is usually fraught with meaning and emotion.
It is an opportunity for people to express themselves artistically.
The Reflux Festival held recently in the Bahrain International Circuit was an enjoyable experience, with people even conforming to less gothic clothing and all the rules for the sake of the music.
Yet, Bahrain still doesn't understand metal enough to come out in numbers.
The MPs of Bahrain should be less hostile to the Metal scene if it has to develop.
Bahrain is teeming with potential and talent and it is only right that it has to be channelled effectively.
Metal is just like any other genre of music, maybe a few decibels higher. But it still reaches out to the audience with the same messages of hope, change and a better tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Think Pink- The Reality Behind The Ribbon
Imagine a family portrait without a Mom. Imagine old fairytales without a Grandmother to tell them. Imagine a classroom without the loving guidance and care of a female teacher.
Women are an integral part of the society and they are undoubtedly irreplaceable units of the family and community.
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers that threaten the lives of thousands of women each year.
A large proportion of women contract Breast Cancer at some point in their lives and if not nipped in the early stages, it can be life-threatening.
And surprisingly, a small proportion of men are susceptible to breast cancer as well!
In Bahrain, a rather conservative society, breast cancer was some what of a taboo. People felt ashamed to talk about it freely and a large number of cases went unnoticed till things became serious and irreversible.
But over the last couple of years, Bahrain has opened up and people are readily voicing their views and problems and seeking necessary medical attention.
This October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bahrain dons pink in an effort to create as much as awareness as possible about breast cancer.
The Think Pink campaign has enjoyed a lot of success since its beginning drawing in breast cancer victims and survivors and their families and friends and undoubtedly, public support.
The message of Think Pink has traveled far in Bahrain with charity walks, mountain treks, golf tournaments, celebrity support and social gatherings.
The little pink ribbons have caused a big stir and have woken people up to the seriousness of the issue but not all of us are following through with necessary procedures.
Women are urged to consult doctors and go through a general check-up.
Moreover, breast cancer victims and survivors need support more than medicine as they go though a rough emotional trauma and a series of unpredictable moods and feelings.
Dear readers, help fight the battle against breast cancer. Ask your mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts or any other close female friends whether they’ve gotten their check-up and help them learn more about breast cancer and how they can identify symptoms early and safeguard themselves from future harm.
And remember to make Bahrain and its people aware of the seriousness of breast cancer this October; wear pink- pink ribbons, pink shirts, pink shoes and even matching pink accessories!- and most importantly, Think Pink!
Women are an integral part of the society and they are undoubtedly irreplaceable units of the family and community.
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers that threaten the lives of thousands of women each year.
A large proportion of women contract Breast Cancer at some point in their lives and if not nipped in the early stages, it can be life-threatening.
And surprisingly, a small proportion of men are susceptible to breast cancer as well!
In Bahrain, a rather conservative society, breast cancer was some what of a taboo. People felt ashamed to talk about it freely and a large number of cases went unnoticed till things became serious and irreversible.
But over the last couple of years, Bahrain has opened up and people are readily voicing their views and problems and seeking necessary medical attention.
This October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bahrain dons pink in an effort to create as much as awareness as possible about breast cancer.
The Think Pink campaign has enjoyed a lot of success since its beginning drawing in breast cancer victims and survivors and their families and friends and undoubtedly, public support.
The message of Think Pink has traveled far in Bahrain with charity walks, mountain treks, golf tournaments, celebrity support and social gatherings.
The little pink ribbons have caused a big stir and have woken people up to the seriousness of the issue but not all of us are following through with necessary procedures.
Women are urged to consult doctors and go through a general check-up.
Moreover, breast cancer victims and survivors need support more than medicine as they go though a rough emotional trauma and a series of unpredictable moods and feelings.
Dear readers, help fight the battle against breast cancer. Ask your mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts or any other close female friends whether they’ve gotten their check-up and help them learn more about breast cancer and how they can identify symptoms early and safeguard themselves from future harm.
And remember to make Bahrain and its people aware of the seriousness of breast cancer this October; wear pink- pink ribbons, pink shirts, pink shoes and even matching pink accessories!- and most importantly, Think Pink!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Which Books made the Shelf?
Before we get on with it, here's a notice: Read Gulf Weekly. My column actually came out... not half bad! Hopefully my run of luck will continue.
This week has been crazy, hectic and nerve-wrecking with life-changing decisions being made. Big thing to say for a now sixteen year old. But that's life, every decision we make seems to rattle the future as we know it.
Here are the Books I'm reading/ I have read over the summer and early autumn:
*CHERUB- Robert Muchamore: A book about teenagers(and kids) working undercover as spies; the main objective being that no self-respecting adult would believe a kid was doing the espionage job. Apparently it is a well-sought after book for young adults and is raved about by teens. Still reading.
*Benny and Omar- Eoin Colfer: Hilarious, light-hearted and engrossing- Colfer has pulled off a captivating story with laugh out loud moments and true emotions. There is an impressive character development, helping readers relate to alot of scenarios and helps them see the outrageous exploits through Benny's Irish eyes. A great read and a cheer-me-up book that is sure to make you laugh. Truly Irish.
*Holes- Louis Sachar: I must confess that hadn't I seen the movie, I wouldn't have picked up this book with the drab cover and no synopsis on the book jacket. Goes to show you never judge a book by its cover. Though the writing style is a bit choppy it helps you to live in the moment and imagine it from the point of view of a chubby, innocent kid with a bit of 'farm' in him. It's an original concept and that's the best plus point this book holds. And yes, Shia LaBoeuf had something to do with me reading the book. Still Reading. Not decided on character development of book.
*The Second Summer of the Sisterhood of Travelling Pants- Ann Brashares: The first movie showed promise otherwise I wouldn't have picked up the book. I hate choosing books based on movies but nowadays it happens inevitably. First off, girly. Girly, girly, girly. And why is that wrong? Because I don't read those kind of books. Yet this book did have something below the surface that made me read on. I rather grudgingly sort of liked it. The parts about Bee were my favourites as the character was so polished and deep and emitted positive radiation. Tibby's part came in second. But what made me nauseous was the Lena parts. Help! It was mushy and just too much, and made me hate the book at that point of time. Boy, that girl's got some hormone issues. Carmen's role was mediocre and her character could have used a better development. She should have been deeper and more philosphical, like my expectations. A good tie-up none the less. It far surpassed its frayed movie nonetheless.
*The Wish List- Eoin Colfer: A MUST-READ!!! You'll fall off your chair with stitches in your sides. This roll-on-the-floor book is highly unique and the plot is so ingenious. Dead girl done both good and bad. Now heaven and hell fight for her soul. It's an epic struggle. The best thing about Colfer's fantasy writing is the way he interweaves technology with the magic, making it more relatable and a lot more humorous. This book is multilayered with alot of vivid emotion and deep philosophy making you question life itself. Thought provoking! What are you waiting for? Run to the library and GET IT!
More reviews will be posted soon. Till then, Keep Reading!
This week has been crazy, hectic and nerve-wrecking with life-changing decisions being made. Big thing to say for a now sixteen year old. But that's life, every decision we make seems to rattle the future as we know it.
Here are the Books I'm reading/ I have read over the summer and early autumn:
*CHERUB- Robert Muchamore: A book about teenagers(and kids) working undercover as spies; the main objective being that no self-respecting adult would believe a kid was doing the espionage job. Apparently it is a well-sought after book for young adults and is raved about by teens. Still reading.
*Benny and Omar- Eoin Colfer: Hilarious, light-hearted and engrossing- Colfer has pulled off a captivating story with laugh out loud moments and true emotions. There is an impressive character development, helping readers relate to alot of scenarios and helps them see the outrageous exploits through Benny's Irish eyes. A great read and a cheer-me-up book that is sure to make you laugh. Truly Irish.
*Holes- Louis Sachar: I must confess that hadn't I seen the movie, I wouldn't have picked up this book with the drab cover and no synopsis on the book jacket. Goes to show you never judge a book by its cover. Though the writing style is a bit choppy it helps you to live in the moment and imagine it from the point of view of a chubby, innocent kid with a bit of 'farm' in him. It's an original concept and that's the best plus point this book holds. And yes, Shia LaBoeuf had something to do with me reading the book. Still Reading. Not decided on character development of book.
*The Second Summer of the Sisterhood of Travelling Pants- Ann Brashares: The first movie showed promise otherwise I wouldn't have picked up the book. I hate choosing books based on movies but nowadays it happens inevitably. First off, girly. Girly, girly, girly. And why is that wrong? Because I don't read those kind of books. Yet this book did have something below the surface that made me read on. I rather grudgingly sort of liked it. The parts about Bee were my favourites as the character was so polished and deep and emitted positive radiation. Tibby's part came in second. But what made me nauseous was the Lena parts. Help! It was mushy and just too much, and made me hate the book at that point of time. Boy, that girl's got some hormone issues. Carmen's role was mediocre and her character could have used a better development. She should have been deeper and more philosphical, like my expectations. A good tie-up none the less. It far surpassed its frayed movie nonetheless.
*The Wish List- Eoin Colfer: A MUST-READ!!! You'll fall off your chair with stitches in your sides. This roll-on-the-floor book is highly unique and the plot is so ingenious. Dead girl done both good and bad. Now heaven and hell fight for her soul. It's an epic struggle. The best thing about Colfer's fantasy writing is the way he interweaves technology with the magic, making it more relatable and a lot more humorous. This book is multilayered with alot of vivid emotion and deep philosophy making you question life itself. Thought provoking! What are you waiting for? Run to the library and GET IT!
More reviews will be posted soon. Till then, Keep Reading!
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