Many readers have been complaining that they can’t add their comments to posts on this blog. Before using the word verification system, there was no such problems, but I had to turn it on because I received a huge amount of spam comments, and here where troubles began. I said then that users of Internet Explorer might face such troubles, and I even added a note about this to the comments form later. However, I think that wasn’t enough as most people still use this piece of crap called IE, so from now on you can find an alternative link to add comments within the form that would take you to the original Blogger comments page. I think this will solve it for now, until the guys at Microsoft improve their crappy browser.

Donna Abu-Nasr describes eating out in Riyadh as “an unusual experience,” which is quite true. Luckily, we, guys, don’t have to live in what I’d like to call The Hell of Partitions when we dine out, but I really feel sorry for those who do. Abu-Nasr did not even talk about the increasing number of restaurants in Riyadh that prohibit females without a male guardian (mahram), which is also awful and shameful. It is really depressing when something as simple as dining out becomes a police matter.

Here is a story from the NY Times on why stars give their babies weird names. I’m no star, but I can tell for sure that I’m not going to name my children some ordinary names. How about Hamza? Al Mothanna? Ward (for a boy)?

Merlin Mann: Five reasons the terrorists hate us (apart from “our freedom”). Funny.

Yesterday’s post has brought me a major series of flashbacks. Like yesterday three years ago, when there was no Saudi Jeans, and during a lecture of the infamous 101 SLM course, I received a short message from my cousin Tahani, saying, “What do I get if I told you I got some great news for you?” I replied: “You deserve all good things in life, but what are you talking about?” (تستاهلين كل خير، بس شالسالفة؟). “Surprise! You have a new baby brother!”

It was a surprise because my mom was at the beginning of the eighth month. I remember sending a message to everyone like this: “Hey, my name is Mohammed Al-Omran. I was born today, 17 Rabie’ Al Awal 1424, and my mom and I are healthy and feeling very well. My brother Ahmed is happy to announce this. Bye.” I feel connected to this little guy in a way I never experienced with any of my brothers before. Probably it has something to do with the big age difference (about 20 years), but I really like it.

I remember how when my father (may his soul rest in peace) passed away about 20 months ago, I thought he won’t be affected because he was too little. I was wrong; because of the atmosphere of sadness and mourning around him, he got really ill, and we got confused because he was physically ok. Thank God we all have passed through these tough times.

Feeling this connected to this boy isn’t all good, because I live in Riyadh now, and not seeing him grow up is plainly painful to me. Every time I go home after spending a month or two in Riyadh, I found that many things had changed about him, and I always wish that I could be there with him. I’m glad I will be visiting my family this weekend, and I’m gonna hold him in my hands, hug him, and kiss him on his soft cheeks. Probably this is the most emotional post that I have ever written on SJ. I have a pharmaceutical chemistry midterm in less than two hours, so I have to go now. See you later.

Today is 17 Rabie’ Al Awal, which is the day when Shiites celebrate the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). Today also happens to be the third birthday of my youngest brother whose name is also Mohammed. Happy birthday!

Ahmad Humeid wrote about coffee wars in Amman. Now coming to Riyadh, I think the war is mainly between Starbucks and the local Dr. Cafe. The city is filled with coffee houses, international and local, and most of them are doing fine and still in the business basically because young men do not really have much places to go. However, I think the war is only between the previously mentioned two, as they have the strongest brands in the market, and branches spread all over Riyadh. My favorites: strawberry cocktail from Dr. Cafe, and the raspberry frappuccino from Starbucks. (P.S. I don’t drink coffee.)