Now that we are living the World Cup mania, I think it’s time to point to this column by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven D. Levitt, authors of Freakonomics, on why most football (that’s soccer for Americans) stars are likely to be born in the first three months of the year. However, it is not entirely about footballers, but rather about how high performances are the result of hard work and not talent, and therefore a star is made, not born. On a related note, check out what our friend SunShine has to say on the book. I still can’t find time to read it, but sure will do.

Asharq Al-Awsat reports that “a number of Saudis have expressed hope physical education will be incorporate to the educational curriculum for girls across the Kingdom, respecting local traditions and Islam.” Well, I don’t think it will happen anytime soon. Not with the current minister of education in charge anyway, as he has made it clear that he is against it. But the good part in this story comes later: “a study which examined the physical condition of girls and women who practiced gymnastics and track and field reported no adverse effects.” A big WOW! Don’t get me wrong, but as far as I can recall, I always thought sports are harmful to women ;-)

According to the official FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 website, the slogan that will adorn the bus of Saudi Arabia team is: “The Green Hawks cannot be stopped.” I guess this one is derived from the old song: (جاكم الإعصار ما شي يعيقه، منتخبنا اليوم وخر عن طريقه). Now I have to admit that I don’t support the Brazilian team (I’m with England), but their slogan is just so good: “Vehicle monitored by 180 million Brazilian hearts.”

I’m back, blogging from the comfort of my home in Hassa (aka Hofuf). After driving for 300+ Km, I’m still tired, but you can expect some more blogging later in the morning. Thanks to all of you for your kind wishes. It’s good to be back, and it’s good to be home.

When I started blogging two years ago I never thought I would come this far. I did not expect that I would keep on doing this for this long, because I’m such a moody person and I get bored quickly. Nevertheless, here we are, on the second anniversary of Saudi Jeans, and it just feels great. What started as a fun toy to play with has become an integral part of my life that I’m enjoying the most. Through this blog I’ve met some great people, and had some really interesting experiences.

I want to thank all readers, especially those who leave comments, and I apologize to them because I can’t find time to keep up with all comments. I wish I had more time. I wish I had more time for comments, more time to read, write, travel, and do many things, but oh… that’s another post.

On a related note, my 22nd birthday will be on May 30, and as much as I’d like to throw a part and invite all of you to celebrate, I won’t be able to do so because I need a break from blogging to focus more on my studies as my finals are coming soon (to the curious: I won’t be studying 24/7. The amount of studying won’t be increased that much, but I need to free myself from some stuff to get more time to relax). I’ll be back on the first week of June, with many posts on the World Cup, blogging, and a whole lotta things. See you later.

Relaunch: “I’m relaunching SaudiBlogs.org…”

During a recent tourism promotion expo in Dubai, Prince Sultan bin Salman, head of SCT, told the reporters that Saudi Arabia promises tourists a unique experience, with “lots of nightlife.” So, nightlife in Saudi Arabia, huh? Actually, it can be pretty exciting: you have to play hide and seek to enter a shopping mall, which can be fun and challenging. Then, you will be chased by the religious police, and that will raise your adrenaline to the maximum level. After the crazy chasing, you will probably be thirsty, so you can stop somewhere nearby to get your glass of Saudi Champagne. You see, it’s all good.

OK, I think I got a little bit carried away. The general secretary of SCT emphasized that the term ‘nightlife’ for Saudis tends to mean wholesome family activities — rather than what may be enjoyed after dark in the West. Damn! I was so close to make a toast to SCT, but I guess I will hold my glass for now. Just for the sake of argument: How many of you consider the boring family gathering a ‘nightlife’ activity?