Asharq al-Awsat and al-Hayat, the two Saudi London-based newspapers, have decided to focus more on their largest market by adding extended local sections. Both local sections of the two papers are good, but unfortunately, the content of the al-Hayat local section is not available on their website.

Singer Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, is to host a concert in Indonesia for victims of the tsunami on 31 January.

Today’s Asharq al-Awsat local section has two interesting stories. The first is dealing with the “Star Academy problem.” I don’t know why people who don’t like the show are making all this show-offing about it. Let me put it this way: if you don’t like it, don’t watch, and don’t violate others’ freedom. The other story gives us a clear picture on how our ultra-conservative-without-a-good-reason society is killing the girls’ hobbies. I know it is frustrating, but I can do nothing about it. Sorry, girls.

I’m wondering if the good people at BABA are monitoring everything carefully. A blog gained more than 300 votes in just like two days, while the total votes during 10 days were under 90. I don’t believe in conspiracy theories, but…

Al-Hayat could be the only Arabic newspaper which pays some attention to blogs and Arab bloggers. Here is an interview with Ethan Zuckerman, who works with the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School. I’m on a hurry now, so I’ll try to comment on this subject later.

I can’t believe I missed Amr Diab concert last night! UPDATE: Someone, who knew I was waiting, has recorded the concert for me, and I’m watching it now. Thanks.

…OK, but what will happen when we run out of oil? What are we going to do?