Today the BBC website (favourite website for general news stories, blogs and sport) has at long last published an article about Oman. The wadis? No. The coastline? No. The football team? No.
What then, I hear you asking! Well a rather cryptic front page of the Week...
I will be seeking an apology from the BBC for not printing a more representative and supportive article about Oman.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Referendum to change the voting system...
The UK this week went to vote on a referendum of whether to change the long standing first past the post to "Alternative Vote".
Maybe a glossary would be helpful:
First Past The Post (FPTP): whoever gets the most vote wins i.e. in an extreme scenario with 100 candidates, if one candidate gets 2% of the vote and the rest 1% he wins. In the UK the winning candidate normally gets between 30% and 50% of the vote.
Alternative Vote (AV): Vote for candidates in order, with each candidate with the lowest votes eliminated, the votes from that eliminated candidate are reassigned to the remaining candidates. This process continues until you are left with one winning candidate - simple...
Proportional Representation (RP): The number of candidates for each party is dependant upon the total share of votes that they receive.
I'd love to know people's views of which is the best voting system.
The UK press made much of the fact that only three countries use the AV vote: Australia, Papua New Guinea and another small country. Many use first past the post with a few more using a combination of proportional representation and first past the post.
What did the discerning UK voters say? - no change please - 60% voted to keep FPTP. With only 40% of the UK voting in any event, I'm not sure what the big issue with democracy is! Well maybe with the resurgence in support of the Royal family, following the big wedding between Willy and Kate, the next step will be to have a vote on the return of an absolute monarchy (don't more countries have this system than AV) but I 'm not sure yet.
Maybe a glossary would be helpful:
First Past The Post (FPTP): whoever gets the most vote wins i.e. in an extreme scenario with 100 candidates, if one candidate gets 2% of the vote and the rest 1% he wins. In the UK the winning candidate normally gets between 30% and 50% of the vote.
Alternative Vote (AV): Vote for candidates in order, with each candidate with the lowest votes eliminated, the votes from that eliminated candidate are reassigned to the remaining candidates. This process continues until you are left with one winning candidate - simple...
Proportional Representation (RP): The number of candidates for each party is dependant upon the total share of votes that they receive.
I'd love to know people's views of which is the best voting system.
The UK press made much of the fact that only three countries use the AV vote: Australia, Papua New Guinea and another small country. Many use first past the post with a few more using a combination of proportional representation and first past the post.
What did the discerning UK voters say? - no change please - 60% voted to keep FPTP. With only 40% of the UK voting in any event, I'm not sure what the big issue with democracy is! Well maybe with the resurgence in support of the Royal family, following the big wedding between Willy and Kate, the next step will be to have a vote on the return of an absolute monarchy (don't more countries have this system than AV) but I 'm not sure yet.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Traffic cameras
When will "they" manage to invent a clever traffic camera - note I did not say speed camera - as surely, based on no statistical evidence that I have seen, the bigger danger to Oman's roads is tail-gating, undertaking, using the mobile whilst driving and driving vehicles (typically heavy goods) that are unfit for the road; rather than speeding.
I always wondered whether a demonstration of an organised society was having evenly spaced gaps between each speed camera... In any event I've not figured out how to get my cruise control to automatically adjust to reflect this even spacing of speed cameras which is therefore unnecessarily increasing the stress of driving to and from Dubai or even City Centre!
Maybe they could paint them florescent yellow like they do in the UK - a move that I have still not quite got my head round - I mean what is the point??
On the point of speeding, I would like to meet and thank the person who decided to place quite ridiculous speed humps (almost) randomly around Oman. At first I thought it was a memory and observation test as the forewarning is slightly limited but then realised that they are linked to whether one of the neighbouring buildings is special. Special buildings come with a random assortment of cars parked randomly nearby giving a hint that a bump might be about, or do I mean give an added diversion!
I always wondered whether a demonstration of an organised society was having evenly spaced gaps between each speed camera... In any event I've not figured out how to get my cruise control to automatically adjust to reflect this even spacing of speed cameras which is therefore unnecessarily increasing the stress of driving to and from Dubai or even City Centre!
Maybe they could paint them florescent yellow like they do in the UK - a move that I have still not quite got my head round - I mean what is the point??
On the point of speeding, I would like to meet and thank the person who decided to place quite ridiculous speed humps (almost) randomly around Oman. At first I thought it was a memory and observation test as the forewarning is slightly limited but then realised that they are linked to whether one of the neighbouring buildings is special. Special buildings come with a random assortment of cars parked randomly nearby giving a hint that a bump might be about, or do I mean give an added diversion!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Omani Economy: what's going on?
So what's the Oman economy doing at the moment? I'm not an economist but can't help but notice a number of things that raise question marks about the economy and what the impact from the recent regional unrest might have caused.
Case that the economy is slacking: how long is it taking to complete public works: the airport, the opera house; property prices staying low: the Wave properties are showing significant discounts to where they were; and finally the number of empty shops and restaurants (even the new ones that ought to have a bit of a buzz are very quiet/empty). Then when you hear of the larger industries suffering from a withdrawal of investment, you wonder what the Government is doing to reinforce the message that Oman's economy has strong fundamentals and how it is seeking to continue to persuade external investment in the Country.
Implications of inappropriate behaviour at the ministerial level will further impact external views on Oman as a country to invest in and a change of minister implies tackling the symptom but not providing the cure.
Were the marches really about the slightly fanciful eradication of personal debt and increased government jobs and wages or was the real message one of increasing the level of judicial review of public servants and enabling a free press to probe and offer a public challenge to the stakeholders of Oman's future? A free market is not about opening up to competition but also ensuring a fair and level playing field, without this neither overseas investors will seek to create jobs and the limited number of entrepreneurs in the country will remain that way. The easier option being to seek a safe government job for life which requires little by way of challenge.
Are the economic woes directly linked to the underlying problems highlighted (deep within the messages) in the various demonstrations? The country has been able to develop rapidly over the last forty years thanks to HM but during that time the world has also become a smaller place with regions facing greater global competition. Hiding away from this global competition will only hinder the development of the Oman economy and/or lead to a brain drain of the talented Omanis leaving the country to seek the challenge in a meritocratic environment only obtainable elsewhere.
The challenge for the country is to accelerate the development of Oman in the new global economy. With a stability and infrastructure that is the envy of the region, unfortunately the competition is no longer local but global and Oman (which is a relatively small country) needs to target and consider a plan to enter the Premier League.
Case that the economy is slacking: how long is it taking to complete public works: the airport, the opera house; property prices staying low: the Wave properties are showing significant discounts to where they were; and finally the number of empty shops and restaurants (even the new ones that ought to have a bit of a buzz are very quiet/empty). Then when you hear of the larger industries suffering from a withdrawal of investment, you wonder what the Government is doing to reinforce the message that Oman's economy has strong fundamentals and how it is seeking to continue to persuade external investment in the Country.
Implications of inappropriate behaviour at the ministerial level will further impact external views on Oman as a country to invest in and a change of minister implies tackling the symptom but not providing the cure.
Were the marches really about the slightly fanciful eradication of personal debt and increased government jobs and wages or was the real message one of increasing the level of judicial review of public servants and enabling a free press to probe and offer a public challenge to the stakeholders of Oman's future? A free market is not about opening up to competition but also ensuring a fair and level playing field, without this neither overseas investors will seek to create jobs and the limited number of entrepreneurs in the country will remain that way. The easier option being to seek a safe government job for life which requires little by way of challenge.
Are the economic woes directly linked to the underlying problems highlighted (deep within the messages) in the various demonstrations? The country has been able to develop rapidly over the last forty years thanks to HM but during that time the world has also become a smaller place with regions facing greater global competition. Hiding away from this global competition will only hinder the development of the Oman economy and/or lead to a brain drain of the talented Omanis leaving the country to seek the challenge in a meritocratic environment only obtainable elsewhere.
The challenge for the country is to accelerate the development of Oman in the new global economy. With a stability and infrastructure that is the envy of the region, unfortunately the competition is no longer local but global and Oman (which is a relatively small country) needs to target and consider a plan to enter the Premier League.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Cats...
What is with the phenomenal number of street cats in Oman? What should one do with them? There's no pest control service to round them up and neuter, feeding them only creates more of a problem and trying to catch them to take to the Vets (I think Muscat Vets is the only one in the city) is another mission impossible altogether.
In case anyone else is focussed on doing their bit to limit the unwanted cat population of Oman, cardboard boxes do not contain stray cats and they also serve to act as quite a warning for the cat not to come too close! Cats are also very adept at leaping great heights, scaling trees and running fast - even on an empty stomach!
Reminds me of the story from a vet friend of mine, who used to use a blow pipe dart to knock out stray cats before taking back to his surgery for neutering! Now where can I get one of those in City Centre...
In case anyone else is focussed on doing their bit to limit the unwanted cat population of Oman, cardboard boxes do not contain stray cats and they also serve to act as quite a warning for the cat not to come too close! Cats are also very adept at leaping great heights, scaling trees and running fast - even on an empty stomach!
Reminds me of the story from a vet friend of mine, who used to use a blow pipe dart to knock out stray cats before taking back to his surgery for neutering! Now where can I get one of those in City Centre...
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Shopping - Oman style
One thing I struggle with is the shopping in Oman. Shopping centres randomly located across muscat with seemingly no logic behind their location or the shops inside. I'd love to know who shops, if anyone, in them.
City centre is a perfect example. Fashion avenue, muscat's very own equivalent of bond street, seems to be in terminal decline with shops closed, closing or resembling the short lease market stalls. The large round hall near the food court - why? And the u shape layout that means any trip has to last at least twice as long as necessary. Shopping certainly isn't helped by the need to sell winter season clothes by the main chains - gap being the worst - who buys a scarf and woollen hat in Oman?
Next week - what's the point of trophy shops? You know what I mean, bored house wife wants a shop to sell stuff no one wants to buy...
City centre is a perfect example. Fashion avenue, muscat's very own equivalent of bond street, seems to be in terminal decline with shops closed, closing or resembling the short lease market stalls. The large round hall near the food court - why? And the u shape layout that means any trip has to last at least twice as long as necessary. Shopping certainly isn't helped by the need to sell winter season clothes by the main chains - gap being the worst - who buys a scarf and woollen hat in Oman?
Next week - what's the point of trophy shops? You know what I mean, bored house wife wants a shop to sell stuff no one wants to buy...
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Opera house
Am I the only one who is super excited about the opera house! Not necessarily for the opera but having a proper theatrical venue in Muscat. The building looks fantastic, SQ certainly makes sure his pet projects are true landmarks.
Does anyone know what shops and restaurants will be going up in the adjacent "mall"?
I guess it would be me without a small whinge but i'm really not sure how it's going to work with the traffic, still suffering from the constant road jams for the fireworks, and also slightly disappointed they got rid of the round about.
I still wonder how much pent up demand there is for the opera and ballet in Oman...
Does anyone know what shops and restaurants will be going up in the adjacent "mall"?
I guess it would be me without a small whinge but i'm really not sure how it's going to work with the traffic, still suffering from the constant road jams for the fireworks, and also slightly disappointed they got rid of the round about.
I still wonder how much pent up demand there is for the opera and ballet in Oman...
Monday, December 13, 2010
Litter - keep Oman tidy (! or ?)
Oman is due to launch a version of the "Keep Britain Tidy' campaign!
Notwithstanding the fact that many Omanis believe it is perfectly acceptable to drop litter where ever you choose, the Government has decided that Oman needs to tap the eco-tourist. The eco-tourist wants to visit unspoilt landscapes demonstrating the natural beauty of the world, without sight of empty plastic water bottles, plastic shopping bags or any form of natural effluence.
Example 1: Beach Games - family having just watched beach handball - where does the empty plastic water bottle go - the beach!! The fact that the bottle is thrown next to the kids' painting competition (first prize to the poster extolling the virtues of keeping the beach clean) is lost on the family.
Example 2: Wadi Bani Khalid. Went swimming in the pools, ignored the concrete monstrosities (the picnic shades?!) to jump into the pools. What's swimming next to me? Its clear the local builders produce cr@p in every means possible...
Example 3: travelling to Sur, what game do we play in the car? Not eye-spy but count the plastic shopping bags! Not enough immigrants on the East Coast to keep it tidy...
Its so upsetting to see what should be the most beautiful country in the world spoilt this way - what is the solution? how do you educate the local population to preserve the beauty? I wish I knew...
Notwithstanding the fact that many Omanis believe it is perfectly acceptable to drop litter where ever you choose, the Government has decided that Oman needs to tap the eco-tourist. The eco-tourist wants to visit unspoilt landscapes demonstrating the natural beauty of the world, without sight of empty plastic water bottles, plastic shopping bags or any form of natural effluence.
Example 1: Beach Games - family having just watched beach handball - where does the empty plastic water bottle go - the beach!! The fact that the bottle is thrown next to the kids' painting competition (first prize to the poster extolling the virtues of keeping the beach clean) is lost on the family.
Example 2: Wadi Bani Khalid. Went swimming in the pools, ignored the concrete monstrosities (the picnic shades?!) to jump into the pools. What's swimming next to me? Its clear the local builders produce cr@p in every means possible...
Example 3: travelling to Sur, what game do we play in the car? Not eye-spy but count the plastic shopping bags! Not enough immigrants on the East Coast to keep it tidy...
Its so upsetting to see what should be the most beautiful country in the world spoilt this way - what is the solution? how do you educate the local population to preserve the beauty? I wish I knew...
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Road Closures - a lesson for the UK?
Further to my previous blog, I think the UK probably needs to think about introducing Omani style road closures.
The complete contrast between the UK and Oman is exposed in the story of Prince Charles and Camilla being caught up in the student fee riots taking place in London. Protest marches and riots in the street (about limited cost education for the middle classes) and insufficient protection for a senior royal is not a set of headlines one would see in Oman...
I can't help but wonder what the reaction would be from the police, students and the wider London population, if the protest march could not take place to allow HM Prince Charles to travel to the theatre and back without any traffic (or other) impeding his route.
Maybe the Queen, fresh from her visit, will be tabling such suggestions to the Met Police.
The complete contrast between the UK and Oman is exposed in the story of Prince Charles and Camilla being caught up in the student fee riots taking place in London. Protest marches and riots in the street (about limited cost education for the middle classes) and insufficient protection for a senior royal is not a set of headlines one would see in Oman...
I can't help but wonder what the reaction would be from the police, students and the wider London population, if the protest march could not take place to allow HM Prince Charles to travel to the theatre and back without any traffic (or other) impeding his route.
Maybe the Queen, fresh from her visit, will be tabling such suggestions to the Met Police.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Royal gifts
Classic Prince Philip.
On presentation of ornate, diamond encrusted golden vase to HM the Queen, Prince Philip asks Sultan Qaboos if "one" can put flowers in it...
Embarrassing to say the least.
On presentation of ornate, diamond encrusted golden vase to HM the Queen, Prince Philip asks Sultan Qaboos if "one" can put flowers in it...
Embarrassing to say the least.
Beach Games "Muscat"
Visited the infamous site of the beach games!
New roads lead up to the new site at Al-Mussanah (do not get confused by the signs to the Beach Games at Barkah which is the site of the "tent pegging") - it is an hour from Muscat. The sight of building works being finished looked ominous but once inside the sports village, it was noticeable how many Omanis had come out to watch beach versions of volleyball, football, handball and sep'raw. Young and old trying to find out what the schedule of events was, who to ask (everyone in beach games kit seemed to have no idea), and where to find some water to drink. The teasing signs of food and beverage on various marquees were in fact a reference to what could not be found inside.
Teething problems aside, with the television coverage, it seems this should be a successful event for all involved but I can't help feel the tournament has come too early (or completion of the sites too late) such that it couldn't have been better still.
One honourable mention must go to the website which finally managed to include some useful information on the day the tournament started but is still 90% filled with pointless information!!
Finally I get beach versions of kabadi, sep'raw, even tent pegging but can someone please explain how body building is a sport...
New roads lead up to the new site at Al-Mussanah (do not get confused by the signs to the Beach Games at Barkah which is the site of the "tent pegging") - it is an hour from Muscat. The sight of building works being finished looked ominous but once inside the sports village, it was noticeable how many Omanis had come out to watch beach versions of volleyball, football, handball and sep'raw. Young and old trying to find out what the schedule of events was, who to ask (everyone in beach games kit seemed to have no idea), and where to find some water to drink. The teasing signs of food and beverage on various marquees were in fact a reference to what could not be found inside.
Teething problems aside, with the television coverage, it seems this should be a successful event for all involved but I can't help feel the tournament has come too early (or completion of the sites too late) such that it couldn't have been better still.
One honourable mention must go to the website which finally managed to include some useful information on the day the tournament started but is still 90% filled with pointless information!!
Finally I get beach versions of kabadi, sep'raw, even tent pegging but can someone please explain how body building is a sport...
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Dubai Sevens
Dubai Sevens is on from tomorrow and looking forward to seeing the various social and regional teams in action. Muscat were trophy winners last year so will be good to see if the guys can repeat the achievement!
Check out the main website for more details.
Check out the main website for more details.
Why do the roads close randomly for inordinate amounts of time?
Why, why, why?
Is there any other country in the world where the country's roads are closed for a seemingly random amount of time irrespective of the daily commute?
Why close all the main roads without warning? Is it to ensure the police have something "worthwhile" to do? Is traffic such an inconvenience that the plebs going about their daily grind must be swept to the traffic jammed side streets irrespective of the financial or other costs associated with it?
If the roads have to be closed, surely a helicopter to bypass the "problem" without hindering everyone else could be used instead!
Case in point: Does the Queen of England close all the roads West of London when she travels from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle: no!
Is there any other country in the world where the country's roads are closed for a seemingly random amount of time irrespective of the daily commute?
Why close all the main roads without warning? Is it to ensure the police have something "worthwhile" to do? Is traffic such an inconvenience that the plebs going about their daily grind must be swept to the traffic jammed side streets irrespective of the financial or other costs associated with it?
If the roads have to be closed, surely a helicopter to bypass the "problem" without hindering everyone else could be used instead!
Case in point: Does the Queen of England close all the roads West of London when she travels from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle: no!
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