PALFORCE: December 2005

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Arabic Radio Station in the US

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

A fun flick to watch

Salam, If you are a trekie, or if you like action movies, you are in for a treat.

SERENITY

RENT IT! Peace

Salam, OK, I'm attemting to migrate my blog to http://palforce.com Wordpress 2.0 has a nice import feature that is too easy, but it imported everything but my pictures. how do I go about that>? anyone? khaled

Laila bored

Omar sleeping

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Mazin Qumsiyeh newslatter

(to inquire about this occasional mailing list -no more than 2-3 messages per week- or to inquire about subscriptions/unsubscription, reply to me at qumsi001@hotmail.com; forwarding permitted) We recently purchased three different 2006 calendars for Palestine and recommend you buy at least one (info on these in no particular order at http://www.calendarforpalestine.org/ http://www.palestinecalendar.org/ http://www.resistanceart.com/products.htm 2006 is around the corner. Many of us struggle to understand what are the ideological and political concepts that will shape the new year. Many of those will be the same as those that shaped the past. Many have convincingly argued that in today’s world the US exerts huge power and that its foreign policy is now distorted by a number of factors ranging from the Israeli lobby to the narrow multinational corporate interests. Palestinians are direct victims of these policies (2/3rds now refugees or displaced people) and the Israeli/Palestinian struggle is in the land considered holy/sacred to three monotheistic traditions (albeit each being also composed of many sects). It is also the most talked about struggle. Thus, it may be instructive to use it to understand war, bigotry, discrimination, and racism. Only understanding and collective action can change society (e.g. civil rights, right of women to vote, ending the war on Vietnam, ending apartheid South Africa etc.). Nearly 200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to a Jewish leader by the name of Mordecai Noah. He stated in part “Your sect by its sufferings has furnished a remarkable proof of the universal spirit of religious intolerance inherent in every sect, disclaimed by all while feeble, and practiced by all when in power. Our laws have applied the only antidote to this vice, protecting our religious, as they do our civil rights, by putting all on an equal footing. But more remains to be done, for although we are free by the law, we are not so in practice.” More remains to be done is now chillingly obvious and some of it was done (slavery, civil rights) but much more remains (gaps between rich and poor, continued discrimination against minorities, persecution of Arab and Muslim Americans etc). Indeed as Jefferson noted, there is religious intolerance inherent in every sect (although to varying degrees) that is rightly resisted by those being persecuted but denied when sects acquire political power. The laws that Jefferson was talking about include separation of religion from state power and ensuring the rights of minorities are not trespassed at by the majorities. The Jefferson letter to Noah is chillingly about ALL sects is realized today in places around the world (predictably where violence flares). One also has to realize that within each religion/sects, new religions/sects arise and believers can have varying interpretation of what it was all about. A vast majority of the world population believe that Jesus spoke truth to power 2000 years ago. He challenged the prevailing (at his time) concepts of chosenness and instead proclaimed that the messages of love and peace (believed to emanate from the higher power) belong to all humanity. He argued that we should give to God what is his and to Caesar what is his (separation of powers, keeping religion between you and your God). He explained that God the father (of all humanity) shines his sun on all equally (the good and the evil), that we should love our enemies, and that the oppressed and poor will inherit the earth. These proclamations gained him the wrath of the rich and powerful (Sanhedrin, Pharisees, Roman rulers) who believed and profited from doing the exact opposite. But ofcourse Jefferson was also right that all sects can become violent and oppressive when in power (“disclaimed by all while feeble, and practiced by all when in power”). Even with the clear teachings of Jesus (read his sermon on the mount), Christianity was used as an excuse for violence (the Crusaders and the genocide of the native Americans/first people are just two such examples). Prophet Muhammad spoke frequently of the same message of Jesus and the Quran articulated that God's blessings, Rahma (mercy) and Ghufran (forgiveness) are for all people. The Buddha also articulated similar messages of unconditional love, embracing others and humbling ourselves (eschewing materialism and carnal desires). But also Buddhism and Islam were practiced by some folks who advocated power and oppression (witness Japan 1920s-1940s, witness Osama Bin Laden). All prophets spoke of love, mercy, peace, and justice. These divine attributes were ignored when religion married state power. This was truer of Constantinian Christianity in the past as it is today of Zionism. Zionism is now the dominant example of an ideology of intolerance and oppression emanating from concepts chosenness and special rights to members of a particular religion. It has gained political power in America and in Israel and few other countries (and more importantly now at the IMF and the World Bank). It is not surprising that Thomas Jefferson wrote what he did to Mordecai Noah: “disclaimed by all while feeble, and practiced by all when in power”; laws being the only antidote. When national laws are built around such concepts as chosenness and discrimination (e.g. Isreel’s basic laws), International laws were supposed to provide a remedy in this era. But ofcourse who is going to enforce International laws (e.g. about the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands) in the era of one superpower dominating the stage and rejecting International law as well as the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice? Only the people can finally effect a change. The troubles facing this generation range from corruption of language (e.g. “globalization” becoming to mean robbing countries of their natural resources to benefit elites and corporate interests) to perpetual “war on terrorism”. In reality all wars are for dominance and economic hegemony. But troubles also emanate from underlying and unquestioning support of ideologies that people do not examine or analyze properly and blindly adopt. For example, if self-proclaimed Jeffersonian Democrats do some homework, they would vigorously work to dissociate America from Zionism. Those who proclaim they are Jewish or Christian Zionists believe in concepts of Jewish chosenness and rights superseding not only the rights of native Palestinian Christians and Muslims but the rights of all people. It is ofcourse fine for people to believe in any number of crazy ideas and think it is part of their religion but they (as Jefferson pointed out repeatedly) should not be allowed to take such ideas into political power; it is incompatible with democracy and human rights and most importantly with peace. Let me expand on this using the same example of Zionism. Paul Wolfowitz, a neocon Zionists who pushed for the war on Iraq and is now president of the World Bank stated in 1992, “The U.S. must refocus on precluding the emergence of any potential future global competitor.... [We] must maintain the mechanism for deterring potential economic competitors even aspiring to a larger regional or global role." One wonders how Wolfowitz would rephrase that when/if the US breaks loose from the very short leash of AIPAC (Israeli lobby in Washington) (see Footnote 1). AIPAC will hold it convention in DC in March, 2006. As in past years, many political leaders will attend to prostrate themselves and sell-out their conscience for a few dollars (that is what many politicians do regardless of special interest footing the bill). Here are excerpts from key leaders who spoke at the last AIPAC conference that illustrate the point: Hillary Clinton: "As all of us know, our future here in this country is intertwined with the future of Israel and the Middle East. ...I believe it is our obligation as friends and supporters and allies of Israel to support Israel’s efforts for peace, stability and security. Now this means doing more than providing Israel with economic aid so that it can remain strong in the face of ongoing threats. ...So what you are doing today is not only on behalf of AIPAC, not only on behalf of Israel, not only on behalf of the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Israel. It is truly on behalf of the kind of world we want for our children and for those lucky enough, grandchildren." Howard Dean: "This party has a strong and proud history of unity in our unshakeable support for Israel, a longstanding friend and ally whose security the United States has bolstered and will protect. That includes working in Congress to ensure that Israel has the resources necessary to guarantee long term defense and security. ....We are strong on defense. We believe in Israel, we are strong allies of Israel and we will continue to work to ensure American Jews are comfortable being American Jews. We have strong commitments to Israel in the past. We have strong commitments to Israel now and we will continue to have strong commitments to the State of Israel with all their courage and extraordinary fortitude over 3,000 years of history. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Republican) "Israel is still not secure. Israel is not secure because its leaders cannot make peace with their actions alone. Palestinian leaders must also share the goal of peace and take actions to achieve it. House Speaker Dennis Hastert "Together America and Israel have much to do. We must demand that Syria remove all of its forces, both military and intelligence assets. And they must take that out of Lebanon. We must cooperate to end Iran’s continual financial support of the Hizballah. We must cautiously support European efforts to cease Iranian plans to develop nuclear weapons and we must demand that all media both in the Arab world and in the United States stop reporting and distributing baseless anti-American and anti-Israel propaganda. And finally we must hold the new Palestinian leadership accountable for governing in a democratic and transparent manner. " White House Assistant to the President For National Security Affairs Steve Hadly to AIPAC: "The spread of democracy will make the Middle East a safer neighborhood for Israel. An American retreat from Iraq, on the other hand, would only strengthen the terrorists who seek the enslavement of Iraq and the eventual destruction of Israel." Ariel Sharon: "Ladies and Gentlemen and friends, I came here from Jerusalem, the eternal, united and undivided capital of the State of Israel and the Jewish people forever and ever. And I would like to use the term Netzach netzachim, more than forever and ever. ...Over a year ago, President Bush and I reached a series of understandings that will help guarantee the future of Israel and preserve Israel’s character and well being as a Jewish state with secure and recognized borders. Last month I met with President Bush at his ranch in Crawford. (As a matter of fact, a beautiful place. I enjoyed being there. Being a farmer, I found that the Prime Minister of this small country, Israel, has more cows than the President of the greatest superpower in the world.) During our meeting the President and I reconfirmed our understandings on strategic issues. Clearly, the relations between our two countries are stronger than ever before. The strength of US-Israel relations is also visible in the unprecedented bi-partisan support Israel receives in the United States Congress and the public. We see eye to eye on strategic issues such as: the global war on terrorism, the need to reach a peaceful solution with the Palestinians according to the Roadmap, the threats to the stability of the Middle East from Syria, Lebanon, and Hizballah and the dangers of a nuclear Iran. Most importantly, Congress confirmed its dedication to Israel’s long-term interests by endorsing the principals of President Bush’s letter.etc" The answer is not to keep switching between Democratic leadership and Republican leadership in these never-ending musical chairs while people are dying (Footnote 2). The answer IMHO is to develop enough people saying we will not play this game. These people can come from different sects as long as they genuinely believe in and actively take steps to oppose their own sect’s desire for dominance/power. I am encouraged by the growth of anti-imperial political leadership in Latin America (from Bolivia to Venezuela), in the growth of the movement to end the occupation of Iraq, and in the growing movement to divest from/boycott Israel and expose manipulation of the political system by those who value short term interests of power and greed over long term interests humans rights, peace, and justice. But I am even more encouraged by the fact that the internet cannot be censored or controlled and that people are learning to be authors of their own destiny. It also allows people to express views and act on them to bring up the best elements of their own life’s experiences free from the dogmas of rigid ideologies. The best of anarchism, the best of Islam, the best of socialism, the best of rule of law, and so on. More important is the growing appreciation (falling below the radar of those on power) by most people for the need of full equality and full rights and rejection of ideologies of separation (“us here them there”, walls, borders etc). On December 11 at Harvard University, I attended an excellent talk by Dr. Paul Beran titled "Divestment: A Curiously Strong Moral Activity”. After masterfully elucidating the issue of discrimination and the history of the gathering boycotts and divestment movement, Dr. Beran adds: "And so as we contemplate divestment campaigns and their uncomfortableness in our society, we too can think of phrases used against them: Anti-Semitic, anti-Jewish, anti-peace, unhelpful, unconstructive, hurtful to the Palestinians, dangerous, aggressive, stupid, ill-informed, racist, and anti-Israel. Divestment is about none of these suffocating words. If done right, divestment redeems language and makes it a servant of truth and of demands for human rights. Divestment is for human rights, and it is effective. I encourage you all wholeheartedly to join a campaign or start one today." (Full speech posted at http://www.qumsiyeh.org/divestmentacuriouslystrongmoralactivity/ Let us indeed redeem the language and speak truth to power not only on the issue of Zionism, but also on issues of “globalization”, peace, ethnocentric nationalism, religious intolerance, the futility of war, and most importantly participatory democracy (real participatory democracy not the fake “democracy” that Bush and neocons speak of). Much more remains to be said on this. In 2006, each one of us (at least the 12,000 receiving this message directly from me) should have our say to be global (and local) citizens in the full sense of this word (participatory citizenship) rather than accept the dictates of those who want us reduced to “consumers”. That is the essence of freedom. Footnote 1. There is evidence brewing that the US public may eventually shake the AIPAC lobby off its back. The recent FBI arrests and indictments of AIPAC spies and their stooge in the Pentagon (Larry Franklin) and the investigation of the lobby work of Abramoff are just the tip of the iceberg. Demonstrations and writings against this undue influence is becoming more and more difficult to gloss over. The hysterical shrieks and slander of critics of AIPAC-scripted US policy are giving diminishing returns as we hear a rising chorus of respected and truthful voices from Anthony Zinni to Paul O'Neil to Cynthia McKinney to most respected academics. Footnote 2. An article just published in Counterpunch by a defense analyst dissects the evolution of both the Republican and Democratic parties in the past 100 years and explains how the game must be exposed to prevent further damage to the US public. See http://counterpunch.org/werther12172005.html Mazin http://qumsiyeh.org

Monday, December 19, 2005

R.I.P Bassam

Salam, A week ago my sister sent me a SMS but phone for some wired reason stop reading Arabic text, So I called her but when the questions about her kids and mine started we forgot the main reason of the call. This morning (a week later) she wakes me up and tells me the bad news; Her husband's best friend which is the same guy who hosted me when I first came to this country 17 years ago and also the same person I stayed at his house for a whole summer has passed away. He was only 40 and his wife and 2 daughters went to church last Sunday , while he was alone at home he had seizure and then passed away, he was only 40. Bassam Jammal alf ra7meh 3aleek wa la 7awla wala qowata ella billah. Rest In Peace :-( Salam,Shalom,Peace

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Breaking News !

Breaking News:

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
 is wheeled into a hospital where
 he is described as being
conscious but confused.

IIFTT WA AKHEERAN !!!!

ONLY IN IRAQ!

Thursday, December 15, 2005

White House said to OK McCain's torture policy

White House said to OK McCain's torture policy Bush gives in to Ariz. senator's pact after months of wrangling, officials say

Quickies to waste your time at work :-)

Quickies

Source: Strages

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

LOL One hour file!!

Listen

Info !

Salam, How much would a 2 bedroom furnished apartment rent cost for a month? and how much would a car rental cost per month? in Amman. Khaled

A regular update from the Arab American Institute

COUNTDOWN

A regular update from the Arab American Institute | Vol. 6, 41 | December 13, 2005 http://www.aaiusa.org/countdown/countdown.htm

“Courage In Their Coverage” On December 7, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius honored the professionalism and courage displayed by many of today’s leading Arab journalists. “The best of the Arab journalists are my heroes,” he wrote. “They are risking imprisonment and death to tell the truth.” Just five days later, Gibran Tueni, publisher of the venerated Lebanese daily An-Nahar, was assassinated in a massive car bomb. Tueni recently won a seat in the Lebanese parliament and was regarded as one of the leading critics of Syria’s military and intelligence presence in the country. Long before the world attention that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Tueni sparked debate about Syria’s role in its neighbor’s affairs. Publishing an open letter to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2000, Tueni wrote, “You must realize that many Lebanese are uncomfortable with Syrian policies in Lebanon and with the presence of Syrian troops in the country…Many Lebanese consider Syria's behavior in Lebanon to be completely at odds with the principles of sovereignty, dignity, and independence.” In a powerful eulogy, The Daily Star’s Michael Young wrote, “In killing Tueni, the murderers hoped to strike a mortal blow at Lebanon's most prestigious newspaper. For them, the real danger has always been independent thought—against which they can only muster media that threaten, crowds that threaten, and security services that best them both by implementing the threats.” “Don’t License Bigots, North Carolina” The Coalition for a Secure Driver’s License (CSDL), an organization which advocates linking driver’s license eligibility to immigration status, has announced an inflammatory and misleading billboard campaign in North Carolina and New Mexico. The ad depicts an individual whose face is covered by a Kufiya (the traditional male headdress in some Arab countries) carrying a grenade and a North Carolina driver's license as well as two figures wearing military fatigues and reads “Don't License Terrorists, North Carolina.” The slogan is repeated in disjoined Arabic letters incorrectly written left to right. The billboard unfairly conflates the question of immigration and national security and casts a shadow of suspicion on Arabs and Muslims, unfairly equating them with terrorism, and encouraging an environment that can lead to prejudice and hate crimes. In doing so, the ad utilizes false stereotypes and racist rhetoric to promote an anti-immigrant agenda. The shameful lowering of the bar on public discourse has got to stop. One Man’s Public Diplomacy Making good on his commitment to promote interreligious understanding, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal has donated $20 million to Georgetown and Harvard universities for programs aimed at teaching American students about Muslim civilization and the religion of Islam. “It is vital for the monotheistic religions to reach a common ground of understanding and to gain knowledge about what unites our civilizations,” said Alwaleed, a member of the Saudi royal family and chairman of the Kingdom Holding Company. “We are determined to build a bridge between Islam and Christianity for tolerance that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.” In addition, his donations have established American studies programs at American Universities in Cairo and Beirut. Looking For Democracy in the Arab World? Look No Further… Ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, the Palestinian political establishment was shaken up this week by the announcement of a list of politicians offering an alternative to both the secular, ruling Fatah, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, and the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas. At the top of the ticket are former Finance Minister Salam Fayyad, whose experience at the World Bank and reputation for transparency has gained him widespread international respect, and former minister and spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi. “There's a great deal of excitement as well as support, and we hope to address [the needs] of people who are disenchanted,” Ashrawi told the Christian Science Monitor. “We're using the elections as a launching pad. This is a group of people who are likeminded, who want good governance, peacemaking, and democracy to be part of the vision.” Other prominent politicians on the ticket include former minister Yasser Abed Rabbo and Abdul Qader Al-Husseini, a member of one of Palestine’s most historically prominent political families, and the son of the late minister for Jerusalem Affairs Faisal Al-Husseini. Palestinians continue to display a sophisticated and open democratic culture, yet are told that they cannot achieve sovereignty before "democratic reform." If that arbitrary standard were applied universally, very few states would exist in the world. Heard Around Town… AAI President James Zogby hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill to release a new poll, “Impressions of America: 2005.” Respondents from Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, UAE, and Saudi Arabia all identified employment opportunities and improving health care as major priorities; in Lebanon, both male and female respondents ranked ending corruption and nepotism as their number one concern…Also on the Hill, the House passed a free trade deal with Bahrain this week 327 to 95. The Persian Gulf nation joins Jordan and Morocco in having bilateral agreements with the US, while Oman and UAE continue negotiations. The agreement is expected to pass the Senate by the end of the year. Did a friend forward this to you? Click below to receive Countdown in your inbox each week! To unsubscribe from Countdown, send a message with your full name and the subject line "unsubscribe" to aaialert@aaiusa.org Arab American Institute 1600 K Street, NW Suite 601 Washington, DC 20006 www.aaiusa.org

Exclusive conference call on torture tomorrow at 10am

Salam, Tomorrow at 10 a.m. Human Rights First is holding a special conference call for bloggers to discuss retired CIA operatives’ support for McCain’s ban on mistreatment of detainees. Your hosts will be a former CIA director and the Washington Director of Human Rights First, which is widely recognized for leading the battle to end U.S.-sanctioned torture. The mainstream media has missed an important aspect of the story regarding the McCain amendment: A number of CIA operatives and analysts have said that they do not support a torture exemption to the McCain amendment, as proposed by the Vice President. We are counting on you to report the full story. Tomorrow we will provide up-to-the-minute analysis of the state of the negotiations and make predictions about what more needs to be done to address the problem of prisoner abuse should the McCain amendment pass. To join the call with former CIA Counterterrorism Center Director Vincent Cannistraro and HRF Washington Director Elisa Massimino, please RSVP to Kirsten Powers at powersk@humanrightsfirst.org or (212) 845-5260. We recently released a letter, signed by more than two dozen former CIA operatives and analysts, that urges the Senate to keep the McCain amendment intact. Click here to view the full text: http://www.humanrightsfirst.info/pdf/051209-etn-cia-mcain.pdf We urge you to join the conference call tomorrow, Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at 10:00am EST. We will discuss the critical McCain amendment and support for the provision in the military and intelligence community. I’ve provided some background information below, and I look forward to hearing from you! Amelia Field On behalf of Human Rights First BACKGROUND The White House and Senate Armed Services Committee member John McCain (R-AZ) are right now negotiating on Sen. McCain’s anti-torture proposal (currently an amendment to both the defense authorization and defense appropriations bills). The White House is trying to weaken the proposal, so it becomes toothless. For example, the Bush Administration has sought to immunize U.S. personnel from any liability for abusing detainees in the past. Sen. McCain is standing firm: he wants his amendment to remain as is. The Administration continues to claim that reserving the right to engage in cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment is critical to collecting intelligence and protecting Americans. But those who have been there disagree. Dozens of current and former military leaders and intelligence officials have spoken out to make clear that the use of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment is (1) an ineffective tool for gathering intelligence, (2) morally abhorrent, and (3) counterproductive to U.S. security interests – both endangering U.S. troops if they are captured – and inciting the rising tide of anti-American animosity, especially in Iraq. In October, 29 retired military leaders – including General John Shalikashvili and General Joseph Hoar – expressed their support for the anti-torture amendment in a letter to Sen. McCain, making clear that, “the U.S. should have one standard for interrogating enemy prisoners that is effective, lawful and humane.” Read the letter at http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/pdf/mccain-100305.pdf.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Palestinian Cinderella

سندريلا باللغة الفلسطينية

لبست الفسطان وراحت جري عالكصر وشافها الأمير وحبها وركصو سوا وفجأة دكت الساعة طنعش وجراي وصارت ترمح و ترمح ووكعت ببوجها عالدرج ...

سندريلا راحت عالبيت واتمنت لو انو الساعة ما دكتش على الطنعش، بس شو تسوي بحظها المشحر مثل حظ هاظا الشعب.

الأمير حط فردة البابوج على مخدة يمكن لونها زركة أو نهدي، المهم صار ينادي بالصوت على كل البنات عشان يكسن البابوح، كسن كل البنات إلا سندريلا .....

سندريلا نزلت على الساحة ومعها فردة البابوج، وحطتها على المخدة الي عليها الفردة الثانية، ولما كربت عشان تكيسها ضربها الأمير كف، وحكالها: وين جاي ياما،

حكتلو: يقطع وجهك ما أزنخك، مش شايفني بدي أكيس البابوج

حكالها: وحدة مثلك كيف بدها تكون فلكة الكمر هديك،

حكتلو: هسا بفرجيك وأحط على عينك

ولما اجت تكيسها، ما طلعت كد اجرها، لأنها كانت ورمانه من كثر الشغل، ويا حرام ما حدا صدكها، وانجنت المشحرة ودارت في الشوارع، والأمير اتزوج غيرها وحكى: لوينتا بدي أظل ادور عليها الله لا يردها هي الخسرانة.

Breaking News

Breaking News:

MAGNITUDE 6.7 QUAKE STRIKES
AFGHAN-PAKISTANI BORDER REGION

Monday, December 12, 2005

Cool Google Maps

COOL GOOGLE MAPS

Rick and Bubba Radio Morning Show

Salam, Today I went on the Rick and Bubba Radio show and hung out with my old friends Rick & Bubba. I had fun and people who heard it said it was funny, they will replay it at 6-7 p.m or for $6 a month you can hear it again they store it on their site in MP3 format at the Xtreme Club. Rick and Bubba are the funniest and kindest people I know. I've known them when they were small time in Gadsden, Alabama. Now they are nationally syndicated morning show and you can hear them nationwide or even worldwide with the internet feed.

Peace

Saturday, December 10, 2005

The 25 most difficult questions you'll be asked on a job interview

The 25 most difficult questions you'll be asked on a job interview Being prepared is half the battle. If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match. This article has been excerpted from "PARTING COMPANY: How to Survive the Loss of a Job and Find Another Successfully" by William J. Morin and James C. Cabrera. Copyright by Drake Beam Morin, inc. Publised by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Morin is chairman and Cabrera is president of New York-based Drake Beam Morin, nation's major outplacement firm, which has opened offices in Philadelphia. 1. Tell me about yourself. Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it. 2. What do you know about our organization? You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more. You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies. Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..." Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there. 3. Why do you want to work for us? The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-animals? Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers. If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization. Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don't really want. 4. What can you do for us that someone else can't? Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them. 5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it? List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive item. 6. Why should we hire you? Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (See question 4.) 7. What do you look for in a job? Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security. 8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being interviewed]. Keep your answer brief and taskoriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before you attempt an answer. If you are not certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer the question for you. 9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm? Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution. 10. How long would you stay with us? Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, "As long as we both feel achievement-oriented." 11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's Your opinion? Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent. 12. What is your management style? You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it"), results-oriented ("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line"), or even paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction"). A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility. As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily and effectively within the organization. 13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel that you have top managerial potential? Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy. 14. What do you look for when You hire people? Think in terms of skills. initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organization. 15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did you handle the situation? Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing someone- humanely. 16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or executive? Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and manage employess to get something planned and completed on time and within the budget. Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading. 18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job? Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts. The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful. Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an interview. 19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job? Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you more than getting the job done successfully. 20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least? Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there until now. 21. What do you think of your boss? Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future. 22. Why aren't you earning more at your age? Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive. 23. What do you feel this position should pay? Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it." You might answer the question with a question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?" If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you. If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making $______ now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself." Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money. If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%. If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making $80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.) Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself. But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final" stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations. 24. What are your long-range goals? Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job you've advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours, I would like to..." 25. How successful do you you've been so far? Say that, all-in-all, you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no complaints. Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An answer like, "Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going better! I'm overjoyed!" is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence. As Reprinted from FOCUS Magazine -- January 5, 1983

HOW TO TICK PEOPLE OFF

HOW TO TICK PEOPLE OFF 1. Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 99 copies. 2. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sexual favors." 3. Specify that your drive-through order is "TO-GO." 4. If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others. 5. Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets. 6. Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up." 7. Reply to everything someone says with "that's what you think." 8. Practice making fax and modem noises. 9. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc" them to your boss. 10. Make beeping noises when a large person backs up. 11. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with prophesy." 12. Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears and grimacing. 13. Disassemble your pen and "accidentally" flip the ink cartridge across the room. 14. Holler random numbers while someone is counting. 15. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way." 16. Staple pages in the middle of the page. 17. Publicly investigate just how slowly you can make a croaking noise. 18. Honk and wave to strangers. 19. Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply eat their complimentary mints at the cash register. 20. TYPE IN UPPERCASE. 21. type only in lowercase. 22. dont use any punctuation either 23. Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones and reroute whole streets. 24. Repeat the following conversation a dozen times. "DO YOU HEAR THAT?" "What?" "Never mind, it's gone now." 25. As much as possible, skip rather than walk. 26. Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce "No, wait, I messed it up," and repeat. 27. Ask people what gender they are. 28. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head like a parakeet. 29. Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down. 30. Sing along at the opera. 31. Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme. 32. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles."

Friday, December 09, 2005

A Christmas Story!!

Twas the night before christmas--old Santa was pissed. He cussed out the elves and threw down his list. Miserable little brats, ungrateful little jerks, I have a good mind to scrap the whole works! I've busted my ass for damn near a year Instead of Thanks Santa--what do I hear? The old lady bitches cause I work late at night. THe elves want more money--THe reindeer all fight. Rudolph got drunk and goosed all the maids. Donner is pregnant and Vixen has AIDS. And just when I thought that things would get better Those assholes from the IRS sent me a letter, They say I own taxes--if that ain't damn funny Who the hell ever sent Santa Claus any money? And the kids these days--they are the pits They want the impossible--Those mean little shits I spent a whole year making wagons and sleds Assembling dolls...Their arms, legs, and heads I made a ton of yo-yo-yo's--No request for them, They want computers and robots...they think..-I'm IBM... Flying throught the air....dodging the trees Falling down chimney's and skinning my knees I'm quitting this job there's just no enjoyment I'll sit on my fat ass and draw unemployment. There's no Christmas this year now you know the reason, I found me a bitch, and going SOUTH for the season.... HO! HO! HO! HOOOO!!!

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Laila & Omar

Salam, Here is a pic of the kids on their way to Happy Meal, they were singing Grandizer song. LOL Peace

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Old 6arab songs that are hard to find

Salam, Here are those old songs you have been looking for:

http://www.sawari.com/

Peace

A new book about Arabs for the American Reader.

CHECK IT OUT !

Monday, December 05, 2005

New Resolutions !

Salam, I want to start a snow ball ! Let me explain, I want to start something and hope people reading this blog will follow, almost like a tag. Here it goes: I promise myself and everybody else around me that;

I will not use racial slurs against anyone.

I will not call people of different race or color bad names, no more (Cracker,Nigger,Wetback,Camel Jockey.. and so on).

I will not hate people from certain place or religion, including Israelis, I will treat each and every person according to their character.

I will also stop or stay away from people who are insensitive towards others.

Peace

Sunday, December 04, 2005

NO MORE SCHOOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Salam, So yesterday was my last final Comp. Exam . I think I did OK, I'm so glad it's all over, graduation is Dec. 17th :-) I even have a friend flying over to attend :-) (Check me out !) I'm taking the kids and the Om li3yal for the party, Gonna take lotsa pics. TIll then I'm gonna do alot of sleeping . Naqis 3alay sa3at wa sa3at noom. Peace

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Statement about kidnapped CPT members by Palestinian political parties (Arabic & English)

In the name of God, the Compassionate and Merciful “O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done.”-The Holy Qur’an, 49:6 The Islamic and National forces in the governorate of Hebron/Palestine express their deep regret for the kidnapping of four members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in Iraq. The Islamic and National forces in the governorate of Hebron/Palestine have had long experience confronting Israeli crimes and violations with the CPT since 1995, and wish to confirm that the members of this group have had and still have a major role in confronting Israeli crimes and violations, and in the protection of the property and the lives of the Palestinian citizens. More than once they placed themselves in front of the occupation’s tanks, and they confronted Israeli occupation bulldozers with their bodies defending Palestinians’ homes against destruction. They accompanied our children when they were threatened and attacked by Israeli settlers on their way to and from their schools. Because of what they were doing, the CPT members were subjected to arrest, beating and pursuit by the Israeli soldiers and settlers in more than one location in Palestine. Many of them were denied entry to Palestine, or deported by the occupation authorities because of their activities in confronting the occupation. We appeal to our brothers in the resistance and all those with alert consciences in Iraq, with whom we consider ourselves to be in the same trench confronting American aggression and occupation, to instantly and quickly release the four kidnapped persons (two Canadians, one Briton and one American) from CPT, in appreciation for their role in standing beside and supporting our Palestinian people and all the Arab and Islamic peoples. Freedom for the Iraqi and Palestinian people. Shame and disgrace on the Zionist and American occupation. The Islamic and National Forces in the Governorate of Hebron: Islamic Resistance Movement/Hamas Palestine People’s Party Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine Democratic Union of Palestine/Fada Fatah Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine Palestinian Liberation Front Palestinian Popular Struggle Front Hebron, 29 November 2005

Source: SC

Update on ISM Hostages in Iraq

CPT Hebron contacted EI about the four members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams who were abducted in Iraq last Saturday. The four men are two CPTers and two delegates, one American, one British, and two Canadian. One, a CPT staff member, was to have come to work with CPT Hebron after his time in Iraq. Another worked in Palestine last year, and was active in demonstrating against Israel’s West Bank Barrier in Jayyous. The four men were en route to a meeting with members of the Islamic Scholars Association when they were abducted just 100 yards from the mosque where their meeting was scheduled. The full text of CPT’s official press release follows. Source: SC

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Monday, December 19, 2005

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Quickies

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Monday, December 12, 2005

Saturday, December 10, 2005

Friday, December 09, 2005

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Monday, December 05, 2005

Sunday, December 04, 2005

Thursday, December 01, 2005

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