Personal Departure (for real)

It's never easy to say good bye to somethings. Things that you have worked hard for and some environments. However there comes a time when you should always move on and say bye. I guess that time is here for me too.

I want to get back to working in Male' and involve myself with some personal projects. Working in Hulhumale' for almost 4 years never been easy. Staying away from Male' puts you in a lot of disadvantage. I've managed to live with them and have got used to it too but I think I sacrifice a lot of things as well. Got some few projects lined up and I think it's time to take them up.

I think I need to start planing to get things sorted in a month or two. Kinda feeling all excited and geared up.

Sayonara....

Whats Next?

The past few months everyday it's was about politics. I think it's time for me to put the focus back to work and other responsibilities. I guess we need to give the new incoming government time for them to prove themselves. I won't be expecting for things to change overnight. There is firstly a lot of cleanup's to be done.

Best thing for someone like me would be to get focus back to my work and contribute where I can. If I face any difficulties in my field or area of interest raise it. The government involvements in some key areas of my interest is essential and I plan to seek to fix them to the best of my abilities. A lot of help an attention is needed, but so is for a lot of areas. This is the challenge. First to get attention, then to get them involved. We also might need to create some pressure/focus groups who agrees on certain common things before anything. My view is that the involvement of individuals from the private sectors is really important. One good example is the IT areas, I believe and it's proven that the government lacks enough expertise and experience in these areas. Contributions from the experience of the private sectors will definitely make a difference. Until today this was never done. As a result we saw that the very basic things like our national registration data was in a big mess. We would have easily automated the whole process of voting, etc. My fear is if the incoming government would ignore these factors and would only try to bring in consultants from outside the country. This is something I support, however I feel local involvements along with these consultants will only be the key to success of such projects.

In the political arena as I posted previously the tables have turned. I guess we should leave DRP and the other opposition to criticize/joke, write songs, make web sites, etc. Let them focus on individuals and us on a system. I think only a few of them will really want to contribute (hope that changes). But that is good, we really need an opposition to have a proper democracy, they are as important as the ruling party. Our focus should be on improving things and to reach to that common dream we have. We have the advantage of the bitter experiences from the past and the willingness to improve and help.

Though the change is here we must not forget what we stood up for. We should never try to be like "them". We should always stand up against things like cronyism, nepotism this leads to corruption and division. The "aneh Dhivehi raaje" is not here yet, even though a lot of us say "Welcome to aneh Dhivehi raaje". My view is it is still a dream that we need to work for and archive.

Le Roi est mort, vive le Roi!

"The King is dead. Long live the King!" .... ? I hope not!, with that hope we voted. With that hope we stood up against the impossible. Today we made it, we made it because some people never gave up. Some people always believed in democracy and freedom. Most of all there were people who wanted a better life, and thought "enough is enough". I hope this dream lives on, nothing ended with winning the election. The journey to full fill those dreams just started. The delivery of those promises still remain.

It's time we individuals started to contribute where we can. It's time to move on from just criticizing to acting. Things don't change in a day or two, or even months. It will take us years to clean up and rebuild. If we expect that responsibility only to be taken up by a few individuals this is never gonna happen. As a nation we have to take that responsibility and each and every individual needs to understand this.

I feel the role of a responsible opposition party will play an major role. However that opposition party has to have good intentions, rather then just claiming power. It has to work for the people not a "few" individual interests. Presently some of us back different parties due to family ties or other reasons; it's never about the "people". This is the kind of thinking that we need to erase but it's never really going to get eliminated totally. We need to understand those facts too as we move on.

I wish the new government all the best and would like to remind them that things just got started. I am sure they understand this more then anyone of us. Personally like many people I hope we get a solution to the current housing issues. I feel this is one of the key factors. The previous government failed badly on us on this issue. Today some of us slave all day and the hard earned money is totally spend on accommodation while the others still have to share with the families. I don't think the previous government really cared for this; or maybe they took advantage of this point to earn money. Which ever way it was today I expect a "Change" to this. If not again we have to hit the streets shouting "Golhaaboa". I promise this will happen, at the same time I do not expect the solution to come to us overnight too.

To conclude for those who still think Anni "does not have the presidential looks or manners" I suggest that they also move the focus on his promises rather then his looks and what he eats and drinks. If still you feel how he looks like is an issue to you; you need help. Seriously I mean it, here we are struggling to survive: feed our kids and find shelter and there you are talking about some guys looks. Kind of odd don't you think?.

Maruhabaa

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life...for me...and i'm feeling good.

Same words ; "Vote for Change"

If expressing how you feel is being political, then most of today have become political. However that's not how I see it today. Most of us are standing up for our future and against the injustice and corruption. There are also others who try to compare people and maybe judging the judgment that we are making. Again I believe if there is anything to compare it comes down to two things. Not two people.

1. A 30 years old Dictatorship
2. A Change

I'd go with the last option. It's in no way a vote given to Anni. It's a vote given for "Change" and saying "NO" to the injustice and corruption. In my view if I vote for Maumoon I would be endorsing the brutal 30 years and the corruption that has happened over the 30 years. If I say yes to him, I would be ripping off the future of so many of us, and part of those who have lost it. Those friends of mine who have lost their lives, those who have suffered in jail and by the injustice of the present system. I would not do that, and I hope none of us would.

Voting for Maumoon, or not standing up against him means that you approve of him. Approve of all the wrong and sufferings that we have gone through. Approve of the present situation that we live in. It cannot get any more logical than that. I don't see it any other way. I've seen tears in peoples eyes, I've seen people suffer, I've heard of the sorrowful tales of torture. I've seen how a others live, and have an idea where we could have been.

This fight will go on. It won't stop today or tomorrow. Vote for Change!

Vote for "Hope"

Here we stand united for a change. Here we stand wondering about our future. Here we stand confused about some of our brothers and sisters. Hope is all we have, and I am willing move ahead with that hope. Not standing up against anyone; just standing up for myself, my family and my friends. It's about me, my future. Like it is for the "others". I respect that, but lets put up a fair fight for what we believe in.

It's hard to change some people; like the "woman in the houses". I tried to understand them and the conclusion I came to was very simple. They know, but they don't want to admit. They don't want to admit that someone played with their lives for years an years. Worst of all destroyed the future of their children. End of the day who is to be blamed?, it's them. they who voted for him. It's hard to admit that they destroyed their own future. They simply cannot take this fact and are in denial. So I guess I won't even try, it will only give them more pain in their old age. It's not an easy guilt to carry around. Rather they'd watch "Kasotee" and the alike. Go with that flow and live in that box. A few will only give up and face the reality. It's sad but that's the truth.

The other type of "others" are who don't have much of a choice. They have lived off the system, and are living off the system. All they have; the power, the fame and the security is provided by the system. By "the one"; they don't have a choice. They have to back him up. It's a choice between loose it all or stand-up for what is right. Not many will choose the last option. It's easy to find an excuse to justify our stand and support the system. We all love our family, and won't want to see a future where they are taken to trial, etc. We must accept this too. It's a few of us, but they too are our friends and people we know, we should not alienate them or judge them. Maybe they too wish for the good of us; and understand what we are crying for. However if they have to choose; it's not an easy choice as well. At times it takes a lot of balls to accept or reject. Some of us did, some of us won't.

I don't want to debate on nifty details on the choices we have. It's very clear to me; I need a change and I had had enough. I don't see a bright future with the existing system that we have and I want to give the opposition a chance for hope. I fully support the idea of change. Why the change?. The answer is simple; I am not happy with the present system and have lost faith in the leadership. I believe we could do better, I believe we need fresh way of thinking. It's not about religion, or power to me. It's about a better life and more secure future. Maybe for different people they may see it in different ways. Today I don't know my future, what will happen to me when I get old. I don't know if I will be capable to take care of my parents when they grow old and are sick in bed. For me my choice is clear; I'd invest on a cyanide tablet and save it for future. When I grow old and loose hope, just pop the pill. That's the kind of future I see today here in "This Maldives"; "Mi raahjeyga".

They say this is the "sunny side of life", I say this is the "funny side of life". It is funny, and I mean it. We boast about GDP, and the development and yet we struggle so hard everyday. Our people don't have any hope; we just live for today. After we save 15,000 MRf, we invest on an iPhone and rest of the month don't even fill our patrol tanks. We have developed a culture where we simply don't care for our future. Why? Maybe simply because we don't have any "hope". Look around you; ask your friends and family. It is really depressing but we try to ignore that over a coffe' and a few smoke. Think about it. We have so much problems at homes, at work everywhere. Most we just choose to ignore.

Some may challenge our intelligence and try to label us as fools, but we are just standing up for what we believe is right. Not what our parents and others influence us to. Maybe they want us to be the zombies and just clap to their speeches. This won't happen anymore those days are over, no matter who wins this election. They may still have the power to play with our lives, but we won't go down easily. The same mistake that our parents and uncles did we won't make today.

Maybe again; this is just my view and I may not be aware of the "real good life" that our system has got to offer. The new heights that we can climb on to, but as of today "I just wonder". On 28th I'd act. I'd again vote for hope; cos I won't give up on that hope that things will someday improve for the better.

Maldivians have a short term memory

Like the football mania ; vote mania is here. Like always every Maldivian has transformed to be a political analyst and a freedom fighter. Which is good, it's our right and our future. I think this is the way to go. However at the same time; many of those who said "we don't give a fuck about politics", also are in the race now. Most of these people including some educated fools seem to have forgotten the past. Not just few years back history, but even things that happened few months back. This is really impressive, either we are so "forgive and forget" type or we are just plan stupid.

30 years back our parents and grand parents fell for a few points. Same points are raised today with different names and faces.

It does not matter who you vote for; as long as you know the choice you make is the right one. At the same time be responsible. Maybe the vote you give is for your relative, friend or neighbor. Or maybe your father-in-laws friend. Are these the reasons we should base our votes on?. I feel it should be for the right reason and cause, for the country not for our own benefit or good . It's not the "presidential" looks that we should be looking for, or a list of promises. It's time to base our votes on "trust" factor, to someone whom you know will fix things and you can depends on. For me this is important; I don't want someone who will wake up one day and would tell us "from today we are communists". Anyone can come on the stage and can run power point slides and make promises. Coming up with figures and documents is no big deal; we all can do that. "Talks" we had, had enough of. Is that what still we should be looking for?.

As for me I will not vote for anyone whom I feel I can't trust. They have to prove it to us with time, and history does matter here. If you say what was in the past is in the past; I openly say to those people go vote for Mr. Maumoon. He is the best choice if you are looking for experience and looks, etc. Why even consider anyone else; if that's what you are looking for. If you don't feel that way; then you should take a look at the list of the candidates and decide. Maybe in time we will trust some of the candidates, but now for me I simply can't trust most of the people on the list. Not at this stage, not unless they really prove beyond just words. I am sorry, but that's how it works for me.

Dr. Hassan is someone I've known from his time in Malaysia, so is Jameel. I never liked Dr. Shaheed and I never knew him personally. However is associations with the existing governments gave me real bad impression of him. I know from a few friends his parts in the web sites like factmaldives.com and others alike. I am not sure I true they are, but we all know he was one of the key figures of the system they oppose so strongly now. For me to trust them will take time. I hope they understand this. Maybe some of his supports; that includes many of my friends have forgotten those days or just don't know. Maybe they are good people and forgiven or justified those doings. That's ok; I respect them. I feel Dr. Hassan has got good plans and have some good people backing him. For me not this time, maybe next time (if he decided to stay in Maldives and survive the nation) I will vote for him.

For me it comes down to Anni and Ibra. I trust these two people. They have always said the same thing and worked for the same objective. If I vote for Anni; I will be voting for MDP; for the movement for the cause. If I vote for Ibra I will be voting for a good character; who says the right thing and has a vision and a proven track record. So my vote will go for one of them.

As for Maumoon; the simple reason why I won't vote for him very simple. He was the president for 30 years and yet I feel we the people suffer. I don't need to talk about the rest of the people, I just have to look at my own self. I have a decent job and a family. However I cannot afford to rent a two room apartment in Male', or save for the future of my kids or my retirement. Cost of living is rocket high, whole of youth is gone into hard drugs, level of education in the country is so bad, not much opportunities for youth here and basically there is no real life for us. We just live, work , drink coffee , ride a bike and die. I need a better life; or at least I wish for a better one. Maybe Maumoon is capable and will give us that day, but I guess he had his time. Asking for more is not fair in my point of view. Plus I belive "LOGICALLY" in a democratic system individuals are not given more then 2 terms of service. There is a reason why this law is implemented ; there is a logic behind this. Maybe the smart law makers and the well educated people of our country do not feel so, but I do. I feel why this is implemented in many countries is for a reason, and we totally ignored that "logic". Maybe by the book he can stand up as a candidate; which is right. Maybe.. but my logic does not say thats following democratic ways. Anyway nothing we can do about it, no one was good enough to come and fight for that point or bring it up. So let it be.. bottom line is I won't vote for Maumoon cos I wish to give others a chance and hope for a better future. He have contributed where he can; so lets thank him and say bye too. Some of my friends will vote for him; I respect them too and I understand the reasons as well.

Gasim; I don't think he really cares for the people the way he claims. I will not trust a business men to be our leader. That's as simple as that. That once again I say for the Laura. I don't know any of my friends who will vote for Gasim and I would not even understand why..

The results; I don't know. Maybe Maumoon and Anni will lead this things. One of them will win it too. Lets hope for the best.

Vote Market

No matter how many statements or interviews are given, we cannot disagree to the fact that presently there exists a vote market in Maldives. Trading have started and I am not sure about the current market value. I have been told by many that "Business is good". Many are involved in the trade, many making investments too.

No matter how clean you would want to make it; it simply won't. The reality is politics is dirty and money is part of it. Who wins at the end of the day is totally a different story.

Should we stand up against this? if so against who?. The buyer or the seller?. There is no way to stop this. There can be many methods involved, direct money is one of them. Asking for returns on what people did for others is another (by financial means and others), etc.

There is nothing wrong with it; logically you are selling your votes anyway. To whom ever you feel will give you the best deal. Maybe someone who would give you and your kids a better future, security, etc. As a candidate you need to "buy"/win the trust of the people. Maybe this is the right approach but how many Maldivians will consider those factors?. I am not sure, I have no answer.

Only thing I know is that the biggest benefit out of such a democratic system goes to the business community. To narrow it down; to the Maldivian business companies and individuals who are backing the candidates. Some may want to strongly come out and justify this; but I don't care. My view is simple. We don't have many candidates out there who can "fix" even 20% of the wrong and suffering here. Everyone (most) have some "hope(s)" alone.

I too like many, would also have to conclude with the common and general statement which is "Insha Allah, Insha Allah"...

Change we need?

This might very possibly be the kind of "change" we might be getting if we decide on the wrong person.

Source: digg.com

DO

I can't think of any other title. Back in 2005 I posted this (website of the year 2004) . Since then we come a long way. A lot have changed and so much that most of us even have forgot the recent history. Basic ideologies, theories and ethics have been redefined. All in the name of "Change".

Today officially the website which have played a major role in the "Change" process is also changed. Maybe it's not a change for some; for others it is. I don't know where to place my view. I would say it does not matter. Sappe' always was close to Mr. Gasim and it's no surprise to me. For people who are against the idea; I would say why are you so disappointed?. Anyway today some people refuse to believe that Internet played a major role in this reform process but I strongly stand against that statement. I like to believe that all this started off from the Internet. Sappe' of DO had his contribution too. That needs to be acknowledged. His choice is his freedom, we should respect that regardless of our own belief and views. Maybe I never fully agreed with the method of name calling and all the cartoons but guess that did work for the people of Maldives. There was some entertainment, jokes, news, etc. I know a few people who only went on the Internet just to read DO. Many other web sites followed DO to counter attack DO, which proved that DO did have an impact. Anyway I guess we are almost at the end of that stage of media. Things have evolved a bit, more blogs are up. People expressing the individual views, etc. I guess this is a better direction then with anonymous names.

Sappe' has officially published a press release endorsing Gasim Ibrahim.

Another movement has started off in the name of New Dhivehi Observer. (the yellow color bar at the top says to me it's backed by MDP supporters)

Now it's more like the kids have grown and the business is split.

However I like to believe that popularity of these kind of web sites will fade in a few months and new media will take over. Introduction of new TV, Radio and Newspapers have certainly started to change things. I guess it's time to thank the people on all sides (gov and opposition) for the time, entertainment and wish them luck. Though this is not the end of political news on the Internet I guess the days of DO and alike are over. Thank you.

iPhone or Android?

I guess this will be a choice we have to make soon. With Google leading the Android platform, Google has teamed up with 34 companies (including Motorola, HTC, T-Mobile and chipmaker Qualcomm) under what’s been dubbed the Open Handset Alliance to manufacture a number of different phones that will run the Android operating system.

Maybe the Apple iPhone still lacks a lot of "normal mobile phone" features but that did not stop the iPhone. The user interface is one of the plus points of the iPhone, with the new iPhone 3G it's one of the best hand held internet devices. These are somethings that the Android would need to be good at. I guess the biggest advantage for the Android based phones is the openness. The Android software stack is expected to provide handset makers and wireless operators an open platform they can use to develop innovative applications. One other factor will be the looks. Presently the iPhone has just one look, however the Android based phones are expected to have different looks from different vendors.

I personally don't feel that Google will be able to hype the Android platform has much as Apple did with the iPhones. The Android based phones will take time to be accepted in the market and it will speak for itself.

The way I see it end of the day, it's more a competition to the Windows mobiles then the iPhones. So lets see ...

Mr. Experience ?

Lately I have been hearing talks by some people about "experience" on the presidential campaign topic. They say one candidate has got experience which is the key. I say screw them. Now why do I say so? Here is why.

Like many others I think experience is not the keyword here. It's good judgment. What good is experience if you can't make the right choices. Let me be very basic and simple here, lets go way back a few years when the the roads of Male' where being constructed. First they (whoever they/he is) use cement and coral , then that did not work, then the bricks, now back to the tar. So we finally decided that for the new developments like Hulhumale', the tar roads are the best. They (whoever they/he is) finally learned from experience. Good very good. But my question here is did we not have those tar roads in Gan, did we not know of them?. Did we have to waste so much money to come to this point, waste so much resources and time and in the process destroy our environment too?. Was this the right choice? or the right judgment? This is a simple example. (anyway the argument here is not about roads..)

I don't need to debate on this, it's a stupid argument. Furthermore we also don't need someone who takes 30 years to learn and understand us. That's half of one mans life time. That's too long a time to give for a leader for leadership training. We already done that, and the results are obviously not good. We need fresh blood, fresh ideas. We had enough bad experience to know what is right and what is wrong. The experience which these people talk about each and everyone of us had our shares in it for the past 30 years. It's not just "that one man" who got the experience, we the people had the better share of that experience. So "old farts in their late 40's and above" don't talk to us about the experience factor. You guys brought this down on us, and from you we have got enough experience. For 30 years you guys have failed us with your votes and support, now we need a change. We don't need a change from you, we need to change you.

iPhone 3G speed tests

Below are the average speed test results for a few countries using iPhone 3G (source is http://www.testmyiphone.com)

Finland (355.54 kbps)
France (480.51 kbps)
Great Britain (1072.3 kbps)
Hong Kong (653.97 kbps)
Italy (723.71 kbps)
India (343.25 kbps)
Spain (612.02 kbps)
United States (795.77 kbps)

I tested here in Male' and got the following result..


According to which our current speed is at 704 kbps. Which is in comparison very good.

Presidential Q & A : My views.

This was good. A few years back we would not have thought that we will witness such a day. It was not long back; even if you state the name "Maumoon" (even behind closed doors) you should fear for your life. Days have changed now. Tonight we saw 6 presidential candidates live on TV expressing freely and openly. This is major achievement; however this is result of a lot of sacrifice and hard work of a lot of Maldivians.

Everyone heard the candidates; it's up to us to judge now. It's our own freedom and right to choose. As for me, two of them are already out of my vote. The pick is still not easy. I would short list Ibra, Hassan and Anni. Umar had good policies, however I am not very sure about this and if he can execute. I saw Hassan showed good qualities tonight and proved he can talk and lead. Ibra was strong, as for Anni he was being too poetic and could have done better. I did notice that Anni did not bring himself to display him as the president; but more the image he tried to show was if the MDP candidate got to lead kind of an image. He was very much representing the party; rather them himself. Which I think was good and I appreciated that. Lately people were accusing him of being power hungry, but in his talks he displays that he only represents MDP and working for MDP. I don't know if many will appreciate that.

Gasim was nothing close to anyone. I think if ranked he would win the 6th place but then again his words does not matter to people who have decided to vote for him.

Hassan tried to prove the allegations against him regarding Islam was wrong, by reciting from the holy Quran and quoting from Mohamed (PBH). I guess that worked.

Maumoon tried to bring the point not to point and talk about the last 30 years and think ahead. At the same time he talked about 30 years before stuff. Maumoon's point was when he took office Maldives did not have a proper education, health system, etc. Which will work with some stupid Maldivians. I guess my view on it is, 30 years back what was the population, what was the income we get. Then see what we were provided with. If he was referring to president Nasir, I guess he does not have much to say in that regard. Nasir; laid the foundation for today's economical developments like the airport, tourism, etc. I guess back then Maumoon was not very much in favour of Tourism, but takes credit for the tourism we have today. What we really need to think about is compared to what we get today what benefits did the general population get?. It's nothing close to where we should have been, and where we could be. True there are developments. With time that would have come anyway; but then again the real question should be is this the best we could have had?.

Anyway I guess it was very obvious that difference we saw tonight between Gasim, Maumoon and the rest of the guys. We need to get rid of these old guys and bring new blood and fresh thinking into this nation. If I have a say I would look for Anni and Hassan to team up, this would make them both strong. It's not about who can be the president; it's about 'us' the people and the 'change' we need. They need to stop fighting and set aside the differences and team up. I don't think Ibra would agree for such an alliance, but if he would that would make more sense too. Between the three of them if two of them team up that would sure change things a lot. Now is the time to fight for the people, for a better Maldives, it's not about who gets the title. They need to understand that.

The best part of the Q & A was the 'Bridge' by Maumoon. That was shocking. I did not really get pissed by that same old trick; but more it was really entertaining. We already have one Bridge between Villigili and Male', tonight I enjoyed the 2nd one. The view was excellent when I was in sea house having a coffee'.

Emperor of the Galaxy.

Vader continues over looking into the space then wonders again. "This is one thing my master and I have always shared: a common penchant for a scenic view". Only difference is the throne and the name "Emperor". The view is Impressive. Most impressive. The day is here; Darth Vader has broken away to fulfill his destiny. No longer serves his master, but always impressed and inspired by him.

He was interrupted by the lieutenant who came in to report the terrorist fleet; which does not hold much meaning to Darth Vader. His mission now is to conquer the Death Star, not to worry about the rebels and the low men...... The Jedi's are no longer a threat; Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi no longer fight as one.

"Your service will be remembered, and rewarded," spoke Darth Vader . The Lieutenant bowed his head and walks out. As Lord Vader continued his lunch with leek soup and toss salad. He usually takes his meals alone in his chambers, as he enjoyed the view.

Past reference from my previous post from May 2007..

Barack Obama; Democratic Convention Speech

I know so many of you already head it, seen it and read it... however here it is again just for the record (post for historical reasons)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/28/barack-obama-democratic-c_n_122224.html

For those of you who did not check it out. This is inspiring and makes you wonder why we don't have people like Obama in nation(s) like ours.

Some of the key things which we should also think about from his speech (for me) are..

Tonight, I say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land - enough! This moment - this election - is our chance to keep, in the 21st century, the American promise alive. Because next week, in Minnesota, the same party that brought you two terms of George Bush and Dick Cheney will ask this country for a third. And we are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look like the last eight. On November 4th, we must stand up and say: "Eight is enough."

For me I'd change the numbers and names and apply for my vote in my country.

For over two decades, he's subscribed to that old, discredited Republican philosophy - give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. In Washington, they call this the Ownership Society, but what it really means is - you're on your own. Out of work? Tough luck. No health care? The market will fix it. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps - even if you don't have boots. You're on your own.

Well it's time for them to own their failure. It's time for us to change America.

You see, we Democrats have a very different measure of what constitutes progress in this country.

We measure progress by how many people can find a job that pays the mortgage; whether you can put a little extra money away at the end of each month so you can someday watch your child receive her college diploma. We measure progress in the 23 million new jobs that were created when Bill Clinton was President - when the average American family saw its income go up $7,500 instead of down $2,000 like it has under George Bush.

We measure the strength of our economy not by the number of billionaires we have or the profits of the Fortune 500, but by whether someone with a good idea can take a risk and start a new business, or whether the waitress who lives on tips can take a day off to look after a sick kid without losing her job - an economy that honors the dignity of work.

Those are the kind of words I long to hear from my leaders. However unfortunately I know we don't have such kind of people (or rather leaders). Sad but true.

To conclude I'd like to note this one which was in his speech that, "the change we need doesn't come from Washington. Change comes to Washington.". Interpret it which ever way you want; for me it's very simple. "Change" means "CHANGE", total change of ideas and faces.

Money, Politics

Politics and Money go along very well. This is true to all nations, ours is no exception. Skinned by nationalistic talks or 'Huhbul vatan' speeches; a lot of times there is a shades of green.

I wonder how much money will be dumped to buy votes this time. Some will switch sides to please the bosses, some will switch sides in hope that they will get some benefit by standing by a group, etc. This is a nice show to watch. 'Change' is the keyword today. Change for what? better or worse; I have no clue nor does many.

One thing I will be sure is no matter whom I vote for nothing much will change for the good. At least not in the next 10 years. I think we are in for a major crisis. It's already bad and it's not improving. They say 30 years back there was no electricity, 30 years back few people were educated. I say 30 years back their hair was not gray or white too. Some things are bound to happen; does not mean some people can take all the credit for those things. Furthermore it's not a favour that they have done on us; it's a must. It's the responsibility and job of the leadership. Who ever it maybe. The question should be how well that job was carried out? next question will be how well it will be maintained/sustained and improved?. Today we are at a point where there is so much social issues, like basic health care and housing issues, etc. How well were they addressed. Could we have done a better job; was this the best we could have had? These should be the questions that should be asked. Next question will be; will it get worse in the future. Will the so called "Change" that we seek make things better?. I sure hope so, but I want to know before I decide my vote. I want to see a clear roadmap, I don't want to gamble. If not I won't vote. I don't want to vote based on face or name. No matter who he/they are.

The sad thing I know is; even if I have those idea's it does not matter. Votes will be sold and bought. The people who will be willing to spend the most stand the higest chance. It's sad, but thats how it will be. I hope there will be a few who will at least think before they will vote. It's not a choice you make for your ownself. It's a choice you make for the future of a lot of people. We have to be responsible when this choice is made.

progress and prosperity

Tonight I took a walk and decided to rest and have a smoke near the 'Masvaringe park'. While I was sitting near a 'Dhoni' an old man approached. He sounded really polite and asked me if I worked for the Dhoni behind me. He wanted to know if he can sleep in it; since it was kinda of rainy. When I told him it had nothing to do with me and would be best if he asked the people who were sleeping in it. Then he requested if I would ask those guys for him; he was shy requesting that from me. I could tell that from his tone. I did all I can, but unfortunately poor man was not allowed on it. Finally he thanked me and told me he'd sleep on a bench and if it rained he'd find some way. I walked back home to my bed. Here I am blogging about it knowing I could not help and worst of all the rest of the country is happy about the progress we made in the last few decades.

I guess I should thank those people for that. The whole generation of people who are in their 40's /50's and 60's who made this happen. I won't blame one individual for all the bad things which is here and all the good things which could have happened to this nation. The responsibility should be taken collectively by the whole generation of 'bodu kaafu' people. Thank you once again. Good night.

Mobile social networking

Much like web based social networking, mobile social networking occurs in "Virtual communities". Basically this can be implemented in two ways. We all are very familiar with the existing web based social networks like facebook or twitter. The same portals are extended to the mobiles, via WAP, MMS, SMS and other means such as Java, BREW, etc. The advantage is you don't need to be always online near a PC to be connected to social networking portals. You can tweet about something while you are walking, post a video or a picture as it happens to facebook, all are examples of advantages on mobile social networking. Fortunately today we have this here with us, with some services you don't need to be depended on the operator for others you do. Example you can tweet via SMS with all operators in Maldives (until recently twitter decided to make tweeting one way... still you can send your tweets to twitters UK number via SMS). Other examples include take a picture/video and MMS to mobile@facebook.com which gets updated into your facebook account, or send notes to notes@facebook.com again via MMS.

Other method include social networks limited within the operators. These are limited to the operator you are using and the methods vary. Maybe over SMS/MMS, WAP or simply via Java based applications, etc. It's been exciting to watch such communities grow and watching people adopt these technologies in Maldives.

Digg and Politics

Recently www.digg.com the popular source of news for geeks has been taken over by John McCain and Barack Obama. Its understood as many of the diggers are from the states and the presidential election is of high concern.

This election is different in many ways compaired to the rest; in a sense that the internet has played a major role in influensing hot tops. www.digg.com is no excuse. For the rest of us I guess it's important too. As 'who wins' does matter and will influense our lives too. Maybe this is one reason why the topic is hot and so many follow these news.

Talking of election our own local election is due soon too. It's not so compatitive as I assumed it would be which is/was a bit of a disappointment. My only request to who ever wins is "don't f*ck us up"! It's short but that's all I have to say on the topic.