Job Discussion Forums

trapezius · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:10 pm Post subject:

A big chunk of Saudis (majority) are poor and/or uneducated and/or tribal. And from what I have encountered of such Saudis, they hate Jews as much as they hate Israelis/Zionists. It is part of the religion, in a way. (and part of Arab mentality in general)

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

johnslat · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:12 pm Post subject:

Dear 007,

Well, except for Colin's book's not being updated, especially as regards the impact of the Internet and satellite TV on the Kingdom, I'd say Mr. Wells has already "invented the wheel." So, I try to avoid reinventing it whenever possible.

As to the title, surely, 007 you are familiar with the series:

"The Complete Idiot's Guides is an Alpha Books product line of how-to and other reference books that each seek to provide a basic understanding of a complex and popular topic. The term "idiot" is used as hyperbole in claiming ensured comprehension. The approach relies on explaining a topic via very basic terminology. Definitions of words, profiles of people, and a synopsis of events for context are also provided in many cases.
The line parallels the For Dummies books."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complete_Idiot's_Guides

Regards,
John

The Lathe of Heaven · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 5:33 am Post subject:

How to understand Johnslat for dummies or The complete idiot's guide on how to understand Johnslat. We should all get one of these books we will need tthem. Smile

Regards.

TLOH Very Happy

johnslat · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:45 pm Post subject:

Dear LofH,

My wife is busily composing that tome, but apparently it's an extremely difficult subject to master (mistress?)
However, she expects to finish by the year 2030, at the earliest. Smile

Regards,
John

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 4:30 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 4:54 pm Post subject:

Dear Mia,

"I must disagree with your remark. I still have many close relationships with students that I had to fail. If you give them every chance to improve, and if you make certain that they know you were entirely fair in your assessment, Saudi students will not necessarily hold a grudge against you for failing them."

I agree completely.

Regards,
John

The Lathe of Heaven · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 9:12 pm Post subject:

Greetings Earthlings,

I would like to make an observation if it's ok? I am now on my second tour of duty here in the Kingdom and have something to comment on.

There are teachers coming here with the expectation of life in an exotic setting and romantic ideas. They all say they have done their preliminary research and are ready for the harsh reality of life in an Islamic country. The only thing they forget is that Saudi Arabia does not give out tourist visas and therefore is not a place for backpacking like they would in Europe or other western countries.

We must remember that we have been invited here and are guests of our sponsors and therefore should act accordingly. Some of us may have crappy deals and some of us good ones. My point is that if we are not satisfied with our environment (humans by the way are the most adaptive mammals on the planet to their environment) then we can either leave or adapt. To change it would be wrong, unethical and impossible. The insistence on certain ways of life that are one's usual routine in the western world may be kicking against the pricks here. One will get nowhere but perhaps an insane asylum.

At the end of the day nothing has changed, the KSA is still here and you are either happy here or on your way to a happier place. Just some observations and suggestions.

Regards to all.

TLOH

Deicide · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 9:23 pm Post subject:

trapezius · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 9:45 pm Post subject:

To ask people not to smoke in no smoking areas, especially around children, and to try to make people drive responsibly, is WRONG and UNETHICAL. Impossible? That I agree with it.

Not everybody complains about lack of vices or the overly conservative nature of the place.

otuzbirci · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 28

Saudi Arabia does give out tourist visas.

johnslat · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 2:27 am Post subject:

Dear otuzbirci,
Do you mean those "state-sponsored tour groups" in which the hapless tourists (and very few of them, indeed) are herded around like sheep by "official guides" and get to see all the pretty "Potemkin Villages?"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potemkin_village

"Tourist visas are granted only to selected groups on a limited basis . . ."

http://www.visabureau.com/worldwide/saudi-arabia-visa.aspx

It's such a popular visa that it's not even listed on the Saudi Arabian Washington, D.C. embassy's web page.

http://www.saudiembassy.net/services/visa/default.aspx

Regards,
John

Grendal · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 9:35 am Post subject:

Grendal · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 9:41 am Post subject:

Dear John et al,

Please be informed that when you address the poster that wrote:
"Saudi Arabia does give out tourist visas."

You are playing into his ,and I say his because only a man could do this, demented and perverted game. Please do not use his board name on this forum. It's Turkish and means something perverted.

Regards.

Grendal

Grendal · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 9:46 am Post subject:

Let's not get this thread locked. please......... Embarassed

Grendal