Women Influence

There was a survey conducted in Bahrain regarding women in the work place, specifically studying leadership and high positions that are held by women.  Now, if you are looking for the stereotypical, or old fashioned Middle East ways that suppressed women, move right along!  You won't find it here.

In fact, you will learn something very exposing about Bahrain.  The study revealed that women hold two thirds more "business and government leaders" positions than men.  Yes, that is right!  Women are leading out in Bahraini businesses.

The country ranks at the top of all Middle East countries in women empowerment.

To read the entire article, please visit Gulf Daily News.

Government Accelerates Reform Process

Recently the Parliament of the Kingdom of Bahrain passed 19 of 21 proposed amendments to the Constitution.  This alone was unprecedented in the history of the country, and showed the desire of His Majesty, King Hamad, to have a democratic Bahrain.
Recent actions have not not reinforced that desire, but have potentially accelerated the process to accomplish this great goal.  The Upper Chamber of Bahrain's Parliament, called the Shura Council, has established a deadline date set to expire in a couple of weeks for the review of the amendments that the lower house has already voted on and passed.  Even with that date, there is a possibility that the vote in the Upper House will happen as soon as next Wednesday.
These amendmentss, while not a total fix, will set the foundation for a strong democracy in Bahrain, and one that is certainly desired by His Majesty.

To read entire article, please visit Gulf Daily News.

Dick Clark Dies

Dick Clark has been a house hold name for decades.  He hosted American Bandstand and New Year's Rockin' Eve.  I have heard several people say that they are going to cancel New Year's this year (obviously this would never really happen) because this year, Mr. Clark will not be there.  Dick Clark passed away after suffering a massive heart attack yesterday.  Clark also suffered from other health issues, including other heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and suffered a stroke back in 2004.
To view a slide show of Dick Clark, please visit FoxNews.

Surely, this New Year's Eve will seem a bit out of character without Dick Clark.

UT Legendary Coach Steps Down

When one speaks about women's NCAA basketball, one person comes to mind.  Pat Summitt.  Summitt is the legendary coach at the University of Tennessee for 38 years.  Her accomplishments are second to none; career record of 1,098 wins and only 207 losses; 16 regular season SEC championships, 16 SEC tournament titles; an Olympic gold medal from 1984; 18 Final Fours, 8 National Championships.  But it was her influence on her players as people that made her so special.  In an age where athletes are able to begin their professional athletic careers at a very early age, Summitt's players were taught the value of education.  Each Lady Vol player under Coach Summitt who has completed her eligibility has graduated.
Long time assistant coach, Holly Warlick, will assume the head coach position.  She, herself, played under Summitt and was a three time All-American.
Pat Summitt's retirement has come because of the disease that she battles.  Summitt suffers from early onset Dimentia.  However, she will stay on at the University as a Liaison, recruiter, and head coach emeritus.

Coach Summitt will be sorely missed at Tennesse and in the ranks of all athletics, collegiate and professional.  But as a legend, she will always be remembered!

Best of Luck, and thanks Coach!

To read entire article, please visit ESPN.

Beautify Bahrain

Another first is happening in the Kingdom of Bahrain.  The city of Muharraq is planning to create the first public rooftop garden facility.  The project will cover 2,000 square meters of the top floor of a public car park.  What will make this facility even more unique is that it is planned to have a children's play groud, a cafeteria, and a coffee shop for families to enjoy.  Plans are being drawn up and construction is scheduled to begin this year, and be completed in 2013.

To read the entire article, please visit Bahrain News Agency.

Rugby Football for Diabetic Children

Diabetes is a disease that is no respecter of persons.  It is found throughout the world, leaving destruction and damage in its wake.  One of the saddest things about this disease is that it's not just for adults.  It's merciless touch stretches to children as well.  However, the world is beginning to understand it and learn how to cope with it.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is doing its part for their people, especially the children.  200 athletes are preparing to take part in a football rugby tournament, the annual event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Manama, that will raise money for children with diabetes.  Both men and women teams make the up the 36 field team (20 men and 16 women).  Last year's event raised over BD 26,000, and they are looking to raise that much again.

The educational operative is being co-sponsored by the Bahrain Diabetes Society and Al Kindi Hospital.  An educational mobile unit, used by children and their families that have been touched by diabetes, was bought last year.  This year, as of now, the funds raised are not allocated to a specific goal.  But one idea is the provide insulin pumps to the children so they don't have to go to the hospital to receive their medicine.

To read the entire article please visit Gulf Daily News.
To learn more about the Bahrain Diabetes Society, click here.

Discovery is History

For thirty years, the space shuttle Discovery has served the United States.  With more than 148 million miles behind it, and 39 orbital missions "under its wings" 

Discovery is retired as the oldest and most traveled 

space shuttle in the US fleet.

But this is not the end of the famous space traveler.  Discovery will be on display at the Dulles International Airport in Virginia, then go to the Smithsonian Museum as an historical relic, standing as a beacon of how far the United States has reached not only into the realms of space, but into the realms of education, science, and technology.

Many had a chance to see the historic space ship (myself included) as it made its final trip from Kennedy Space Center, flying past the familiar Cape Canaveral in Florida to the cheers of an appreciative crowd who jammed the streets to pay their final respects.  It flew north, making a final run, as a salute, passed the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the White House where once it again it was met by an even busier and crowded highway full of admirers.  Streets were crowded, roofs were populated, as people wanted to get a glimpse of history.

"Discovery."  What a perfect name for the ship that allowed the United States to discover the depths of space so many times.  It is a part of history that won't be forgotten.

Muharraq In Finals

Muharraq earned a spot in the Zain Cup Finals by defeating a very much improved Sitra basketball team at the Bahrain Basketball Association gym.  CJ Giles scored a game high 34 points, leading Muharraq to victory with the help of playmakers Ahmed Hassan and Mohammed Abdulmajeed.  The game was a seesaw battle, lead changing back and forth until Muharraq took the lead late and never looked back.
Now Muharraq awaits the winner of Al Ahli and Manama.