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.