Re : Story On The $6Bln. Award / Economic Blackmail

I posted on Thursday Jan. 24, 2008 a report concerning a lawyers statement how going after American assets of American companies working in Libya might be considered an act of terrorism , or even economic blackmail , considering the state of the American economy now . It would seem to be against American interest to freeze their assets , considering the possible economical recession the American public is facing . I came across a Newsweek article today explaining the how and why this is feasible . I was amazed to read how legislation is counter productive toward economic recovery , and could negatively affect so many lives . Maybe it was a case of good idea , wrong execution ?

"A bill passed by Congress in 1996 opened the door to civil suits against a handful of countries deemed state sponsors of terrorism", the Newsweek article stated .The Newsweek report further states ..... "An amendment passed by the Senate this week allows lawyers to go after the property of countries that sponsor terrorism even if Americans run the property and receive all of the profit—a significant shift, according to analysts and legal scholars. The upshot is that billions in assets here in the United States could fall within the reach of terror victims who have been awarded judgments against countries like Iran and Libya. The legislation has a long history and plenty of opponents. State Department officials say it will deny them a key bargaining chip in dealings with so-called rogue states, while the business community fears it will expose U.S. investors in the Middle East to reciprocal measures. "The government prefers to use these assets in a game of leverage for larger geopolitical issues," says David Aufhauser, who headed the National Security Council's terrorist financing task force until 2004. "To have other voices at the table dilutes the leverage."

Now here is the question , wasn't Libya taken off this list in the past year or so after making amends for past transgressions ; therefore opening the door for trade , business , restoring diplomatic relations between Libya and America ? Libya is wrapping up it's term in rotation as head of the UN Security Council . How is it possible that the esteemed UN Security Council would allow a so called "Rogue Terrorist State " to be in charge of such a important and pivotal roll if it was still practicing "State Sponsored Terrorism" ?

The Newsweek report goes on to state American business concerns for their assets in Libya.
"But could the legislation rebound on Americans who do business abroad? Major business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, warned in a letter to Congress earlier this month that the bill would end up "crippling new (American) investment" in a country like Libya, which also owes money to terror victims. U.S. companies have invested more than $3 billion in Libya since it came off Washington's list of countries that sponsor terrorism last year. The business groups said American companies are now worried that for every Libyan asset lawyers seize in the United States to pay off the judgments, the Libyans will seize an American asset of similar value in their country. "The effects … are egregious and we urge you to make the necessary correction to the legislation," the groups wrote before the amendment passed."

Computer Stupid -Funny

Here are some calls to different computer customer service assistance centers from around the world . Enjoy !

Samsung Electronics
Caller: 'Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?'

Operator: 'I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about'.

Caller: 'On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for Jack?'

Operator: 'I think you mean the telephone point on the wall'.




Caller: 'I deleted a file from my PC last week and I have just realised that I need it. If I turn my system clock back two weeks will I have my file back again?'.

Tech Support: 'I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop'.

Customer: 'OK'.

Tech Support: 'Did you get a pop-up menu?'.

Customer: 'No'.

Tech Support: 'OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?'

Customer: 'No'.

Tech Support: 'OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?'.

Customer: 'Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click''.




Tech Support: 'OK. In the bottom left hand side of the screen, can you see the 'OK' button
displayed?'

Customer: 'Wow. How can you see my screen from there?'

There's always one. This has got to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the Word Perfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the Word Perfect organization for 'Termination without Cause'.
Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee. (Now I know why they record these conversations!):

Operator: 'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?'

Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect.'

Operator: 'What sort of trouble??'

Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.'

Operator: 'Went away?'

Caller: 'They disappeared.'

Operator: 'Hmm So what does your screen look like now?'

Caller: 'Nothing.'

Operator: 'Nothing??'

Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.'

Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out??'

Caller: 'How do I tell?'

Operator: 'Can you see the C: prompt on the screen??'

Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?'

Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?'

Caller: 'There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type.'

Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??'

Caller: 'What's a monitor?'

Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on??'

Caller: 'I don't know.'

Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??'

Caller: 'Yes, I think so.'

Operator: 'Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall.

Caller: 'Yes, it is.'

Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one??'

Caller: 'No.'

Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.'

Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'

Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer.'
Caller: 'I can't reach.'

Operator: 'Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is??'

Caller: 'No.'

Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over??'

Caller: 'Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark.'

Operator: 'Dark??

Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window.

' Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light then.'

Caller: 'I can't.'

Operator: 'No? Why not??'

Caller: 'Because there's a power failure.'

Operator: 'A power......... A power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now.

Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in??'

Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.'

Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from.'

Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?'

Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'

Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them??'

Operator: 'Tell them you're too f --- ing stupid to own a computer!!!!!'

Libya Ordered To Pay $6 Bln.

In a new court case against Libya ,on Tuesday, January 14, a US federal judge ordered that Libya and six Libyan officials pay what will likely be more than US$6 billion in damages for the 1989 bombing of UTA Flight 722 over Niger .

This statement by the lawyers for the plaintiffs in the case makes one wonder ... is this a case of indirect black mail ? Libya is stated to be the one at fault here not American corporations .
"The BBC reports that lawyers are confident that the money will be paid to the plaintiffs, saying that, if necessary, they will obtain court orders to seize assets from American companies Libya is currently doing business with."
I wonder , does this constitute an act of international terrorism on their part , threating economic black mail ?? And how will those American companies feel having thier assets seized ?

What do you think ?It will be interesting to see how this plays out in a American court , potentially against Americans and American investments in Libya . While during " a economic recession" , such a move should have long term ramifications , not just to Libyan citizens , but also to Americans as well . Stay tuned .....

A Rainy Day

We have had a lot of rain these last few weeks , in fact probably more than we had all last year . I am making a

informal opinion here , but today was really something !




This picture shows the storm just starting . The wind blowing , clouds low and heavy in the sky .











This picture was snapped just minutes after the one above .The rain is starting to come down fast .















This picture, taken just seconds after the previous the one, will let you see just how quickly the storm hit us here at The Condo On The Sea Side ! The buildings across the lane from us are barely visible because it is raining so hard . This was a unusually strong storm system , almost like a mini hurricane .













This blurry picture will let you see how the normally placid Med. has been turned into a broiling monster sea . Hours later now , and the rain still continues to pour down outside . As I was taking this picture ,the lighting flashed down right outside the balcony doors , with thunder following fast on it's heels scaring me to death ! I am discussing with Moe about how to build an Ark on the balcony .

Regain Control of a Spooked Camel - wikiHow

I thought to my self when I read this articule , hum , EVERY ONE should know this ! So , here is the answer to that age old question ..... How To Regain Control Over A Spooked Camel . Good Luck with your camel !!!!

How to Regain Control of a Spooked Camel

from wikiHow

In some parts of North Africa and the Middle East, the camel remains the primary means of long-distance transportation. These remarkable animals are intelligent and strong, and they possess incredible endurance. They can also be quite fast: some camels can briefly attain speeds up to 40 miles per hour (64 km/h). While their speed makes them ideal for racing—camel races are very popular in many parts of the world—it can provide a camel rider with a harrowing, potentially deadly experience if a camel is spooked or otherwise begins to run out of control.

Steps

1. Stay calm. The camel will eventually stop. In fact, a runaway camel will usually regain its composure and slow down pretty quickly. Until it does, you need to keep your wits about you.
   
2. Hang on to the reins. Because camels are cud-chewing animals (they are constantly chewing), their reins are usually attached to a peg inserted into the nose, as opposed to being attached to a bit in the mouth, as is the case with horses. Thus, unlike with a horse, you can’t try to steer an out-of-control camel by pulling hard on the reins. A hard pull will break the reins or, worse, tear the peg out of the camel’s nose, which will cause it to panic even more. While you don’t want to pull on the reins too much, you do want to make sure to keep hold of them so you can steer the camel once it slows down.
   
   • If the reins are attached to a head halter, as is often the case with camels that are ridden on tourist expeditions, you can pull on the reins to get the camel to turn in a circle and, eventually, slow down. Work with the camel, not against it. Pull the reins to the side that the camel wants to turn its head. If the camel decides to turn its head the other way, allow it to do so, and pull the rein on that side instead.
     
   
   
3. Consider a quick dismount. If the camel is just starting to pick up speed and won’t respond to commands to stop, consider sliding off. This is especially useful if you have lost the reins. Kick out of the stirrups and attempt to hit the ground running, bending your knees slightly as you land. Note that this should not be attempted at high speeds unless there is impending danger ahead (a cliff, for example). Once you’re on the ground, try to grab the reins. The camel will most likely come to a stop once you have the reins in your hands again.
   
4. Hang on. The camel will eventually stop. Your goal is to hold on until it does. Press yourself to the camel to lower your center of gravity, grip the camel between your legs, and hold the horn of the saddle. If you aren’t using a saddle, just hold on as well as you can, and try to lean back a little so that you avoid riding near the tip of the hump, which will be a very bumpy ride at high speeds.
   
5. Get off the camel once you have it under control. Once the wild ride is over, have the camel sit. Dismount and continue to hold the reins.
   

Tips

• Don’t get angry with the camel or strike it after you have it under control. While your adrenaline may be pumping, it’s important that you keep your cool. Camels tend to hold grudges, so if you frighten or mistreat them, they are liable to be unpleasant in the future.
  
• Make sure you have sturdy reins and a head halter, especially if you don’t have much riding experience. A head halter can make it much easier to regain control of your camel, and you won’t have to worry about hurting it by ripping the peg out of its nose.
  
• Learn and memorize the correct commands to give a camel while riding it. Different camels are trained to respond to different commands.
  
• Only apply a slight pull to the reins when trying to get the camel to turn. It usually doesn’t take much, and an overzealous pull can hurt your camel if the reins are attached to a nose peg.
  
• Most, but not all, camels like to stay close to the herd or close to home, so if you fall from your camel, the camel will likely come back once it calms down.
  

My Baby

Where did the years go ? This is my oldest daughter as a toddler . Yesterday she said her Fatah for marriage to a wonderful young man . I can't believe it is true . We are so happy for the both of them . May they have many blessings in the years ahead together .

Chasing Rainbows

Last winter I found this rainbow early one rainy morning outside my kitchen window . Notice it ends right in front of the lamp post .

This last week when we had thunderstorms I woke up , opened the kitchen window .Look what I found , another rainbow . This one ended on the beach behind the same light post as the one from last year .

What are the odds of that happening ever again ? Amazing huh ? Sad to say , still no pot of gold to be found !

Mine and Libya's News

I mentioned in my last post that I had some bills to pay , the phone , the Post Office Box , the car , etc. I went to pay the phone ,while there reported one more time all the static we had on the phone line . Way back in October ( Ramadan) I reported to the Baread ( the Telecommunications Office ) that we had acquired a clicking on our line . They assured me that they would look into it for me . I waited several days the clicking was still there . I went back and told them one more time . Ok the guy told me , we will get some one out there tomorrow . Fool that I was , I believed him. Maybe they did come , but the clicking was still there . I gave up because like every woman here in Libya during Ramadan , I had more important things to do with my time than to keep running to the Baread and complaining , I had mega cooking to do ! So , I let it slide .

Then came the Eid Al Adah and all that entailed , when not only did we have the continued click clicking , we now had swish swishing added to the symphony , I vowed to go complain again , but never made it to the Baread . Since the cold turkey cutting off our phone last week meant that I had to go to the Baread to pay the bill I thought I might as well tell them one more time about the click clicking and mention the added swish swishing , since it had progressed to the point where every phone call was a shouting match to be heard above the calliope of noise .

I boldly marched into the Baread the other morning to pay the bill soaking wet since it was raining cats and dogs outside . I paid the bill and asked if the man in charge of service was in today and was directed to his office where I found not one man , but four men . I told them I had been in during Ramadan to report the click clicking then. Here it was three months later ,we still had it on the phone line , plus for our added pleasure, we now had swish swishing . I causally mentioned to them that when my family in the States tried to call us to wish us a happy Eid we couldn't hear one another due to all the noise on the line . My family had asked me if Libya hadn't up dated it's telecommunications systems yet ? I told them yes Libya had . They hadn't believed me. The postal men asked for my phone number assuring me someone would be out to check the lines tomorrow . I told them Thank You , thinking yeah , I am so sure that will happen . The next morning bright and early the phone rang .It was a phone line man telling me he was downstairs checking the lines and could I hear him ? I said yeah but the click clicking and the swish swishing was still there . He said one minute and called me back ....... the line was clear !!!! I almost went deaf from the silence ! Sad to say the click clicking and the swish swishing has returned , but it is a soft whisper now .

I also went to pay the yearly fees on my new post office box . It is only 10 Libyan dinars , not much on the grand scheme of things but still it is money . When I rented the post office box back in September , the man made it very clear that if I did not come back in January to pay the yearly fee , I would lose my box . Not wanting that , I braved the rain , mud , and floods the other morning , waded through it all , thinking the whole time of the U.S. postal service motto . It says something to the effect that neither rain , nor snow , hail , or sleet shall stop the mail . Anyway , I get inside the post office , ask where I should pay my fee for the box . The same man that rented me my p.o. box asks me for my receipt . I show it to him . He looks at it and tells me that I only had rented it in September . Duh ! That the rent isn't due until September of 2008 ! This is the same man that had instilled in me a sense of dread only three months ago if I didn't come in at the new years to renew the fee . I am standing there , dripping water , cold rain water onto his just mopped floor , while the mud oozes from my shoes , thinking I just might have to kill some one . Maybe this is why all those postal workers in the States go on a killing rampage , because people like this man come into the post office a lot and push them over the edge! I smiled the way my mother taught me , said a polite thank you , sloshed all the way to the back to the car that was parked in a lake , closed the door , and screamed !!!!

Now on another front , Libya is in the news again this week . Libya is heading for one month the UN Security's Council . There were the kidnappings of Libyan diplomats in Somalia today . Thankfully that was ended in peace . Sorta of ironic when you think about it , when Libya turns good , their diplomats are snatched , not when they were on a terrorist list ! Then there are all these new investments in Libya now that diplomatic ties have been restored . And a new travel requirement by Libya has been issued for all tourist entering Libya as of Jan. 7, 2008 . SO read the link above to make sure you know what you need NOW in order to come visit here as a tourist. Not related to Libya , but still African/ European related , The Dakar Rally Race has been canceled due to security concerns from Al Queda threats . That is so sad to think that by canceling the Rally , the organizers are giving Al Queda power over them . I have come to look forward to the Rally since moving here . One year , I think it was 2000 , the Rally came through Libya and the racers were all surprised to find that the desert was flooded due to winter rains we had recently had before the race started . It was so funny to listen to all those racers from countries where it rains regularly complaining about the water ! Here's hoping the Rally people decide to go ahead with the race and if not , hopefully next year .

I Remembered What

OMG !!!! I forgot the Internet ! How is that possible ? Got to pay THAT ! One more thing on the "to do list" ... will put it at the top !

High Cost Of The New Years

If you are a little curious, or even just find astrology vaguely interesting , you will like this link . It tells you exactly what your astrological sign is , not what you have always thought it was . You will be surprised !

We started out our new year here in Tripoli with rain , and more rain . Woke up to find there was a moat all around the Condo . I bet if I looked hard enough it would even have a monster or two swimming around in those murky waters , it is pretty deep out there .

Yesterday I wanted to make calls to family and relatives to wish them all happy new years but couldn't . The phone company wanted money , sigh ! In the past when ever the phone bill was due , the phone company would allow you to call out for a few days after a warning from Fatima Omar ( she is a local famous TV announcer that is now in semi-retirement ) telling you had to pay the bill . If you didn't , after the allotted grace period , they then disabled your out going calls , but you could receive in coming calls . So civilized , right ? But last billing period they just cold turkey cut the phone lines off . I guess there were too many complaints with that method because this time we are getting no pre-warning from Ms. Fatima , no, what happened yesterday when I tried to call anyone was that I received a recording ,and not from sweet Ms. Fatima either , but from some cold impersonal stranger ! "The person you are calling owes money on their phone bill, your call may not be completed . " WOW ! I was so shocked !

I tried 1st this one , then that one , always the same message . I was totally blown away that ALL of Tripoli owed on their phone bills AT The SAME TIME !!! This was a new thing , to cut ALL the Phones at the same time . Usually it is done district by district . What a way to start the new year alright ! Later last night our son called us to wish us a happy new years I realized it was JUST OUR PHONE that was out of working order , we owed the money on the bill , lol , not the whole phone system ! So I am going in the morning to pay the bill ..... if I can get through the moat and no monsters get me !

I also have to pay the annual rent on my mail box that I got this last fall . I am still waiting for a package to come from my daughters but in the mean time , have to keep the rent up on the P.O. box .The sticker on the car has to be renewed this month also . So , this new year is already costing a bunch of money and it is only the 1st day of the month . How many days are in January? LOL ! There is something else that I am forgetting right now . I am sure I will remember soon what it is , or something else will get cut off too ! LOL ! Oh well , here's hoping your new years starts out better than mine !