My current state of mind....

source

IQ-SICAN

Hello everyone,
I am so glad to share with you my new initiative that I have just launched, called: IQ-SICAN (stands for IraQis Studying In CANada).
While working on my Master degree, I always thought about the thousands of Iraqis who would have loved to study in Canada, but just couldn’t because they don’t know where or how to apply.
I strongly believe that Iraqis make the best students once given a chance, and I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to study at a reputable university.
Now that I am done with my Masters degree, I would like to fulfill another humble dream of mine, which is to help prospective Iraqi graduate students get enrolled in Canadian universities.
While I do not promise admission or provide scholarships, I do promise to research educational opportunities for prospective Iraqi graduate students and help them fill out their applications in a prompt and professional manner.
If you know a prospective Iraqi graduate student who is an excellent student just needing a chance, or if you are one, please check out my new website dedicated for this mission:

http://iq-sican.blogspot.com/

Please help spread the word,
Thank you and I look forward to help :-)

Seeking Privacy In The Clouds: Research Aims At Isolating Social Network Information From 'Control Of A Central Entity'

ScienceDaily (2009-10-15) -- Millions of Internet users have been enjoying the fun -- and free -- services provided by advertiser-supported online social networks like Facebook. But a computer scientist worries about the possible down side -- privacy problems.

Full article is here.

Obama and the Nobel prize???

Hmmmm, well that was a surprize! oh, I thought it was a joke- seriously, but apparently its not!

I mean, as much as he is liked by most people in comparison to his predecessor, where are the "solid" actions that deserve such an honor? Or was it because of the endless hours spent in academia?

Better yet, maybe that prestige associated with the nobel prize is a joke too! Truly, I had much more respect for that prize before :-<

I also wonder, if this "prestigious" prize is given based on words, I can think of many people whom I personally know to make a difference in this world, whose intentions are sincere and efforts to make this world a better place go unnoticed. If the criteria is that the nominee has to be famous at a universal level - then let's give it to a person like Amitabh Bhachchan - seriously! At least he has pleased millions of people around the world for many many many years, and his efforts to help others are tangible. (I have much respect for this actor, but I am sure there are many others who are very worthy. He just came to mind as an example).

Well - two important lessons to be learnt: whatever you do, do it for yourself first, not for the honor you may receive after; and second: things don't necessarily mean what they seem to be...

I guess to be fair, Obama did seem sincere and humble when talking about it.

In arabic we have a saying "Elli Yeaish Yama Yeshoof"!