Comments on: It’s that itch again

By: A learner of Arabic

A learner of Arabic — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 13:23:08 +0000

Great job, USAID. More power to them.

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By: Chap

Chap — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 23:21:03 +0000

Learner,

USAID has been doing a lot of that recently with their book translation program, but that’s not exactly Top 40 popular. Everything from de Toqueville to the Federalist Papers to Walter Russell Mead’s latest.

They’ve been doing similar work with Sesame Street, too ( http://www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/features/egypt-sesamestreet.html ).

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By: A learner of Arabic

A learner of Arabic — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 22:45:38 +0000

Mahmood, Duoist has a good idea. But let me improve a little on it. You see the problem is that Arabs are frightened of us in the west, because they see us above all as a kind of extraterrestrials with no moral, no culture, no religion, but lots of money and stuff, right? Well, I have always thought the European Union or somebody should start a scheme of translating into Arabic the classical literature of Europe and the West, and I do not mean highbrow writers, but rather the kind of stuff that is about traditional, rural or small-town life. I mean, so that Arabs might understand there historically is a side to Western life they can relate to: farmers, cows, religion, hymns in church – a Western life less threatening than all that modern city stuff, you know. No Jean-Paul Sartre, but rather Alain-Fournier and Marcel Pagnol. Shouldn’t that be something for you? I am positive it would be good for everybody. For Arabs, for the West, for peace.

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By: mahmood

mahmood — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 18:45:16 +0000

tooners, WE look forward to you and better arf joining us in September, and about time too!

Ingrid, I wouldn’t be caught dead having anything to do with Final Cut Crap. Avid all the way babe!

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By: tooners

tooners — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 18:14:57 +0000

PF Changs would be really good! They have great food and I think it would do well here, altho it’s on the upper end money wise and some ppl may not like the prices. Cheesecake Factory is another great one… such variety in their menu! Another good restaurant is Joe’s Crab Shack… I personally love the place, but not sure how that would go over here.

I also agree w/ Anon, SONIC would be fabulous. I love the place and it is perfect for Bahrain for all the reasons they stated.

Ingrid, I will get some info together on Jamba Juice… and Mahmood, here’s to bringing it to the next bloggers gathering…

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By: Ingrid

Ingrid — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 14:08:49 +0000

yes, back to Mahmoud’s specialty; computers. So I second my own motion and say, (again!) Tooners, grab Mahmoud at the next Bahraini bloggers meeting with info re. Jamba Juice, find info on the Apple Store plus (big time important) computer classes that will help Arabic only speaking as well as English speaking Bahrainis. Target your Saudi Customers, especially since it would be much harder for them (as in a saudi business man) to get an outsider to come in (I think anyway) to teach Final Cut Pro. The space does not have to be big, you could probably start up with just classes first to gain a reputation plus they could buy the Apple Computers through you, perhaps? Think of the coffee houses here in North America..they make it so that you don’t necessarily just come in to buy coffee, but it’s a gathering place where people will hook up and have a coffee.. make it a social place..
Ingrid

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By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 14:08:42 +0000

Mahmood, I believe there is one Fast Food Franchise that would do very well in Bahrain considering the Arabic culture. SONIC, It allows the customer to order and have their food while never having to leave their car. I see this all around Bahrain, It’s all brought out to you.
They have great Food, Fast service and a big menu.
Teens and Families would love it.

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By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:33:07 +0000

Bahrain is one big restuarant. Anything with food works so go wild. Franchises are easy but expensive because you’re buying the reputation (give me a Cheesecake Factory anyday). But for something more original then find a niche and target it. Creperie. Chocolate Bar. One thing that’s a differentiator: publishing nutritional information on menus.

…Aren’t we getting off track?

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By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:30:58 +0000

Five Guys burgers in DC and VA ROCK THE HOUSE. PF Changs is another franchise worthy of some serious consideration.

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By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:03:49 +0000

My suggestion is simple: do something you love. Doesn’t matter if it makes tons of money, needs tons of money to make (doubt you qualify for an IPO Mahmood – no offence), as long as it’s something you’re passionate about it. I for instance recently switched jobs from one end of the spectrum to the other but found no satisfaction. Started up my own place (service industry) and it gives me so much satisfaction knowing that it’s something I’m truly passionate about.

You seem like you’re good with photography, or gardening…etc, work your way from there. Rather than doing something so solid, do something fun.

Don’t get me wrong, I still have my current job as it pays the bills and keeps me living comfortably. But now I have a place to be me and show my true colors, rather than being restricted to business rules and regulations. But what really satisfies me is my personal business – an escape to shine

Good luck yo.

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