Egypt Hints and Quirks

Sick Dogs and Quiche

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:20:00 +0000

Our cocker spaniel (Whiskey) started acting very strange other evening. He was pacing, panting, disoriented, confused, and whimpering at times. Much like me after a session at ACE club.

I googled Whiskeys behavior and found he was demonstrating discomfort and pain. Too late for a Vet so decided to take some action and at least try to give some pain relief. But how to administer the pills? Kick in the Quiche.

Evening prior, good wife had made Quiche for evening meal. (To punish me I think). I reminded her "grown men don't eat Quiche". So there was lots left over. But dog loved the "stuff". So sticking pills into Quiche was easy and voile dog was medicated.

Back to Whiskey's condition. I medicated him with some Ibrufen for pain and antibiotic. He settled down a bit. Later he had big "poop" and had diarrhea. So, thinking of times this happened to me, fed him a drotazide anti bacterial/anti spasmodic treatment. Yup, the Quiche worked great again.

Wonders upon wonder, dog sleep quietly rest of night and in morning was completely normal. However, I was still thinking about the Quiche. He was eating this under table from me evening before. Could the quiche have made him sick in first place?

Took Whiskey to vet for check up and all was fine. Not sure he was impressed with "me doctor" approach.

My moral to this story is - keep quiche in house in case dog gets sick! Only thing it's good for.

Have a good day.

Ayn Sukhna Road through mountain area??

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:25:00 +0000

The new toll road is great and from Zafrana is now even better with speed limit raised to 110 km/hr. Nevertheless this mountain section, with all trucks, narrow 2 lane road, is a nightmare.

I tired to contact Al Masry Al Youm newspaper but they are struggling with web site no way to contact or even leave comment.

So, does any reader have any clue what big road plan might be? Certainly should be on top on mountains to bypass this area and leave as secondary road, albeit widened.

All of us living here would like to know so please leave comment or send email. I failed miserably in my google searches to find any mention by government or others. Maybe a secret due to property development plans but sure the secret is out.

Please let us know, if you have info.

Timeless Wisdom -

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:12:00 +0000

Guess you as reader are bored - so read on - so much of following hits home and true. I coined one that is repeated in on occasions, but not in Plato's circle

"time will be mistress of success".

Sure you have seen this before but worth a repeat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry about font but is copy paste

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
1) Growing up is mandatory; growing old is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:

1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus.

SUCCESS:

At age 4 success is . . not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . having friends.
At age 16 success is . . having a drivers license.
At age 35 success is . . having money.
At age 50 success is . . having money.
At age 70 success is . . having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . having friends.
At age 80 success is .. not peeing in your pants.

Pass this on to someone who could use a laugh.

Always remember to forget the troubles that pass your way; BUT NEVER forget the blessings that come each day.
Have a wonderful day with many *smiles*

Cairo Black Cloud is Back Again

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:07:00 +0000

For over a decade the annual black cloud is back at same time and duration each year. That cough you have at now, not likely from flu.

From Global Post see this video

Also, thanks to fellow blogger, Kim at Whazzup Egypt for posting this BBC report at this link

Egypt Telecom - epay is working!!!!

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:11:00 +0000

Not sure how many expatriates, or even Egyptians, know you can check your telephone bill online, and even have them send you an email to remind when payments are due? Checking your bills online has been around for sometime, but the epay function only worked yesterday for me. Thought useful to pass on the information.

Egypt telecom billing site at this link and click on English Version.

I tried to pay bills from 3 numbers at once with the "add invoice" function, but in end found it not working so paid all three numbers individually. You need a local visa or master card. Sure beat the hell out of going to Telecom office, trying to park, and stand in line to pay cash. Hope the hell it keeps working.

The telephone bills are paid every 3 months, and international calls are billed monthly. If you sign up for their newsletter they will send you email letting you know when bills are due.

Egypt - Be Ready For Traveler’s Stomach Problems (update)

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:16:00 +0000

We refer to this problem as "Pharaoh's Revenge".
I have lived in Cairo Egypt for many years, and apart from a few problems when I arrived, I cannot remember any stomach, cramp problems in recent times. Nor do other resident persons as the topic rarely comes up. BUT, tourists and Newbies can experience some pretty bad problems that can ruin their vacation, or initial time here after arrival.

Thanks to David L................. And below David's is Charle"s............. both real life experiences to explain their problems and successful treatments

David L said...: Just got back after 10 days in Dahab...had the 'Nile Piles' for about 3 days - as with the other comments posted, Immodium and Diaracalm (Boots' own brand) didn't touch it.

A local Pharmacist (Masbat area - on the corner where the taxis pick up/drop off) gave me Drotazide (1 tablet, 3 times a day) to kill the bacteria and Streptoquin (2 tablets as required) to stop the diarrhea. Within a few hours I was much, much better and got back to normal within about 24 hours.

My advice is don't waste money on over-priced UK products....a local problem will invariably have a local cure, which will be much, much more effective than the drugs we get here and far cheaper (both drugs cost £E35 - about 4 quid!).

As for food/drink:

• no ice in drinks
• no ice-cream unless it's in a wrapper
• no fruit unless it's in a wrapper (e.g. banana, lemon etc.)
• no salads, especially at the wadis as they certainly won't be washed in clean water
• beware flatbreads...these are often undercooked and 'doughy' and may not have been cooked long enough to kill any bacteria
• don't let a 5 star hotel give you a false sense of security...a few times they tried to serve me water in bottles with already broken seals and drinks with ice in, and also served a raw lamb kebab in their a la carte restaurant
• check the bottled waters for broken seals

ABOVE ALL ELSE TRUST YOUR SENSES!
Out sense of taste and smell have evolved over thousands of years to warn us off ingesting something which is 'bad'. If it doesn't smell, taste and even look right, send it away or leave it well alone

General hygiene:
The money is dirty, old and an easy way to kop a bug. DO take out from the UK with you antibacterial hand-gels and wipes and whenever handling money, and get into the practice of using these right away...it'll soon become second-nature.

Carry loo roll with you too. You'll do well to find a decent toilet, let alone one with any paper and a flush. Most are just holes in the ground.

All of that said, it's a wonderful country and having dived and snorkelled at some fantastic locations it's more than worth the effort!; September 23, 2009 12:59 PM

Charles said ...........................

Just returned from a two week trip to Cairo and to areas North in the Nile Delta.

My friend has lived in Cairo for nearly a year and spoke pretty good Arabic. He has gotten sick (dia) a couple of times and tried different things to get over it.

I have traveled internationally from the U.S. to Turkey, Philippines and other places. Usually getting sick (dia) on every trip so had tried different remedies myself.

My friend in Egypt's father and brother are doctors in the U.S. and when the Egyptians had him try Streptoquin they checked it out and told him to use it.

After two days of sickness I tried it and it worked VERY well for me. The best recovery I have had on any trip where encountering the same type of issues.

One should certainly discuss with doctors at home about use of it and take necessary precautions, reading warnings, try less powerful stuff first, etc. but I can attest it worked well for me.

I just wanted to post that info since it seams many other web postings say nonsense like "nasty antibiotic", "doesn't work against dia", "banned" etc. While providing no real info or details of who should or should not take it.

Nearly all medicines are banned somewhere, have side effects and won't work for some people.

September 28, 2009 3:37 PM

As late entry - my daughter is in Scotland - July 2008 - and told me she came down with cramps and stomach problem after a day out at festival and junk food. So........ the bugs are different everywhere!!!!!

Note: if diarrhea persists when you get home, see a doctor for tests and treatment quick as you can, as you can expect you picked up a nasty bug. The normal bug should only last a few days.

Medical Care in Cairo, Maadi(update) - one man's opinion

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:16:00 +0000

Having recently got sick with very bad chest infection, and still recovering, prompted me to write a bit about health care here in Maadi. Maybe useful for people planning to relocate to Egypt, or newbies. Also see post by Lulu's Bay blog, which really captures the medical aura in fun way. See this link to post.

I personally have been pleased with the health care providers here, but one should be a bit choosy. Two of my friends can also vouch for the health care, as both their lives were saved with hospital emergency room interventions. One from heart attack and second from internal hemorrhaging.

In early days there was a standard joke - "if you needed 2 opinions you could go to same doctor on two different occasions and get the two opinions". The underlying moral was doctors didn't keep patient records. This has changed now, at least at doctors / clinic we chose to attend.

Here in Egypt, Doctors normally have a day job and run their private practice in evenings usually starting in evening around 7 pm. However there are now some clinics that you can attend to in afternoon starting around 12 to 3 pm. Then again the doctors will be available from about 6 pm onwards. The clinic we use is Ghaly Medical Group and clinic opens at 9 am. (see details at bottom of this post). Dr Ghaly is the main resident doctor and a wide range of specialists attend in evening times. This brings up one difference between what I was used to in Canada an here. To see a specialist you needed to be referred by a GP. No so here you can go directly if you know one. Clinic is located in New Maadi per details at bottom of this post. Clinic charges change, but at time of writing a visit cost 200 LE, and what some people do not know, is if doctor says he wants to see you again to monitor improvement, then second visit should not incur additional fee.

Who you use as primary health care provider is a personal choice, and no doubt strongly influenced by your companies recommendations, and friends. And, as there are other clinics, and favorite medical practitioners, and I encourage anyone having good experience to put the information available in comments. I will then include such comments in main body of this post.

I must admit I feel the doctors over medicate and it seems not unusual to get a prescription for a bag full of different drugs. And this brings up another point. You do not need a doctors prescription to buy drugs at a pharmacy, so if you want to self medicate go for it. And, honestly, for simple health issues, the pharmacist will know what is working and recommend. Also if you require injections (E.g. Vitamin B) the pharmacist will perform this for you. All decent pharmacies will deliver and there is one I use that is open 24 hours and delivers, located across from north entrance to Grand Mall. Europe Pharmacy is the name and phone is 519 5688. The pharmacy use the most is ALAA at N0. 20 87 street, Sakanet, Maadi ph 23782710 because I know the pharmacists personally with good advice for many years and they are close and also deliver.

We have only had to have medical treatment in hospital once and that was for appendicitis for my oldest daughter (she was 12 at time). Ghaly's Medical group surgeon arranged for all. We just went to Al Salam hospital in morning and went directly to assigned room. No check in paper work or anything. All went very well and we paid hospital etc. by 2 pm and left for home. The whole cost was about 3000 LE but that was a few years back.

This brings up the subject of medical insurance. Larger companies provide such insurance to their employees, but those working here on contracts through local agents, would not normally have insurance provided. As is case with us. I did carry insurance for awhile through BUPA (think this is best known insurance provider here) but the cost I found exorbitant in relationship to what the health care costs are here. For what insurance people wanted, I could have heart surgery once per year and have change left over.

With respect to specialist MRI, X-ray's etc, you can visit Nile Scan conveniently located in Maadi on Rd 9 (plus other centers in Cairo - check egypt yellow pages). Mention you are a resident and also be aware, if you request at additional cost, consultant diagnostics from specialists at Harvard, John Hopkins or University Hospitals of Cleveland. Al Salam hospital is another option but parking is a nightmare.

Another snippet has to do with laser eye treatments. I know of several Egyptians had this done and also several expatriates who were commuting working 28/28. Price they said was less than half of what it costs in their European home countries and they all were very pleased with results.

With respect to other medical services. Who you use as primary health care provider is a personal choice, and no doubt strongly influenced by your companies recommendations, and friends. And, as there are other clinics, and favorite medical practitioners, and I encourage anyone having good experience to put the information available in comments.

I must admit I feel the doctors over medicate and it seems not unusual to get a prescription for a bag full of different drugs. And this brings up another point. You do not need a doctors prescription to buy drugs at a pharmacy, so if you want to self medicate go for it. And, honestly, for simple health issues, the pharmacist will know what is working and recommend. Also if you require injections (E.g. Vitamin B) the pharmacist will perform this for you. All decent pharmacies will deliver and there is one I use that is open 24 hours and delivers, located across from north entrance to Grand Mall. Europe Pharmacy is the name and phone is 519 5688. The pharmacy use the most is ALAA at N0. 20 87 street, Sakanet, Maadi ph 23782710 because I know the pharmacists personally with good advice for many years and they are close and also deliver.

We have only had to have medical treatment in hospital once and that was for appendicitis for my oldest daughter (she was 12 at time). Ghaly's Medical group surgeon arranged for all. We just went to Al Salam hospital in morning and went directly to assigned room. No check in paper work or anything. All went very well and we paid hospital etc. by 2 pm and left for home. The whole cost was about 3000 LE but that was a few years back.

This brings up the subject of medical insurance. Larger companies provide such insurance to their employees, but those working here on contracts through local agents, would not normally have insurance provided. As is case with us. I did carry insurance for awhile through BUPA (think this is best known insurance provider here) but the cost I found exorbitant in relationship to what the health care costs are here. For what insurance people wanted, I could have heart surgery once per year and have change left over.

With respect to specialist MRI, X-ray's etc, you can visit Nile Scan conveniently located in Maadi on Rd 9 (plus other centers in Cairo - check Egypt yellow pages). Mention you are a resident and also be aware, if you request at additional cost, consultant diagnostics from specialists at Harvard, John Hopkins or University Hospitals of Cleveland. Al Salam hospital is another choice but be aware parking is a nightare.

Another snippet has to do with laser eye treatments. I know of several Egyptians had this done and also several expatriates who were commuting working 28/28. Price they said was less than half of what it costs in their European home countries and they all were very pleased with results.

With respect to other medical services. There is no shortage of dentists, ophthalmologists and many other specialties. Word of mouth for recommendations is good. If anyone wants to know who we use please email me.
entists, ophthalmologists and many other specialties. Word of mouth for recommendations is good. If anyone wants to know who we use please email me.

To enlarge below double click on image

Cairo Taxi's - Clunker versus New

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:40:00 +0000

Some month's back it was reported Government would no longer license taxi's 20 years old. Deal was car owner should turn in clunkers and get a loan for new taxi.

Few months ago the new checker taxi's started to be seen, and now the numbers have grown. And seems they have choices of what car they wish.

Following is a real life experience:

"I noticed you haven't mentioned the new taxis on your blog, or if you have I couldn't find anything.

I just wanted to say that during Ramadan I took one from Tahrir Sq to Rd 9 in Maadi. The driver switched the meter on immediately I got in and switched on the a/c when asked to. The total cost for the trip, with receipt, was 17.25 LE, amazing, much better than the old B&W ones asking 40 or 50 LE for the same trip.
I took another one today, again from Tahrir but to New Maadi this time, it was 25 LE with the same level of service. "

Regards
S...........

Maybe a third choice - how much is donkey taxi?

H1N1 Flu and Egypt Schools

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:39:00 +0000

Everyone in Egypt understands the H1N1 Flu threat, and the effect of possible contagion in environments of closer contact, like schools. Ever seen local buses, metro, coffee shops in action. Also bear in mind this time of year is also the season for ordinary flu.

Nevertheless, schools have a population of children, so need to be assessed on their own merit.

The quandary in Egypt is the attempt to administer on a level playing field when you have different systems.

Private International Schools for Non- Profit (40,000 plus LE per year) come under jurisdiction of Minister of Social Affairs (maybe name has changed lately)
Public (40 LE per year fees) and Private International Schools (40,000 plus LE) - Minister of Education.

Obviously, the public schools are not funded adequately to have a preparedness plan for H1N1. However, good faith decisions made by Ministers, based on the lacking contagion control in Public Schools is also applied to Private Schools where the contagion identification and controls are in place. Already rumors abound of school closures beyond Oct 3rd.

Makes me wonder if Government agencies could not develop protocols for schools to implement, and setup periodic inspections. If the protocols are found in place, the school could be allowed to function.

Please read this newspaper article describing the difficulties of the public schools to try to have a contagion plan. The article is from Al Masry Al Youm and sometimes doesn't work at night when they are uploading new articles. If so, try again later.

How to get rid of "Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) Annoying Popup (For XP)

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 10:17:00 +0000

I bought desktop, a few years back, and it had Windows XP Pro installed. Last week an annoying nagging pop-up "saying my copy of XP" was illegitimate. So did some searching. In short, MS had blacklisted my serial number. This has happened to others that bought notebooks with XP installed as "genuine" with stickers on the machine, then some months later they black list the serial number.

If this happens to you don't panic - you can get rid of it. but first read below excerpts from this article.

"Once the WGA Notification tool has checked your OS and has confirmed you had a legit copy, there is no decent point or reason to check it again and again every boot. Moreover, connecting to Microsoft brings security issue for corporate networks, and privacy issues for everyone. It is also unclear which information are transmitted (Microsoft published an official answer, but an individual study brought some questions). All of that, along the fact that Microsoft used deceptive ways to make you install this tool (it was told you it was an urgent security update, whereas it is a new installation giving you no extra security) makes me calling this tool a spyware. "

This sypware tool is uploaded to your computer disguised as a critical security update.

How to remove:

Create a system restore point- just in case you make a mistake.

Some recommend to do following from safe mode, but I did not and no problem.
From Start-Run type regedit.exe and search for wgalogon folder and delete it.To search, go to Edit tab, then click find and then type wgalogon. It will find folder then Delete folder. Or search for folder HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify
Delete the folder ‘WgaLogon’ and all its contents
In your windows directory search for files wga* and delete them. Just go to start-> search->files and folders type wga* - delete all files found.
Reboot computer - WGA is gone.
Now to make sure you don't get it back, turn off windows automatic update from control panel. Better you manually get updates, and be sure this WGA one does not get selected to download. From time to time you can go to Automatic updates but select "notify me but do not download". The uncheck the "Windows Advantage Notification" and any others you do not want. I also uncheck updates for Windows XP security updates as not sure what these are and can live without it. Then I go and turn automatic updates off again or the update icon will keep nagging you.

Also you may have a WPA problem -Windows Product Activation.

To check go to start run and type oobe/msoobe /a This will tell you if XP is activated or not. If not you need to get this done. you need a patch, or crack. Be wary of crack sites as they are famous for Trojans and maleware - maybe even a virus or 2. One patch that works - at least for me on another computer can be found as a file at this torrent site . If you only want the patch make sure only WPA-Kill is checked, however this version of XP is excellent. Follow instructions and run only from Safe mode. Once in Safe Mode - open WPA-kill folder and run WPA.exe. Your anti-virus program will likely give you a threat alert. Make an exception. It is a clean crack as I have run it.

Better yet, download Ubuntu Linux and have fun learning how to use this OS - all free including all programs. I have Ubuntu installed beside Windows XP as trying to wean kids off Microsoft.

Mobile Phones - why no universal charging plug?

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:43:00 +0000

EU major companies have signed agreement to have micro-usb charging port as standard by 2012. But that is future - and I class that as "for sure, maybe"

We have all been out and about, and damn mobile phone battery is dead. No one with you with has same phone charger plug, even if they brought their charger with them. However, if in public place maybe you will find a free charger station -

One company, RABBIT Group, headed by Steve Roberts, is setting up to help the public with automatic charging machines, set up in malls, clubs, and maybe even the more popular restaurants. You can charge your phone free. Yesterday, he set one up in ACE Club for the members use. It could charge several phones at once, and has multiple port selectors for each phone. As there are over 30 different ports for mobiles, it could be you will not find yours, but for more popular models the different ports are there. Here is pic of one set-up in ACE.
Or you might see this free standing one in mall

OK what is the gimmick, as nothing in life is free. Well, it is simple. Steve sells advertising that shows on the screen so you have something to watch when waiting for your phone to charge - at least enough to keep you going. So, if you wish to advertise this seems to be a very innovative approach.

Here is RABBIT group contact card. Steve could send you a presentation and you can contact him rabbitgroup@gmail.com

With over 30 different types of charger available for mobile phones throughout the EU, according to the BBC, the adoption of the micro USB port, is set to create a precedent unlike any before. This could well roll out to laptops, netbooks and other devices. However still nothing through for north America yet.

This is a photo of a micro - usb charging port, amongst few others for comparison.

Cloud Computing - Ever Heard of It????

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:45:00 +0000

If you want to be confused see this wiki.

I found over 60 Cloud definitions on Google. BTW, some companies have already started to market this concept and few companies are using.

Early days, but all things have to start somewhere. My feeling is "baby start" Unbuntu Linux" and it has hit the starting blocks. Also Amazon ( who up to now set the EC2 standard). Well - really I have no idea what all this about but I will learn.

Cloud by someones idea - we are at net 2.0 confusing!

I found one explanation that made sense to me. "Electricity started as a innovation (idea), then the light bulb, then came the small generators and distribution systems (New York was one of first?), Then large power plants all tied together in grids, and here we are about 50 years later and we expect electricity and pay a small utility charge for what we use.

So, it seems this will be the path of Cloud Computing. (maybe a different name if future). Nothing will stop this and we will see companies (first) and individuals (later) as using this technology as a utility - like electricity today.

Individuals will have a terminal at home, with small access program to login to the cloud (with their credit card): The operating system, all software, and storage you need will be in the cloud.

You will pay, like a utility, for time and resources used.

Maybe this cartoon explains it the best.

Anyway - my thoughts, and maybe of interest to others.

Egypt ISP - where is Soficom ADSL provider gone?

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 07:43:00 +0000

Friend (see comments section with his story still on going) had ADSL connection through Soficom and one day the connection did not work - and next day and so on. Went to their office in Digla and except for a notice written in Arabic, office was no longer working. Heard a rumor they were bought out by someone. Here is the kicker. To change providers you need a cancellation notice from ISP you were using. Catch 22 - how do you get a cancellation notice from a company not existing. Maybe company went down the pipe as Etisalat is buying up the ISP business. Etisalat Misr acquired 2 Internet companies “Nile Online” & “Egynet”.(reported Oct 2008)

Update: Friend told me after more days suddenly ADSL was working again. Here is kicker - his account is a few weeks overdue for payment but he has no idea who to pay. Bet he will be contacted soon - so we will see.

Anyone has information about Soficom, or how to handle this problem, please leave a comment.

How numerals 0 - 9 got their shape - Interesting

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:41:00 +0000

Do you know why numbers look like they do? Someone, at some point in time, had to create their shapes and meaning.

Watch this short presentation and then you will know how our Arabic numbers were originally created a very long time ago and what logic the people that created them used to determine their shapes. It is really very simple and quite creative? You have to admire the intelligence of a person that created something so simple and perfect that it has lasted for thousands and thousands of years and will probably never change?

When the presentation gets to the number "seven" you will notice that the 7 has a line through the middle of it. That was the way the Arabic 7 was originally written, and in Europe and certain other areas they still write the 7 that way. Also, in the military, they commonly write it that way.
The nine has a kind of curly tail on it that has been reduced, for the most part nowadays, to a simple curve, but the logic involved still applies.

Best Windows Freeware Programs I Use (update)

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Further to my long winded post about downloading movies using torrents, thought a post as to Freeware software (forever free not trials) might be useful to some.

Here are some free programs I use that are as good, or better than, commercial ones available. Readers may know other programs and if so please leave a comment for the good of all.

(Newest)
Setting and Using a Virtual Drive - If you download software torrents, the best versions will come as a ISO file (Maybe Bin/Cue etc.). Usually you would burn these to a CD, or DVD disk, so they can autolaunch for installation. For instance, you may wish to have a spare copy of Windows XP pro and you download an ISO file. It is designed to boot from the CD drive when you start computer. However, maybe you don't have a CD or DVD disk available and want to install MS Office 2007 you downloaded from a torrent site. You can use a "Virtual Drive" that fools computer to thinking it is another Disk Drive. The best and easiest I have found is from Slysoft at his link. It is freeware. Just install in normal way and follow any instructions (the default is OK so you can just install directly). It will put an icon in tray and also on desktop. Now point to the iso file and right click and choose "mount". Program will mount the software and run it so you can install the software. Good luck. PS if you don't want it loading all the time at start-up you can disable "start at boot" using msconfig from run command or using autorun feature from RevoUnistaller (a highly recommended program I discussed before) below. (Search my blog to find easily or use ctrl F to search text in this post).
(New)
Using gmail and don't like small default font or, simply tired of default fonts in firefox. You can change in firefox. Go to tools->options->content tab->fonts and colors section->uncheck box "allow pages to chose their own fonts instead of mine above:->Chose your font and size-> click OK then chose color. You've done it.
(New)
To insert characters like € ™ © £ ƒ » etc try this neat little keyboard enhancer program found at easytype. It defaults to using AltGr key which is on right side of your space bar but you can right click on quickstart icon, go to options, and change that. To see all options click AltGr F1 to see all selections as below. ( click to enlarge). Beats hell out using windows character map. Thanks to Michael Dahmen for passing this on (see his ad on right panel for websites)

Notebook, or Laptop will not connect to wireless internet? This happened to me eons ago, and recently to a friend with new laptops. Do the simple thing first - check the connectivety switch is enabled. You will find it on keyboard face, or on side or front, but not likely on bottom. Different locations for various models. Don't feel to strange if this happens to you as the switch can be turned off by mistake in normal handling. Read the user manual if you have one. Below are pics of a few examples.

All who use Windows usually get involved with disk and system optimization programs. Like cleaning out junk files, optimizing registry, defragmenting HDD etc. (Users of other OS's like Ubuntu Linux aren't bothered by all this stuff). Anyway, before I mentioned excellent programs like Ccleaner, Smartdefrag. Now I have tested, and like most of a new packaged program from Iobit (well known developer) called Advanced System Care and can be found at this link. As with all programs that mess with registries etc. always make a system restore point first, and also this software provides an option to restore most functions. Check the setting tab before launching different elements - for instance I clean cookies myself so I leave this out and I don't want my surfing history destroyed I like to keep my cache). Give the program a try and the free version does all, and more, that a private user requires. I really like the software. Again, all programs like these must be used intelligently.

I am no website guru, and find programs like dreamweaver too complicated, and would never consider to purchase. There are lots of other progams around, like coffeecup, but for fun I like to check open source programs from time to time, and found this really good program (free), even I can use, at this CNET link called Nvu (New View). A great free FTP agent to upload your website is Filezilla found here. If you are creating a website, or want one created, plus arrange hosting, all at very reasonable cost, contact Michael Dahmen (see ad on side bar or click here). He did my daughters website and online shop, and we are delighted with it all, plus all the support service. Have a look at Nature's Solutions Website

My daughter received a file full of pictures in PDF format. But website uploads only allows jpeg, tiff and giff. She was in a bind so told her to open PDF file (she has Adobe Professional - who doesn't) and go to Advanced Tab then Export all images, then choose what picture type you want and Voila your there. Remember what directory your saving to.

Trying to install XP and get error message "cannot find hard disk".

The problem that people keep running into left and right is getting to the point where XP starts to install and getting the message "Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed in your computer". This error happens because your new computer has a storage controller that isn't supported natively in XP, usually an SATA (Serial ATA) controller.

This happened to a friend and after searching net found the following fix:

enter BIOS, alter BIOS options, including disabling AHCI, enable ATA.
Reboot & install operating system -

My old tired eyes from the glaring white on the screen (i.e. too much contrast). found a quick fix I really like. For XP start->control panel->Display-> Appearance -> and change to settings below in picture. It is a subtle change but much easier on my old eyes.

Ever had internet explorer(outlook) shut you down with seemingly hundreds of popups when you click on an email link at any website? This happens if using gmail with firefox. So to avoid this download gmail notifier, andinstall. The right click on icon in yur tray and click "make gmail default and also chose fire fox as default browser.

Windows desk top improved so you can organize the way you want and not search around so much. - use fences

A friend has a Sony Vaio and told me he only has a few more chances to see DVD's from different regions. (i.e. USA and Europe). I can't believe Sony did this but apparently saw error of their ways so newer models will have different firmware for drives. But for now suggested he update his DVD drivers first using DriverMax (see down in this post or search blog) Then download http://www.free-codecs.com/download/DVD_Region_CSS_Free.htm and give this a try to make your DVD area free as he now has RPC2 region protection on it.

Ever needed to re-install windows? The biggest problem is re-installing your drivers. This program called drivermax is a great tool to find-update-export and reinstall all your drivers.

Browsers - Microsoft Internet Explorer is still used by most as it comes packaged with Windows and people don't realize there is, in my advanced user opinion, a better browser called Mozila Fire Fox. If using IE7 and worried about losing favourites with Fire Fox - don't worry. Simply go to files import and it will auto import all your stuff from IE7. There is also a version for Linux available within the open software packages that come with Synaptic packages that come as part of software like Ubuntu.

Remove installed software programs and all the registry etc trash left behind. Windows add/remove program leaves lots of crap on your hard disk and also in the registry when removing programs - especially kids games. I use Revo Uninstaller at this download site

To clean up your hard drive and registry I use Ccleaner (originally called "crap cleaner") found at this download site

Deframenting your hard drive is a good utility to use from time to time. I use Smart Defrag which has an auto feature found at this download site. Note option to simply defrag or defrag and optimize - I use later manually from time to time.

If you need to send large files free less than 100 mb (who would send a file bigger than that?) go to yousendit and off you go. When you send email from site receiver receives email with a link to download. So easy!!!! If you want experiment with other sites go to Pando - have fun but warn your receivers with slow Internet it is same as downloading music or movie.

For firewall AVG gets my vote, to degree I paid for the suite but the free version is awesome and does the job at this download site

A free adware malware scan and removal program Malwarebytes (this free program found a malicious A360 malware on my computer that AVG and few others missed) found at this download site also you can try spybot Search and Destroy but seem more complicated

Screen Capture - the best program I have used is Faststone but they went commercial. But I found the link to the freeware version here. You can even capture scrolling windows, edit add text etc.

Photo Editors: Who needs confusing Adobe Photoshop for basic editing? Here are a few freeware programs. For basic editing my children use Picnik - no download as works online. This really a great powerful program and simple. For those working in companies that don't allow you to download programs you can still use this on as if works from their server with not download. One item I love is resizing photos which is very handy for websites. And a real nice extra feature is the firefox plugin found at this link. A friend uses Photoscape which can do more and of course gets bit more complicated. Can even do animated GIF's. Of course you always have Google Picassa which I find is a must as puts all your photos in one file, but only really basic editing. New one found is GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program which is a fullbodied photo editor as open source program that was originally developed by the public for use with Linux but have now added for Windows users.

Connecting to your computer remotely from any other computer connected to Internet (you home computer must be on) is nicely done with program called logmein at this site. I use this to connect to my daughters computer at her work in different country so I can help her. All she had to do was download program, put n her email address as user name and 2 passwords which she told me what they are. Is big help to her. The pro version costs about $13 per month but for businesses would be a good investment with all the file transfer, mini meeting etc features, but likely out of pay range for small personal use. there is also a free version good only to connect to your computer remotely (or you give log in data to a trusted friend) at this download site. The difference is you cannot copy files between computers or invite others to join you on your computer.

Before you purchase Windows office 2007, or similar for few hundred dollars, be sure to check out openoffice, a free open source program, that does as much as you need, and more, and even has a few slick options I like better than Bill Gate's expensive Office program. And you can interchange with MS Windows as well. Read details at this link and download here and give it a whirl. Available as Windows and Linux, and in so many languages: downloads site here.

Try Ubuntu Linux Operating System instead Windows. To learn how you can set up a dual boot with your windows OS to play with it. Actually with Ubuntu you can create a live disk to check out main features without changing anything. It is a bit of learning curve but that is the in of it all. Go to Ubuntu site for information, take the tour, and downloads to first create a live disk and if you go ahead and install a dual boot read carefully how the program will partition your disk, or better I think to do it manually with the Ubuntu disk. The forum is excellent for additional help and advice. I love it and can do fun thinks with desk top like rotate the cube to have 4 different work space desktops. Put fire on it and have effect like water dripping on desktop - for fun. Also with Ubuntu Linux you do worry about firewalls, defrag, adware a few other things that bother windows.

Are you paranoid at times and wish to surf, blog or whatever, and like to be anonymous then try the TOR net work. See the TOR site to read about it and how to install, and use. If you decide to give it a try also install the firefox add-on (if you do not use firefox maybe not so good to use) so you can switch TOR on and off as you wish. A few downsides -1) It will slow your surfing and downloads somewhat but that is the price you pay for a very good level of anonymity. 2) It can be a bit difficult to uninstall if you wish to do so. Upside is it was developed by open source people and free for use forever. You can, of course, with all such programs make a donation if you like. Which I have done if after 1 year I still use and like a program and found nothing better.

Backup Files - I have tried all sorts of backup schemes using CD's, external hard drives, etc but learned a valuable lesson when my hard drive crashed and after installing a new Hard drive the backup did not work and lost many sensitive files. Also consider a fire that destroys your computer and backup if kept in same room/building. Since then I use a system that is not free but so cheap it does not bother at all. I use a server automatic backup system from which I can access my important files from any computer and reinstall on a new HD anytime.
The system is Data Deposit Box at this link. How I have it set up is I created a folder on my HD called DATA STORAGE and I keep all sensitive and important files in this directory in various sub folders. Items like copies of personal papers (passports, marriage papers, birth certificates etc all scanned), my children's school records since day 1, copies of all finances, copies of all treasured family photos. The data deposit box software automatically backs up everything in these folders with a mirror image - always up to date. I store 1.12 Gigabyte of data and my bill last month was $2.27. To me that kind of monthly charge is peanuts for the security I get. I have used it now for 3 years without a hitch and have tested it on remote computers several times. You need a credit card to use this service. I actually use my Egypt bank master card and receive an invoice direct from Data Deposit box each month advising of charge details.

Ever had a problem with a "drivers" for printers, mother board, sound card, graphics card etc.? Well if you could know the manufacturer's name and model number of component you can usually go to manufacturer's web site, find and download the driver. Only program I have found that does this is a free on called PC Wizard 2008 found at this download site

A desktop calculator comes in very useful and the best one i have used for years is Calc98 scientific one so easy to use a this link. Also a unit conversion desktop program Have also used for years as best I could find is here called convert for windows.

Need to find out what your computers IP address, Mac address, computer name, Internet gateway etc.? You do this easily yourself (Windows X). Go to start then click Run. Type cmd A new prompt will come up so then type ipconfig /all

Hope this was useful to some?

Whazzup Egypt !!!: Pickpocketing scheme

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:31:00 +0000

Whazzup Egypt !!!: Pickpocketing scheme

ACE Club does it again

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 23:49:00 +0000

ACE club (Association of Cairo Expatriates) has continued to improve services under the direction of the Commitee and New Club Manager "Flemming"

Drinks reduced from 12 LE to 10 LE

Snack & Meal menu available plus special days as below.

Thursday & Saturday – Shawarma.

Wednesday & Sunday – Pizza.

Every 2nd Thursday – Barbecue.

Friday from 12 noon - Carvery (roast beef - Yummmmmmmmmy- and now turkey (no pork available lately)

New misting spray system on patio to help cool those that prefer to imbibe outdoors

For other details see website

For new members, come for a visit, then check application forms at front desk. Click on map to enlarge. Not sure how many memberships are available. (Google maps captured and text added by Faststone -free program).

Getting connected - I mean Internet not dating-update

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Connecting to internet is much easier now in Egypt, but still long ways from world class standard. Nowadays just contact the provider, tell him the phone number of land line, (you do not need landlords permission), type of deal you want, and in about 2 weeks it should be working. If you need help setting up router (you can rent or buy from ISP provider or buy your own). I use a company called Arkanet (email hussam.fawzy@arkan.com.eg ) as they provide me good service (Clas B procider for Tedat) and I can pay bill on line. Or deal directly with tedata, or any others.

Quirks and Hints

If tourist, or resident on the run, here is a hotspot site that lists a few hundred cafe's and other locations where you can connect. Likely the site listing is not complete, but is a good reference for a start. In short, the larger chains of coffee shops etc. have hotspots, e.g. Cilantro, Beano's, Chilis, and many more. Finding a place to sit down, have a drink and connect, should be pretty easy anywhere in popular sites of Cairo, and other larger centers. The tourist areas should also not be a problem, and think all good hotels will have wifi access.

If planning to be a newbie resident, some things to consider.

1) On the bright side, maybe some person renting before you may have already done the leg work, and grief, and had the hardware for ADSL installed then it is fairly straight forward - or maybe not.

2) More normally and regardless of anything else, the property must have a working land line, preferably with international line access. If not, do not accept any promises from landlord or agent, reject the place and move on. Update - also beware some working lines have fiber optic connection and ADSL cannot be connected. Do'nt ask me why not as I do not know. Be sure and check directly with ADSL provider first if a new rental and ADSL is really important to you.

3) If you are single and traveling alot, you may wish to consider using a potable modem and get a line for internet from mobile telephone providers as Vodafone (3G) (little box for home wireless, or USB for travelling), or Etisalat 3.5G or Mobinil. You will no doubt have a mobile phone in Egypt so you can get the portable USB modem as well. You need a land line number to get this service, for reasons beyond my comprehension. (Rules change all the time but be prepared for this question). Getting set up with mobil phone providers is easy, and quicker, but speeds are slower and usually more expensive than ADSL. Update - for details of 3G service providers packages check this great blog.

4) ADSL and getting connected. First, a bit of information below from Wikipedia. See full article here LINK

"In April 2008 ADSL2+ was introduced in Egypt at speeds up to 24mbit, now most ISPs capped all the unlimited ADSL offering to a quota between 100GB and 150GB per month calling it a Fair Usage Policy, all speeds from 256k/64k up to 24mbit are capped to up to 150gb per month, ISPs stated that the 150GB quota was huge and users can download up to 60 large movies, 10000 large songs, browse endlessly and send up to 2 million emails a month, most users are divided upon this capping especially those who are heavy P2P users, going above the monthly quota would result in throttling speed of 64kbit/s for the rest of the month.

Most ISPs even though capping to 100-150GB a month still claim the offers as Unlimited, also nobody had any idea about the Fair Usage Policy, the ISP's websites got the FUP in English and placed in hard-to-navigate places plus most of the technical support and representatives are denying that any FUP is in place when it's in fact otherwise possibly in fear of customers cancelling their subscription at the thought of being capped, unfortunately there isn't much honesty to be found in any ISP in Egypt, the service however has improved dramatically as of late in terms of performance during the whole 2007 till now (April 2008).

There are numerous (220 according to regulatory authority numbers) ISP's in Egypt offering ADSL service although only four companies own the infrastructure and they are called class A ISP's (Egynet, Link.net, TE Data, and NOL) which sell to class B ISP's which are 8 major companies which furthermore sells to the rest of the 208 ISP. It is worth mentioning that broadband Internet in Egypt for the home user is still at a very poor level of service mainly due to the communication infrastructure and poorly connected phone lines. (As a update note: if you wish to connect to ADSL, living in Maadi/Digla area you can use Mahmoud Abdellah phone 0112647110. Mahmoud is independent IT fellow, and great guy I know and respect personally, and he can take the pain out of getting connected to TEDATA, whom I use and lately no problems and about 0.1% downtime.

The point here is why consider to deal with any company other than the class A providers as listed above in bold.

OK now the question which one to try?

On the forum-

Nile on Line (NOL) seems to be getting hot raves now. NOL I think web site sucks and no real info.

Tedata seems to have gone to pits but some users still OK and support it Tedata Good web site and you can see the prices for various packages on over and they admit they support Fair Use Policy but do not state cap!

Link.net - general consensus sucks

Strangely - no geeks comment about Egynet so why bother.

Egypt Internet History

I've been here long enough to have experienced all the quirks of internet connections since time it was introduced. A quick history.

Early days one went to an internet internet provider, made a contract, paid the money, and had given phone number to connected via modem / telephone line. It was very slow and I can recall speeds of 7 kbps.

Next step is government decided there was more business out there and set up the internet free dial up numbers. The service was not free at all as they had a fee for each minute you used the internet and added that to your telephone bill. I can recall getting some high phone bills.

Then came ISDN - I tried it but really was not worth the effort and grief I went through to connect. I was one of the first to install it. Also during this connection we had problem of having internet working but not phone. And nobody was at fault, and blaming everyone and everything else. Excuses and statements like the phone line is not good etc. etc. we finally got a government telephone guy over (bribe of course) and walla problem was fixed very quickly.

Then finally came ADSL and of course was one of first to get it installed. First grief was canceling the ISDN. Egypt telecon had set it up, but to cancel it and get ASDL took and act of providence.

Now the ADSL hook-up. Well I researched all and found one company that actually had a good website, and could pay online. Then was told had to run separate wire from where telephone entered house to where I wanted the ethernet connection - this was all way around the building - up one floor, through wall and finally against floor board to desk top computer locations. I bought my own splitter and router as wanted main desktop connect via ethernet and other 3 computers via wireless. (Yup even dog has a computer but no fights with wifey and kids about who's on next). Finally got it up and running after waiting 2 more weeks for the service to start. No one informed me when service was working I just kept looking at router for the 4 green lights. In mean time had to continue to use telephone "free" numbers.

Have had grief since with slow speeds, and again phone stopped working while internet was OK. I have a 2 meg/512 line but actual maximum download speeds using torrents is 200 kbps, but it does this fairly consistent although there are times when one can tell bandwidth is clogged, or some other problem ,as speed will drop. Last time I renewed, I got a phone call from some creep saying he was coming over to collect the money like I was his servant. I asked him if he was with the internet company and he said yes. I said send me my invoice by email and I will pay online as I always did. Creep was dumb founded by all this and kept insisting he had to come and collect cash. I have the general managers phone number for the company and let him know this was not acceptable. I got an email with invoice quickly, and can pay online though reputable company, so that was solved. Let me step back one minute. I also tried to upgrade to 4 meg just to try it out. Was told no problem but nothing happened. So asked again and was told they could not as technical problem. That was bullshit so said I paid for 4 meg and he said Oh ya, I will refund the difference. Like I would not find out! Also I have been surprised at how many people do not know how to access their router? If you don't know find out!

One other hitch with providers in Egypt is if you want to cancel you need a "cancellation notice" and some say this might take weeks if not longer so your stuck with internet (except dial-up) until you get this. Like being held for ransom.

You can read about internet provider problems at the forum site below. There is quite a volume of talk but I picked out a reasonable start page so you can work up from there. One common thread is "support services are staffed by morons".

Egypt ISP Users Comments - mostly Irate People

A Great Read for those involved in Egyptian Petroleum Sector

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:08:00 +0000

I found this blog by chance, but am now a follower. A great job of journalism. I have no interest in the politics of selling gas to Israel, but the analysis of the key players is almost like a Tom Clancy story.

http://travellerwithin.blogspot.com/2009/08/egypt-israel-gas-deal-who-is-behind-it.html

http://travellerwithin.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-egypt-israel-gas-deal-what-we-need.html

The comments on this second post are also very informative.

Purse snatchers - new threat in Cairo

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:28:00 +0000

This valid and confirmed email I received - beware

All,

I wanted to let you all know of an incident that occurred in New Maadi, near Digla, last Friday night. As a pair of expats were walking down the street around 1am,a car pulled up to them and grabbed the female's purse as they drove by. She had her thumb hooked into her purse strap, and was dragged along until her purse strap finally broke. She was injured, suffering broken bones. The car's plate could not be seen, so these crooks are still on the loose.

Ladies, carry your purse on the right side, toward the sidewalk, as you walk down the street. Remember to be aware of your surroundings.
To let you all know I met the lady and she is really banged up. This type of behavior in Cairo is unknown, but maybe a start as young guys with cars are cruising and have really nothing to do. Just go check the kiosks at 1 am and see all them hanging around bored as shit - formula for disaster.
When reported, the police responded almost immediately,and medical care was well done.
Bastards - was a white Lanos or similar - see a supicious one let police know.

Cairo versus Geneva - can you compare at any level?

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:56:00 +0000

Quick answer is NO! --- no suprise to anyone. But a few observations for fun...........

General as all who dwell here know

	Cairo	Geneva
pedestrians	scary	driver beware
air	smoky	crystal
bus,taxi, cycle lanes	joking	enforced
public transport	yikes	impeccable
walking about	why	fantastic
driving	chaotic	rules

Few Price Comparisons - felt like I was spending Swiss Francs like we spend LE here

	Cairo LE	Geneva LE
pack of cigs	8.5	34.3
beer from store	6.0	13.0
tea nice place	8.5	20.8
beer nice place	20.0	35.9
taxi within maadi	5.0	62.4

Few comments:

Airport Terminal 3 - big improvement. When returning we where through immigration in record time as all the stalls were manned. How long will this last? Luggage bit of a wait. Take a jacket with you on leaving as temperature is about 16C in departure lounges.

Geneva (travelling in general) - best to arrange medical insurance if you do not have. Doctor visit to hotel room (daughter had cold) was 250 CHF (1300 LE) and ordinary medications was very costly.

Interesting observation - while on lake boat excursion we passed a chalet villa which sure liked the egyptian flag flying.

Did we have a great time - OH YES. Living in Cairo makes you really appreciate the organized, clean, nicer places. Take money with you as Geneva is a shoppers paradise with public transport so good I cannot try to explain. By the way all hotels must give guests free passess good for all public transport (buses, trams, passenger ferries) for duration of your stay including train back to airport. Few pics below

Update of Major Traffic Accidents/Death on Egypt Roads

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:26:00 +0000

Only multiple deaths warrant getting into the news. Accidents happen in all other countries, but here in Egypt there is a death wish driver culture. Deliberate abuse of road rules, carelessnes, speeding, coupled with many roads in poor condition. I personally will never drive on any highway at night - bad enough in daytime.

Source of data is Egypt Daily News Archive, under crime section.

This log of death ridden incidents starts Jan 1, 2008 and I periodically update as these dreaful events occur. I have created a sumary table of the deaths to get the idea more quickly that reading the full articles. In another post I quoted an article as Egypt No. 1 in World for Traffic Deaths from a survey of 35 world countries in terms of the number of road accidents deaths - statistics registered 156 deaths for each 100,000 vehicles.

Date	Dead	Injured	Location	Nationalities
Jan 08	17	40	Minya	Egyptian
Feb 08	13	?	Giza	Egyptian
Mar 08	7	0	Nagaa	Egyptian
Mar 08	23	8	Cairo Alex RD	Egyptian
June 08	12	12	Beni Sueif	Egyptian
Aug 08	12	16	Assiut	Egyptian
Aug 08	10	11	Delta	Egyptian
Sept 08	3	5	Al Arish	Italian
Oct 08	6	26	Aswan	Belgian
Dec 08	14	28	Fayoum	Egyptian
Dec 08	15	25	Minya->Alex	Egyptian
Dec 08	59	14	Minya	Egyptian
Dec 08	7	18	Dahab	Russian
Mar 09	11	36	El Arish	Egyptian
Apr 09	11	7	Delta	Egyptian
Apr 09	4	Many	Cairo Ring Rd	Egyptian
Jul 09	15	0	Minya	Egyptian
Jul 09	7	20	Minya	Egyptian
Jul 09	12	13	Safaga	Serbian
Jul 09	13	22	Western Desert	Egyptian

Bird Flu (H1N5) - Pigeons and other Local Birds

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:47:00 +0000

I had heard that Pigeons were immune to Bird Flu which seemed great news as there are numerous pigeon hobbyists in Egypt. But, totally immune seems not true, although risk is very low.

Here is article published by dailymail UK albeit 2006. A google search brought up several similar articles with same conclusions as stated below.

Pigeons will not bring the deadly bird flu virus to cities, experts say.

The birds, a common sight in London's Trafalgar Square, are not immune from the H5N1 strain, but tests show they pick it up only when they are exposed to very high doses. Even then, they do not always become infected and are carriers only briefly.

US government scientists looking for the first signs of H5N1 bird flu are focusing on wild migratory birds, not those such as pigeons and sparrows that stay close to home.

Researcher David Swayne said: "Pigeons are not uniformly susceptible like chickens or ducks."

Infected pigeons carried the virus for about 10 days. But they were infectious for only two days and then at levels below what it would normally take to infect a chicken.

However, in February, a pigeon seller of 14 died in Iraq after suffering bird flu-like symptoms.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-384031/Pigeons-pose-bird-flu-threat.html#ixzz0LDoBTsyM&D

Egypt's New Rules -- Get Bird Flu - Go to Jail..Do not collect your $200.

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:39:00 +0000

Here is article from Al Masry Al Youm - With penalty of going to jail, if you contract bird flue, or if a child your parent(s) go to jail, I think they have cured the crowding factor in the fever hospital. Some might succumb to H1N5, due to lack of proper medical care, as with the chance of recovery with home treatment, versus sure jail, will be a huge influence on people's decisions on where treatment is preferred. I surely hope not.

Wonder when is Fish Flu, or similar, going to HIT????? We have hit quite a few food groups so far....................Mad Cow, Swine, Birds, Bad Wheat !!! And we have the mysterious (every Egyptian seems to know what the cause is) black cloud over Cairo due in a few months. The common denominator is all flu's inhibit the respiratory system, so black cloud is not good.

Absolutely bizarre. Via Egypt's Al Masry Al Youm: Bird flu patients to be prosecuted. Excerpt:

Citizens who contract Bird Flu will be prosecuted for the charge of "raising birds," warned the Suez Governor, who has referred all patients of bird flu in the city's fever hospital to the prosecutor's office, accusing them of "harming themselves and others."

"If someone tries to commit suicide and is taken to hospital," said Governor Mohamed Seif Eddin Galal said during a meeting by Higher Committee to Combat Bird Flu in Suez, "then legal measures are taken for his attempt to kill himself. Well, the same applies to those infected with Bird Flu. They harm themselves and others. The law must be applied. They'll be either imprisoned or fined."

As for infected children, the governor said that Child Protection Law will be applied, penalizing the child's family and imprisoning the father from six months to three years.

The governor also instructed all directorates in the province to continue follow up on the situation, and send weekly updated reports to the Minister of Administrative Development on a CD.

But some doctors were not impressed with the governor's statements.

"This will only increase the number of prisoners we have in Egypt, and will not end the disease," said Dr. Mohamed Shafiq, of Ahmad Maher Teaching Hospital.

"So how long will they imprison the Malaria patients and those who catch cold? This is useless, if not ridiculous. It will also discourage any citizen with the (bird flu) symptoms to go to the hospital to receive tests for fear of arrest."

July 10, 2009 at 04:50 PM | Permalink

Egypt Customs and Pork Products - Be Aware!

darell.morrison@gmail.com (Canadian in Egypt) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:24:00 +0000

Friend told me he had to remove his pork products, himself, at airport and put in rubbish bin. So be aware, it is a banned substance. Another example of the sectarian disinformation posture the authorities have adopted. Even WHO apologized for naming the virus Swine Flu, and retracted to proper name H1N1, and from videos, like the one below, UN agencies have threatened to ban livestock imports to Egypt.

Want to see a disgusting "pig killing" video found at Al Masry News Portal and this link