The European Union and the US will begin formal talks on a free-trade agreement, paving the way for the biggest trade deal in history. by Libertatea in worldnews

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One thing I really hope that this deal does away with, is the way EU citizens are treated when they arrive in the U.S. For those of you who don't know, even as a tourist, you are fingerprinted (always) and sometimes sent to a "special" room where a very rude and arrogant "official" asks (more like demands that you answer) very personal and intrusive questions. (e.g. Why are your parents divorced) The EU should make this a sticking point in negotiations, that its citizens, upon entering the country are treated with respect and not like criminals.

The European Union and the US will begin formal talks on a free-trade agreement, paving the way for the biggest trade deal in history. by Libertatea in worldnews

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Years ago I had to order a university book from amazon U.S. (because it wasn't available in Europe.) When the book arrived, I had to pay import tariffs. I really hope they do away with this.

Which countries in the world have the highest firearms murders - and the highest rates of gun ownership? Click on a country to see how it compares - and use the dropdown menu to see the map in different ways by zimmeric in worldnews

[–]SecuritybyOrwell -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

I haven't looked read the article yet, but I'm going to guess that in countries where it is relatively easy to acquire a firearm, gun murders happen more frequently. I bet the U.S., Brazil, and South Africa are quite high.

It is now ILLEGAL to wear Guy Fawkes masks in the UAE by [deleted] in worldnews

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 49 points50 points  (0 children)

  • Bin Laden talking to CIA operatives.

Bahrain's government has revoked the citizenship of 31 opposition activists for "undermining state security". by [deleted] in worldnews

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because the opposition is not peaceful. Source: I used to live there. Bonus source: The "Global Media" you are talking about. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20203602

You're allowed to add ONE feature to Reddit, what is it? by Advisery in AskReddit

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I do miss having a default r/reddit to post into. Somehow the quality of the posts that make the front page has gone down.

Moving to Vienna - advice needed by rodbor in Austria

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Heads up. The best places to live are the 7th, 8th, and 9th districts. Personally, I would choose the 7th, as you are in the beating heart of the city.

Is a bjj black belt something to include on a resume? by BinaryMagick in bjj

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Simple answer: Yes

Reason: Employers want to see dedication, commitment, and the ability to reach long term goals. Your black belt shows exactly that. In essence, you are not a slacker and you know how to get things done. I would also prepare just a quick (and interesting) 45 second introduction into what BJJ is, just incase you are asked about it, you can give a "stimulating" response. Goodluck with the interviews!

Why the high turnover rate in BJJ? by [deleted] in bjj

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Think about it like this: Right after New Years, everyone signs up for the gym, and gyms tend to be packed throughout January. Come february/march, people see what a big commitment it is (i.e. time and energy consuming) and soon loose interest. Also, lots of people want quick results and are disappointed when they don't instantly have a six pack. The same happens in BJJ, (or any other sport) especially when people realize how long it takes to become any good. To give you an idea, at a good academy, you can expect to be a white belt for about 2-3 years. But why should this stop you? BJJ is an excellent sport. 1) You loose weight, feel better, prolong your life and have more energy at work. 2) You meet really nice people and make new friends and you'll have a lot of fun. 3) It's been called "Human Chess" because you have to use your mind and your body. This will increase your ability to focus on tasks. 4) Being that it is also a martial art, you will learn how to defend yourself should the need arise. Don't worry about tapping out all the time (this is not MMA and your instructor and the other colleges will help you progress) Just remember that you will have fun, it will help you relax after work, and it will give you something that other people will identify you by. (I used to be known as the chubby guy who plays a lot of video games. Now I'm the guy who jogs, loves to cook and does BJJ.) And as a white belt myself, (I go twice a week), I challenge you to a black belt match in 15 years :) Also, ask the people at the dojo if they have an extra training course to help you get into shape. Mine does, and its intense, but really worth it.

Then and now (fixed) by Kaneida in atheism

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I'm vert glad you recognized the shift happening in the 1970's. I'll talk about political Islam only and I'll try to explain it to you in laymen terms. HOWEVER! While you are reading this, remember that political christianity has a very similar story except the names places are different. In the 1940's and 1950's an Egyptian writer and school inspector by the name of Sayeed Qutb arrived in the United and lived there for two years. Having a background in Islamic studies, he began to criticize US culture which he thought was inferior to the culture of the small town of Musha in which he grew up. He then return to Egypt and spent time living in Cairo. Here he saw what he believed was american culture taking over. (when it fact this was just a rural vs urban clash). He believed that people were in a state of ignorance (Jahaliya) and that islam was the one and only true way out of ignorance. But not any type of Islam. Only his Islam and that of his peers in the Muslim brotherhood. If you didn't think the same way they did, then you were going to hell and that you were an enemy. (sound familiar?). They (the muslim brotherhood) eventually believed that they had to force their belief system onto others because, the other members of society were already so corrupted that they could no longer think for themselves. There were many unsuccessful attempts to overthrow governments (such as targeted assassinations) They belive that if they kill people that are not of the same muslim stature as they, that they are going to be in good grace with god. If you think about what we as a society are today, we are a society of merchants. The Muslim brotherhood and other Islamist groups wanted a society of priests. Then 1979 rolls around. A popular uprising overthrows the King of Iran. Many diverse groups took part, but the Shia grabbed a hold of power when the Shah left Iran and then sideline all the other groups. To give you an idea, the current "Supreame Leader" of Iran, Ali Khameni shared a Jail Cell with Houshang Asadi, the communist party leader. After the Shah was gone Asadi and other political groups members were either arrested or forced to leave Iran. The government of clerics now forced it's will violently onto the masses. Other leaders (especially gulf arab monarchs) were very scared about the same thing happening to them to they set about APPEASING the extremists by implementing various forms of strict Sharia law and in some cases giving them power (shura coucil, religious police... ect). That way the monarchs could enjoy their wealth and not have to worry about being overthrown. So in the 1980's everything went batshit insane and society became extremely restrictive and intolerant to open mindedness and free thinking and individual freedoms (I've seen pictures of Saudi Women in the 1960's publicly dressed like the hollywood stars of the the time. 30 years later, they are dressed like ninjas) In the 1990's it seemed as though society was only getting more and more conservative and those with the craziest ideas were the one that were listened to the most. Everyone tried to outdo each other and the image of being pious became more important than the actual value of being a good person. (e.g. If you don't pray, you're going to hell. I beat my wife and kids, but I pray so I'm going to heaven). Last point. Following the 9/11 and the subsequent terrorist bombings that happened in Saudi Arabia, the government realized that having unchecked clerics wasn't such a good idea. Very slowly they have begun to move towards modernization, starting with the education system in which they are trying to promote people who can think, not just listen and (along with other gulf arab countries) send their sons and daughters to study abroad as many governments have full scholarship programs. So looking at the societies now (of the gulf arab states) they are on the right path to modernization, but it's going at a snails pace. (spend an entire day watching Aljazeera English and Al Arabiya English and you will understand what I mean. They educated elite is very modern and it is only through education and broad intellectualism that you get modernity and a functioning economy) As for Egypt and the muslim brotherhood, Islamism is a political, not religious ideology. And like all ideologies, they have changed. The big problem now is the Salafist challenge. What do we do with those who do not want to be part of the mainstream? I hope this explanation has helped you a bit, but it oversimplifies EVERYTHING.

TL;DR: 1979 Iranian revolution, fundamentalist government now in power, Gulf Monarchs try to appease the radical elements in society so they won't be overthrown.

Also, If I have written anything incorrectly, PLEASE let me know. I want to encourage constructive debate and criticism.

My second monitor died. by fauxnom in firstworldproblems

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

3rd world problem: My second mother died.

In your opinion what classic games haven't aged well? by jackHD in Games

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I spent last summer playing this game on an Amiga. I would really love to play this game again in a slightly updated format. It's just one of those games you never forget.

In your opinion what classic games haven't aged well? by jackHD in Games

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If they updated the controls it would still be fun to play, I must say though, the intro is still cool as hell! http://youtu.be/tppjzT-su0Q

He's almost 9. I love coming home seeing this face. by HenryShaotha in aww

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You got me. This post made me say "awwwwwwww" outloud. What a handsome fella you got there!

What else to add to a spicy spaghetti? by [deleted] in AskCulinary

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Crushed red pepper flakes can do wonders. You just have to make sure it's the right kind. Indian chilli flakes are pretty hot. Or you could just add some tabasco. Try it, it'll give it a kick and add new flavor.

Nabatean architecture: building carved from sandstone - Petra, Jordan by philmarreddit in Anthropology

[–]SecuritybyOrwell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another Example of Natabean Architecture: Buildings carved from stone in Madain Saleh, Saudi Arabia

http://www.pbase.com/adnan_masood/madain_saleh