Events of the first quarter of Doha 2010 Capital of Arab Culture

I summarize the events of the first quarter of Doha 2010 capital of Arab Culture. Events come with variety of activities: performance arts, visual arts, music, movies, events for children and youth, seminar and conference, and festivals. Some events unfortunately don;t have fixed location or timeline. The Doha 2010 Committee said that the event is issued on a quarterly basis in order to get feedback from communities for improvement.

Traditional Arab children games will also be featured during Doha 2010

Performance Arts

Bait al-Hikma (Literally: House of Wisdom) Opera: Inauguration of Celebrations of Doha, Capital of Arab Culture

Sheraton Hotel, Doha –«Dafna» Hall, 20:00-21:15, Thursday 28/1 – Friday 29/1/2010,  (1^st day by Invitation)

 

Play: The Pearl Between “Dasha” and “Gaffal”

Qatar Marine Festival

Cultural village, 20:00-21:30, Friday 29/1 – Tuesday 2/2/2010

 

Opera: “Abu al-Qasim al-Shabi The New Morning”

(To be determined later), 20:00-21:20, Saturday 20/2/2010

 

The Bharati Indian Troupe

(To be determined later), 20:00-21:30, Friday 26/2/2010

 

Salah al-Din al- Ayyubi

Cultural village – RomanTheater. 20:00-21:15, Thursday 4/3/2010

 

“Kajal” Russian Ballet Troupe

National Theatre of Qatar, 20:00-21:30, Friday 26/3 – Saturday 27/3/2010

 

The Black Century

Qatar National Theatre, 20:00 – 22:00, 14-16/3/2010

 

Visual Arts

The Pearl Exhibition (Inauguration of the events of the Islamic Arts’ Museum)

Museum of Islamic Arts, 10:30 – 17:30, Friday 29/1 – Friday 30/4/2010

 

The Art of Sand Sculpture

Qatar Marine Festival Cultural village, 16:00-23:00, Saturday 30/1 – Sunday 7/2/2010

 

Exhibition of the Qatari Painter Jassim Zini’s Paintings: «Poetry Knights»

Cultural Village – Visual Arts Center, 18:30-21:30 Tuesday2/2 – Tuesday 9/2/2010

 

Exhibition of Traditional Architecture: My Father’s Home

Souq Waqif- Gallery, 18:30-21:30, Tuesday23/2 – Tuesday 16/3/2010

 

Binaly’s Calligraphy Exhibition

Souq Waqif -Waqif Arts Center, 18:30-21:30, Tuesday 3/2 – Monday1/4/2010

 

Exhibition of the Private Collections of the Italian Actress Lollo Brigida

Four Seasons Hotel, 18:30-21:30, Tuesday 9/3 – Tuesday 16/3/2010

 

Musical Events

The Syrian National Children Symphony Orchestra

National Theatre of Qatar, 18:00-20:00, Tuesday 9/2/2010

Japanese Drams Troupe

Qatar National Theatre, 20:00-21:00, 13–16/2/2010

 

The Symphony Orchestra of the Polish National Radio

Qatar National Theater, 20:00-22:30, Tuesday, 16/3/2010

 

Salem Abdel Karim’s Symphonic Orchestra

Ritz Carlton Hotel, 20:00-21:30, 31/3/2010

 

Movies

Night of Movies on the Beach

Cultural village – beach, 18:00-23:00, Saturday30/1 – Saturday 6/2/2010

 

Projection of the Fiction film: “Dana” within the series of movies in Qatar (followed by a seminar)

Royal Plaza – Cinema Plus, 19:00-21:00, Saturday, 20/2/2010

 

Fictional Movie “The Sad Sail” (followed by a seminar)

Royal Plaza – Cinema Plus, 19:00-20:02, Saturday, 21/2/2010

 

Documentary films (“Diving” – “Fine Arts in Qatar” – “Fishing in Qatar”) (followed by a seminar)

Royal Plaza – Cinema Plus, 19:00-20:05, Monday, 22/2/2010

 

Movie: “Al-Sayid Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Koran”(followed by a seminar)

Royal Plaza – Cinema Plus, 19:00-21:00, Sunday, 20/3/2010

 

Movie: “Baba Aziz” within the series of co-produced films

Royal Plaza Mall – Cinema Plus, 19:00-21:00, Saturday, 27/3/2010

 

Festivals

Carnival of Doha Marine Festival

Doha cornice, 16:00-18:00, Sunday 7/2/2010

 

Qatar Theater Festival

To be determined later

 

Heritage Events

Sailing Contest for Traditional Vessels

Doha Corniche, 14:00-16:00, Saturday 30/1/2010

 

Live TV Contest

Cultural village – beach, 16:30-18:30, Saturday 30/1 – Saturday 6/2/2010

 

Diving for Pearls

The sea, 4:00-15:00, 5/2/2010

 

Marine Arts Evening

Heritage village – cornice, 19:30-21:30, Thursday 4/2/2010

 

Festival of Popular Games

Heritage village – cornice, 17:30 – 19:30, 18-19/2/2010

 

Women’s Traditional Songs

Heritage village – cornice, 19:30 – 21:30, Thursday, 25/2/2010

 

Poetry Events

Poetry Reading (in spoken & literary Arabic)

National Theatre of Qatar, 20:00-21:00, Monday, 15/2/2010,  22/2/2010, 5/3/2010, 22/3/2010, 29/3/2010

 

Nights of Classical Lyricism

Nights of Songs from the Maritime Heritage of the Gulf

Cultural village, 21:00-23:00, Saturday 30/1 – Saturday 6/2/2010

 

Classical Songs Night

National Theatre of Qatar, 20:00 – 22:30, Friday 19/2/2010, Friday, 19/3/2010

 

Exhibitions

Visual Arts Exhibition

Cultural village, 16:00-23:00, Saturday 30/1 – Saturday 6/2/2010

 

Book Fair

Cultural village, 16:00-23:00, Saturday 30/1 – Saturday 6/2/2010

 

Gallery & Crafts

Cultural village, 16:00-23:00, Saturday 30/1 – Saturday 6/ 2/2010

 

Environmental Events

Aquatic Show

Cultural village, 16:00-23:00, Saturday 30/1 – Sunday 7/2/2010

 

Conference on the Marine Environment                              

Cultural village, 9:00-17:00 Monday 1/2 – Tuesday 2/2/2010

 

Events for Children

Traditional Games for Children

Doha cornice, 16:00-23:00, Saturday 30/1 – Saturday 6/2/2010

 

Doha: The City that Makes the Joy of Children

(To be determined later), 17:00-23:00, Wednesday 10/2 – Sunday21/2/2010

 

Events for Youth

Competition of modern sailing boats

the Avenue of the cornice, or the beach of the c. village, 16:00-18:00, Saturday, 30 / 1 – Saturday, 6/2/2010

 

Fishing Contest

cultural village – beach, 7.00-16:30, Saturday 30/1/2010

Sea-food Cooking Contest

cultural village – beach, 16:00-23:00, Saturday 30/1 – Saturday 6/2/2010

Swimming Contest: Open Water

Doha cornice, (To be determined later), (To be determined later)

 

Sea-side Football

cultural village – beach, 16:30-18:00, 19:00-20:00, Saturday 30/1 – 6/2/2010

 

Prize of the Council of Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports (in short stories, poetry, scientific research)

Grand Regency Hotel, (To be determined later), Monday 1/2 – Wednesday 31/3/2010

 

Artistic contest for Young Talents

Centre of Musical Arts, 16:00-19:00, Thursday 4/2 – Saturday 6/2/2010

 

Open Youth Forum

Grand Regency Hotel, 19:00-21:00, Sunday 7/2 – Wednesday 10/2/2010

 

falconry Show

Cultural village, 9:00-12:00 and 13:00-19:00, 5 – 12/2/2010

 

Religious Song Festival (Inshad) for Youth

Barzan Youth Center, 16:00-19:00, Friday 12/2 – Saturday 13/2/2010

 

Youth Performing Arts Contest

Youth Center for Performance Arts, 19:00-21:00, Monday 15/2 – Thursday 25/2/2010

 

Festival of Camels: Culture and Tradition

“Jmilia Youth Centre” 15:00-19:00, Friday 19/2 – Saturday 20/2/2010

 

Photographic Exhibition of Arabian Horses

Qatar Organization of Photographers, 16:00-20:00, Sunday 21/2 – Wednesday 24/2/2010

 

Parents and Children

To be determined later, 16:00-20:00, Friday 26/2 – Saturday 27/2/2010

 

Exhibition of Photography in Black and White (in love with Qatar)

Villagio shopping mall, All day long, Wednesday, 3 / 3 – Saturday, 6/3/2010

 

Weekly Program (Morning tea)

“Al-Ka’ban” Youth Center, 9:00-12.00, Friday, 5 / 3 – Saturday, 27/3/2010 (2 days a week)

 

Drama Workshop for Youth Clubs and Youth Centers

Youth Center for Performing Arts, 7.00-21:00, Sun, 7 / 3 – Saturday, 17/3/2010

 

Mural entitled“Children’s creativity for Peace”

Doha Corniche, 15:00 – 18:00, Saturday 13 / 3

 

Festival of Literature and Art for the youth of the Gulf Cooperation Council States

Qatar Sports Club, 16:00-18:00, Sun, 14 / 2 – Saturday, 20/3/2010

 

Popular Shows and Games

“Smisma” Region – “Smisma” Youth Center, 16:00-18:00, Saturday, 27 / 3 – Sunday, 28/3/2010

Art Exhibition of the expatriate artists (Ladies)

Ladies’ Creative Center, 9:00-12.00 and 16:00-20:00, 28 – 30/3/2010

 

Seminars and Conferences

“The Issue of the Arab cultural heritage between the borders of identity and perspectives of Globalization”

To be determined later, To be determined later, 17 – 18/2/2010

 

Conference (the Position of the Language Academies towards the Discourse of Arabic Language in the Arab media)

Qatar University – ibn Khaldoun Hall, 18:00 3 / 3 / 2010

 

Conference: The Future of Science in the Arab World

(To be determined later), 18:00, 17/3/2010

 

Cultural Salon

Forum: “Culture in the Arab Gulf Region: Reality and Ambitions”

Cultural Salon – “Bidaa” Garden, 18:00, Wednesday, 3/2/2010

 

Panel discussion on «Critical Readings of some Qatari Works of Art” with focus on short story, novel, and eloquent poetry

Cultural Salon – al-Bidaa garden, 18:00 p, Wednesday, 24/2/2010

 

Forum «The Role of Cultural Magazines in the Cultural Development of the Arab Gulf States»

Cultural Salon – “Bidaa” Garden, 18:00, Wednesday, 31/3/2010

 

Cultural Weeks

Syrian Cultural Week

To be determined later

Moroccan Cultural Week

To be determined later

 

Doha 2010 Capital of Arab Culture Launched!

Today, Doha 2010 Capital of Arab Culture is launched.

The idea of the cultural capitals Originated of the conference convened by the United Nations in Mexico in 1982 on cultural policy, where the “World Decade for Cultural Development” (1988 -1997) was endorsed. Its philosophy focuses on the need for linkage between culture and development, in ad dition to the need for cultural dialogue between peoples and the respect of the elements of national cultural identity, taking into account the diversity of civilizations on the basis of the unity of the fundamental values of humanity.

 The idea of cultural capitals is an interactive idea developed to activate the cultural work and exchange between member states and to draw attention to culture as an essential element in the overall development process. Therefore, it is of interest to all sectors of society, and all government agencies and community organizations participate in it. The States and cities selected cultural capitals seize the opportunity to modernize and update their infrastructure in the cultural field as well as cultural legislation. They increase the volume of exchange and cultural cooperation with other countries and develop cultural activities and events at the level of local communities.

Arab Countries that take part in Capital of Arab Culture

Countries compete to highlight the best of their cultural production during the celebration, hoping to build on this momentum for the development of cultural infrastructure and to develop a method of qualitative performance for years to come.

Logo of Doha Capital of Arab Culture

The logo takes the shape of the bird feather used in Islamic decorative arts, and which ancient calligraphers used to use in their writing of the Holy Koran and the sayings of the Prophet. Its colors reflect our Arab environment as well as the multitude of cultures. The word «DOHA» is written in «Diwani» Arabic letters taking the form of the feather of the bird which shall fly carrying the message of «Doha Capital of Arab culture» to the entire globe. The logo is designed by the Qatari Artist Ali Hassan.

Each quarter committee issues a calendar of events. Check its website for calendar of events. or check my summary on the events of the first quarter.

(All images from Doha 2010 website)

Umrah 2010

I copy-paste the following email from Doha Transport and Al Ansar – two of the Hamlah for Hajj and Umrah commonly used by Indonesian in Qatar – .

Doha Transport

——quote—

We are very pleased to inform you that this year Umrah will start from 3rd
of March 2010.
Package:
Package will be thesame as last year. The trip will move from here on
every Wednesday. The whole package will be for 10 days.
From here they will go directly to Macca and will stay there for six day
and after that they will move to Madina and will stay there for two days.
Total cost will be as same as last year that is QR.900/=. These charges
include Visa charges, Transportation, Accamodation in Macca & Madina and
Zeyarah in Micca & Madina (Except food).
Booking:
This is to inform you that this year from the start umrah will be a kotta
system from Minestery of Hajj & Umrah, mean there will be a limitted visa
for every month thats why we are informing you from the start and started
booking from now.
Requirment for booking:
Passport copy, RP copy, Two passport size pics with white background and
QR. 200/=
VIP Trip:
We are also providing VIP package. The other package will be same. There
will be VIP Bussses of 32 seats and the cost will be QR.1500/=
Office Timming:
Our office timming is from 8:00 in the morning till 12:00 at noon and then
from 4 pm to 9:30 pm.
Also find here pics of some of your new busses.

Doha Group Transport
Doha Qatar
Tel: +974 4415779
Mob: +974 5560124

——end of quote—–

Al Ansar

 

—-quote—-

Assalamu’alaikum wr.wb
Hamlah Al Ansar sudah mengeluarkan harga untuk umrah bersama WNI dengan VIP bus 32 seat (model 2010) mulai tgl 24 Februari dengan rincian sbb:
total perjalanan 7 hari, 3hari Mekkah, 2 hari Madinah, 2 hari perjalanan.
Hotel Mekkah : Al Massa 4* (-+ 150 mtr dr mesjid)
Hotel Madinah : Al Isyraq 3* (-+ 100 mtr dr mesjid)
 rincian biaya :
Dewasa 1600 riyal/ orang
Anak – anak usia dibawah 10 th ,1300 riyal/ orang dan 300 riyal/infant
Bagi bapak Ibu sekalian yg sudah atau akan mendaftar, sudah bisa menyerahkan persyaratan document yg diperlukan seperti yg tercantum pada email sebelumnya.

Sehubungan dengan menjawab pertanyaan beberapa  bapak / ibu sekalian tentang awaldi bukanya  umrah untuk tahun in, maka berdasarkan info yang kami dapat dari beberapa hamlah mengatakan bahwa umrah tahun ini insya allah akan di buka akhir bulan februari.adapun untuk kepastian tanggalnya belum ada info.
Oleh karena itu, kalau ada diantara bapak / ibu sekalian yang ingin umrah atau mengumrahkan orang tua / saudara yg didatangkan dari indo selama haji kemarin, kita berencana akan memberangkatkan satu rombongan umrah dengan menggunakan bus VIP 30 seat (SAPCTO – bus baru tahun 2010) dengan rencana perjalanan 7 hari ( 3 mekkah,2 madinah, 2 hari perjalanan). dengan perkiraan biaya -+ QR 1600/dewasa ,QR 1400 /anak >10thn, QR 500/ infant > 2thn.
Adapun untuk jadwal umrah liburan sekolah akan dimulai dari tanggal 3 April mendatang.
Persyaratan umrah
1.Copy pasport dan RP.
2.Photo warna backgroud putih 2 lbr (pasport size)
3.Bagi yg visit, visanya masih valid satu bln dari tanggal keberangkatan. dan dibuatkan re-entry visanya.
Bagi bapak dan ibu sekalian yang berminat ikut serta bisa membooking dengan dengan mereplay email ini.
 
Terima Kasih
Wassalamu’alaikum wr.wb.
 
Keterangan lebih lanjut bisa menghubungi ke kami
Nizamul fakri
5279159

—-end of quote—-

A promise is a promise

As a result of incident that I had, I need to send my car to a workshop in Industrial Area. Going to this area is a struggle in itself. For traffic jams and potholed roads. The service counter staff promised me that my car would be ready within 12 working days and I am expected to give him a call after 10 days. See….for only  minor scratch and dents you’ll need to wait until 2 weeks. I am sure that they will have no customers in Indonesia should this happen there. For the same level of damage, it only takes 3 days in Indonesia.

10days passed. I gave him a call and was told that the car wasn’t ready but would be ready next two days (Saturday). As I was out of country, I was only be able to pick up the car on Wednesday. At about 11.30 AM, I met the same counter staff only to be told that the car was not ready. His supervisor also met me and said that the car would be ready by 5 PM . I said no. You can’t do this. You said that the car would be ready by Saturday, four days ago.

The supervisor asked me go to the garage. I saw two mechanics were working on my car’s door.

“Tell me”, said the supervisor who seemed to expect me understand the situation – as if it would not be able to be finished soon.

“No. You tell me why it is not ready while you promised me that it should have been ready four days ago” I insisted.

“Why do you look angry my friend?”

“Of course I am angry. Look. You promised me when I called you last week that my car would be ready by last Saturday. But now it is not ready”.

“My friend, please, if you can’t keep your promise don’t say any promises!”, I added

The supervisor was quiet, and seemed thinking the way out.

“OK my friend. I will ensure that three technicians are assigned to your car and it will be ready by 2 PM. You know we’re closed at 12 to 1 PM”, the supervisor promised me.

“OK fine. I’ll be around here and be back at two o’clock sharp. And sorry for my harsh words to you“, I smiled.

At 1.20 PM, I was called that the car is ready. The problem is not because they can not do it in timely manner, it is about eagerness to customer service satisfaction:. Keeping a promise is a promise.

Lesson learned is:

– Allow lower expectation when it comes to quality and timely service

– Do regular updates

– Insist if you are deserved what you have been promised to get

Cherokee

With outdoor options left to desert, beaches and offroad, the need to have a robust 4×4 is inevitable. There are few names that commonly found in Qatar for the said outdoor activities: Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Pajero, and Jeep Cherokee. For light off-road, you can still use the “normal” 4×4 car, but sometimes it’s to good to be “abused” in desert, or sand dune.

I already have a city-&-light-offroad 4×4 Mitsubishi Outlander, but thanks to “poison” that my beloved Indonesian poured into me such that I am seduced to buy a second 4×4 special for outdoor and sand dune activities. Although the former can be brought and driven on the desert or dune bashing, it’s just too good to use.

So, here I am with 2001  Jeep Cherokee Classic.

My 2001 Jeep Cherokee Classic

I live. I ride. I am. Jeep

Trail Rated 4x4. We test Jeep® 4x4s on the toughest trails in the world to prove one thing: They can take whatever you dish out. The Trail Rated® badge means that your Jeep 4x4 has been designed to perform in five categories of off-road conditions: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording.

Why Cherokee? It’s more affordable than Land Cruiser or Patrol (for example, 2001 Cherokee Classic is about 18K-22K, while Land Cruiser is above 60K, or 40K in the case of Patrol), yet it’s a though 4×4, and its offroad capability is comparable.

For all Indonesian Cherokee enthusiasts in Qatar we even establish a group: IPCRQL (literally: Old Cherokee Enthusiast Group). With as little as 11 members in December (6 Qatargas, 1 QP, 4 Shell GTL) and growing, IPCRQL is ready to infect other Indonesian with its “poisons” …hahahaha….beware guys!

Living in Qatar, we need to search for a new hobby, to make new friends, or to just live up the life here. To be honest, I did not understand 4×4, dune bashing, offroading, and Jeep, only after I bought it recently. And Cherokee helps me find a new hobby, make new friends and make life enjoyable here.

Vodafone Fireworks!

For fireworks lover….

4×4 Basics

Source: http://www.jeep.com

With a few guidelines and some good old-fashioned common sense, almost anyone can drive off-road in a Jeep vehicle.

Be Prepared

Always check your vehicle before going off-road. Make sure your battery is fastened, all hoses are in good condition and oil and fluids are topped off, including fuel. Also be sure that all four tires are in good condition and have the proper tire pressure. Avoid travelling alone, especially into unfamiliar territory. Even with a caravan of two, there’s always a tow vehicle.

Be on the Lookout

Once off-road, put your vehicle in 4WD whenever you anticipate a situation that will demand the additional traction. It’s difficult to engage 4WD after you get stuck. You’ll also want to get into the habit of looking over your hood, scanning left to right so you can clearly see what you’re approaching on the trail. If you’re just watching the left tire, there’s a good chance you’ll get the right tire in trouble. Avoid putting your head outside the vehicle to see what’s coming (that’s what Wrangler’s folding windshield is for!). Also, many trail masters recommend keeping your thumbs up and out of the way of the steering wheel spokes in rough terrain. For example, if your tire suddenly falls off a rock, your steering wheel could quickly rotate and catch your thumb with a spoke – ouch! Generally, vehicles with power steering, like all Jeep® vehicles, lessen the chance of sudden steering wheel rotation.

Take It Easy

Speed and power are not required in rough off-road driving. In low-range 4WD, the low gearing and low speed of Jeep® vehicles at idle will generally pull you over obstacles. In many cases, with manual transmissions, letting the clutch out slowly and allowing the vehicle to crawl over obstacles in the lowest-gear is the best scenario. As a matter of fact, on the Rubicon Trail, the average speed is a mere 3-5 miles per hour.

Snow and Mud

Generally, when snow or mud is present on the driving surface, it is the right time to engage your on-demand or part-time 4WD system. If you have an all-time system like Quadra-Trac I®, there is no input required from you. In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low gear and shift the transfer case to 4-LO if necessary (Quadra-Trac I does not offer a low range). Don’t shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain momentum. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will be lost. If you begin to lose traction in snow or mud, turn your steering wheel back and forth rapidly. This will generally help the wheels bite into fresh terrain and pull you through. If traction is lost, STOP. Wheel spinning will just dig you in deeper. The key is to maintain forward momentum.

Sand

For better traction in sand, drop air pressure 10-12 pounds below normal pressure on conventional tires. (Return to normal pressure after use in these conditions). Try high-range 4WD to maintain forward momentum. Depending on the condition of the sand, low-range 4WD and alternative gear selections may be necessary. Also try to make wider turns if at all possible. Tight turning slows the vehicle abruptly and can get you stuck. Again, maintaining forward momentum is key.

Dune Bashing (Source: dubaitouristvisaonline.com)

Hill

When climbing hills ALWAYS go straight up or down. It’s also smart to know what’s on the other side before going up. At the base of the hill you should apply more power. Ease up on the power as you approach the top and before going over the crest. If you stall on the ascent, back straight down the hill in reverse. For downhill travel, always use the lowest gear with a manual transmission. When descending a hill in low-range, do not disengage the clutch and allow the vehicle to coast. Severe damage to your clutch disc may result. Allow the gears and engine compression to slow you down, using the brakes only to fine-tune your speed. If equipped with an automatic transmission, use low-range and the lowest drive setting. NOTE: NEVER drive a hill at an angle. If the hill is very steep and you don’t feel confident that you or your vehicle can make it up, then don’t attempt it.

Crawling

We call it “crawling” for a reason. Use a low gear and low-range 4WD and just let the vehicle crawl and idle (with as little throttle as needed) when going over obstacles like rocks or logs. Never straddle rocks. A vehicle with 10 inches of ground clearance will not go over a 12-inch rock! Maneuver the tire on top of the rocks and crawl over them slowly. If you hear scraping, don’t panic. Your Jeep® vehicle’s skid plates and rock rails (this equipment varies depending on what Jeep® vehicle and packages have been purchased or leased) will take the brunt of the beating. Dropping tire pressure 3-5 pounds improves traction and helps avoid tire punctures. (Return to normal pressure after use in these conditions). Remember, the ideal speed for rock crawling is 1-3 miles per hour.

Tread Lightly

Leave it better than you found it. Observe posted signs and stay on trails and recreation areas approved for off-roading. Use your good judgment in protecting the beauty and solitude of the area. Don’t leave anything behind and, better yet, pick up and remove any trash that others have discarded. And if the terrain looks especially fragile, take an alternate route. For more information on how to Tread Lightly click here http://www.treadlightly.org

ENGINEERING FAQs

What is the difference between Full-Time 4WD and Part-Time 4WD systems?

Full-Time 4WD systems utilize a center differential, which enables the front and rear driveshafts to turn at different speeds, thereby allowing engagement on dry surfaces for normal driving conditions. A Part-Time system does not employ a center differential and locks the front and rear driveshafts together. With a Part-Time system, 2WD mode should be used during normal driving conditions and 4WD mode is to be used only when off-road or on wet or slippery surfaces

Why can’t you use Part-Time 4WD on dry surfaces?

Part-Time 4WD systems effectively lock the front and rear driveshafts together, forming a single driving unit that does not allow for differential action between the front and rear driveshafts. Driveline noise and binding (Crow Hop) may occur when operated excessively on dry surfaces or in turns. This binding can lead to heat buildup and early part failure

Why does “Crow Hop” occur?

When a vehicle turns, each wheel rotates on a different radius to the turning circle, thus traveling at different distances and speeds. If the vehicle’s front and rear axles are locked together and are turning on dry surfaces, the difference in wheel speed sometimes results in driveline binding that is released with a “bang” or vehicle “shudder” when one of the tires loses traction

Can I shift into 4WD High Range at any speed?

Shifting into 4WD High Range can be made with the vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion, shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88km/h).

How long can I drive in 4WD High Range?

With a Part-Time system, prolonged driving in 4WD High Range is recommended only for wet, loose, or slippery road surfaces. With a Full-Time system, you need not worry about switching to 2WD mode when road surfaces improve

How fast can I drive in 4WD High Range?

You should not go faster than road conditions permit

What is 4WD Low Range?

4WD Low Range is a mode specifically designed for temporary use when additional traction and maximum pulling power is desired. Front and rear driveshafts are locked together and engine power is sent through another set of gears to multiply torque. Avoid attempting to engage or disengage Low Range with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) and do not use this mode for normal driving

Can I shift into 4WD Low Range at any speed?

No. With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift an automatic transmission to Neutral or depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission. While the vehicle is coasting at to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer case lever firmly through Neutral and into the Low Range position

How fast can I drive in 4WD Low Range?

Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

Can I shift into 4WD Low Range when stopped?

Shifting into or out of 4WD Low Range is possible with the vehicle completely stopped, however, difficulty may occur due to the teeth of the gears not being properly aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4 Low Range with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

Glossary

http://www.jeep.com/en/4×4/glossary/

Strange DHL Routing

Recenty I sent a document to Balikpapan, Indonesia via DHL. This is the first time I use DHL in Doha; normally I do with a postal service: EMS. With a tracking tool via its website, DHL provides up-to-date information to my document whereabout. What surprised me is the route that DHL took to deliver my document. Instead of directly sending to Indonesia, or at least to Singapore first, DHL rerouted my document to London, then to Germany. The result is the same delivery duration as EMS. I dropped my document on Monday night at DHL Office, Salwa Road and received in Balikpapan on Saturday afternoon.

Have you experienced the similar strange routing?

DHL Strange Routing

The Hidden Cost of (Traffic) Accident

A safety engineer, I fully understand the consequences of a (traffic) accident. Not only did it cause property damage or even injury, but also it might cause intangible consequences, which are sometimes hidden, unknown by us, but it could be larger than what we thought. For the case where your car is a victim, although the cost of repair of your car will be taken care the fault driver’s insurance company, there are some hidden costs you should bear:

• Rent a car for replacement until the car is ready from repair
• Spend time, two or more times to go to Traffic Police Office for police reports
• Spend time to go to car company damage assessment office, normally in industrial area
• Spend time to an insurance company office for claims
• Spend time to go to a repair workshop, normally far in industrial area
• Damage the car free-accident record; might cause reduced resale value

Therefore, I try to drive safely as much as possible, regardless the fact that my car is fully insured.

Whenever I drive, I always practice what I have learned since 12 years back what it’s called a defensive driving. Try to exercise “what if” scenario. Try to expect the unexpected.

Nevertheless, there is something I couldn’t control. After all precautions, after all safe driving, something might just happen, beyond our control. This is what happened to me mid-November 2009. One day before my departure for Hajj, I was on leave from work, I went to Al Gharafa Health Center to process my family health card. I parked my car in parking lots in front of main building, then rushed into receptionist and waited there when a loud bang heard. I ignored it initially but then went out to check for curiousness. Yup, there was an accident. I saw the back of a white Toyota landcruiser “kissed” a GMC at its front. This must be a big hit for the GMC front grill fell off, and water leaking from a broken radiator. Not far from these two, a Mitsubishi Galant got its left mirror parted. Thought unbelievably how this could have happened given they were in the parking lot!

Then, I checked my car that was parked on another parking slot, separated by a lane. Masya Allah…..it dented on the left rear door. No other cars were on the left and right. I initially thought that it was an independent accident; not related to landcruiser and GMC. I asked many people and no one could give an answer. To make it worse I couldn’t speak Arabic and they couldn’t speak English very well.To make long story short, my car was also hit by that white landcruiser. Thanks to a Traffic Policeman, who came around 15 minutes after the accident, for investigation. He interrogated the fault driver , the victims as well as witnesses, and made some notes and record driver ID and car identification on his book.

The following are the complete chronological events:

– Call Traffic Police, 999

– Assist in investigation

– Go to Traffic Police. Assist in making police report.

– Go to Car Company (in my case Mitsubishi) workshop to get a damage assessment quotation

– Back to Traffic Police Office to get a police report. Pay 10QR by using debit card/credit card

– Go to Insurance Company of the fault driver to claim for repair. Insurance Company officers will take a photograph, and then issue you a letter to a repair workshop.

– Go to a referred repair workshop

An example of an insurance letter to a repair workshop

An Example of Police Report (in addition to this there is one-two pages of detail report, showing all drivers involved in the accident)

The following is taken from http://www.gov.qa (Hukoomi):

Accident Report & Claim

 

If you get involved in a traffic accident, bring your vehicle to a halt and report the accident on 999, stating your exact location. A traffic police car will be sent to the scene to investigate and determine each party’s responsibility. Afterwards, both parties should go to the nearest traffic centre to complete the necessary paperwork.

Please note that all accidents should be reported to the police, regardless of whether people were injured in the accident or not, as car repairs cannot be carried out without an official police report.

If both parties agree who is responsible for the accident, there is no need for them to wait for the traffic police to arrive at the scene. Instead they can go straight to the nearest traffic centre to report the accident, taking care to mention that they have agreed who is at fault and why

Qatari Family in Statistics

Recent study (The ‘Qatari Family’ study prepared by the Permanent Population Committee. Published in Gulf Times, 11 January 2010) shows that:

• Domestic helpers constituted 24% of the number of people living in Qatari families
• The average number of the Qatari family members to be 9.5 in 2008, from 8.6 in 1997. 
• Each family having an average of 2.3 domestic workers
• Marriage between close relatives, increased from 10.3 in 1997 to 23.7% of the total number of marriage contracts in 2007.
• Life expectancy increased from 76 years in 2005 to 79.5 in 2007
• A majority of 71.6% of families in middle and above middle income group ranging from QR10,000 to 50,000 a month, while 27.2% were getting more than QR50,000 in 2007.