The WYSIWYG Factor

"What do I care what people have to say about me?"

"Yeah, who cares what people think, it's between me and Allah"

Ah yes. Indeed, who cares? People will talk, and spread rumors and be jealous... that's what people do. But does that mean you can do whatever you want without ever taking responsibility for your actions? Without any repercussions ever?

I'm a translator. At work, I always work in WYSIWYG. Why? Because I know what to expect when I send my document to the printer. I know where my margins are, I know where my page breaks are, and I know almost exactly what my print out will look like when I'm done.

Logically, what do you expect from a liar? Lies. What do you expect from a thief? Thieving. What do you expect from a gossiper? Gossip.

So if you're the kind of person who doesn't care what people think, more power to you, but remember that what you see is what you get, and when it comes time to judge your character, people will only rely on one thing: what they've seen.

The Islamic Prayer Times – Computational Philosophy with Particular Reference to the Lack of Twilight Cessation at Higher Latitudes

OR
Praying and Fasting where the sun don't set



I was sent this "joke" today, about two saudis who died on the 16th day of Ramadan because they were working up North and weren't able to break their fasts*. It really is meant as a joke. Though I must admit, I don't get it.

Just for the record, the subject of breaking one's fast at the right time in areas where the sun never sets or rises is legitimate and is the object of serious research.

See for yourself (.PDF).


* I'm pretty sure this scenario is unlikely due to the social disease and poor management of funds that plague the saudi society. Money+ arrogance make for well paid american imports hired to do your work for you, innit?