I love the classified sections of newspapers and, sure enough, read every itsy bitsy, teeny weeny bit that appears there.

It’s so much fun and, because of the printer’s devil, they invariably make for an interesting, albeit unintentionally, entertaining read.

Sample this advertisement I came across the other day: "Call PC doctor for any problems with your computer hardware, software. Free Prick Up and Delivery," it said, the last five words highlighted in bold type face to catch your eyeballs.

Every time I’ve experienced the tight fisted meanness of a relative, friend or colleague I’ve wondered if they were ever taught by their parents and grandparents to share with siblings and the world at large.

Please know that I have experienced the habits of freeloaders who come to a gathering of friends and colleagues and never part with a single dirham even after consuming the most food and drink and not chipping in for the gift.

Today, I’ve found out that the poor scrooges could not really help themselves… it’s all in their genes… the generosity gene to be specific, the one they do not have.

So the verdict in the most talked about "French rape case" is out.

The Dubai Court of First Instance sentenced two Emiratis to 15 years in jail for sodomising a 15-year-old Swiss–French boy on July 14 this year.

Unfortunately, in my opinion both sides lost.

After 30 months of living and working on the Bur Dubai side of the creek I ventured out last weekend to check out the other side.

So far I’ve been afraid of traffic snarls and bad drivers, of getting lost, not finding a taxi or a parking space and the general mayhem in my otherwise peaceful uncomplicated world of driving to work in 12 minutes; doing all my entertaining and shopping in the five square kilometres around my home or the work place and the luxury of getting everything delivered at my door.

Why I ventured out, I really don’t know. Perhaps I was bored of the same old things, and wanted a different experience… and what an experience it was!