BFMracing
General Category => Announcements => Topic started by: BFM_Chaindog on November 02, 2007, 02:35:43 PM
-
================================================================
For the latest updates click here!: http://www.bfmracing.net/forums/index.php/topic,5657.new.html#new
================================================================
(http://www.experienceqatar.com/thumb.php?width=85&image=galleryImages/H5QDVH0M.JPG) (http://www.experienceqatar.com/thumb.php?width=400&image=galleryImages/H5QDVH0F.JPG) (http://www.experienceqatar.com/thumb.php?width=400&image=galleryImages/H5QDVH0S.JPG)
BFM_Chaindog has left to serve the military in a contractor capacity in the Kingdom of Qatar (Map) (http://www.tsp.gatech.edu/world/qamap.html), and has served half a year in that position already, with many more to come. Qatar is located just east of Saudi Arabia, just southeast of Kuwait, and north of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a peninsula that sticks out and is surrounded by the Persian Gulf on three sides. This peninsula also points directly across the Gulf at the dangerous country of Iran.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Flag_of_Qatar.svg/756px-Flag_of_Qatar.svg.png) (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/LocationQatar.png)
Matter of fact, it is most likely that in the insane event of a war with Iran, that this Arabian kingdom will be the first to fall to Iran as allies of the United States of America. It is a strategic location from which to block the Persian Gulf shipping, to include the U.S. Navy, and take out some important personnel to the coalition efforts. It can also be the prime location from which to control the oil fields so close to Iran, just as Iraq attempted to do with the rich little country of Kuwait.
(http://www.experienceqatar.com/thumb.php?width=85&image=galleryImages/H5QDVH13.JPG) (http://www.experienceqatar.com/thumb.php?width=85&image=galleryImages/H5QDVH18.JPG) (http://www.experienceqatar.com/thumb.php?width=85&image=galleryImages/H5QDVH0K.JPG)
The job that I am working on is called a Force Protection Security Officer. If anyone else is interested many such companies accept civilians with ANY prior military experience, ANY security (even Wal-Mart!), and ANY Correctional/Jailhouse guard backgrounds. Other contractors will train you instead of requiring prior experience. PM me for basic information on different companies around the world, or if you know another contractor who may be interested in my skills (or stateside company for a senior position lol! Always looking...).
(http://www.experienceqatar.com/thumb.php?width=400&image=galleryImages/H5QDVH00.JPG) (http://www.experienceqatar.com/thumb.php?width=85&image=galleryImages/H5QDVH1G.JPG) (http://www.experienceqatar.com/thumb.php?width=85&image=galleryImages/H5QDVH1C.JPG)
The GREAT news is that the company that won the takeover contract back in September 2007, is the company that I had previously worked for while serving in Kosovo (Balkans), and they should be raising the contract salaries of all employees and will be hiring current contractors upon taking over the new contract once the current company gets the boot (they currently have a year extension). Current employees aren't paid as much at this location as with other contract positions in more in-combat zones in this region (partly due to location). The advantages are that I can "flip" contracts to another contractor in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and even Iraq (if I were so inclined...) for much MUCH higher salaries since I will already be in-theatre (combat zone). This is my plan, and I should probably be away for two years making my money. Upon my return I will open a full photography studio (one of the self-owned businesses I currently run) and continue my education that I will re-start while stationed overseas via University of Phoenix Online.
(http://www.experienceqatar.com/thumb.php?width=400&image=galleryImages/H5QDVD1D.JPG)
----------------------------------------------
Does this mean that BFM_Chaindog is leaving the clan?!?!? NO IT DOES NOT!!!!!! YAY!
----------------------------------------------
BFM_Chaindog is content right where he is, and will be logging in as frequently as he can to work on long-running projects he has had going since before we moved to the new forums. His gaming will be off and on, internet connection willing, but most likely more frequent than his current schedule had permitted over the six months prior to leaving home. The down side is that the internet is run by Q-Tel, a Qatari government-run internet service. From all reports, it is slower than DSL because of the restrictions on websites and bandwidth. The GOOD news is that Qatar is opening the internet competition up to two new companies in order to modernize their internet infrastructure. Hopefully I can get on with one of those so much the better.
So no, BFM_Chaindog is not leaving his online Family, and will still be seen on the Race tracks to pair up with Nrvend or SGjr on destroying the enemy. d_b
================================================================
For the latest updates click here!: http://www.bfmracing.net/forums/index.php/topic,5657.new.html#new
================================================================
-
Glad to see you're not leaving.
Hope you have the best time you can and stay safe.
-
Stay safe!
-
Take care Chaindog. ;D
-
Stay safe and take care!
-
Stay safe, and take pictures. ;D
-
Stay safe buddy and I will more than happy to team up with you on the track. as far as over there ...your on your own. I asked my wife and she said NO!...lol.
-
Wishing you a rewarding stay and good journey.... x 3!!! ;) :hug:
BB Dawg!
-
Be careful and stay safe over there chaindog. Hope we see you often!
-
Stay safe :ninja:
-
Take Care
-
Hey Chaindog, let me know if you want to talk about it. I was stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for four months while serving in the U.S. Air Force. I can tell you all about what to expect as far as climate and definitely what the base is like if you are going there too!
-
Climate (Winter): 104F daytime - 50F night, virtually always sunny [Classic desert zone] current info (http://www.experienceqatar.com/templates/weather.php?id=175)
Natural potable water: "neglible"
"Nominal" WW GDP rank/capita: 7th (FYI: USA is 8th....)
Qatar is NOT some backward desert country (for those of you that might assume it would be.) It is one of the most desired vacation spots in the Middle East, and one of the fastest growing commercial construction locations as well.
Assuming (and HOPING!) that your work won't put you in harm's way (ever/very often/at all?), you're entering what's probably one of themost sought-after jobs in that entire part of the globe right now. Well done, Chain!
As for their Internet access: Your timing is spot on, what with the bidding war to rewire the entire country within the next 18 months or so!
Maybe you should start your own sub-board in these forums so you won't have to check all over the place when you can chat with us (such as it is in board-posts!)?
Anyway, with just a little hesitation I'll say Well Done and Good Luck, Chain!
-
Chain,
Stay safe out there!
-
Good Luck Chain. Take Care.
-
stay safe and good luck
-
Good Luck and Be Safe man!
-
Had no idea you led such an exciting life, Chaindog. Good luck and keep your head down.
-
Good luck! :)
-
Be safe, Cd. We'll look forward to the day you are back stateside.
-
Good luck! Have fun!
-
Chaindog, well done! Have a good stay there and keep us posted!
-
wow nearly everyone said 'stay safe' so i'll be different and say have a safe stay :)
good luck chaindawg!
-
LOL, Mxy! :LOL:
-
Best of luck Chaindog! Take care!
-
Does this mean that BFM_Chaindog is leaving the clan?!?!? NO IT DOES NOT!!!!!! YAY!
----------------------------------------------
BFM_Chaindog is content right where he is, and will be logging in frequently to work on long-running projects he has had going since before we moved to the new forums. His gaming will be off and on, but most likely more frequent than his current schedule has permitted over the past six months. The down side is that the internet is run by Q-Tel, a Qatari government-run internet service. From all reports, it is slower than DSL because of the restrictions on websites and bandwidth. The GOOD news is that Qatar is opening the internet competition up to two new companies in order to modernize their internet infrastructure. Hopefully I can get on with one of those or if the military itself is offering contractors access to their systems, so much the better.
So no, BFM_Chaindog is not leaving his online Family, and will still be seen on the Race tracks to pair up with Nrvend on destroying the enemy. d_b[/color]
Well I hope he has a great time, and I hope he stays careful and glad that he will not be missed since he is not going anywhere as far as we are concerned, and BFM_panoze, he is happy that is the case and why we are speaking in 3rd person is at this time he does not know but they may figure it out :munch:. Have a safe trip Chain and take some pictures of the Middle East and post them for us.
-
Stay safe, Chain! Good to hear you're not leaving, and I hope to see you soon =].
-
As I come into the final days prior to leaving for overseas, I am now about to disconnect my cable internet and will no longer have steady access to the forums, gaming, or my various millions of email accounts. So begins the transition from stateside forum moderator to forum moderator from the Sandbox. Word has it that one of the two new internet companies in Qatar may offer high-speed internet. We shall see in about two weeks once I get settled in.
For now, please direct any questions regarding forums or updating threads I've created in said forums to Daigoro, Wic, or any other officer willing to find time to update them. Once I regain internet access, I shall return to my ol' stomping grounds to take up the slack projects I've left unfinished. Peace to all, love to all, and BFM_Chaindog signing OUT for the Middle East.
:grouphug: :AOL: :hobbyhorse:
:Chaindog: :UFO:
-
Having safely arrived for up-training in Dallas, I am currently staying at the American Airlines Training and Conference center (a deluxe-like hotel w/awesome cuisine...). Outbound flight is slotted for the 16th, takes roughly 1 1/2 days, and I should final flight by Sunday. Hopefully my PC arrived within the next week, although I have heard that stateside mail sometimes takes up to a month lately. I have most of my 2.4 Terabytes worth of hard drives in my carry-on, to include the OS for my PC when it arrives.
Anyone wanting to purchase souvenirs once I get there should PM me, or email me at chaindogQatar@yahoo.com, and I'll let you know what the shipping costs will be via USPS. Ciao! ~Cd~
:Chaindog: :Chaindog:
-
Chaindog, put me down for a barrel of oil. Thanks!
-
LOL ^
How much does a Big Mac cost?
-
LOL ^
How much does a Big Mac cost?
The price for a Chicken Big Mac combo meal is about 15 Qatari Riyals, or about $4. You can get it large sized, which is a slightly smaller drink than in the states, and an extra breaded hunk of chicken tender as a side. Chicken is king here...well, no the Emir is king here, but the chicken is contending with mutton for top meat! Also the price of petrol (gas) here is running about $0.24 per gallon or liter or whatever they use here (haven't found out yet as I don't have a vehicle for now).
NOTE: Qatar has: McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Pizza Inn, Wendy's, Arby's, Subway Sandwiches, Burger King, Black Eyed Pea, Red Lobster, and a host of other American full-service restaurants. The local Ramada has at least 7 clubs, taverns, or music bars alone. There is a mall that is a huge contender for one side of the Mall of the Americas. They sell every type of cell phone imaginable from all around the world (dual, triple, quad-band, satellite, Wi-Fi, Skype, all included), and every type of computer equipment is also sold in Soques (sooks) which are like shopping buildings full of one category of technology in one block, with other types in similar blocks across each corner.
CHAINDOG LIVES! Internet access sucks lemons, making me feel quite bitter as the wait time for DSL is 2-3 months, or 1+ months after Qatari residency is granted (1-3 months after entry). *sighs* Oh well. I also will have a LiveJournal.com site for those interested in my meanderings and meaningless travelogues (meager now until I can update it). It is for matured audiences as I'm not going to be "PC" for a travelogue, although there still won't be much in the way of bad language used (I AM BFM_Chaindog after all!), but I have numerous interests and some of the strangest of people have requested my friendship w/o me ever posting a blog yet. LOL! Mature and humor-minded audiences interested should PM me for the link. Without much ado, I fade away until my next day off to make the long trip back to base for free internet.
~The Incorrigible Chaindog~ :Chaindog:
-
Internet access here at the MWR (Morale-Welfare-Recreation) center is still very bad. I can get faster access off-base yet due to the sheer number of viruses and keyloggers it is still safer to venture on-base right as I get off of work on my new day shifts. Transportation from that is still a problem, as it can cost me anywhere from $5.50-$9 just to grab a taxi one-way. Once I get my LCD monitor in, it'll cost me less to use Q-Tel's pre-paid dial-up cards than to wait for a taxi and pay to get around. Speed should be about the same if not better for basic internet use!!! I've updated a number of dates in my livejournal with some quick adventures, and should be adding some more today provided I don't fall asleep on my keyboard waiting for a page to load. ::) :bang: :munch: The duties here are relatively easy, and are what I'm used to for this type of work, and working with other contractors. Have a good read! ~Cd~
:o Three whole hours just to login here today!! :o
-
:o Three whole hours just to login here today!! :o
Ouch. Good to hear from ya again Chain.
-
[...]
:o Three whole hours just to login here today!! :o
Ya, so...
... pls BE SURE NOT TO READ THIS!
::)
;D
(Thx for the PM! 'Am catching up on postings!)
-
Good to hear from you!
-
Sounds like you've made some wise desisions. If theres anything you'd like from stateside, let me know and I'll see what I can do.
-
Great to hear from you, Chain! Hope everything goes smoothly for you!
Stay safe!
-
good to hear from you
-
Fighting my roommate for, of all things, pre-paid dial-up access, has me going kind of bonkers at the moment. Since my company has been trying to figure out which tail end holds their brains, it has been nearly impossible to get my 2Mbps DSL activated, as we've been told that we were going to change off-post villas - or have renovations - or whatever the excuse is. So I've taken a stance and demanded some timelines from my leadership on what the heck is the Final Answer on our homes. I should get something more than a chubby shoulder shrug this week, and have my DSL installed by the end of the month. I've got a backup copy of my Halo CD on my 2TB's of HDDs, so will definitely be gaming the 2nd day that I've got broadband (1st day will be dedicated to testing for security leaks). Figured I'd update y'all on my gaming status, as it seems that aside from the training and Administrative Procedures that I've got posted all over the place, none of the new folks know who the heck I am! :LOL: Time to rectify that with some butt stomping all over the Race maps. :siren: :toughguy: :siren:
-
Whodog? XDDDDD
Good to see you enjoying yourself ;)
-
Fighting my roommate for, of all things, pre-paid dial-up access, has me going kind of bonkers at the moment. Since my company has been trying to figure out which tail end holds their brains, it has been nearly impossible to get my 2Mbps DSL activated, as we've been told that we were going to change off-post villas - or have renovations - or whatever the excuse is. So I've taken a stance and demanded some timelines from my leadership on what the heck is the Final Answer on our homes. I should get something more than a chubby shoulder shrug this week, and have my DSL installed by the end of the month. I've got a backup copy of my Halo CD on my 2TB's of HDDs, so will definitely be gaming the 2nd day that I've got broadband (1st day will be dedicated to testing for security leaks). Figured I'd update y'all on my gaming status, as it seems that aside from the training and Administrative Procedures that I've got posted all over the place, none of the new folks know who the heck I am! :LOL: Time to rectify that with some butt stomping all over the Race maps. :siren: :toughguy: :siren:
Looking forward to getting to race with you / against you :winkgrin:
-
Woot! glad to hear I'll be able to race with you again chain!
hope to see you soon :)
:ninja:
-
WOOT!
Keep Safe Dude. :)
-
Good to hear from ya, stay safe!!
-
:) Stay safe! :)
LOL Love the way you organize your posts... So... neat and interesting.
-
Glad to see you're fine ChainDog. :)
-
good to hear from you :)
-
Chain'!
I was worriedaboutya, man! (No updates @ LiveJournal, none needed now!)
(HOW did I miss this thread update?!?)
Anywho, glad to hear you're still kickin' butts and takin' names over there, bud!
..And knowing the people that you're dealing with, my $$s on you getting that line in mid-June! ::) :o :doh:
Take care, be safe, make LOTS o' $$! (Mostly cuzza the dollar's.. not worth a dollar here any more! :-\ )
-
(Mostly cuzza the dollar's.. not worth a dollar here any more! )
Burn?
Good to see ya CD! Have fun and stay safe :)
And if you need a hand beatin' up the Internet provider give us a call :P
-
Keep safe man. I may find myself over in the sand in the next couple years. I ship for Lackland AFB on the 15th of next month. Less than a month left as a free man... lol!
-
Hey Chain, I only just caught this thread - I don't get to the forums much.
You're on a great adventure my friend. I hope you make some great friends and get to mix with the locals and experience their culture.
Keep your head down and stay safe. I'm not talking about Qatar now, I'm talking about the next time you see me gunning a hog!
Cheers
-
^^! LOL! Mixing with other cultures is what I do best!
Mxy, I'll be bringing my LiveJournal semi-updated as soon as I get that DSL in. It just takes forever to load a page in dial-up just to type text and wait for the Submit button to load, then load the submission page to make sure it took, only to start over again on the next entry. I've got boatloads of pics that I want to insert but can't upload anywhere on this speed of a drunken snail internet. I also have Guild Wars packaged with the newest version pack to try out online for free. It'll be interesting to get back online at speed again! :rockstar:
-
Glad to see you ChainDog! d_b
-
Latest update on my DSL status. I've been notified by housing admin that due to the loss of almost 65% of our guard force at the end of the last contract, I now qualify for a Master Bedroom in one of our several villa compounds. As I was supposed to get DSL this next week in my current villa, this somewhat irks me, but a wise man will not pass up the opportunity to get a much larger room with private bath and storage space. So I've halted the DSL installation until I can get the electric meter number from whatever villa I'll be moving into (it contains the Arabic address info somehow) and get it transferred there instead. This should resolve numerous problems I've had at my current location for the past few months.
I'm sooooo much closer to contentment (having 2 Mbps broadband, playing Halo again, able to LIVE online again, and have a nice clean place to live), that things feel like they are looking up in the desert.
Oh, btw, did anyone happen to see the news item that the Al Jazeera Network was crowing about almost as soon as it happened? A B-1 bomber plane had landed at an airbase about 20 miles south of my base, caught fire while taxiing and blew itself and numerous bombs it had as cargo into a million smithereens. The crew supposedly bailed out and survived when the fire in the cargo area was first noticed. I was on midnight shift duty while it happened and all that could be seen in the distance was what at first appeared to be artillery illumination rounds cooking off and two groups of heavy explosions. The first was the cargo, the second was the fuel on the plane. We thought we were under fire, as rumors of Iran threating our sector over something or the other that we don't pay attention to anymore, have been running around. False alarm. And ol' Chaindog at an unarmed post for the first time that night too. Awwww! :toughguy:
-
Lol!
Glad to see your okay Chaindog.
That plane exploding must have been scary but cool at the same time lol
Hope to see you on Vent and playing Halo soon!