Mahmood’s Den

Blog: Mahmood’s Den

Type: Personal/Political

Generally, Blog Read’s intent is to discover lesser known blogs of excellence but occasionally we will point at more famous blogs because they genuinely are very good. And Mahmood’s Den is a blog that stands out as deserving of its popularity.

I first discovered Mahmood many months ago and was immediately captivated by his easy style and manner. A Bahraini national and resident, he is cultured, educated, has a superb writing style and is the perfect antidote for those prejudiced against all things Arab. It is a stated aim of his to show others that not all Arabs are determined upon world domination and it is clear that he is succeeding; his blog and other websites have a huge following, no doubt all attracted by his level-headed thinking and openness to new things.

There is a certain laid-back, slightly wry feeling to Mahmood’s blog, perfectly encapsulated in his photograph contained within the header. A man who can smile at the world as he does has things to teach us all. It is easy to be completely at home with Mahmood’s gentle philosophy, to feel welcome in the pages of his blog.

As for design, he gets that spot on too, in common with many Arab blogs and websites. He uses a clean and simple two-column framework with muted, desert colors entirely appropriate to his themes. And the header is a compilation of all that we imagine of the Arab world, cleverly merged into an attractive first resting place for the eye. It is a professional’s blog, a demonstration of how simplicity will always defeat the extravaganzas of color, animation and curlicue so beloved of those trying to make an impact.

This is a blog that should be read by all who have an opinion on international politics today; not because Mahmood has earth-shattering revelations on such high flown things but because he allows us to see the diversity of all peoples and the insanity of some of our prejudices. If his blog has a message it is: we are all human and isn’t it wonderful?

How badly we are in need of that message at times.

Craigblog

Blog: Craigblog

Type: Personal Interests

Craigblog has only been going since April of this year but already it is one of my regular reads. It is true that many of his interests coincide with mine but the deciding factor is really the quality of Craig’s writing, his well thought out views and his clear presentation.

The blog uses a template but one of the better ones and he is working to personalize it as he learns what can and can’t be done. A three-column design, it is unusual in choosing to put the main content on the left, rather than the center. This works well in practice and the blog is extremely easy to read as a result.

Craig is a Scot, as befits his name, and there is a slight emphasis on things Scottish as a result. He is not a rabid nationalist, however, and he allows us to see a more moderate side of those wild Gaelic northerners of the English imagination. A better advertisement for Scotland would be hard to find.

Content is wide-ranging and includes thoughts on life, sports, music and blogging itself. Essentially, it is a personal blog but with specialist knowledge and interest in certain defined areas. Every blog is a reflection of the person who created it and, judging by the blog, Craig is a good person to know.

Criticisms? Well, I’ve been trying to think of one as I write but so far nothing occurs. All in all, it’s an excellent blog and one I thoroughly recommend. Great job, Craig!