We all know and we all feel the effects of the economic crisis that the world is facing today. Most of us are doing our best to weather it until things turn for the better. I don’t need to guess that all of us are hoping that things will get better soon. But, what if someone tells you that this economic downturn will be going on for four long years?! And that it could take that long for businesses to regain their losses. That’s according to one of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates, when he spoke at the World Economic Forum the past week. Where he based his statement we don’t know. There’s nothing like a statement like this to burst one’s bubble of hope, right?

Elie Saab was at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville in Paris, France.
The event was held on Thursday and was attended by many celebrities and famous faces.

How would you feel about having an inanimate version of yourself? I know a lot of people would be very happy to have one.
But First Lady Michelle Obama is not most people. She is displeased on behalf of her children - Sasha and Malia - after Toy Company, Ty Inc., released two new dolls that closely resemble the first daughters.

The company denies it and says: “We did not make the dolls to physically resemble either of the Obama girls.”
But then, the names Marvelous Malia and Sweet Sasha obviously say otherwise!

A new study undertaken by India's strategic Foresight Group, backed by governments or other agencies in Norway, Qatar, Switzerland and Turkey has concluded that twenty years of conflict in the Middle East has cost the region $U12 trillion. Well well well, tell us something we have not suspected already!!

The study added that unless the conflicts are resolved, the costs will continue to rise. Sundeep Waslekar, the group's president and one of the report's authors take on the situation is that "The choice they have to make is the choice between the danger of devastation and the promise of peace,"... Again tell us something we have not already deducted Mr Sundeep.

Lots of people around the world have big hopes for what the new American president Barack Obama might accomplish for the world, and the Jordanians are no exception!
The very active Jordanian Al-Amal Production Company has taken the first step of extending an open letter to Obama through a song.
The song is entitled 'A Letter from a Human being' -Risalat Insan- and will be performed by Super Star winner Diana Karazon.

They say God should be in your heart but many of different beliefs have been using YouTube to spread their religious message; Some are using it inflame rather than unite, however there are others that are trying for the opposite effect which is to explain and celebrate their creed.

It seems the YouTube revolution has gained a new member, The Pope. While the Vatican already has its own website, it decided to reach the new cyberspace generation through its own You Tube channel. Well what better way to spread your message? They would be joining many authoritative figures among them politicians as well as other religious leaders of different faiths who use the site to spread their intended message.

Meet Ilham Anas, he is a 34 year old Indonesian Magazine photographer. He gained media attention after appearing on a commercial for heartburn in the Philippines...
Personally, I think all he needs is to gain 10 pounds and an expensive suit and be the presidents double. Do you think IIham looks like Obama?

By Mya

More photos of Ilham Anas

Related:
- A Glimpse about President Barack Obama [With special photos]

Today and after 8, long years in the White House, George W. Bush will be out of there!
Just the idea of Bush seizing to be president, draws a smile on my face and brings a whiff of happiness into the air!
I'm glad it's over and I'm not the only one!
People all over the world are rejoicing that Mr. War president is finally an ex-president!
Believe it or not, but some Americans have gone to Washington D.C. to bid farewell to Bush in a very special way; about 500 people marched to the White House yesterday and threw about 40 pairs of shoes at the gate!
I wish i was there to do the same!

So a Syrian family claims to be in possession of a turban that once belonged to Prophet Mohammed pbuh! Yes its kinda weird but they say that it has been passed down in their family for years and its last owner died last year leaving this allegedly astounding artifact in the hands of his daughters.

Every year the famous and much awaited Dubai Shopping Festival kicks off with a huge and festive launch party, but not this year.
It has been officially announced that the usual launch ceremony planned for the Dubai Shopping Festival 2009 has been canceled as a way to show solidarity to the people of Gaza.

Can you give me a description of the most perfect job in the world?
What could it be? And is there really anything called The Best job in the world?
The answer is YES! and it is really The Best Job in the world! I'm not kidding!

Mansour Rahbani has passed away today at the age of 84 after suffering from acute pneumonia.
Rahbani had been under supervision in the hospital for some time, but has finally lost the battle.

The Oprah Show is one of the most famous TV shows in the world and you must have thought once or twice that you'd love to be sitting among those ladies and guys of the audience watching what Oprah has to offer that day! Haven't you?
Well, now you can get a step closer to actually attending a recording of one of Oprah's newest shows, which is part of her new series 'BEST LIFE'.
How, you ask? ... find out after the jump ...

A rich Lebanese woman had the most bizarre last wish I've ever heard of; she wished to be buried in her bedroom!

It's not that she wanted to be buried in her bedroom per se, but she wanted her bedroom to be moved down into her grave! Tell me that ain't weird!