About
This Blog
The writings in this blog are mostly my original thoughts on variety of ideas and experiences that I find fascinating and thought-provoking. While the topics here are varied, I tend to focus on three major topics:
- Personal experiences, career and lifestyle; basically anything me-related.
- Technology tips, tricks and reviews. I’m a geek at heart and some would classify me as an early an adopter. Well, I guess this adopter’s got quite few awesome tips in Web, software and technology to share.
- Music recommendations. I often get this obsessive compulsive urge to share latest and coolest tunes I listen to, and this blog’s where I dump all those on you :)
In general, my aim is to keep things consistently interesting around here. In other words, no straight cloning of ideas from other sources, and no pointless ramblings.
I do have my own hidden agenda for blogging. Thanks for asking!
Blog’s Author
My name is Alaeddin Hallak. I’m a software solutions analyst located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I stem from Syrian origins and now hold a Canadian nationality.
Professional Background
I hold several professional certifications including Certified Usability Analyst, Microsoft Certified Solution Developer and Oracle Certified Associate. Currently, I work full time at a large local FMCG group called Basamh. This is my second job so far. The first was with another large group specializing in mapping and real estate services called Zaki Farsi Co.
You can connect with me on LinkedIn or download and view my resume (Word Document, PDF).
Personal Background
I was born and raised in Jeddah until my family migrated to Canada in 97 where I did my high school in T.L Kennedy Secondary School, Mississauga, Toronto. For some reason, I went back to Jordan after that (2000) and got my undergraduate degree in computer science from the Jordan University of Science and Technology. So as you can see, I have a very complex social background which is actually something I’m glad to have because it has opened my eyes in many ways.
Throughout my younger years I was fascinated with every aspect of computers. I could easily call myself a “compu-holic” at the time because I was new to the whole field and I wanted to grasp everything I could put my hands on. For that reason, I excelled in all my high school computer courses and subsequently in university. I was always ahead of my league and I learned to develop a professional attitude towards what I do.
My life so far has been a safe ride. I almost always take the easy way and try to steer clear of risks or unpredictable outcomes. I enjoy living healthy and productively. Personal development is a newfound interest that I try to apply in many aspects in my life. I’m also a proud practicing Muslim who finds it tremendously soul-fulfilling and life blessing to be one.
I enjoy music a lot and have developed a diverse and tasteful appreciation of different genres of music. I guess that shows up in the number of songs I share in this blog which are handpicked to appeal to a broad range of musical tastes.
I have very healthy relationships in my life including ones with my best friends and family. I like to think of myself as an easygoing (although not much of a pushover) type-of-a-guy. A well-rounded sense of humor is one of the best qualities I like about myself. If you don’t believe it, try me :)
My goals in life are clear and simple. I want to continue to be the person I am today. Career-wise, I want to be a noted public speaker and a renowned usability engineer.