I am Circassian. Where is my nation?

Circassia...

2011-12-07T20:58:00.001-05:00

Every Circassian wants to go HOME.

"Local legends" of the Black Sea

2011-12-03T00:32:00.001-05:00

The Globe and Mail's Jeff Parker travels to Gelendzhik - a city on the Black Seacoast of Krasnodar Krai.

Image from weather-forecast.com.
Notice the proximity to Anapa, Maykop, Tuapse, and Sochi.

His guide gives him a tour- sharing some truths and sometall tales. "Doughy beachgoers" are lying on the grounds that used to be concentration camps while Circassians were herded onto boats for the often fatal journey to the Ottoman Empire and a proud mountain that sheltered Circassians in battles from the invading Imperial Russian army has been renamed after a Russian mobile phone company- "MegaFon Mountain".

However, its the last lines of this article that really struck a cord withme:

"Eventually, Igor's uncle admits the meteor stories arenonsense, just local legends. Then he tells us the name Gelendzhik is derivedfrom a Turkish word meaning “little bride.” It originated as a slave marketwhere Turks sold Circassian women.

I ask if this, too, is a nonsense local legend. But heassures me that this one is true."

So the question to my fellow Circassians is- What honor is there to allow the history of Circassian women being sold to Turks be questioned as a "local legend" or used to spice up a conversation?

The events that happened during the Circassian Genocide is tragic. But its even more terrible when we do not join in telling the truth.

There are 797 days till the Sochi Winter Olympics are set to completely erase the entire history of Circassians from the world. Stand up, say No Sochi 2014. Demand respect and the right to exist as a nation, so that our history and culture will not become local legends.

Your face is a museum

2011-11-30T23:37:00.000-05:00

My grandfather

Picture taken in Golan Heights

When you look in the mirror you see not just your face but a museum. Although our face, in one sense, is your own, it is composed of a collage of features you have inherited from your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on. The lips and eyes that either bother or please you are not yours alone but are also features of your ancestors, long dead perhaps as individuals but still very much alive as fragments in you. We carry the past around with us all the time, and not just in our bodies. It also lives in our customs, including the way we speak. The past is a set of invisible lenses we wear constantly, and through these we perceive the world and the world perceives us.
We stand always on the shoulders of our ancestors, whether or not we look down to acknowledge them.

-Author unknown-

One reason...

2011-04-21T12:55:00.000-04:00

of why I do what I do and say what I say.

Putin's IOC Speech: Lies of the Sochi Olympics - Hiding the truth of the Circassian Genocide

Shooting Star, Адыгэ псо

2011-04-14T22:45:00.003-04:00

On April 13, 2011 - 11:37pm EST...

Coming home from the Circassian Cultural Institute's lecture on state building in Kabardino- Balkaria, I saw a shooting star. I got happy. I felt blessed. Naturally, I made a wish, that my soul has said so many times waiting to be sealed by an event that is rare, beautiful and awe-inspiring. I do not know when, or if, I will ever witness something like that moment again.

Moments like a shooting star allow room for reflection.

Every Adyghe (or at least most) has a wish, a dream, a desire for a home, a country, a Circassia, to call their own. Yet, are we really exposing our thoughts and souls to each other? To the world? A few are and I applaud them.

So, I call on ALL Circassians to begin this discussion now. We must not be speechless when our amazing shooting star moment arrives.

Адыгэ псо.

(RE)Welcoming!

2011-04-14T22:28:00.008-04:00

Welcome to my revamped blog!!

Even though it has been over a year since I last wrote here, I am still the same person with (nearly) similar thoughts as when this blog was first printed in the cyberworld.

However, the person I am today is more focused and I would like my blog to reflect that. Bare with me, it will be a work in progress.

And since I'll always be a nostalgic soul, (and maybe to the delight of my 3 total fans...) I've kept my old posts and labeled them Archive: 2008-2010. Feel free to peruse those ponderings.

So, take a look around. I hope you enjoy. :)

Happy Adyghe New Year!

2010-03-21T14:30:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Amjad Jaimoukha

March 22-- The Circassians (Adyghe) considered this day, when winter was over and summer began (ghere sch’ire schizexech’ maxwem; гъэрэ щIырэ щызэхэкI махуэм), as New Year’s Day. The ancient Circassians had only two seasons: winter (щIымахуэ) and summer (гъэмахуэ).

There were two festivals associated with the New Year: Maf’aschhetih (мафIащхьэтыхь; literally: ‘Hearth Sacrifice’), and X’wrome (хъуромэ; also X’wrame [хъурамэ]). In the first, which was later dubbed ‘Maf’aschhe Jed’ («мафIащхьэ джэд»; ‘Hearth Hen’), the festivities were initiated with a rite of sacrifice in which a black hen was immolated on the altar of the hearth. After the offering had been made, the members of the household whose smoke kept issuing for a whole year assembled in front of the hearth. The elder then said the prayers (тхьэлъэIу; thelhe’w):

With lasting fire in our hearth,
And well-lit and hot stoves,
Lacking no victuals to boil,
Nor crops to cook,
May God see us through next year!

A sumptuous feast was prepared for the occasion, an essential ingredient of which was either heljey (хьэлджей), a large loaf of maize or barley (originally only barley) bread baked in a bread-pan, or x’irshin (хъыршын), pie. The lady of the house cut the heljey or x’irshin into triangular pieces and presented one to each member of the household. Typical dishes and foodstuffs prepared and served included meat (of animal slaughtered for the occasion), chicken, turkey, gravy (шыпс; ships), crushed-millet dumplings (пIастэ; p’aste), fried chicken in sour cream sauce (джэдлыбжьэ; jedlibzche), pastry straws (джэдыкIэрыпщ; jedich’eripsch), short-cakes (тхъурымбей; tx’wrimbey), doughnuts and short-cakes (лэкъум; lequm), pasties (хьэлывэ; helive), pancakes (тхъурыжь; tx’wrizch), sweetmeat (хьэлыуэ; heliwe), and many more.

The celebrants, young and old, did not sleep a wink all night long, whiling away the time playing the game ‘de qeighezhex’ («дэ къегъэжэх»; ‘rolling down the nuts’). It was considered shameful and a bad omen to sleep on that propitious night. At dawn, ‘before the mangy pigs and wolves had the chance to bathe in the river in the new year’ («кхъуэ бэгумрэ дыгъужь бэгумрэ псым илъэсыкIэм зыхамыгъэпскIыхь щIыкIэ»; ‘q’we begwmre dighwzch begwmre psim yilhesisch’em zixamigheps-ch’ih sch’ich’e’), all headed to the river to cleanse themselves, no matter how cold the water was. This was essentially a ritual to harden the body and temper the soul.

In the X’wrome festival, the elders went round the village pronouncing their toasts and the young ones went in a group, called ‘X’wromashe’ («хъуромашэ»), collecting victuals and singing ‘X’wrome’, basically a toast wishing for plentiful crops, good health, prosperity and success. All households donated generously, for it was thought that otherwise the coming year would prove bad to the stingy household. After finishing their round, the groups gravitated towards a designated homestead, where the foodstuffs were cooked and prepared for the feast.

Never doubt...

2010-03-07T21:09:00.002-05:00

By Margaret Mead

Small groups can have big impact.

Cowardly Lion, No More

2010-01-06T00:43:00.009-05:00

Courage

The Merriam- Webster dictionary defines it as the ability to conquer fear or despair.

I always thought I was brave. I thought I was in control of my life. But I wasn’t. I was only reacting to the things that happened to me. I felt inadequate to do anything for myself. I was not brave enough to be proactive of my own life. I tried to find what was stopping me. What was holding me back? I suffered personally, academically, socially, and even within my family circle. I was the Cowardly Lion.

I feared myself to be overcome by inspiration.
Thus I never realized my true potential.
I feared revealing my true emotions to anyone.
I’ll only hurt myself.
I feared failure towards reaching my goals.
My goals seem so distant and unreachable.
I feared losing anything that meant anything to me.
I’ll feel so forlorn.

But now, courage, I seek you.

With you, I’ll be focus on my dreams and my passions, without fear of failure.
With you, I’ll say ‘I love you’ when I feel love.
With you, I’ll say ‘fuck off’ when I want peace.
And I’ll understand the consequences, but I’ll stay true to my being.

With you, I’ll embrace any opportunity and try anything possible.
With you, I will not be shy to reject people and things that stand in the way of my goals.
With you, I won’t be afraid to stand by my views.
And I’ll defend them and re-examine them regularly.

I do not have any other option.
This yellow brick road is mine.
Don’t hide from me now,…
Courage, I’ll find you.

And when you don't elude me any longer,
I won't allow desertion.

Identity Theft Is No Joke!!

2009-12-29T10:22:00.004-05:00

Last night, I received an email from a dear friend of mine...

"Hello
How you doing? I made a trip to London (United Kingdom) unannounced some days back, but Unfortunately I got mugged at gun point last night! All cash, Credit card and phone were stolen, I got messed up in another country, stranded in London, fortunately passport was back in my hotel room. It was a bitter experience and i was hurt on my right hand, but would be fine. I want you to know this is really from em and not a spam or virus, I am sending you this message cos i don't want anyone to panic, I want you to keep it that way for now! My return flight leaves in a few hours but I’m having troubles sorting out the hotel bills, wondering if you could loan me some money to sort out the hotel bills and also take a cab to the airport about ($2,000). I have been to the police and embassy here, but they aren't helping issues, I have limited means of getting out of here, i canceled my cards already and made a police report, I won’t get a new card number till I get back home! So I really need your help.

You could wire whatever you can spare to my name and Location via Western union:

(Name removed for victim's protection)
272, Coriander Avenue, Docklands, E14 2AA ,
London United Kingdom

Get back to me with the western union details so I can have the money pickup here and make my way back to Home. I would def refund it to you once I arrive! Hopefully tomorrow

I await your prompt response."

My friend was a victim of online identity theft. She was never in London; her email was hacked into. A poser used her name and wanted money by making a appeal to her friends-- ones who would rescue the girl by sending over whatever she need.

This is the first time I've seen this type of scam and it can really bamboozle anyone. I even had my own bank account open in another window and I was ready to go to a Western Union to wire any amount I can spare. If it wasn't for a phone call, I would most likely be scammed a few hundred dollars.

So please, regularly change your passwords and safeguard your identity online, treat any request for money with suspicion, and always being cautious of who you give your personal information.

Moment of Zen:

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Circassians Demanding Rights & Recent Events in North Caucasus

2009-12-11T12:00:00.003-05:00

This is a list of articles and links compiled to educate and better understand the seizing of human rights of the Circassian indigenous people while following public protests and violence against Circassian leaders in the North Caucasus, specifically in Kabardino- Balkaria, Karachay- Cherkessk, and Adyghea.
We need more awareness of the troubles in the Caucasus so please share with your family and friends. If you think anything is missing, add by commenting below.
Thank you.
_________________________________________________________

In North Caucasus: Kabardino- Balkaria, Karachay- Cherkessk, and Adyghea

November 18, 2009
Moscow Excises “Separatist” Articles from Constitutions of Circassian Republics
***Recommended reading! -- This article, by Fatima Tlisova, gives an in- depth look of why Circassians in the three Circassian titular republics are protesting.
November 23, 2009
Protest actions of Sochi citizens took place in Moscow

November 24, 2009
Statement of Adygeyan (Kabardian) public of KBR
“Adyghe Khasa” of Adygeya Republic: “Together we are strong”

November 25, 2009
Appeal of Circassian Youth Forum of Moscow about KBR lands

November 26, 2009
Swine flu did not prevent "Circassian march"
VIDEO: CIRCASSIAN PROTESTERS
***Recommended viewing! -- Authorities would not let these protesters cross from Nalchik to Cherkessk telling them if they really wanted to go, they could walk- thinking the 20-30 mile distance was too far.

November 29, 2009
In Cherkessk, demand to divide republic into Karachai and Circassia

December 1, 2009
“Khasa” public movement’s statement on fact of violence against its leaders

December 3, 2009
Support for Circassian Nationalism Grows in the North Caucasus

December 5, 2009
At meeting of December 5th, in Nalchik, bloodshed is supposed
Ibrahim Yaganov is beaten in Nalchik
State of "Khasa” leader’s health does not cause fear
Circassian Youth Groups Under Pressure In Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachayevo-Cherkessia
December 6, 2009
Another Circassian Activist Assaulted, Beaten In Nalchik

December 9, 2009
Ibrahim Yaganov: We are determined to continue the struggle

Circassian (Adyghe) Reactions from Diaspora and Karachay- Cherkessk

Jordan
“Friends of Adygs of Caucasus”: Attack against national leaders is inadmissible
December 1, 2009
Israel
“Circassian congress” of Israel calls Adygs of the world to stand for their leaders’ protection
December 1, 2009
Australia
Circassian community of Australia’s appeal
December 10, 2009
Turkey
“Caucasian forum” of Turkey: Attacks against Adygeyan leaders are Russian provocations
December 11, 2009
Abkhazia
Public of Abkhazia’s worried with situation in Kabardino-Balkaria
December 11, 2009
Karachay- Cherkessk
Statement of Karachaevo-Circassian republican public movement "Circassian congress"
December 11, 2009

Circassians demanding rights outside of the Caucasus and Russia

Circassians latest to demand rights in Turkey
December 9, 2009

Protesters outside Khabez, town/village near Cherkessk

Protesters in Cherkessk, capital of Karachai-Cherkessk

Protesters outside Khabez, town/village near Cherkessk

In the words of George Carlin...

2009-08-24T05:00:00.006-04:00

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete....

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember to say, ' I love you ' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again...

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

1,500 moments of simplicity...

2009-08-20T10:28:00.004-04:00

In July 2009, The New York Times Lens blog compiled more than 1,500 mobile photos from its readers. Some of the shots look like impressionist or surrealist painitings, some are photos that serve as reminders of easier times, and others are just captures of things that hold our attention in our busy daily lives....

In any case, all the photos show that the ordinary is truly extraordinary. Circle through them; you won't be disappointed. :)

Free time + Sharpie =

2009-08-13T23:55:00.002-04:00

Doodles!! ♥

-August 13, 2009-

Little Green Hummingbird

2009-08-10T00:41:00.003-04:00

July 22, 2009 -- The day of the green hummingbird.

As I'm driving a lady with a bright pink sleeveless dress catches my eye. But its not the fierce summer color that draws my attention, but rather the white tye-dye 'target bull-eye' design on her behind.

I can't help but imagine a young, charming, green hummingbird getting very very excited...

(Image not mine. Google ♥)

My Name is Trippy Travaasey

2009-07-28T00:10:00.004-04:00

My dream from Saturday July 25, 2009.

I am a child of the 70's era on vacation in the middle of North California. A few signs tell me I'm near UC Berkeley. The midsummer afternoon breeze comes through the open window of the moving car, refreshing me. I get out of the car and walk until I see a group surrounding a tree bent at a certain angle. I go closer to the tree and I read a plaque that explains tree is directly pointing to my beloved Kafkas. I stand wondering if the tip of this tree and the tip Mt. Elbrus are emitting an invisible protective dome over my people. Nearby is a statue of a beautiful lady nurturing the tree. She is bent and kneels over as if she is constantly watering the roots. "Mother Satanaya?" I question. "Are you still nurturing your children?"

I continue my stroll on the brick sidewalk, passing by little shops that fill all my senses. I choose to sit on the stoop of a candle shop. The shelves are lined with more colors than a summer rainbow that entice me. Its intoxicating fragrances soothe me.

I watch older hippies with psychedelic outfits stroll by. A young couple is running a few errands. Across the street, I spot a tall, lean man with a guitar on his back. His long dark hair falls into his inky black eyes. I sit straighter, smoothing my sideways plait and fixing my little white dress. He spots me sitting on the store stoop. As he walks towards me I notice he is carrying a shiny pink skateboard. He introduces himself as Jim Morrison. Nervously I unravel my braid. I ask about his guitar and politely tell him that I’ve never heard his music. When he asks me for my name I shyly tell him, “My name is Trippy Travaasey.” Jim sees me eyeing the skateboard and generously hands it to me, saying, "Play Trippy, but do good with this." He winks at me, runs his fingers in my hair and disappears into the crowds that have come out with the cooling dusk.

With a skip in my step, I run uphill. I want to play with my skateboard! After a few downhill zooms that make my long hair wild, I decide that darkness will make my descending flights riskier. I walk along an avenue lined with small willow trees decorated with little white lights. A black family catches my attention as I see a little girl around my age talking to her slightly older brother. Like others of the crowd they comment on the colorful windows. I get closer to them, to hear them talk. I hear the little girl say to her brother, "Look at that pink skateboard! How much of an allowance do I need to buy that?"

I walk to her. Her ebony eyes sparkle in the bright window's lights. She is shy and stands near her brother for comfort. I hand her my new toy that saying that I want her to have my shiny pink skateboard. "Its brand new. A guy with a guitar just gave it to me!" I excitedly explain. Their parents are nearby and overhear the conversation. They offer to pay fifty dollars for the skateboard. I firmly refuse. As I start to turn around and run towards the park, the brother yells to me , "Hey! What's your name?!" I stop, smile and shout, "My name is Trippy Travaasey!" I continue my dash to the park swings.

Years pass and I return to this little neighborhood. My hair is braided, and I'm wearing a white summer sundress, while carrying many papers in an oversized bag. I overhear that President Obama is in the area, on vacation visiting his cousin. I’m determined to show him the statue of Mother Satanaya as she nurtures the leaning tree and tell him about Circassians. I get his attention and we talk as we stroll along the neighborhoods, commenting on the little shops windows. The location of the enchanted place reminds him of a story that his cousin shared with him as a child. He asks for my name and his face lights up when I say, “Trippy Travaasey.”

He urges me to follow him. His giant steps lead me through a winding lane of little willow trees. We walk past more shops and he disappears from view as a sparkly jewelry store window catches my eye. The diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires twinkle as they flirt with golden light allowing the combination to dance and twirl in my mind. I walk away dejected, until a tall smart looking man accidentally bumps into me, sending my papers flying into the street. He shares that he was trying to find someone in a hurry. As an apology he invites me to ice cream. I accept. While a delightful chocolate ice cream, I notice that he is looking at me funny; almost nostalgically. When he asks for my name, I tell him with a smile, "Trippy Travaasey."

Without missing a beat he pulls out a little black book with the McDonald's emblem embossed on the front. His eyes are shining as he glances at me when he pulls out a shiny black pen from his crisp white shirt. A miniature pink skateboard is the pen's holder. He scribbles a few lines and signs his name with a flourish.

He hands me a check. I gasp at the amount. $1,000,000. I look down at the person’s title beneath the signature. The man is the President and CEO of McDonald's.

Bewildered, I look at him with wide eyes. He laughs at my speechlessness and explains, "I'll never forget how you gave my sister the shiny pink skateboard. She played with it for every summer since she went to college, and made countless happy memories for her, me and everyone in my neighborhood."

The man’s happiness and mirth at my shock attracts President Obama to join his cousin. They both say with a twinkle in their winking eyes, "Trippy Travaasey, just play with this. Don't give it away."

Color-i-fire the Night...

2009-07-06T11:26:00.003-04:00

Run to find the best spot possible...
Dedicate a firework to someone...
Eat some ice cream...
Grab a glowstick and save it in the freezer for later...
Join in the chorus of oohs & aaahhs...
Wrap an arm around a special person...
Sing some Billie Jean...
Sit, stand, or lay in amazement and joy. ♥

Forever, Our Souls Remain

2009-06-12T23:43:00.006-04:00

This is a poem from The Last of the Departed published by Bagrat Shinkuba. It is an excellent story of the Ubykh, Zaurkan Zolak, who was expelled as a young man from Kafkasia in 1864. His story is told through the linguist Sharakh Kvadza when Zaurkan was a 100 years old.

Let's look back at our mountains,
They don't know where we're going.
Let's look back and leave them our song
To wonder like an echo
From one mountain to another.
If a child leaves its mother,
The mother is to blame.
But is she really to blame?
Is she really to blame?
"Why are you leaving children?
What have I done to you, children?"
Our land is crying;
Our land is asking.
Forgive us unfortunate ones,
Forgive us!
We have no power to stay.
We can leave you
One thing only: our souls.
We are leaving forever.
Forever, our souls remain.

Forever, my soul remains...

The Mountaineers leave the aul (village). 1872.

Caressing Breeze

2009-04-25T00:30:00.003-04:00

The soft breeze caresses the world.
It freshens our days,
gathers giggles of innocence,
eavesdrops on cuddled lovers' whispers,
heralds tempestuous storms,
sings sweet songbird melodies,
heeds the old oak's advice,
enlivens mesmerizing campfires,
tastes salty oceans,
dries sorrowful tears,
reveals tenderness in hearts,
urges fairytales to become realities,
and reassures the hopes of noble ambitions.

This soft caressing breeze,
flirts with emerald fields,
charms with immortal stories,
laughs with gusty bursts,
allowing the grass to forever sway and dance
with unbridled joy, eternal life and endless love.

-DW

Wish Away

2009-04-16T01:00:00.000-04:00

Think of a wish,
Gently blow away.
Let the wind flow,
Make your dream sway.

Dancing in the breeze,
It will come to a grassy hill.
Your wish that you released
Will plant itself- your wish fulfilled.

Your wish will blossom,
And be nourished by the day.
Growing until its is plucked
by a little girl who jumps, laughs, and plays.

Tenderly she will shield
the unassuming delicate flower.
Smiling softly, she makes a wish,
And than blows with all her gentle power.

-DW

Image by S.K. Tsay

"The Internet Symphony" Global Mash Up

2009-04-16T00:19:00.001-04:00

Because it breaks language barriers.
Because two enemies can like the same melody.
Because its an expression of our soul,
and because it connects all people across the globe...

Long live the music!!
♫ ♫ ♫

"It's not a f*cking game..."

2009-03-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

On March 4th, Jon Stewart (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) aired a piece that blasted the entire CNBC financial organization for irresponsibly giving 'sound advice' in this downward and volatile economic meltdown. The week long 'feud' ended with this unedited, uncensored 3 part interview between Stewart and Jim Cramer (host of Mad Money with Jim Cramer).

Stewart urges Cramer, CNBC and other financial news networks to be responsible by reporting and exposing the garbage and lies that top companies, CEO's, crooked wall street traders and investment brokers were feeding the public, causing panic and the depletion of lifelong investments of many hard-working innocent people.
--
Part 1:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 1

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

--
Part 2:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 2

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

--
Part 3:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 3

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Spin Out

2009-02-04T10:10:00.001-05:00

February 3, 2009 at approximately 7.50pm:

I am going home from work. The roads are slick from today's snow and icy mix. My parents call me as I'm driving along Chamberlain Ave. They ask me, "Dana are you ok? Is everything all right? Be careful!" I quickly tell them I am driving slowly, that I am fine, and everything is okay. I make a left turn onto Cumberland Ave as Kanye West's song 'Streetlights' starts playing in my car. Slowly, I go down the slight descent. I'm extra vigilant for the potholes on the road. Up ahead I see someone (stupid guy) trudging in the snow along the right side of the road where there is no sidewalk. As soon as I pass the lone walker, I prepare myself to stop to make the right turn onto Union Blvd. That is when I spin out of control.

Its not as serious as it sounds. I did not panic. I stayed calm as I took my foot off the brake and try to steer away from the road and onto the side. Trixy made exactly one revolution before we stopped half a foot away from the street pole. I did not curse nor did I yell angry Adyghe words (like I usually do at the shids who should be taken off the roads and brought to the farms where they belong). When I stopped I see the lone walker 25 feet away from me, walking as nothing happened. I notice Trixy is perpendicular, blocking the road and I'm grateful that there are no cars around. I gently reverse, straighten my car and drive away.

Than I think of all my dear friends and family. And I thank God that none of them were with me. The absolute last thing I want to happen while anyone driving with me is endanger their lives. If you anyone rides with me and I happen to stop short because something sudden occurred in front of me, my skinny right arm automatically and reflexively reaches out to protect them. But if anyone were with me during this moment, I'm happy to know that they are with someone who doesn't panic under pressure and will make sure everyone will stay unhurt.

That is a promise and I will do everything in my power to keep it.
--
"Streetlights glowing,
happen to be
just like moments passing,
in front of me..."

Lost Generation...

2009-01-28T23:48:00.003-05:00

Shocking at first but as the video says, there is hope. We are not as lost as we may seem because in each one of us we have a very clear idea of what is right and wrong. We know how to fix our lives and we are not apathetic to improving the lives of future generations. It is what makes us human.

New Beginning...

2009-01-20T09:45:00.002-05:00

Brand new morning,
brand new day.
A new start at the future
and an era of change.

Daring to hope,
daring to believe.
With work, patience, and courage,
we will all succeed!

President Barack Obama -- 1.20.2009

Good people in this world...

2008-12-07T19:45:00.000-05:00

I am a part-time bank teller. My job consists of cashing out checks, deposit or withdrawing money from accounts... whatever you think happens with your money in a bank is part of my job. My shift is the afternoon and early evenings and I handle whatever transactions come through my branches' drive-thru. Usually, Friday evenings are the big payday of the week. We get a lot of people that want to get their checks cashed, and so the bank gets busy with its occasional rushes.

At the end of every evening, its required to count your remaining cash and total the checks that you received during your day. Everything should be in balance with what is in the computer. I usually don't have any problems.

Except on Friday evening because my cash drawer was a $100 short. I was going crazy trying to find where that cash would have gone. I recounted my cash drawer twice and I was frantic trying to find think of who I could have given too much money. At the end of the night, I could not find the missing money and I had to show a $100 difference (never a good thing! :S). I went home with a headache.

On Saturday, the next day, I walk into work with the determination to find what could have happened to the missing money. I thought about all the transactions I did and I narrowed it down to one customer that I believe that I might given an extra cash. I was just waiting for the best time to call this lady to see if my assumption was correct.

But than, a Spanish guy walks into the bank and speaks to our Spanish speaking Customer Service Representative (CSR). He does not know any English and I hear them talking away when I hear the CSR call out to me and the other teller... "were any of you short in cash last night?"
My head snaps up and I say, "Yes, I was!"
The CSR asks, "By how much?"
I reply, "I was short $100..."
The CSR recounts the money and this man has an extra $100!

He came in to return the money!!! The CSR later explains to me that the man walked in asking, "Can you count this money for me? I think I was given too much when I came through the drive-thru last night."

The CSR also explained to me that he said he didn't want one of the tellers to get into trouble!! What a sweet man! My heart swelled at his kind gesture and I was so full of gratitude towards this man that I could not stop saying "Thank you!" and "Gracias!" to him.

Most people would not return the extra money, and that just goes to show you that...
there are good people in this world and may Allah bless them all!!!

Your true size...

2008-11-24T12:01:00.005-05:00

Gives new meaning to the phrase...
"Its a small world."

Autumn Flash...

2008-11-02T09:12:00.001-05:00

A season as fleeting and as beautiful as the colors it features...

Autumn Flash***

A little bit of music...

2008-10-16T00:34:00.001-04:00

The Heart Asks the Pleasure First
Composer: Michael Nyman

This was first shared to me by a good friend of mine several months ago. Its one of my favorite piano pieces, especially at 0:49 and 1:30 where you can feel the music lift you to a more serene beautiful place...

I just love it. I hope you enjoy.

Bill, Bill, and more Bills...

2008-10-06T11:30:00.003-04:00

In the 90's I had three Bills in my life. President Bill Clinton, my old mailman Bill, and Bill Nye the Science Guy.

I grew up during the prosperous years of the Clinton administration. Life wasn't hard. I was about 9 years old, wearing a mauve cloth headband and a maroon with a colorful parrot sequined sweater that my dearest Tayta lovingly made for me when Bill Clinton was reelected in 1996. I was so super excited that I even made a red, white, and blue sign with colorful fireworks and took it to school with me to celebrate. I was even somewhat infatuated when I saw images of Pres. Bill Clinton looking important in the golden Oval Office. Wow... I was happy I was to be an American during that time.

Bill, the mailman, was the blonde cheery fellow that came around every afternoon at around 4:30. It was after I finished school and I would be riding my bike or playing in the yard with my brother. But, when he came whistling by, Nurzat and I would always drop everything to run to him and grab the mail. He was always so nice too. Bill always complimented my smile even though I just lost my two front teeth. He would always split up the envelopes so that we can run to my parents with an equal amount. If there was one piece of mail, he'd make us guess which hand he was holding it in. The one who had the right guess got to deliver it to the house. For Halloween, he would give us lollipops. And for Christmas, he would give us a greeting card and a lollipop. We told him once we don't celebrate Christmas, but that didn't stop him from spreading the holiday cheer. He delivered the mail in the bitter cold, rain and snow; he did it all with a shiny megawatt smile and sunshiny personality.

After my brother and I delivered the mail we got from Bill the mailman to my mom, we would plop down in front of the TV to watch Bill Nye the Science Guy. I was memorized. He was corny, but I was in love with him. He explained things like quicksand, the solar system, magnets, cells, geography, rocks, energy, matter, plants, animals, time, building, inventions... you name it-- Bill described it all with so much energy and enthusiasm. I would follow along, trying recreate the experiments he was doing. His goofy dances and expression were a perfect match for my own childhood silliness. I think I learned more from him than all of years of science classes combined. Well, almost all those 'real school' years. Nonetheless, Bill Nye the Science Guy made me appreciate the intricacies and simplicities of our world and the vastness and grandeur of our universe.

Nowadays... the bills I have in my life are: my credit card bill, my phone bill, my school tuition bill, and the recently passed Economy/Wall St. bailout bill. Oh, and I can't forget about the single $10 bill currently residing in my wallet; that particular bill needs to get me through this week.

Life is just simply lovely.

My life in 44 years...

2008-10-02T08:15:00.000-04:00

I got a glimpse of it.

I had just finished paying for some items at the card store by my house when I see an older woman, maybe in her her 60's looking at a glorious case of chocolate candies. It really is spectacular. All the different flavors.... I was very very tempted to buy some but my broke college student status prevents me indulging. Anyway, this is the conversation between the older lady and the store clerk...
Clerk: Can I help you with anything?
Lady: Ah yes. I want a pound of these (pointing at candy).
Clerk: Ok. Do you want it in a bag or in a box like a gift?
Lady: Mhm, well... in a box. Its a gift to myself.

<3

My friends, I'm this lady in 44 years. This is definitely one awesome way to grow old!! By eating scrumptious chocolates bought for myself!!!!

Eid Mubarak!!!

2008-10-02T01:35:00.000-04:00

Insh'Allah its a joyous one for you, your family and friends
filled with love, happiness and
God's wonderful blessings!

Katie Couric Interviews Sarah Palin

2008-09-28T14:15:00.001-04:00

The scary thing is that this sketch is not really a parody...

Part I

Part II

Don't let the bed bugs bite...

2008-09-21T17:25:00.000-04:00

We all hate mosquitoes and other similar pests. Most of us in the western hemisphere don't worry about contracting malaria from a mosquito bite. But in Africa, malaria is a leading cause of death of children. It kills nearly one million children each year and every day 3,000 children die from the disease.

NothingButNets.net is a campaign to save lives by preventing malaria. By donating only $10, you can purchase an anti-malaria bed net.

Watch the video below or follow the link above to gain more information or make a donation. It's really simple!

Muslims in China...

2008-09-19T13:14:00.003-04:00

The following documentary is one of the most eye opening, fascinating pieces I've seen. The struggles our Muslim brothers and sisters in China endure because of their ethnicity and religion is wrong. I count my blessings and say 'Alhamdulilah' for the easy life that I had growing up in a tolerant society.
Learn about the suppressed Chinese Muslims called the Uighurs (pronounced weegir)...

Part I

Part II

Part III -- A du'a for the man described in this last clip.

May God bless these people and the oppressed everywhere.

Moonset

2008-09-17T06:30:00.002-04:00

Its majestic presence in the western sky
beckons the new day to pursue it.

The flame of its yellow glow warms me in the cool pre-autumn air,
as it presses against the the pale blue canvas of the dawn.

The purple sliver of night is in the distance
as the moon chases the darkness away.

Sweet slumber of the masses, and dreams sprinkled by the stars
are gathered in the moon's embrace...
As the magical golden dream catcher disappears over the horizon.

--D.W.

Image and writing do not do justice to the image etched in my mind.

A little bit of American politics....

2008-09-16T00:35:00.004-04:00

Some insight in the twisted American political and media landscape.

And even some Republicans confuse John McCain with lameduck President Bush.

Lastly, thank you Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

At First Light

2008-09-08T16:37:00.004-04:00

As the sun breaks the inky black sky,
it shines a path of beautiful promises.

Promises that echo
in all the things the golden rays caress.

Caresses so warm and inviting
that allows a life to love.

A love so embracing
that forces darkness and hate to hope.

Hopes so inspiring
it lets the songbirds sing.

Songs so arousing
it paints the colors of a wonderful world.

And yet in this wonderful world,
I dream of such a picture...

A picture of unequivocal splendor
that I thought only existed in my deepest realms of my imagination.

Monday, August 18th 2008- 2:51 PM

2008-08-21T01:10:00.003-04:00

I was waiting for a friend in New York City's Penn Station. I stood against the cement pole and watched as a minute fraction of the world passed me by. Hundreds of people; Millions of stories.

- Men and women in their business best all rushing to get to an important meeting.
- A Swedish family pass by with their flashy cameras.
- A young mother pushing her baby's stroller. She only pauses to pick up a her child's toy.
- Two teenage girls texting away on their cell phones.
- A young couple sharing a bag of popcorn.
- A pretty brunette in the flowing purple dress sweetly adding her guitar's flair to the flourescent lit station.
- A silver haired gentleman on his scooter wheelchair.
- A blonde eight year old sucking on his lollipop while following his grandfather.
- The bored and tired looking salesclerk selling tickets to rushing customers.
- The traveler with a duffle bag around his shoulder and a rolling luggage in his left hand, looking up at the time schedule board. His hand right hand is scratchign the back of his head and there is a confused expression on his face.
- A chic fashionista with 9 bags of newly purchased clothes and shoes.
- A long haired 16 year old bopping his head to his blaring iPod.
- The Yankee fan reading about star Olympian Michael Phelps in the newspaper.
- A cute dark-eyed European swaggering by. Yea, I see you too...

As I watched these people, I began to wonder. Where did they come from? What do they plan to do in their lives? What made them get up that morning? What are they hopes, dreams, and aspirations? Do they even have any? What are their passions? Likes? Dislikes? What are their beliefs? Who is the aspiring poet, dancer, artist, technician, docter or astronaut? Will I meet one of them in some other point and time still unknown?

I've never had a such a curiousty of the people around me. It was as though I'm thirsty for the knowledge or experiences they can expense. However, I don't envy them. I treasure every story that I've had and eagerly look forward to more with the family and friends that I love and cherish.But it would be intresting to know more about these characters and what brought them to same spot I did in New York City's Penn Station.

On Monday August 18th 2008 at 2:51 PM.

The best show on Earth....

2008-07-11T14:15:00.002-04:00

Fireworks, lightening... a comet!!

Sometimes the sky is the best place for theatrics, Sub7anAllah.

Click on the photograph for a larger image.

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080705.html

Who says you can't fly?

2008-07-05T23:42:00.003-04:00

This is something that only ever dominated my daydreams. It is a dream I'd like to fulfill in Europe. Can you imagine the view of that majestic countryside? The peace and serenity that can only be achieved by being up so high? Just one word to describe it all.... wow!

Lawn Chair Balloonist Achieves His Dream

BEND, Oregon. - Using his trusty BB gun to help him return to Earth, a 48-year-old gas station owner flew a lawn chair rigged with helium-filled balloons more than 200 miles across the Oregon desert Saturday, landing in a field in Idaho.
Kent Couch created a sensation in the tiny farming community of Cambridge, Idaho, where he touched down safely in a pasture and was soon greeted by dozens of people who gave him drinks of water, local plumber Mark Hetz said.
"My wife works at the City Market," Hetz said. "She called and said, 'The balloon guy in the lawn chair just flew by the market, and if you look the door you can see him.

"We go outside to look, and lo and behold, there he is. He's flying by probably 100 to 200 feet off the ground.
"He takes his BB gun and shoots some balloons to lower himself to the ground. When he hit the ground he released all the little tiny balloons. People were racing down the road with cameras. They were all talking and laughing."

235 miles in nine hours

Couch covered about 235 miles in about nine hours after lifting off at dawn from his gas station riding in a green lawn chair rigged with an array of more than 150 giant party balloons.
It began after Couch, clutching a big mug of coffee, kissed his wife and kids goodbye, then patted their shivering Chihuahua, Isabella, on the head.
After spilling off some cherry-flavored Kool-Aid that served as ballast, Couch got a push from the ground crew so he could clear light poles and soared over a coffee cart and across U.S. Highway 20 into a bright blue sky.
"If I had the time and money and people, I'd do this every weekend," Couch said before getting into the chair. "Things just look different from up there. You've moving so slowly. The best thing is the peace, the serenity.
"Originally, I wanted to do it because of boyhood dreams. I don't know about girls, but I think most guys look up in the sky and wish they could ride on a cloud."
Couch's wife, Susan, called him crazy: "It's never been a dull moment since I married him."

His third flight
This was Couch's third balloon flight. He realized it would be possible after watching a TV show about the 1982 lawn chair flight over Los Angeles of truck driver Larry Walters, who gained folk hero fame but was fined $1,500 for violating air traffic rules.
In 2006, Couch had to parachute out after popping too many balloons. And last year he flew 193 miles to the sagebrush of northeastern Oregon, short of his goal.
"I'm not stopping till I get out of state," he said.
To that end, he ordered more balloons. Dozens of volunteers wearing fluorescent green T-shirts that said "Dream Big" filled latex balloons 5 feet in diameter, attached them to strings and tied clusters of six balloons each to a tiny carabiner clip.
Each balloon gives four pounds of lift. The chair was about 400 pounds, and Couch and his parachute 200 more.
"I'd go to 30,000 feet if I didn't shoot a balloon down periodically," Couch said.
For that job, he carried a Red Ryder BB gun and a blow gun equipped with steel darts. He also had a pole with a hook for pulling in balloons, a parachute in case anything went wrong, a handheld Global Positioning System device with altimeter, a satellite phone, and two GPS tracking devices. One was one for him, the other for the chair, which got away in the wind as he landed last year.
For food he carried some boiled eggs, jerky and chocolate.
Couch flew hang gliders and skydived before taking up lawn-chair flights. He estimated the rig cost about $6,000, mostly for helium. Costs were defrayed by corporate sponsors.

Euro 2008....

2008-06-19T23:52:00.003-04:00

Wahoooo!! Going all the way!!

GERMANY!! GERMANY!! GERMANY!!

German supporters:

Mhmm... Michael Ballack...

Euro 2008 Stats:

6/8/08: Germany 2 - 0 Poland

6/12/08: Croatia 1 - 2 Germany

6/16/06: Austria 0 - 1 Germany

6/19/08: Portugal 2 - 3 Germany

Next match June 25.

Tim Russert...

2008-06-16T23:02:00.003-04:00

My tribute, to the man loved by all, who died at age 58 on Friday June 13th from sudden cardiac arrest.

Tim Russert was the pre eminent journalist of the time. He always cuts through the partisan hackery, spin and lies that American politicians, policymakers, congressmen, and presidential candidates say to get elected. He holds elected officials accountable for the things they say and do. "He was the toughest," is the consensus of all his interveiwees. But even with those tough questions, he never had a biting or nasty "gotchya!" moment, but rather a fair and balanced interview.

He had a knack and a flair of providing clarity in every political election cycle. He is the one who predicted that Florida would be the state that mattered most in the 2000 Presidential Election, Gore v. Bush. Who can forget, "Florida, Florida, Florida." As a moderator of many election debates and the longest serving host of the longest television show in history, Meet the Press, Mr. Russert asked serious and tough questions and did his duty to inform the nation and make them responsible voters and better citizens.

Above all, he was a person who lived the American dream. He grew up in middle class America and made a name for himself by holding onto a set of moral principles and respect and strive for the truth. Not only was a journalist that all other of his colleagues and rivals looked up to, he was a family man. He loved his father, Big Russ, and even wrote a book about him. His son Luke, just graduated from Boston College, and the pride that emanates from him is one that is amazingly heartwarming. He never forgot his roots and always spoke highly of his hometown of Buffalo.

Professionally and personally he was a man of integrity, passion, serious business, kindness and playfulness. Everyone who knows him or saw him on TV or on the links will greatly miss him and Not a single bad word or memory can be heard about him. All people who encountered him one way or another is a richer, smarter and better person. He was an upstanding individual and inspired me to do work I love and always strive for the truth.

Tim Russert, the gentle giant, I will miss you.

Tim Russert's life and career: In Photos.

Free Bananas...

2008-06-09T10:29:00.005-04:00

Last night, at around midnight, after dancing my heart out at friend's wedding (makeup kinda ruined from sweat and hair clipped up) I stopped by at the supermarket to pick up bananas for my brother who wasn't feeling well with heat exhaustion symptoms. My heels are clunking against the floor and I know I'm catching the attention of the 2 or 3 men in the store. As I wait for the guy in front of me to finish with his purchases, I realized I didn't bring my driver's licence (I knew I forgot something!!), debit card or some cash in my party clutch. No money equals no bananas.

Of course, I felt so awkward. I told the cashier that I can't buy my bananas because I didn't have anything to pay for them and I started to walk out the door. That's when the guy in front of me offered to buy my bananas. I told him that he didn't have to that it's okay and not necessary for my to buy bananas at midnight.

But he insisted and paid $3.70 for those bananas and I couldn't stop saying thank you to that nice guy.

Wherever you are dood, thank you very much. I won't forget your kindness.

Pressure...

2008-05-08T13:22:00.004-04:00

My stress inducing end of semester schedule...

Friday- Human Growth and Development & Human Biology Final Exams
Monday- 5 page Reseach Paper English Composition due
Tuesday- Computer Concepts Final Exam

So, in conlusion... I can't wait for Tuesday May 13th, 1pm exactly.

Back to the books..... :/

Chopin Raindrop Prelude

2008-05-05T23:04:00.001-04:00

My semi stress reliever for crazy exam week. It feels awesome to just close your eyes and relax for a moment or two...

Opponents carry injured home run hitter around bases

2008-05-01T09:48:00.003-04:00

I'm a huge sucker for these kinds of stories. Yes, I did cry a bit.

http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/8091708?GT1=39002

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - With two runners on base and a strike against her, Sara Tucholsky of Western Oregon University uncorked her best swing and did something she had never done, in high school or college. Her first home run cleared the center-field fence.
But it appeared to be the shortest of dreams come true when she missed first base, started back to tag it and collapsed with a knee injury.
She crawled back to first but could do no more. The first-base coach said she would be called out if her teammates tried to help her. Or, the umpire said, a pinch runner could be called in, and the homer would count as a single.
Then, members of the Central Washington University softball team stunned spectators by carrying Tucholsky around the bases Saturday so the three-run homer would count - an act that contributed to their own elimination from the playoffs.
Central Washington first baseman Mallory Holtman, the career home run leader in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, asked the umpire if she and her teammates could help Tucholsky.
The umpire said there was no rule against it.
So Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace put their arms under Tucholsky's legs, and she put her arms over their shoulders. The three headed around the base paths, stopping to let Tucholsky touch each base with her good leg.
"The only thing I remember is that Mallory asked me which leg was the one that hurt," Tucholsky said. "I told her it was my right leg and she said, 'OK, we're going to drop you down gently and you need to touch it with your left leg,' and I said 'OK, thank you very much."'
"She said, 'You deserve it, you hit it over the fence,' and we all kind of just laughed."
"We started laughing when we touched second base," Holtman said. "I said, 'I wonder what this must look like to other people."'
"We didn't know that she was a senior or that this was her first home run," Wallace said Wednesday. "That makes the story more touching than it was. We just wanted to help her."
Holtman said she and Wallace weren't thinking about the playoff spot, and didn't consider the gesture something others wouldn't do.
As for Tucholsky, the 5-foot-2 right fielder was focused on her pain.
"I really didn't say too much. I was trying to breathe," she told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Wednesday.
"I didn't realize what was going on until I had time to sit down and let the pain relax a little bit," she said. "Then I realized the extent of what I actually did."
"I hope I would do the same for her in the same situation," Tucholsky added.
As the trio reached home plate, Tucholsky said, the entire Western Oregon team was in tears.
Central Washington coach Gary Frederick, a 14-year coaching veteran, called the act of sportsmanship "unbelievable."
For Western Oregon coach Pam Knox, the gesture resolved the dilemma Tucholsky's injury presented.
"She was going to kill me if we sub and take (the home run) away. But at the same time I was concerned for her. I didn't know what to do," Knox said.
Tucholsky's injury is a possible torn ligament that will sideline her for the rest of the season, and she plans to graduate in the spring with a degree in business. Her home run sent Western Oregon to a 4-2 victory, ending Central Washington's chances of winning the conference and advancing to the playoffs.
"In the end, it is not about winning and losing so much," Holtman said. "It was about this girl. She hit it over the fence and was in pain, and she deserved a home run."

Can't wait...

2008-04-28T09:38:00.003-04:00

For this semester to end.
Simple math-> Drowning in a sea of projects, exams, and papers + no laptop to write it them on + lack of sleep+ over scheduled work hours= Irritability, stress, and hair rip outs.

1.5 weeks....

Night Orchestra...

2008-04-24T01:02:00.004-04:00

Its a symphony outside my window tonight.

I'm up late finishing a paper for my computer class. I was so absorbed and focused to finish this paper that I did not realize the concert outside my window. All different birds are singing and calling out to each other. It really is amazing to hear in the last moments before drifting off to sleep. I wish I could capture the songs of each of the birds. They must be at least 8 different birds, or at least 2 birds singing 3 different songs.

Very beautiful.... thanks birdies for singing me to sleep.

Royskopp - Remind Me

2008-04-17T01:18:00.001-04:00

Isn't it true? No matter where your location, we all engage in all the same motions, same conversations, and same decisions. Day in and day out with time and scenes just passing us by. No unyielding end in sight...
Just remind me of another time and place.

Vatican Official: Muslims Outnumber Catholics

2008-03-31T22:05:00.003-04:00

Intresting how they don't mention anything about the many people converting from Catholicism (or other religions) into Islam.....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23885015/?GT1=43001

VATICAN CITY - Islam has surpassed Roman Catholicism as the world's largest religion, the Vatican newspaper said Sunday."For the first time in history, we are no longer at the top: Muslims have overtaken us," Monsignor Vittorio Formenti said in an interview with the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano. Formenti compiles the Vatican's yearbook.

He said that Catholics accounted for 17.4 percent of the world population — a stable percentage — while Muslims were at 19.2 percent."It is true that while Muslim families, as is well known, continue to make a lot of children, Christian ones on the contrary tend to have fewer and fewer," the monsignor said.

Formenti said that the data refer to 2006. The figures on Muslims were put together by Muslim countries and then provided to the United Nations, he said, adding that the Vatican could only vouch for its own data.

When considering all Christians and not just Catholics, Christians make up 33 percent of the world population, Formenti said.

Spokesmen for the Vatican and the United Nations did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment Sunday.

Self-Delusions...

2008-03-29T15:10:00.001-04:00

Are good! It's okay to lie to yourself!!

Yea, I know you think I'm crazy... but think of how depressing the world would be if we looked it at they way it should be. The realism is too depressing. We would be in a constant state of dissarray. Afterall, its the people who have a very clear realistic idea of the world that are depressed. It would diminish the confidence we set in our goals. By thinking 'delusionally' -- life wouldn't be half bad.

For example... going into an exam thinking you will ace it, even if you didn't study for it is infinitely better because you have given yourself the delusion to thinking you will do well. You will feel more relaxed while taking the exam and probably do better on it than being nervous and thinking that you bomb it miserably. Maybe this simple act of deluding yourself will earn you several more points for the increased confidence and clear mindset you arranged for yourself.

Here's the link that explains it so much better.

So my friends.... endorse yourself with the highest self delusions around. It's the opposite mindset of "I can't do this". And it will make your getting through the long days that much more bearable.

Feed the hungry...

2008-03-19T01:30:00.005-04:00

... while testing your vocabulary!

www.FreeRice.com is a site that tests and improves your vocabulary. For every right word, you give 20 grams of rice to help end hunger in the world's poorest nations. There are no annoying "enter your name here" type questions. As the site's warning says, the vocabulary you learn may make you smarter, increase job performance, prep for SAT's and other exams, improve reading & writing and so many others. You may play as long as you want, and may quit at any time. Challenge a friend (how I got hooked) and see how much you can help yourself and other hungry people.
Pass it on!!

My competitive edge....

2008-03-19T00:13:00.004-04:00

Maybe its the reason that I'm the oldest child in the family, or the constant pressure to be the best. I always heard that I must be the best in everything. It can be anything, physical or mental. I would constantly race my brother on our bikes or by foot, just to feel that I was the best. I was the best speller in my class. I was the fastest girl in the grade. I was among the top female athletes in gym class and would always be among the first to picked when choosing teams for a game of kick ball or prison dodge ball. It made me happy when I was best at different things.

This is something that I have carried throughout my life. If you really want me get to riled up, issue me challenge. I thrive when I work under pressure, because its a competition against the clock. If you want to get me going on a subject, I am very hard headed in the beliefs I hold the most dear, and will argue/compete to win over your opinion. I will rise up to the challenge and will strive to bring down whoever was daring to challenge me on it.

As riled up as I can get about any sort of challenge, I've been taught to lose gracefully and with dignity. Only recently, I've learned that its not about winning or losing a challenge but its how you meet adversity. It says a lot about your character. Is a challenge something that you embrace and not afraid to tackle, or is it something that makes you a hide behind a tree?

Restlessness & Frustration...

2008-03-09T00:07:00.007-05:00

I want to be released of the blueprint of 'a normal life'.

I want to do something huge, something great. I'm tired of this humdrum life. My brain is so scattered and I want to make an impact on the world and prove to myself than I can accomplish anything that I dream of. All these ideas in my head are disorganized like a messy junk drawer. I want to run the NYC Marathon in 2009, start a movement, and join the Peace Corps! I want to just forget the restrictions of family, of society, and of what a girl my age and with my background should do. I'm tired of "you're grown up, can do whatever you want", but at the next moment having rules imposed on me and being told that I can't pursue what I desire.

My dream is to have a purpsoe to work happily with whatever I choose, and have no second thoughts or regrets. Sure, I'll finish school and work diligently to pay for the studies-- but please, I want to explore and try new things, make and learn from my own mistakes. Please don't judge, belittle or try to stop me....

Just let me find something to make myself feel complete, fulfilled and alive. Let me be me.

Dont Stop the Music...

2008-03-01T19:57:00.001-05:00

Snow day...

2008-02-23T23:44:00.003-05:00

Friday February 22, 2008....

10 inches of snow leads to so many smiles. My phone made a buzzing sound at 5:30am. At first I thought it was part of my dream, but it wasn't. I groggily woke up and in the pre dawn, I listened to the message of "school is closed due to inclement weather." I smiled. I looked outside and saw the snow coming down. The purity of the snow sparkled at me even in the early morning. I prayed the Fajr, thanked God, shut off my alarm, and slept until Noon.

I greeted my parents with a smile. I was especially happy because I had two humongo tests, even though I studied for 7 hours the day before-- snow still saved the day. I supremely lucked out.

:D

Even better.... I had the most awesome snowball fight with my brother and his friend. My team totally made them eat snow. Which was soon followed by the hottest and chocolateist hot chocolate ever.

So, dear Snow Day, its been a pleasure. Please come again more often... I hardly see you m'love.

In my memory....

2008-02-17T16:40:00.007-05:00

It was very hard to write about my Tayta's death. I spent several hours writing this. Truthfully, words cannot describe it.

One week ago on Sunday February 10, 2007 at 4:45pm my beloved grandmother departed from this life.

She had been ill with cancer for approximately 2 months before she died at age 76. My Tayta lived a long, hard, but very happy life. She always loved to be around her people and always went with a smile on her face. She was everyone's friend, mother, sister and grandmother. She never spoke a mean word and kept her dislikes to herself. She was beautiful.

For three days before her passing, she was very ill. We were by her bedside nonstop, because her energy level was dropping. She had no more physical strength and only used it when she sat up from her bed to do her Namaz, as-salaat.

The night before her death, I showed her the picture of the my newborn cousin, Noor. She cried out, "MashAllah! MashAllah!" It was the last true smile and the last voiced out words I heard from my Tayta. We also told her that my uncle was coming the next day from Missouri. With a smile, she nodded.

Sunday started as a beautiful day. And my Tayta got steadily worse. We gave her painkillers and drops of water to avoid her mouth from drying. We continually checked her blood pressure but, we couldn't get a reading because it was very low. We continually checked her feet to see if it was cold to the touch. Her left foot was cold.

Her eyes started to linger on people or objects. We hardly understood what she was trying to say. We think she started to see beyond. She would look in my direction, but not at me. Several times, she said, "kahwa". Coffee. She might have been telling me get coffee for my mothers friends, or she might have been telling someone else kahwa. She prayed her last salaat, the Dhur at around 2:00.

I cleaned her face and hands with a moist Wet One. She gave me a look of thanks and I kissed her cheeks.At 3:00pm, I told my grandmother that my uncle is coming in a half hour. She looked out the window. And told my mom she wanted my uncle, her youngest son, to read Surat Yasin. We said he would. He arrived at 3:35.

The weather turned blustery cold and snow was swirling in all directions. She asks my uncle how is his family, his wife, son and newborn daughter. He answers that they are all fine. As my uncle was making wudu my Tayta informed us at 3:45 that she had one hour left. She either told us she had one hour or told whoever she saw to give her one hour.

She reads Yasin with my uncle. At this point she is ripping the oxygen tubes away from her face. She kisses my mom's hand. Though she often said that she kisses her mothers hands before she goes to sleep. We gather around her bed and I'm on the phone with the nurse. We know her time is coming, but desperately I ask for help. She starts saying "La-illah-il Allah.." And my mother, father, uncle, my brothers, and 3 of my mother's friends start to say it with her, "La-illah-il Allah, La-illah-il Allah, La-illah-il Allah." Desperately we say it loud, but she motions for us to say it slowly and in normal tones. My uncle holds her eyes shut while my mother holds her mouth/jaw.

She dies peacefully with Allah's name on her lips. It's 4:45 and the wintry blustery wind dies down. It was quick and quite beautiful.

She wasn't afraid. Her faith carried her beautifully from this life. She waited for the new baby and for the arrival of my uncle. It was the most remarkable(?) moment of my life. She was absolutely loved by all. The kindness she bestowed to everyone is reflected by the kindness we receive from everyone. Kind words, messages, phone calls, and tons of food make the sorrow in our hearts lessen. On behalf of my family- an eternity of thanks.

We know she is in a better more beautiful place. Already, some relatives see my Tayta, Allah yirhamha, in their dreams. She is comfortable, al7amdulilah.

The toughest days for me were the day before she died, the day of her death and the 2 days that followed. I only functioned on pure adrenaline and the need to do something. I have since returned to classes and work. Going back to routine and normal life helps keep the grief off my mind. My job now is to take care of my mother, my family and myself. She is my example of strength, goodness, faith and hope.

If I can be a quarter of the woman she is, I'll be very happy. May God give me strength to move on with my life with the excellent example of my grandmother, my Tayta, Allah yirhamha.

#27...

2008-02-10T02:18:00.000-05:00

Welcome Baby Girl!!

My ill grandmothers youngest grandchild was born today at 4:05 CST to my maternal uncle and his wonderful wife. Weighing in at 7.5 pounds, Baby Nour joins the family as a little bundle of smiles and hope (and has even gained the 'approval' of the newly made older brother). In my family's darkest hour she is a source of happiness & sunshine to everyone around her. My grandmother is at peace and is happier than she has been in a while when she saw this precious face....

May Allah bless her and may she continue to be the bringer of smiles to everyone she knows, Amin.

Strength...

2008-02-08T23:30:00.000-05:00

There is two kinds of it. Physical strength and mental strength. Many people define strength as how much they can benchpress or how long the can run. Others like to equate strength with their morality. The dictionary defines strength as, "the quality or state of the being strong or mental force/vigor ". No definition is incorrect.

I would like to define strength based on my grandmother. She is the epitomy of strength. She accepted her fate of death from cancer. Death is something that we all know is near and fear. My dear Tayta is ready for it. However, she is in undeniable and in horrible pain. Her cancer is an aggresive killer shutting down her system. She is bed-ridden and we hover around her and talk in hushed tones. She is not eating or drinking water and only communicates with pointing her hands. Her cancer makes her vomit frequently and the morphine and other painkillers she is on makes her very tired and sleepy.

Yet, in spite of all this, she fights to pray. She has enough courage and strength to let her do her duties. Her face is at peace when she finishes her prayers in bed. She is probably saving her energy for when her sons come from Syria to see her, (InshAllah, in time!). She is probably at peace to know her youngest grandchild, Baby #27, will be born tomorrow. She even has enough strength to keep a sense of humor.

Its not easy to leave your most loved ones. Yet, my Tayta is teaching us how to do it with grace, faith and strength. I only ask God to give my Tayta, His most loyal follower, additional strength to ease her greatest suffering.

Happy Groundhogs Day

2008-02-02T14:22:00.000-05:00

Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow.

Its an Old German superstition that has become tradition in the states. The tradition is if a hibernating animal like the groundhog sees its shadow on February 2nd, winter will last for 6 more weeks. If the groundhog does not see its shadow, spring will come earlier that year.

So, Phil saw his shadow and winter will last for 6 more weeks. Happy Groundhogs Day!

PS. In 6 weeks its March 21, the first day of Spring making the prediction the same both ways. Still, its cute and fun.

LOST...

2008-01-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

Is amazing. Very Amazing. Very very amazing. Very very very amazing. Very very very very amazing. I can go on...

And it is back, in 5 days.... with its 4th Season- Bigger and better than before. LOST must be the smartest, most intricate show I've ever seen. Its my absolute favorite. The mystery, drama, and comedy its all there and all in balance. Here is the official recap of seasons 1-3.Its 8 mins and 15 seconds long, and pretty good.

Fortunately, you can now watch all three seasons to date-- in free HD streaming.

My dear reader... I've been hooked to Lost since I saw the first episode. To date, I have not been disappointed. I suggest, (if you decide) to watch the first episode and watch as the superb story unfolds; you'll find it more enjoyable. If you are a storyteller or like to hear a good story-- this show is for you.

Cheers! I hope you enjoy!!!! :)

In pain...

2008-01-23T22:52:00.000-05:00

Today, I had 2 of my wisdom teeth removed. It hurts. Not too much, but it hurts enough for me to blog about it.

The procedure was quicker than I expected. On the right side of my mouth they removed the top and bottom teeth. The worst part of the entire process was the huge needle filled with anesthesia being pumped into the soft tissue. The bottom tooth came out in less than 3 minutes while the top took approximately 10 minutes because they had to find the tooth buried in the gums. I involuntarily teared, but I made it through all right.

*(Quick Tip: If you are a NY/NJ college student like me with no dental insurance, go to the NYU School of Dentistry. Capable doctors, very affordable patient care.)*

Now, I can't eat solid foods for 2 days. I'm going to live on soup. Which sucks, because I have the strongest urge to have a shawerma sandwich or a pizza. What to do!?

What sucks even more, is that I have to go through this ordeal again in two weeks for the left side of my mouth.

:/

In 6 months....

2008-01-20T15:30:00.000-05:00

I'll be 21.

So that makes today my half birthday. And I'm freaking out. Now when I turned 20, it was a big deal. It was the end of the 'teen' years.... thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen. Twenty.

When someone asks me, "How old are you Dana?" I have to think about it. I think my mind is forming a mental block. I can not wrap my head around the fact that my age is increasing; its a foreign idea.

Now... When I was 10, I had plans for my life. Big plans.

"At 21, I will almost be done with college." Not even close. Maybe 2 more years. :S

"At 21, I will know for sure what I want to do with my life." Nope, I'm still in this abyss. I have an idea, just not for sure.

"At 21, I might have someone in mind to share my life with." Ha! As if. Give me another 5-7 years.

"At 21, I will have seen the family I haven't seen since I was 3." Nope, I haven't.

"At 21, I will get to vote." Perhaps the only thing I'm looking forward to.

"At 21, I will have more freedom from my parents." Man, I was naive at 10.

"At 21, I will get a horizontal driver's license." Eh, big deal.

--You get the general idea.

I don't dread reaching 21. I don't dread growing older. I certainly do not want to repeat my last years. There is nothing I can or want to change. I learned a lot. And, I look forward to the future- since it is in my control.

But, I just wish getting older came with a warning label like prespcription drugs- "May cause stress, dizziness, uncertainity."

Pet Peeves...

2008-01-17T23:00:00.000-05:00

Or things that bother me.... here's a list of some of them.

1. Black/improper language. Learn how to speak.
2. TyPiNg LiKe ThIs. It's irritating- stop!
3. Using abbreviations like, "brb", "ttyl", and "cula8r" in emails.
4. People who complain way too much. I have enough crap in my life without hearing yours.
5. Saying, f-ck, sh-t, a$$, too much in one sentence. Expand your vocabulary.
6. People who talk about their dogs, and call them their babies. Its a dog, not a human.
7. People, especially guys, who spend all their money on pimping out their '99 Corolla. Study hard, get a good job, than get a BMW.
8. People who take forever ordering food during your lunch break. Know what you will eat before standing on line.
9. People who lived in the US, for 30+ years, and never bothered to learn English.
10. Those same people, who expect me to know their language!
11. People who say that their lives suck, but don't bother to improve it for themselves.
12. People who provide too much information. I don't need to know about your ingrown toenail.
13. People who talk really loud on their mobile phones. I don't need to know where you put your boyfriends underwear.
14. People who spend thousands on items, things they might never wear or see, and not worry about the bill!
15. Liars.
16. The sound of a silver utensil hitting teeth.
17. Unclean bathrooms.
18. The bills in my wallet must face the same direction and must go in ascending order.
19. Un groomed toes with flip flops.
20. Rubber/plastic shoes- "crocs".
21. Uggs.
22. 45 year old women and men who dress like they are 18.
23. Reality TV shows.
24. Double standard between girls and guys.
25. People who act/think like they know everything and think they better than everyone else around them.

Outrage!

2008-01-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

Prep track star DQ'd over Muslim garb
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - A high school track star has been disqualified from a meet because officials said the custom-made outfit she wears to conform to her Muslim faith violated competition rules.

Juashaunna Kelly, a senior at the District of Columbia's Theodore Roosevelt High School, has the fastest mile and 2-mile times of any girl runner in the city this winter. She was disqualified from Saturday's Montgomery Invitational indoor track and field meet.

Kelly was wearing the same uniform she has worn for three seasons while running for Theodore Roosevelt's cross-country and track teams. The custom-made, one-piece blue and orange unitard covers her head, arms, torso and legs. Over the unitard, she wears the same orange and blue T-shirt and shorts as her teammates. The outfit allows her to compete while adhering to her Muslim faith, which forbids displaying any skin other than her face and hands.

"It's not special," Kelly said. "It doesn't make me perform better."

But meet director Tom Rogers said Kelly's uniform violated rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations, which sanctioned the event. Uniforms are required to be "a
single-solid color and unadorned, except for a single school name or insignia no more than 2 1/4 inches," he said.

Rogers said that he knew Kelly was wearing the uniform for religious reasons and that he offered her several options to conform to the rules while still respecting her faith, including placing a plain T-shirt over her unitard and then wearing her team uniform over it.

Kelly's mother, Sarah, and Roosevelt Coach Tony Bowden disputed that account. They said officials made several demands of her daughter before Rogers made his decision.

"First, they said she had to take her hood off," Sarah Kelly said. "Then, they said she can't have anything with logos displayed. Then, they said she had to turn it inside out. When I told them that there weren't any logos on it, they said she had to put a plain white T-shirt on over it."

Juashaunna Kelly has worn the same uniform for three years without any problems, including at last year's Montgomery Invitational. Rogers said officials must have missed the uniform last
year.

"It wasn't a problem last year, and it's a problem this year? Make me understand why," Bowden said.

Kelly, whose 1,600-meter time of 5 minutes 17.49 seconds and 3,200-meter time of 12:00.81 are the fastest of any D.C. girl, was hoping to run fast enough at the Montgomery Invitational to qualify for the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in New York on Feb. 8-9. Bowden said the team has no other meets scheduled that would allow her to qualify for the event, which attracts dozens of college recruiters.
Link: http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/7685412?MSNHPHMA

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Its just ridiculous that this girl was able to compete with her custom uniform, for three years in a row- without a problem! Chances are that another school felt threatened by this girls extraordinary performance so they wanted to get her rid of the competition, eliminating their most impressive threat. Its sabotage at its ugliest form. If the girl had a medical issue,the competition would have used that reason to get rid of her (their threat). Track is a sport that can be won or loss by .001 of a second. As far as coaches and athletes go, anything goes. Sadly in this instance, the girl's Muslim faith was the true victim.

I'm a former track athlete and I hate hearing stories like this. There has to be rules and regulations in any sport. I am all for following the rules because it make the sport more enjoyable. But when an individual, regardless of their faith, cites a religious reason, than an exception must be granted. Anyone who knows anything about running, know that extra clothing takes away from performance. Why do you think the standard high school track uniform is a short shorts and a flimsy nylon tank top? Less clothes equals faster time. Better yet, by eliminating or changing the rule and having anything (in the school's colors) underneath the standard school uniform, situations like this will be avoided.

In this way, relations between Muslims and Americans are not hurt or strained.

In the audience...

2008-01-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I've always been a part of a performance. I've been a dancer and performer. Later I was a dance instructor and choreographer. I even did some stagehand duties, costume changer, makeup.... you name it!!

On Saturday night... I was a first time part spectator. I sat in the audience and I shared the emotions of the audience. It was a totally strange experience. As the auditorium dimmed and the national anthems were played I felt pride at my heritage. The music started and the adrenaline rushed in my blood. I knew my feet were tapping because I heard a very light, tap, tap, tap. But I had to sit still. This was my time to watch- not be watched.

The music rushed through me and the lights engulfed my senses. The colors of the costumes filled my countless memories. My brother, a born performer, caught my attention at every moment he was on stage. My younger brothers smile radiated happiness. The passion I felt from them and some of the other the dancers was amazing.

My young students that I had taught years ago filled me with an indescribable feeling. I cried at my old student, the little boy, (no man!)... who had the solo. My old mantra to those little men, "keep your shoulder back, back straight, stomach in, head up! Be Proud!" To the girls... "shoulders back, head up, hands out, and SMILE!" They learned pretty well, and my heart just poured with joyful pride. Just amazing.

But like any artist... I found myself critiqueing some dances for off beats, incorrect choreography, weaknesses, incorrect postures, inablities to follow the music, etc. If I had video focused on me, my emotions and facial expressions throughout the night would have been a treat to psychologists everywhere.

At the end, due to some technical difficulties... I, and others, were brought up on stage to participate in an impromptu casual dance. That was my favorite moment of the evening.

So, I think the stage wanted me as much as I wanted it.

The hardest thing....

2008-01-12T00:30:00.000-05:00

On Dec. 25 my grandmother was admitted into a Missouri hospital because of pain in her abdomen. Three days later she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL).

"Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer that originates in your lymphatic system, the disease-fighting network spread throughout your body. In non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, tumors develop from lymphocytes — a type of white blood cell," (Mayo Clinic).

The normal treatment for this type of cancer is chemotherapy. However in my grandmother's case, the cancer has spread to multiple body organs, such as her liver. Her body will not have the strength for chemotherapy. Doctors say that she has 4-6 months to live. She is returning to NJ and will stay by my family during her last few weeks.

Since diagnosis two weeks ago, my mother has been by her side in Missouri. I took care of the household duties. I was able to talk to my grandmother at ease on the phone. And if I kept myself busy, I wouldn't think about the situation. There were times when I was alone, and I cried a good deal.

However, tonight I was cleaning/preparing the room that my grandmother will stay in. I cleaned all the surfaces- tables, chairs, floors. I setup the bed for her. I put the drawer in its place so that she can keep her clothes and other belongings. I arranged chairs as my mother instructed me to. Eventually,I finished and gave it a final inspection; I was quite proud of myself.

But, standing in the middle of the room, I realized that I just prepared the room where my grandmother will pass away. I set up the chairs where my family and our friends will say our last good byes. I set up my dear Tayta's deathbed.

The reality of the situation hit me like an 18 wheeler truck flattens a tiny ant. I collapsed sobbing. I still cry. I pray and hope to Allah that the next several weeks will be beautiful, struggle- free and happy in spite of the inevitable devastating loss.

~ May Allah give me t he strength to stay strong for me and my family...
~ May He give me the courage to look into my grandmothers eyes and laugh...
~ May Allah give me the strength to make my family laugh and fill their hearts with happiness when they need it the most...
~ May my beautiful grandmother not suffer in pain for long and make passing from this life as easy & marvelous as possible... InshAllah.

Amin.*

Nothing Gold Can Stay

2008-01-10T19:26:00.000-05:00

One of my favorites...

Chautauqua Lake, New York

Nothing Gold Can Stay
By Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

A Friendly Reminder...

2008-01-07T23:21:00.002-05:00

I started a new job today~ It looks very promising and I'm excited. With 5 other trainees, I'm doing a two week training for a bank teller position in a bank I was already hired at. As usual, the first day on any job is filled with electronic fingerprinting, W-4 tax forms, orientation PowerPoint slide show, 401k explanation, and mandatory watching of the harassment policy & procedures video. It's normal. It's standard.

The one thing that wasn't normal or standard was the sign that was posted in the ladies' bathroom stall. Do they honestly think that the employees who work at headquarters, just finished second grade?

Feel free to mock and ridicule my new job. I haven't had enough time to develop strong feelings for it. ;)

2008...

2008-01-01T01:19:00.000-05:00

Bismillah....

If I was to sum up 2007 in one phrase... it would be "The year of sturggle and tribulation". It was a weird year full of uncertainity and unhappiness. It was a twist after another. I couldn't wrap my head around one tsituation before life threw me another curve ball.

But... I'm willing to start this new year with hope against the odds. With the faith that everything is in God's hands and that everything happens for a reason yet to be undiscovered, may this year be a better year than last.

May 2008 be a year of success, good health, prosperity, and happiness for everyone and their familes, InshAllah!

We Wear the Mask

2007-12-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

We Wear the Mask
By Paul Laurence Dunbar (1876-1902)

We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,—
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.

Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.

We smile, but, O great God, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask!

Eid Al Adha Mubarak...

2007-12-19T22:07:00.000-05:00

Salam....

Wishing you, your family and friends a very enjoyable Eid Al Adha!

May you all be filled with good health, joy and peace....

and, May all our sacrifices and prayers be accepted and all our sins be forgiven, InshAllah.

Déjà Vu

2007-12-16T21:52:00.000-05:00

I was bored and I had a moment of inspiration. Maybe you'll enjoy.

It was déjà vu. She sat on the high stool at the other end of the darkened room. Besides the vanilla candles that lined the walls, her porcelain white skin shined. She sat with unfamiliar fellow, and laughed easily, though he could tell from a distance that her smile did not reach her raven black eyes. She nodded in understanding when she thought it was appropriate. Her gestures were forced; and every so often she would discretely glance at her watch. He could tell that she was uncomfortable. She was stunningly beautiful. She wore a simple knee length blood red v-necked cashmere sweater dress that just grazed over her hourglass figure. Her normally straight black hair was up in a beautiful knot of curls. He knew she was aching in her one size too small stiletto black heels, but those were her favorite, as were his. The only ornaments she wore were the onyx bracelet and earrings that he gave her before he went away two years ago.

He could hear his heart trying to break away from the confines of his chest. He attempted to participate in the nearby political discussion of the neighboring state's senatorial race. He couldn't hold his attention to the perky pretty blonde that sat next to him. He even sampled some of the hosts' hor dourves, but he could not distinguish any flavors since his throat was dry. He could not quell the racing of his heart and his eyes always involuntarily drifted back to her. His untamed gaze stayed on her as she unwillingly followed her partner to the plush leather couch in the center of the room. He noticed when her companion gave her a rose; she accepted it with a fleeting look of longing.

He didn't notice himself walking along the perimeter of the room- careful to avoid her ebony eyes. He needed to hear her voice - to know if it was still like a summer melody to his ears. He was lucky he was in the shadows, so that no one could see the awkward stumble he made when he became lightheaded as he realized that it was her ruby lips that still made those wonderful sounds that haunted his sleepless nights.

The last words that she spoke to him were, “Please try to write. Don’t forget me and come back soon.” He knew she hated modern technology like emails, and remembered her saying that letter writing was more personal. He didn’t write to her. He once tried, two weeks after he left to write to her, to say that his journey was safe and uneventful. But the moment he wrote the word ‘Dear’, his hand failed him. Writing hurt too much. She wrote him diligently for eight months, which he kept hidden in his sock drawer since he memorized each word and the artistic shape of each individual letter. Each subsequent letter was shorter than the previous one. He supposed that his lack of response discouraged her to continue writing him.

He couldn't believe it. The love of his life was only several yards away from him. Yet, the time they spent apart, could fill a thousand history tombs. He missed her and longed to be the companion that sat next to her caressing her soft charcoal tresses. He hoped to the heavens that she was remembering the time they sat at that very couch-- which was their very first encounter.

He noticed his friend waving him over from the far corner of the room. It was apparently very important and he reluctantly tore his eyes away from his Venus. He knew that he didn’t correctly answer the query that his friend asked him; he was preoccupied with other things. His eyes automatically began to search for his lady, but he realized the spot next to her companion was empty, save the rose that was given to her.

He was saddened, yet was relieved. Watching her unlocked many hidden memories. He decided to leave and needed a hard drink to quench his thirst and longing. He left the party and began to walk down the chilly boulevard towards his favorite past-life bar. He walked with thoughts of her, and didn’t realize that he was walking towards the train platform. It was the train platform that held the most painful memory of all.

He couldn’t understand what brought him to this painful location. The chilly night resembled the night he left. It even began to snow, just like that moment two years ago. He remembered her saying, “The train wouldn’t be able to stay on the track if there’s snow and ice on the rails.” He shut his eyes and stood at the spot where they last embraced. Standing there, he could smell the perfume that he gave to her on her birthday. He could feel the soft scarf she knitted for him. He could taste the cookies she made for his journey. He could see the tiny white snowflakes that dotted her raven locks. He could see how the light wind made her cheeks a rosy pink.

A forceful gust of wind made him lost his balance making him stumble to the right. He turned his face away from the harsh wind. When he looked up in front him, he saw her sitting on the bench at the edge of the platform.

She looked stoic and expressionless. He moved towards her. She always was so magnetizing. The closer he got to her he realized there were tears on her face. He stopped in front of her. She looked up at him, knowingly.

Time stood still. They peered into each other’s souls. Each eye was communicating how much they missed each other. She stood up and he embraced her. He smelled her familiar scent, and wiped the cold icy tears off her ivory face. She wrapped her arms around his neck and felt the worn out yarn of the scarf she lovingly knitted for him.
“You told me to try to write to you. I did. You told me to not forget you. I did not. And you told me to come back soon, and I did.”
“I knew you were at the party. I noticed, as you were walking towards your friend. Seeing you hurt too much, and my I had shortness of breath. I left my date so I could get some fresh air, but I somehow ended here.”

They stood like that, peering into each other's souls, for what seemed like an eternity. They clung to each other, fully convinced if one should let ago, their dream come true would be broken.

Fortunately their sense of déjà vu was a beautiful reality.

Astronomy Truths

2007-12-05T19:54:00.000-05:00

This is one of my most favorite astronomy photo. It is known in the scientific world as The Cat's Eye Nebula. This photo was taken in 1999 by the Hubble Space Telescope. It is one of the most complex planetary nebulae. The mechanism that gave rise to its complex shape is not well understood.

It is also the rose that was first made famous 1,400 years ago in Surat Ar- Rahman of the Holy Quraan.

Bismillah Ar Rahman Ar Raheem

Quraan (55) Surat Ar Rahman:
37. When the sky is torn apart, so it was (like) a red rose, like ointment

38. Than which of the favours of your Lord will you deny?

With the truth of Islam right in front of people, why can't people see the light, or follow the right path? Why is ignorance or disbelief the chosen mindset of these people? Al7amdulilah, the miracles of Allah are all around us. We just have to open up our minds to the living miracle of the Quraan and give our hearts to Allah, (SWT).

-----
I just realized that I posted something similar to this before. Whatever, I'm still learning all this blogging stuff. Does me repeating something mean that I'm really passionate about it? Anyway, this post is more specific. Hope you enjoy.

My trip to...

2007-11-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

Providence, Rhode Island.

I went last weekend, on November 16,17 and 18. It was about a three and a half hour about (200 miles) drive from my house in New Jersey. My father and I went for a business convention. The drive going was pleasent. Except for some of the usual rush 5-6pm traffic that got us stuck in Connecticut. But no big deal; I was speedy gonzalez the whole way. ;)

Ah, New England splendor! The city is one the more beautiful cities I have seen. It looks like it got a recent face lift or the all the buildings were just washed. I didn't see a piece of garbage on the ground the whole time. It had a very nice mix of history and modern buildings. The architecture was beautiful and the recent government spending to beautify the city, is in my opinion, worth every penny. It was cold walking around the city, but how else is girl to explore! I wanted to start exploring the moment I arrived on the previous (Friday) night, but my father was reluctant about walking around in a strange city at night.

Downtown Providence, RI /// Fire & Ice- Providence, RI

We spent most of Saturday at the convention. For lunch, we went to a restaurant called Fire & Ice. It has a unique concept, that I found very intresting. When you sat down at your table you would order only your drinks. You would than get up and go to booths where you would choose uncooked pastas, meats, vegetables, seafood, side dishes, sauces- whatever you wanted and take it to center of the restuarant where their a massive round grill. The cooks would than take the food you choose, and cook it the way you want it! Right in front of you. It's the only restaurant I know where you get up to get your food, while your drinks come to you. And of course, its all you can eat. :)

After the convention, we (me, my father, and four of my father's friends) opted to go to a restaurant that was a short shuttle bus ride away from the host hotel. Of course, all restaurants in all major cities on the east coast of the US are full to capacity. We didn't want to wait 45 minutes for food, so we decided to walk around the city. After one hour and two more tries at two other restaurants, we ended up eating at the host hotel's restaurant, which suprisingly was relatively empty, and the food was more affordable and more tasty. But it was fun walking around the city. I felt like a movie star. I even learned how to snap photos at night! Thanks Amer!

Downstown Providence, Rhode Island /// Hammonasset State Park, Connecticut

The next we spent only 2 hours at the convention. The information was getting repetitive anyway, so we decided to start back home a bit earlier. On our way home, we got small glimpes of the New England autumn splendor. The colors of the trees were so rich. Halfway home my father and I decided to take a little detour. We stopped for a mini lunch at Hammonessat State Park in Connecticut. It was so quaint and rustic! And it absolutely took my heart away. The park was a beach. To the right and in the distance you can the town (I think its was called Mystic). Going further in the park there was a nature center, and a section of the ocean meeting the jagged rocks. It was beautiful and inspiring.

Hammonasset State Park, Connecticut /// Hammonasset State Park, Connecticut

Overall, it was nice weekend trip. It was nice to spend a weekend with my dad. He gave me a boost of confidence because he totally trusted me in driving 200 miles both ways. Plus, a little change of scenery and a little adventure never hurts anyone, especially not me!

Brief History Lesson: Rhode Island's first permanent settlement was established at Providence in 1636 by English clergyman Roger Williams and a small band of followers who had left the repressive atmosphere of the Massachusetts Bay Colony to seek freedom of worship.

Astronomically speaking...

2007-11-24T21:34:00.000-05:00

As-tron-o-my (n): the study of objects and matter beyond the earth's atmosphere.

It is one of my most favorites subjects. Compared to the sheer vastness of the universe, man is but a tiny cell in a ginormous ocean. For as long as man existed, nothing has ever consistently and wholly captured the hearts and imaginations of people.

There is something so humbling about looking up at the universe. There is so much that is left to be explained. When science is close to answering 1 question, 50 more questions arise! Have you ever looked up and tried to count all the stars? Have you ever seen something as beautiful as a shooting star, or something as majestic as a comet streaking across the sky? Have you ever wondered why there is 24 hours in the day or, why the planets move in orbits around the sun, yet never crash with each other.

It's hard to be a disbeliever of God when all you have to do look up at the sky. There is a reason that the moon doesn't fall on top of us, and there is a reason that the sun doesn't stop giving light. There is a reason that the there is order in the universe, and there is a reason that there are things called comets and asteroids. Allah (SWT) is the Grand Master of all things in the universe, and only He holds all the powers and secrets of the universe. The universe that is constantly changing and expanding.

Man, even with all the science and technology, is not the ultimate being. Man is not the all powerful, or the all knowing. There is reason for everything being the way it is, and Allah is the only being that knows.

This link below is one of favorites websites. Since June 1995, there has been a new daily picture that features some part of the majestic cosmos. No picture is repeated, and no amount of science can capture the awe of these photos. It truly is the work of Al- Alim (العليم)... Allah (SWT).

Astronomy Picture of the Day

TV Venting...

2007-11-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

The TV show "The Bachelor" sucks. The whole concept of it, and after watching a glimpse of the end of this season's finale.... I lost whatever respect I had left, if there was any at all.

For those of you who don't know, "The Bachelor" is a reality show about a guy who is to choose one girl out of 25 in a course of 6 weeks. Each week, the bachelor gives out roses (ose ceremony) to the girls he wants to stick around so that he can get to know him.

Now... imagine 25 girls living under one roof, competing for one guy? Each week, all girls put on their dresses that are way to low up top and way too short on the bottom and stand in a group waiting for the bachelor to give them a rose. Of course, since this is TV, and the girls are desparate to get hitched with the guy, they talk bad about each other, make indecent advances towards the bachelor, just so they can come out the winner.

In season's past, their was always one girl who managed to capture the bachelor's heart. The season finale, usually consists of the bachelor picking one of two girls, and proposing to girl he choose.

This season, he said goodbye to one girl. Than he said goodbye to the other. Leaving viewers shocked.

Ok.... from my understanding, Brad Womack, (this season' bachelor) has told one of the women, DeAnna that she was everything that he wanted in a wife. DeAnna was confident she was going to get the final rose. But when the moment came to give her the final rose, Brad starting out saying, than quickly changed his mind, and said that he couldn't look her in the eye and tell her he loved her. Ouch.

In real time that was two and half months ago. Imagine living for two months, not being able to tell anyone what really happened, and wondering why you were led to believe that you were Brad's top choice, only to have the carpet pulled up from under you. Its kinda rough.

Last night, the wrap-up show was aired. Everyone knew what happened, and the two final girls were brought out to discuss how they felt. Than Brad came out and offered his lame explanation, "If I proposed, without feeling the same feelings, wouldn't that make me a jerk?"

The first girl, Jenni, he dumped, came out and for a greeting gave him a hug, and asked him the same question. She thought that if he didn't propose to her, than surely DeAnna would be living happily ever after. I thought of her as kinda lame, smiling up at him. No true anger. Than again, she didn't have much to be angry about.

DeAnna. She came out and faced Brad. They hugged though it was awkward. It was the first time that they saw each other. Poor girl wanted answers and she was rightfully angry and confused. Brad couldn't give her any credible explanation, other than something along the lines of, "Its not you; you're perfect. I'm screwed up." At this point I wanted DeAnna to walk away or slap him real good. She came out thinking that maybe there was another chance between them. She was willing to give a him a second shot. Man.... she walked away crying. Good for you DeAnna, its time to move on with your life.

The bottome line: This show sucks because it leads people on, and ultimately hurts them. And anyone who thinks they can find true love from a reality show, needs a reality check.

Autumn 2007

2007-11-14T00:30:00.000-05:00

Autumn 2007...
The past 6 weeks went by in the flash. It's been pleasant, filled with many memories and learning experiences. I'm happy, al7amdulilah.

October

Protest against the Sochi 2014 Winter Games and the 450 Year Russo- Circassia Lie
On Oct. 4th, Circassains from all over the world held a protest against the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and spread the truth of the 450 year anniversary of the Russo-Circassia lie. Sochi is an old Circassian city in the present day Krasnodar- Krai region of the Russian Federation. Currently it is considered as the jewel of the Russian country, where diplomats and the wealthy often vacation as a popular Black Sea resort and ski area in the breathtaking nearby Caucasus mountains. It is also the site for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Unfortunately, this jewel has a dark history. Sochi and its surrounding became a mass killing and mass burial ground as the result of a Russian invasion and genocide which was part of 100 year war between the Russians and Circassians. In the times before the Russian invasion, Sochi and the surrounding area was occupied by the Circassian tribe, Ubykh. The Ubykh tribe was killed, and the few survivors were kicked out of their homeland.
**By having the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi is equivalent to hosting the games on a Holocaust concentration camp such Auschwitz.
Three protests were held around the world. One was held in Istanbul, Turkey, one in New York City, USA, and one in California. In NYC- A part of the protest was held in front of the Russian Consulate, and the other part was held in front of the United Nations.
Here are some photos of the protest that was held in New York City.
Here is a video of the protest that was held in New York City.
I felt so nationalistic as I participated in the protest. It feels so good to stand up and shout out what you believe in. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. And even if no good comes out of it, some people listened to us and we got our message known.You got to fight for you right to have your own country.

Eid
I had the pleasure of celebrating Eid ul Fitr with my wonderful family. My grandmother, my baby cousin, and my uncles wife came to visit us for a very memorable 10 days. I miss them dearly.

Congratulations to Gupsa & Abdullah!
A good friend of mine, was married on Oct. 20th. I've known Gupsa for at least 8 years; we were both dancers in the Narts Dance Ensemble. I'm very happy for them, and their wedding was truly one of my favorites that I have ever been too. Adyghe Way Way!!

Congratulations Mom & Dad!
My parents celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary on Oct. 24th. May Allah continue to bless them and may He give them many more joyous years.

November

Georgian State Dance Ensemble
On Nov. 3rd I went to see the Georgian State Dance Ensemble perform at NJPAC in Newark, New Jersey. It was an interesting show. I had good second row seats, so the sword fight sequences were quite scary to watch, since I was wary that the sparks might hit me. The costumes were beautifully colored and the lighting was done very nicely. Compared to Circassian dancing... the male dancers, were a bit too soft, and the female dancers a bit too aggressive. I wasn't completely impressed with the dances and the music could have been better if the instruments were able to keep some of its individual character and sounds rather than hearing it constantly blended together. Overall, out of a rating of 1-10, with 10 being the best, I'd give it a 7.5 .

Professional Development
The week of November 4 was an interesting week, one that I certainly will never forget. On 11/6, I applied and interviewed for a manager trainee position at a growing cosmetic company. I was, of course, accepted, and I was told to that I start training on the coming Saturday 11/10. You can sure bet I was excited. The position offers excellent pay and benefits and a promise of opening and managing your own office. I was so excited to start something new in my life that I quit my position as a supervisor at my employer. I went to the training and learned what my duties would be and learned that to become manager I had to acquire pins. To acquire the first couple of pins, my task was to sell $1000 of cosmetics in an almost 'door to door selling' format. Which is nearly impossible, especially if a tube of lipstick is $25.
To say the least, for a girl who doesn't even wear a lot of makeup, and having to ask my family and friends if I can do a makeover on them and than have them buy a $40 makeup brush, is just absurd and as the saying goes... not exactly my cup of tea.
Lesson learned:
- Always know the facts and don't get too excited.
- Don't quit your current position until you are absolutely sure your new job is something that is the real deal.

... and Current Times.
Unfortunately I'm currently unemployed. My previous job was very generous to me by saying that I will always have a position with them. I had such good co workers and they genuinely cared about me and my future. But, I believe it is time to move on with my life and try new things. I filled out some employment applications and even scored an interview with an acting agency that is looking for part time 'extras' for TV and movies on Thursday. I will be restarting school in January, for the spring semester, so I am looking forward to that. I'm young and I'm smart, so everything is going to be fine, especially if I have Allah and my parents on my side.

New Yorkers rally to help online Romeo

2007-11-09T11:14:00.000-05:00

In a city of 8 million people... love at first sight seems improbable, but highly possible....

New Yorkers rally to help online Romeo
Boy sees girl. Boy loses girl. Boy finds girl — thanks to the Internet

By Belinda Goldsmith
updated 5:52 p.m. ET, Thurs., Nov. 8, 2007

NEW YORK - A tale of online love inspired usually cynical New Yorkers this week to help a young man find the girl of his dreams after he spotted her on a crowded subway train.
For Web designer Patrick Moberg, 21, from Brooklyn, it was love at first sight when he locked eyes with a rosy-cheeked woman while riding in Manhattan on Sunday night. She was writing in her journal.
The train was so full that he lost her in the crowd when they both got off, so he set up a Web site dedicated to finding the mystery woman — www.nygirlofmydreams.com.

He drew a picture of the girl, who was wearing blue shorts, blue tights, and a red flower in her hair, and posted his cell phone number, e-mail address and an appeal for help finding her. It worked.
Within hours Moberg's inbox was overflowing with e-mails and his phone ringing non-stop. He told the New York Post that he even received e-mails offering him love. "Some people said I'm not the girl but you're so adorable, pick me instead."

On Tuesday night a friend of the woman contacted him and sent him a picture so he could confirm her identity. "Found Her! Seriously!" a notice on his Web site said.
"We've been put in touch with one another and we'll see what happens."
The mysterious subway brunette was named on Thursday as Camille Hayton, an intern at magazine BlackBook from Melbourne, Australia, who also lives in Brooklyn.
"This is crazy. I can't believe it's happening," Hayton, 22, told the New York Post.
But Moberg said he is now pulling the shutters on his love life, scribbling out the cell phone number on his Web site and leaving a message on his phone saying he will do no more interviews.
"In our best interest, there will be no more updates to this website," he wrote.
"Unlike all the romantic comedies and bad pop songs, you'll have to make up your own ending for this."
Some New Yorkers may already, wondering if Moberg had made it sound too easy to find a needle in a haystack in this city of eight million people.

(c) Reuters 2007. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.

To make up for lost time...

2007-10-22T08:43:00.000-04:00

Hectic, crazy, happy fun times, since the last time I graced my page. I went to a protest in NYC, celebrated Eid with my family (EID MUBARAK TO EVERYONE!), enjoyed the company of my wonderful grandmother, aunt, and baby cousin, and attended a wedding of a good friend. Good times, awesome memories... I wouldn't trade it for the world.

That's all for now... I'll update soon- I promise!

Do you believe in...

2007-09-30T00:16:00.000-04:00

Love at first sight?

First of all, I feel like a fool for writing about this, but as Jane Austen said in her timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice, "We are all fools in love."

Do you think it can happen? That fleeting look as eyes lock and the world is occupied by only two people. Is it pure physical attraction? Or is it two souls that have finally found each other?

Are you willing to allow your heart direct you rather than the sensibilities of your head? Are you open to the idea?

Or do you love someone in different sight? Acquaintances or friends, who before never thought their relationship can be more than that- but by the sheer stroke of genius of God, their hearts suddenly open and embrace the idea that love can connect them.

Is love at first sight limited only to physical beauty? Can it also mean the first look into someones inner beauty that makes the heart melt and souls connect?

Or is it a combination of everything?

Does it need a person who has the courage to listen to their heart and intuition?

Who believes in love at first sight more... men or women?

Can a heart learn to love someone, if there is no previous connection or 'chemistry', especially if the mind made the initial decision?

And which is the most enduring love? The one that was decided by the mind, or the one that was decided by the heart?

As for me... I'm a romantic dreamer and idealist. I like to think it can happen. Being swept way in a whirlwind of emotions. Being connected to one person in a way that has never happened before. That single moment, the moment that I think we all long for of an electric current that runs down your spine and your insides are fluttering like butterflies. Hopefully we can experience it if our hearts are open and we have courage to be vulnerable enough to trust that love at first sight (or different light) can happen.

*Tagged

2007-09-22T14:29:00.000-04:00

I've been tagged by Batoul.
Assignment: Give meaning to these 15 words.

1. Loneliness: Unwanted solitude. And can only be changed by the individual by seeking what is missing in their lives and changing their situation or circumstance.
2. Fear: The greatest adversary. A consuming feeling that often is the preventor of opening new doors and trying new posibilities.
3. Love: The reason of all actions, thoughts, and things.
4. Work: A necessary strife for the betterment of life and needed for self- worth.
5. Perfection: Allah.
6. Beauty: An individual's idea/prespective of what aesthitcally pleases or attracts only them. Inner beauty is the content of a character and is (or can be) usually seen or felt by everyone.
7. Compatibility: A combination of mutual attraction and shared interests/ideas.
8. Home: Security, safety, love, and true identity.
9. Friendship: A connection of between people that is selective and based on trust, loyalty, and companionship. It is tested at times of sorrow and troubles, and beautiful at times of fun and lightheartedness.
10. Fun: A necessary release of stress and responsibility. Must be in balance with work to achieve happiness.
11. Faith: Islam. Truth and honesty and the feeling of security that life has a meaning and purpose.
12. Anger: A justifiable feeling that must be recognized and overcome. Oftentimes anger strains conversation/discussion, prespectives, peace and progress. Living in anger prohibits peace in one's life and strains relationships and prevents compromise and progress.
13. Future: A neutral unembellished canvas. Endless dreams and possiblities.
14. Eye language: The ultimate connection and the truest form of communication. Tongues can deceive, but the eyes will show the soul.
15. Books: Knowledge. A journey that doesn't need a plane ticket.

Make the Best of It

2007-09-17T00:05:00.000-04:00

Carrots, Eggs and Coffee

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

-- Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

-- Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

-- Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
Reach out to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

.: May we all be COFFEE :.

Ramadan Kareem

2007-09-13T11:25:00.000-04:00

I wish you a very happy and sacred Ramadan.
May Allah give you and your family strength & many blessings during this glorious month.
May Allah accept our fast and our humble prayers,
And may Allah show us the path of righteousness and help us continue along it throughout the year.

Friends, Nails, Tempers and a Fence

2007-09-10T11:49:00.000-04:00

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there." A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.
Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us. Show your friends how much you care.

The Sense of A Goose

2007-09-07T23:30:00.000-04:00

When you see geese flying along in "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone - and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those people who are headed the same way we are.
When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.
It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south.
Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
What messages do we give when we honk from behind?
Finally - and this is important - when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.
If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.

-author unknown-

Circassia: An 1830's Publication

2007-09-06T20:15:00.000-04:00

This is from a book titled Far Off created by Favell Lee Mortimer that was published in the 1830s. It is an intresting read, giving a glimpse of Circassian life, in my motherland, in the period before the Russian conquest in 1864 and the Diaspora that followed. Found in The Project Gutenberg eBook, Far Off, by Favell Lee Mortimer (1802-1878).

FAR OFF: CIRCASSIA
This is not a vast country like China, or Hindostan. It may be called a nook, it is so small compared with some great kingdoms: but it is famous on account of the beauty of the people. They are fair, like Europeans, with handsome features, and fine figures. But their beauty has done them harm, and not good; for the cruel Turks purchase many of the Circassian women, because they are beautiful, and shut them up in their houses. Perhaps you will be surprised to hear that the young Circassians think it a fine thing to go to Turkey—to live in fine palaces and gardens, instead of remaining in their own simple cottages. But I think that when they find themselves confined between high walls, they must sigh to think of their flocks and their farms at home, and more than all, of the dear relations they have left behind.
Circassia is a pleasant country, situated near the noble mountains of Caucasus. The snow on the mountains cools the air, and makes Circassia as pleasant to live in as our own England. Indeed, if you were suddenly to be transported into Circassia, you would be ready to exclaim, "Is not this England? Here are apple-trees, and pear-trees, and plum-trees, like those in my father's garden: those sounds are like the notes of the blackbird and thrush, which sing among the hawthorns in English woods."
But look again, you will see vines interlacing their fruitful branches among the spreading oaks. You do not see such vines in England. But hark! what do I hear? It is a sound never heard in England. It is the yell of jackals.

MANNERS OF THE PEOPLE.—There is no country in the world where the people are as kind to strangers as in Circassia. Every family, however poor, has a guest-house. There is the family-house, with its orchard, and stables, and at a little distance, another house for strangers. This is no more than a large room, with a stable at one end. The walls are made of wicker-work, plastered with clay. There is no ceiling but the rafters, and no floor but the bare earth. Yet there is a wide chimney, where a blazing fire is kept up with a pile of logs. And there is a sofa or divan, covered with striped silk, and many neat mats to serve as beds for as many travellers as may arrive. The wind may whistle through the chinks, and the rain come through the roof, but the stranger is well warmed, and comfortably lodged; and above all, he has the host to wait upon him with more attention than a servant. The supper is served as soon as the sun sets.
But where is the table? There is none. Is the supper placed on the floor? Not so. It is brought in on stools with three legs. They answer the purpose of tables, trays, and dishes, all in one. What is the fare served up? This is the sort of dinner provided. On the first table is placed a flat loaf; the gravy in the middle, and the meat all round. When this is taken away, another table is brought in with cheese-cakes; a third with butter and honey; a fourth with a pie; a fifth with a cream; and last of all, a table, with a wooden bowl of curdled milk. The company have no plates; but each Circassian carries a spoon and a knife in his girdle, and with these he helps himself. The servants who stand by, are not forgotten: a piece of meat or of pie-crust is often given to one of them; it is curious to see the men take it into a corner to eat it there. There are many hungry poor waiting at the door of the guest-house, ready to help the servants to devour the remains of the feast; and there is often a great deal of food left; for there are generally ten tables, and sometimes there are forty tables. The guests are expected to taste the food on each, however many there may be.
Instead of wine, there is a drink called shuat handed to the guests: it is distilled from grain and honey. Vegetables are not much eaten in Circassia: for greens are considered fit only for beasts: and there are no potatoes. Pies, and tarts, and tartlets of various kinds are too well liked, and the finest ladies in the land are skilful in making them.
The family live in a thatched cottage, called "the family-house." It is not divided into rooms. If a man wants several rooms, he builds several houses.
As you approach the dwelling of a Circassian, you hear the barking of dogs, and upon coming nearer, you see women milking cows, and feeding poultry, and boys tending goats, and leading horses.
If you go into the farm-yard, you will see among the animals, the buffalo—but no pig. There are, however, wild boars in the woods.

CIRCASSIAN WOMEN.—They are not shut up as Hindoo, and Chinese, and Turkish ladies are. They do not indeed go into the guest-house to see strangers; but strangers are sometimes invited into the family-house to see them.
An Englishman, who visited a family-house, was introduced to the wife and daughter. They both rose up when he entered: nor would they sit down, till he sat down; and this respect ladies show not only to gentlemen, but even to the poorest peasants. The only furniture in the house was the divan, on which the ladies sat; a pile of boxes, containing the beds, which were to be spread on the floor at night; and a loom for weaving cloth, and spindles for spinning.
The daughter, who was sixteen, was dressed in a skirt of striped silk, with a blue bodice, and silver clasps; and she wore a cap of scarlet cloth, adorned with silver lace—her light hair flowing over her shoulders: yet though so finely arrayed, her feet were bare; for she only put on her red slippers when she walked out. The mother was covered with a loose calico wrapper, and her face was concealed by a thick white veil. The visitor laid some needle-cases at the ladies' feet, for it is not the custom for them to receive presents in their hands.
The needle-cases greatly delighted the young Hafiza, and her mother. The present was well chosen, because the Circassian women are very industrious, supplying their husbands and brothers with all their clothes, from the woollen bonnet to the morocco shoe. The wool, the flax, and the hemp, are all prepared at home by the mothers, and made into clothes by the girls, who first spin the thread, then weave the cloth, and finish by sewing the seams. Some girls are very clever in knitting silver lace for trimming garments. A girl named Dussepli was famous for her skill in this art, indeed her name signifies, "Shining as lace." An Englishman went to the place where she lived to buy some of her lace. He was shown into the guest-house, and he soon saw Dussepli approaching in a pair of high pattens. At first sight there was nothing pleasing in Dussepli but when she spoke she seemed so kind, and so true, that it was impossible not to like her. By her industry in knitting lace, and dyeing cloth, she helped to support her father, who was poor.

THE CIRCASSIAN MEN.—War is their chief occupation. Working in the fields is left to the women, and the little boys, and the slaves. There is, alas! great occasion for the men to fight, as the land has long been infested with many dangerous enemies. The Russians are endeavoring to conquer the Circassians: but the Circassians declare they will die sooner than yield. Long ago the enemies must have triumphed, had it not been for the high mountains which afford hiding-places for the poor hunted inhabitants. Every man carries a gun, a pistol, a dagger, and a sword; and the nobles are distinguished by a bow, and a quiver of arrows. The usual dress is of coarse dark cloth, and consists of a tunic, trowsers, and gaiters. The cap or bonnet is of sheep-skin, or goatskin. The boys are taught from their infancy to be hardy and manly. They are brought up in a singular way. Instead of remaining at home, they are given at three years old, into the care of a stranger: and the reason of this custom is, that they may not be petted by their parents. The stranger is called "foster-father," and he teaches any boy under his care to ride well, and to shoot at a mark. The boy follows his foster-father over the mountains, urging his horses to climb tremendous heights, and to rush down ravines; and appeasing his hunger with a mouthful of honey from the bag, fastened to his girdle. Such is the life he leads, till he is a tall and a strong youth; and then he returns home to his parents. His foster-father presents him with a horse, and weapons of war, and requires no payment in return for all his care. Men brought up in this manner must be wild, bold, restless, and ignorant. Such are the Circassians. They care not for learning, as the Chinese do, but only for bravery. We cannot wonder at this, when we remember what enemies they have in their land. The Russians have built many strong towers, whence they shoot at all who come near. But, not satisfied with this, they often come forth and rob the villages.

There was a Circassian, (and he may be still alive,) called Guz Beg (at right); and he gained for himself the name of the "Lion of Circassia." He was always leading out little bands of men to attack the Russians. One day he found some Russian soldiers reaping in the fields, and when he came near they ran away in terror, leaving two hundred scythes in the field, which he seized. But a great calamity befel this Lion. He had an only son. When he first led the boy to the wars, he charged him never to shrink from the enemy, but to cut his way through the very midst. One day Guz Beg had ridden into the thick of the Russian soldiers, when suddenly a ball pierced his horse, and he was thrown headlong on the ground. There lay the Lion among the hunters. In another moment he would have been killed, when suddenly a youthful warrior flew to his rescue;—it was his own son. But what could one do among so many! A troop of Circassian horse rushed to the spot, and bore away Guz Beg; but they were too late to save his son. They bore away the body only of the brave boy. Guz Beg was deeply grieved; but he continued still to fight for his country.
See those black heaps of ashes. In that spot there once lived a prince named Zefri Bey, with his four hundred servants; but his dwellings were burned to the ground by the Russians. That prince fled to Turkey to plead for help. What would have become of his wife, and little girls, if a kind friend had not taken them under his care? This friend was hump-backed, but very brave. Some English travellers went to visit him, and were received in the guest-house and regaled with a supper of many tables. Next day the little girls came to the guest-house and kissed their hands. The daughter of the hump-backed man accompanied them. The children were delighted with some toys the traveller gave them, and the kind young lady accepted needles and scissors. But where was the wife of Zefri Bey? A servant was sent to inquire after her, and found her in rags, lying on a mat, without even a counterpane, and weeping bitterly. Had no one given her clothes, and coverings? Yes, but she gave everything away, for she had been used, as a princess, to make presents, and now she cared for nothing. Such are the miseries which the Russians bring upon Circassia.

THE GOVERNMENT.—There is no king of Circassia; but there are many princes.

The people pay great respect to these princes, standing in their presence, and giving them the first place at feasts, and in the battle-field. But though the people honor them, they do not obey them.
There is a parliament in Circassia, but it does not meet in a house, but in a grove. Every man who pleases may come, but only old men may speak. If a young man were to give his opinions, no attention would be paid. The warriors sit on the grass, and hang up their weapons of war on the boughs above their heads, while they fasten their horses to the stems of the trees. The speakers are gentle in their tones of voice and behavior. The Circassians admire sweet winning speeches. They say there are three things which mark a great man; a sharp sword, a sweet tongue, and forty tables. What do they mean by these? By a sharp sword they mean bravery, by a sweet tongue they mean soft speeches, and by forty tables they mean giving plentiful suppers to neighbors and to strangers. Are the Circassians right in this way of thinking? No—for though bravery is good, and speaking well is good, and giving away is good, these are not the greatest virtues: and people may be brave, and speak well, and give away much, and yet be wicked: for they may be without the love of God in their hearts. What are the greatest virtues? These three, Faith, Hope, and Charity. These are graces which come from God.

SERVANTS.—There are slaves in Circassia, called serfs. But they are so well treated, that they are not like the slaves of other countries. They live in huts round their master's dwelling; they work in the fields, and wait upon the guests, and share in the good fare on the little tables. When a Circassian takes a Russian prisoner, he makes him a slave, and gives him the hardest work to do. Yet the Russians are much happier with their Circassian masters than in their own country. Once a Circassian said to his Russian slave, "I am going to send you back to Russia." The man fell at his master's feet, saying, "Rather than do so, use me as your dog; beat me, tie me up, and give me your bones to pick." The master then told him that he had not spoken in earnest, and that he would not send him away, and then the poor fellow began to shout, and to jump with joy.

BROTHERHOODS.—There is a very remarkable plan in Circassia, unlike the plans in other countries. A certain number of men agree to call themselves "brothers." These brothers help each other on every occasion, and visit at each other's houses frequently. They are not received in the guest-house, but in the family-house, and are treated by all the family as if they were really the brothers of the master. A brotherhood sometimes consists of two thousand, but sometimes of only twenty persons.

RELIGION.—Circassia, though beautiful, is an unhappy country. The Russians keep the people in continual fear; this is a great evil. But there is another nation who have done the Circassians still greater harm. I mean the Turks. And what have they done to them? They have persuaded them to turn Mahomedans. The greatest harm that can be done to any one, is to give him a false religion. There are no grand mosques in Circassia, because there are no towns: but in every little village there is a clay cottage, where prayers are offered up in the name of Mahomet. There can be no minaret to such a miserable mosque: so the man who calls the hours of prayer, climbs a tall tree, by the help of notches, and getting into a basket at the top, makes the rocks and hills resound with his cry. How different shall be the sound one day heard in every land; when all people shall believe in Jesus. "Then shall the inhabitants of the rocks sing—then shall they shout from the top of the mountains, and give glory unto the Lord" and not to Mahomet. (Is. xlii. 11, 12.) But though the Circassians call themselves Mahomedans, they keep many of their old customs, and these customs show that they once heard about Christ.
It is their custom to dedicate every boy to God: but not really to God, for in truth they dedicate him to the cross.Let me give you an account of one of the feasts of dedication. The place of meeting was a green, shaded by spreading oak-trees. In the midst stood a cross. Each family who came to the feast, brought a little table, and placed it before the cross; and on each table, there were loaves, and a sort of bread called "pasta." There was a blazing fire on the green, round which the elder women sat, while the younger preferred the shade of a thicket. The priest took a loaf of bread in one hand, and in the other, a large cup of shuat, (a kind of wine) and holding them out towards the cross, blessed them. While he did this, men, women, and children, knelt around, and bowed their heads to the ground. Afterwards, the shuat and the bread were handed about amongst the company. But this was only the beginning of the feast. Afterwards, a calf, a sheep, and two goats were brought to the cross to be blessed. Then a little of their hair was singed by a taper, and then they were taken away to be slaughtered. Now the merriment began: some moved forward to cut up the animals, and to boil their flesh in large kettles on fires kindled on the green; many young men amused themselves with racing, leaping, and hurling stones, while the elder people sat and talked. When the meat was boiled, it was distributed among the sixty tables, and then the priest blessed the food. And then the feasting began. Does it not seem as if the Circassians must once have learned about Jesus crucified, and about his supper of bread and wine, and about the Jewish feasts and sacrifices? Once, perhaps, they knew the true religion, but they soon forgot it, and though they still remember the Cross, they have forgotten Christ; and though they still bless the bread and the cup, they know nothing of redeeming love. Do you not long to send missionaries to Circassia? Well, some good Scotch missionaries went there some years ago, but alas! the Russians sent them away. Their thatched cottages may still be seen, and their fruitful orchards, but they themselves are gone. There are, however, a few German Christians in Circassia. They are not missionaries, but only farmers, therefore the Russians allow them to remain. They have a little church, where the Bible is read, and God is worshipped. You will be glad to hear a few Circassians may be seen amongst the congregation; they were converted by the Scotch missionaries, and they have remained faithful amongst their heathen neighbors.
Circassia is situated between two seas:—
The Black Sea, and
The Caspian Sea.
What a wonderful place is the Caspian Sea. It is like a lake, only so immensely large, that it is called a sea. The waters of lakes are fresh, like those of rivers; but the waters of the Caspian are salt, but not so salt as the salt sea. The shores of the Caspian are flat, and unwholesome. You might think as you stood there, that you were by the great ocean, for there are waves breaking on the sands, and water as far as the eye can reach, but there is no freshness in the air as by the real sea.
The mountains of Caucasus run through Circassia. They are quite low compared to the Himalaya; they are about the height of the Alps, and the tops are covered with snow. But the valleys between these mountains, are not like the Swiss valleys, which are broad and pleasant; but these valleys are narrow, and dark, and not fit to live in, yet they are of great use as hiding-places for the Circassians. When pursued by a Russian, a Circassian will urge his horse to dash down the dark valley, and lest his horse should be alarmed by the sight of the dangerous depth below, he will cover the animal's eyes with his cloak. Thus, many a bold rider escapes from a cruel soldier.

Source: Project Gutenberg Free eBook Library
Travels in Circassia, Krim Tartary, Etcetera
By Edmund Spencer, Esq. (originally published in 1837)

The Day of Judgement: Major & Minor Signs

2007-09-05T23:04:00.000-04:00

Although we don't know when the Day of Judgement, Yawm Al Qayimah, is... these are some signs that tell us that the end is nearer than we think.

The Minor Signs: (in no particular order):
-The coming of the last Prophet, Mohammad (SAW). This has already happened of course.
-The slave will become the master.
-The disappearance of knowledge and the appearance of ignorance. The leaders of the Muslims will be chosen from ignorant people, and they will rule according to their whims. (Bukhari & Muslim) Today, studying Islam is formally considered to be an inferior career in most of the Muslim world. The leaders of the Muslim world are more known for their political or military prowess rather than knowledge of Islam.
-Adultery and fornication will be prevalent. (The Prophet, peace be upon him, said that this has never happened without new diseases befalling the people, which their ancestors had not known.) (Bukhari & Muslim)
-Adultery and fornication will be performed in the open.
-The consumption of intoxicants will be widespread. (Bukhari & Muslim) This is referring to the drinking of alcohol and spirits, which is indeed widespread in today's world.
-Women will outnumber men... eventually 50 women to 1 man. (Bukhari & Muslim)
-Killing, killing, killing. (Bukhari & Muslim) Killing will increase.
-The children will be filled with rage. (at-Tabarani, al-Hakim)
-Rain will be acidic or burning. (at-Tabarani, al-Hakim) The increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will inevitably result in the increase of acid rain.
-Children of fornication will become widespread or prevalent. (at-Tabarani, al-Hakim)
-When a trust becomes a means of making a profit.
-Gains will be shared out only among the rich, with no benefit to the poor.
-Paying zakat (alms) becomes a burden and miserliness becomes widespread.
-When a man obeys his wife and disobeys his mother; and treats his friend kindly while shunning his father. This is evident especially in the western world where wives and friends are treated better than parents.
-When voices are raised in the mosques.
-People will walk in the marketplace with their thighs exposed.
-Great distances will be traversed in short spans of time. Plains, trains and automobiles.
-The people of Iraq will receive no food and no money due to oppression by the Romans. (Europeans) (Muslim)
-People will hop between the clouds and the earth. Is this referring to the idea of airline travel?
-The leader of a people will be the worst of them.
-People will treat a man with respect out of fear for some evil he might do.
-Men will begin to wear silk. Inevitable in the fashion of the western worlds.
-Female singers and musical instruments will become popular. Today, there are many female singers and music is very popular.
-People will dance late into the night.
-When the last ones of the Ummah begin to curse the first ones.
-People will believe in the stars.
-People will reject al-Qadr. (the Divine Decree of Destiny)
-Time will pass rapidly. (Bukhari) This is very apparent especially in First World countries.
-Good deeds will decrease. (Bukhari)
-Miserliness will be thrown into the hearts of people. (Bukhari)
-Smog will appear over cities because of the evil that they are doing.
-People will be carrying on with their trade, but there will only be a few trustworthy persons.
-A man will pass by a grave and wish that he were in their place.
-Earthquakes will increase. California, Mexico, Japan...
-The appearance of false messengers (30 dajjals).
-Women will be naked in spite of being dressed. In the fashion of the Western world, women are beginning to wear very revealing clothes.
-The conquest of Constantinople by the Muslims. This has happened and has been renamed Istanbul.
-When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and begin to compete with others in the construction of taller buildings. (Bukhari) The modern ex-nomads of Saudi Arabia are an excellent example of this.
-Wild animals will be able to talk to humans. Some scientists are able to speak in sign language with wild monkeys. -A man will leave his home and his thigh or hip will tell him what is happening back at his home. Mobile phone in his pocket?
-The truthful person will not be believed and the liar will be believed.
-When men lie with men and women lie with women. Referring to homosexuality which is verily accepted in today's society.
-Trade will become so widespread that a woman will be forced to help her husband in business.
-A woman will enter the workforce out of love for this world.
-Books will be widespread and knowledge will be low.
-Arrogance will increase in the earth. (at-Tabarani, al-Hakim)
-Family ties will be cut.
-Men will begin to look like women and women will begin to look like men. Referring to transsexuals and transvestites.
The Major Signs: (in rough chronological order):
-Although they appear here in no particular order, it is important to point out that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that these last, major signs will follow each other like pearls falling off of a necklace...
-Al-Dajjal. (The Anti-Christ) He will come claiming to God holding Heaven and Hell. His purpose is to deceive, and unbelievers will follow him. He is short, red-faced, blind in the right eye, and has hair that sticks up. He will go around the world but will be unable to enter Madinah or Makkah.-Al-Mahdi. He will come at the time of the Dajjal. He will call to the true Islam, and will be a military leader. His name will be exactly like that of the Prophet Mohammad (SAW), and his father's name will match the Prophet's father's name also. He will be a descendant of Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet.
-The appearance of Masih al-'Isa (Jesus Christ), the son of Mary. (peace be upon him). He will come at the time of the Dajjal and the Mahdi also. He will descend at the time of Fajr prayer on a masjid in Damascus, the capital of Syria. He is of medium height, red-faced, and his hair is as if he just took a shower. He will call people back to Islam, but he will also be a military leader. The people of the Book will revert to Islam, and wealth will be super-abundant. Isa will break the cross, kill the swine, and personally slay the Dajjal. He will stay on Earth for a long time thereafter, and then die.
-Ya'juj and Ma'juj. (Gog and Magog) Two hidden tribes of people will break free of the dam that hold them back, and ravage the Earth. They will drink all the water, and kill people until Allah sends against them a worm which will wipe them out.
-The destruction of the Ka'bah and the recovery of its treasure.
-Emergence of The Beast. This Beast will call people back to Islam and he will place the word mu'meen (believer) on the foreheads of the believers, and will plot the word kufar (disbeliever) on the foreheads of the disbelievers.
-Three major landslides (one in the East, one in the West, and one on the Arabian peninsula).
-The rising of the sun from the west.
-The smoke. The smoke will appear all over the Earth which will cause all believers to catch something similar to a slight cold, whereas the unbelievers will be hit harder by it.
-The wind will take the souls of the believers.
-The fire will drive the people to their final gathering place. Three blasts of the trumpet (fear & terror, death, resurrection).

Canvas

2007-09-04T13:15:00.000-04:00

Time is valuable.
One minute you
Live it,
Experience it.
The next it
Becomes
A memory, a photograph.
The past, the future,
All in one harmonious dream.
All are unknown except our
History, Memories, Stories.
Who we were,
What we thought,
Blending together in
The painting of Our Life.
Drawn in pencil,
Then painted in colors.
Our past, Dried, Unchanging,
Permanent.
Ahead, an unembellished neutral
White canvas.
What strokes?
What colors?
What shadows?
What light will reflect on it?
Will I be, In control?
Hopeful? Bleak?
Promising? Depressing?
Will it be
LLOONNGG or Short?
Many sketches,
Plans, drawn in pencil.
Which painters will help me
Choose the sketches of my life?
Which COLORS will
I use to paint the canvas...
The MURAL of M y L i f e ?

First

2007-09-04T10:37:00.000-04:00

Hello mysterious reader of my blog. I don't think we have met before. My name is Dana, and I live in the state of New Jersey in the United States. I'm Muslim, and my ethnicity is Circassian. I am the oldest of three and only daughter of my wonderfully amazing parents. I'm studying to become a teacher, since I think that to help society is to educate the young by giving them the tools and the different perspectives to change and make the world a better place. After all, Knowledge is Power!

Blogging= Release. Sometimes I'm like a shook up ginger ale can just waiting to spew out my thoughts and at other times I am a quiet observer of the world around me. With this blog, I hope to be true to myself. I hope I will have moments of self realization, since my ultimate goal is to become a better person than I was yesterday through the help of my excellent family and friends. I am still trying to figure myself out, let alone the world around me and I can tell you its not easy. You'll get to know my intrests, my likes and dislikes through the postings of this blog. This is my first trek into blogging, and I hope I do a good job. And I hope you have an enjoyable time of reading whatever I post.

Take care everyone!

:)