Printed from www.care2.com
Raise Your Energy Level
Adapted from Creative Visualization, by Ronald Shone (Inner Traditions, 1998).
Simple Solution
If you need more energy, or you are mildly depressed, this creative visualization will help: the author says he has found it to be most effective.
Work during the day can certainly deplete our energy. Some days seem more draining than others, and some begin with a low stock of energy because of a poor night’s sleep. One reason that we rest and sleep is so that we can restore the body’s energy. This visualization will also achieve a natural raising of your body’s energy level. Find out how:
While in a relaxed state, you imagine yourself lying on a bed with your eyes closed. A beam of sunlight comes down from the sun and envelops your whole body. You then rise up and pass along the beam of sunlight into the heart of the sun. (At this stage, imagine yourself naked.) When you reach the heart of the sun, you open up your arms and legs to make an X shape; this includes opening up your hands and fingers. You then simply imagine that you are absorbing into your body health-giving energy. Really feel the energy going into your body. (Your body may very well tingle during this creative visualization.) If you like, you can at this point add a series of suggestions. They can go something like this:
I can feel the energy from the sun passing into my body. Yes, my body is drawing energy from the sun--energy that my body needs, energy that will revitalize all my body, energy that will pass into every cell and every organ of my body. (Keep this up until you feel that your body has sufficient energy--a feeling that is not too difficult to recognize.)
When you feel fully energized, bring your arms and legs together, pass back down the sunbeam, and return to your lying position on the bed.
Shop for Supplies
Creative Visualization
Copyright: Adapted from Creative Visualization, by Ronald Shone (Inner Traditions, 1998). Copyright (c) 1998 by Ronald Shone. Reprinted by permission of Inner Traditions.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Monday, September 05, 2005
My desire... at this moment.
When I was in Malaysia, I came across the most beautiful man made creation I've ever known. The sounds are realistic enough to leave you in awe. I was seriously having a ball with this baby. It's so simple and fun to use. I've been craving to get this synthesizer for the longest time and my dream might actually come true at the end of this month. I'm sure then I can go back on creating music but this time it'll be a lot more professional. Maybe then I'd be able to sell some records. Hehehe...
Not only do the new MOTIF ES Music Production Synthesizers feature the largest wave ROM of any workstation keyboard available (175 MB in 16-bit linear format), but that Extensive Sonic library is at the heart of the most expressive, most musical synthesis system on the planet, bar none. The Enhanced Sound set of the ES 1,859 waveforms – the majority of them newly sampled specifically for the MOTIF ES series – provide the foundation for 1,024 outstanding normal voices plus 65 drum kits. There are even Mix Voices so you can edit and create your own Voices will listening to your songs and store them right along with the song data. The MOTIF ES delivers an extraordinary sonic depth and musical response. The range of sounds it produces is stunning — from the Emulative Sounds of acoustic piano and orchestra to the Extreme Synthesis of cutting-edge hiphop and electronica. You only have to hear the ES once to know this is the best sounding, most Evolved Synthesizer Yamaha has ever made.
The newly designed tone generator chip offers true 128-note polyphony that gives you the freedom to create intricate compositions using the full gamut of the MOTIF ES Exceptional Sonic power. These instruments are designed for serious music production. The newly developed synth engine offers new synthesizer parameters and faster, more precise envelope control.
If you want to check out the sounds of this beauty just click here. Then click on media files and just enjoy listening.
Not only do the new MOTIF ES Music Production Synthesizers feature the largest wave ROM of any workstation keyboard available (175 MB in 16-bit linear format), but that Extensive Sonic library is at the heart of the most expressive, most musical synthesis system on the planet, bar none. The Enhanced Sound set of the ES 1,859 waveforms – the majority of them newly sampled specifically for the MOTIF ES series – provide the foundation for 1,024 outstanding normal voices plus 65 drum kits. There are even Mix Voices so you can edit and create your own Voices will listening to your songs and store them right along with the song data. The MOTIF ES delivers an extraordinary sonic depth and musical response. The range of sounds it produces is stunning — from the Emulative Sounds of acoustic piano and orchestra to the Extreme Synthesis of cutting-edge hiphop and electronica. You only have to hear the ES once to know this is the best sounding, most Evolved Synthesizer Yamaha has ever made.The newly designed tone generator chip offers true 128-note polyphony that gives you the freedom to create intricate compositions using the full gamut of the MOTIF ES Exceptional Sonic power. These instruments are designed for serious music production. The newly developed synth engine offers new synthesizer parameters and faster, more precise envelope control.
If you want to check out the sounds of this beauty just click here. Then click on media files and just enjoy listening.
What next?!?!
Well, it's been almost a year since I've graduated college in Malaysia and believe it or not, I still don't have my diploma. The campus in Malaysia finally got it from Australia 4 months after I graduated in Oct. 2004. Since in the Arab world they love to make it a living hell for it's people, I needed to certify my diploma along with my transcripts at the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of foreign Affairs in Malaysia before sending them over to be certified again by the Ministry of Education in the UAE. The procedure at the ministry in the UAE alone takes about 3 months.
My college in Malaysia are taking care of getting my papers certified. The first email I got from them was April 13th 2005 telling me that they're taking care of it all. The guy in charge kept sending me emails later to keep me posted. I thought all was going fine until what I feared the most and was certainly expecting from Malaysian officials actually did happen. I got this beautiful reassuring email from my college today:
"Dear Sara,I am sorry to say that I have some bad news. The ministry of education here has informed me that they have lost/misplaced your documents that I sent for certification. I made some noise at their office and was able to meet their head who reaffirmed me that your case will be looked into immediately. The officer in charge has apologized and has said that she will try to expidite the matter ASAP. I will be meeting her later this week and once I have more information, I will let you know.
Regards,
Suthan"
That's is one of the reasons why I hated living in Malaysia... Nothing gets done unless you scream and get some people in trouble. I had to put up with it at school, with cab drivers and even doctor's offices etc... The crappy thing is that I can't get a proper job in the UAE until I get all my papers certified. ARGGGGGGGGGGGGH!!
So what do you think? Is it better here in Syria or there in Malaysia. I see it that it's all the same. It's been 11 months and it's not even close for me to get my certified proof of education. I can't believe that stupid piece of paper can be that essential in getting job. I'm beyond pissed off and I just feel like going down to Malaysia and kick some ass.
My college in Malaysia are taking care of getting my papers certified. The first email I got from them was April 13th 2005 telling me that they're taking care of it all. The guy in charge kept sending me emails later to keep me posted. I thought all was going fine until what I feared the most and was certainly expecting from Malaysian officials actually did happen. I got this beautiful reassuring email from my college today:
"Dear Sara,I am sorry to say that I have some bad news. The ministry of education here has informed me that they have lost/misplaced your documents that I sent for certification. I made some noise at their office and was able to meet their head who reaffirmed me that your case will be looked into immediately. The officer in charge has apologized and has said that she will try to expidite the matter ASAP. I will be meeting her later this week and once I have more information, I will let you know.
Regards,
Suthan"
That's is one of the reasons why I hated living in Malaysia... Nothing gets done unless you scream and get some people in trouble. I had to put up with it at school, with cab drivers and even doctor's offices etc... The crappy thing is that I can't get a proper job in the UAE until I get all my papers certified. ARGGGGGGGGGGGGH!!
So what do you think? Is it better here in Syria or there in Malaysia. I see it that it's all the same. It's been 11 months and it's not even close for me to get my certified proof of education. I can't believe that stupid piece of paper can be that essential in getting job. I'm beyond pissed off and I just feel like going down to Malaysia and kick some ass.
Friday, August 26, 2005
My second tag...
Thank you Zena for the tag. :P here we go. It gives me something to post. hahaha..
10 years ago: I was about 17. It was my senior year of high school. I have to admit it was one of the weirdest years of my life. First of all, I changed high schools so new faces where all around, a whole new different system. I was pretty much goodie goodie 2 shoes, I didn't know what I wanted from life I tried to find where I belonged but I didn't feel I fitted anywhere. I didn't know who I really was. The biggest deal was my high school graduation and the song that wrote and performed in the graduation ceremony. Pretty much I didn't have a life at all.
5 years ago: I was around 22. I was in college in the US. My life revolved around the college radio station. I was the music director. The radio station pretty much took much of my time. Most of the other members where life family. They were all crazy people and that's what I loved about it. That period of my life, I was still searching for who I am. I was in my rocker phase. My hair was orange and red and brown. Wore the rockers clothes. I pretty much lived the rock and roll life style.
1 year ago: I was a quarter of a century and an extra year. :D Hmmm. I recently graduated from college in Malaysia. Did some traveling to Syria after going back to the UAE. Some seriously life changing events took place in my life. My heart for the first time fell in love with the most loving man on earth. Things didn't work out and I was crushed and I changed dramatically since then. Became more religious just stopped taking crap from people.
Tomorrow: The first thing that comes to mind is same old shit different day. Hahaha... I try to live the moment for the most part. So I try not to think about it. But as Incubus say, "whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there."
5 Snacks I enjoy: Chocolate, cheese, chips, frozen yogurt and biscuits
5 bands & artists I like: Incubus, Julia Butrous, Sting, Train and The Beatles.
5 Things I'd do with $100.000.000: Invest some of it to get more money :P, give some to some charity, save some for rainy day, give some to my parents. Spend the rest for fun.
5 Places I would run away to: Boston- USA,Byron Bay- Australia, Switzerland, Malaysia and England.
5 Bad habits I have: I'm totally messy, I cry all the time, I pick my nose in public hahaha, I tend to be lazy sometimes, I nag a lot.
5 things I like doing: Listening to music, sing, read, be productive in anything creative, being a friend.
5 things I will never wear: Uhmm. I pretty much worse everything in my life time, but probably multicolored clothes that don't actually fit together and seriously tight ass clothes or anything trashy.
5 TV Shows I like: Friends, 2 guys and a girl, Life Makers (sona3 el7ya, Amr Khaled), Yallah Shabab, Touched by an Angel
5 People I'd like to meet: Amr Khaled, Mesut Kurits, Julia Butrous, my friend Israa in Egypt and my friend Hajar in England
5 Movies I like: Lord of the Rings, Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, Spirited Away and The Message.
5 biggest joys at the moment: My connection with my creator, my loved ones (true friends and family), my cat, my loving parents and my health.
I now tag Nuralhuda , Juwaireyah and Hasan... You got to love me for it. :P
10 years ago: I was about 17. It was my senior year of high school. I have to admit it was one of the weirdest years of my life. First of all, I changed high schools so new faces where all around, a whole new different system. I was pretty much goodie goodie 2 shoes, I didn't know what I wanted from life I tried to find where I belonged but I didn't feel I fitted anywhere. I didn't know who I really was. The biggest deal was my high school graduation and the song that wrote and performed in the graduation ceremony. Pretty much I didn't have a life at all.
5 years ago: I was around 22. I was in college in the US. My life revolved around the college radio station. I was the music director. The radio station pretty much took much of my time. Most of the other members where life family. They were all crazy people and that's what I loved about it. That period of my life, I was still searching for who I am. I was in my rocker phase. My hair was orange and red and brown. Wore the rockers clothes. I pretty much lived the rock and roll life style.
1 year ago: I was a quarter of a century and an extra year. :D Hmmm. I recently graduated from college in Malaysia. Did some traveling to Syria after going back to the UAE. Some seriously life changing events took place in my life. My heart for the first time fell in love with the most loving man on earth. Things didn't work out and I was crushed and I changed dramatically since then. Became more religious just stopped taking crap from people.
Tomorrow: The first thing that comes to mind is same old shit different day. Hahaha... I try to live the moment for the most part. So I try not to think about it. But as Incubus say, "whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there."
5 Snacks I enjoy: Chocolate, cheese, chips, frozen yogurt and biscuits
5 bands & artists I like: Incubus, Julia Butrous, Sting, Train and The Beatles.
5 Things I'd do with $100.000.000: Invest some of it to get more money :P, give some to some charity, save some for rainy day, give some to my parents. Spend the rest for fun.
5 Places I would run away to: Boston- USA,Byron Bay- Australia, Switzerland, Malaysia and England.
5 Bad habits I have: I'm totally messy, I cry all the time, I pick my nose in public hahaha, I tend to be lazy sometimes, I nag a lot.
5 things I like doing: Listening to music, sing, read, be productive in anything creative, being a friend.
5 things I will never wear: Uhmm. I pretty much worse everything in my life time, but probably multicolored clothes that don't actually fit together and seriously tight ass clothes or anything trashy.
5 TV Shows I like: Friends, 2 guys and a girl, Life Makers (sona3 el7ya, Amr Khaled), Yallah Shabab, Touched by an Angel
5 People I'd like to meet: Amr Khaled, Mesut Kurits, Julia Butrous, my friend Israa in Egypt and my friend Hajar in England
5 Movies I like: Lord of the Rings, Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, Spirited Away and The Message.
5 biggest joys at the moment: My connection with my creator, my loved ones (true friends and family), my cat, my loving parents and my health.
I now tag Nuralhuda , Juwaireyah and Hasan... You got to love me for it. :P
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Weeping Willow
I first came across this tree in Boston. I instantly fell in love with it. I got to see one today and I just remembered how beautiful this tree is. I thought I'd share some info about my favorite tree.
The weeping willow is an original native to China. It was long ago introduced into Europe and the Middle East and later on into the USA. These trees were once thought to be the biblical willows of Babylon, hence the scientific name Salix babylonica. The Weeping Willow is a fast growing and majestic tree. Growth can be six to eight feet or more a year. As the tree gets larger, the long thin branches hang down, creating a flowing umbrella of shade. It is widely grown where the soil is moist. This tree has to have plenty of water. You will usually find this tree where there is a good water supply. If the water supply is scarce, the roots of this tree will stretch as long as they have to to find it. It has been noted that the roots of weeping willows, grown in the front yards of homes, have wrapped themselves around the house's water pipes and burst them for water. So, it is best to keep weeping willows away from sewer lines or other underground piping. You will find this tree in cities, as well, for it is tolerant of smoke and grime. The weeping willow is actually wild in some areas now. Like other willows it can grow from stem cuttings. One characteristic of this tree are the long, limp, pendant twigs. Another is the narrow, lance shaped leaves that are two to seven inches long. The minute seeds are covered with white hairs. The bark is grayish brown and fissured. The weeping willow is a beautiful tree that will look that way anywhere it is grown.
Salix 'Babylonica' This beautiful weeping willow (the best of the green weeping willows) is a hardy deciduous tree. It forms a gracefully rounded crown to about 50 feet in height with a spread just as wide. It's bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed. Branches divide into many thin stems that hang in pendulous curtains to the ground. This willow is very adaptable and will thrive in most soil type.
Habitat: Prefers very moist soils. Often seen growing as an ornamental tree around margins of ponds, lakes, and streams.
Characteristics: Weeping willow attains a height of 30-60 feet; the trunk having a diameter of 1-3 feet. May be larger. The leaves of this species are very long (1-5 feet), with greenish-yellow twigs.
The weeping willow is an original native to China. It was long ago introduced into Europe and the Middle East and later on into the USA. These trees were once thought to be the biblical willows of Babylon, hence the scientific name Salix babylonica. The Weeping Willow is a fast growing and majestic tree. Growth can be six to eight feet or more a year. As the tree gets larger, the long thin branches hang down, creating a flowing umbrella of shade. It is widely grown where the soil is moist. This tree has to have plenty of water. You will usually find this tree where there is a good water supply. If the water supply is scarce, the roots of this tree will stretch as long as they have to to find it. It has been noted that the roots of weeping willows, grown in the front yards of homes, have wrapped themselves around the house's water pipes and burst them for water. So, it is best to keep weeping willows away from sewer lines or other underground piping. You will find this tree in cities, as well, for it is tolerant of smoke and grime. The weeping willow is actually wild in some areas now. Like other willows it can grow from stem cuttings. One characteristic of this tree are the long, limp, pendant twigs. Another is the narrow, lance shaped leaves that are two to seven inches long. The minute seeds are covered with white hairs. The bark is grayish brown and fissured. The weeping willow is a beautiful tree that will look that way anywhere it is grown.Salix 'Babylonica' This beautiful weeping willow (the best of the green weeping willows) is a hardy deciduous tree. It forms a gracefully rounded crown to about 50 feet in height with a spread just as wide. It's bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed. Branches divide into many thin stems that hang in pendulous curtains to the ground. This willow is very adaptable and will thrive in most soil type.
Habitat: Prefers very moist soils. Often seen growing as an ornamental tree around margins of ponds, lakes, and streams.
Characteristics: Weeping willow attains a height of 30-60 feet; the trunk having a diameter of 1-3 feet. May be larger. The leaves of this species are very long (1-5 feet), with greenish-yellow twigs.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Mars is comming SOON
I got this email and I thought I'd share it with you guys who is interested. I know I am. :D I don't know how true it is but it'll be fun to check it out .
Planet Mars will be brightest in the night sky starting August. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will culminate on August 27 when Mars comes to within 35 million miles of earth. Be sure to watch the sky on August 27 12:30am [acc. to IST]. It will look like the Earth has two moons. The next time Mars will be this close is in 2287.
Planet Mars will be brightest in the night sky starting August. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will culminate on August 27 when Mars comes to within 35 million miles of earth. Be sure to watch the sky on August 27 12:30am [acc. to IST]. It will look like the Earth has two moons. The next time Mars will be this close is in 2287.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Life goes on...
With my ups and downs lately, yesterday has been pretty much a good day. I talked to a really good friend of mine and as usual I benefited from his words of wisdom. He's is a true gem in my humble opinion. Other than that, I met up with other friends later that night and discussed a few things about this trip we're going on this Friday. I'm totally looking forward to this trip
I got home about 11:00 last night and nobody was home. I called my best friend in this world back in the UAE. As I was talking to her my mom arrived home telling me to get off the phone quick because she wanted to call my brother in the US. That wasn't the usual thing for to do from Syria. Then she told me that my sister in law is pregnant. I was like OH MY GOD!!!! I'm going to be an aunt in March next year, inshallah. I can't believe that my parents are finally going to be come grandparents. WOOHOO!! We're getting older, man. Hmmm, I don't like that part. Hehehehe... So I'm happy and I thank God that I am... Inshallah, I'll be able to spread this happiness to everybody around me. :D
May All you of you be happy. :P Congratulate me now. yallah. Hehehehe... I'm soooooo happy!!! My brother is going to be a father. YAY!!!
I got home about 11:00 last night and nobody was home. I called my best friend in this world back in the UAE. As I was talking to her my mom arrived home telling me to get off the phone quick because she wanted to call my brother in the US. That wasn't the usual thing for to do from Syria. Then she told me that my sister in law is pregnant. I was like OH MY GOD!!!! I'm going to be an aunt in March next year, inshallah. I can't believe that my parents are finally going to be come grandparents. WOOHOO!! We're getting older, man. Hmmm, I don't like that part. Hehehehe... So I'm happy and I thank God that I am... Inshallah, I'll be able to spread this happiness to everybody around me. :D
May All you of you be happy. :P Congratulate me now. yallah. Hehehehe... I'm soooooo happy!!! My brother is going to be a father. YAY!!!
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Worse places to be bitten...
About 2 night ago mosquitoes decided to use my arm to feast on. It was their dinner party. I have no idea how many mosquitoes were there but I got bitten from hand to my upper arm over 20 bites in one night. It's horrible but at least I didn't get bitten in the most annoying places to be bitten...1) My Palms (It hurts too much to scratch)
2) Between my fingers (It's so hard to reach)
3) Right around my nails. (It also hurts and you still get it right)
4) My back (It's so damn hard to reach)
5) My ass (It's embarrassing to scratch that in front of people)
6) The soles of my feet. (Oh my God it hurt like a MoFo even when you walk on it.)
These are my worst places to be bitten. What about you??
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Shanti got laid finally.
In one of my older posts I mentioned something about cat prostitution. Well, my dad took part in that and actually hired a cat gigalo for my baby when she was one heat a couple of weeks ago. This is what my dad had to say in his email about the experience.
"After I talked with you, mom saw the cat screeming and restless then decided to accept having the male brought over.
Unfortunately I dont have a camera, to record the wedding ( lol) your cat was stronger than I thought, she is not allowing him to eaven approach her, we locked them up in the interance, with gusts bathroom, and put some foof and water and a littre box. he ate and drank but didnt allow her to drink, shes bakh bakh and he so far he is unable to do anything to her.
it was such an experience for me and ur mom. wish we had the Camera, Naseem will bring his Camera tomorow, hope we can take some souvenir shots ( lol)"
and then he wrote in another email
"Shanti is unbelivably strong , you remember how was that Tomcat strong?she beat him hard and hurt him, but he was aggresive and brave he fought so hard and never gave up. The pets shop man told me this a super tom cat thatcan mate any female in less than a day, any how your mom said it is too muchto keep 2 cats in the house, they mated at least 5 times, and we had vediofilms im sending with ur mom. here is some pictures extracted from thevedio, I used Sara's Camera, though its not a very good quality the male stayed in our house all weekend, and i was afraid to keep him longer he started to have darreah , and I was not sure he dosnt have bugs or flees on him."
Here are some of the pics that were taken (The quality isn't great because they were taken from a video my dad recorded. Yes, he actually video taped it and I have the full length feature with the SFX and music. I haven't seen it yet. Please do enjoy the Feline Porn. :P
As Shanti sits in the bathroom, the cat gigalo stands there trying to figure out how can he woo her. She looks totally not interested.
"After I talked with you, mom saw the cat screeming and restless then decided to accept having the male brought over.
Unfortunately I dont have a camera, to record the wedding ( lol) your cat was stronger than I thought, she is not allowing him to eaven approach her, we locked them up in the interance, with gusts bathroom, and put some foof and water and a littre box. he ate and drank but didnt allow her to drink, shes bakh bakh and he so far he is unable to do anything to her.
it was such an experience for me and ur mom. wish we had the Camera, Naseem will bring his Camera tomorow, hope we can take some souvenir shots ( lol)"
and then he wrote in another email
"Shanti is unbelivably strong , you remember how was that Tomcat strong?she beat him hard and hurt him, but he was aggresive and brave he fought so hard and never gave up. The pets shop man told me this a super tom cat thatcan mate any female in less than a day, any how your mom said it is too muchto keep 2 cats in the house, they mated at least 5 times, and we had vediofilms im sending with ur mom. here is some pictures extracted from thevedio, I used Sara's Camera, though its not a very good quality the male stayed in our house all weekend, and i was afraid to keep him longer he started to have darreah , and I was not sure he dosnt have bugs or flees on him."
Here are some of the pics that were taken (The quality isn't great because they were taken from a video my dad recorded. Yes, he actually video taped it and I have the full length feature with the SFX and music. I haven't seen it yet. Please do enjoy the Feline Porn. :P
As Shanti sits in the bathroom, the cat gigalo stands there trying to figure out how can he woo her. She looks totally not interested.
After a heated battle obviously the gigalo got his way with Shanti. She looks satisfied. Well, we have been told that the gigalo actually got 12 cats pregnant. So he's experienced and knows what he's doing. Kudos to the feline gigalo.
According to my dad, Shanti, might be pregnant and I'm sincerely looking forward to that. If she is, she'll probably give birth around the time I'll be back in the UAE. Awww, I'm going to be a grandmother once again. hehehe...
My first Tag, (Oh JOY!!)
I got tagged by Omar with this *sigh*. I should've kept my mouth shut. Here goes anyways.
1- What does Love mean to you?
Hmmm, it depends on what kind of love but I'll generalize it and say, that love means a lot to me. It brings peace to my mind and soul.
2- What does Marriage mean to you?
The most sincerest commitment with your soul mate. ( I know. I'm way too romantic as some people say.)
3- Do you believe in love at first sight?
I don't believe in that. I think it's a stupid concept. Attraction at first sight, that's a totally different story.
4- How many children would you like?
I used to want 5 but after staying with my uncle's wife and her 5 kids for a few weeks I seriously changed my mind. I think 3 would be more than enough. With 5 I think I'll go kookoo.
5-If given the opportunity, what song would you sing for me on my wedding day?
By your Side: Sade ( I believe this is one of the most beautiful songs written and perfect for a wedding.
6- What is your favorite holiday destination?
Hmmmm, I'd say either the mountains of Switzerland or the Islands in South East Asia, specifically Langkawi, Malaysia since I know the place pretty well. :D
7-What are three qualities you would look for in a man?
1, Sincerity (how typical)
2, Great self education
3, Passionate ambition
8- What are the three qualities and three bad habits that your think your wife should/shouldn't have?
Uhmmm... I'm not really looking for a wife at the moment. Once I do, I'll let you guys know.
9-Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Probably, in some production company doing some music and audio work unless I become a mommy then I'd be a home maker as I work from home with my music.
I tag Mira.. You're next sweetness. :P
1- What does Love mean to you?
Hmmm, it depends on what kind of love but I'll generalize it and say, that love means a lot to me. It brings peace to my mind and soul.
2- What does Marriage mean to you?
The most sincerest commitment with your soul mate. ( I know. I'm way too romantic as some people say.)
3- Do you believe in love at first sight?
I don't believe in that. I think it's a stupid concept. Attraction at first sight, that's a totally different story.
4- How many children would you like?
I used to want 5 but after staying with my uncle's wife and her 5 kids for a few weeks I seriously changed my mind. I think 3 would be more than enough. With 5 I think I'll go kookoo.
5-If given the opportunity, what song would you sing for me on my wedding day?
By your Side: Sade ( I believe this is one of the most beautiful songs written and perfect for a wedding.
6- What is your favorite holiday destination?
Hmmmm, I'd say either the mountains of Switzerland or the Islands in South East Asia, specifically Langkawi, Malaysia since I know the place pretty well. :D
7-What are three qualities you would look for in a man?
1, Sincerity (how typical)
2, Great self education
3, Passionate ambition
8- What are the three qualities and three bad habits that your think your wife should/shouldn't have?
Uhmmm... I'm not really looking for a wife at the moment. Once I do, I'll let you guys know.
9-Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Probably, in some production company doing some music and audio work unless I become a mommy then I'd be a home maker as I work from home with my music.
I tag Mira.. You're next sweetness. :P
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Marty Tankleff's Story in Brief
A while ago, I got to see Marty's story on "48 Hours Mysteries" on MBC 4 I was seriously touched by it. I felt so bad that I cried. I've always been active in activism for justice. I've volunteered to do work in Palestinian refugee camps and I've took stand in demos in the US and so on. I decided to take a more personal favor to somebody... This is his story. I hope you can help me spread his story around and maybe spread the love around. I've already contacted Marty. He's a real nice guy and hopefully I was able to help him in one way or anything.
On the morning of September 7th, 1988, Marty Tankleff woke up in his family's large waterfront home on Long Island, New York, to what should have been the first day of his senior year in high school. Instead he discovered his parents brutally stabbed and bludgeoned, his mother--Arlene Tankleff--dead, his father--Seymour Tankleff--unconscious but alive. Marty called 911 and, following the operator's instructions, gave first-aid to his father.
When the police came, Marty immediately told them who the likely suspect was: Jerry Steuerman, his father's business partner in a chain of bagel stores, who owed his father over half a million dollars, had threatened his parents earlier in the summer, and was the last guest to leave a poker game in the Tankleff home the night before. A week after the attacks, as Marty's father lay unconscious in the hospital, Steuerman faked his own death, changed his appearance, took on an alias and fled to California. Yet, to this day, he has never been considered a suspect by Suffolk County authorities.
[Jerry Steuerman]
Despite Steuerman's motive and opportunity, and the fact that not one shred of physical evidence linked Marty to the crime, Detective James McCready took the traumatized teenager to the police station and began a hostile interrogation of Marty that lasted for hours. It was no match. Marty had been brought up to trust the police and the word of his father, so when Detective McCready faked a phone call and lied that Marty's father had come to and identified Marty as the killer, Marty was led to wonder if he could have blacked out. Then McCready finally read Marty his rights and started drafting a "confession," which was interrupted by the Tankleff's family lawyer as soon as he discovered Marty was in custody and being interrogated. The "confession" was unsigned and immediately recanted by Marty.
[Detective James McCready]
At the time of the murders and Marty's "confession," the Suffolk County police department and district attorney's office were growing notorious for their extraordinarily high confession rate compared to other counties. From Newsday reports in the mid-80's--including a multi-part series titled "The Confession Takers" and headlines like "Three Murders, One Confession"--the impression one got was that taking confessions took up most of their knowledge base, with the forensic lab in disrepair, and so forth. It got so bad that a Suffolk County judge named Stuart Namm--subsequently nicknamed "The Serpico of Judges"--got Governor Mario Cuomo to order the State Investigation Commission to hold hearings on the police department and DA's office. The Commission's Report painted a scathing portrait of corruption and wrongdoing. Among its findings was that Detective McCready, who wrote Marty's "confession," had perjured himself in a previous murder case.
In 1990, long before DNA testing would suggest that some 25% of wrongful convictions are based on false or coerced confessions, Marty's "confession" was enough for the jury to convict him. Marty was sentenced to 50 years to life and will not be eligible for parole until 2040, when he'll be 69 years old.
To this day, two dozen of Marty's relatives, including the sisters and brother of the victims, have proclaimed Marty's innocence, with one exception: Marty's half-sister Shari, who supported Marty at first but later stated she believed he was guilty. According to the will, Marty would have inherited the bulk of the multimillion dollar estate, but Shari ended up receiving about one-third, more than the stipend she would have received from the trust. (Marty received one-third, which was spent on legal fees, and one-third went to a trust at Hofstra University.)
New Evidence
From the day he went into prison, Marty began doing everything to prove his innocence and reclaim his freedom. On homemade stationery quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ("Injustice found anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere") he wrote thousands of letters to anyone and everyone who could possibly help him.
[Marty Tankleff, 2004]
In 2001, Marty convinced Jay Salpeter, a former New York City homicide detective and now a private investigator on Long Island, to join his team.
As the investigator looked into the case, everything led back to Seymour Tankleff's business partner. It turns out that more than bagels were being sold out of the bagel stores. The business partner's son--Todd Steuerman--sold cocaine out of the stores, and his enforcer/collector was a guy named Joey "Guns" Creedon. Over the years, Creedon has bragged to many people about being involved in the Tankleff murders.
[Joey "Guns" Creedon]
The investigator looked through Creedon's arrest records, and learned that he had once been caught trying to burglarize one of the bagel stores. Creedon's accomplice was a man named Glenn Harris. Salpeter tracked down Harris, who was in jail on another matter, and got the sense that Harris wanted to get something off his chest.
Harris told the investigator that on September 7, 1988, he was the getaway driver for what he thought at the time was a burglary of a home on Long Island. He said he drove Creedon and another man to the home and watched them go around to the back of the house as he waited in the car. Twenty or so minutes later, they "came running to the car" and were "nervous" and "winded" and told Harris to get them out of there. Later Harris saw one of them burning his clothes. When he heard the radio reports about the crime, Harris knew that something more than a burglary had taken place.
Based on this new evidence, Marty's lawyers filed a motion for a new trial and a Suffolk County judge ordered an evidentiary hearing, which lasted seven months, ending in March, 2005. Based on extensive coverage in the New York Times, Newsday and on "48 Hours," several new witnesses have come forward corroborating the getaway driver's version of events. Among the new evidence revealed at the hearing was eyewitness testimony that Detective McCready, contrary to his sworn testimony at the original trial, and Jerry Steuerman were acquaintances prior to the Tankleff murders.
But the district attorney's office has used every tactic at its disposal, including witness intimidation, to discredit the new evidence and protect the conviction. Many of the powers that be are holdovers from that Suffolk County law enforcement era of the 80's that Marty dealt with the first time around. The judge who presided over the original trial and sentenced Marty is now the Suffolk County Sheriff. The assistant district attorney who prosecuted him is now head of the homicide division.
And Thomas Spota is now the Suffolk County district attorney. Back in the 80's, when the State Commission was investigating Suffolk law enforcement, Spota represented the police and detectives, including Detective McCready, who was found to have perjured himself in a previous murder trial. Later, in the early 90's, Spota successfully defended McCready on charges of viciously beating a man outside a bar.
[Detective McCready and his lawyer Thomas Spota following McCready's acquital on assault charges.]
And that's not all. Spota's law partner (it's not clearly documented whether they were current or former partners, or whether they were sharing office space at the time) had represented Seymour Tankleff's business partner, Jerry Steuerman, in the late 80's, and Spota's firm had represented Jerry Steuerman's son Todd in the early 80's for selling cocaine out of his father's bagel store, to which he pled guilty. And, while we're at it, another of Spota's partners in his small firm was the first ADA on the Tankleff case. Despite these conflicts, Spota has refused to recuse himself, and Suffolk County Judge Stephen Braslow has ruled against the defense's motion for a special prosecutor.
Closing arguments are now being submitted in written briefs, and Judge Braslow is expected to rule this summer on whether a jury, having heard all of the new evidence, would likely reach a different verdict than at the original trial.
There are three possible outcomes of the ruling: 1) Marty's conviction would be vacated and he would be set free, 2) Marty would be granted a new trial or 3) Marty's motion would be denied and he would be shipped back upstate to the Great Meadow maximum security prison in Comstock, New York.
Marty's family and supporters are both optimistic, because of the abundance of new evidence, and pessimistic, because they've been disappointed so many times over the past 17 years. "After all," they say, "it's Suffolk County."
For more information:
www.martytankleff.org
On the morning of September 7th, 1988, Marty Tankleff woke up in his family's large waterfront home on Long Island, New York, to what should have been the first day of his senior year in high school. Instead he discovered his parents brutally stabbed and bludgeoned, his mother--Arlene Tankleff--dead, his father--Seymour Tankleff--unconscious but alive. Marty called 911 and, following the operator's instructions, gave first-aid to his father.When the police came, Marty immediately told them who the likely suspect was: Jerry Steuerman, his father's business partner in a chain of bagel stores, who owed his father over half a million dollars, had threatened his parents earlier in the summer, and was the last guest to leave a poker game in the Tankleff home the night before. A week after the attacks, as Marty's father lay unconscious in the hospital, Steuerman faked his own death, changed his appearance, took on an alias and fled to California. Yet, to this day, he has never been considered a suspect by Suffolk County authorities.
[Jerry Steuerman]Despite Steuerman's motive and opportunity, and the fact that not one shred of physical evidence linked Marty to the crime, Detective James McCready took the traumatized teenager to the police station and began a hostile interrogation of Marty that lasted for hours. It was no match. Marty had been brought up to trust the police and the word of his father, so when Detective McCready faked a phone call and lied that Marty's father had come to and identified Marty as the killer, Marty was led to wonder if he could have blacked out. Then McCready finally read Marty his rights and started drafting a "confession," which was interrupted by the Tankleff's family lawyer as soon as he discovered Marty was in custody and being interrogated. The "confession" was unsigned and immediately recanted by Marty.
[Detective James McCready]At the time of the murders and Marty's "confession," the Suffolk County police department and district attorney's office were growing notorious for their extraordinarily high confession rate compared to other counties. From Newsday reports in the mid-80's--including a multi-part series titled "The Confession Takers" and headlines like "Three Murders, One Confession"--the impression one got was that taking confessions took up most of their knowledge base, with the forensic lab in disrepair, and so forth. It got so bad that a Suffolk County judge named Stuart Namm--subsequently nicknamed "The Serpico of Judges"--got Governor Mario Cuomo to order the State Investigation Commission to hold hearings on the police department and DA's office. The Commission's Report painted a scathing portrait of corruption and wrongdoing. Among its findings was that Detective McCready, who wrote Marty's "confession," had perjured himself in a previous murder case.
In 1990, long before DNA testing would suggest that some 25% of wrongful convictions are based on false or coerced confessions, Marty's "confession" was enough for the jury to convict him. Marty was sentenced to 50 years to life and will not be eligible for parole until 2040, when he'll be 69 years old.
To this day, two dozen of Marty's relatives, including the sisters and brother of the victims, have proclaimed Marty's innocence, with one exception: Marty's half-sister Shari, who supported Marty at first but later stated she believed he was guilty. According to the will, Marty would have inherited the bulk of the multimillion dollar estate, but Shari ended up receiving about one-third, more than the stipend she would have received from the trust. (Marty received one-third, which was spent on legal fees, and one-third went to a trust at Hofstra University.)
New Evidence
From the day he went into prison, Marty began doing everything to prove his innocence and reclaim his freedom. On homemade stationery quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ("Injustice found anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere") he wrote thousands of letters to anyone and everyone who could possibly help him.
[Marty Tankleff, 2004]In 2001, Marty convinced Jay Salpeter, a former New York City homicide detective and now a private investigator on Long Island, to join his team.
As the investigator looked into the case, everything led back to Seymour Tankleff's business partner. It turns out that more than bagels were being sold out of the bagel stores. The business partner's son--Todd Steuerman--sold cocaine out of the stores, and his enforcer/collector was a guy named Joey "Guns" Creedon. Over the years, Creedon has bragged to many people about being involved in the Tankleff murders.
[Joey "Guns" Creedon]The investigator looked through Creedon's arrest records, and learned that he had once been caught trying to burglarize one of the bagel stores. Creedon's accomplice was a man named Glenn Harris. Salpeter tracked down Harris, who was in jail on another matter, and got the sense that Harris wanted to get something off his chest.
Harris told the investigator that on September 7, 1988, he was the getaway driver for what he thought at the time was a burglary of a home on Long Island. He said he drove Creedon and another man to the home and watched them go around to the back of the house as he waited in the car. Twenty or so minutes later, they "came running to the car" and were "nervous" and "winded" and told Harris to get them out of there. Later Harris saw one of them burning his clothes. When he heard the radio reports about the crime, Harris knew that something more than a burglary had taken place.
Based on this new evidence, Marty's lawyers filed a motion for a new trial and a Suffolk County judge ordered an evidentiary hearing, which lasted seven months, ending in March, 2005. Based on extensive coverage in the New York Times, Newsday and on "48 Hours," several new witnesses have come forward corroborating the getaway driver's version of events. Among the new evidence revealed at the hearing was eyewitness testimony that Detective McCready, contrary to his sworn testimony at the original trial, and Jerry Steuerman were acquaintances prior to the Tankleff murders.
But the district attorney's office has used every tactic at its disposal, including witness intimidation, to discredit the new evidence and protect the conviction. Many of the powers that be are holdovers from that Suffolk County law enforcement era of the 80's that Marty dealt with the first time around. The judge who presided over the original trial and sentenced Marty is now the Suffolk County Sheriff. The assistant district attorney who prosecuted him is now head of the homicide division.
And Thomas Spota is now the Suffolk County district attorney. Back in the 80's, when the State Commission was investigating Suffolk law enforcement, Spota represented the police and detectives, including Detective McCready, who was found to have perjured himself in a previous murder trial. Later, in the early 90's, Spota successfully defended McCready on charges of viciously beating a man outside a bar.
[Detective McCready and his lawyer Thomas Spota following McCready's acquital on assault charges.]And that's not all. Spota's law partner (it's not clearly documented whether they were current or former partners, or whether they were sharing office space at the time) had represented Seymour Tankleff's business partner, Jerry Steuerman, in the late 80's, and Spota's firm had represented Jerry Steuerman's son Todd in the early 80's for selling cocaine out of his father's bagel store, to which he pled guilty. And, while we're at it, another of Spota's partners in his small firm was the first ADA on the Tankleff case. Despite these conflicts, Spota has refused to recuse himself, and Suffolk County Judge Stephen Braslow has ruled against the defense's motion for a special prosecutor.
Closing arguments are now being submitted in written briefs, and Judge Braslow is expected to rule this summer on whether a jury, having heard all of the new evidence, would likely reach a different verdict than at the original trial.
There are three possible outcomes of the ruling: 1) Marty's conviction would be vacated and he would be set free, 2) Marty would be granted a new trial or 3) Marty's motion would be denied and he would be shipped back upstate to the Great Meadow maximum security prison in Comstock, New York.
Marty's family and supporters are both optimistic, because of the abundance of new evidence, and pessimistic, because they've been disappointed so many times over the past 17 years. "After all," they say, "it's Suffolk County."
For more information:
www.martytankleff.org
What is the weight about??
My weight has been an on going struggle for as long as I can remember. I'd lose it all, and then I'd gain it all back again because of the hideous lifestyle change. Lack of stability has been getting to me for the longest time and now, it's killing me. Anyways, back with my weight issue. Even though I gained 20 kilos in the past couple of years, I've lost something on the lines of 5 kilos ever since I came to Syria. I find that quite good since I'm on a diet and I've been seriously walking all over the place.
With that said, done and still on the go people are still giving me a hard time. I have no idea why? ok, yes, I do agree I need to lose the weight hence I'm on the stupid diet and trying to walk as much as possible. People don’t see that and don't want to freakin hear about it. They see me and they're like "ohhhhh you've gained weight" "Ohhh it's not good for your health." "Ohhhh your size is large now" "Oooooh, you need to lose weight" "Ohhh, you're ass is huge now" etc etc etc... I heard it all. It's driving me crazy. I try to tell, them," People, I know and I'm doing something about it. I've already lost weight and I'm still on the go of losing some more." I have no idea what exactly do they hear when I say that. It's like instead, they hear that I'm gorge a Black Forest with one hand and a hamburger with another hand as I drink a chocolate milkshake in front of me, 6 meals a day, every day... Then they'd say, "no but you need to lose weight." HELLO DAMN IT!!!!! DID YOU HEAR WHAT THE HELL I JUST SAID?!?!?!?!
There's that, then there are people who try to say that I know jack crap and they know it all. They tell me that my way will end up as failure and I need to become a marathon runner in order to lose the weight because it worked for them. What part that I already lost 5 kilos and I'm still losing weight, they didn't get? What part of that I know how my body works and that once upon a time, I made myself lose 20 kilos in a couple of years on my own??? Why do people need to butt in other people's business that they have nothing to do with?
I've heard it all and I'm working on it and I'm losing the freakin weight, just leave me the hell ALONE!!!! Even for people who are aren't saying anything about my weight directly they have to say something about my diet. "Who on earth diets in summer when all the fun and joy happens???" I’m thinking, why should food be a joyful activity? Food is there as a necessity not to have fun with it. It's like I'm not allowed to live a healthy life style and still I'll never hear the end of it when I don't. What the hell do I need to do to keep these people away? Isolate myself? It's so hard to ignore because people throw comments left and right without thinking. I just wish I can be selectively deaf.
Another thing that seriously gets to me as well is my uncle's wife. She keeps telling me, you are beautiful but you need to lose weight because the mothers won't look at you. I'm like why do mothers need to look at me anyways. Well, that's a whole different story. I'll post on another post later on. I refuse to use that as an inspiration to lose weight. I want to lose the weight for me, to feel healthier, to feel good about the way I look, to feel good at the accomplishment I've done.
Now, I've taken a new step in losing weight. I've gone to a nutritionist because I'd like to lose more weight in healthy way without killing myself and to keep me grounded and not ahead of myself. I'm determined to lose the 25 kilos the proper way for the proper reasons. So wish me luck...
With that said, done and still on the go people are still giving me a hard time. I have no idea why? ok, yes, I do agree I need to lose the weight hence I'm on the stupid diet and trying to walk as much as possible. People don’t see that and don't want to freakin hear about it. They see me and they're like "ohhhhh you've gained weight" "Ohhh it's not good for your health." "Ohhhh your size is large now" "Oooooh, you need to lose weight" "Ohhh, you're ass is huge now" etc etc etc... I heard it all. It's driving me crazy. I try to tell, them," People, I know and I'm doing something about it. I've already lost weight and I'm still on the go of losing some more." I have no idea what exactly do they hear when I say that. It's like instead, they hear that I'm gorge a Black Forest with one hand and a hamburger with another hand as I drink a chocolate milkshake in front of me, 6 meals a day, every day... Then they'd say, "no but you need to lose weight." HELLO DAMN IT!!!!! DID YOU HEAR WHAT THE HELL I JUST SAID?!?!?!?!
There's that, then there are people who try to say that I know jack crap and they know it all. They tell me that my way will end up as failure and I need to become a marathon runner in order to lose the weight because it worked for them. What part that I already lost 5 kilos and I'm still losing weight, they didn't get? What part of that I know how my body works and that once upon a time, I made myself lose 20 kilos in a couple of years on my own??? Why do people need to butt in other people's business that they have nothing to do with?
I've heard it all and I'm working on it and I'm losing the freakin weight, just leave me the hell ALONE!!!! Even for people who are aren't saying anything about my weight directly they have to say something about my diet. "Who on earth diets in summer when all the fun and joy happens???" I’m thinking, why should food be a joyful activity? Food is there as a necessity not to have fun with it. It's like I'm not allowed to live a healthy life style and still I'll never hear the end of it when I don't. What the hell do I need to do to keep these people away? Isolate myself? It's so hard to ignore because people throw comments left and right without thinking. I just wish I can be selectively deaf.
Another thing that seriously gets to me as well is my uncle's wife. She keeps telling me, you are beautiful but you need to lose weight because the mothers won't look at you. I'm like why do mothers need to look at me anyways. Well, that's a whole different story. I'll post on another post later on. I refuse to use that as an inspiration to lose weight. I want to lose the weight for me, to feel healthier, to feel good about the way I look, to feel good at the accomplishment I've done.
Now, I've taken a new step in losing weight. I've gone to a nutritionist because I'd like to lose more weight in healthy way without killing myself and to keep me grounded and not ahead of myself. I'm determined to lose the 25 kilos the proper way for the proper reasons. So wish me luck...
What kind of a blogger am I??
Well, my friend Firas actually told me about this test and I thought it's quite interesting... I'm not too sure if everybody will agree with the results but I sure do like it. Hehehehe...
You Are a Snarky Blogger! |
 You've got a razor sharp wit that bloggers are secretly scared of. And that's why they read your posts as often as they can! |
It's been a serious long while....
If anybody was wondering where have I been, and why I'm not blogging it's because I really haven't been getting a chance to actually sit with my material and post them since I don't even go regularly to the internet cafe to use the internet.
Soon though I'll put the post that I've been wanting to post but for now, I'll just put the ones without the pics... I hope somebody actually enjoy my silly posts. :D
Enjoy...
Soon though I'll put the post that I've been wanting to post but for now, I'll just put the ones without the pics... I hope somebody actually enjoy my silly posts. :D
Enjoy...
Thursday, July 07, 2005
The English I speak.
Inspired by highlander I find it quite interesting. I never really knew what kind of English do I speak but here it is. :D
Your Linguistic Profile: |
60% General American English |
25% Yankee |
10% Dixie |
5% Upper Midwestern |
0% Midwestern |
What is it all about?
One of the most dreadful days to me and million of others is September 11th. My life dramatically changed since then. At first the change was so hard but once I got used to it, I realized who are my true friends and I opened up more to people and it was a lot easier. Then the change became the best thing that ever happened to me. When I grasped the new me and was enjoying it Sept. 11th came again to haunt me and change my life all over again. I was denied to go back to the US back in June of 2002 and my life was wrecked and still am trying to put it back on track.
The other day, I came across this interesting flash. I'm not too sure how to feel about it. It disgusts me because lives were wrecked for something I totally believe is a lie. So these people can gain more power, money and other benefits. Some might think it's a conspiracy theory but honestly, I do believe NOTHING in politics seems the way it is. It's all bullcrap. This world is filled corruption and nothing is simple and pure anymore. Nothing is ideal, all the Arab governments is filled with crap and are just kissing the enemies' asses so the people on top won't lose their power. They abide with corruption and the people end up fleeing to other countries where they either lose themselves or the sense of passion to their own land. Who are the victims? Us, people who are trying to live our lives and survive.
Anyways, here's the flash, hope you enjoy...
http://www.pentagonstrike.co.uk/pentagon.swf
http://www.pentagonstrike.co.uk
The other day, I came across this interesting flash. I'm not too sure how to feel about it. It disgusts me because lives were wrecked for something I totally believe is a lie. So these people can gain more power, money and other benefits. Some might think it's a conspiracy theory but honestly, I do believe NOTHING in politics seems the way it is. It's all bullcrap. This world is filled corruption and nothing is simple and pure anymore. Nothing is ideal, all the Arab governments is filled with crap and are just kissing the enemies' asses so the people on top won't lose their power. They abide with corruption and the people end up fleeing to other countries where they either lose themselves or the sense of passion to their own land. Who are the victims? Us, people who are trying to live our lives and survive.
Anyways, here's the flash, hope you enjoy...
http://www.pentagonstrike.co.uk/pentagon.swf
http://www.pentagonstrike.co.uk
Thursday, June 30, 2005
The Meet Up
YAY!!! Finally!! Hehehe.. The meet up was great. I met up with Baher at Hamra St. then we headed to Old Damascus. We got lost because people are hopeless at giving directions. It doesn't help that me and Baher seriously suck at directions anywyas so it took us 45 mins to find the place. Hahaha... Nontheless we found Khawali. It's a great place and the company was even better. I finally met the beloved leader Ayman. Hahahaha. I still can't get over how much he reminds me of my brother. I don't know what is it.
You know what's killing me? Amr still looks sooooooooo familiar to me. I'm trying to figure out who does he look like but it's useless. Everytime, it comes to me, it disappears. Hahaha... Anyways, I have to admit the people I met are seriously pleasant and fun...
The atmosphere was great, I was telling Baher how I'd love to make a weekly meeting instead. Hahahaha... Yallah, I should be around for the next coupld of meetings (July and August) Hmmm.. I wonder how it'll all be once Ayman leaves to the US. It'll be sad. :(
I just want to thank ALL of you guys, (Ayman, Baher, Sinan, Ammar, Amr, Majd, Annie, Yazan and Dina) for a great time. You guys rock...
Hey Yazan and Amr, so, how did you friends take the pic of incubus's guitar pick?? Hehehehe... I should be make them and sell them. Hahahaha...
You know what's killing me? Amr still looks sooooooooo familiar to me. I'm trying to figure out who does he look like but it's useless. Everytime, it comes to me, it disappears. Hahaha... Anyways, I have to admit the people I met are seriously pleasant and fun...
The atmosphere was great, I was telling Baher how I'd love to make a weekly meeting instead. Hahahaha... Yallah, I should be around for the next coupld of meetings (July and August) Hmmm.. I wonder how it'll all be once Ayman leaves to the US. It'll be sad. :(
I just want to thank ALL of you guys, (Ayman, Baher, Sinan, Ammar, Amr, Majd, Annie, Yazan and Dina) for a great time. You guys rock...
Hey Yazan and Amr, so, how did you friends take the pic of incubus's guitar pick?? Hehehehe... I should be make them and sell them. Hahahaha...
What's that about?
I find this quite interesting. I have no idea why a car from Massachusetts, USA would be roaming the streets of Damascus, Syria. Does anybody have an idea? I sure don't.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Damascus
Finally, I'm here in my home Damascus. It has been less than a week and I already have a sunburned nose. Hehehe... I LOVE this place. It's the most spiritual place I've ever known.
So the hard part was being at my grandfather's house with my grandfather being there, at least that is what I thought at first. My uncle and me, stayed there cleaning the place up for the first few days. All I did was the dishes because my uncle has a thing for fixing the whole place by himself without any help. So I just did my share and hanged out with other relatives and friends.
My grandmother is finally back to Damascus as well. I thank God that it's not as hard as I thought. I didn't feel the major emptiness at the place since my grandfather isn't around. It got a little awkward though when my cousins came and we all sat and started talking about how he died and where was he sitting when he died. At the same time, I got some peace from it because ever since he died, I never really talked about it. So it was my first time since last year.
Well, the meet up is in 4 days and I'm seriously excited. I already met some of the bloggers and they are all wonderful. Can't wait till I meet the rest of the crew.
Well, I guess this is it, for me... I'll probably have some weird thoughts and I'll add them...
So the hard part was being at my grandfather's house with my grandfather being there, at least that is what I thought at first. My uncle and me, stayed there cleaning the place up for the first few days. All I did was the dishes because my uncle has a thing for fixing the whole place by himself without any help. So I just did my share and hanged out with other relatives and friends.
My grandmother is finally back to Damascus as well. I thank God that it's not as hard as I thought. I didn't feel the major emptiness at the place since my grandfather isn't around. It got a little awkward though when my cousins came and we all sat and started talking about how he died and where was he sitting when he died. At the same time, I got some peace from it because ever since he died, I never really talked about it. So it was my first time since last year.
Well, the meet up is in 4 days and I'm seriously excited. I already met some of the bloggers and they are all wonderful. Can't wait till I meet the rest of the crew.
Well, I guess this is it, for me... I'll probably have some weird thoughts and I'll add them...
Thursday, June 16, 2005
What's up?
Well, it's been a while since I actually posted something original from me. I haven't been doing that good lately... Just have too much on my mind really. Anyways, I think I'll just say that I'd be taking some time off from blogging. I just need some time to sort things out.
For those who don't already know, I'm leaving to Syria this Sunday. YAY!!! I'm going to my beloved homeland. I'll be seeing my aunt and cousins that I haven't seen for about 3 years and my cousin's baby for the first time. I'll be seeing a good friend of mine that I haven't seen for over 7 years. Of course then meet the Syrian bloggers.
With all these excitement, I'm seriously nervous. Things aren't exactly great for my relatives in Syria. Each and everyone has some serious health issue in the family and death might be near. Speaking of which, I'll be staying at my grandfather's place for the first month I'm in Syria. That also makes me nervous because last August my grandfather passed away when I was in Malaysia. I haven't seen him for 2 years before that. When I last saw him, I knew that it'll be the last time I'd see him. I remember our farewell, it was very emotional we both cried as he was holding me tight. Just thinking about it me makes me cry. Anyways, so this is going to be the first time I'll be there since he passed away so I'm seriously nervous about it.
Well, that's it for me... See you guys soon.
For those who don't already know, I'm leaving to Syria this Sunday. YAY!!! I'm going to my beloved homeland. I'll be seeing my aunt and cousins that I haven't seen for about 3 years and my cousin's baby for the first time. I'll be seeing a good friend of mine that I haven't seen for over 7 years. Of course then meet the Syrian bloggers.
With all these excitement, I'm seriously nervous. Things aren't exactly great for my relatives in Syria. Each and everyone has some serious health issue in the family and death might be near. Speaking of which, I'll be staying at my grandfather's place for the first month I'm in Syria. That also makes me nervous because last August my grandfather passed away when I was in Malaysia. I haven't seen him for 2 years before that. When I last saw him, I knew that it'll be the last time I'd see him. I remember our farewell, it was very emotional we both cried as he was holding me tight. Just thinking about it me makes me cry. Anyways, so this is going to be the first time I'll be there since he passed away so I'm seriously nervous about it.
Well, that's it for me... See you guys soon.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Hijab: Religious Symbol or Obligation?
This is to reply to what Front Bumper' said about one of my posts about the Hijab ban in France. U can check his post on his blog, My Stupid Corner
As I commented onn his blog, I didn't feel it's enough so I got more information about hijab ban in France from a reliable website... www.islamonline.net
Here's a person asking about the issue in France and this is what a group of Muftis had to say:
Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. The issue of hijab in France has reached a very serious stage. Could you please clarify whether hijab is a religious symbol or not?
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
It is completely rejected to say that hijab is a religious symbol because hijab has an indispensable function in the life of a Muslim woman. That function is protection of the Muslim woman and preservation of her honor and chastity. This means that a woman who wears hijab does not do this to declare her religion or distinguish herself. Rather, she wears it out of obedience to her Lord.
On the other hand, preventing hijab on the basis of preserving the secularity of the state is an illogical claim because secularism in a liberal community means that the state authority should be neutral in matters of religion. The government should neither accept nor reject, neither be for or against any religion. The state is to provide freedom of religion for all people.
One might further ask: If a non-Muslim woman chooses to dress modestly by covering her body and even her hair, would she be prevented from doing so by this ban? And if she is given the freedom to cover herself because she is not Muslim, why then is a Muslim woman not given the same freedom?
In this concern, the eminent Muslim scholar, Dr. `Ali Jum`ah, Mufti of Egypt, states:
"A Muslim woman is obliged to wear hijab as soon as she reaches puberty, as indicated in the Qur'an, the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the consensus of Muslim scholars from early ages of Islam up till now. Hijab is known to be essential and necessary in religion; it is not merely a symbol that distinguishes Muslims from non-Muslims. It is an obligation that forms part and parcel of the Islamic religion.
Allah Almighty says: "O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful." (Al-Ahzab: 59)
He also says: "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms." (An-Nur: 31)
Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Asma', daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them): "O Asma'! Once a girl reaches puberty, nothing of her body may be seen (by non-mahrams) except this and these, (he pointed to his face and hands while saying so).""
Sheikh Muhammad Husain Fadl Allah, a well-known Shiite jurist of Lebanon, also comments:
"Wearing hijab derives from religious commitment; it is in the same status of religious obligations in the way that incompliance with it constitutes a sin. Has secularism become so weak that the secular authorities fear a scarf, a turban, or a cross hanging from the neck to threaten its stability?"
Moreover, the eminent Muslim scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, states:
"I completely reject and condemn the French resolution that prevents the Muslim female students from wearing hijab at school. By doing so, they force Muslim women to ignore the teachings of their religion and disobey Allah's commands, which say: "…and to draw their veils over their bosoms", and: "O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad)."
Actually, all Muslims with their various affiliations and inclinations agree upon the obligation of hijab. Hence, we have been struck by the hijab ban, which is a persecution against the Islamic teachings and values, especially which it is made by France, the land of liberality and openness, the home of the French Revolution that called for freedom and equality. Moreover, France has the largest Muslim community in Europe.
Therefore, such resolution contradicts two human rights: individual freedom and religious freedom, which are asserted by all constitutions and charters of human rights all over the world.
On the other hand, banning hijab on the basis of preserving secularity of the state is an illogical claim, because secularism in a liberal community means that the state authority should be neutral in matters of religion. The government should neither accept nor reject, neither be with or against any religion. The state is to provide freedom of religion for all people. Conversely, Marxist secularism is hostile against religion in general; it considers religion to be like addiction that hinders peoples' development. Marxism denies the existence of God and denies the existence of man's soul as well.
Claiming that hijab is a sign of religion is by no means acceptable, because a religious sign or symbol has no function but to declare the religious beliefs of the one who wears it, such as the cross for a Christian and the kippa for a Jew. They both have no function but to declare the religious beliefs of those who wear them. Hijab, on the other hand, has a religious function, namely, to protect Muslim women and preserve their chastity. It could not strike the mind of hijab-clad women to wear it for declaring their religious beliefs. Rather, they wear it in obedience to Allah's commands.
Therefore, the hijab ban contradicts the principles of freedom and equality that have been asserted by the French Revolution and stipulated in all heavenly revealed religions and international charters of human rights. In fact, the hijab ban is a form of persecution against the committed Muslim women; it infringes upon their freedom; it prevents them from their right to learn and work to the favor of non-Muslim and uncommitted Muslim women.
Real civilization is characterized by tolerance, so it has room for various races, religions, and ideologies. It does not tend to make people copies of a prototype. People should be brought up to the point of tolerance with one another in spite of their difference in religion, as the Glorious Qur'an teaches us in the following verse: "Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion." (Al-Kafirun: 6)
It hurts to hear the claims that one who wears hijab bears hostility towards others. What hostility can a woman who tries to protect her honor and who is committed to the teachings of her religion bear towards others? Hostility and enmity are never expected from a pious person, man or woman, who is conscious of Allah and fears Him.
It is true that the majority pass whatever laws they agree upon, according to the principles of democracy. Yet, just democracy cares for the rights of the minorities, whether religious or ethnic; it does not oppress the minorities. Were it so, the majority in a democratic society could get rid of the minorities under the name of democracy."
Also read:
France: Hijab under Attack
Hijab in France: Muslims' Role
Hijab : A Clear Vision
Tips to Face the Hijab Ban in France
Allah almighty knows best.
If anybody has problems in viewing these fatwas let me know and I'll post them on my blog or email them to you, you can chose.. Thank you...
As I commented onn his blog, I didn't feel it's enough so I got more information about hijab ban in France from a reliable website... www.islamonline.net
Here's a person asking about the issue in France and this is what a group of Muftis had to say:
Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. The issue of hijab in France has reached a very serious stage. Could you please clarify whether hijab is a religious symbol or not?
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
It is completely rejected to say that hijab is a religious symbol because hijab has an indispensable function in the life of a Muslim woman. That function is protection of the Muslim woman and preservation of her honor and chastity. This means that a woman who wears hijab does not do this to declare her religion or distinguish herself. Rather, she wears it out of obedience to her Lord.
On the other hand, preventing hijab on the basis of preserving the secularity of the state is an illogical claim because secularism in a liberal community means that the state authority should be neutral in matters of religion. The government should neither accept nor reject, neither be for or against any religion. The state is to provide freedom of religion for all people.
One might further ask: If a non-Muslim woman chooses to dress modestly by covering her body and even her hair, would she be prevented from doing so by this ban? And if she is given the freedom to cover herself because she is not Muslim, why then is a Muslim woman not given the same freedom?
In this concern, the eminent Muslim scholar, Dr. `Ali Jum`ah, Mufti of Egypt, states:
"A Muslim woman is obliged to wear hijab as soon as she reaches puberty, as indicated in the Qur'an, the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the consensus of Muslim scholars from early ages of Islam up till now. Hijab is known to be essential and necessary in religion; it is not merely a symbol that distinguishes Muslims from non-Muslims. It is an obligation that forms part and parcel of the Islamic religion.
Allah Almighty says: "O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful." (Al-Ahzab: 59)
He also says: "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms." (An-Nur: 31)
Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Asma', daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them): "O Asma'! Once a girl reaches puberty, nothing of her body may be seen (by non-mahrams) except this and these, (he pointed to his face and hands while saying so).""
Sheikh Muhammad Husain Fadl Allah, a well-known Shiite jurist of Lebanon, also comments:
"Wearing hijab derives from religious commitment; it is in the same status of religious obligations in the way that incompliance with it constitutes a sin. Has secularism become so weak that the secular authorities fear a scarf, a turban, or a cross hanging from the neck to threaten its stability?"
Moreover, the eminent Muslim scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, states:
"I completely reject and condemn the French resolution that prevents the Muslim female students from wearing hijab at school. By doing so, they force Muslim women to ignore the teachings of their religion and disobey Allah's commands, which say: "…and to draw their veils over their bosoms", and: "O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad)."
Actually, all Muslims with their various affiliations and inclinations agree upon the obligation of hijab. Hence, we have been struck by the hijab ban, which is a persecution against the Islamic teachings and values, especially which it is made by France, the land of liberality and openness, the home of the French Revolution that called for freedom and equality. Moreover, France has the largest Muslim community in Europe.
Therefore, such resolution contradicts two human rights: individual freedom and religious freedom, which are asserted by all constitutions and charters of human rights all over the world.
On the other hand, banning hijab on the basis of preserving secularity of the state is an illogical claim, because secularism in a liberal community means that the state authority should be neutral in matters of religion. The government should neither accept nor reject, neither be with or against any religion. The state is to provide freedom of religion for all people. Conversely, Marxist secularism is hostile against religion in general; it considers religion to be like addiction that hinders peoples' development. Marxism denies the existence of God and denies the existence of man's soul as well.
Claiming that hijab is a sign of religion is by no means acceptable, because a religious sign or symbol has no function but to declare the religious beliefs of the one who wears it, such as the cross for a Christian and the kippa for a Jew. They both have no function but to declare the religious beliefs of those who wear them. Hijab, on the other hand, has a religious function, namely, to protect Muslim women and preserve their chastity. It could not strike the mind of hijab-clad women to wear it for declaring their religious beliefs. Rather, they wear it in obedience to Allah's commands.
Therefore, the hijab ban contradicts the principles of freedom and equality that have been asserted by the French Revolution and stipulated in all heavenly revealed religions and international charters of human rights. In fact, the hijab ban is a form of persecution against the committed Muslim women; it infringes upon their freedom; it prevents them from their right to learn and work to the favor of non-Muslim and uncommitted Muslim women.
Real civilization is characterized by tolerance, so it has room for various races, religions, and ideologies. It does not tend to make people copies of a prototype. People should be brought up to the point of tolerance with one another in spite of their difference in religion, as the Glorious Qur'an teaches us in the following verse: "Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion." (Al-Kafirun: 6)
It hurts to hear the claims that one who wears hijab bears hostility towards others. What hostility can a woman who tries to protect her honor and who is committed to the teachings of her religion bear towards others? Hostility and enmity are never expected from a pious person, man or woman, who is conscious of Allah and fears Him.
It is true that the majority pass whatever laws they agree upon, according to the principles of democracy. Yet, just democracy cares for the rights of the minorities, whether religious or ethnic; it does not oppress the minorities. Were it so, the majority in a democratic society could get rid of the minorities under the name of democracy."
Also read:
France: Hijab under Attack
Hijab in France: Muslims' Role
Hijab : A Clear Vision
Tips to Face the Hijab Ban in France
Allah almighty knows best.
If anybody has problems in viewing these fatwas let me know and I'll post them on my blog or email them to you, you can chose.. Thank you...
Hijab in France: Muslims' Role
Another questioner asks:
In light of the pressure faced by French Muslims with regard to hijab, what do you say regarding the issue? Your opinion is very much appreciated.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you place in us, and we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His Cause and render our work for His Sake.
Muslims in France should try their best to pressure public opinion to change the prospective law may ban hijab in schools. They should consider that banning of hijab is a challenge to their identity in that country. Whatever steps they take, they should apply wisdom in their approach, as resorting to stern measures is not a viable solution.
Responding to the question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states the following:
“As Muslims, we must stand up and fight for our rights by using all the constitutional and legal means open to us. By enacting such an unjust law, they are undermining the very spirit of the founding principles of their nation. So we must use all available means open to us to get this law changed.
To give in and resign to unjust laws is tantamount to surrendering our faith. So we have no choice but to join forces with all others who are against such unjust laws and get them changed. By trusting in Allah and working diligently and in solidarity with all fellow citizens on this matter, ultimately we will be the winners. Remember the stories of Prophets as told in the Qur'an that teach us that Allah's Assistance is near to those who excel in their efforts. So never give up the struggle. Allah says: “Those who strive for Our sake, We shall surely guide them unto Our ways!”” (Al-`Ankabut: 69).
Moreover, Dr. Jamal Badawi, Member of the European Council for Fatwa and Research and the Fiqh Council of North America, adds:
“We must explain to the public and authorities that unlike wearing large crosses or other religious symbols, the case of hijab is different in at least three ways:
1. It is not a matter of religious symbolism, but it is a command of Allah to Muslim women, and it is part of their religious practice, not symbolism.
2. Muslim women who choose to observe that religious practice are not doing that to challenge the political system, but to practice their due religious freedom, which is by no means intended to hurt others or make any political statements.
3. The nature of Islam as a religion is such that the practice of modesty includes both private and public life. This is part of secularism, not to promote religion or oppress it for that matter.
Muslims should never accept that any non-Muslim define for them what their religion is or demand that they give up their religious belief and practice that does not infringe on others’ freedom. All measures should be done firmly but peacefully and articulately.
When opponents of hijab refer to the principle of equality as one of the bases of the French Republic, they should also refer to freedom as another legitimate foundation of the French Republic.
May Allah help you with this hard test of faith.”
You can also read:
France: Hijab under Attack
Hijab in France: Islamic Views & News
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to write back!
May Allah guide you to the straight path, and guide you to that which pleases Him. Ameen.
Allah Almighty knows best.
In light of the pressure faced by French Muslims with regard to hijab, what do you say regarding the issue? Your opinion is very much appreciated.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you place in us, and we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His Cause and render our work for His Sake.
Muslims in France should try their best to pressure public opinion to change the prospective law may ban hijab in schools. They should consider that banning of hijab is a challenge to their identity in that country. Whatever steps they take, they should apply wisdom in their approach, as resorting to stern measures is not a viable solution.
Responding to the question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states the following:
“As Muslims, we must stand up and fight for our rights by using all the constitutional and legal means open to us. By enacting such an unjust law, they are undermining the very spirit of the founding principles of their nation. So we must use all available means open to us to get this law changed.
To give in and resign to unjust laws is tantamount to surrendering our faith. So we have no choice but to join forces with all others who are against such unjust laws and get them changed. By trusting in Allah and working diligently and in solidarity with all fellow citizens on this matter, ultimately we will be the winners. Remember the stories of Prophets as told in the Qur'an that teach us that Allah's Assistance is near to those who excel in their efforts. So never give up the struggle. Allah says: “Those who strive for Our sake, We shall surely guide them unto Our ways!”” (Al-`Ankabut: 69).
Moreover, Dr. Jamal Badawi, Member of the European Council for Fatwa and Research and the Fiqh Council of North America, adds:
“We must explain to the public and authorities that unlike wearing large crosses or other religious symbols, the case of hijab is different in at least three ways:
1. It is not a matter of religious symbolism, but it is a command of Allah to Muslim women, and it is part of their religious practice, not symbolism.
2. Muslim women who choose to observe that religious practice are not doing that to challenge the political system, but to practice their due religious freedom, which is by no means intended to hurt others or make any political statements.
3. The nature of Islam as a religion is such that the practice of modesty includes both private and public life. This is part of secularism, not to promote religion or oppress it for that matter.
Muslims should never accept that any non-Muslim define for them what their religion is or demand that they give up their religious belief and practice that does not infringe on others’ freedom. All measures should be done firmly but peacefully and articulately.
When opponents of hijab refer to the principle of equality as one of the bases of the French Republic, they should also refer to freedom as another legitimate foundation of the French Republic.
May Allah help you with this hard test of faith.”
You can also read:
France: Hijab under Attack
Hijab in France: Islamic Views & News
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to write back!
May Allah guide you to the straight path, and guide you to that which pleases Him. Ameen.
Allah Almighty knows best.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Verse 4:34 in the Holy Qur'an Beating women?
I hope this is useful to people who have been wondering about this issue.
BEATING WOMEN, OR BEATING AROUND THE BUSH, OR....
By Edip Yuksel
"Verse 4:34 of the Qur'an orders believers to beat their wives; so, Islam is a male dominant religion." Many of us have heard this criticism from Christians, atheists, agnostics, etc. Personally, every time I read 4:34, I felt that something was wrong. How does God, the Most Wise order us to beat our women? What kind of solution is that? It is in contrast to the verses in which God describes marriage:
"Among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, in order to have tranquility and contentment with each other. He places in your heart love and care towards your spouses. In this, there are signs for people who think." (30:21)
Obviously, this mixed messages have bothered many contemporary translators of the Qur'an. To avoid the moral and intellectual problems, they tried to soften the word "beat" when they translate the verse 4:34. For instance, Yusuf Ali uses a merciful parentheses after "beat" to save women:
". . . As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly). . ." (4:34)
Many tried to "beat" around the bush to "beat" the problem generated by the "beat" of 4:34.
When I finished the Turkish translation (1991), this verse was on the top of my orange list to study carefully. Whenever I encounter a problem regarding the understanding of a Qur'anic verse, I remember 20:114 and pray accordingly: "Most Exalted is God, the only true King. Do not rush into (understanding) the Qur'an before it is revealed to you, an say, 'My Lord, increase my knowledge.'"
Almost all of the translations have mistranslated the four key words or terms of this particular verse. These are: "Qawwamune," "Faddallallahu ba'dahum ala ba'd," "Nushuzehunne," and "Fadribuhunne." In our late book, "Errors in Turkish Translations" (Istanbul, 1992) we have discussed the real meaning of these words and the motivation and reasons for mistranslating them. Here, we will focus on the last word, "Fadribuhunne."
A Famous Multi-Meaning Word
The problem comes from the word "Idribuhunne" which we used to translate as "beat them". The root of this word is "DaRaBa". If you look at any Arabic dictionary you will find a long list of meanings ascribed to this word. That list is one of the longest list in whole Arabic dictionary. It can be said that "DaRaBa" is the number-one multi-meaning word in Arabic. It has so many different meanings, we can find numerous different meanings ascribed to it in the Qur'an.
• To travel, to get out: 3:156; 4:101; 38:44; 73:20; 2:273
• To strike: 2:60,73; 7:160; 8:12; 20:77; 24:31; 26:63; 37:93; 47:4
• To beat: 8:50; 47:27
• To set up: 43:58; 57:13
• To give (examples): 14:24,45; 16:75,76,112; 18:32,45; 24:35; 30:28,58; 36:78; 39:27,29; 43:17; 59:21; 66:10,11
• To take away, to ignore: 43:5
• To condemn: 2:61
• To seal, to draw over: 18:11
• To cover: 24:31
• To explain: 13:17
As you see, in Qur'an alone we can witness the verb "DaRaBa" having at least ten different meanings. "DaRaBa" has also other meanings which are not mentioned in the Qur'an. For example, in the Arabic language, you do not print money--you "DaRaBa" money, you do not multiply numbers--you "DaRaBa" numbers, you do not cease the work--you "DaRaBa" the work. In Turkish we have many verbs similar to DaRaBa, such as "tutmak", "calmak", "vurmak" etc. In English we have two verbs which are almost equivalent to "DaRaBa". These are "strike" and "beat".
Webster's Dictionary gives fourteen meanings to the verb "strike": hit (against); ignite; (of snake) bite; (of plants) (cause to) take root; attack; hook (fish); sound (time) as bell in clock etc.; affect; arrive at, come upon; enter mind of; discover (gold, oil etc.); dismantle, remove; make (coin); cease work as protest or to make demands. The same dictionary gives eight meanings to the verb "beat": strike repeatedly; overcome; surpass; stir vigorously with striking action; flap (wings); make, wear (path); throb; sail against wind.
In the beginning of this article (underlined) I deliberately used "beat" in three different meanings in a single statement just to show the variety of meanings in a single word. In English, when we order someone to "beat it" we mean "get out". Similarly in Arabic, when we order someone with the commend form of "DaRaBa", that is "iDRiB", we mean "get out".
How Can We Find The Appropriate Meaning
When we encounter a multi-meaning word, we select the proper meaning according to the context, forms, and common sense. For instance, if we had have translated "DaRaBa" in 13:17 as "beat" instead of "explain", the meaning would be ridiculous:
. . . God thus beats the truth and falsehood." (13:17)
Another example of mistranslation of "DaRaBa" can be found in the translation of 38:44. All the translations (except Dr. Khalifa's translation) inject a male-made story to justify their silly translation. Here is how Yusuf Ali translates the verse about Job:
"And take in the hand a little grass, and strike therewith: and break not (the oath)."
Yusuf Ali, in the footnote narrates the traditional story: "He (Job) must have said in his haste to the woman that he would beat her: he is asked now to correct her with only a wisp of grass, to show that he was gentle and humble as well as patient and constant."
However, without injecting this story, we can translate it as the following:
"Now, you shall travel the land to fulfill your pledge (that is to deliver the message)." We found him steadfast. What a good servant! He was a submitter. (38:44)
Let's turn back to 4:34
Additionally, the word "Nushuz" which is generally translated as "opposition" has another meaning which can be translated as degrees of disloyalty ranging from flirtation to sexual liaison. If we study 4:34 carefully we will find a clue that leads us to translate that word as "flirting or cheating" or "extramarital affair" (Any word or words that reflect the range of disloyalty in marriage). The clue is the phrase before "Nushuz" as reads: ". . . and observe God's commandments, even when alone in their privacy." This phrase emphasizes the importance of loyalty in marriage life.
Furthermore, the same word "Nushuz" is used in 4:128, but it is used to describe the misbehavior of husbands not wives as was in 4:34. So, the traditional translation of "Nushuz", that is, "opposition" will not fit here. In vertical relations, "opposition" cannot be a double-edged behavior. So, translators try to avoid this contradiction by ascribing just the opposite meaning of "opposition", i.e., "oppression" in verse 4:128. However, the meaning of "Nushuz" as "disloyalty" is appropriate for both cases described in 4:34 and 4:128.
A Coherent Understanding
When we read 4:34 we should not understand "idribuhunne" as "beat those women". We must remember that this word has many meanings. God gives us three ways of dealing with extra-marital-affair. In the beginning stage of such misbehavior husband should start from giving advice. If it does not work and she goes further and commit a proven adultery, that time husband has the right to strike them out (4:34 & 65:1).
Let's present our suggestion for the translation of verse 4:34
"Men traditionally take care of women, since God has endowed each of them with certain qualities and men spend from their financial resources. The righteous women are obedient (to God) and during the absence (of their husband) they honor them according to God's commandment. As for those women whom you are experiencing a fear of disloyalty from, you shall first advice them, then (if they continue) you may desert them in bed, then you may strike them out. If they obey you then don't transgress against them. God is Most High, Supreme." (4:34).
Beating women who are cheating is not an ultimate solution; but "striking them out" from your house is the best solution. And it is fair too.
BEATING WOMEN, OR BEATING AROUND THE BUSH, OR....
By Edip Yuksel
"Verse 4:34 of the Qur'an orders believers to beat their wives; so, Islam is a male dominant religion." Many of us have heard this criticism from Christians, atheists, agnostics, etc. Personally, every time I read 4:34, I felt that something was wrong. How does God, the Most Wise order us to beat our women? What kind of solution is that? It is in contrast to the verses in which God describes marriage:
"Among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, in order to have tranquility and contentment with each other. He places in your heart love and care towards your spouses. In this, there are signs for people who think." (30:21)
Obviously, this mixed messages have bothered many contemporary translators of the Qur'an. To avoid the moral and intellectual problems, they tried to soften the word "beat" when they translate the verse 4:34. For instance, Yusuf Ali uses a merciful parentheses after "beat" to save women:
". . . As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly). . ." (4:34)
Many tried to "beat" around the bush to "beat" the problem generated by the "beat" of 4:34.
When I finished the Turkish translation (1991), this verse was on the top of my orange list to study carefully. Whenever I encounter a problem regarding the understanding of a Qur'anic verse, I remember 20:114 and pray accordingly: "Most Exalted is God, the only true King. Do not rush into (understanding) the Qur'an before it is revealed to you, an say, 'My Lord, increase my knowledge.'"
Almost all of the translations have mistranslated the four key words or terms of this particular verse. These are: "Qawwamune," "Faddallallahu ba'dahum ala ba'd," "Nushuzehunne," and "Fadribuhunne." In our late book, "Errors in Turkish Translations" (Istanbul, 1992) we have discussed the real meaning of these words and the motivation and reasons for mistranslating them. Here, we will focus on the last word, "Fadribuhunne."
A Famous Multi-Meaning Word
The problem comes from the word "Idribuhunne" which we used to translate as "beat them". The root of this word is "DaRaBa". If you look at any Arabic dictionary you will find a long list of meanings ascribed to this word. That list is one of the longest list in whole Arabic dictionary. It can be said that "DaRaBa" is the number-one multi-meaning word in Arabic. It has so many different meanings, we can find numerous different meanings ascribed to it in the Qur'an.
• To travel, to get out: 3:156; 4:101; 38:44; 73:20; 2:273
• To strike: 2:60,73; 7:160; 8:12; 20:77; 24:31; 26:63; 37:93; 47:4
• To beat: 8:50; 47:27
• To set up: 43:58; 57:13
• To give (examples): 14:24,45; 16:75,76,112; 18:32,45; 24:35; 30:28,58; 36:78; 39:27,29; 43:17; 59:21; 66:10,11
• To take away, to ignore: 43:5
• To condemn: 2:61
• To seal, to draw over: 18:11
• To cover: 24:31
• To explain: 13:17
As you see, in Qur'an alone we can witness the verb "DaRaBa" having at least ten different meanings. "DaRaBa" has also other meanings which are not mentioned in the Qur'an. For example, in the Arabic language, you do not print money--you "DaRaBa" money, you do not multiply numbers--you "DaRaBa" numbers, you do not cease the work--you "DaRaBa" the work. In Turkish we have many verbs similar to DaRaBa, such as "tutmak", "calmak", "vurmak" etc. In English we have two verbs which are almost equivalent to "DaRaBa". These are "strike" and "beat".
Webster's Dictionary gives fourteen meanings to the verb "strike": hit (against); ignite; (of snake) bite; (of plants) (cause to) take root; attack; hook (fish); sound (time) as bell in clock etc.; affect; arrive at, come upon; enter mind of; discover (gold, oil etc.); dismantle, remove; make (coin); cease work as protest or to make demands. The same dictionary gives eight meanings to the verb "beat": strike repeatedly; overcome; surpass; stir vigorously with striking action; flap (wings); make, wear (path); throb; sail against wind.
In the beginning of this article (underlined) I deliberately used "beat" in three different meanings in a single statement just to show the variety of meanings in a single word. In English, when we order someone to "beat it" we mean "get out". Similarly in Arabic, when we order someone with the commend form of "DaRaBa", that is "iDRiB", we mean "get out".
How Can We Find The Appropriate Meaning
When we encounter a multi-meaning word, we select the proper meaning according to the context, forms, and common sense. For instance, if we had have translated "DaRaBa" in 13:17 as "beat" instead of "explain", the meaning would be ridiculous:
. . . God thus beats the truth and falsehood." (13:17)
Another example of mistranslation of "DaRaBa" can be found in the translation of 38:44. All the translations (except Dr. Khalifa's translation) inject a male-made story to justify their silly translation. Here is how Yusuf Ali translates the verse about Job:
"And take in the hand a little grass, and strike therewith: and break not (the oath)."
Yusuf Ali, in the footnote narrates the traditional story: "He (Job) must have said in his haste to the woman that he would beat her: he is asked now to correct her with only a wisp of grass, to show that he was gentle and humble as well as patient and constant."
However, without injecting this story, we can translate it as the following:
"Now, you shall travel the land to fulfill your pledge (that is to deliver the message)." We found him steadfast. What a good servant! He was a submitter. (38:44)
Let's turn back to 4:34
Additionally, the word "Nushuz" which is generally translated as "opposition" has another meaning which can be translated as degrees of disloyalty ranging from flirtation to sexual liaison. If we study 4:34 carefully we will find a clue that leads us to translate that word as "flirting or cheating" or "extramarital affair" (Any word or words that reflect the range of disloyalty in marriage). The clue is the phrase before "Nushuz" as reads: ". . . and observe God's commandments, even when alone in their privacy." This phrase emphasizes the importance of loyalty in marriage life.
Furthermore, the same word "Nushuz" is used in 4:128, but it is used to describe the misbehavior of husbands not wives as was in 4:34. So, the traditional translation of "Nushuz", that is, "opposition" will not fit here. In vertical relations, "opposition" cannot be a double-edged behavior. So, translators try to avoid this contradiction by ascribing just the opposite meaning of "opposition", i.e., "oppression" in verse 4:128. However, the meaning of "Nushuz" as "disloyalty" is appropriate for both cases described in 4:34 and 4:128.
A Coherent Understanding
When we read 4:34 we should not understand "idribuhunne" as "beat those women". We must remember that this word has many meanings. God gives us three ways of dealing with extra-marital-affair. In the beginning stage of such misbehavior husband should start from giving advice. If it does not work and she goes further and commit a proven adultery, that time husband has the right to strike them out (4:34 & 65:1).
Let's present our suggestion for the translation of verse 4:34
"Men traditionally take care of women, since God has endowed each of them with certain qualities and men spend from their financial resources. The righteous women are obedient (to God) and during the absence (of their husband) they honor them according to God's commandment. As for those women whom you are experiencing a fear of disloyalty from, you shall first advice them, then (if they continue) you may desert them in bed, then you may strike them out. If they obey you then don't transgress against them. God is Most High, Supreme." (4:34).
Beating women who are cheating is not an ultimate solution; but "striking them out" from your house is the best solution. And it is fair too.
Friday, June 10, 2005
True change for Syria???
From time to time, I get interesting emails about Syria and I got this about 30 mins ago... Makes me wonder, is Syria truly changing or is it a disguise of what seems to be change?
Your Opinion!
The first Syrian governmental sponsored website asking for the opinion
of Syrians on various issues.
www.youropinion.gov.sy
Your Opinion!
The first Syrian governmental sponsored website asking for the opinion
of Syrians on various issues.
www.youropinion.gov.sy
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Who ever knew??
One of the first people that I got to know via blogging is Dina. No doubt, she seemed like a really sweet girl. As I got deeper into blogging we got to know the same people and comment on each other's blogs more often.
Not to long ago I started chatting with her on Yahoo messenger. We were getting to know each other which lead to tell her a horrible incident that happened to me back in 2002. Dina mentions that she heard of a girl with my exact same story. I was thinking maybe it's a coincidence since I know I wasn't the only Syrian this happened to. Then thing led to another and then figured out that the girl was talking about is actually me. Too many coincidences for me to believe it's another person. It came down to that she heard the story from her Uncle's wife. I was thinking that my story has become new in Syria. I still didn't get it.
As it turns out to be and what I find VERY entertaining is that after all that, me and Dina realized we're related.
It's not a blood relation nor a close one. As it turns out to be, my uncle's wife who also live in UAE is Dina's Uncle's wife's sister. Another words my cousins are her cousin's cousin in which she met when Dina was much younger. Confusing enough?? 
I asked my cousin about her and he actually remembers her clearly as they played as kids. How cute...
So how did Dina know of my story? U can guess... My Uncle's wife told her sister(Dina's Uncle's wife) about my story and obviously Dina heard it from her somehow.
I love these kinda incidences. It's not the first time for me though, it's my second time. The first one was in the Sami Yusuf Forum I met another relative that I never knew she existed. We even live in the same country.
Interesting, don't you think???
Not to long ago I started chatting with her on Yahoo messenger. We were getting to know each other which lead to tell her a horrible incident that happened to me back in 2002. Dina mentions that she heard of a girl with my exact same story. I was thinking maybe it's a coincidence since I know I wasn't the only Syrian this happened to. Then thing led to another and then figured out that the girl was talking about is actually me. Too many coincidences for me to believe it's another person. It came down to that she heard the story from her Uncle's wife. I was thinking that my story has become new in Syria. I still didn't get it.
As it turns out to be and what I find VERY entertaining is that after all that, me and Dina realized we're related.
It's not a blood relation nor a close one. As it turns out to be, my uncle's wife who also live in UAE is Dina's Uncle's wife's sister. Another words my cousins are her cousin's cousin in which she met when Dina was much younger. Confusing enough?? I asked my cousin about her and he actually remembers her clearly as they played as kids. How cute...So how did Dina know of my story? U can guess... My Uncle's wife told her sister(Dina's Uncle's wife) about my story and obviously Dina heard it from her somehow.
I love these kinda incidences. It's not the first time for me though, it's my second time. The first one was in the Sami Yusuf Forum I met another relative that I never knew she existed. We even live in the same country.
Interesting, don't you think???
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Do You Love Me??
A lover asked his beloved,
Do you love yourself more
than you love me?
The beloved replied,
I have died to myself
and I love for you.
I've disappeared from myself
and my attributes.
I am present only for you.
I have forgotten all my learning,
but from knowing you
I have become a scholar.
I have lost all my strength,
but from your power
I am able.
If I love myself
I love you.
If I love you
I love myself.
Do you love yourself more
than you love me?
The beloved replied,
I have died to myself
and I love for you.
I've disappeared from myself
and my attributes.
I am present only for you.
I have forgotten all my learning,
but from knowing you
I have become a scholar.
I have lost all my strength,
but from your power
I am able.
If I love myself
I love you.
If I love you
I love myself.
Poem by Rumi
Translation by Deepak Chopra
Fereydoun Kia
The love poems of Rumi (Harmony Book New York)
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Protect Hijab Thanks All Those Who Supported the Written Declaration on Religious Rights and Freedoms.
A while back a group of us actually sent MEP all over the European Union asking them to support Religious Rights and Freedoms again France for banning Hijab in France... This is the report of how it turned out to be:
Saturday May 21st marks the end of the 3 month period during which the Protect Hijab campaign has been working tirelessly to gain the support of MEPs across Europe for the Written Declaration on Religious Rights and Freedoms (“WD”), which was tabled before the European Parliament on 21st February 2005.
The WD received 70 signatories in total, which is a success relative to the other 8 declarations which have been tabled so far this year, with only 2 others gaining more MEP signatures.
Proposing the WD has allowed Protect Hijab to demonstrate to the political establishment in Europe how fundamental the issue of Hijab is to many women in Europe, and to present the argument for religious tolerance and freedom in the corridors of power. In the past 3 months, Protect Hijab has contacted every MEP in Europe and has mobilised Muslim women around Europe to lobby for change.
Protect Hijab would like to thank all the MEPs who supported and signed the WD, and who take the rights of religious expression seriously. Protect Hijab is particularly grateful to MEPs Caroline Lucas (Green Party), Sarah Ludford (Liberal Democrats), Claude Moraes (Labour), Philip Bushill-Matthews (Conservative) and Alain Lipietz for proposing and supporting this declaration.
To mark the end of this campaign, Muslim women will meet in London on Saturday 21st May to celebrate the achievement and renew their commitment to continue campaigning to end the ban.
Nabila Ferhat, Protect Hijab head of media commented: “Our work will continue beyond the 21st May 2005. We have many other projects planned, and our campaign will have a much greater focus on the media, with forthcoming events in September for International Hijab Solidarity Day, details of which will follow.”
For further information write to wd@prohijab.net
Or visit www.prohijab.net
For Interview please contact our media department on 07786257120 or 07947787222
Saturday May 21st marks the end of the 3 month period during which the Protect Hijab campaign has been working tirelessly to gain the support of MEPs across Europe for the Written Declaration on Religious Rights and Freedoms (“WD”), which was tabled before the European Parliament on 21st February 2005.
The WD received 70 signatories in total, which is a success relative to the other 8 declarations which have been tabled so far this year, with only 2 others gaining more MEP signatures.
Proposing the WD has allowed Protect Hijab to demonstrate to the political establishment in Europe how fundamental the issue of Hijab is to many women in Europe, and to present the argument for religious tolerance and freedom in the corridors of power. In the past 3 months, Protect Hijab has contacted every MEP in Europe and has mobilised Muslim women around Europe to lobby for change.
Protect Hijab would like to thank all the MEPs who supported and signed the WD, and who take the rights of religious expression seriously. Protect Hijab is particularly grateful to MEPs Caroline Lucas (Green Party), Sarah Ludford (Liberal Democrats), Claude Moraes (Labour), Philip Bushill-Matthews (Conservative) and Alain Lipietz for proposing and supporting this declaration.
To mark the end of this campaign, Muslim women will meet in London on Saturday 21st May to celebrate the achievement and renew their commitment to continue campaigning to end the ban.
Nabila Ferhat, Protect Hijab head of media commented: “Our work will continue beyond the 21st May 2005. We have many other projects planned, and our campaign will have a much greater focus on the media, with forthcoming events in September for International Hijab Solidarity Day, details of which will follow.”
For further information write to wd@prohijab.net
Or visit www.prohijab.net
For Interview please contact our media department on 07786257120 or 07947787222
Winners
I thank all those who participated in this mock contest. :P Wasn't it fun???Hahaha... We actually got more than winner. For those who said more than one answer I'll just take their first choice..
Congrats to the winners who happen to be Ayman and Dina.
So you guys can now have a FREE blog template from me Hehehehe
I really enjoyed designing this blog and I wouldn't mind to do it again and again :D So if anybody has an idea, fill me up...
Oh yeah, the answer... :P Sinan is my savior who help me when I messed up horribly... I do have to thank Baher as well... He's the one gave the jump start to this whole thing. I was clueless and he gave a site to figure it out and it helped. Thanks BAHER!!!! I also thank Sinan for fixing the script that I totally made a total mess out of.
OK, now that is out of the way, we can go back to out lives. Hehehehehehe...
Congrats to the winners who happen to be Ayman and Dina.
So you guys can now have a FREE blog template from me Hehehehe
I really enjoyed designing this blog and I wouldn't mind to do it again and again :D So if anybody has an idea, fill me up...
Oh yeah, the answer... :P Sinan is my savior who help me when I messed up horribly... I do have to thank Baher as well... He's the one gave the jump start to this whole thing. I was clueless and he gave a site to figure it out and it helped. Thanks BAHER!!!! I also thank Sinan for fixing the script that I totally made a total mess out of.
OK, now that is out of the way, we can go back to out lives. Hehehehehehe...
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Finally...
After suffering a minor heart attack because of the state of my new designed blog my savior came to my rescue and saved the day and I'm smiling again.
Can you guys guess who it was??? Some of you already know who it is so please don't participate in the competition.
Mira and Ghalia, you guys know along of course with the savior. 
Whoever guesses it correctly, I'll design a new template for them.
May the best man/woman wins....
ok ok ok... You know this is all BS... Hahaha... If you still want to guess go right ahead.
Can you guys guess who it was??? Some of you already know who it is so please don't participate in the competition.
Mira and Ghalia, you guys know along of course with the savior. Whoever guesses it correctly, I'll design a new template for them. May the best man/woman wins....
ok ok ok... You know this is all BS... Hahaha... If you still want to guess go right ahead.
HELP!!!
I've just change the look of my blog but honestly this is the first time to work with html this way.. So yes, there are errors some things that I'm not too happy about... I need HELP!! I screwed up bigtime. I lost all my comments. :( I don't knwo what to do here. I'm panicing now.
HELP!!!
HELP!!!
Sunday, May 29, 2005
The Cheapest Way to Copyright your Intellectual Material.
For the longest time, I've been wanting to copyright my music and finally I got around to do it the cheapest way... Yeah, it is publish online already and I got proof it's mine but I still want to be on the safe side.
For all those who are interested how to copyright your Intellectual Material the cheapest way possible, follow these steps and after mailing it to yourself, it's copyrighted.
1) Put all the material on a CD..
2) Write down the content
3) Write your statement
4) Put everything together
5) Seal it and make sure it's wrapped safely so it wouldn't break.
6) Put it all in an envelop addressed to yourself.
Finally, mail it to yourself. Congrats, your material is copyrighted.
For all those who are interested how to copyright your Intellectual Material the cheapest way possible, follow these steps and after mailing it to yourself, it's copyrighted.
1) Put all the material on a CD..
2) Write down the content
3) Write your statement
4) Put everything together
5) Seal it and make sure it's wrapped safely so it wouldn't break.
6) Put it all in an envelop addressed to yourself.
Finally, mail it to yourself. Congrats, your material is copyrighted.
Irritated
For the past couple days I've been seriously irritated. Small things have been seriously getting to me. I have no idea why am I being so hyper sensitive. I won't babble about what bothered in the past couple of days because it's probably stupid anyways but I'll say what's bothering me at the momoent:
I went on Amr's blog few mins ago and I saw all sorts of pics of places in Syria that I didn't even know that existed. It made me feel soo ashamed that I'm Syrian but don't know as much as I would love to know about my own country. Yeah it's true I never grew up there and I've been there only in summers usually and everybody in the family is too lazy to do anything so we end up staying in Damascus when I am in Syria. Even Damascus, I don't know it well enough, but at least I know it better than other places in Syria. When I was there last winter, somebody showed me around old Damascus. It was an amazing experience. The company was great, the weather was freezing but I loved it, the place was great. I'm in love with Old Damascus.
But back to the original subject... Although I'm Syrian, born in Syria with a Syrian passport I don't feel that I am. I grew up in the UAE. I feel this place makes you loose your identity because it doesn't even have one. I guess it doesn't really help that I also lived in the US for 5 years and then Malaysia for 2.
I feel I need to learn more about Syria not by reading and looking at pics. I want to be there and just let it be a bigger part of me. I love Syria with all my heart and I do defend it with all I can. I just need to know her better.
Maybe I might as well, get a job there... I might actually if one project of mine actually takes off in Syria. Inshallah it will.
Pray for me, ya Sinan. You might be my only hope. :P
I went on Amr's blog few mins ago and I saw all sorts of pics of places in Syria that I didn't even know that existed. It made me feel soo ashamed that I'm Syrian but don't know as much as I would love to know about my own country. Yeah it's true I never grew up there and I've been there only in summers usually and everybody in the family is too lazy to do anything so we end up staying in Damascus when I am in Syria. Even Damascus, I don't know it well enough, but at least I know it better than other places in Syria. When I was there last winter, somebody showed me around old Damascus. It was an amazing experience. The company was great, the weather was freezing but I loved it, the place was great. I'm in love with Old Damascus.
But back to the original subject... Although I'm Syrian, born in Syria with a Syrian passport I don't feel that I am. I grew up in the UAE. I feel this place makes you loose your identity because it doesn't even have one. I guess it doesn't really help that I also lived in the US for 5 years and then Malaysia for 2.
I feel I need to learn more about Syria not by reading and looking at pics. I want to be there and just let it be a bigger part of me. I love Syria with all my heart and I do defend it with all I can. I just need to know her better.
Maybe I might as well, get a job there... I might actually if one project of mine actually takes off in Syria. Inshallah it will.
Pray for me, ya Sinan. You might be my only hope. :P
| Viva La Syria |
| Viva La Syria |
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Coinsidences
I've been blogging for a a few months now. I've got to know interesting people by doing that. I remember when I first started. Only one person used to read my blog and that was Bytedodger and now I look at it, there is a lot more. The it grew to Bryan and Fatima. Bytedodeger introduced me to a great Syrian blog by Ayman and from there it all took off...
This is what I find very interesting. There are 2 girls that I got to know outside the blogging world (Juwaireyah and Nuralhuda). I got to meet them at the Sami Yusuf forum... One day I find out that these 2 girls have blogs. I never really paied attention to the other blogs they had on their site until one of them ask me if I heard of a blogger named Eman. I've also seen her around at Sinan's blog and I thought to myself what a coinsidence. Then I was checking Juwaireyah's blog and I saw Nurhan's blog. I said to myself that name looks familiar, I know I've seen here. Then again as it turns to be agaibst I see her on Sinan's blog.
I was thinking, that it's a small word after all... There are more that are connected into this via blogging, like Ghalia and Dina
I find all this pretty Ironic. :D Personally I'd say Sob7an Allah. I love these small stuff like that. :D
I really should create a link area to put blogs of other people. When I figure it all out, I'll do that... Anybody wants to help out?? :D I'll be greatful.
This is what I find very interesting. There are 2 girls that I got to know outside the blogging world (Juwaireyah and Nuralhuda). I got to meet them at the Sami Yusuf forum... One day I find out that these 2 girls have blogs. I never really paied attention to the other blogs they had on their site until one of them ask me if I heard of a blogger named Eman. I've also seen her around at Sinan's blog and I thought to myself what a coinsidence. Then I was checking Juwaireyah's blog and I saw Nurhan's blog. I said to myself that name looks familiar, I know I've seen here. Then again as it turns to be agaibst I see her on Sinan's blog.
I was thinking, that it's a small word after all... There are more that are connected into this via blogging, like Ghalia and Dina
I find all this pretty Ironic. :D Personally I'd say Sob7an Allah. I love these small stuff like that. :D
I really should create a link area to put blogs of other people. When I figure it all out, I'll do that... Anybody wants to help out?? :D I'll be greatful.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Gifts to Syria
As I was checking my email like I normally do, I go this really interesting email... I never knew they had this service is Syria... I guess, it'll be easier to send gifts now. :D All I need now is a credit card. :P
A great website for sending a variety of gifts to loved ones in Syria.
A great website for sending a variety of gifts to loved ones in Syria.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
The Pics of Sami Yusuf Concert.
here I am posting the pics of the show. I won't post all at once.. I want to keep the suspense going. More fun that way. :D
The whole stage (almost) you can see most of the band with Brother Sami on the piano.
Brother Sami getting ready to sing.
That's it for now be tuned to join me tomorrow or the next day for more pics. :)
The whole stage (almost) you can see most of the band with Brother Sami on the piano.
Brother Sami getting ready to sing.
That's it for now be tuned to join me tomorrow or the next day for more pics. :)
Sami Yusuf Concert
As you guys know, on May 18th I was at the Sami Yusuf concert. Well, here is a report about what went on.
The show was late because of some technical difficulties and the soundcheck was started later. That's why the show itself was late to start. It was delayed for an hour.
The performance the sound surprisingly was great since it was in a very small tent. I was suppose to be on the 1st row but since the organizers were totally unorganized we got pushed all the way to 5th row. I was close to the stage enough... I took MANY pics but only little a clear. It's ok though, they're cool.
Before Sami Yusuf got on stage, his full orchestral band from Egypt, all dressed in black, played a musical piece to warm the audience up. Then when Sami Yusuf dressed in a grey suite and a white button down shirt, got stage the audience went wild. He looked to be happy to be there. He started singing Meditation. After that he got into Al Mu3allim. Of course the crowd went even more wild. To be honest, I don't really remember the order of songs he sang later.
It seems his new album is all about terrorism and nationalism. The first song he sang was the one that a lot of us got to hear. It's about what happened in Chechnya, when over 200 non-Muslim children were killed by "so-called Muslims" guerrillas. Then of course the second song from the album was about Palestine. Then he sang another song that is originally from his origin Azberijan. It was another song about Palestine. It was sooo beautiful. I personally thought it was the best from his new songs, I've heard. The lyrics were both in English and Azeri. The lyrics were like as if you're talking about a loved one. It's soo gorgeous. I teared on that song. Of course he played a beautiful rendition of Tala3a al bardu 3aleyna on his electric violin. He's really good at playing that. He played with such passion and the sound of the violin was beyond beautiful. It was totally moving.
One thing I didn't like though is that I felt that Sami Yusuf was trying to get people to enjoy themselves by clapping singing and just taking part of the show. He wanted to fill the whole place with love and unity but I didn't feel the audience really participated as much as he would've liked. He mentioned that the show was not about Sami Yusuf but it was about the celebration of Allah. You know what's funny though? I was really into the show, I was singing out loud and my hands were high up clapping, swaying and just really moving with the music. Then I noticed something very cute at the beginning of the show before people got into the show. I got into it as soon as Sami Yusuf started singing without realizing, me and Sami Yusuf were doing the same hand gestures, he looked directly in my direction and just smiled. OK, at first, I was thinking, it must be coincidence that he looked at me and smiled but then later my friend who was sitting right next to me noticed it too. So I realized that it wasn't a coincidence. He did smile at my gesturing.
I just remembered people were ready to go dance on 2 songs. Hehehe.. Allahu and Ya Mustafa. The people behind me were ready to crack me up from laughter because it seems that they're in a wedding. Hehehe. It was great. Towards the end people didn't have enough so they wanted an encore. As the audience requested he sang al Mu3alim and Ya Mustafa again then he left.
After the show I waited and waited with my friend until he came out. The security didn't say much to us since we were waiting a little far from the area he was coming from. So he came out met a bunch of us, gave autographs and photographs. I actually too a pic with him but honestly, I look horrible in it. Hehehehe. I really don't want to share it. Hehehe. I'll share the other pics. I didn't ask for an autograph because I don't think it's cool for a girl my age to ask for one. Hehehe...
I mentioned my lovely experience of meeting a relative of mine that I never knew she existed and you guys shoud've seen the look on his face. He was surprised and very happy to hear this. He was in a hurry though because his father was waiting for him.
The photos should be in my next post. I'll post them later...
The show was late because of some technical difficulties and the soundcheck was started later. That's why the show itself was late to start. It was delayed for an hour.
The performance the sound surprisingly was great since it was in a very small tent. I was suppose to be on the 1st row but since the organizers were totally unorganized we got pushed all the way to 5th row. I was close to the stage enough... I took MANY pics but only little a clear. It's ok though, they're cool.
Before Sami Yusuf got on stage, his full orchestral band from Egypt, all dressed in black, played a musical piece to warm the audience up. Then when Sami Yusuf dressed in a grey suite and a white button down shirt, got stage the audience went wild. He looked to be happy to be there. He started singing Meditation. After that he got into Al Mu3allim. Of course the crowd went even more wild. To be honest, I don't really remember the order of songs he sang later.
It seems his new album is all about terrorism and nationalism. The first song he sang was the one that a lot of us got to hear. It's about what happened in Chechnya, when over 200 non-Muslim children were killed by "so-called Muslims" guerrillas. Then of course the second song from the album was about Palestine. Then he sang another song that is originally from his origin Azberijan. It was another song about Palestine. It was sooo beautiful. I personally thought it was the best from his new songs, I've heard. The lyrics were both in English and Azeri. The lyrics were like as if you're talking about a loved one. It's soo gorgeous. I teared on that song. Of course he played a beautiful rendition of Tala3a al bardu 3aleyna on his electric violin. He's really good at playing that. He played with such passion and the sound of the violin was beyond beautiful. It was totally moving.
One thing I didn't like though is that I felt that Sami Yusuf was trying to get people to enjoy themselves by clapping singing and just taking part of the show. He wanted to fill the whole place with love and unity but I didn't feel the audience really participated as much as he would've liked. He mentioned that the show was not about Sami Yusuf but it was about the celebration of Allah. You know what's funny though? I was really into the show, I was singing out loud and my hands were high up clapping, swaying and just really moving with the music. Then I noticed something very cute at the beginning of the show before people got into the show. I got into it as soon as Sami Yusuf started singing without realizing, me and Sami Yusuf were doing the same hand gestures, he looked directly in my direction and just smiled. OK, at first, I was thinking, it must be coincidence that he looked at me and smiled but then later my friend who was sitting right next to me noticed it too. So I realized that it wasn't a coincidence. He did smile at my gesturing.
I just remembered people were ready to go dance on 2 songs. Hehehe.. Allahu and Ya Mustafa. The people behind me were ready to crack me up from laughter because it seems that they're in a wedding. Hehehe. It was great. Towards the end people didn't have enough so they wanted an encore. As the audience requested he sang al Mu3alim and Ya Mustafa again then he left.
After the show I waited and waited with my friend until he came out. The security didn't say much to us since we were waiting a little far from the area he was coming from. So he came out met a bunch of us, gave autographs and photographs. I actually too a pic with him but honestly, I look horrible in it. Hehehehe. I really don't want to share it. Hehehe. I'll share the other pics. I didn't ask for an autograph because I don't think it's cool for a girl my age to ask for one. Hehehe...
I mentioned my lovely experience of meeting a relative of mine that I never knew she existed and you guys shoud've seen the look on his face. He was surprised and very happy to hear this. He was in a hurry though because his father was waiting for him.
The photos should be in my next post. I'll post them later...
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
My Family of Cats...
The family started with with Shanti (Cream) and Strom (Calico) in November of 2002 in Malaysia.
Then in March, I saved 3 kittens from being thrown to the streets. (from left to right) Zora, Chimp and Hook
So now they've grown to be the happy 5 kitties under my care in Malaysia. I can't believe that all 5 cuddled that day. Hehehe...
All grown up now. 2 of the younger cats decided to extend the family. So I got 3 more kittens.
(from top to bottem) Cali, Zoro, Beauty
From the whole family Shanti is the only one left with me. Here she is on my desk in the UAE. Yup, I got her all the way from Malaysia.
Events on the same day
I find it quite interesting that I know of 3 different events happening on the same day in 3 different countries...
Date: Wednesday, May 18th, 2005
1, Sami Yusuf concert in UAE
2, Syrian Bloggers' meeting in Syria
3, My Uncle's birthday either Qatar or Philippines. (I have no idea where he'll be at that time)
I personally will be at the Sami Yusuf concert...
Where will you be???
Date: Wednesday, May 18th, 2005
1, Sami Yusuf concert in UAE
2, Syrian Bloggers' meeting in Syria
3, My Uncle's birthday either Qatar or Philippines. (I have no idea where he'll be at that time)
I personally will be at the Sami Yusuf concert...
Where will you be???
Monday, May 16, 2005
Cat Prostitution
Just like me, baby girl is getting older and she still hasn't met the right guy to mate with and actually have babies. Yesterday, my dad, me and my cousin were searching to get a male cat to keep her company and all that. She's never been alone in her life. When I was living in Malaysia I used to have 8 cats in one apartment. Yup, 8 cats.
We went to different pet stores and man, each cat's condition is worse than the other. I need to get some sort of Animal right organization involved. I mean seriously, it's sooo sad. I can't believe that anybody would want to buy these sickly cats. :( Then again that's a totally different story...
Finally we go to one pet store that happens to be right next to where I live. I've never been to that place because I was under the impression they only sold fish since the place was called Oasis fish, or fish Oasis or fish tank. I can't remember but something on those lines. So we walk in and to my surprised there were dogs all over the place and they were lose. I have no fear of dogs but I just didn't want one licking me all over. Anyways, we walk in and as soon as we walk in and go upstairs where the cats are. My dad was ahead of me and my cousin behind me. I still haven't reached the top this HUGE cat started climbing on me... I was surprised, it did want to let go of me. So I was carrying it around. He was one heavy cat. If I'd try to let him down he's dig his nails into me refusing to go down. If I force him, he'll get all pissed off. Hahaha...
I saw the cutest kittens over there. They had red Tabbies, a black Persian, 3-4 Himalayan and a couple of some mixed breed. They were about 2 months old and boy, they are just adorable. My dad wanted to get the black Persian and I personally wanted to get the Himalayan. Anyways, I find out that the big huge cat that didn't want to let go of me is actually not for sale but for rent. I was thinking, "RENT!?!?!?" What kind of pet store is that??? Hehehe.. Then the owner of the store was talking about how he got 12 cats pregnant. I was thinking, dude, this cat has been around. Wow, he's a cat gigalo. Hahahahaha...
I'm thinking of getting that cat because I'm not going to wait month till the poor little thing grows up to get some action... I'll get some ready cat and so I can have little rascals of my own. I'll be a grandmother once again. Hehehehe...
We went to different pet stores and man, each cat's condition is worse than the other. I need to get some sort of Animal right organization involved. I mean seriously, it's sooo sad. I can't believe that anybody would want to buy these sickly cats. :( Then again that's a totally different story...
Finally we go to one pet store that happens to be right next to where I live. I've never been to that place because I was under the impression they only sold fish since the place was called Oasis fish, or fish Oasis or fish tank. I can't remember but something on those lines. So we walk in and to my surprised there were dogs all over the place and they were lose. I have no fear of dogs but I just didn't want one licking me all over. Anyways, we walk in and as soon as we walk in and go upstairs where the cats are. My dad was ahead of me and my cousin behind me. I still haven't reached the top this HUGE cat started climbing on me... I was surprised, it did want to let go of me. So I was carrying it around. He was one heavy cat. If I'd try to let him down he's dig his nails into me refusing to go down. If I force him, he'll get all pissed off. Hahaha...
I saw the cutest kittens over there. They had red Tabbies, a black Persian, 3-4 Himalayan and a couple of some mixed breed. They were about 2 months old and boy, they are just adorable. My dad wanted to get the black Persian and I personally wanted to get the Himalayan. Anyways, I find out that the big huge cat that didn't want to let go of me is actually not for sale but for rent. I was thinking, "RENT!?!?!?" What kind of pet store is that??? Hehehe.. Then the owner of the store was talking about how he got 12 cats pregnant. I was thinking, dude, this cat has been around. Wow, he's a cat gigalo. Hahahahaha...
I'm thinking of getting that cat because I'm not going to wait month till the poor little thing grows up to get some action... I'll get some ready cat and so I can have little rascals of my own. I'll be a grandmother once again. Hehehehe...
Sunday, May 15, 2005
I'm back..
After being away for a long while, I'm actually back. It's all thanks to my fans. Hehehe... I owe them to come back and talk about what's going on in my life. So hereI am...
Well, many things have been happening. I'm undergoing a wonderful change in my change cycle... They say that every 7 years you seriously change. I don't know how true that is but I can tell you that I'm totally not the same person I was 3-4 years ago. My mad behavior has toned down a lot and I guess, I've become more focused in what I want to do with my life. Hell, I'm turning 27 in November, I better get it right this time. Hahaha.
Funny thing is that I'm giving up on searching for a job really. I'm not really comfortable with the idea for some odd reason. I guess, it's because I don't actually have a BA. All I have is a diploma that I'm totally not satisfied with. I want more. I want at least a BA. So I might be going back to college for just a year and I'll get my lovely BA. YAY!!! It's all in the thinking stage at the moment. We'll see how it goes.
What else is new? Hmmm... Yeah, I've been gaining weight like it's nobody's business. Hahaha... Actually it's not funny at all. I want to lose it but I don't feel like exercising nor dieting. Hmmm.. Yup, I'm going to lose weight all right. Arrrrrrrrrghhh.. I lost weight twice before, I'm sure I can do it for a 3rd time but this time keep it off.
Well, I guess this is it for now... I should be writing more now that I know that I actually have a following. :D Thanks, guys...
Well, many things have been happening. I'm undergoing a wonderful change in my change cycle... They say that every 7 years you seriously change. I don't know how true that is but I can tell you that I'm totally not the same person I was 3-4 years ago. My mad behavior has toned down a lot and I guess, I've become more focused in what I want to do with my life. Hell, I'm turning 27 in November, I better get it right this time. Hahaha.
Funny thing is that I'm giving up on searching for a job really. I'm not really comfortable with the idea for some odd reason. I guess, it's because I don't actually have a BA. All I have is a diploma that I'm totally not satisfied with. I want more. I want at least a BA. So I might be going back to college for just a year and I'll get my lovely BA. YAY!!! It's all in the thinking stage at the moment. We'll see how it goes.
What else is new? Hmmm... Yeah, I've been gaining weight like it's nobody's business. Hahaha... Actually it's not funny at all. I want to lose it but I don't feel like exercising nor dieting. Hmmm.. Yup, I'm going to lose weight all right. Arrrrrrrrrghhh.. I lost weight twice before, I'm sure I can do it for a 3rd time but this time keep it off.
Well, I guess this is it for now... I should be writing more now that I know that I actually have a following. :D Thanks, guys...
Saturday, April 30, 2005
A friend is a friend no matter where they are.
I have to say that I believe that friends don't have to be together to be friends. I know people online who are beautiful and are influencing me to the greatest things for me, for life and mostly for my creater. I thank God for all that. It's the fact of actually knowing people whether in person or not, I don't think it'll make a difference.
I know this is a silly topic but I thought I'd share it anyways. Hehehe...
I know this is a silly topic but I thought I'd share it anyways. Hehehe...
Friday, April 29, 2005
Another Update on the job hunt
All I can say is that nothing is really happening. I'm just here dealing with other thing but at the same time, I'm not giving it my best shot. I admit, I'm being lazy. :P I went on 2 interviews and tomorrow I'm going to see the same person I got to see the day before yesterday. He offered to help me out and see what places I can apply for. So it's not that bad. Wish me good luck again whoever reads this...
Thanks to all those who actually should some sort of concern... You guys rock my world. Hehehehe...
Thanks to all those who actually should some sort of concern... You guys rock my world. Hehehehe...
Monday, April 11, 2005
Changes
Some people who actually do come to see my blog, if any, might wonder why all of my post with pics in me are gone. Well, it's simple really. It's because finally I took the bold step and actually started wearing the Hijab. It's great feeling. I love it. To most people if might seem it's an oppression. Too bad... To me it's liberty from mistakes and heartaches that I brought and kept bringing to myself. It brings me closer to my creator and I no longer feel that I'm a walking contradiction to a certain point. At least now I look exactly how my inside is, pure and modest with things and thoughts. Thank you everybody and Good night. :P
It's been a while
It's been a while since I've written anything on Blogger. Well, a huge part of it is that I'm totally bummbed out of the stupidity of my internet provider over in this country. They blocked the photos on here. So pretty much I can't look at pics on anybody's blogs including mine. I can't even view one of my favorite blogs that somewhat brings peace to my mind. Oh well, I sent many emails asking them to resolve this problem. I hope they figure it out. Oh well...
Monday, March 21, 2005
A band from Brazil
This is some really cool stuff, I came across from. It's really awesome. I don't know much about these guys so I wonder. Hey Fatima, if you read this, do you have any idea? :D
http://artists.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/iLLuMiNaTiCa/comments-0.html
http://artists.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/iLLuMiNaTiCa/comments-0.html
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Update on the job search
I actually have my first job interview today. YAY!!!! The great thing not only would I be working with somebody I've known since I was 7, I'd be doing my favorite thing in my field which is sound design. YAY!!!! Well, this is just the first interview. I hope they ask me for another one. I really hope I get this job. YAY!!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
More on Music
Ladies and Gentlemen, I've finally have donw what I should've done LONG time ago. I've finally uploaded songs online foreverybody to listen to. Here's the place you can find them...
http://www.mp3.com.au/Sara
Listen to them and let me know what you think....
The files will take a few days till they are actually on the site. so please be patient. Thank you...
http://www.mp3.com.au/Sara
Listen to them and let me know what you think....
The files will take a few days till they are actually on the site. so please be patient. Thank you...
Friday, March 11, 2005
Music
For the past week, I've done a series of really short pieces of music. None of them is really my composition but just my own version of old songs. They turned out great. I have no idea what to do with them. I think I'll just keep on doing more work till I have enough to do at least an EP.
I already have done an EP (Rollercoaster Journey) when I was in Malaysia with some help from a fellow Beatles' fan. The songs are Western.. Some are originals and some covers. The new work is all Middle Eastern with a Western taste to it. This time I'm using my synthesizer and my computer to record using Nuendo. Unlike last time, I had my college's studio to work in. I'm not too sure what to call this EP. I'm sure once I have enough songs, it'll come to me.
If anybody wants to hear what I came up with please let me know.
I already have done an EP (Rollercoaster Journey) when I was in Malaysia with some help from a fellow Beatles' fan. The songs are Western.. Some are originals and some covers. The new work is all Middle Eastern with a Western taste to it. This time I'm using my synthesizer and my computer to record using Nuendo. Unlike last time, I had my college's studio to work in. I'm not too sure what to call this EP. I'm sure once I have enough songs, it'll come to me.
If anybody wants to hear what I came up with please let me know.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
