Tales of a Solitary Soul

Interesting article on the concept and effect of dowries, a system prevalent in the Indian subcontinental cultures despite recent attempts to eradicate it. In other news, the last surviving member of the group that assassinated Gandhi, dies.

"....reformers who would prefer a constitutional monarchy that would limit the
power of the Saudi king; fundamentalists forces who despise the monarchy and
seek a government run by Islamist clerics; infighting among the 3,000-strong
royal family as to the line of succession; and the question as to how long
oil production can continue at its present rate and if it can be increased
to meet growing world demand."

Oil&Gas Financial Journal

Welcome to the soap opera that will decide the world's fate. Stay tuned.

"We used the bayonet and the kukri, and the bullets flew about more thickly than drops of rain...in some places men had lost their eyes, in others men without legs, but what could one do, as is in one's fate so it will happen.

Such is the scene and one was powerless. Now I have not any sure confidence that I will see you people again, there is nothing but hopelessness."
A wounded Indian rifleman in a hosptial during WWI, April 1915

"Ask God to give you what you want. Help him to justify your wants by the way that you live, and then having given him your prayer, have the faith and courage to rely on his power to do the right thing that is right in his eyes."
Joseph Portnoy, a Jew, writes in a letter to his wife during WWII

"I've never forgotten your face....How much have you suffered and are still suffering for years. Please have mercy on me....Had it been in your hands you would have taken me out of hell."
Last message of an Iraqi soldier to his mother, in a letter found on his dead body

It's strange thought -- my mortality -- when countless have passed before and in front of my eyes. Yet, I go on pretending it will never happen to me.

Maybe not with the sudden explosion of dynamite, but like the calm breaking of the night by the rising sun, we shall meet each other in my sleep. Am I ready for what lies beyond or are my belongings just a collection of sand castles waiting to collapse when it really matters?

Attention people, this is the self-proclaimed leader of the 'free world' visiting the next super power - China - a first of its kind by an American leader in decades.

You'd think he'd be trying to send those Chinese Maoists a message by strutting around like a steroid laden football player that is until he tried to open a door that is locked shut. And what's with the 'I'm-a-mentally-retarded-patient' look?

Imagine what the ordinary Chinese must be thinking:
"So this is what we are up against in order to rule the world? Man, this world domination thing is going to be a piece of cake."

Watch a documentary called Checkpoint tomorrow (Sunday) on CBC at 10 pm ET (so 8 pm edmonton time).

Another very creative and meaningful Outlandish video

I haven't even truly began to enjoy the 'original' xbox and now the next generation of consoles have arrived.

And finally, it's not everyday you see Angelina Jolie in shalwaar kameez. She's turning out to be the next Diana with her humanitarian work.

Teen din ki chutiyah hay ab, tho sonay ka iraada hay. Kaam bhi kaafi hay leykin pahlay aaraam karna hay, phir kuch or sochu gaa. Pata nahi kyu itna thuk jata hu jab ke saarey waqt office may bheta hota hu. Leykin lagta hai kay pata nahi kitni mahnet ki hai.

Sirf eik mahina rah giya hai wapis aaney mey leykin university bhi shuru ho jai gi. Phir assignments or exams bhi wapis aah rahey hai. Chalo, price tho pay karni pari gi.

The co-op coordinator paid a visit for an evaluation today so a sense of anticipation filled the air. Not to say equipment cost estimation and risk analysis don't offer their own share of excitement.

Like a trained parrot that talks too much for its own good, I regurjigated all the 'right' things. And for the umpteen number of time in the last three months, another lecture about what's best for my career. Halfway through our conversation, I wondered why we even bother having these meetings. Gotta play the game to change the rules, I suppose.

Next up on the cards, a lunch interview with the second biggest oil company in the world. Let's see what this prized parrot can win in that encounter.

Now this is a video worth studying in drama, political science, and art classes. The lyrics are just as important as the video itself.

It's a must see!!! Trust me, you won't regret the loading time if you have a slower connection.

Outlandish video
(try to use windows media player if it doesn't play on real player)

Last Monday, I happened to drop by the Calgary Arts Theatre for a documentary called "Mardi Gras: Made in China."

Contrary to my expectations, not only was it almost full, the audience comprised of all ages though mostly the 20s and 30s segment. The evening took off as I settled into my balcony seat, which I had managed to secure by being there half an hour early and that was only because of the musallah (temporary prayer room) situated in the Calgary Arts Building that I usually spend time in after work, reading Quran and meeting travellers whom are seeking a friendly face in the midst of a chaotic downtown Calgary.

A lady seemingly in her mid-30s and with a look on her face that says 'artist' took the spotlight and introduced today's presentation as the creation of Canada's independent film industry. Sadly, it became all too evident in a few minutes by the camera work. A few raffles later and no prizes won by yours truly, the movie finally began.

It tried to portray the life of the bead makers in Chinese factories to the flashers and consumers of New Orleans. What interested me more was the widening gap within the Chinese population that had managed to create two different worlds in the same society. From the mud brick houses of the factory workers with a torn cloth barely able to cover a grown man let alone a door to the luxurious dwelling of the factory owner that would put to shame 'most' Canadian homes, it was a fascinating ride.

Around 9.30 pm, after several futile attempts by the organizers to establish contacts with the director to have an interactive discussion, I made my way out of the theatre somewhat satisfied with the evening's proceedings but with a feeling of de-ja-vu and an all too familiar story line of globalisation's unintended (or not?) consequences.

For those not aware of the purpose of beads in Mardi Gras, please google it.
Coming up: visit to the University of Calgary for a talk on 'Islam vs. The West' and a trip to the Calgary museum w/pics insha Allah

"There is no justification for Iran or any country interfering in Iraq."
Tony Blair - British Prime Minister

Could this be the most ironic statement of this young century?
I think we have a new champion!!

Its official. UN had decleared the earthquake to be the worst disaster they have ever dealt with, even beating out the tsunami.

At times like this and only times like this, I wish I was a doctor.

Lost in the sea. I am but a boy with a man's responsibility.

Save the world?? Rescuing myself will be an accomplishment itself.

With every tide, I drift farther to the depths of the ocean. Get through one, there are two more waiting; seems like the storm clouds rain only over my head while others sail in their yachts.

"Allah does not impose upon any soul a duty but to the extent of its ability;"
(al-baqaraah v:286)

My life jacket. The only thing that keeps me afloat and kicking. Insha Allah, I'll make it to the coast one day.

Hmm, now only if I knew how to swim!

"It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East and the West, but righteousness is this that one should believe in Allah and the last day and the angels and the Book and the prophets, and give away wealth out of love for Him to the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and the beggars and for (the emancipation of) the captives, and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate; and the performers of their promise when they make a promise, and the patient in distress and affliction and in time of conflicts-- these are they who are true (to themselves) and these are they who guard (against evil)." (al-baqaraah v:177)

I love this verse because it sums up what it means to be a Muslim. All the prayers are useless if you don't fullfill other obligations such as looking after your family, giving charity, keeping promises, etc.

Truly, its not just the sole act of praying that defines a person but how we behaves in our daily lives that matters. Sadly, its a concept lost on most people -- Muslim and non-Muslims.

And to think this book was revealed ~1400 years ago in the middle of a desert!!

http://www.forbes.com/2005/03/30/05f2000land.html
Forbes’ ranking of the top 2000 companies in the world. Some interesting facts:

Company with the most market value: Exxon Mobil at $405 billion
Best operated company in the world: Citigroup at $248 billion
Number of Canadian companies: 67
Highest ranked Canadian company: Royal Bank of Canada at #89 worth $38 billion
Years that it would take me to buy Suncor (the company I’m currently working for) assuming I make $200,000 per year and don’t spend a cent of it: 85,000
Years it would take to buy the ‘cheapest’ company on the list: 1500

Well, better start saving up!

Anne Coulter has been ranked as the most hated person in America though I’m not too sure on how scientific the ranking methodology is.
http://buffalobeast.com/50_most_loathsome.htm

In any case, if you are wondering what it takes to earn such a grand title or who Anne Coulter is, here’s a start.
http://mediamatters.org/items/200412010011

*Making a stopover at Safeway after work. While at the till, I notice a fundraising sign for Hurricane Katrina.*

Faraz: Its been a while since the Hurricane passed. Don't you think you should start collecting for the earthquake?

Till Lady: The what??

Faraz: The earthquake?? 80,000 dead?? A whole town buried like it never existed!!!

*blank stare is the only response but then after a moment of deer caught in the headlights look, replies*

Till Lady: There's so many disasters happening these days and its hard to keep track of all of them and post up for donations.

Faraz (in his head): Yes, it must be sooo hard to check the news and watch the suffering people. I mean can't those people space out their deaths so we in Canada can keep up with them!!! Don't they think of anyone but themselves sitting all homeless and dying of starvation.

I wonder how much time she spends watching Entertainment Tonight and American's Next Top Model but when it comes to large scale deaths around the world, its just too hard to keep up with!!

I guess I should say this before its over......

EID MUBARAK!!!!!

Back in town. Finally!