Thursday, June 29, 2006
In response to the arrest of 17 people by Canadian authorities with charges of alleged terrorism, the Americans responded with: “Anything that you do, we can do better!”
So they unearthed a cell of seven alleged ‘Bible studying’ terrorists, one of them from Haiti. Yes, you read it right, I said Haiti. The same country where our self-proclaimed ‘hot looking’ Governor General was born -- Michelle Jean. I wonder if they’re going to racially profile her next time she visits the States?
The article says they called themselves Muslims but were known as Seas of David and studied the Bible. How does that work?
(notice how the media doesn’t call them Christian terrorists as opposed to the widespread use of Muslim or Islamist terrorists)
In other news, read these headlines from the same news source, one on top of the other:
The murder of an Asian prisoner by his racist cellmate could have been prevented, an inquiry has concluded
Four Muslim men are hanged in Pakistan after being convicted of gang-raping a Christian girl at gunpoint
Upon first glance, nothing seems out of the ordinary (relatively speaking of course). But on a closer inspection, in the first news story, the prisoner killed was Muslim but that was not mentioned but for some odd reason, the religion of the culprit and the victim in the second story became important. Notice how subtly the media can work?
(on a separate note, kudos to the court for hanging them all – you commit such a heinous crime, be ready to pay the price)
So they unearthed a cell of seven alleged ‘Bible studying’ terrorists, one of them from Haiti. Yes, you read it right, I said Haiti. The same country where our self-proclaimed ‘hot looking’ Governor General was born -- Michelle Jean. I wonder if they’re going to racially profile her next time she visits the States?
The article says they called themselves Muslims but were known as Seas of David and studied the Bible. How does that work?
(notice how the media doesn’t call them Christian terrorists as opposed to the widespread use of Muslim or Islamist terrorists)
In other news, read these headlines from the same news source, one on top of the other:
The murder of an Asian prisoner by his racist cellmate could have been prevented, an inquiry has concluded
Four Muslim men are hanged in Pakistan after being convicted of gang-raping a Christian girl at gunpoint
Upon first glance, nothing seems out of the ordinary (relatively speaking of course). But on a closer inspection, in the first news story, the prisoner killed was Muslim but that was not mentioned but for some odd reason, the religion of the culprit and the victim in the second story became important. Notice how subtly the media can work?
(on a separate note, kudos to the court for hanging them all – you commit such a heinous crime, be ready to pay the price)
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
I miss Calgary. But then again, the feeling might also be the product of my desire to get away. Just disappear, vanish, ghayab ho jaoon!
Last year, I saw an ad on the bus for a university transfer program to somewhere other than here. Unfortunately, it was only applicable to the Arts faculty otherwise……..
These are turbulent times that we live in. Hold on to something and don’t let go.
Last year, I saw an ad on the bus for a university transfer program to somewhere other than here. Unfortunately, it was only applicable to the Arts faculty otherwise……..
These are turbulent times that we live in. Hold on to something and don’t let go.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Reports of Somalia trying to implement an Islamic system. The usual fear and loathing has begun on parts of the political pundits, some of it duly justified. I’ve only read MSNBC’s version of the events so it’s hard to gauge the true nature of the beast.
Either way, I wouldn’t be surprised if some kind of militia led police force with AK-47s and absolute power to beat, punch, and harass anyone and everyone starts roaming the streets. Yes, the scholars must have missed those hadeeths where the companions formed ‘gangs of enforcers whose job was to wander the alleyways of Medina looking for any breach in moral conduct. And upon finding an instance, providing an express service of judge, jury, and the executioner.’
I read an article sometime back, which now seemingly has disappeared into the cyberspace. It talked about the ‘plight’ of a young Somalian boy unable to imitate his American idol, Al Pacino, and not able to walk the sandy beaches hand in hand with his girlfriend since the advent of the new so called Islamic government. Ah yes, some people are truly oppressed!
(Anyone up for sponsoring this poor soul? A few beach trunks and a copy of Scar Face should suffice.)
As much as I don’t approve of teenage lovers prancing on the beach, the ‘moral police’ is even more abhorring. Does anyone have an idea of where the heck did we get this?
Whatever happened to the idea of educating people so they wouldn’t do such things out of free will rather than at gunpoint? It would certainly take more time and effort but at least you can be assured that the compliance is self-imposed and not the kind that switches when the backs are turned (case in point: Iran).
And another thing, much too often when we hear the word 'Islamic' attached to something, we’re quick to assume that it’s true without going through the proper channels of finding out if it actually does come from the Quran and the Prophetic teachings. So if we’ve heard of something being Islamic, then it *must* be so because well, after all the word Islamic is attached to it and God forbid we actually question its basis.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying go out there questioning anything and everything you’ve ever heard. But be wary of what you believe to be Islamic because tis’ are turbulent times and mis-information runs more rampant than the moral police on the lookout for teenage Al Pacinos.
Either way, I wouldn’t be surprised if some kind of militia led police force with AK-47s and absolute power to beat, punch, and harass anyone and everyone starts roaming the streets. Yes, the scholars must have missed those hadeeths where the companions formed ‘gangs of enforcers whose job was to wander the alleyways of Medina looking for any breach in moral conduct. And upon finding an instance, providing an express service of judge, jury, and the executioner.’
I read an article sometime back, which now seemingly has disappeared into the cyberspace. It talked about the ‘plight’ of a young Somalian boy unable to imitate his American idol, Al Pacino, and not able to walk the sandy beaches hand in hand with his girlfriend since the advent of the new so called Islamic government. Ah yes, some people are truly oppressed!
(Anyone up for sponsoring this poor soul? A few beach trunks and a copy of Scar Face should suffice.)
As much as I don’t approve of teenage lovers prancing on the beach, the ‘moral police’ is even more abhorring. Does anyone have an idea of where the heck did we get this?
Whatever happened to the idea of educating people so they wouldn’t do such things out of free will rather than at gunpoint? It would certainly take more time and effort but at least you can be assured that the compliance is self-imposed and not the kind that switches when the backs are turned (case in point: Iran).
And another thing, much too often when we hear the word 'Islamic' attached to something, we’re quick to assume that it’s true without going through the proper channels of finding out if it actually does come from the Quran and the Prophetic teachings. So if we’ve heard of something being Islamic, then it *must* be so because well, after all the word Islamic is attached to it and God forbid we actually question its basis.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying go out there questioning anything and everything you’ve ever heard. But be wary of what you believe to be Islamic because tis’ are turbulent times and mis-information runs more rampant than the moral police on the lookout for teenage Al Pacinos.
Monday, June 26, 2006
You know times are a-changin’ when a wife kills her husband for not cooking dinner. Yes men, be afraid; be very afraid!
Makes you wonder how big the toads really are when the Australian government starts to consider sending in the army to combat them!
Interesting article in MSNBC about the pressure on European Muslim girls to ‘repair’ their virginity after losing it pre-marriage. This is no different than some women (cancel that, many women) in Europe and North America feeling the need to starve in order to have the waistlines of Tyra Banks and Jennifer Aniston.
The Europeans have been always been a liberal society from legalizing prostitution in Netherlands to allowing tank tops in schools but not hijabs. Even the North Americans feel a step behind when it comes to openness of sexuality in society – and that is saying something.
Growing up as a teenager in the suburbs of Denmark, the high school graduation celebration is not simply limited to renting a limo, a tux/dress, and a hotel room to party until the cows come home. Rather, a week of unabashed and brazen display of the wildest behavior including the use of alcohol, drugs, and rampant sex is considered the norm.
What is a Ferrari like hormone driven Muslim teenage boy/girl, who was never properly taught the advantages of abstinence but had it forced upon from a combination of cultural and parental impositions, to do?
Everyone is at fault and yet no one is to be blamed. The parents have probably not completely adjusted being forced to start over in a foreign land with alien language, culture, and customs. Their own cultural understanding of Islam is so weak that the only imprints left are the protection of ‘family honor’ and forced marriages. They dreamt of raising their children as German, Italian, or French only to realize that it’s a double-edged sword.
At most, they were taught to read the Quran by being sent off to the local mosque and the entire duty of raising the children Islamically was thrown on the weak shoulders of the imam, whose English is so poor that he represents just another figure of authority that is completely out of touch from reality.
Then why are we surprised when our sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers are involved in all sorts of activities contrary to Islamic teachings? Why do we gasp upon reading such stories? Why are we not willing to talk about such issues, labeling them taboo?
Until we take responsibility in properly educating ourselves about Islam from sources that have a comprehensive and true understanding and then passing it on to our children, we are doomed to stay in this vicious cycle that is played out with every rising generation.
Makes you wonder how big the toads really are when the Australian government starts to consider sending in the army to combat them!
Interesting article in MSNBC about the pressure on European Muslim girls to ‘repair’ their virginity after losing it pre-marriage. This is no different than some women (cancel that, many women) in Europe and North America feeling the need to starve in order to have the waistlines of Tyra Banks and Jennifer Aniston.
The Europeans have been always been a liberal society from legalizing prostitution in Netherlands to allowing tank tops in schools but not hijabs. Even the North Americans feel a step behind when it comes to openness of sexuality in society – and that is saying something.
Growing up as a teenager in the suburbs of Denmark, the high school graduation celebration is not simply limited to renting a limo, a tux/dress, and a hotel room to party until the cows come home. Rather, a week of unabashed and brazen display of the wildest behavior including the use of alcohol, drugs, and rampant sex is considered the norm.
What is a Ferrari like hormone driven Muslim teenage boy/girl, who was never properly taught the advantages of abstinence but had it forced upon from a combination of cultural and parental impositions, to do?
Everyone is at fault and yet no one is to be blamed. The parents have probably not completely adjusted being forced to start over in a foreign land with alien language, culture, and customs. Their own cultural understanding of Islam is so weak that the only imprints left are the protection of ‘family honor’ and forced marriages. They dreamt of raising their children as German, Italian, or French only to realize that it’s a double-edged sword.
At most, they were taught to read the Quran by being sent off to the local mosque and the entire duty of raising the children Islamically was thrown on the weak shoulders of the imam, whose English is so poor that he represents just another figure of authority that is completely out of touch from reality.
Then why are we surprised when our sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers are involved in all sorts of activities contrary to Islamic teachings? Why do we gasp upon reading such stories? Why are we not willing to talk about such issues, labeling them taboo?
Until we take responsibility in properly educating ourselves about Islam from sources that have a comprehensive and true understanding and then passing it on to our children, we are doomed to stay in this vicious cycle that is played out with every rising generation.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Heartland of Hockey
The Oilers will skate in their last game either tomorrow or on Monday but the memories will keep playing forever.
It has been a Cinderella story, as unexpected as a love affair between a prince and a commoner. I didn’t attend any games nor buy any memorabilia save a solitary flag fluttering on my car’s window. Heck, I didn’t even party on Whyte Avenue breaking lampposts or starting sky-high bonfires or smashing windows or climbing trees but still played as major a role as any fan, religiously glued to the TV before every game singing the Canadian national anthem in chorus with 18,000 others.
The few times I had the chance to watch it at a public place, I still felt at home. Strangers standing shoulder to shoulder, counting down the seconds, tied in the brotherhood that brought us all close. We jumped and clapped and hollered and ran around like maniacs – people of all ages, class, and backgrounds. We’d met for only five minutes but shared the common ancestry of the great Oilers’ dynasty.
I believed when we lost the first game and I still believe when we’re one game away from elimination not only from the Stanley Cup but the very dream that has kept the entire city running like a highly addictive drug.
Make no mistake; I’m no bandwagon fan though they are more than welcome to join the party. No matter what happens over the next few days, we are and will remain the City of Champions and the Heartland of Hockey.
It has been a Cinderella story, as unexpected as a love affair between a prince and a commoner. I didn’t attend any games nor buy any memorabilia save a solitary flag fluttering on my car’s window. Heck, I didn’t even party on Whyte Avenue breaking lampposts or starting sky-high bonfires or smashing windows or climbing trees but still played as major a role as any fan, religiously glued to the TV before every game singing the Canadian national anthem in chorus with 18,000 others.
The few times I had the chance to watch it at a public place, I still felt at home. Strangers standing shoulder to shoulder, counting down the seconds, tied in the brotherhood that brought us all close. We jumped and clapped and hollered and ran around like maniacs – people of all ages, class, and backgrounds. We’d met for only five minutes but shared the common ancestry of the great Oilers’ dynasty.
I believed when we lost the first game and I still believe when we’re one game away from elimination not only from the Stanley Cup but the very dream that has kept the entire city running like a highly addictive drug.
Make no mistake; I’m no bandwagon fan though they are more than welcome to join the party. No matter what happens over the next few days, we are and will remain the City of Champions and the Heartland of Hockey.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Close to graduation, mind tends to wander pondering the future and the like. There is a strong urge to relocate or at least disappear for some time. Many strings have broken but the strongest one still remains attached – family.
Don’t have much of it anyways. Plus I don’t want my kids growing up like I did – no uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, or any relative save a few months every 4-5 years when we’d wander back to Pakistan and be introduced to familiar strangers who had pinched our cheeks and eaten the gulab jamans that accompany every newborn from heaven.
Not an ideal life yet you grow accustomed to that feeling of absence, believing that’s how life is meant to be. Friends come and go as a realization dawns that attachments are but feathered ropes.
If you’re fortunate enough to have extended family close to you, go and spend time with them, attempt to mend feelings if relationships have gone sour. Even if you don’t succeed, consider yourself lucky because some of us can’t even try.
Don’t have much of it anyways. Plus I don’t want my kids growing up like I did – no uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, or any relative save a few months every 4-5 years when we’d wander back to Pakistan and be introduced to familiar strangers who had pinched our cheeks and eaten the gulab jamans that accompany every newborn from heaven.
Not an ideal life yet you grow accustomed to that feeling of absence, believing that’s how life is meant to be. Friends come and go as a realization dawns that attachments are but feathered ropes.
If you’re fortunate enough to have extended family close to you, go and spend time with them, attempt to mend feelings if relationships have gone sour. Even if you don’t succeed, consider yourself lucky because some of us can’t even try.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Last evening, the sky cried with a funereal intensity. Energized by the start of the soccer world cup, we played for over two hours. For that brief time, worries of all kinds found a home in the farthest corner of our minds. All that mattered was the ball as we slipped and slid our way on the wet ground.
There is nothing like losing yourself in the moment.
There is nothing like losing yourself in the moment.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Shakespeare festival runs june27-july23 at the Heritage Amphitheatre. I'm not a big Shakespeare fan but it should be an interesting experience. Plus, I'm always up for trying new stuff. From what I hear, the play version is much more fun, if you want to call it that, than reading the book.
Imax at the Odyssium is playing a good documentary title Greece: Secrets of the Past. I got tickets from our company at $5 each instead of the regular $12 at the door. Give me a shout for the discounted tickets if you're interested.
Still waiting for the Riverdance to come back to Edmonton. It fell during Ramadan the last two years so was unable to attend. I checked their website but see no imminent plans for Canada. Hopefully that changes soon.
Imax at the Odyssium is playing a good documentary title Greece: Secrets of the Past. I got tickets from our company at $5 each instead of the regular $12 at the door. Give me a shout for the discounted tickets if you're interested.
Still waiting for the Riverdance to come back to Edmonton. It fell during Ramadan the last two years so was unable to attend. I checked their website but see no imminent plans for Canada. Hopefully that changes soon.