Hanitizer

The World's Best Hummus Recipe "Hummuscide"

2012-01-31T10:50:00.007-05:00

This is a killer Hummus or as I have come to know it Hummuscide

One Can of Garbanzo Beans
Boil it in hot water--get rid of the water it comes in.
Add 3 to 4 spoons of lemon juice in a blender
One third of Sesame puree (Tahini), add to the blender
Two or three spoons of olive oil, add to the blender
Half a spoon of cumin for taste, add to the blender
Garlic, minimum one glove, no more than three--you can skip if you plan on kissing someone.
A spoon of hot red chilli pepper--the one that has Asian writing on it, this is not spice, it's liquid. It' gives you Hummus a kick
Add the warm Garbanzo beans and half a cup of the water it boiled in. Blend baby Blend
Serve with garnish of Sumac, pine nuts, garbanzo beans, pepper...etc.

Enjoy your Hummucide!

P.S. Make it Ft'aa style by bringing a serving pan, put bread in the bottom, sprinkle water from the pan you used to boil the garbanzo beans in, then add the Hummus. Serve with spoons and lots of Jalapeno pepper crushed with lemon juice.

Zade Dirani, Boy Wonder Of Jordan's Music Secne

2012-01-26T16:20:00.000-05:00

There's an unwritten rule that Piano player have to be nothing short of perfect in timing, dress and most dazzling looks. Jordanian Zade Dirani is no different. I have cross paths with him in DC when he performed out here few years ago, but it seems that Zade is only meant to grow bigger in stardom.

Backed by a live orchestra of seasoned musician in Jarash--Jordan's biggest concert venue the magic happens, also known as the Roman Theater. The piece that Zade composed is Zaina and it epic. This is one talents that makes most Jordanians and Arabs proud.

Zade Dirani - Zaina - Music / زيد ديراني - زينه - موسيقى

Sober in the District: The Diary of a Buzzkill

2012-01-20T14:57:00.002-05:00

Once a supervisor gave me a gift card to some wine and spirits store that was close to our office. I did not know what to do with it, and when I attempted to give it to a homeless guy, he thought I was asking for directions and pointed me to the store. It was meant to be so, because I walked in and saw they had some cheeses and I changed my mind. I was not going to use the gift card on their overpriced sodas and salty nuts. And then I started doing stand-up comedy in the D.C.'s clubs and open mic nights. They say the drunker the audience gets, the funnier you are. I thought President Bush had sworn off the spirits, but he was still the funniest-sounding guy in D.C. Plus, my "a Muslim walks into a bar" bit seemed to work so well. After the show they would give me a coupon for a free beer, and since none of my friends drink I would ask them to donate my beer to AA.

The rest of the article is here

I Would Risk Getting Shot To Eat @ Checkers

2012-01-13T13:32:00.006-05:00

I Would Risk Getting Shot To Eat A Checkers Hamburger, this is true. Just do not tell mom or she will get mad.

I am over the McDonald's hamburger phase of my life. Burger King and Wendy's are fine. But no other hamburger gourmet or just fast does the trick for as me does the fresh hamburgers from Checkers. Both their beef and chicken are something to savor. Their food does not taste like a food experiment, it just tastes good.

I am not sure if you know about this chain, I think it's mostly in place where people like NASCAR--Checkers is a sponsor. What I like is the spicy flavor most hamburgers lack. Checkers does not get intimidated by flavor and most people who seek their burgers realize this too.

However, there are only two checkers in the district. Neither of those neighborhoods would be considered safe for pedestrians and people who are not from there. They are both in NE DC, if you know DC, you would stay away from this area unless escorted--it's not that bad. So, most recently, I have teamed up with a friend who is a big fan of their burgers, she would drive Roa and I there. Luckily, my friend is pregnant so she has a super appetite now. Not to forgot their really thick shakes--I love the strawberry.

So last night, we both had a two of 4 burgers and they were still as good as they were years ago. There's no skimping. Fresh onions, pickles with a kick and cheddar cheese to top it.

So, I wish they would open more stores in the district, it's one of DC's best kept secrets. Sure, you still can find them up in Maryland too, but more stores might be in order. After all, this is just a drive through / Walk up to a window place, no dine in option. And by the way my friend is due in March! I am going to hit the checkers as long as she is not going to hit her labor.

حسسني أني رخيصة A Toilet Grade Song Recorded In A Bathroom

2012-01-12T21:20:00.001-05:00

Some Lebanese lady (lady is loosely defined here) recorded a song to the beat of Katy Perry ET. While the original song was a celebrated one, this one belongs to the shitter. Make Me Feel Cheap, is the title of choice for this song.

The story behind this song is as bizarre as the song itself. Moe, some guy in Lebanon wrote the lyrics for this song and Shonda, is the girl you hear her voice on the track. She is asking for S and M sex with this guy, she is asking to be humiliated. Now, this is even weird for America's standards.

This is a bizarre song that allegedly was recorded in some college's bathroom. Puritan Muslims are inflamed, it only takes one distrusted individuals to get these guys up in arms. Now singer is asking to be abused, tortured and beat. In some minds, this is freedom. But when she receives those things, then human rights groups would have something to report on.
حسسني اني رخيصة

P.S. The pictures is for a Lebanese singer called Haya, Haya did a song titled "Ya Allah Shu Sexy", a crass way to say someone looks sexy.

Why I Think The Romneys Will Be A Dynasty

2012-01-11T09:43:00.006-05:00

I hold a Masters Degree From The Romney Institute of Public Management, and I have nothing but love and respect toward the Mormon community. I think that Romneys are on their way to becoming the nexst great American political family.

Now, America had had already a number of powerful families in politics (The Kennedy's, The Bushes, and The Clintons) Mitt Romney is no stranger he saw his own father run for office and even compete for the Presidency, and now comes the song following in the steps of his father. Romney, the father was the governor of Michigan, the son was the governor of Massachusetts. It's easy for me to see one or more of his boys pursing higher office. Why not? They are well educated and good looking!

Mitt has five boys of his own, you can bet if he won office, one of these kids will be tempted to run and gain office somewhere and sometimes. It can start small, but the name recognition is key to winning a race.

Now in full disclosure, I might be making a big deal of this becasue I came from a land where the son does everything a father did. Looking around some Arab countries (The Mubaraks, The Assads, the Hashemite and House of Saud and so on) I never liked dynasties.

I do not know much about Mitt and his boys, I believe they are decent people. America is still a democracy, and people are free to run for office. Voters are also capable of sending candidates home too.

P.S. There was a study done few years ago that counted the gender of offspring of US Presidents. They found that histrionically speaking US presidents tended to have more boys than girls. Which the study concluded to a sense of competitiveness.

Free WiFi At Hooters And Other Stupid Ideas.

2012-01-08T21:02:00.006-05:00

I was walking by downtown St. Louis and there was a hooters with their world famous wing and wing sauces and then at the door of that restaurant is little sticker that reads "Free WiFi". Not joke, the first thought in my head was Really? Who goes to Hooters for their WiFi?

I can imagine some guy telling his better half, "Honey, I am chatting with you via G chat using the internet at Hooters" Maybe this is all just another excuse for guys to take a trip to Hooters and not having to deal with the frowning faces. I mean, they all say they good for the wings. What they do not say is that the moon is also made out of cheese.

Can you imagine some guy going to Hooters after work with his laptop working on his TBS report with a side order of zesty wings? C'mon, I suppose you will tell me next that people go to hooters for their big screens.

Needless to say this particular restaurant is about 5 blocks away from the Budweiser stadium. Where there is also a Starbucks in proximity with free WiFi.

Do I sound like a grumpy old man now? I don't hate hooters or people who work there, it's just a company trying to make money and servers who are trying to make a living. But I think WiFi ruins the whole hooters experience.

Indulge! You Are In The Washington Hospital Center

2012-01-02T22:15:00.006-05:00

I was at the Washington Hospital the other day, here in Washington DC, and I have been going there often lately to visit a friend who is recovering from a stroke. Hospital is a place where people go to get better, a place where people who offer us health advise also work. A place where health should be put before profit. Here's something that confused me...

In many corners of this campus, there are many vending machines selling water and pop soda. None that offers fresh fruits or anything of nutritional value.
They have a full functioning cafeteria, selling deep fried chicken and other fatty foods and sugary beverages, I kid you not
As you enter the main Rehab building, you are greeted by a full functioning cafe where fresh cookies are baked every morning along with tall coffees. The aroma from the cookies are hard to resist
When you enter the hospital from bus depot, you can pick a dozen of flyers from various pizzeria who will deliver pizzas right to the hospital door--do not forget the extra cheese.

Sure, you can tell me the staff gets hungry and would like to grab some food. Again, people are grownups, they can make up their own choices about what to consume and what to abstain from. Maybe it,s that no fruit stand or healthy food vendor is interested in setting up shop in the hospital. Maybe the hospital wants you to get sick sooner and come back for a visit for which they would gladly bill your insurance or some government program.

I just think we are all a bunch of hypocrites who do not practice what they preach. I know that America is about choice and about creating value, but I still think it's outlandish to make such foods available in a hospital.

My Interview With NPR On Arabic Protest Music

2011-12-30T18:52:00.000-05:00

Read this story on NPR, "Leaders Wanted: Protest Songs From The Arab Spring" Did this interview with Bob Siegel From All Things Considered.I helped give them an idea about the kind of key songs of the Arab Spring worthy of being featured.

We had so little time, it was a pleasure to be on the air with this iconic American voice. Listen to my interview below.

Why Should A Jew Wish A Muslim A Merry Christmas?

2011-12-29T11:25:00.001-05:00

For starter, I like to wish my Christian friends Merry Christmas, I have no problem saying it loud. In fact I enjoy saying "Merry Christmas" to the ones I know it means a lot to them more than the commercialization of it. My rule is always on such occasions, always have yourself a good time.

Now, but I do not go around asking people what their religion is. It's tricky to assume that they are Christians who observe this season. There are those agnostic and atheists too, so it's tough to guess when to probably say it with people you do not know. I was once told by an Arab friend of mine who is Christian, that sometimes it bugs her when people assume she is Muslim and wish her a Happy Eid. I understand her plight and I can see how that would feel like erasing your identity.

When people wish me Merry Christmas, I say Merry Christmas back with a smile. I do not lecture or correct people. However, I do not know how other Muslims and Jewish people feel in this situation. I know for some of them--not all it's an identity thing to reject Christmas. Therefore, when I visited St. Louis, I was wishing people Merry Christmas, but always had doubts about it.

At the end of the day, this could be a Muslims wishing a Jewish person a Merry Christmas--a holiday of no value to neither of them.

5 Things To Eat In Saint Louis

2011-12-27T17:40:00.000-05:00

Try A Pizza from Imo's, You can finish a whole one by yourself. It's very thin crust and packed with flavor. Imo's deliver awesome pizza Fast. I know I do not like the taste of dough that often gets in the way of otherwise a great tasting pizza. Imo's knows how to keep a Saint Louis original alive.
Taste gooey butter cakes, those city famous cakes will be your latest addiction. Rich in sweetness, butter and various flavors. I first came to try them at the Park Avenue Coffee in downtown St. Louis. I later picked a freshly baked whole cake from Culinaria store also in downtown.
Knock yourself out on frozen custard from Ted Drewes. These guys know how to make custard as it's mean to be made. Their shakes are as thick as hell. Make sure to taste different flavors, and careful you can always order a small size.
Sure, it's Tennessee style BBQ, but nobody has anything on the city of Saint Louis style when Pappy's Smokehouse. Do not take my word for it, try it for yourself. It's all in the sauces with these guys. They prepare delicious, juicy Memphis Style BBQ daily using only the best ingredients. Meat can be brought to perfection after 4 to 14 hours of slow smoke.
Buffet at St' Louis Lumiere Place Casino & Hotels, I know casino buffets can be a mixed bag, but in this city that clearly knows the taste of its mouth, you cannot bluff. The food selection at this buffet keeps it fresh and nutritious. Their dessert selection is worthy of an A list Vegas casino buffet.

10 Things to Help Muslims Survive Christmas

2011-12-21T14:22:00.000-05:00

Watch the Access of Evil Comedy Tour! Nothing can cheer you up faster than realizing that all you need is an hour or so of overdone and repetitive airport jokes to make it big in comedy. As a Muslim anyway.
Watch the extended version of Kingdom of Heaven. Murderous Christian savages and Salahuddin! Two things embedded in the collective consciousness of all Muslims reminding us constantly that we can be pretty awesome.
The day after Christmas, go to your closest big box store and pick up those Christmas-branded chocolates and merchandise for 30% off. But watch out for the alcohol-filled ones. They taste bitter.
Be happy you're not stuck in the mall. Looking for a parking spot is a lot harder than finding a spot to place your shoes at the Friday prayer service.
Knock yourself out watching European soccer, as the Europeans are Godless heathens and don't believe in taking time off from kicking their balls to celebrate the birth and sacrifice of our savior Steve Jobs.
Join your fellow Jewish cousins at the nearest Chinese food restaurant and enjoy a serving or six of General Tsao's Chicken. This is the one time of the year you all can put aside land and ethnic cleansing disputes aside and gush over sweet and sour sauce.
Deck the Halls with Kuftah Balls. And by 'Halls' we mean your big pots.
Christmas is one of the few times Christians feel they have earned the right to ask odd questions, so if you can endure the occasional "How come y'all don't b-leeve in Jaysus?" or disruptively drunk co-worker, join a Christmas Eve party.
Help reinforce negative stereotypes for future generations! Bust out your hookah and play a round of Tarneeb with your unshaven, loud-talking young buddies. If you're a lady, just sit and gossip with your equally unshaven buddies.
Santa's got nothing on you, Muslim man: you are both fat, both have beards and both draw stares from little kids and TSA screeners. Santa has his lists and you are on a no fly list. Time to re-think our differences?

Bonus: Take a vacation in Hawaii or Arizona, the least Christmasy places of them all Spend your time at the gym, while the rest are indulging in fruitcakes and eggnog, you can do something that is quite the opposite

Where To Find America's Thinnest Lenses

2011-12-15T11:52:00.007-05:00

For Black Friday I got an amazing gift, I broke my glasses, the ones I paid 350 dollars for three years ago. This was devastating to me, as I am trying to wear my contact lenses less. On the bright side, my wife never likd the frames, so she was happy those glasses are no longer something I can wear.

Since I ordered my glasses from Hour Eyes, I headed to the nearest mall where they have a branch and tried to ordered them. My eye doctor has previously told me that I can get thinner, lighter plastic lenses for my glasses. Hour Eyes store employee told me he will order my the thinnest lenses he can order. I took that to be the thinnest in the market, but wrong. There's was another store A Visual Affair that had an informed associate who took the time to explain me the difference, and for that I was grateful.

I strolled down to Lens Crafter's store and I inquired there, I learned that the index for their lenses is 17.3, which is the highest in the market right now. I go back to Hour Eyes and learn their index is 1.64 and can go up to 1.67. But the 1.7 line is at least 30 percent thinner and lighter.

If you are like me, thin and light lenses is like a dream as I am near sighted and last thing I need is a heavy lenses. Then comes an idea, I head to America's Best Contacts, and learn something else. America's Best is one for the few places in the US that carried a new lens technology known as DigiMax HD lenses. This technology is supposed to be the top notch lenses, light and thin as they come. Supposedly the military and Wal-Mart have them as well.

So I ordered them from America's Best. I would have been content with Hour Eyes, had I not learned more about this matter. So when I picked my glasses, I was very pleased with this technology. My wife is also happy with the frames as well as the lens. The prices were also right for what I got, I ended up getting two eyeglasses for a sweet deal along with a free eye exam--only if you purchases two frames.

So ask around and for sure shop around and do not settle for the first line.

7 Arabs at the Gym

2011-12-13T11:41:00.003-05:00

Can an Arab really get to the gym? Sure, but it might kill him
Arabs do not monkey around with their time, they do not do stuff for fun if grandma cannot make sense of it. Time is precious, the only time Arabs do not watch the clock is if they are a guest at someones house who they don’t like of if they are smoking hookah. So gym doesn’t fit in that narrative.

I present the Arabs at the gym edition:

My Mom’s Mansaf Is To Die For- Cannot apologize for that, most people eat once at my mother’s table and they enjoy it, I cannot maintain my weight and continue to please my mother by consuming her dishes. This is like going for confession, it’s not about being fit, but rather minimizing the damage.
My Mother In Law HATES Me- You are good looking, but your husband makes a lot of money. For that his mother thinks you should suffer at her hands. She often comments on your weight and health. An hour at the gym would shut her up. Note to self--”Why Can’t Bashar’s thugs get to my mother in law?”
The Honeys Won’t Come- I have a stable job, my hair is still intact, and my teeth are in their designated places, but still, I do not seem to attract the ladies. Lose that belly and brush often--now repeat. The gym would another good excuse to shower, rinse and get rid of that chronic garlic body odor.
My Doctor Told Me, I Will Die- My Doctor is very persuasive, given my family history, there is no way around it. I need to get healthy or Diabetes type 1 will soon find me. This is also a great excuse to go crazy on all those sports drinks. Sugar free ones of course. Plus, I got a really good deal on my gym membership.
Gay in Denial- There’s not better excuse to wear those tights than “I was at the gym.” No one will point fingers, and you can have so many pictures showing off your body. Plus, the locker room is like a buffet of muscular dudes in the nudes--i guess that dirty blond will go home alone...exercising at the gym to Haifa Wahbe and Elissa songs can do that to you.
Vertically Challenged- The genes game is a bitch. Short Arab’s try to correct nature, but expanding horizontally. Never cardio, always free weights, and really long shorts. They secretly fantasies about beating up the tallest guy in the gym. Those make one of the most loyal demographics for the gym.
Me, And My Cousin Special- We don’t go to clubs and bars, because they are HARAM! But it says nowhere not to go to gym to meet the future Mrs. Ahmad. If we get buff it’s a plus, and this is like a fashion show and my mom will never guess why I’m here. Plus, I can sports those Palestine and Lebanon t-shirts. They tend to be loud and obnoxious which annoys everyone else at the gym especially that reading lady on the bike

A Day With Lawyers And Dentists

2011-12-08T11:08:00.005-05:00

So, I spent few hours in the courthouse yesterday, just for kicks. I did not think people should overlook the high entertainment value court offer. There are way too many stories and people from all walks of life.

I have never been in an actual courthouse, I thought it would be fun to accompany a friend of mine who has a non-jailable misdemeanor. It was cool. The judge was really nicer, it was the holiday season and it was a lot of cases asking for bail. Funniest case, was a guy caught urinating in public. His fee I think was 25 dollars. Public intoxication is 75 dollars. Few Hispanics, two Asians and one Muslim guy who did not bother to show up

The only white people to be brought in front of the judge, were half a dozen of white females on charges of fare evasion on the metro....they only said they were guilty, charged 50 dollars a pop and court's time.

After that fun day, I had to go to my dentist for my biannual cleaning....

A Dentist gets paid a lot of money to make you look good,
A lawyer gets paid a lot of money too, but he is the only one wearing a 1000 dollar suit.

Usually, the nicer the suit of the defender, usually the bigger his crime.

Soda Stream And The Israel's Extreme

2011-11-28T17:11:00.008-05:00

It turn out that Soda Stream, the popular gadget to make soda at home is not all innocent. They are now making claims as Earth Friendly. See, more than 3 years ago, I sworn off soda, and have so far kept away from it. So this company has no business with me. But every time I hear my favorite radio show in the DC area promoting it, I cling. People should be made aware of those things, and they should make their informed decisions about he products and the agendas they aline themselves with.

From Soda Stream website

We employ more than 1,000 people worldwide, with over 30 nationalities represented. Company headquarters are located in Israel and we have seven manufacturing facilities in Germany, Israel, Australia, South Africa and China. The SodaStream group has an intellectual property portfolio that includes 65 patents and 198 trademark registrations worldwide.

A Swedish Chain has already kicked out the company from selling there. The Israeli company has been the target of a two-year campaign by Swedish activists who seek to highlight the company’s complicity with the Israeli occupation. The main production facilities for Sodastream are located at Mishor Adumim, the industrial zone of the Israeli settlement Maaleh Adumim in the occupied West Bank.

Sodastream, whose products are sold in 41 countries, has repeatedly attempted to deflect attention from the factory in the occupied West Bank, claiming that it is just one of many around the world.

Why? They have their shop on a Palestinians land--I say Palestinian becasue even the UN recognizes it as so including the EU and the Israel friendly US congress. So next time, you sip some o that soda and thinking yourself that you have done a good deed, think again.

here's why, the story in Israeli major newspaper

This is a company that has done well by coming up with a good idea that people really need, they solve a problem for people. But all that creative juices have failed when they choose to put a factory in an illegal territory. business should make money and add value, not get caught in political controversies that mean nothing to the product and do damage to the brand.

Now the company tried to make nice with the people and now claims that their workers are Palestinians. Fine, but if the land at which your shop is Palestinian, and your workers are such, why don't they list Palestine as one of the locations where they operate? Maybe they can answer that...

This Halal Thanksgiving I Give Pam Geller The Bird

2011-11-25T10:39:00.005-05:00

Not sure if you heard this story here

Butterball Turkeys have been certified halal (the Muslim equivalent of kosher), this is a big brand in Turkey that want to sell more of their birds. Now, some conservative bloggers found some conspiracy and now they are making a mockery of this ordeal.

I first want to thank Butterball for their initiative to provide, Halal turkey that many Muslims appreciate--I am not keen on Halal business, but now many are. Such conservative voices won't have a paycheck unless they manufactured something about Muslims in America and went out to cry about it.

I found this is odd, here's why.

Butterball is making a business decision not a religious one, they want more value and they thought doing Halal Turkey would earn them new customers. Whatever happened to conservatives being pro business? Why are the conservatives trying to stop a company from making a buck?
Butterball sells their Turkeys overseas in many countries where Islam is the religion, it makes sense they would have a Halal division. Why are those conservatives trying to undermined an American company that is doing good by doing good?
Muslims celebrating Turkey day, should be cheered not jeered. No one celebrating Turkey day would be a danger to you. They are part of the society and their shopping choices say as much. Why are you rejecting those Muslims who want to be part of the greater American community?

Per Butterball website:

Butterball is one of the largest global turkey providers in the world. For more than 25 years, Butterball® has been providing quality turkey to markets around the globe. Currently, exporting over 100 million pounds of turkey products annually to over 50 countries, it’s no wonder that Butterball is one of the most celebrated choices for turkey. Butterball is committed to developing the best new products to specifically cater to all international cultures. From our bilingual packaging to flavor profiles geared toward international palates, we are continually developing unique ideas that satisfy the tastes of our customers.

On another note, I do not like when a noble concept becomes a commercialized. I resent that fact that few in the community have established a labeling mechanism which they provide to certain companies if the price is right. But with all that, next time I am shopping for a bird, I would make sure to buy myself a butterball, and send Pam Geller and her loons a bird--the kind I can gesture.

FedEx Pickup Is As Stressful As Speed Dating

2011-11-22T13:10:00.005-05:00

there's a real reason why UPS is number 1 in package and logistics supply in North America, they are not FedEx, that's all you have to be.

first you have to find the number to call to schedule a pickup. Then you have to answer a number of stupid questions that are only meant to waste your time and make the Representative feel like they are doing something with that life of theirs.

Dude, I have a prepaid label, it has all the info they need, but no, they still wanted to ask me questions like where should we come and what time should we come? Then they would ask me where the package will be? It felt like a spped dating, where we have to cram as many impersonal questions in 4 minutes as one can muster.

And then after all that 10 minutes of irritating useless questions, they tell you a FedEx person will come by to pick it up. Here's the story, the FedEx delivery person saw the package but did not want to pick it up. It has all the right labels, he thought, "Not My Problem", a UPS person would be all over that and pock it up, no questions asked.

But that's number one shipper, not number 2 that is sworn to give you one heck of a number two experience. I know I never have anything nice to say about FedEx, even on their pickup and the way they do business. their billing is also strange. Maybe they should hire some consultants to help them figure things like not wasting people's time out.

If they had a way to just punch in few numbers, they should have all that info they needed without having to ask me questions, what's your name? But this is for my place of work...

Nobody loves UPS, but thanks to FedEx antics, you cannot help but say, those are the good old days.

My Three Most Recent Posts On Arabic Music

2011-11-17T09:02:00.000-05:00

Every now and then I write for other blogs to get the word out about a particular subject that I like or dislike. The past 7 days, I had authored 3 blogs for the World Wide Variety News Blog The Huffington Post. I used to focuses on politics and I still do, but now I try to write more comedy and about Arabic music. While on the subject, sometimes Arabic music can be comedy as well.

Here are the thee topics with links to read the full:

From Resistance to Pop: Liberating Palestine with an Auto Tune. This article is about the rise of pop music coming from Palestine and its new voices. Read here
Rima Fakih, Miss USA, Quotes the Koran To Show Her American Patriotism. This is about the Lebanese American Miss USA that was in DC last week, she gave a talk about challenges she faced living in post 9/11 America Read Here
Iraq and Roll Comes to a Town Near You Read. This one is about my favorite Iraqi rock band, that makes some fine music worthy of a world wide audience Here

UTN1 Shines Once Again In Virginia USA

2011-11-12T12:23:00.013-05:00

From an entertainer’s perspective, a good concert happens when the performance has gone smoothly, according to plan and expectations. Attending fans are pleased and left with a warm feeling. That also means there are no hiccups or at least noticeable ones. A great concert takes it one step further. There’s nothing quite like a great live show. It's fair to say that not all concerts are the same, some go to party, others to dance. Younger concert goers look for something, older ones look for another, but they both are looking for a good time. Savvy performances mange to draw in everyone in the arena to their live show.

Living in the States for more than a decade, I have seen many cover bands for Arabic music, some were good, some left something to be desired. Such bands mange to bribe the crowd by playing classic Arabic songs that everyone knows and thus sings along to. None of those bands I saw have their own original songs that people memorize.

But all that changed last night. I attended a concert by the Iraqi pop/rock band UTN1 in Tyson Corner, Virginia and it was some experience. First and fromst, UTN1 is an Iraqi band that performs in Arab countries so they know what songs to play and when to play them. Timing is key in Arabic concerts. Kicking off their concert with their all too popular original song Jamila that was an instant hit with the Arab audience and the curios American listener. There was enrgey all over the room as people starting to get cozy and comfortable.

Following this song for half a dozen of Iraqi folklore songs that all Iraqis memorize and appreciate. This brought the best of the concert goers, they flocked to the dance stage and did not stop. Such crowd pleasers" At this post point, everyone jumped in and moved to the beat. And Iraqi group dance circles started to from and welcome all attendees. It must help Hassan to see this kind of energy because then he has to match it and so did Shant on the drum. I have seen performance before not sure what to make of it when their audience gets animated, but UTN1. The band seemed to have a plan and everything happened at their concert seems to be part of the expectations.

The offering of the concerts varied to accommodate the types of Arab concert goers, there are the mellow songs where the lyrics are the show, and there are the upbeat get up and dance ones. Frankly the band won extra credit in my book when they performed this classic Egyptian oldie (video). There are those new age listeners appreciate and there are other songs that have been around for decades and continue to be popular. This is one concert not to miss from a band that knows how to work work up a crowd.

P.S. I was hoping the band will have some CDs and merchandise to allow me and my friends to bring the concert home with us.

The Video Proof For Gaza's High Unemployment

2011-11-08T15:44:00.004-05:00

Gaza is my home, and I laugh when I see videos like these in Gaza, in time for the Eid, the time Muslim slaughter animals honoring the story of Abraham and his son when he was asked to sacrifice him later to be saved by a sheep.

Things got really bad when the bull got loose, droves of young Gaza men and teenagers chased the bull around town hoping to contain him. Not sure what happened, but one thing for sure, I feel bad for the poor bull. He must be terrorized.

This is the kind of video that could start the local chapter for PETA in Gaza. Had all these people had jobs, my aunt would be the one chasing down this animla not droves of youngsters.

مطاردة العجل الهارب2 بالسيارات. Chasing Bulls In Gaza 2011

Israel's God Law vs. Man Made Laws

2011-11-02T14:56:00.006-04:00

Israelis illegal actions can only cause minor "discomfort" for world leaders. Just look at how soft the statements from EU, UN and the US about the bizarre Israeli decision to expand their projects in settlements.

Palestinians actions however give world leaders "nightmares" and according to those leaders such actions bring an end to the world as we know it. Go and read such comments during the Palestine Statehood bid at the UN.

To quote Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times, "I demand more of Israel partly because my tax dollars supply arms and aid to Israel. I hold democratic allies like Israel to a higher standard, just as I do the United States."

When Israel does something illegal, the Palestinians and the most of the world calls it a violation of international law. Israel respond by citing some other law--say the Israeli's army code of conduct. Israel dismisses international law and it pretend one of two things:

Such man made laws don't apply to country commissioned by God.
The world is picking on Israel.

On short, when it comes to laws Israel is that sleazy old man with van hanging around school yards with lots of candy. While he might not be doing anything illegal at the moment, you know he is up to no good becasue he was arrested once before on the same charges.

18 Signs of Arabic Weddings

2011-11-02T11:06:00.002-04:00

Your DJ/Singer is also your Limo driver
Everyone on the invite list has creative ways of describing how they relate to you.
If they are your offspring, then they are fit–everyone one else is either fat or too thin.
How come all the cloth napkins end up on the dance floor?
There can be only one black guy, two Latinas and no Asians.
The only time all Arab men in a 20-mile radius have no five o’clock shadow.
The groom can never be the best-dressed man–all other men try to outshine him.
Arab weddings and nuts go hand in hand. They are your main dish, your dessert and seated to your right.
Everyone finds something to complain about to the bride and the groom during the wedding. No, they do not want to hear about your fad diet.
No tents at this wedding; a UNRWA tent is where my family lived before they found their way to America.
Everyone is a fortuneteller.
Debt is no reason not to have a 10 tier cake that will be cut with a 4 ft. knife, also commonly referred to as a ‘sword’.
Americans have Halloween to channel their inner whores, we get Arab weddings.
Forget Arab lounge dot com–spice up your profile at these events.
Girls have all the fun and guys just stand there looking like they were just handed a detonator for an atomic bomb. Although it’s fun to mention how Arab guys do that dance with the hands up, snapping fingers and then cornering a girl in the middle of the dance floor
Everyone asking for free professional advice. If you are a lawyer, then other guests ask you about immigration. “Doctor, can I show you my rash?” Dentist? They’ll all show you their cavities. Gynecologist? The bathroom is that way. Just make sure the hedges are trimmed
No need for a smoke machine, just ask everyone to please Bring Your Own Hookah (BYOH).
No one fornicates, instead interested parties send their mommies to audit your body at an awfully close range.

[Tarboush Tip: Sana, Kellee]

Finally: Google Wants Your Music Action

2011-11-02T11:04:00.001-04:00

I am happy to let you guys on a little thing, I have been doing lately, it's called Google Music Beta . This thing could be the future of music as we know it. To me, the idea is basic. Google is everywhere and so your music will be once you have uploaded it to the Google Music. You can access it anywhere in the world, it travels with you. You can also add it to your phone device namely Android now.

I do not like iTunes, never have and now I am an early user of Google music, in its beta releases. As of now you have to be extended an invitation, and yes you can request one, it takes a day or two and then they will let you know. You can also purchase music, and best yet, you can share it with others who can listen to it once before they decide to buy it or not. This is really cool becasue in this time we are all alone together.

The media player plugin gives you an option of getting about 200 free songs, they are preloaded by your permission based on your genera of preference. Not sure if you guys have an opinion on this matter, but I thought to let you know about it.

The So Called Palestinans By Cain's Gaffe Machine

2011-11-01T10:23:00.005-04:00

Is Herman Cain a one state advocate? The Republican who was too busy harassing women at his job, should have used his time better if he had read a book about the Middle East. Here's where I am coming from:

Cain, the frontrunner among GOP candidates, invoked the phrase in an interview over the weekend with Israel Hayom, a mass-circulation Israeli tabloid owned by an American backer of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Asked about President Barack Obama’s Middle East policy, Cain referred to the Palestinian bid for U.N. membership: “I think that the so-called Palestinian people have this urge for unilateral recognition because they see this president as weak.”

This might be Cain's way to wish the Palestinians a Happy Halloween by giving them a good scare. This guy claims to be Israeli best friend in the US. But all his statements and blunders reveal that he is the best friend Palestinians have. first he said, the right of return is subject to negotiation--he offended Israelis, but please the Palestinians. Even idiots remarks like Mr. Cains reveal that with friends like Herman, Israel does not need any enemies.

Now his latest comment about the Palestinians and how they don't exist if laughable. even the harshest and most brutal Israeli Zionist is never naive enough to deny the existence of the same people, they wish to see vanish. Cain has topped all of those pro Israeli voices, by denying a problem exists. How will he fix a problem if he denies it exists in the first place? It could be that he sees the people of Palestine as Israelis, so for the Palestinians, this might be a blessing in disguise.

This is like the President of Iran saying, "We don't have gay people". Herman Cain might be running for president in the States, but The Nile is a river in Egypt.

Palestinian Prisoners In The Spotlight

2011-10-28T15:22:00.005-04:00

(ouida with his wife)

Stories of two newly released Palestinian prisoners have particularity moved me:

Ouida Kolab, a 48 year old Gaza man released after spending 23 years in prison--out of which 11 years were in solitary cell. Kolab got out of Israeli jail as a mess. While most of those prisoners have seen hellish days in captivity. Ouida seems to be having the hardest time adjusting back to the real world. Suffering of sever mental problems, always feeling tired and anxious insomnia, stomach ulcers and a wholesale of symptoms. Ouida's body is noticeable frail, worse he is having a hard time finishing a meal as he requires constant medical supervision. His health troubles don't stop there, he has been experiencing trouble with his nervous system with frequent shaking. Ouida is unable to set on a chair and prefers to squad as he was accustomed to in his prison cell. Gaza doctors are trying to treat him by advising his family to treat him as a baby and gradually reintroduce him to the world and a better diet. This is a result of having to spend 23 years in imprisonment that allowed him to be a guest at at least 6 different Israeli prison. (Source)
Dahir Qabha, the son of the West Bank city of Jenin is one of over a 100 prisoners exiled into Gaza and not allowed to return to their homes in the West Bank. Months before he was arrested by Israeli forces, he was engaged in 1993 and soon to be married to Raeda, a girl next door love story. Long story short, he spends 18 years in prison and despite all odds and pressure from family and friends Raeda hold out and preserves the very long engagement indeed. 19 years later he is in Gaza and Raeda manged to make it to Gaza--through Jordan and Egypt. And the wedding for the ages takes place, closing a very romantic chapter of this Palestinian story. Couple of family members were able to make it to Gaza--Israel have to give travel clearance, but for a moment Gazans were happy to join the celebration and acted as surrogate family for those love birds. Dahir is the first freed prisoner to get hitched. (source) (pictures)

P.S. I do not know what crimes if any those two individuals have been accused of, All know is that they have served a considerable amount of time in confinement. I was simply touched by their very moving stories.

How Does The Rich And The Poor Votes?

2011-10-26T15:31:00.006-04:00

Elections are about two things handouts and moral issues. I find these are the two things that get people to go vote for or against someone. In Palestine, the PA outs people on the payroll and reminds them, if they don't vote, the money won't be coming anymore. Hamas also does the same thing, but it adds the moral layer. We fear God, unlike those secular out there.

Republicans seem to use the same tactics as Hamas, issues of abortion, the gays and stem cell research bring them together. Such issues bring out the votes. the poor don't vote with their feet, they cannot afford to, so they get super charged on ethical and religious issues. Democrats on the other hands, rally up their base by telling them if you don't vote for me, your social security, welfare, and medicare/medicaid will be in jeopardy.

Same matter in Israel too, you get your right wing groups quoting the Torah and all that jazz. And the Israeli left talking about unions and better individuals rights. The right talks about with, "I am tough to stand to the Palestinians you spineless hippie"

The rich on the other hand care about one thing the most--taxes. Let me keep most of my money. Sure they care about freedom of speech and rights for minorities, but if your policy on tax is vague, they run to the other guy.

Everyone and then, somethings happen that tweak those priorities. Like Bush reelection of 2004--it was about national security and nothing else. In Tunisia for example, they just had an election, they voted for an Islamist group. Why? the guy they kicked out of office and lunched the Arab spring by doing so hated religion and took the whole country down the drain. That would be the anti-incumbent they would refer to every now and then.

What's Wrong With You People? The Qaddafi Story

2011-10-23T18:11:00.007-04:00

"What's Wrong With You People?" is what Jon Steward has to say when he saw the gruesome footage of Qaddafi as he was being dragged in the street bleeding and eventually dying. I am sure Jon is not the only one who faults the Libyan mob for the death of Qaddafi. God knows there are Arabs and Muslims who hated the man, but also hated the way he was treated.

Now, the trouble with the Jon Steward comments are huge to me. Here's why, the death of any one is a big deal while we mourn the crazy and bloody ones less, but something is wrong with us if we cheer the death of anyone.

I am sure had footage of the death of Osama Bin Laden and the operation itself been released Jon won't be saying those exact words, he and others feel justified in their actions. I wish we see footage of Anwar Al Waki car after the drones has struck him and sent him to his fate. I am sure all these men have done evil things and have asked for that end.

But no luck, such images will not become public, they classify those videos and even the freedom of the press cannot unlock them. Why? Such images are gruesome too and will give you the creeps. Now Qaddafi's death was filmed using cellphones and other devices, that document the moment of truth. But Jon living in his New York loft will have no problem judgment those man from Mistrata--the very city that Qaddafi promised to raze and bring death and destruction.

I am not happy either about those gruesome images, but Qaddafi wasn't trying to kill me, he has not killed anyone I know or care about. So I defer judgement to those who know him best--his people.

12 Must Haves for Hipsters

2011-10-21T17:02:00.003-04:00

Hipsters are having the time of their lives this year, from the streets of Cairo, the Suburbs of Tunisia, the Squares of Madrid to Occupy Wall Street protestors. It seems the world is having a hipster outbreak of great proportions. It seems to me that hipsters of the world have more than rage at bankers and politicians in common:

A French Press, that's right, hipsters think they will save the world one French Press at a time. Fair Trade Coffee, if you have the French Press, you would need the coffee, here is where the fair trade people come in to sell you a feel good coffee, where you can brag about how awesome you are, thinking about those poor farmers. Making your own coffee sort of earns you the right to condemn "Corporate culture."
Organic Tea and Pabst Blue ribbon bear-- not together. Hipsters might not be big on coffee that's where this comes in. Hipsters spend big bucks on their boutique tea with exotic flavors. Tea infuser is another devise hipsters flaunt in their kitchens.
Skinny Jeans seems to be the national uniform of hipsters wherever you go. Nothing screams louder that you are a hipster as much as those skinny jeans. Go ahead and tell me how much you paid for them, no I won't be surprised. Messenger bags that come with a really long story.
Slow food, organic food and farmers market, just a reminder that hipsters are hated by everyone including themselves. Anything labeled and marketed as made in small batches. Now, we are like to eat healthy, but we like to do it on our own terms. A farmers market brings out all those hidden hipsters in your town, like that little honey that brings in the bear. Next time you want to brag about your involvement with community sustained farming, make sure I give a damn. Grass fed beef sounds nice, I have to admit.
Your reusable shopping bag just makes me want to throw up.
Fixie bike and start acting like some kind of the chosen one as if God gave you this lane. They expect the world to be peaceful, try and cut them and unleash some "peace."
Your collection of independent movies is kind of nice until you open your mouth and start making political statements, I lose interest in both your movies and your naturally low IQ.
What the hell is an Earth friendly sole? How dare you speak on the behalf of the entire earth? It's good to know that you bought a pair of Tom's shoes so that a kid in Africa can have shoes too, but why do you need to announce it to the world?
The whole T-shirt, ribbons, and wrist bands activism is getting old, no one cares about what worthy cause you support now. And do not think of sending me a Facebook invite to join a cause either.
Fair trade diamonds. It's great that you saw that Leonardo DiCaprio movie about diamonds, but do not drive your spouse insane about your unreasonable demands. But now to think about it, if you found someone who would marry you with all your creepy activism, they deserve you. Thanks goodness, most hipsters are too poor to purchase diamonds.
A subscription to Netflix with at least 4 documentaries in your queue, a Hulu subscription where you catch the latest episode of your all-time favorite show Modern Family/Mad Men since you are too broke to have a cable.
Vintage photos and pictures of some old ethnic guy smoking a hookah, a pipe or drinking that south American mate.

Bonus underground music made by people wearing skinny jeans and look like they don't care.

Thrift Shops, if you build them, they will come.

Hat Tip: Joseph Abushawish

Jihad For Oil: The Good Terrorist vs. The Bad Ones

2011-10-21T14:30:00.005-04:00

When the people of Libya finally overthrew the Qaddafi regime, all you can hear is the same you would hear the "Terrorists" in Afghanistan, Iraq chant. They are calling Jihad and they are saying the regular Chant "Good is Great". If you take that scene and put it in one of those other places, the US would be probably booming those cheering gunmen.

But the US and NATO will not bomb these guys in Libya, they are their friends and in fact NATO has given those Islamists a cover to take on the Qaddafi brand that has been tainted. When they announced the death of Qaddafi, a lot of those fighters were saying, We are coming to Jerusalem to liberate and Palestine. One of the spokesman on Aljazeera has even dedicated this win to Ahmad Yaseen, the late founder of Hamas. Another quoted the late Yasir Arafat.

There are many reports about some of those leaders having ties to Al Qaeda and having lived in Afghanistan. some of them have even been abducted and tortured or sent to be tortured by the US and the UK.

I might be only stating the obvious, but what I think is happening here is this, If your Jihad going to stop one of those powerful countries from acquiring oil or gas, then you are bad and you will be taken out. But if your Jihad doesn't undermine my unlimited apatite for energy, then I will embrace you and call you a freedom fighter.

This is not about principles,. democracy and otherwise, this is about self interest and getting elected. France is milking the Libya thing for all its worth. The UK is settling an old score and the US is talking about their new thing "Leading From Behind". I am happy to see Qaddafi and his regime sent to meet their maker, but skeptical about the next step.

Qaddafi is no longer with us, and there's someone up there to judge him, I look forward to watching the new Libya and hopefully one day we will enjoy seeing it free.

P.S. Remember when the US buried Bin Laden in the sea? They made up thing and based it on some obscure bogus rule about the need to bury the body within 24 hours? Qaddafi has not been buried yet! and some have brought the idea of sea burial for him, but the religious figure opposed it.

An Example Where I'm The Problem: Prayer Line

2011-10-21T14:21:00.005-04:00

During the Friday Prayer, as we line up to pray. We are supposed to be all on one line straight line. So the guy to your right and to your left should be shoulder to shoulder. That means your feet also need to be standing straight next to the person next to you.

Now, I have always wondered, why is the line where I stand to my left the line is one level and to my right side, the line is on another level, making the line crooked. I try to fix it by putting my feet on one level, and the other on another to make it look like the line is straight. I thought it was always weird that I someone end up in this crooked line every time.

But then it hit me all of sudden today, I should line myself with the line from my right and not take my cue from the left line. I figured that causes the problem, I should always do what the right does becasue the left side will take their cues form me. They would think I am following the right side, when in fact I am doing what they are doing. So finally I realized the problem, it's not my luck it was me all along who does not choose the right.

Israeli Haters Met With An Arab One

2011-10-20T10:24:00.008-04:00

It seems today is a day when haters of Palestine and Israel decided to make their presence known. I read tow news items that gave me the creeps:

Israeli settlers offer a 100,000 dollars for anyone who kills on of two freed Palestinian prisoners in the city of Nabuls. This was made on an extremist and violent settlers website with recent pictures of the two freed prisoners and the reward. In their announcement "the money will be given to anyone who applies the laws of Moses and the Torah" Link in Arabic
An Arab businessman saw the joy the freed prisoners to the Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims all over the world and he wanted a sequel. Like a good business man he saw an opportunity. He offered to finance the next Israeli solider abduction Link

On other news Wafaa Albis, a Gaza girl--she lives in proximity to my house meets with her family after 7 years spent in Israeli jail. Watch the moment to see how "murders" show real emotions.
اللحظات الأولى بالقاء المحررة "البس" بأمها | Safa.PS

Media Stunts And Desperate For Attention Leaders

2011-10-19T15:53:00.007-04:00

When presidents of otherwise stable country like want to get in the news, they have to come up with stunts or some acts of nature to get their 15 minutes of fame on the world's stage. For the first time, I am reading something the President of Austria. Why did he make the news you may ask?

Heinz Fischer, Austria's President, Jumps With Parachute From Helicopter (video). Still only 500 people watched the video so far. Hugo Chavez had to get cancer to get the world talking about him again.

The issue of media attention is no problem to Arab/Muslim leaders. It can be a gaffe or some idiotic inaccurate statement and then they are all over the news with labels such as "Crazy", "Antisemitic"...make your pick. For for President Abbas he seems not to have a problem having a story about him in the news on daily basis and the same goes for any Israeli politician. Anytime one of these guys farts, the media is all over his A##.

I am thinking this is not always positive. It must be flattering to see your name and image out there being read by everyone on the globe, but again is the life of the people you are meant to lead getting any better by your presence? I hope this questions gets asked more often.

Tribalism, Alive and Well In Israel and The West

2011-10-18T10:25:00.008-04:00

Ukrainian native Ereena, hugs her girls after 9 years locked in an Israeli jail, she was arrested with her husband in Bethlehem, sentenced to 40 years.

The West and Israel love to brag about how democratic and how much they value the life of all humans...they claim their armies operate under an ethical code of conduct. But watching the media reaction of today's prisoner swap between Israeli and the Palestinians, I couldn't help but notice how biased the media reports are. While most Arab media outlets covered the Palestinian prisoners and their stories, they have also treated Shalit with humility and refrained from using dehumanizing the solider--even though he wore a uniform, carried a gun and was ready to kill. The stories in Arabic in my conclusion are a lot more fair to the other side than the Israeli ones.

Here's a sample of what many Israeli officials/politicians had to say about this swap:

Those are Palestinians murderers--Israeli president
Europe/White House only Welcomes the release of the Israeli solider Gilad Shalit
We value the life of our own, we care less about those others--Ehud Barak
Our one solider is worth more than those 1027 Palestinians--Haartez, Bibi
Israeli soldiers should kill terrorists 'in their beds' following Shalit deal, former IDF rabbi

Not sure how such statements make you the enlightened one, and the other guy the "savage". One of the freed Palestinian prisoners is two years old, if this is the way you describe a two year old, then your heart and soul are dead.

I know this no one in Israel is happy that the prisoners are home with their loved ones, they all wish these people would die. But I know this, the people of Palestine and namely Gaza are genuinely happy to see the Israeli solider back with his family.

Things To Do In DC For The Halloween

2011-10-14T15:20:00.005-04:00

Real
There's a tradition in the DC area where most countries embassies on Halloween night give out candy from their respective countries. I want all the college kids and school children take advantage of that. I may try to take advantage of it this year. All the action is on Massachusetts Avenue where the great bulk of embassies are.

Fake
The Greek will be given German candy this time around.

How awesome would it be to have a Halloween party at the Greek Embassy. there's no better place in DC for such a fright than this Greek Embassy-Sure the embassy of Afghanistan is runner up . They are scary times for this one awesome country that gave the world democracy and now asking the world for money. The Greek Embassy Haunted House will scare you all the way, they have so many skeletons and zombies in their closets--The Germans are the guest of honors of course.

News I Wish Was True

2011-10-10T16:04:00.008-04:00

The Israeli embassy closes shops in DC, and moves into new offices in the US State Department--they are ready writing our press releases said an unnamed State department rep.
The Greek Embassy set to move DC its offices into the basement of the German Embassy in Washington, DC--they are already paying our rent said the second secretary for the Greek ambassador.
Outsourcing seems to be a global political trend as well---somebody tell Thomas Friedman, Palestinians @ ATFP are advocating on behalf of Zionists. Israelis @ J Street are advocating on behalf of Palestinians now. Also known as political cross dressing.

Marry Them Young And Unleash The Drama

2011-10-09T13:37:00.005-04:00

Few months ago, I wrote about a new song by the King of Arabic pop Amr Diab, a song in which he tells a young gal that he wishes she was a bit older --two years older so that he can approach her--maybe marry her or something of that nature. When I heard the sneak peak of the song, I was hoping the king of Arab pop wouldn't include it in his album, but he did. Read more about the song here

Well, it's becoming taboo to marry a person younger than 18 even in the Arab world, even here in the States some states allow those of the tender age of 16 to marry. But in all fairness, 16 year olds do get married sometimes, but in my own family, no one has gotten married younger than the age of 18 but one sister of mine. It's all about being busy and having something that keeps you busy. If one is in school or working full time, they can defer as much as they like to.

Now here's what moved me to write this blog, a relative of mine who married a young gal at the tender age of 16 is now having some domestic disturbance--four years later. What I am hearing is this, that wife whose now 21 has upset her husband because supposedly she has been talking to some of his make friends on the phone and for him that was the end of the line.

If this is true, this is sad. Sure she is at fault for doing that, but we really don't know the circumstance of those alleged phone calls. Now here,s what upsets me: if you are marrying someone at a young age, you should expect them to do things wrong. You cannot be sane in your mind and expect them to act like grownups do.

The main reason people marring younger souls quote is that they want to shape the person they are marrying. Even though, I disagree with that mentality of course, but if their purpose is to mold the their spouses personalities, then they have not done a good job shaping the characters of those they are marrying. That's all.

I Go To Hooters For Their Awesome Wings Defense

2011-10-06T10:16:00.005-04:00

You know the famous American invention called Hooters, where short wearing young people serving you fast food (burgers, salads and wings) I am a general fan of chicken wings, I just cannot resist those. I have been to hooters once, and I did not know what hooters was. Here's my story:

I came to the States in August 2000, October 2000 a group of graduate students mostly Arab girls on campus told me they are going to eat. there was only one other guy--he is the guy who leads us in prayer sometimes. I went along, they drove to Hooters on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, and I was shocked.

That was only my second month in the States and here I am at this place with people serving food and revealing much skin. For me, a young Gaza boy, this was a strip club, or so it felt to me--not so much now.

The good was good, it wasn't out of this world and yes the guy who used to lead us in prayer ordered wings. "But they have good chicken wings" he argued. So yesterday, in Chinatown here in DC, I was with a group of people and passed by a Hooters, they also made the case they they go their for the wings!

So that got my thinking what outlandish claims I should expect these people to say next:

America went to Afghanistan for their awesome Kabobs
I went to Iran for some of their tasty pistachios
I went to the drug dealer to break a twenty

Occupy Wall Street Won't Spread To Israel

2011-10-04T13:39:00.006-04:00

The American movement known as Occupy Wall Street has reached many American cities, and at least one international city Ljlubljana, Slovenia !

Sure the Palestinians cannot take part of such movement but what stops Israel from developing their own version of Occupy Wall Street?

Because the only thing Israelis know how to occupy is Palestine.
Because Israelis are too busy occupying Palestine.

Bevan Dufty: Genuinely Confuses Me

2011-10-04T12:03:00.007-04:00

There's a candidate running for mayor in the city of San Francisco, he is openly gay. But that's why he is in the news. He is making the news becasue his ad for the mayor featured the candidate and his child having fun on the San Fransisco public transpiration.

I care not to comment on this, until I read the highlighted part where I am really genuinely confused about this whole ordeal. A gay man with a child is not the problem here:

The candidate is Bevan Dufty, one of 16 candidates running for Mayor of San Fransisco next month. If he wins, he’ll be the first openly-gay mayor of the city known for being an important home to the LGBT community and those who advocate for its civil rights.

The child is Sidney, Dufty’s daughter and a source of controversy even in the highly tolerant Bay Area. When Dufty — then a member of the board of supervisors — decided to have her with a lesbian friend with whom he had no romantic attachment back in 2006, a local reporter balked, sparking controversy.

Gay parenting, once a highly controversial subject (it still is in some parts) has seen a rise in support in public polling, just as same-sex marriage has. Even though it’s San Francisco, where strides in LGBT acceptance are somewhat dog bites man, the ad could be the first of what may become a common occurrence on the political stage: A gay candidate running openly as a family man.

To read more click here

The source of my confusion is this, he is gay and this gay man has a baby with a lesbian woman. So in essence, a gay can have sex with a woman is the purpose is child bearing. I like the part where it says they are not romantically attached. This does not mean anything, really many straight couples are not romantically attached but yet they have babies together.

For all those loud advocates who argue that being gay is natural, comes this guy and undermines the whole argument. He makes being gay as a choice or perhaps he makes child bearing a choice. Again I respect Dufty for wanting children and bringing one to this world, but that doesn't mean I am not confused.

Having said that, it's his every right to have a family and I have no doubt he makes a great father.

Thinking Outside The Box....

2011-09-30T17:53:00.006-04:00

What if some Arab country did a peace gesture and offered to extend citizenship to the Israelis. That could be done in a way to say, we really love those Israelis and we do not want to harm them, we just want them to become like us.

Israels will accept or refuse, but the gesture would be some PR stunt about good wills. The Israelis would then look bad, they are the ones who refuse to be part of the region, not the other way around. Most Israelis hold a second citizenship at the moment, mostly European and American citizenship.

So say now an Israeli is killed--I do not want anyone to lose their lives, the news will report a Saudi has gotten killed today and no one would lift a finger. It's just another dead Arab, it won't make the news. We know that Israel does not want to give its citizenship to the Palestinian, you can be sure of that. So the Palestinian cannot get sympathy if his/her death was reported as an "Israeli dies" headline.

Arabs believe that the death of Arab means little to super powers of the world, they frankly don't care about a dead Arab. Israel can kill a million Arab and France, UK, and the US will look the other way. Of course there people get away with killing Arabs every chance they can--sure they try not to do it, it's bad for business.

I think we should try this approach, this has nothing to do with religion, it's about changing the rules of the game without anybody eliminating the other. If you are building walls, they can keep you in as well as keep folks out. I say give the Israelis a citizenship of some other Arab country--I am sure Oman would be happy to print extra passports in an effort to get people to know that they actually exist.

P.S. this is not a call or endorsement of violence, it only begets violence.

Rich Lazy Men Hate Poor Lazy Men

2011-09-27T15:25:00.006-04:00

As a news junkie and someone who lives in DC--yet along being a Palestinian, interest in politics comes naturally. As such, I have been following those GOP Republican debates for the nominates running in the primary hoping to be the next candidate who will unseat Obama and reclaim the White House.

I stopped at something Newt Gingrich said:

"It is fundamentally wrong to give people money for 99 weeks for doing nothing,"

This is something I find Republicans tend to agree with. They made it clear they don't like to give others welfare and they certainly hate handouts. I think most sane people agree with that. America gives you an opportunity to prosper, not an opportunity ti kick back and live of the hard work of others.

What I find that almost never get that kind of attention is the lazy rich people with a lot of money who don't have to step outside their front door to get a paycheck coming from interests and earning. I find a lot wrong with that:

Most people should work for their money and be able to keep what they earn, no one is entitled to those money--they are yours to keep.
No one makes it in this world alone, we are connected to one another in more ways that we like to admit. Your company used the roads that Joe's tax money paid for. Your workers are educated becasue Tom paid his property tax.
Islam instructs us against living on interest and not doing a real job. As far as I know no other religion asks of you to dance around hard work.
For these people to make money someone has to lose something. Think about a company that wants to improve their earning so Richie can have his income. They will skimp on products, shrink the product, fire people, cut corners, or game the system and if all fails there is creative accounting.

I do not know how those lazy people who are no different than the other lazy people. Sure one has money and the other has none. But in principle they are all doing the same thing, earning money when they don't put any real work in exchange. Spending your time at cocktail parties, galas, is no different than getting a 500 dollar check in rent subsidy. They are both morally wrong. my point is this: All people have to work for their money, no handouts.

The America That Really Scares Me!

2011-09-27T11:14:00.004-04:00

Had those images of police officers come from a different country, America will raise hell. Can some rational person tell me what makes those police officer any different than the Mubarak and the Qaddafi thugs?

Again, I love the police, they are doing a lot of work that no body wants to do, they keep law and order and make life easier for many of us. Sometimes, they put their lives in the line. but somehow this is all missing and this all becomes trivial when those armed officers take on the protesters in New York.

I do not really Understand it, this is a free country, why are they so harsh with those who dare to raise a different opinion? Sure some might be disorderly, but the action of the police is not quite ethical. Macing young women and beating up a camera man.

I do not know if there's a happy medium either, but reach in your heart and tell me, do you feel these people had freedom of speech? Do you think those police officers are right to do what they did against unarmed coffee sipping activists?

I cannot say, it's a proud moment for anybody. My trouble is this, now any dictator or some militant person cause this material to justify their actions. Sure you think you are right and they are wrong, but see it from their side...using that logic the Syrian might be right in their action.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

How Rage Will Save Your Marriage

2011-09-25T21:54:00.004-04:00

When I first got married, I thought to myself, I will always be cool and be in control. In my mind that means to control my anger and emotion--be cool under pressure. That's how I lived most of my life and it seemed to work out well. Getting angry never solve much and in fact it could make things worse and aggravate the situation.

I am here to confess, I was wrong. I think sometimes your spouse sees your lack of anger and rage is negative--he doesn't care enough to get upset by whatever it's bothering me. Or worse, you might be accused of not being good at showing your emotion. So I now realize, that if the situation calls for anger, I do not shy away from it, I show my anger and that communicates something about me that puts my spouse at ease.

I found it helpful to me in many circumstances when I show my anger, I end the debate and take control of the matter being discused--whether it's the land lady not replacing the fridge or the wedding photographer who ruined out pictures. Being calm doesn't give the impression that you are serious. Rage seems to be taking more seriously that the other person's concerts really do matter to you enough to make you feel angry.

The rage I am referring to you is not where you hurt other people emotionally or physically. It's the kind of person that tackles the issue not the person. The rage that sent droves of people to give Obama the presidency, and the same rage that take it away form him.

It might be something particular to my household, but something tells me, I am not alone.

My Thoughts On The Abbas' UN Speech

2011-09-23T12:49:00.005-04:00

I am listening to the speech by President Abbas deliver this much promised speech and I am happy to report that I found a reasonable man. He sounds a lot wiser, but he also sounds like he has been disappointed in the Israel government.

He pretty much brought out all the skeletons from the closet and debunked all those Israeli arguments and talking points, one by one. He just made the case and highlighted the peaceful intentions. He sounded like a fighter whose going to change the course. Sure, his past actions might have questionable moments.

I liked the part when he asked the assembly if they think the people of Palestine are just an "extra" or "disposable" in the Middle East. It sort of bring it back to the human rights issue. I think the part where he talked about the settlers attacking people with their dogs--should have been left out. We do not want to alienate the dog lovers. I might have added a qualifier there to make the point. He stumbled few times on words, and there was a photo op when he held the UN bid in his hand for everyone to see.

Another moment that surprised me when he mentioned Yasir Arafat Coming to this assembly in 1974, there was a standing ovation for this legendary iconic leader. in General that was well written speech that touched on emotional and real issues like the prisoners in Israeli jails and the refuges scattered around the glob.

Still there might be some backroom deal where we will have to go back to business as usual. However, the UN General Assembly seemed to love, respect and approve the speech. Quoting a famous Palestinians poet about how the people of Palestine are "not going anywhere" was a high point. I think that was the moment when my eye felt watery.

I do not think Abbas is a gifted orator, he has never managed to connect in away that inspires, but his works did just that for him today. Sure, they are words, but words have meaning too.

We really now have to wait and see how this plays out. One thing for sure, Abbas goes home where he will be greeted like a champion, while I think this would be nice, I hope that was not the end goal.

Will Abbas Fool Palestinians Once More Time?

2011-09-21T22:09:00.011-04:00

I was one of the millions of Palestinians who thought wrongful that President Abbas has finally found his voice and decided to say enough is enough. It might be early to say that, but My president has let me and the majority of the people at home down. He talked like he was going to take us into a trip to the moon and instead, he took us to Wendy's.

Reports are coming out that Abbas is now OK with delaying the Security Council vote on Palestine bid to become a state. So he is buying more time, again. But time has never been the problem. Israel has taken all the time in the world 20 years and have delivered nothing of substance that meat the aspiration of the people in Palestine.

For months, President Abbas and leaders of his government and party have been talking like if they were the reincarnation of Saladin, and they put on a good show. People in Palestine and outside bought ate it up. Needless to say I am disappointed, and the size of my disappointment is as big as the size of my expectations.

I have always liked Abbas and thought he has the interest of the people in his mind, but his sudden change of heart tells me he is just using the populist approach to build up his support and rally the troops. He milked the UN bid and gave me and many others that he is a fighter that will stop at nothing until the dream has been realized. I guess I drank the cool aid and now the pitcher is empty.

I thought by his promise to go all the way to Security Council he was showing some leadership, but his mixed messages now once he met With the American and the French Presidents Wednesday night, tells me his is a politician. I do not think he has any more tricks in his bag, this new deadline the French worked where in a year there will be a state is yet another ploy.

Now is the chance to act or no one will take you seriously the next time you are asking for the same thing. Today, the Palestinians have the eyes and the ears of the world, let that be clear. It seems that the world is ushering a new era that will be ruled by the extremists. The Israelis have them running their government now and the Palestinians in the post Abbas era will have their turn and then no one wins.

President Abbas, if your change of heart is true and if you budge on this matter, then you are not a leader. All you need to do is to look behind you and see that no one is following, now you can go back to being a payroll service for cops who protest Israel and teachers who cannot teach their own history.

"When the wicked rules the righteous mourns," put that in your political pipe and smoke on it for a bit.

Jesus Won't Veto The Palestine UN Bid

2011-09-21T07:08:00.007-04:00

The Palestine bid for statehood in the UN is really about justice. For at least 7 years, the leadership of Palestine has done every single thing they have been asked to do. President Abbas went above and beyond--even imprisoning his own people at times to make the Israelis feel safe. Abbas has been there on day one since the negotiation started and he was the guy who singed Oslo.

Abbas risked everything by following orders fro the US and Israel, despite what the Israelis are saying now, they know they know they have a friend in him. However, the American and Israelis have ridden Abbas like a donkey. Now he just had enough and as promised by President Obama who said last year, he wants to see a Palestine join the UN in this time of this year.

chasing the elusive peace with Israel is like chasing the cool side of the pillow, it seems out of reach. Abbas got nothing, Bibi refused to talk to him, and worse the right wing Israeli government has been grabbing more land and yet killing more Palestinians. Violence by Palestinians toward Israelis is at all time low--even in hostile Gaza. Bibi never committed to a Palestinian state--so he is the one that took unilateral moves not the Palestinians.

And those asking the Palestinians for compromise must have just landed on planet earth from outer-space or have just woken up form a coma. Because asking the Palestinians to compromise is like asking a naked guy to reveal more.

It's sickening really. By talking for the same of talking while what you hope to score in those negotiations is shrinking by the day doesn't make for a sound future. Leaders of the world are backing Palestine with the exception for half a dozen--Germany for one. The US will veto if they have to, why because they are looking for their best interest. That's reasonable! But why are they trying to stop the Palestinians from pursing theirs?

We all know that Jesus doesn't have to get reelected. Otherwise, the mighty Jewish lobby would have to crucify him for that offense.

On second thought, I am beginning to think this, the Palestinians are seeking independence form Israel. Yet, something tells me the US is not free from Israel. If the US if free from Israel's pressure, then they would support the Palestine bid at the UN. In other words, the Americans want the Palestinians to be just like them--under the mercy of the governments of Israel.

Lupe Fiasco Takes a Bullet For Palestine

2011-09-17T20:59:00.001-04:00

Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco doesn't play it safe, he speaks up his mind. For rappers that means talking about their "Hood", "Benjamins" and "Bi*ches". Lupe wants none to do with that, his thing is Palestine.

Lupe is a very well informed rapper who knows a thing or two about world affairs. While he knows his managers might not appreciate his tough line on Israel, the fans seem to love his stands on Justice and Palestine.

I have written before about Lupe's activism on Palestine before (here and here), but this time, a brother of my freind was attending his concert with a Palestinian flag. The rapper saw that and asked Sami to come up on the stage with to wave the flag.

Toward the end of the song Lupe took up the flag, and its only right for him to do so as the Palestinians go to the UN asking for a state. Lupe seems to be well versed on the topic and he is talking about the issue. Lupe is the man. I salute him for giving a voice for those who have none.

Lupe Fiasco - Beautiful Lasers Live (Palestine)

Myths About Palestine's UN Bid For Recognition

2011-09-15T10:52:00.003-04:00

This is not a unilateral move, a unilateral move would be if the Palestinians declared the state on their own. There are about 124 countries that support that bid. It takes 2/3 of the UN General Assembly to make this bid a reality. So to call is a unilateral move is bizarre. There are enough votes to secure that bid. Even those holding out are either small islands or countries that would support if their support would make a difference. The UN Secretary General even declared his support tot his bid.
This bid poses a threat to peace. Not sure if you have not noticed, there's no peace and there is no peace process. So the bid cannot be a threat to something that is dead. You really cannot beat that dead horse. No violence, arrogance, and getting away with violations is the true danger to peace. The Palestinian largely have denounced violence. And going to the UN is not like going to Iran asking for weapons. They are wearing suits and asking to join a country club not a terrorist training camp.
Negotiation is the best route for the state. 20 years of negotiations beg to differ with that conclusion. The Palestinians have submitted to the peace process and have seen their land shrink and their condition deteriorate. More talks for the sake of talks and photo opt is not an option. That would be insanity where you do the same thing over and over again and expect different results.
The Israelis wants to negotiate. that's a farce. You cannot negotiate on a thing that is as we speak being made smaller by the minute. Think about it like if it's a pizza. The Israelis and the Palestinians are negotiation over the cheese pizza who gets to keep what. As the talk goes on, the Israelis are throwing in pepperoni as a topping and the peperoni free portion of the pizza shrinks. Keep on mind Palestinians do not eat that pepperoni. Would you negotiate?
The road to The State of Palestine goes through Jerusalem and Ramallah--as said by Hillary Clinton. The very statement is an insult to the struggle of the Palestinians. One of the outcomes of the negotiation is to resolve the status of Jerusalem--Here Sec. Hillary gives it flat out to Israel.
The Israelis want peace! Neither Bibi nor Lieberman want peace, and they refuse to recognize a Palestinian State. If you think those tow lunatics would grant the people of Palestine a state, then the moon is defiantly made out of cheese. Add to that, Egypt and Turkey have seen their relations with Israel head south due to this childish and selfish policies the current right wing Israeli government subscribes to.
The US will veto, this is not a surprise for anyone. the US will always choose Israel and I am afraid they will realize their mistake when it's too late. I would like to the see the footage of Ambassador Rice saying in the Security Council NO! that video will make millions of views and it will do wonders if used. there's not enough money in the world to erase that picture.

American Coach To Lead Egyptain National Soccer

2011-09-15T09:07:00.005-04:00

Robert "Bob" Bradley, the famed American soccer coach who did wonders with the US soccer team last year is headed toward taking charge of Egypt's National Soccer team. This is the best of two worlds, Bob is a fine coach with a lot of games and tricks in his playbook. I like him and I think he is the right man for the job.

Bob beat Egypt in 2010 in one soccer game, it was a humiliating defeat for the Number 1 soccer team in Africa and Arabia. So you can tell Bob knows a thing or two about Egyptian soccer. Other coaches were considered, some local and some Serbian and a Colombian soccer legend. All are fine names, but I think the money and the set of ideas helped Bob get the job.

Bob was a finalist and his contracts is being reviewed right now. He will be getting 35 K a month for his services. In the world of soccer that's not a lot of money, and the Egyptian national soccer league said they can afford that salary. In addition to bringing his superior coaching skills, Bob will also bring the attention of US sport media to Egypt and its national soccer team.

Bob is a big name in soccer--sure soccer is not a big game itself, but meet me in 10 years form now. I think both Bob and Egypt will benefit form this contract. I am sure if Bob does well, he will be happy. But I hope the people of Egypt are patient enough with this fine coach. It takes time, and according to the Egypt Soccer League, Bob has a lot of fine ideas to bring back this embattled team. In 2009-2010 Egypt was the number 9 soccer team in the world, now they are doing much worse.

Bob can also build up his name again with Egyptian soccer, he no longer coaches the US soccer team, but in Egypt there's so much potential and an amazing area to build a global fame.

9/11 At Brigham Young University

2011-09-12T11:28:00.003-04:00

When the planes hit the two towers in NY, and hit the Pentagon in Virginia and crashed the airplane in a Pennsylvania filed, like billions around the world I was shocked and saddened by what I saw before my eyes. I read the story in my dorm room early morning on Aljazeera Arabic news website right before the second airplane hits the second tower. It was horrifying news, but at that point news reports were saying it might be an accident. I have made a habit of reading the news every morning to check up on my family in Gaza as the second intifada was in full affect .Little did I know, I was relieved that that day Gaza didn’t make the news.

“Steve, this is going to be big”, I woke up my very socially conservative roommate and told him to check on it. I wear a t-shirt I have bought a week earlier in NY City with the two towers in the center of it. I headed to my Spanish class which was meeting at 8 AM. As I entered the building, all of a sudden my savvy and unassuming American classmates were tuning in to the news and watching the development as it unfolds.

There were all sorts of rumors going on, I overheard people talking about different groups responsible. I realized how my t-shirt would be offensive to people so I wear it inside out. There was an elephant in the room as the events were on everyone mind and there I was sitting in the front row. Once my class finished, I headed to the Near East Studies Department as I had to meet with students learning Arabic. Ten days prior to 9/11, I was hired to assist in teaching Arabic. I think the class used to have 10 to 15 students. Needless to say the following semester classes would grow to 50and 80 students per class.

There’s a tradition at Brigham Young University to hold a university wide devotion for an hour and 15 minutes where the entire university shuts down and everyone tunes in to a religious speech and sometimes non-religious speeches. 9/11 was on a Tuesday and I was one of the student body a=on that day, I joined my friends to attend the university devotion. The University’s President was to address the student body and the faculty. I was filled with shame that day, confused and have no idea what is happening in the name of religion and in the name of my culture. At some point I wanted the earth to open and swallow me as I had no word to describe this anger I had.

In his speech the President offered condolences to the nations and to those who have lost a loved one. post. He went on to detail actions regarding the Church missionaries in lower Manhattan. Then in a very clear language, he asked the university body not to rush to judgment and not to target specific people (wink, wink) on campus. Upon hearing his words, I felt comfort and peace. Most of the Muslims students (about a 100 ) had feared for their safety, as it became clear, it was violent Muslim extremists behind those attacks. While less than an hour away, a Sikh man was killed in Salt Lake City for being mistaken for a Muslim. Nothing that dramatic happened on campus.

The university even went a step further, they called for a meeting with Arab and Muslim students on campus and assured us they will take measures to protect us and handle any threats against any of us. Even being a Christan Arab doesn't shield one form attacks and prejudice. All around the country Muslims students feared from their lives and left the states--mostly from the Rich Gulf states. But from most of us at BYU from places like Gaza, Hebron, Karachi, and Bangladeshis, we were much safer in the states so going home was not an option. I remember, a good friend of us, a member of the LDS Church and a native of South Carolina, called some of us and asked us if we felt safe at BYU. “we have enough guns in the house to keep you guys safe”, trust me in his friendly southern accent that was very assuring.

At that meeting, I was very disappointed in my faith as the media slandered just in every possible way. I was disgusted too. I told professor Donna Lee Bowen, a professor of Islam and political science “They want me to hate my own faith.” She looked at me, and told me “Don’t Let Them”, she assured me that everything will be ok. a year later Bowen went on and argued against the war in Iraq. The conservative student body dismissed her arguments. I now can say, she was right twice.

I think many Church members were encouraged to reach out to Muslims and Arabs in their communities. I remember I was invited to so many Sunday dinners from super sweet people who wanted us to feel welcome. I have also been given opportunities to speak in many Churches about my faith. These things you would imagine seeing in liberal havens, not the most Republican safe spot in the land. Many people I met in DC are always curious to hear about my story out in Utah. I often tell them it won;t be as saucy as you might imagine.

The lack of backlashes could be a result of the the teaching and guidelines of the church that members take very seriously. Or perhaps that I was living on a University campus where the educated and enlightened all over the place.

It wasn’t all fine and dandy of course, there were some low moments. The only incident I’ve hear came from an Egyptian student at BYU who was working on her graduate degree in Chemistry, she had to put up with a bigoted professor who would direct negative comments toward her. there are those closet bigots too, but throughout the human history those have never mattered.

Again as the 10 anniversary is upon us I mourn the death of innocents people here on 9/11 before and after. There are countless who lose their lives everyday and we hear little about them. I am grateful my life brought me here to those shores, a land with stark laws and citizens tenacious to abide by them at times like these. Those who abide by the law of the land domestically and those who do not abuse the human rights international do far more to proof the hateful bunch are wrong than any other response.

As we remember this tragic Day take a moment to send my heartfelt sincere condolences to those who scarified and continue to sacrifice till this day so that America can be the beacon of hope.

16 Tired Movie Cliches

2011-09-04T23:34:00.003-04:00

Watching movies in the United States have taught me a lot about the culture and the language. When I first arrived to this land 11 years ago, movies were the single most useful tool in learning about America. Not only was watching movies educational it was also fun.

In college it was the best escape I had no trouble locking myself in my dorm room and playing movies back to back. Some days, I recall watching as many as three movies a day. Sad I know, but to be frank, I think my communication skills have gotten better as result of this addiction.

However, a Gazillion movie later, I have begun to figure out the Hollywood formula for making movies, there are so many templates, and characters most movies makers incorporate in their movies. Movies are about stereotypes, and such personalities make a point. Sometimes marketing is to blame for such cookie cutter roles.

If movie goers can relate to a role, then they are most likely to go see the movie. Film makers use such characters because they know they work and that audience have loved such clichés in the past. So next time when watch a movie, chances are you will find one or two of those props. When it comes to Hollywood, creativity is not dead, but it comes with a lot of risks. Movie investors want to make money with little risk. Thus comes reincarnation of movies

Here's my list of movie characters that feel tired.

The hooker with a heart of gold

The funny minority guy/gal

The writer who hates people and loves dogs

The quiet but strong ethnic mother

The beat-up white homemaker married to an army officer

The nerd/South-westerner who spills the beans on those conspiracy and secret government programs

The rude, yet charming, New Yorker in search of romance

The gun-touting Southerner

The thick-accented, history-aware militant Arab

The easily-drunk, mace-carrying white chick

The fictional "noble savage" who apologizes to the animals and trees

The Club-owning sleazy Eastern European, Greek, or Persian

The passionate, educated white person who wants to spare the life of a minority person

The sperm-spreading, starving and good looking artist

The jerk who interrupts the dude/gal when they are about to confess something of significance

The young man who has to choose between a gang lifestyle and getting an education

What Is the Difference Between Sunni and Shiite

2011-09-02T09:23:00.007-04:00

Keys
Number 3 is Othman Bin Affan
Number 4 is Ali Bin Abi Talib
Number 4's older son is Hassan
Number 4's younger son is Hussein
Number 5 is Mo'awya Bin Aby Sofian
Number 6 is Yazid Bin Aby Sofian

Khalif number 3 was assassinated by a group of mostly Iraqis, the children of the 4th Khalif defended his house along with other fighters. 3 is out of the picture, number 4 gets nominated. The 4th Khalif gets endorsement from most Muslims districts. Tow districts refuse to endorse the 4th Khalif until he avenges the murder of number 3. Egypt and Syria were those two districts.

Number 4 says, he will not avenge the murder of 3 until everyone has endorsed him. A battle breaks between number 4 and the leaders of Egypt and Syria. Number 4 accepts mediation as proposed by his opponents who said "The Holy Book Will be The judge". Those who killed number 3 wanted number 4 to keep on fighting the Syrians and the Egyptians. He refuses. The group that killed number 3 goes on and kills number 4 as he prays in the mosque who was in war with them as they were constantly plotting to break his word. He defeated them every time.

Number 4 refuses to nominate anybody and says, the Muslims will pick the next Khalif. Most people nominate and endorse number 4's son. Egypt and Syria refuses to endorse number 4's son. A battle is about to break between supporter's of Number 4's son and the leaders of Egypt and Syria. But luckily number 4's son who could have fought and defeated the other guys, gave the Khalif away to the leader of Syria.

Keep in mind, the day number 4's son gave away his office was 30 years after the prophet has died. Number 5 was a smart leader, and was a good politician who never alienates anybody. Some took on him his love of life and living in a palace. As number 5 was in his final days, he wanted to nominate his soon to be number 6 Khalif. Some thought his son was unworthy, others thought this is an invention that strays from Islamic tradition. Most endorsed number 5's son, but not in Arab peninsula., they refused to endorse him.

One of the heads of those objectors was number 4's son who was nominated by people in Iraq. Some even believe number 4's son (not the one that gave away his office, but his brother) was promised the Khalif position. Number 4's son was of high regards with all Muslims--he is the grandson of the prophet. Number 4's son heads to Iraq to meet up with his supporters. Now number 6 was a power hungry and he was no politician, he was a thug who installed other thugs.

On his way to Iraq, number 4's song gets intercepted and camps out in the desert. His supports the ones that pledged to support him, changed their mind. The change of heart happened as they were bribed, intimidated and promised great revenge of they stick with number 4's son. Number 4's son has a number of 80 people with him and the army the thugs had was 5000. One of the army leaders commissioned to stop number 4's son changes his mind and fights with him instead of fighting against him. Number 4's son and all his supporters (many of his family) have been all brutally murdered and the women and children been taken hostages.

Who killed number 4's son? Was it the man who commissioned his death or his supporters who pledged to support him and then turned against him, ending up killing the same many they wanted to instal as the Khalif. That's when the split official starts. Some stuck with the murder leader--they had no love for him and his term was only 4 years. Others wanted to avenged the death of number 4's son and cry over the death, not moving on and installing anyone form that household is a person of high religious significance.

From my understanding the whole split could have been averted if there were decisive actions that stopped those ill minority that had political and tribal ambitions. Giving bad people the benefit of the doubt does little to bring unity. Bottom line, Muslims are not supposed to judge other Muslims. For example, we are not allowed to say "He/she is not a Muslim", because we don't know what's in their hearts and we certainly don't know their motives.

As far as I can tell, politics in today's world plays a large role in inflaming this split. Take fro example, Iran uses the Shiite card to say that Sunni Saudi Arabia has always been corrupt. The Saudi's don't disappoint either. There's so much passion among those two countries and throw Iraq in the mix and things get weird. It has little to do with the faith, it's about nationality, tribal mentality and history. I know that no Muslim was happy with the murder of either Muslim figure, it's a sad day for all of us.

Another thing that makes no sense, number 4 and his children are all from what's now Saudi Arabia and they all have been murdered by Iraqis. I find it bizarre, that people blame modern day Saudi Arabic for their murder. There are plenty of reasons to resent that country, but enough with the faux outrage.

P.S. Those are my personal understandings, as far as I know, they are in the center of the road, as there are many accounts of similar stories.

Asian Business Owners and Customer Service

2011-09-01T09:05:00.004-04:00

One of the downsides of not living in a place like California where a significant Asian population lives is not really knowing much about this accomplished and highly educated community.

As I lived here in the States particularity in DC, I found myself dealing with all sorts of people who come from all corners of the earth. The one group of people that I am having trouble dealing with is the Asian community business owners. I do not mean this to be a cheap shot, it's a real dilemma for me.

For most cases, I have found the business owners who have Asian background (Chinese and Koreans namely) have a different mindset about customers. While most business owners cater to your need and treat you like you will be coming again, I have concluded that Asian business owners treat you as a one time deal. They sort of write you off as a returning customer.

At times, I have been yelled at for no reason, those business owners make me feel like a deaf person. I have been treated like I do not speak English--they think I am Hispanic. Arabs and Hispanics might be hard to tell party for many Asian in America. Not sure if this is some Eastern culture where the business owner is God's designated person on his earth.

Business should not be some mold, and business owners should improvise. So next me if you are at the mall, think twice before going into one of those oriental gifts stores, news stands, dry cleaners, nails saloons, you better use some earplugs. In conclusion, I find it ironic that many American customer service centers are relocating to Asian countries.

I hope I am alone in this...

Does Halal Meat Makes You A Bigger Jerk?

2011-08-30T22:36:00.005-04:00

I love Halal food, food that comes from a non forbidden source. However, I don't put up a fight when I cannot find it. I just go with the flow. Here's the deal, if I am in a Muslim owned store, I expect Halal food, it's what the owner says. I have little means to find out if the food is Muslim certified. I just have to have faith.

Those people I am speaking of make Islam seem like a handicap, not a religion about tolerance. For example, in France, many Muslims would put up a fight about being served Halal food. Their right, but they neglect in the process they come across as unreasonable, and wanting to be different than everyone else.

On one of my trips Roa and I met a French couple who were surprised that as Muslims we can eat regular meat from the grocery store (no pork of course), they thought we only can eat food killed by a Muslim person. That mentality shocked me. Then there are those people I have met who make sure to tell you "You are doing it wrong", "My Way or the highway" attitude. There's a room in Islam for both of us to be right, I choose to go with the license, they decide to make it difficult on themselves and amuse the rest of us.

But I found that people who strive for Halal food often miss the point of religion, which is to be a good example of tolerance. So often, you will hear Muslims living in non Muslim countries stressing the importance of Halal food. They feel they are entitled to, like the country owes it to them to cater to their needs.

Again, this is a business decision, if there is demand for something, supply will soon follow. However, I cannot be a jerk about it, if a store doesn't have such food, we can go with the license to eat food of the people of the book. But eating Halal food while being a jerk in the process does more damage to Islam than not eating Halal food.

Lessons From A Friday Prayer Sermon

2011-08-26T13:36:00.005-04:00

Three things I learned today by attending the Friday prayer sermon, at George Washington University at Merriam's Kitchen. I have been praying there for some time, and sometimes the sermons are good, sometimes they offer little substance. But today's, was one of the few days that I actually enjoyed and found to be educational.

Humility is Crucial, this matters in all religions for sure, however, here's a quote I heard in Friday sermon that moved me, "A sin followed by humility, is better than a good deed followed by pride" This speaks volumes of people's mentalities. You do one good deed, and you think the world owes you. That's not the spirit. Pride tends to kill the most beautiful things in one's life.
Weakness Is OK, fasting is hard. Muslims giving a number of permissions not to fast if they had some of those conditions. The second Khalif of Islam, Omar (peace be upon him) was told about a man who pledged to fast everyday in his life. Omar took a stick to that man and told him to break his life long voluntary fasting. So no need to be tough and do yourself harm to proof a point. You are creature of God, no need to test the limitations he has given you. That means, I will not try out for that ultra Marathon.
Pure Income, the source of your income is important if you get your money from a questionable source, then that's not good. The quote goes something like this, "Purify your income, your prayers will be answered."

I do not like to talk much about religion in public, I think religion is personal and should stay this way.

7 Earthquake Etiquettes

2011-08-24T13:54:00.007-04:00

When I left my office building, there were no one outside, when I left the office, people started to gather around. Some weren't sure what the protocol was. A guy on the 5th floor yelled asking me if it was an earthquake. Confusion, fear and humor were all over the people's faces.

If the earthquake hits and the first thought on you mind is to update your status, you need to check yourself into rehab.
If you have the time to tweet about the earthquake, chances are it's not serious one.
Yes, it's normal for all people to gather outside buildings when these things happen. Don't act like you are out of place.
Please, put on something decent before you step our of your apartment. While the earthquake was shocking to many, the sight of you half naked is traumatizing to us all.
Don't wait for someone to come to your rescue! You are on your own, dock and cover. Even a big government have limitations.
Ease up on the phone, the network is overwhelming and busy, quit complaining about it already.
Accommodate others, and don't tell horror stories about the time you were in Thailand/Mexico/Chile/Pakistan when that big earthquake arrived.

Bonus: while most people will do their best to grab their pets as they run out the door, cut people some slack for leaving their pets behind.

DC Hit With 5.8 Earthquake

2011-08-23T14:09:00.005-04:00

Washington, DC had been hit by an 5.8 Earthquake, that's funny, I thought that was part of Rick Perry and his party for tea plans to bringing change to Washington DC.

For residence of a city known for its movers and shakers, the earthquake was unmoving.

The elders of the tea party are calling for an inquiry on whether the CIA knew of the earthquake in advance or not.

Charity in Islam

2011-08-19T09:00:00.006-04:00

'Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve' (2:277)

The concept of charity in Islam is thus linked with justice. It is not limited to the redressal of grievances. It implies apart from the removal of handicaps, the recognition of the right that every human being has to attain the fullness of life.

There are two forms of charity in Islam - obligatory and voluntary, called Zakah and Sadaqah respectively.

As someone who worked with a number of Not for Profits here in DC and Utah. I am pretty informed about the trends and the habits of American giving. I have also helped plan fundraisers and drive for donations both for in kind and cash.

You have to give something you would want to yourself. In other word, you cannot just give stuff that you don't want anymore, it has to be something of use to you. In America, they donate stuff that they have little use for, in the hopes someone else has better use for it--it's utilitarian.
If you Buy your child an Armani jeans, you would want to buy the same brand for that orphan that you visit with. You cannot give them, Old Navy jeans. The charities has to come from something that you would want.
You cannot talk about the deed you have done. You cannot go on and broadcast it like I know some donors do here. You give and forget. When it comes to charity, your left hand is not supposed to know what your right hand is doing.
You are not supposed to donate and give two cents with your donation. For example, some people give money, but when they give the money, they say stuff that might hurt the person receiving the gift.
Those in charge of distributing charity, need not to channel the money form its purpose. They can eat from it if it was food, the can even cut a salary, if it's their full time job. But most of all they need to do that in the littlest costs.

5 Different purposes/names for giving in Islam

1. Infaq fi Sabil Allah (spending in the path of Allah). Infaq Meaning spending benevolently

2. Ihsan Meaning the doing of good or (kindness and consideration

3. Zakah Meaning growth or purification

4. Sadaqah Derived from the root sidq and meaning truth, and comes to signify charitable deed

5. Khayrat Meaning good deeds

How Is The Middle East Is Like New York

2011-08-17T16:56:00.007-04:00

It's no secret that any news from New York City gets treated as if it was national news. The city has the media outlets and biggest newspapers and blogs so they can afford to be obnoxious about being that awesome city. So the locals are used to thinking that if it happens in NY, their folks in Wyoming would know about it.

Same thing about many Middle Eastern cities. Since many American and world media outlets set considerable budget for their bureaus in the Middle East, and they often send their best reporters to cover than volatile region, you are most likely to get news coming form that part of the world. Media bosses would spend less for places in Asia and Africa, but even the littlest publication, radio network is savvy enough to send someone to cover that region.

The alpha reporter, the always changing middle east and the attention people pay to this region make even the silliest news news worthy here in the States. They report on popular shows, food and what American pop singers being followed. This is both good and bad. Maybe less reporting would prompt politicians to make a deal, the more people tune in the more passionate both sides become. I think this adds to the self centered style of thinking--the diva mindset.

But the ignore approach has not worked either.

Jerusalem Is The Home Of The Original Bagel

2011-08-16T16:19:00.010-04:00

Sure Jewish people would love to claim the bagel, and yes, some of the finest bagel shops exist in New York and take a center stage in Jewish life in that city. Every culture has something similar to this baked good. I say since Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities of the world, they might have a legitimate claim for what has later become the bagel.

For generation this baked goods has been a fixture in that city's diet, tourists would grab it and eat it. Locals would enjoy them by adding felafel and Thyme dip. Jerusalem is a n open city where Jews and Arabs live next to each other--not for long if Bibi has his way. It has been consumed for generations and thanks to some work of marketing savvy person, this ka'ak was adapted for the American on the go culture.

This video gives you a tour of the city where those vendors back their world famous Ka'ak. They talk to bakers and give you a big of history. Something about Jerusalem, its water, its air make this bagel the treat it is. This is culture exchange at its finest.

هارون عمايرة -كعك القدس "كعك بسمسم " Jerusalem Old City Bagel

Sharia vs. Common Laws And America's Nutjobs

2011-08-16T15:56:00.008-04:00

If you don't know that the extreme right wing conservative have been obsessing over Shaira Law in America, then you don't watch the news.

See some voices in America are now making themselves relevant again by making garbage up and manufacturing issues that have no relevance to the country. See, these people who are terror cheerleaders and get their paychecks from vilifying Islam need something that can keep their paychecks coming--they milked the terrorism cry for all it's worth. Along came this Sharia law stories, they have been telling.

Someone needs to get those think tans working again, so here comes their new manufactured "we are under attack" tag.

Sharia is Islamic law, and those people think we Muslims want to bring it here to America. But in all honesty, this is just a pile of unadulterated shi#! Why would Muslims bring Sharia to America when the same concept is not applied at Muslim countries themselves? They only time we hear Sharia is in civil court and divorce. And food diet. There are virtually no one else using sharia to go beyond labeling food and marrying and divorcing people.

So when those empty suits come and use loaded terms that has no meaning to most people, they are just telling you, "I know, I have done the research", some idiot unhappy about his/her job pick it up and makes a banner about it. While Islamic law was the base for many of your common laws here in the States (US common law taken form the British ones who back then borrowed from Islamic laws) But few of these people know that.

If those Muslims wanted to bring Sharia so bad to America, why don't they just go someplace else where those very laws are observed in the first place. What I know is this, the US constitution is a well regarded book among the great majority of Muslims, they are happy with it and it protect them and protects those gun waving few. We don't even implement Sharia laws in our own country.

The majority of Arab immigrants in America are Christians, and you know those ones won't be calling for Sharia and so does the Muslims themselves. Take for example, Sharia permits polygamy under certain conditions, but yet no other Muslim living in America subscribes to that principle. Instead they do what most decent Americans do, have an affair.

Plus these people who are introducing local laws in their states to ban any foreign laws are not reading their constitutions.
Article VI reads in part:

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. [Emphasis added.]

Tool Time: Frank Gaffney, Beware EMP Attack!

Do You Want Me To Take Your Picture?

2011-08-16T14:22:00.003-04:00

This question never gets old!

As I visit a place out here in DC, or take the bus to NY, Philly or the train the Baltimore along with roa, I know I am certain to bring my camera for the journey. But this presents a problems, I do not care to take my pictures alone anymore. I am married now and Roa and I have to be together smiling in pictures--I better smile or else.

But the problem starts you can take so many pictures when you are holding the camera in your hand--I have long arms that help in that. But then the picture angle gets old. So you have to put on a face and ask complete strangers to take your picture. Some people ar enice, some people are indifferent. Some are single and hate seeing couples yet alone take their pictures.

So to do that, we have to profile people, who looks nice enough not to turn down our request, who looks too distracted on the phone and who looks in rush. I have been never turned down, most people are kind enough to take the camera. Sure most of them act like you have just given them the device that will launch the nuclear warhead. I make sure to ask them to take another one and another one just to be safe. It sucks to ask someone to take your picture and figure it was a lousy picture captured by your fancy camera.

And there are those nice people who see you trying to take a picture of yourself with your significant other, they volunteer to take your picture for you. This is what you would cool random acts of kindness. It takes guts to ask complete strangers to if you can do them a favor--people are weird here trust me.

And there are those people you would think they have nice cameras and they wouldn't mind snapping your picture, only to find out they have some mental disorder coming from being under appreciated, I take. Those young hipsters would tell you, "I am a professional photographer" that might be true Tommy, but you go no customer service. OK, I asked you to take my picture not make me look good or remove my red eyes you fool.

Sometimes, I think it would be funny if someone you gave them the camera, runs away with it. I think I would laugh if this happens.

Justice, The Essence Of Governance Is

2011-08-15T16:16:00.004-04:00

In Islamic tradition, there are many voices that calls for establishing an Islamic country where the Koran is the Constitution of the land just like happened in Islam 1400 years ago. Whole a lot more voices counter such calls and instead advocate a civil state with man made laws instead of divine ones. This debate is in full swing in Egypt right now and we are reminded of that every day. Palestine has this argument few years ago, and as of right now it seems both sides have something to boast about.

But what's missing is an old Islamic principles which goes like this, "God would side would a just state that's not Muslim over a Muslim state that is unjust" It's pretty clear that justice not religion is the foundation of good governance. Many Muslims see this point too, they would abandon a Muslim country where justice takes a backseat to countries where justice is the rule not the exception.

To me that says, dogmatic labels and ideology don't matter as much as justice and fairness does. This is also supported by the story of the early Muslims who were sent to live in Ethiopia under a Christina king who was known to be just. My fear is this, some voices in the Islamist movement think it, their way or the highway. This thing scares their opponents who might be religious themselves.

So call it what you want, but if this state yet to be shaped in Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Tunisia is just, it will last. The moment justice is missing, the social harmony will soon follow.

Ramadan In A DC The Weekend

2011-08-13T12:56:00.004-04:00

As you know Ramadan is in full swing, today is the 13th day of the holy month and there's nothing better than a fasting day during the weekend. Why you ask?

I can stay up till the hour we begin the fast, eating, hanging out and talking. Last night, I was out with Roa hanging out till 5 AM. It was fun, and exciting. However, if you are not into clubbing, bars and mediocre food, you are out of choices on where to kick it.

We live on U Street, DC's center of night life, but we are not into bar hopping, nor into jumbo pizza slices. All the fine places that sells cakes, crepes, close at 10, 11 the latest.

As we walk in the city streets, young people drunk and on their way to drink their night away walk in droves and block the sidewalks. Packs of young affluent and bored take on the city at night hoping to score. U Street is the center for African American culture as they have theaters, clubs and restaurants that cater to the needs of this demographics. You Get Your Ben Chili Bowl too and those overrated jazz venues.

The only time, I see such a racial mix is on the metro bus, U Street and the Obama rallies.

How Whole Foods Stole Ramadan

2011-08-10T11:52:00.010-04:00

// you're reading...

Islamophobia

How Whole Food Stole Ramadan

I have always thought that Whole Foods was elitist, but shopped there anyway. It’s very convenient and they offer a variety of brands and goods. Sure, I’m not down with the whole culture of whole food, but when I’m in Silver Spring Maryland, I stop by there and check their cheese collection and baked goods. There’s also a new store opening up in the Foggy Bottom area, in walking distance from my work, I am hoping to find some goods that cater to my every needs.

Now, comes the controversy of Whole Foods and its Halal in time for Ramadan. To read more click here. One of their stores in Texas saw some negative online comments from bloggers and conservatives who accused the company of promoting Ramadan and with it, Islam. So the company sent an internal email, now leaked, that reads:

“It is probably best that we don’t specifically call out or ‘promote’ Ramadan … We should not highlight Ramadan in signage in our stores as that could be considered ‘Celebrating or promoting’ Ramadan.”

I don’t blame them, the company doesn’t want to be distracted by a fight with people who have issues with reason and common sense. I’m mature enough to know that companies are about creating value and making customers happy. I don’t think a given store necessarily endorses a holiday when it promotes certain items that go with that holiday. But the folks complaining about Muslim diet in the Texas store are only giving Texas a bad name.

Whole Foods celebrates Christmas, Easter, Passover, and Hanukkah and I never found anything wrong with that. In fact, I am grateful they do it, it sort of makes me aware of how diverse America is. Such extreme right wing groups have been picking fights with Muslim Americans through every possible outlet. You would think a store like Whole Foods would be a safe from such delusional attacks.

Whole Foods should not have put itself in this position in the first place. People will always be upset. You do the right thing and stick to your decision. Caving in is your first mistake. I do however, give them credit for introducing a Halal food line.

This vocal and angry minority protesting the Ramadan line is pathetic. What’s next? Whole Foods logo is green, Hamas’ flag is green, it must be a conspiracy! How would they feel if an atheist group protested Whole Foods promotion of Christmas goods? While those few anonymous commentators hoped they would steal the spirit of Ramadan, I think they have failed. To get their Halal food, Muslim Americans will do what they have always done, spend their money at their locally owned grocery store that sells Halal food and observes Ramadan. Keeping the money in the community.

Once again Whole Foods’ actions put the crazies in the driver’s seat. Such a hateful bunch won’t live long. Their unbound hatred will damage their mental and physical wellness and none of the fine Whole Foods’ goods will help extend their lives.

English Words I Love

2011-08-09T10:55:00.003-04:00

Every now and then I see words in English that I feel I must look up becasue I have not heared them before or becasue they just sound exciting to learn. I know in this social media saavy world, it seems that abbrviation and smily faces are the way to go, but some old words die hard.

Poignant: Touching and to the point. I wish I can be referred to by this word. I am only to the point when I am angry and when I am talking to my landlord.
Vivacious: Lively, and full of animation. I like this word because you are either having a great time or it's a feast out there. I guess the viva part of the word we already know from our brethren South of the borders.

Ramadan In The Mormon Heartland

2011-08-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

Part 1 Ramadan Rituals I Grew Up With

Part 2 Ramadan Rituals I Experienced In Gaza

As a Muslim student on the predominately Mormon Campus at Brigham Young University (BYU), I wasn’t alone. There were roughly a 100 other Muslims students who attend BYU in Provo Utah, coming from Arab countries, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, China and a few other places. My first Ramadan at BYU was the hardest, as I had just arrived and did not know many people on campus.

Ramadan has always been about sharing and big gatherings, but I had to live without those my first semester at BYU. I remember it was a normal thing for me to go by myself to the university food court and break my fast alone over a Subway sandwich or a hamburger. Being alone in Ramdan especially sucks if you come from a family of ten, like me. Followers of the Mormon faith can relate to all things Ramadan-they fast once a month, they give “fast offering”, and have big families where sharing is caring.

Most on campus had grown up in parts of America where they hadn’t ever meet a Muslim, so few people on campus knew what Ramadan is. For the majority, I was the first Muslim they meet and with that comes a lot of questions that gets old after awhile. It seemed to me, that most student events on campus where they would hand out free food take place when I am fasting which really pissed me off. But I was a guest and I do not get to dictate the calender. I had a campus job and it was in the dorm’s dining room “The Smith Center” where I helped prepare food that sometimes included pork. I was quite enough not to make waves about fasting. So I would prepare whatever food they had on the menu that day. Things you would do for $6.25 and hour! On one day, I had a long shift and they kitchen had access food so they asked us to eat. The chef was Italian American names Teresa who knew I was fasting so she asked me to take food home with me. She even packed me a box and insisted I do just that because I couldn’t eat on my shift. As I finished my shift and left with the food, a manger came racing after me telling me in front of some of his staff that I am stealing food. Needless to say, I lost it.

I said nothing and I headed back to the kitchen grabbed Teresa who give him s a piece of her Italian mind, leaving him feel like a glorified jackass. I gave him the food and I left saying, “I am not a thief” That night I would have a pizza for Iftar. Occasionally, the few Muslim students would hold pot lucks on campus and I used to like those very much. The Muslim families would prepare food and bring it to share, we would bring soda and drinks. It was not uncommon to have non fasting people form campus show up to those events and learn some culture. We always welcomed such interest until those people start lining up before you to grab as much food as they can put their hands one. Leaving the fasting people little food. While most students were considerate and wait till the fasting people serve themselves, not all. The university faculty who has lived in Muslim countries make sure to send us Ramadan greeting which was kind of them. Professor Chad Emmet, a professor of Geography that has lived in Indonesia would show up and bring food at those pot lucks and so did professor James Toronto, a professor of Arabic and Muslims studies. Both members of the Mormon church who have a spot spot on their hearts for all things Islam.

My second year on campus was much better, I have met a lot more people and since the terrorists attacks of 9/11 have already happened, there was a lot more students studying Arabic and Islam. One of the things that came out of that was the Alumni Association has started a new university tradition. Every Ramadan, the association would hold an elaborate Iftar dinner for the Muslim students on campus. I think the first one we have at a world famous Sundance resort which the university owns. This would serve two purposes, make the students feel that the university cares about them prompting them to become active alumni. Also the university will get a dose of diversity, the very thing that some care about. The break the fast idea came from Tod Hendricks, an Idaho man who has never met a Muslim in his life, but felt that outreach is important. Although Mr. Hendricks is no longer at BYU, and neither am I, we still keep in touch and I am on his Christmas card list. I remember as we sat to plan the event, I had to explain to the organizers the tradition of breaking the fast with a date. They really did not understand what I meant. Instead, they thought Muslims go on a date right before they break their fast. Until a person sitting in the meeting, brought up the word figs. Only then I was understood. It was both funny and strange. Later we had to deal with the meat being served at the dinner, the famous halal vs. zabiha argument was too complicated.

During my time in Utah, I had to answer a lot of questions about my faith and the practice and there were a lot of misinformed questions and opinions, but Mormons are aware of difference the perceived image of your faith and the reality of it. While many have worked so hard to get me to convert, at one point I had seven copies of the book of Mormons in different languages. The longer I stayed in Utah, the less energized those efforts have become. Many members of the church go the extra mile to accommodate others of different faith. Till this day, I still share a meal with my Mormon friends every Ramadan. We often do it in the first Sunday of the month when they tend to fast. While many things that a Muslim living in Utah must faces some major challenges, I have seen none and I have nothing but respect for those who help people get a taste of home away form home.

Last year I took my wife to see my alma matter, she was in love. The money y we landed in Salt Lake City Airport, she proclaimed “I now have arrived to America” people are smiling and they genuinely look happy to see you. My time at BYU helped her make up her mind and attend the Catholic University of America, here in Washington DC. We joke that maybe one day, our children can go to a Jewish university in New York.

[Tarboush Tip: Clay Adair]

A Dunkin' Donuts Prostitute

2011-08-05T11:02:00.006-04:00

I am reading this story about a young woman in a New Jersey Dunkin Donuts employee who was using her job as a cover for her professional job as a prostitute. I feel bad for the lady becasue what part of "cops like donuts" she doesn't understand? I mean, it was a matter of time that a cop would swing by and get offered her extra sugar?

She is defiantly poor, becasue if she she afford cable TV or the price of a movie ticket she would have known that those cops are donuts most loyal customers.

Dunkin' Donuts Cashier Used Drive-Thru To Offer Her 'Services,' Police Say

Extra sugar" took on a new meaning at Dunkin' Donuts when a cashier converted a Rockaway, N.J., branch of the national chain into a veritable red light district, police say. Melissa Redmond, 29, allegedly was using her night shifts to offer the coffee shop's customers her services as a prostitute on the side.

Redmond was nabbed Monday in what was known as "Operation Extra Sugar," according to a report in the Daily Record of Parsipanny. The incident took place at a branch of Dunkin' Donuts located just off Route 46 in northern New Jersey, some 20 minutes outside of New York City.

Yes, You Can Tip A Flight Attendant! Here's How

2011-08-04T11:09:00.006-04:00

Airlines doesn't advice passengers to tip their flight crew. Staff are instructed not to accept tips and they are instructed to decline the first offer. After that all bets are off. I know the staff appreciates the tips and keeps their eye on you during the flight. You will be that one passenger that made their day and cared enough about them to give something.

That might earn you a free round of drinks or any request you make will be given priority. But I don't like the cash transactions and it might confuse things. Here's what I do and it usually puts me on the "friends" list for the flight staff. Give them chocolate! A fine bar of fancy chocolate that they can share with others. when you hand them the bard, suggest, this is a token of appreciation for their hard work.

This is simply the right thing to do, they are overworked, under appreciated and hate the food airlines serve nowadays. Just make sure not to make a scene about the whole thing. Happy Jetting Everyone!

Ramadan Rituals I Grew Up With

2011-08-01T16:11:00.002-04:00

As a little Palestinian boy in the United Arab Emirates, Ramadan was always a fun time for me. For starters, 15 days prior to the holy month, the young boys and girls would tour the neighborhood knocking doors and asking for treats. This is known as “Haq Al Lylah”. Some families would give us food, others candy and drinks, and few would give us cash. This is like that country’s Halloween without all the ghosts and the creeps. Once or twice, someone unleashed their dogs on us, but it wasn’t that bad. As a boy I heard countless stories of people being granted their wishes by the country’s rulers who were feeling rather charitable on those nights. Then Ramadan came, and everybody focused on drawing closer to God and, of course, indulging in overeating. In the UAE, my dad’s boss who is one of the native people would drop off fresh buttermilk for our family every week. Others would drop off fresh gooey dates, wanting to share the blessing of the month with everyone.

While we were guests of that country, Ramadan was the one time when we felt just like the local people. It was a wonderful time - a feeling of unity was over the country and everyone had plenty to eat and was able enjoy the special season. I remember on some evenings my family would skip Iftar to go to the mosque where they served an extravagant meal after the sunset prayer. On those nights, rich and poor ate together, Muslims and non-Muslims breaking bread together on the floor. The more affluent in the area would bring all sorts of food to share with the local people. I particularly remember going to those meals for the local food, the kind my Palestinian mother wouldn’t make: Harees, Hareesah, Haneed, Qimat and that pinkish drink we used to savor and use to quench our thirst with. A lot of people from India and Pakistan would be present there, too, as they tended to be single and have little income. The true feasts on those nights really brought the month of Ramadan to me.

At night my parents would take us to a Lebanese/Palestinian sweets shop in downtown Dubai, which was then a lot more local. The adults would sit around talk about politics in pre-Intifada Palestine and we would enjoy whatever deserts they are serving that night. The street lights and decorations were dazzling to our little minds. Afterward, Mother would go to the market, an open-air market and do her shopping for the next day. Going out to shop in the heat of the day was never very attractive to her or anyone else. During Ramadan my dad, who’s a smoker, would be rather on edge, so we kids all avoided getting on his bad side. But my mom would just laugh and dismiss his occasional silly outbursts.

Mid-day dad would go to the mosque to read some Koran as the boys in the block played a pre sunset soccer match. I remember we had a good team. I have always liked the goalie position. Dad would join us sometimes, and dare the kids to score on him as he stood in the goal. He pledged to pay any kid 10 Dirham if they could score on him. I remember being proud of my dad for doing that. He would claim he used to play for a team called the black panthers. Only one boy of the older kids ever managed to score on dad. After soccer we would walk together to the house for the Iftar meal. But right before the call to prayer, our Syrian and Egyptian neighbor would send us some of their dish of the day, and then we kids had to go back and give them some of what we had cooked. Toward the end of the day, everyone in the house would head to the mosque for Taraweeh prayer. I remember the prayer being very long, so the kids would cheat and play hide and seek at the mosque door and when the adults were done we would walk back with them as if we were praying there all along.

Then we headed back to Gaza…

[Tarboush Tip: Clay Adir]

Romantic Comedy For Arabs?

2011-07-31T19:14:00.004-04:00

Romantic comedies all share one thing in common, the final scene is the guy at the airport parking his car in front of the airport gate rushing to stop the girl from taking that flight. Now for that scene alone we will never see in Arab star in a romantic comedy ever.

Now, see the Arab guy parking his car in front of the airport gate, rushing to get inside. If that alone doesn't raise the terror threat, I do not know what will. Somehow making that final scene at a greyhound station is not dramatic enough for viewers.

Whatever the end of the movie is, you can rest assured the squeal will be filmed in Guantanamo prions.

Men Are From Israel, Women Are From Palestine

2011-07-28T09:33:00.005-04:00

Forget the men from Mars and women from Venus old axiom. I have a new one that seems to work for me or from my perspective.

Women are like Palestine, using guilt trip to get you to do whatever she needs. They developed more intricate ways of making a men feel bad to get them to do what they want.

Men are like Israel, they know the have done you wrong, they know it looks really bad, they keep doing it and will never apologize.

White Terrorists Vs. Muslim Terrorists

2011-07-26T13:19:00.004-04:00

Muslim terrorists say they are pro Islam and care for it, so they kill the innocent and make Islam look really bad. And in the process making their own religion look violent.

White terrorists hate Islam, say they are anti-Islam go on and kill civilians and end up doing a service to Islam by making the point that even non Muslims can be terrorists too. Killing is wrong no matter who does it.

Maybe we can use a lot more Muslim haters, those who hate Muslims end up helping them not hurting them. Those who hate will always lose.....if not their lives, their souls

The Terrorist of Oslo and Muslim Observations

2011-07-25T12:52:00.004-04:00

The massacres in Oslo shock the world as they unfolded. I could not help but reflect upon the tragedy. At first I was shocked by it, but then my second thought was this, "I hope the killer does not look like me or have a name like mine" I knew there are thousands of Palestinian, Iraqi and North African immigrants living in that country. I have been to Norway in 2000 and have seen many of them. My brother in law also lives in Noway--away from any major city.

The terrorist of Oslo, says he hated Muslim immigrants and loved Israel so he killed close to a hundred people in Norway to "be heard".

Muslim terrorists say they hate western governments and love Palestine, so they killed in NY, VA, PA, Spain, London and all over the Arab/Muslim world.

Conservative here dismissed any attempted to understand the mentality of the terrorists. Any attempt to understand those terrorists would be an apology for those cold blooded killers. Progressives wanted to understand where this hate come from.

After the Oslo attacks, it seems the roles have changes, the motive of the killer is among many his hatred toward Muslims. Conservatives all of sudden are interested in listening. Progressives now are using this to make the point that terrors has no race or religion, they are no interested in listening this time around.

All agree murder is murder, but each one takes away something different for this tragedy. Norwegian Anders Behring Breivik is no hero for most, but those loud voices of hate in Europe's right wing must be ashamed of themselves. As one of their own destroys one of their key arguments "One Muslims are capable of mass murder"

I hope people in charge are not using this to score some political points, we all mourn today with Norway. From the comments I have seen so far on Arabic news websites, this is a huge shock even to those Muslims long portrayed as murders.

Things Great Only in Philly

2011-07-22T22:17:00.006-04:00

I was in Philly yesterday and it was good to be back in this very homey feeling state. Everything about this state is different, its politics, its culture and most of all its food. I love to go down to Philly and expiration with various types of food. There is a very strong sense of food culture down there, they take pride in fresh ingredients, like Pennsylvania is the California of the East coast.

Sure the people in Cali are a bit better looking and thinner, but PA has all the smart people out there in business, industry and in academia. Not to forget the passion those people have for sports. It's not a joke up there. Same goes for competitive eating out there. Dairy, produce, bakery and meat are outstanding here. I know the locals might not call is their own, but Reading Terminal market is a true exprience for foodies.

One thing, I noticed, Philly does not levy tax on clothes, but you would think the people of that city have a better sense of fashion. This would be a very false assumption. I did purchase few items from the local Macy's, I got a sweet deal on this dressy Ralph Lauren slacks that I have wanted for a long time.

As I live in Washington, DC history is all around the city, so the history stuff wasn't a big draw for me. I have seen the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and most of those sites. But this time around Roa and I wanted to check the local culture and did just that. Having nice break at Rittenhouse park next to the homeless was a lit like most of those DC parks.

My Hot Arabic Music Blog Has Been Hacked

2011-07-22T19:24:00.002-04:00

So someone from has hacked into my blog and stole it. What that means is this, I can no longer access the blog. He has full control of it now, and he has placed his own ads to make money! I have been locked out of my music blog! I cannot access it. So I am not sure what kind of ads you will see. Right now I see sexy latinas!

A Muslim Man Turns The Other Cheek

2011-07-22T15:28:00.004-04:00

If this Muslim man did something wrong, I would say, I do not know him and I have nothing to do with this vile person. But many won't believe me and think I am not being forthcoming. But when this Muslim man does something very compassionate, I am the first to say, I wish I knew this man. It takes A nework like Russia today to put this report that addresses a serious issue in America.

Last night, just before the state of Texas executed a man for his post-9/11 killing spree that left two Muslim men dead and another seriously injured, he said something extraordinary.

“Hate is going on in this world and it has to stop,” were the final words of Mark Stroman. “Hate causes a lifetime of pain.”

What caused such a dramatic turnaround? None other than the simple power of forgiveness.

Stroman’s surviving victim, Rais Bhuiyan, has been campaigning in recent months to see Stroman’s life spared. Bhuiyan, a Muslim man, said he committed to the campaign because his religion does not permit hatred and instead commands forgiveness.

His actions, after being shot in the face by Stroman, were incredibly moving to the convict. Before his execution, Stroman said that Bhuiyan’s words made him “more content now than I have ever been.”

This video is from The Big Picture with Thom Hartmann, broadcast by Russia Today on Thursday, July 21, 2011.

Thom Hartmann: The final words of a killer that should not be ignored

Skinny Models Beat Nature

2011-07-20T12:43:00.004-04:00

News reports of lack of food security in Gaza reaches a grave level. In Somali is declared a famine just this week, where starvation is hard to miss. Those are troubling news for many.

Kids in those two places are so malnourished that skinny models in Paris and Milan are jealous. They asked of Gazans an Somalians, "What's your secret?"

There's an unconfirmed report of models applying for asylum in those two places on their quest to find a food desert with little temptation.

A General Media Rule

2011-07-19T14:48:00.005-04:00

This is what I am now beginning to think about how many Arabs and Muslims who appear on TV or other media, they always have to defend themselves and record. They are often resumed guilty until proven otherwise.

As a general media rule, if you have to assure viewers that you’re not a terrorist then you’ve already lost the debate.

that puts you on the defense, and validates claims your opponents have made, they get to dictate how you are defined. So, do not stoop to their level.

Of color some Arabs/Muslims like the approval of some white guy with a mic, it gives them a sense that they are now legit. I think it's sad. Like a Hispanic having to proof they are here legally.

Confessions of a Backseat Driver

2011-07-16T13:44:00.005-04:00

I do not drive, no, I cannot drive no, I am not permitted to drive and have never driven in my adult life.

So needless to say I can either get around using the bus or get a ride with a friend--never tried to hitchhike.

So, when you drive in the city, parking is the biggest concern, DC parking as not as bad as American cities like San Francisco, Boston or God forbids New York.

But to find an empty parking spot in the city in the weekend needs a miracle. I get fed up when those driving me keep looking for parking and not find one. So I get reckless at the sight of anything that looks like a parking space.

Driver: Do I fit here?
Hani: Yes, Sure but I am thinking to myself "Make it work please, I am sick of this all driving around"
driver: Can I park here?
Hani: Yes, it looks legit, thinking to myself "I just hope the parking enforcement people miss your car"

I know I am not alone in this, all other passengers in the car, they seem to want to just get to where need to go fast. It's not like we will be asked to pay any fines. Selfish for sure, but that's why the driver needs to make the sound decision!

This happens a lot....so next time your passengers all say "Yep!" at the time time, be suspicious. It's a conspiracy of the careless!

Once Again The French Pick On Muslims

2011-07-07T09:52:00.006-04:00

I was reading a story on Aljazeera , that made my blood boil!

The French government must not have anything of importance to do in those days. After banning Muslim women from wearing they head cover and the niqab, they decided they are not done yet in picking on French Muslims and Muslims visiting France.

When most of the world is working to clean their financial house, the French are taking out their social complexes and problems on the Muslims living over there. A leaked document shows the next phase of secular France is most likely geared toward Muslims.

Here are few of those gems the French have come up with

Cannot Pray in the streets anymore! But do not worry French orgies are still ok
Cannot choose the gender of your treating doctor! FAIL I am sure good Christian women and Orthodox Jews are not too stocked
Refusing to be deliver your baby by a doctor--here in America midwives still exist
At restaurants Women have to eat in public places and not in a private place!
No more permits for Halal food establishments--this is not good for business, French Muslims would start importing their food/meals form outside France.

The target is Islam in this case, here is one more bizarre story, a Muslim family whose kids go to a Catholic school are made eat fish every Friday in accordance with the school's catholic teaching. When the family complained about this, they were told the school is right and they are wrong. The family was also denied to get food from some other place.

I mean this issue is really complicated, but I get the feeling that France is going into the Nazi direction there especially with their social engineering and discrimination. I have no doubt that some Muslim immigrants in France are hard to get along with, but in this case two wrongs do not make it right.

Where is the principle of Freedom in this culture? You are free to be like us, but we the French government will not allow you to be you. I know the French taught the early Americans a lot of things, but maybe this time they can learn a thing or two from those Yankees about protecting the rights of individuals.

Fourth of July Boom, Music to My Ears

2011-07-04T22:50:00.009-04:00

4th of July is awesome and hard to miss. Anywhere you go you find the spirit, even at the grocery store you go and there's everyone picking bags of chips, soda, meat...etc. Even those blame America crowd enjoy it too. But today I was sitting in my bedroom and the boom sound of those fireworks got annoying after awhile. Sure we are in the nation's capital and everyone has the right to light up some on this very American day. But it really got annoying really fast.

But then it hit me, it feels like for a moment there, America becomes like Gaza, where you have to hear a lot fo random boom and act like everything is ok! The boom in Gaza is real, the one here is fake, but there's not difference really, they are both loud, and most of all they are both legal. In Gaza however fireworks are illegal 365 days of the year, we do not have a reason to light them up, the Israelis kind of do that for us and we don't got to pay for them.

Drones, tanks and helicopters bomb any moment and sometimes militants launch homemade rockets at Israel (glorified fireworks really) and you are just watching on the sideline and hoping the next day will be better. Happy 4th of July everyone and don't mind me being jumpy every 4th.

7 Arabs Wary of Palestinians

2011-07-04T01:07:00.002-04:00

You can hate the game, but not the player. While the majority of Arabs support the Palestinian cause and want to see it resolved, there are those Arabs who do not have warm feelings toward Palestinians. Despite this, along with the Arabic language, the Palestinian cause unites most people of Arab descent. Nevertheless, there are groups of Arabs that will forever remain wary of Palestinians. Here they are:

The 1975 to 1990 Lebanese: civil war is an ugly business and in Lebanon, the Palestinians are the everlasting punching bag. Now, I’m not saying that some Palestinians didn’t play a divisive role in Lebanon’s civil war, but the Palestinians are definitely Lebanon’s scapegoat. Unfortunately, this will never change until Lebanon’s Palestinian refugees are allowed to either return to Palestine or are given the ability to live dignified, productive, and free lives in Lebanon.
The 1990 Kuwaitis: now, I don’t know what the Palestinian leadership was thinking when they supported Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait. Supporting an occupation or being silent when you see one happening – especially when you have been placed under occupation yourself – won’t help endear anyone to your cause. Despite repeated apologies and a number of initiatives, some Kuwaitis will always remain skeptical of Palestinians.
The 1970 Indigenous Jordanians (bedouins): remember when Palestinian militants harassed Jordan’s young king and shook his (corrupt) regime to its core? King Hussein took no prisoners and bombed the hell out of Palestinian refugee camps. Until this day, grudges still exist. It does not help that the Palestinians in Jordan have a superior soccer team that, more often than not, defeats those dirty bedouins.
The Naive Arab: he (or she) watches their country’s state-sponsored news and truly believe that their respective despot is doing all he (never she) can to free Palestine, feed the hungry, protect the refugees, and heal the sick (they also walk on water, too!). In reality, all these despots do is talk (sometimes out of their mouths, but mostly from their asses). Yet, these naive Arabs refuse to see their dictators in a negative light, and look forward to the day that they liberate Palestine.
The Paranoid Egyptians: now, these people are hilarious. they have no clue of the social and tribal makeups of the areas bordering Palestine, and get freaked out by news of smuggling activities, weapons and drugs tunnels. There are even people in Egypt who believe Hamas is the one closing the Rafah crossing, not the other way around. They tend not to mind that their sworn enemy enters their land with no visa, and would rather look down on those “dirty Gazans.” Of course some of their fears are rational, but paranoia is never helpful.
Other Arab Expats: they live around the world alongside many Palestinians, and they envy the Palestinian expats for their success despite all odds. Sure, some Palestinian immigrants can hardly be considered saints, but they are hard workers. These jealous Arabs like to mumble about an existential “affirmative action” policy for Palestinians, and they also believe in some magical “Palestine Card” that exists to prevent Palestinians from being deported (how can you deport someone that doesn’t have a country of origin?). As my grandpa used to tell me, “if the poor takes a large shit, the people would want to know what he had for dinner.”
The “Me” First: you know those suit-wearing and soft-spoken Arabs, the ones you find in Palestine and countries bordering historic Palestine. They’re running governments under the banner, “Palestine is complicated, but hey, you can enjoy Mc burgers and fries if you wanna…” They are loved in the West, and they lead their political lives by the motto: let’s dance until the music stops. They cannot stand all the tragic news form the Palestinian territories so they try to make it into the news by making the world’s biggest kabob, bowl of Humus, Flag…etc. This policy is often in place to help cover up for the traitors and uncle toms running the country and opening up casinos for “tourists”. They mistakenly think running countries is like running brothels, something they are very familiar with.

[Tarboush Tip: Andrew]

Watermelon, The Conversation Starter

2011-07-04T01:00:00.005-04:00

I bought another watermelon today July 3rd, 2011 and on my way back from the store to my house-a 15 minute walk through Meridian Hill Park and a group of young Hispanic immigrants started joking with me about "cutting it", at first I thought they wanted to cut me.

Then an African man saw me and asked me how much I paid for my watermelon! He thought I got a good deal. A young white couple saw me and wisheed me a happy 4th of July becasue I was being patriotic with my watermelon.

Here's my question, since when has it been OK and talk to strangers with a watermelon? I swear more people talk to me when I have a watermelon than when I carry anything else?

I am aware watermelon is hard to miss, and people sometimes look so tired of carrying one, so people who see them feel like making light of it. Kinda of like the dudes carrying a keg, they know there is a party somewhere.

What makes people seem so friendly when they have this watery fruit? But coming to think about it when I was a kid in Gaza and we bought watermelon people always wanted to know how much we paid for it? I think watermelons are like pets in that sense, they help break the ice! And keep you cool.

Smoothie King Leaves Me With a Bad Taste

2011-07-01T13:47:00.002-04:00

This is the reflection of my personal encounter with Smoothie King, your experience might be different, but here is what I have to say about Smoothie King, the popular smoothie place in the East coast.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

This summer I have ordered about 35 smoothies from this Franchise from a number of their stores in the DC area and Northern Virginia. While they have a large of smoothies to satisfy all tastes out there, I found that their smoothies are bland, weak in taste and fail to leave with impressed.

Sure, the first sip is always good, but once that thrill is gone, the taste becomes dull and you feel obligated to finish what you ordered. You do not look forward to finishing the smoothie as it should. Also, I think that you lose touch with the smoothie as it goes to blend, the way Smoothie King is set up is you order and one place and pay at a different register while this concept is great for the store enabling them to take more orders and be efficient. I think the customer loses touch with his beverage as we walk to another register at the end of the store to pay. There's also one more problem that stands between the customer and having visuals on his/her smoothie:

The bulks of things Smoothie King wants to sell you, they have vitamins, powders, fruits, water, candy, protein bars, nuts, flayers....etc. you get distracted and cannot help but think those items should not belong to this store. This reminds me of few years ago Starbucks when they started trying to sell you all kind of things...ultimately they ended up changing all that and focusing on their number one seller coffee.

Smoothie king might find a lesson there. What else? I fail to see what the workers at the store put in my smoothie, my wife told me she saw them put sugar on mine, but I am willing to think that was added protein. But on another note, what's up with all those syrups and added flavors they have over there? I do not see those at any other stores. look in the fridge and near it you will see what I am talking about. those are not juices, but flavors.

Finlay, the pricing at Smoothie King is a bit higher than their competitors. Not sure why they have to charge 8 bucks for a medium smoothie? When you can get the same size for about 5 bucks at the other guys (whom I love) who are more front about their ingredients? Do not take my word for it go and compare prices.

will I go back to Smoothie King? Sure they are close to my place, why not? I would go becasue they tend to send out coupons in the mail too, but I think Smoothie King has an area for improvement. I think their corporate office needs to slow down and reflect back on their effort to build the brand itself and not just expand without having to win customer over. Not sure what founder Steve Kuhnau would have to say about the company now.

PS. I emailed their customer services with a complaints about an employee two weeks ago and I have yet to hear back! The only email on their website is for franchise information, I guess customers and their complaints do not matter. It's frustrating.

Saudi Ban on Women Drivers Is Stupid

2011-06-28T15:31:00.003-04:00

Put everything aside and answer this, if women cannot drive themselves, how will they get around? Maybe some in Saudi Arabia don't trust their ladies to get around, but what happens is the following:

The family hires a foreigner who is humble enough to act as a driver for the household. Those foreign drivers are no saints, they are many stories and incidents where the drivers have made a pass at the women they are driving. Two things are possibly the outcome the outcome:

The woman talks, damages her own reputation and the foreign driver gets executed.
The women keeps silent to preserve herself from shame and embarrassment (crazy I know), the driver keeps harassing other people or become more aggressive.

Not all drivers in the Kingdom are sexual predator, but the chances of this happening is real and to argue otherwise is burring ones head in the sand. Sure the driver is often underpaid, and cannot afford to bring his own family to live with him.

What if the family does not have a private driver (those are often a sing of social status and prestige) The female has to ask a male relative to take her to run her errands. The male can always say no or use that as an advantage point to get the female to do him favors or act nicely toward him. So if she wants to go visit her girlfriend in Saudi Arabia, a male has to take her there. Which in turn teaches young girls not to be independent and to be an extension of some male figure.

I have known a lot of Saudis throughout my life and come to conclude that many of them are intelligent and capable people who want to shatter those taboos. To me the ban in Saudi Arabia is about male ego and outdated social customs that have no place in today's world.

P.S. I do not personally drive and never have, so I know what it means to be in need of a ride!

Tough to Agree with Evangelists When They Really Hate Me

2011-06-27T15:38:00.008-04:00

On many issues of social justice and morale matters on life and death and on compassionate, I fund myself often in agreement with the teaching of the evangelists. They do not get a good name out here in Washington, DC, but I find them sometimes making bold stands on many issues dear to me. They do not often care for what's popular and often get in hot water for supporting what's right from their vantage point. I respect that.

The flip side of the coin, these people hate me as a Muslim I find most spokespersons for the Evangelists never miss an opportunity to bash people of my kind, my religion and my ethnicity. I doubt that what the Lord had in mind when he thought of his followers building his kingdom on earth. I am not alone in this adversary, many of my conservative friends feel the same way. For example, Mormons see an eye to eye with many of the Evangelists principles, yet Mormons get no love from the Evangelists.

Not sure what the practice here, I do not think it's a smart business to insult people who agree with you. Christ reasoned with those who disagreed with him, but many leaders in the Evangelists faith seem to neglect that. Alienating people does not help just like appeasing does not. Hate does not carry people far. So in a nutshell, the Evangelists agenda might not get far in America becasue anyone who might disagree with it, but has a different lifestyle than the Evangelists do, is doomed.

If you are unable to bring supporter and adversaries together, you will need to do a lot more work--needless work. The message here is this, "if you are not Evangelist, you are doing it wrong" does not earn you any friend becasue it's urgent and frankly;y presumptuous.

10 Reasons Real Conservatives Should Love Reel Arabs

2011-06-24T13:32:00.001-04:00

We are as homophobic as you probably are. AIDS does not quite register with us, either.
We love big guns and hunting. Different targets, but we agree on the principle
We are all about religion. BTW, we are also cool with Jesus (even thought he likes to save, we like to trade)
Just like you, we hate freedom of speech, especially when they mock religion. Art is just a waste of time.
We constantly shout in a language no one can understand--kinda of like a Republican caucus.
Abortion is not an option. We hate it, too, because the world can always accommodate one more miserable soul.
Climate Change? sounds like Junk science to me. Say what? Pray away those things bothering us.
Political parties and key governmental posts are a text book example for sausage-fests.
Speaking a foreign language? We think Arabic is the center of the world, sure you feel the same way about your English.
We reject science and like to do it the old way - love to lament the good old and glory days and misinterpret the history.
We also say that we love minorities, but talk is cheap.
We absolutely hate paying taxes and love gold. (good place for a “we buy gold” joke?)
Working Women? What’s this? Maybe you’ll ask me about unicorns next!
Like you, we want it both ways - government get out of my private life and go arrest that queer having sex in private.
Drill Baby Drill? You have practically left no spot place at home without drilling it a hole in it. While on the subject of drilling, we talk smack about porn in public, but in private all bets are off.

How to Get Through To Customer Service

2011-06-17T13:45:00.008-04:00

I have been thinking lately, I should share with you out there how I manage to get through to the customer service agents, explain my problem and get them to fix my problem or make it right.

When I call customer service for any reason (cable, internet, phone, bank, package...etc.)I must confess that 95 percent of the time, I get what I ask for and occasionally I get little bit more than what I had on mind. Here's my wisdom on this very American matter as I have gathered for over 11 years of speaking to customer agents, I hope you find this list valuable:

Before you dial the 1800 number for the company:

Be informed! Try to answer your own questions.
Calm down, no one wants to help an angry person. This can be hard especially of the company screws something up. They are customer service, not anger management therapists.
Pray that the agent you speak to yells at you or dispute your story. No company tolerates this, so you've already won.
Shortcuts! Figure out the best way to reach the customer service by checking Get The Human, a great guide that will save you a lot of time if you use their shortcuts.

When you make the call, now the customer rep is on the line:

Know their name, if you do not hear it, ask them for it. Use that name throughout the call, it helps both of you keep the conversation cordial.
Be nice, and stay positive
Speak up and slowly and whatever happens do not mumble
State something you like about the company or the service if applicable.
Explain the problem in basic terms and tell them you are frustrated by the trouble they are causing you.
Make sure they understand your problem as the way you conveyed it.
If you did something wrong, tell them it's your first offense and you were "unaware", or just an 'honest mistake"
Listen well to what they say, most of time the customer agents speak like they are in automated mode, making them sound less human.
Most of the time this would help resolve the problem you are complaining about. Agents have a certain degree of power to "bribe" upset customers.
Rephrase what they agent has told you to make it sound ridiculous--if it's. Example, the a gas company wanted me to pay 30 dollars to open an account with them. "You want me to pay you money give you business?!!"

If your issue has not been revolved yet:

Don't settle for less than what you think you deserve. I had this with cable and cellphone companies in particular. You are a paying customer, they let you down.
Call the service number again and speak to another customer service agent, you might have better luck with a sympathetic ear.Keep in mind, not all agents are created equally. Some are helpful with some authority, others are just trying to make it through the day.
If that doesn't work, you can always ask for a supervisor or a manager. They often have more privileges and are empowered to resolve issues. Make sure you are extra nice here, but be firm on your demand.
The nuclear option is to ask for the cancellation department, the reps working their are their best trained customer service agents and are able to make you happy in all that's withing their power. Tell the agents their, you really do not want to cancel the service, but their action or lack of action is leaving you there. the rep will pick on that and address your concern. Again, this is game of chicken, if you have a real problem with them, then cancellation should be on the table. 90 percent of the times the problem was made go away.

Avoid:

Lying
Interrupt the customer rep., let them finish. It's rude
No yelling either, no one would help a paranoid person. Yelling allows customer service rep to dismiss you. They are just doing their job.

Example, my cellphone carrier, had some network issues in the past few weeks in the DC area, a number of their cell towers went down. That caused me to have no service for few hours on a number of days. First rep was, this is a technical issue, you will need to speak to technical issues. I wasn't interested, the towers were down, I know it she knows it. I asked for a supervisor, he was non committal on what he can do for my to remedy the problem. Then I told you guys are leaving me no option, put me through to the cancellation department. I spoke to an agent names Press. "Hello, Press, I do not know how you do it in your life, but I know in mine, I never pay for a service that I do not receive." By the time i hand up, I have gotten a solid discount on my bill and a sweet bonus of 2000 minutes on my bill and both sides were happy for our business.

The ADC Drama Judge Not That Ye Be Not Judged

2011-06-14T20:54:00.004-04:00

"Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts."

Psalm 28:3

This verse came to mind when I read a particular article written by the longest-serving head of one of the Arab American Institute. The article was commenting on the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) controversy with the Syrian composer Malek Jandali.

While there are many legitimate concerns with the issue of canceling the composer’s live performance over a song, this should not be an opportunity for people with vile intentions to pile on ADC. As the Arabic proverb has it best, “when the camel falls, the knives are many”

Like many in the community, I was disappointed and channeled my frustration. The organization's silence combined with their poorly-written statements did not exactly help. ADC has gone into damage control mode and partially reversed their decision by playing the song at the Gala as well as acknowledged their shortcoming in a statement released Saturday.

But I have also seen that a few elements in the community started to use controversy as a stepping stone for score settling and achieving their own agenda.

How does ADC differ from many Arab American Washington DC based organizations? I can think of few ways:

ADC has a longer track record in democratic tradition than any other Arab American organization. Since the group’s inception the organization had many different leaders; unlike the other organization, it’s not a one man show. The community is diverse and with that diversity comes politics. ADC is only the they body where that diversity and complexity is revealed.
ADC welcomes all elements in the community. Everyone brings something to the discussion. Other organizations claiming to represent the community feel like a private club or a frat house where you have to be initiated and have to make a lot of money. Elitist of sorts.
ADC actually helps people in places that you never knew existed. I know of many cases where people were denied a visa and ADC has stepped in to help. Others have been discriminated against and found ADC by their side. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they fail, but they keep going on.
ADC is a breeding ground for many bright Arab American leaders who go on and do well for their country and for their community. A significant segment of the Arab American residents of the city have benefited from ADC. Many of them came to the area to do an internship or work for ADC to gain experience and go on with their careers.
ADC does not serve as a talent manager for Arab dictators and their associates. While ADC never pursues such figures, AAI chases wealthy dictator-friendly Arabs to get their money and then its head writes books about how awesome those dictators really are. ADC doesn’t do that.
ADC has an open forum for healthy discussion in the community where all members can take part of the discussion. This has not been so the past few years, but this is the tradition. Unlike similar organizations where even its own staff is intimidated and sworn allegiance to the gifted leader.
On a personal note, when Palestine had a rough batch of civil strife in the summer of 2007 and the borders were sealed, ADC allowed for me to stay in the United States and work until things calmed down.

So the next time ADC does something wrong, and trust me they will, remember you are not perfect either. For 26 years The Arab American Institute (AAI) had only one president who remains in charge. Because when others are wrong and you come to promote freedom and democracy, maybe you need to take your own advice and look at your track record.

This is an organization worth saving. I am reminded of an old saying, without people change is not possible, and without institutions change is never lasting. By the same token, ADC should not be held hostage by the biased politics of the few in its board. It must change or be changed.

For a long time, Arab Americans have inspired Arabs back home. This time, in the wake of the Arab spring, let us be bring some Arab spring to our community.

[Hat Tip:Kellee]

Red Lobster On Facebook

2011-06-13T19:34:00.006-04:00

Red Lobster On Facebook, that's what it said on their menu. Please find red lobster on Facebook. I knew the Facebook was so big right now, did not know that it replacing oceans.

I do not know about you, but I have not seen too many people go lobster fishing on the internet, but that's gross, you get your food from the internet!

Weather you get your lobster online or from the sea, you always have to use a net.

Hat tip: Kellee

Halal Otherwise Haram Pizza Toppings

2011-06-13T19:28:00.003-04:00

So, I found a little hole in the wall pizzeria on 18th Street that sells non pork bacon, sausage and pepperoni. I was so happy to find non pig meat favorite pizza toppings at this store to the degree that roa noticed my joy. It was one of those moments to pig out (pun intended)

My Shawarma With Arab Comics

2011-06-10T14:35:00.006-04:00

I love comedy and I enjoy jokes, and people who have a great sense of humor. I know many comics including many Arab ones who are quite entertaining. I am a friend of many of them and I enjoy their company until they start making comedy sound like some community service thing they are doing.

What I mean to get at is this, comics do not do their gigs as a community service to "empower" Arabs, jokes do not empower you one bit. Comics either tell jokes to make money or becasue it feels good to be in front of people. What I do not like is when an Arab comic brags about how their jokes are somehow a PR campaign for either America or Arabic--that one varies based on location of the set.

I want to see the Arab comics make all the money in the world, I just do not want to be insulted. When I hear them imply that Arabs in the Middle East love jokes and like to laugh, I feel like throwing up. They like to laugh, they have been making comedies for a centuries now in film, theater, and books. So do not act so surprised that they laugh. Everyone likes to laugh, you are not making a huge discovery when you see an Arab laughs at your joke. Yes, you are a great comic, but they laughed long before you, they laughed with you and they will laugh when you are long gone.

This mindset might be an American one, where they like to claim to are the first to doing something, just to help their marketing, ego or whatsoever. Maybe becasue they are the only one who has an HD camera and took it there to film a show some Middle Eastern village. Just like Starbucks did not invent coffee, they just figured a better way to market it.

Shake Shack @ Dupont Circle DC

2011-06-09T23:15:00.004-04:00

The famous New York burger joint has reached our nation's capital. Their first store opened on May 17th 2011 and there were lines. It was slow, but it was not longer than 15 minutes. They only had two cashiers that night and about 15 people working in the kirchen area preparing food.

I visited the store on June 9th and there was a line on a Thursday night.

The burger: tasted good, the bun was made right, with a hint of some kind of oil or butter. It was chewy, juicy and the salt level was fair. Here's the bad news, it was tiny. way tiny, For the Shack Burger it was not that special in size, the taste was good. Maybe ladies would like the portions here more, but I know the dudes I know would like something bigger buns between those two fine buns.

The Fries: the shape is rather unique, but the taste like those commercial fries you buy in the grocery store frozen food section. They weren't bad, they just lacked the character and the flavor of those at Five Guys. The potion was also small, but that's the urban food where the healthy eater and the workaholic can share a meal.

The order came fast when our little buzzer vibrated, the food was ready in less than 7 minutes which beats Five Guys. I think the restaurant is good, but other than the custard and the dogie treat, and the catchy menu name game I find little originality even the logo screams as much.

I have yet to try their custard and try their dogs, I know a New York dog when I see it, that will be my next test.

The store lacks foucs like they want to sell you a million thing unlieke in and out who keeps the menu simple--unless you know of their secret menu.

It's like Five Guys meets In and Out Burgers with a touch of Dairy Queen.

P.S. The opening of Shake Shake was the talk of the town for months, not sure why we talk a lot about food here, the talk itself makes us happy. In Gaza when we talk about food, we often talk about the lack of it.

Palestinian Websites Dilemma

2011-06-09T10:10:00.005-04:00

You know that button they have on every website that reads HOME? Yes, the one that takes you to the main page on the site. This is really strange, on the news sites I read--mostly Palestinians, they do not have that button anywhere. That's right there is no Home Button on websites for Palestinians. One time, I thought I saw one and when I clicked it it took me to a refugee camp.

Rep. Weiner Muslim Wife Scandal

2011-06-07T15:43:00.004-04:00

Congressman Anthony Weiner who has been sending private pictures for his man package to some women online has a lot of explaining to do. Fro starter he was raised Jewish in a New York Home and married to a Muslim woman Huma Abedin. He really dropped the ball on his marriage doing all this lewd pictures business. It's a shame, but it's not the end of the world as we know it.

My first thought about the Congressman's embarrassing actions and putting his wife in a bad position, making her look bad is this, he wouldn't be the first or the last Jew to throw a Muslim under the bus. Huma was left out to dry...

to be clear this has nothing to do about faith, this is about people making really dumb decisions. I wish the couple the best for both of them, but seriously the congressman owes his wife a big apology.

You Need Help Taking That Out?

2011-06-03T22:49:00.004-04:00

When I want to take a teeth out in America, they make sure there are three different doctors with different specialties on site. In Gaza when you want to take out something by far more serious than that say your kidney, you are lucky if one doctor shows up.

Maybe this is an unemployment in disguise.

Heat Makes You Go Banana

2011-06-01T21:21:00.004-04:00

On May 31, 2011, I walked to work--it's a 33 minutes walk to work, a nice walk in pedestrian friendly DC. It was one of those extremely hot days, as you may have heard it's freaking heat wave in DC reaching 100 degrees, it was really warm and I have seen Dubai.

One that I had I had few items with me a half gallon milk container, a box of cereal and a banana for my snack. It was a green banana mind you and a brand new gallon of milk. I thought the milk will be good, it reads June 9th on the box, so I am ten days away from the expiration date.

The green banana on my bag was very yellow upon my arrive to the office, and and milk as I poured to serve myself some cereal--honey bunches of oats. It was SOUR! The brand new milk I bought gone bad ten days before it's expreation date....I have nothing to blame by the heat.

I was so upset about the milk and I was even more upset as I poured it all in the sink, then walked to the Trader's Joe to grab another container, because I will have my cereal!

Blacks and Watermelon

2011-05-29T00:21:00.003-04:00

I have heard in the past that African Americans love watermelon, and I was like then I am an African American then. Ever since I was a little boy I have fallen in love with this very sweet treat. But then I thought about warmer places and how people love to cool by eating watermelon. You go to Fourth of July and there are Indian selling watermelon.

Not sure if the stereotype sticks, I am guessing all people love watermelon. But today I had an interesting encounter.

I was doing produce shopping for the week and there were those nice big watermelon and I knew this would make a nice summer treat. I grabbed it, it was $5.99 no tax. As I walked home three African Americans stopped me to ask me one question, "Where did you get the watermelon from?" One guy stopped his car to ask me, two girls were checking out the watermelon and saying "Wow!"

I passed by a lot of Mexican street vendor selling sliced watermelon and mango. No one asked me about the watermelon....I will kill the watermelon as soon as I can and would like to remind you the whitest people I know happen to also like watermelon.