Long & Foster Realtor Valerie Coleman Took My Money

This is my account with what is defiantly the worst landlord, I have seen since I lived in America. Her name is Valerie Coleman. This to tell an account and opinion about Ms. Coleman who is a nice dresser, smooth talker, and a smart business woman. Among her weaknesses however is her open apatite for money and easy money. Good for her she is a Realtor, has a government job, owns property and rents and now she can add another title, deposit scam artis. I have lived in more than a dozen of places,  all my landlords have always given back their deposit after I did the cleaning of the unit upon departure.

She rented us a home through Long & Foster (May 2011 to Oct 2013), she had listed her property on 2216th 11th St NW Washington, DC 20001 for rent. We rented it for tow and half years. First year she would do maintenance, but occasionally she would ask us to pay--and then she would get angry. She never uses professionals, she uses a nice guy who tires to fix things but he cannot do much. So get ready for leaking and what's not.

And yes, she charges 50 dollars for water? Do you know a place where people pay fifty dollars for water? So she used to keep some change claiming to pay 50 dollars for each unit--it was 20 when we moved in and then she made it 50!

Then there's that little thing (it's not little, they are big) rats all over the building, I though we were the only apartment that had this problem, but my upstairs neighbors confirmed, they had to deal with rats as well. Valerie, made a habit of ignoring our requests, and I have written communications with her where I had to go buy rat traps and kill the poor creatures.

All because she refused to close cracks in the wall where the rats would get in. It was gross, I swear I took out four rats that I trapped. Even one of them was not dead and kept screaming. She did not want to do anything, and it was obvious she stopped caring about her own property. I should have called the DC inspections on her, where they would see her violations and slap her with fines--but I thought (wrong) she deserved better. She charged a good rent, but she just wanted to keep it all to herself and not invest in the property. She would say stuff like this "I'm losing money", "You should pay for that", "I will bill You" etc. At first, I thought maybe because we cook, the rats get attracted to our place, but then I check with the neighbors and they confirmed having whether confronted or heard rats in their units.

If I wanted to pay for such things, I would buy a home and deal with that, but she seems not understand that she should take care of her tenants. I think she showed little class when our check would be a day late because of the mail. Never have I sent her the rent late, Always sent it on time, and I have records--now in one occasion it took the post office two days to deliver the check to her--she wrote and was all (whinger cry baby bleater groaner) and it was not even the third of the month.

And on March 22, 2013 at 12:07 pm there is also an incident when she allowed herself unannounced into our home, without emergency or need, and then she wrote back after complaining about something obscure. I let her know that was not right and she seems not to care. We weren't there and she had no reason to get into the apartment.

Since we got sick and fed-up of her inaction, we put in our notice and she was kind to work with us until the day of the checkout came and she started nitpicking, and looking for tiny little things, and she started saying "would you live in a place like that?" No, Valeria you care so much that you left us with a huge crack in the wall and rats running around the building. Then right away she said, "I am deducting 200 dollars from your deposit for this...and that" Then when I said, "you will do no such thing", she responded "sue me" "and I will take pictures" and started all bullying me. She took her smartphone and started snapping pictures. She even dared to tell me the carped is not new! I did clean the place, but what seemed to me is her way of making more money. I did not think that was fair, she wanted us out and I left. And by the way she is litigious, she sued the next door people over some random issue, but she won.

Again I had a horrible experience with this lady and I would make tell people, to think twice before they rent or use her as a Realtor. This is opinion of Valeria Coleman and her likes. I think Long & Foster owes us an answer for hiring a greedy person who makes a comfortable living sucking the blood of hard- working people like me. I do not understand why Long and Foster a reputable company continues to employ someone with character flaws. I would warn you to rent from her and make sure you bring up these issues. I cannot imagine how messed up buying a house she is listing would be.

Let's hope she won't sue me for stating my opinion of the way she does business.

  

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Living And Working In The District of Columbia

I am enjoying this time of the year in Washington, DC. It's kinda of lame to be living in a nice city where smart people supposedly live--those people shape the how the United States runs the country and the rest of the world. Do they always make good decisions? I doubt anyone would dispute the many decisions made by the elected officials working in Washington, DC.

New York, thinks they run the world--maybe the world of entertainment and fashion. Alright, they also got Wall Street. But no need to be snobby about it. But the truth, folks around the country cannot stand this city and all the laws they make--and the ones they don't. For a city, the District of Columbia has very thick skin. According to one Hollywood producer, "DC is Hollywood for ugly people" and he cracked a joke about C-Span. The officials here, get to levy taxes, take that taxes and do whatever the hell they want with it. Sometimes  they put back that money into the State through various programs. Do you ever hear about the good work that goes on this city? Almost never, and you have politics to credit for that.

I am willing to think that DC itself was not that popular at the time it was chosen to be the center of American governance. For the longest time, no one likes bureaucrats they learn tolerate them. This is way, may founding fathers wanted nothing to do with DC and chose to live away form it.

I have learned that during the war of 1812, the city and its leaders ran out of town when they heard the British were coming. And sure enough, the rag tag militia that was commissioned to protect the city were no match for the British forces, and the city fell in their hands. The troops burned down the first White House.

Compare that to the city of Baltimore when the city fought off the British invasion and held its ground--inspiring one man to write the American anthem as he witnessed the shelling of an America fortress. I think DC is rich in its unique history- it may not have been a historic place itself but because so many important people lived here and ruled over America--it has become a place with historic significance.

Come see the place, not the government. This is a great place to visit, so many awesome things to do and see here. It really embodies so many things about the American experience. So many school buses come to DC from around the country to learn about history and about their government. There's a certain pride in living in DC--even though resident of the city get so little perks in return.        

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For The GOP, Being Arab Is Controversial

Ever since the embarrassing loss of the 2012 elections, the GOP is wondering how they can win over minority voters. I feel that they are genuine and well meaning in their quest to widen their base and attract those voters who have traditional sided with the Democrats.

Yet when the GOP and its loudmouth media has a chance, they insist on giving such communities the middle finger. I see this as I read the nutty reports in conservative publications. This week, right-wing media outlets aggressively harassed the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), a group I have worked for in the past, to release video footage of Chuck Hagel, President Obama's pick for Defense Secretary, speaking at their convention in 2008. ADC has changed offices (naturally they have storage space), gone through personal and leadership change since that date. The videotape in question was in the storage along with the archive.

It seems that reports for online publications like Free Beacon, Fox News, Breitbart.com, and The Weekly Standard have been waging their own war against a civil rights groups that was founded in the 1980s by a retired U.S. senator who wanted to combat discrimination. It appears as if those publications are giving themselves the right to be hostile toward ADC, and its employees, as they try to uncover yet another conspiracy they have cherished. The spokesperson on behalf of ADC, Abed Ayoub, told the press, "They came to our offices -- threatening us, demanding information, arguing with security. They got very abrasive, very aggressive.. IIn fact, the FBI was in here last week because of those type of threats."

When ADC found the video they placed it on their website, but the joke was on those right-wing extremists who found nothing controversial in the video. Instead, those seeking a scandal found Hagel having an intimate conversation with American voters who come from places like Michigan, New Jersey, California, Virginia, and other places who want to be informed about their government. His broad-themed speech emphasizes activism and the importance of America’s role in the world. ADC has worked with a number of US administrations where they have enjoyed cordial collaborative efforts with various government agencies who have come to appreciate the work ADC does on behalf of its constituents.

Perhaps these conservative voices are upset with former Senator Chuck Hagel because he was able to do something they have not figured out how to do: speak to people from a background different from their own. Senator Hagel has been attacked over and over merely for speaking to Arab Americans. Most GOP leaders invited by the Arab American groups do not bother to come, and I am certain Arab Americans are not the only minority the GOP bails out on. Frankly, this is a prime example of their exclusionary tendencies and the GOP needs to know this by now. The good senator from Nebraska was doing what the GOP, now four years later, is talking about doing: talk to every American.

Such ill-advised media campaigns, orchestrated by xenophobes, racists and misguided talking-heads, are aimed at bullying the Arab American community. What good does it do to label an American organization  as controversial? There are more than 3.5 million Arab Americans in the United States, and they vote just like any other American. Something tells me the GOP did not win any votes by insulting the community and its leading organizations that stand for the US constitution. I urge the GOP not to stand for such tactics if they really wanted to win a national election again. Whether the nomination of Senator Chuck Hagel goes through is another conversation to have, but the GOP is already derailing the American democratic process and they are certainly not winning any friends in the process.

As for ADC and the community it represents, they will be around as we move forward and as the GOP continues on its road to self-destruction. With a growing population of minority voters, they will make sure there will be fewer GOP politicians. The GOP will only have themselves to thank for that.    

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Hurricane Sandy Vs. Outdoors Crazy People

It's easy for people to say, hunker down at home during the storm  I think it makes sense not to put oneself in danger. Being selfish never helps make anyone better off especially if you have to be rescued. I tried to stay home but I get sick of the indoors, I do not know what it is, but I cannot lock myself in. If I was able to do that, I would move back to Gaza and live in such a confined space. Glad, no cop was in the street urging us to go home. This is America, you can be stupid if you want too--not on planes though.

But I also understand people who want to get out and be in the outdoors. While I did not do any crazy stunts, I tried to walk around the block and it was no walk in the park. The wind blew my umbrella way, my glasses had so much rain water on them and on top of that it was really cold. But the good news 7/11 was open, so hot chocolate it was. I did also watch a lot of movies and comedies, they came in handy. I did also work on my music blog which was something I am always up for.

So, do not lock me in, I had to take a walk, glad to have run into two other people who were walking their dogs. Luckily, we did not lose power, it did flicker once and the street lost power for a second. I could not see us going to work on Monday, but Tuesday was the end of it at least here in the District.  

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DC's Dog Parks And The Easily Irritated People

Each morning like every morning  I walk to work. Thus, I pass by the famed 17 and S street dog park on the borders of the Dupont Circle and U Street area every day twice. Today was a little different, as I strolled down the street heading for work this morning, some guy who lives in a building across the street form the park was screaming from his bedroom---"Enough parking already!"

People in the park were giggling as few dogs gathered--one particular dog was being loud and obnoxious. There were attempted to stop the dog parking, 30 seconds later, the same voice comes, "Make It Stop Please!". I think it was funny to hear this kind of exchange in the early morning.

Seconds later the dog stops parking, and the same voice shouts "Thank You!" I wasn't the only one to notice, others including bystanders could not miss it. I consider myself as a dog friendly person which means, I do not pet them as they pass by, I only smile and stay out of their way.

I thought it was funny that people pay top dollars to live in that particular neighborhood, only to be awaken everyday by parking dogs. You might not hate dogs, but you may appreciate your sleep a little bit more than you appreciate those fuzzy creatures.  

I find it intersting that some people tolerate parking dogs, but when it comes to crying babies, they get easily worked up. Thus those people are often the first people to complain in a restaurant if a baby cries.    

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Great! I Love Baseball Now

I am open to changing my mind, this time, I have changed my mind on what I think of Baseball. In the past I thought it was a boring game. I was coming from a mentality that the game should draw you in every single second, like soccer, something it always happening and you are on the edge of your seats. It's a game you go to to relax and get excited once in a while, you do not really have to watch every second of the game, you can take a break and come back and the game still would make as much sense as it did before you have  walked away.

But in baseball that factor is largely missing, there are moments when you are on the edge of your seat waiting for something exciting, but in general Baseball is a slow game. Then it hit me, the game itself should be only one part of the experience. I have concluded that going to baseball game at a ballpark is a true cultural experience. It turn out that it's a place where memories are shaped where young and old flock to see a game, but entertain themselves with various kinds of food--hot dogs is the all time original.

But for me, being with my friends and talking about the game and different things, then sharing a laugh over that drunk guy who is screaming various chants including but limited to "Let's Get Sexy!" all counts for the experiences. Then the giant screen they have, various movie clips they play, and the camera rolling showing dancing and all sorts of activities among the fans. The music they play also contributes to that atmosphere. Kids can be kids there, and couples can do what couples love to do....it's sort of bringing an entire community and letting them be themselves altogether in public.      

But perhaps the most fun part was dressing in my hometown baseball team color with a cap, only to be talked to by strangers who feel strongly about their team who just beat my own. It was a fun exchange on the metro like none I have ever had.

Sure, there are things, I still do not enjoy like overpriced mediocre foods and crowded everything, but at least for me this was a rare and beautiful outing.   

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They Made Fun Of His Engrish, He Killed Them

Plus he was crazy....

When the story of the shootings in California, and reports of the murder of 7 people has surfaced, I was saddened like many. A former nursing student was charged with murder and attempted murder on Wednesday in a shooting rampage that killed seven people and wounded three others this week at a small, Christian college he once attended in California. Nothing bets a nurse who wants to do some damage to otherwise healthy individuals.

The suspect in the shootings at Oakland's Oikos University, 43-year-old One Goh, described by some at the school as an outsider.

But aside from his mental issues, the shooter was sick of people mocking his English as this tiny college. His classmates where from India, Nepal and other places. He lost his mind and went on a shooting spree.

This is madness, how was he able to get a gun? Can anyone in America get one? Even those who are not citizens? What the rules? Maybe he stole it. Not sure yet.

But now, I am reminded by how many times people made fun of accent, and my English, sure it was fun for them, but it was no joy ride for me. I thought after a while it was rude...but at first I thought it was cute. Most people who mock others people accents have not really spent time with people with accents. More often than not, you are the first non native, they come across. When you tell them to stop...they will stop and apologize for their lingual bullying.

I do not ask them to stop, I do not shoot them either. I do ask them to try to say the same thing in my language--only then they will feel stupid.

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Cynical On Politics, Health Care, and Palestine

A lot has been happening lately, I have become more cynical about many things around me. Whether it's a revolution in Syria or the struggle for health care here, I am very cynical about the process. And the situation in Palestine does not give me much hope either. I wish I can escape politics, but I really cannot it abandon it for two reasons:

1. I am a Palestinian, politics is the bread and butter for me growing up. Everything in my life can be explained in political jargon. Like millions others, politics have led me to be where I am. If I cannot find my family on Skype, it's because they are out of power! Why you ask? Israel, has bombed their only power generating planet in 2008. And politicians in Egypt, Hamas, Fatah cannot seem to make a deal.
2. I freaking live in Washington, DC, this American city that breaths politics. Everyone with an ambition in this world comes to this city. Whether they are Americans of Internationals, DC is like the place to be that person. There's no other city in the world like this city at the moment. National, local and international roads all meet here in DC. Never mind the think thanks and lobbyists who even rent spaces on buses and metro seats to make political points. So the moment you open your eyes, you are into it.

In other news, my favorite quote form a Supreme Court justice in the debate about health care is this: It's not that the government making you buy something, it's that those who do not participate in the market make it more expensive for everyone else. In other words, those who do not have health insurance, also get sick...when they do most often than not people like you and me end up paying for it. I know people on the right might deny it, but they get sick too, and get help as much. I also understand the right's worries about encouraging bad behavior, as insured people might not be as careful about their health when they are getting free care.

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Waiting For Change At The Grocery Store

Since most items are priced something.99, it becomes hard to pay for something at the grocery store without having to deal with change from the cashier. take for example, a half gallon of milk at the Trader's Joe is 1.99--a bargain in DC. I give the cashier 2 dollars and I do not know what to do. I have two choices:

1. Wait till the receipt print and be handed a one cent back from the cashier--waste time and look cheap.
2. Walk away, the have the cashier panic, think you are rude.

What do you do? i often do not need a receipt for such transactions, if I pay cash, it means I am in a rush. But I do not want to insult the cashier and just bail. He might want to ask me to enter my email or bonus card or even give away my kidney for some charity.

I often find myself asking the cashier, I'm good?, can I go now? This seems to work out well for me as I do not waste time and the cashier knows I am jetting out of there. Luckily, most of my purchases are using plastic.

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The World's Best Hummus Recipe "Hummuscide"

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

1. One Can of Garbanzo Beans
2. Boil it in hot water--get rid of the water it comes in.
3. Add 3 to 4 spoons of lemon juice in a blender
4. One third of Sesame puree (Tahini), add to the blender
5. Two or three spoons of olive oil, add to the blender
6. Half a spoon of cumin for taste, add to the blender
   
7. Garlic, minimum one glove, no more than three--you can skip if you plan on kissing someone.
8. 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
9. Add the warm Garbanzo beans and half a cup of the water it boiled in. Blend baby Blend
   
10. 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.

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Sober in the District: The Diary of a Buzzkill

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

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I Would Risk Getting Shot To Eat @ Checkers

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.

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Indulge! You Are In The Washington Hospital Center

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...

1. 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.
2. They have a full functioning cafeteria, selling deep fried chicken and other fatty foods and sugary beverages, I kid you not
3. 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
   
4. 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.

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5 Things To Eat In Saint Louis

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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UTN1 Shines Once Again In Virginia USA

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.

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12 Must Haves for Hipsters

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:

1. 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."
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Your reusable shopping bag just makes me want to throw up.
6. 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."
7. 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.
8. 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?
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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

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Things To Do In DC For The Halloween

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.

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I Go To Hooters For Their Awesome Wings Defense

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!

This reminds me of my friend Don who is a sworn vegetarian and yet still uses that Wings line as an excuse to go visit with Hooters. Maybe he hopes for their salad.

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

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

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Will Abbas Fool Palestinians Once More Time?

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.

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9/11 At Brigham Young University

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.

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