Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Monday, 30 January 2012
Kim Kardashian: Love Her or Hate Her?
Dear Readers, my blog has become the target of some sort of spamming mafia, which is attacking my previous post for some reason, and whoever they are they are located in the US. I'm trying to come up with another post to sort of remedy the situation, I know stupid remedy, but I've already reported it to Blogger I don't know what else to do. So here's an unlikely post from me anyway: Kim Kardashian.
I've also decided to let this be mainly a picture- heavy post. Maybe becuase I don't think there's much to say aboutther, I'm not aware of any great talents she may have,( No keeping up with the Kardashians doesn't count) or some great good she has done to world but she does look pretty, and is a fashionista, if nothing else...and there is a whole industry devoted to people like her- and they exist for a reason they fulfill a demand, or desires by the masses to be look like them, if not live like them. So without further ado lets have the pictures, which obviously, are more interesting to look at than a 1000 word post by me.
Saturday, 28 January 2012
A Guide to British English: What the British Say, and What they Really Mean
I was asked to give Saudi students travelling to the U.K some orientation training, and instead of simply handing them the above list, which I feel is more appropriate if you are in a business/work context, I would make use of my own experiences at uni in London.
The first few days I spent running around doing the things freshers do: registration, trying to find classes, and auditoriums, a place to sit in the cafeteria, etc. I found most of the students were quite friendly, and was setlling in fast, there was just one problem: Every time I met someone and said 'Hi!' the ' Hi!" would be returned accompanied by an "Are you alrght?" "You alright?"
Now the first time, although I was slightly taken aback, by being asked whether I was alright, I'd been rushing to make it to class- so I probably did look a bit flustered. As I continued to get the 'You alright" thrown at me, I actually went to the ladies' and gave myself a quick once over, IMHO I didn't look like I'd been struck by lightning or run over by a bus. I reapplied my Body Shop Strawberry lipbalm, pinched my cheeks, I tend to look pale in the cold, and returned to class. As the day progressed the 'You alright' s didn't cease. Exasperated, I finally
The poor girl, eyes widened, said that she was just being polite..looking at the incredulous look on my face ..she asked 'Don't you ask someone when you meet them how they are?'
It started to dawn on me that You alright? = How are you?
Now, why wasn't that in the Freshers' handbook? Over the next few weeks I discovered other international students, and American students who'd been through the same thing, and being self-conscious freshers had ended up feeling far from alright!
Other terms you might like to keep a note of:
Uni= university -US-school
Read - If someone asks you what you read at university, they mean what was your major at school
Halls= Dorms
Duvet - Most Brits have dispensed with blankets and sheets and now sleep under a duvet. It is similar to a comforter but has a removable cover that can be washed. Duvet's warmth is measured in togs, 2 or 3 togs for summer duvets and 11 or more for winter ones.
Wicked= Great
Smashing = Terrific
Pants= is short for Underpants not Trousers...
Cheers=Thanks..sometimes G'bye
Quid = A pound in money is called a quid.
Luv, Hun, Ducky= Habibti :-)
Arse =It basically means the same as ass, but is much ruder. It is used in phrases like "pain in the arse" (a nuisance) or I "can't be arsed" (I can't be bothered) or you might hear something was "a half arsed attempt" meaning that it was not done properly.
Bollocks= Not good/Rubbish..
Chuffed=Pleased
Gutted=Really upset
Naff = Uncool.
Nosh/Grub= Food
Waffle= To waffle means to talk on and on about nothing
Quite = When used alone, this word means the same as absolutely!
Pear shaped= If something has gone pear shaped it means it has become a disaster. .
Chips - French Fries
Crisps- Chips- Lays etc
Doner - Short for a doner kebab- abit like a Shawerma but ususally the Turkish version
Lemonade - Lemonade in England is a clear, sparkling, lemon flavoured drink Seven-up and sprite would both qualify as lemonade in England.
Jacket potato - Baked potato
99 - When you visit England, go up to the ice cream van and ask for a 99. You will get a cone filled with soft ice cream and a Cadbury's flake - a long crumbly stick of chocolate
White goods - When you visit a British store that sells things for the home you will find a section for white goods. These are the electrical appliances that you have in your kitchen or utility room like fridges, freezers, washing machines and driers. The name is cunningly derived from their colour!
I'll leave you with this flashback from the nineties, East 17's It's alright :-)
Cheers!
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Monday, 23 January 2012
I Don't Understand White People.. Americans
Dear Readers,
The more I blog the more comfortable I am with posting things which maybe of a controversial nature. In real life I avoid controversy and contradiction if I can help it. I'm no doormat though, if you provoke me or if I feel the need to express my values or take a stand I'll do it-passionately. But, I don't enjoy it. The anonymity of a blog, the lack of comments(turns out this can be a good thing) has made me more willing to post things some people might take issue with.
I saw the following video on the Colours of My Life Blog by Shahirah Elaizah, and I found it hilarious so I thought why not share. in my experience I think it is a better caricature of American white people as compared to white Britsh people as the ones in the big cities are more culturally aware.
Having said that, not all white Americans are like this, and even if they are..its a product of the society they have been brought up in- with Fox and CNN shaping their views on the outside world for many.
Even in the U.K, some of the students I became friends with, had never met let alone been friends with a non-white person before...so there's a reason they don't quite know what to say- at least they are trying...right? Its better than a racial slur.
Again, my dear American readers, this isn't intended to be racist it is supposed to funny, its good for you to know what the other side thinks when you say such stuff, a bit like the movie Crash but much more light-hearted. Think of it as intercultural dialogue!
.....I LOVE CULTURE!!!!!
The more I blog the more comfortable I am with posting things which maybe of a controversial nature. In real life I avoid controversy and contradiction if I can help it. I'm no doormat though, if you provoke me or if I feel the need to express my values or take a stand I'll do it-passionately. But, I don't enjoy it. The anonymity of a blog, the lack of comments(turns out this can be a good thing) has made me more willing to post things some people might take issue with.
I saw the following video on the Colours of My Life Blog by Shahirah Elaizah, and I found it hilarious so I thought why not share. in my experience I think it is a better caricature of American white people as compared to white Britsh people as the ones in the big cities are more culturally aware.
Having said that, not all white Americans are like this, and even if they are..its a product of the society they have been brought up in- with Fox and CNN shaping their views on the outside world for many.
Even in the U.K, some of the students I became friends with, had never met let alone been friends with a non-white person before...so there's a reason they don't quite know what to say- at least they are trying...right? Its better than a racial slur.
Again, my dear American readers, this isn't intended to be racist it is supposed to funny, its good for you to know what the other side thinks when you say such stuff, a bit like the movie Crash but much more light-hearted. Think of it as intercultural dialogue!
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Why this kolaveri di song- Arabic version!
Today I'm going to blog about the Arabic version of the Indian song 'Why this kolaveri di ' of Tamil origin (I think). Despite its cringeworthy ridiculousness, (is that even a word?!) the song has become a viral hit in India and possibly other parts of the world, wherever there is an Indian diaspora and fans of Bollwood movies and songs. The song is mainly in poor English, sung in a heavy Tamil accent, (no offense).
The original song can be found here, but it has spawned countless versions which I'm sure you can find on Youtube if you for some reason, possibly sheer boredom or an impending deadline, were inclined to do so.
I recently came across the Arabic version of this song,(by Faez Chowdhury) i.e it has the same tune, same music, but the wording is in Arabic, poor Arabic, the Saudi slang that is spoken, by workers from the South Asia and is sung in an Indian accent, It was shown as part of a comedy/satire series called Ana Asif/I'm Sorry on MBC1. It's Arabic name is Why this khalli-walli ? you can watch it below.
The lyrics follow the pattern, of the original song so if you listen to it first, you might find it more amusing, but the song on its own is a hilarious-yet sad but true.
Whereas the original is about the plight of a young man in love, the Arabic version is about plight of a South Asian worker who's sponsor/ kafeel has told him to get lost/khalli walli. The song illustrates the poor working conditions faced by underpaid, overworked, unskilled labour from South Asia; and the treatment meted out to them by their Middle Eastern sponsors. I wish I could say that this was the exception and not the norm but sadly it isn't so. Unless there are laws to protect these workers, they will continue to suffer as they are driven to the middle east by extreme poverty and lack of job opportunities.
Below is the transliteration and translation of the song in English. (I haven't translated the lyrics into proper English because its meant be broken Arabic and I wanted to capture the tone of some one speaking without fluency )
This is turning out to be a truly multi-cultural post about the Arabic version of an Indian song with English translation about the plight of South Asian workers in the Middle East! I've written the translation in brown next to Romanized Arabic lyrics
Aiywa sadeeq, ana ghanni song: Yeah, friend I going to sing song,
Arbi song: Arabic song
Ma fee quwais song: Not good song
Why this khalli walli khalli walli khalli walli- khalli walli-: Why this get lost, get lost, get lost, get lost? repeat*3
haza kafeel ilbas abiyad: This sponsor wears white
wa qalb kulo aswad: And his heart is all black:
haza kulo youm gir gir gir gir: Every day he tells off
haza nafr bakheel: This man is a miser
Why this khalli walli khalli walli khalli walli- khalli walli- walli : Why this get lost, get lost, get lost, get lost repeat*3
Floos mafee, mafee akul: No money, no eat
Ana miskeen, ibki: I'm poor, I cry
Ma fee raha, ma fee nom, ish haza ya habibi: No rest, no sleep, what is this 'dear'? (see habibi)
Why this khalli walli khalli walli khalli walli- khalli walli- walli : Why this get lost, get lost, get lost, get lost repeat*3
---Aiywa baba kaifal haal, mama kaisa hai: Yeah Dad, how are you, how's Mom?
Baba baba haza kafeel mushkila: Dad, Dad, this sponsor is a problem
Haza kafeel mafee sawwee kafalaa, haza kafeel sawwee khrooj nehaeee: This sponsor isn't going to sponsor me, this sponsor is going to do(send me on) my final-exit
Haza fee ghair alheyn, alhey ghair: This is then, then is this
kaam ziyada..laazim arby: Too much work (sung in hindi)..[some one says].must be in arabic
shughul ziyada, raatib maafee, raatib kullu weyn? : Too much work (sung in Arabic), no pay, where did all the salary go?
Sawwi shahee, ghasl sayyara, nazaf kullu bait: Make tea, wash the car, clean the whole house
Insaan, Insaan, Ana Insaan, Ma fee hayawan ya mudeer: Human, human I'm a human, not an animal O Manager
Mama, mama, ana mama, taaban katheer ya kafeel: Mama, Mama, I'm very tired O my sponsor
Haza Nafr mo quwais, aish sawwee qool?: This man is not good, what do you say?
Mafee ibghaa sawa sawa shugul, ana fee ibgha irja3 balad: No want same same work, I'm going back to my country
Why this get lost, get lost, get lost, get lost repeat*3
Please share your views on this important topic, beacuse its up to you and me, bring about the change in the society in the future.
* P.S This is a caffiene triggered post, the writer is caffeine intolerant, thus I must apologize if I have offended anyone, no offense was intended, and the writer does not promote substance abuse of any kind not even caffeine!
The original song can be found here, but it has spawned countless versions which I'm sure you can find on Youtube if you for some reason, possibly sheer boredom or an impending deadline, were inclined to do so.
I recently came across the Arabic version of this song,(by Faez Chowdhury) i.e it has the same tune, same music, but the wording is in Arabic, poor Arabic, the Saudi slang that is spoken, by workers from the South Asia and is sung in an Indian accent, It was shown as part of a comedy/satire series called Ana Asif/I'm Sorry on MBC1. It's Arabic name is Why this khalli-walli ? you can watch it below.
The lyrics follow the pattern, of the original song so if you listen to it first, you might find it more amusing, but the song on its own is a hilarious-yet sad but true.
Whereas the original is about the plight of a young man in love, the Arabic version is about plight of a South Asian worker who's sponsor/ kafeel has told him to get lost/khalli walli. The song illustrates the poor working conditions faced by underpaid, overworked, unskilled labour from South Asia; and the treatment meted out to them by their Middle Eastern sponsors. I wish I could say that this was the exception and not the norm but sadly it isn't so. Unless there are laws to protect these workers, they will continue to suffer as they are driven to the middle east by extreme poverty and lack of job opportunities.
Below is the transliteration and translation of the song in English. (I haven't translated the lyrics into proper English because its meant be broken Arabic and I wanted to capture the tone of some one speaking without fluency )
This is turning out to be a truly multi-cultural post about the Arabic version of an Indian song with English translation about the plight of South Asian workers in the Middle East! I've written the translation in brown next to Romanized Arabic lyrics
Aiywa sadeeq, ana ghanni song: Yeah, friend I going to sing song,
Ma fee quwais song: Not good song
Why this khalli walli khalli walli khalli walli- khalli walli-: Why this get lost, get lost, get lost, get lost? repeat*3
haza kafeel ilbas abiyad: This sponsor wears white
wa qalb kulo aswad: And his heart is all black:
haza kulo youm gir gir gir gir: Every day he tells off
haza nafr bakheel: This man is a miser
Why this khalli walli khalli walli khalli walli- khalli walli- walli : Why this get lost, get lost, get lost, get lost repeat*3
Floos mafee, mafee akul: No money, no eat
Ana miskeen, ibki: I'm poor, I cry
Ma fee raha, ma fee nom, ish haza ya habibi: No rest, no sleep, what is this 'dear'? (see habibi)
Why this khalli walli khalli walli khalli walli- khalli walli- walli : Why this get lost, get lost, get lost, get lost repeat*3
---Aiywa baba kaifal haal, mama kaisa hai: Yeah Dad, how are you, how's Mom?
Baba baba haza kafeel mushkila: Dad, Dad, this sponsor is a problem
Haza kafeel mafee sawwee kafalaa, haza kafeel sawwee khrooj nehaeee: This sponsor isn't going to sponsor me, this sponsor is going to do(send me on) my final-exit
Haza fee ghair alheyn, alhey ghair: This is then, then is this
kaam ziyada..laazim arby: Too much work (sung in hindi)..[some one says].must be in arabic
shughul ziyada, raatib maafee, raatib kullu weyn? : Too much work (sung in Arabic), no pay, where did all the salary go?
Sawwi shahee, ghasl sayyara, nazaf kullu bait: Make tea, wash the car, clean the whole house
Insaan, Insaan, Ana Insaan, Ma fee hayawan ya mudeer: Human, human I'm a human, not an animal O Manager
Mama, mama, ana mama, taaban katheer ya kafeel: Mama, Mama, I'm very tired O my sponsor
Haza Nafr mo quwais, aish sawwee qool?: This man is not good, what do you say?
Mafee ibghaa sawa sawa shugul, ana fee ibgha irja3 balad: No want same same work, I'm going back to my country
Why this get lost, get lost, get lost, get lost repeat*3
Please share your views on this important topic, beacuse its up to you and me, bring about the change in the society in the future.
* P.S This is a caffiene triggered post, the writer is caffeine intolerant, thus I must apologize if I have offended anyone, no offense was intended, and the writer does not promote substance abuse of any kind not even caffeine!
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Gossip Girl Seasons One to Four
Dear Readers,
As you know I am rather behind on my series. You will be surprised to hear that I like it that way, because I have developed a need of instant gratification when comes to watching series and especially comedies. One episode just doesn't seem to be enough, and to wait one whole week seems like torture. I wasn't always like this. I liked to regulate my behaviour with delayed gratification, link the reward with something I had to achieve; but lately, and for a while now, all that's gone out of the window. Somehow, I will overcome all that.
Anyway, as I've gone on a bit of Gossip Girl bender I have to blog about it. I have to say I enjoyed Season 4 more than Season 3 it just got better with every episode. I also enjoyed the soundtrack of the second half of Season 4. Blair's wardrobe has improved by leaps and bounds, I used to think she hid her figure in dull androgenous outfits, esp in season two. Season 3 saw some improvement but Season 4 has been the best. I love the ball gowns they wear, the jewellery including Lily's. I am sad to see the demise of Jenny's character , I don't know why, I guess I believed there was a good person, some innocence still left in her beneath that teenage angst facade. I was really torn up over the Jenny and Chuck incident it was awful in every way. I had wished Jenny and Nate would have ended up together maybe he could have made Jenny better.
But then again I'm not completely for couples ending up together just so one of them can make the other better, a little grounding for the unstable is good but you feel the that one of them is getting a bad deal. Dan, I think, would have been interesting with Blair, would have brought her down from her high horse a notch. Serena is great to watch for her wardrobe and her hair- but I don't always root for her, she's to much of a flake a floozy, a bit of a hot mess, with hot on the outside and messed up on the inside!
As a rule I don't like people without self control- (um in life not for watching series) and with no goals, no values, who get away with anything because they are rich and famous. I do feel sorry her for sometimes though and love her bags and dresses- and her hair of course,
Vanessa is going- yay! Was there ever a more annoying character? If she was supposed to be the underdog female, intellectual and down to earth, she should have everyone rooting for her . When you are rooting for Blair and Serena over Vanessa who probably has more in common with the audience compared to the whole cast put together, you know the charcacter has failed. I also thought she didn't have the right 'look' and she was so 'hard', she had a very reactive teenage angst, (the rest of them are are immature too, but her attitude which was unpleasant to watch and really rubbed me the wrong way.
Maybe Serena should end up with Ben, although he is too good for her, I think the Professor was better match for Serena, they deserved each other..
Let's see if Blair ends up with her Prince Louis or is Chuck her Dark Prince? Can't wait to start Season 5.
I hope you enjoy the video montage :-) the song is Young Blood by The Naked and The Famous, the montage covers everyone's favourite couples I think.
I would like to ask you to leave comments because you should make your voice heard :-).
XOXO
As you know I am rather behind on my series. You will be surprised to hear that I like it that way, because I have developed a need of instant gratification when comes to watching series and especially comedies. One episode just doesn't seem to be enough, and to wait one whole week seems like torture. I wasn't always like this. I liked to regulate my behaviour with delayed gratification, link the reward with something I had to achieve; but lately, and for a while now, all that's gone out of the window. Somehow, I will overcome all that.
Anyway, as I've gone on a bit of Gossip Girl bender I have to blog about it. I have to say I enjoyed Season 4 more than Season 3 it just got better with every episode. I also enjoyed the soundtrack of the second half of Season 4. Blair's wardrobe has improved by leaps and bounds, I used to think she hid her figure in dull androgenous outfits, esp in season two. Season 3 saw some improvement but Season 4 has been the best. I love the ball gowns they wear, the jewellery including Lily's. I am sad to see the demise of Jenny's character , I don't know why, I guess I believed there was a good person, some innocence still left in her beneath that teenage angst facade. I was really torn up over the Jenny and Chuck incident it was awful in every way. I had wished Jenny and Nate would have ended up together maybe he could have made Jenny better.
But then again I'm not completely for couples ending up together just so one of them can make the other better, a little grounding for the unstable is good but you feel the that one of them is getting a bad deal. Dan, I think, would have been interesting with Blair, would have brought her down from her high horse a notch. Serena is great to watch for her wardrobe and her hair- but I don't always root for her, she's to much of a flake a floozy, a bit of a hot mess, with hot on the outside and messed up on the inside!
 |
| Sexy Serena, Edgy Lil J, or Classic B what's your favourite style |
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| Blair and Serena Chuck and Nate, bold and beautiful for young people |
Vanessa is going- yay! Was there ever a more annoying character? If she was supposed to be the underdog female, intellectual and down to earth, she should have everyone rooting for her . When you are rooting for Blair and Serena over Vanessa who probably has more in common with the audience compared to the whole cast put together, you know the charcacter has failed. I also thought she didn't have the right 'look' and she was so 'hard', she had a very reactive teenage angst, (the rest of them are are immature too, but her attitude which was unpleasant to watch and really rubbed me the wrong way.
Maybe Serena should end up with Ben, although he is too good for her, I think the Professor was better match for Serena, they deserved each other..
Let's see if Blair ends up with her Prince Louis or is Chuck her Dark Prince? Can't wait to start Season 5.
| Chuck and Blair at a train station in Paris |
I hope you enjoy the video montage :-) the song is Young Blood by The Naked and The Famous, the montage covers everyone's favourite couples I think.
I would like to ask you to leave comments because you should make your voice heard :-).
XOXO
Downton Abbey Episode 8 and the Christmas Special
*spoilers alert*
Dear Readers, the last time I wrote about Downton Abbey I was mid-way through the second season.
I intitially wrote a sort of summary recap of what happened in Downton Abbey in the second half of the season, and I realised it was just a very rushed summary especially since its been a while since I watched many of the epsiodes except the Christmas special. I also realised that if I want to do a review that adds value I should do it while its fresh in my mind. So I've erased what I wrote and am going to capture my favourite moments in the form of video clips. I think that way it will a bit more interesting. I'm not a famous critic and I don't have Downton Abbey fans lining up to read or share their thoughts. I guess there are forums for that sort of thing.
So here it goes:
Episode 8 when Sybil announces to her family that she intends on marrying Branson the chaffeur. I love Cousin Violet's reaction- she has the best lines- watch the clip and see for yourself:
The clip below is my favourite bit of episode 8, when Matthew and Mary talk and dance, superb acting in my humble opinion.
Unfortunately, Lavinia hears everything and sees the kiss that follows, and goes on to die of a 'broken heart' as Matthew put it although she had actually contracted the Spanish flu. His guilt prevents him from pursuing Mary and he makes a vow to Lavinia's memory. It is sad and annoying at the same time.
The Christmas Special finally brings the downfall of Sir Richard; and Matthew gets in a few good punches, again Dame Maggie Smith has the best lines perfectly delivered. When Richard announces that he won't be returning Granny cheekily asks ' You promise?' despite the seriousness of the situation and tension in the air, and I love the way she reassures Matthew not to worry about the broken vase, see for for yourself.
The Christmas Proposal, how romantic yet with Mary's wit not sentimental...I love the snow, colour of her dress, the 'don't take me there again unless you are sure' ...' you must say it properly..get down on your knees' :-)..Well, a happy ending -for now till fall 2012 at least!
Dear Readers, the last time I wrote about Downton Abbey I was mid-way through the second season.
I intitially wrote a sort of summary recap of what happened in Downton Abbey in the second half of the season, and I realised it was just a very rushed summary especially since its been a while since I watched many of the epsiodes except the Christmas special. I also realised that if I want to do a review that adds value I should do it while its fresh in my mind. So I've erased what I wrote and am going to capture my favourite moments in the form of video clips. I think that way it will a bit more interesting. I'm not a famous critic and I don't have Downton Abbey fans lining up to read or share their thoughts. I guess there are forums for that sort of thing.
So here it goes:
Episode 8 when Sybil announces to her family that she intends on marrying Branson the chaffeur. I love Cousin Violet's reaction- she has the best lines- watch the clip and see for yourself:
The clip below is my favourite bit of episode 8, when Matthew and Mary talk and dance, superb acting in my humble opinion.
Unfortunately, Lavinia hears everything and sees the kiss that follows, and goes on to die of a 'broken heart' as Matthew put it although she had actually contracted the Spanish flu. His guilt prevents him from pursuing Mary and he makes a vow to Lavinia's memory. It is sad and annoying at the same time.
The Christmas Special finally brings the downfall of Sir Richard; and Matthew gets in a few good punches, again Dame Maggie Smith has the best lines perfectly delivered. When Richard announces that he won't be returning Granny cheekily asks ' You promise?' despite the seriousness of the situation and tension in the air, and I love the way she reassures Matthew not to worry about the broken vase, see for for yourself.
The Christmas Proposal, how romantic yet with Mary's wit not sentimental...I love the snow, colour of her dress, the 'don't take me there again unless you are sure' ...' you must say it properly..get down on your knees' :-)..Well, a happy ending -for now till fall 2012 at least!
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Iphone 4S- Apps, Covers Cases and more
The apps - everyone who owns an iphone always goes on and on about the apps! Well, I was pretty happy with Nokia's Ovi store as I could buy stuff just using my phone credit withou having to enter my bank/card details. The Apple store unfortunately requires you to enter your bank details which I am unwilling to do for a while, so I am going to have to satisfy myself with free apps- which luckily there are aplenty .
I have already downloaded the following apps: Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, I wish all my contacts were on Viber it would make my life a lot simpler. I 've also got Heart Fitness montior, Abworkouts free, anti-mosquito, HP home and biz( for my printer), QuranExplorer,Fortress of the Muslim, alQibla, stepmetr(a podometer- haven't tested it yet) ,iBooks and Classic Books- although I prefer to read on my Kindle.
Some of the apps are are a bit gimmicky and make me feel like a child with a toy, but I've only had the iphone for 2 weeks and am testing their usefulness and entertainment value.
It iss definitely user-friendly, and I love the zoom in feature, although I wish I could copy paste number from facebook messages, the copy/paste feature doesn't seem to work there.
If someone could reccomend an emoticon app that's simple and easy to use that would be great. :-)
What other free apps would you reccommend?
I have got a scratch-proof clear plastic adhesive cover, but I want to get an actual cover. I am notorious for dropping my mobiles, its a nothing short of a miracle that most have lasted 2.5 years plus. I am terrified that if I drop this the glass will casing crack or break so I need to find a suitable cover. I'm not sure if I should buy the common hard plastic ones, or a leather one?
Shown below are the cases I am considering buying, let me know your ideas for an iphone cover because its great to share.
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| Plactic Iphone Ferrari cover |
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| Ferrari Leather cover with flap |
P.S Although on the whole I'm a girly girl, I'm mad about sports cars :-).
I spotted some interesting how-tos for original girly mobiles on the blogosphere.
A black and gold lace cover will by chic and stylish accessory to any outfit, you can find the easy tutorial on Mellisa's blog.
Mellisa also has great tutorial for a gold-studded phone cover and a cute embroidered phone cover pictured below.
Please share your thoughts, comments because your are important to me.
Lady Susan by Jane Austen: Book Review
You may already know that I am a die-hard Jane AUsten fan, so you cam imagine my surprise whe I discovered a book by her that I hadn't read. I recommend you read the book because its very entertaining with a sharper wit than Austen's other novels except from Northanger Abbey.
Lady Susan is a relatively less well known novel written by Jane Austen,possibly written in 1794 but not published until 1871. The author did submit the completed work for publication in her lifetime. The novel comprises almost entirely of letters between various characters. (Sense and Sensibility was orignally written in epistolary form as well).
The protagonist Lady Susan is like no heroine in 19th century English Literature, in fact, she is unlike any Austen heroine. Lady Susan is beautiful, intelligent, charming and witty as all heroines must be, but she lacks a moral compass, is 'old' has a sixteen year old daughter to boot, and is new widow.
Lady Susan's attempts to find a suitor for her daughter against her wishes and her own flirtations, affairs with a younger man and attempts to snare a suitable partner for herself are rather scandalous for the time. No wonder Jane Austen did not submit the novel for publication, I don't believe 19th century England was ready for cougars in fiction even if they did exist in reality.
The book has happy ending, although I wished the end would have been a bit more drawn out, Lady Susan is given a sort of happy ending not a moral one, unlike Mansfield Park where Jane Austen punished those morally unsound.
All in all, its a good read, I liked the fact you could almost 'hear' each character as you read their letters. The insights into the behaviour of men and women in their various roles as sister, mother, daughter and friend are so easy to relate to despite the passage of time. The physical decriptions and personality traits of different characters were cleverly included in the correspondence so that you could form a picture in your head, without it being an obvious description as written in a normal novel. You got the delicious feeling of overhearing gossip during a train ride when two friends (usually women) discuss mutual friends, none of whom you know, but by the end you feel as if you know them all quite well.
I will end as usual with some of my favourite quotes, hope they convince you to read the book:
"I cannot easily resolve on anything so serious as marriage, especially as I am not at present in want of money."
Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson
"I have never yet found that the advice of a sister could prevent a young man's being in love if he chose it."
Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson (as she tries to draw in Mrs. Vernon's brother -- it's all very complicated!)
"Where there is a disposition to dislike, a motive will never be wanting."
Lady Susan, letter 5, Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Duaas in times of Distress and Difficulty
Why should you make duaa in difficult times? Because duas/prayers can change your destiny.
The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
Remember in the Quran, Surah AL Baqarah V186:
"And when My servants ask you about Me, of course, I am near. I respond to the call of one when he prays to Me;'so they should respond to Me, and have faith in Me so that they may be on the right path." (2:186)
How to make duaa?
Allah is closest to his slave, while s/he is in sujood, so ask whatever you want while in sujood, be it duaas from Sunnah in Arabic or your own Duaas in your own language.
When to make duaa?
1) Our Lord descends each night to
the sky of the earth when the final third of the night remains. He offers His
slaves out of His generosity, saying, “Who is
saying a prayer to Me, that I may answer it? Who is asking something of Me,
that I may give it to him? Who is asking forgiveness of Me, that I may forgive
him?” (Bukhaari & Muslim)
2) The time between the adhaan/call to prayer and the jamaah/congregational prayer.
3) When it rains.
What duaas are specifically prescribed in times of distress or difficulty?
Invocations in times of worry and grief
اللّهُـمَّ
إِنِّي
عَبْـدُكَ
ابْنُ
عَبْـدِكَ
ابْنُ
أَمَتِـكَ
نَاصِيَتِي
بِيَـدِكَ،
مَاضٍ
فِيَّ
حُكْمُكَ،
عَدْلٌ
فِيَّ
قَضَاؤكَ
أَسْأَلُـكَ
بِكُلِّ
اسْمٍ
هُوَ
لَكَ
سَمَّـيْتَ
بِهِ
نَفْسَكَ
أِوْ
أَنْزَلْتَـهُ
فِي
كِتَابِكَ،
أَوْ
عَلَّمْـتَهُ
أَحَداً
مِنْ
خَلْقِـكَ
أَوِ
اسْتَـأْثَرْتَ
بِهِ
فِي
عِلْمِ
الغَيْـبِ
عِنْـدَكَ
أَنْ
تَجْـعَلَ
القُرْآنَ
رَبِيـعَ
قَلْبِـي،
وَنورَ
صَـدْرِي
وجَلَاءَ
حُـزْنِي
وذَهَابَ
هَمِّـي
Allaahumma 'innee 'abduka, ibnu 'abdika,
ibnu 'amatika, naasiyatee biyadika,
maadhin fiyya hukmuka, 'adlun fiyya
qadhaa'uka, 'as'aluka bikulli ismin huwa
laka, sammayta bihi nafsaka, 'aw 'anzaltahu
fee kitaabika, 'aw 'allamtahu 'ahadan
min khalqika, 'awista'tharta bihi fee 'ilmil-ghaybi
'indaka, 'an taj'alal-Qur'aana rabee'a
qalbee, wa noora sadree, wa jalaa'a
huznee, wa thahaaba hammee .
O
Allah, I am Your slave and the son of
Your male slave and the son of your
female slave . My forehead is in Your
Hand (i.e. you have control over me) .
Your Judgment upon me is assured and
Your Decree concerning me is just . I
ask You by every Name that You have
named Yourself with , revealed in Your
Book , taught any one of Your creation
or kept unto Yourself in the knowledge
of the unseen that is with You , to make
the Qur'an the spring of my heart, and
the light of my chest, the banisher of
my sadness and the reliever of my
distress.
Reference:
Ahmad 1/391, and Al-Albani graded it
authentic.
اللّهُـمَّ
إِنِّي
أَعْوذُ
بِكَ
مِنَ
الهَـمِّ
وَ
الْحُـزْنِ،
والعًجْـزِ
والكَسَلِ
والبُخْـلِ
والجُـبْنِ،
وضَلْـعِ
الـدَّيْنِ
وغَلَبَـةِ
الرِّجال.
Allaahumma 'innee 'a'oothu bika
minal-hammi walhazani, wal'ajzi
walkasali, walbukhli waljubni, wa
dhala'id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijaal .
O
Allah , I seek refuge in you from grief
and sadness, from weakness and from
laziness, from miserliness and from
cowardice, from being overcome by debt
and overpowered by men (i .e . others) .
Reference:
Al-Bukhari 7/158. See also Al-Asqalani,
Fathul-Bari 11/173.
Reference: Qur'an Aal-'Imran 3: 190-200; Al-Bukhari,
cf. Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 8/237; Muslim 1/5
Duaas for anguish.
Source for this dua subsection: Fiqh-us-Sunnah, volume 4, no 128
1. Ibn ‘Abbas reported, “The Prophet, peace be upon him, at times of
sorrow and grief used to supplicate, La ilaha illa Allah Al-’Azim,
Al-’Alim, la ilaha illa Allah, Rabbul ‘arshil ‘Azim, la ilaha illa
Allahu, Rabbus-Samawati wa rabbul ardi wa rabbul ‘arshi karim (There
is no god but Allah, the Mighty, the Forbearing, there is no god but
Allah, the Lord of the mighty throne, there is no god but Allah, the
Lord of the heavens and the earth, and the Lord of the throne of honor)’.”
لا إلَهَ إلاَّ اللَّهُ الْعَظـيمُ الْحَلِـيمْ، لا إلَهَ إلاَّ اللَّهُ
رَبُّ العَـرْشِ العَظِيـمِ، لا إلَهَ إلاَّ اللَّهُ رَبُّ السَّمَـوّاتِ
ورّبُّ الأَرْضِ ورَبُّ
العَرْشِ الكَـريم
Source: Bukhari and Muslim.
2. Anas said that when the Prophet, peace be upon him, was faced with
a serious difficulty, he would always supplicate, “Ya Hayyu, ya
Qayyumu, bi-rahmatika astaghithu (O the Living, O the Eternal, I seek help in Your grace).
Source: Tirmidhi
3. Abu Hurairah reported that whenever the Prophet, peace be upon
him, was faced with a serious difficulty, he would raise his head to the
sky and supplicate, “Subhan-Allah al-’Azim (glory be to Allah, the Mighty).” And when he implored seriously and strongly, he would say “Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum (O the Living, the Eternal One).”
Source: Tirmidhi
4. Abu Bakrah reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said,
“The supplications of distress are, ‘Allahumma rahmataka arju, fala
takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ain, wa aslah li sha’ni kullahu, la ilaha
illa anta (O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, so give me not over to my
self even for as little as wink of an eye, and set right all my
affairs, there is no god but You).”
اللّهُـمَّ رَحْمَتَـكَ أَرْجـوفَلا تَكِلـني إِلى نَفْـسي طَـرْفَةَ عَـيْن، وَأَصْلِـحْ لي شَأْنـي كُلَّـه لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أنْـت
اللّهُـمَّ رَحْمَتَـكَ أَرْجـوفَلا تَكِلـني إِلى نَفْـسي طَـرْفَةَ عَـيْن، وَأَصْلِـحْ لي شَأْنـي كُلَّـه لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أنْـت
Source: Abu Daw’ud
5. Asma, daughter of ‘Amais, reported that the Prophet, peace be upon
him, asked her, “Shall I tell you words that you may say in times of
pain or distress. These are, ‘Allah, Allah, Rabbi la ushriku bihi
shai’an (Allah, Allah, my Lord, I associate none with Him).” Another narration says that these words should be said seven times.
اللهُ اللهُ رَبِّ لا أُشْـرِكُ بِهِ شَيْـئاً
اللهُ اللهُ رَبِّ لا أُشْـرِكُ بِهِ شَيْـئاً
Source: Abu Daw’ud
6. Sa’d ibn Waqas reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said,
“The supplication made by the Companion of the Fish (Prophet Yunus) in
the belly of the fish was, ‘La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu
minaz-zalimin (there is no god but You, You are far exalted and above all weaknesses, and I was indeed the wrongdoer)’.
If any Muslim supplicates in these words, his supplication will be
accepted.” In another report we read, “I know words that will cause
Allah to remove one’s distress. These are the words (of supplication) of
my brother Yunus, peace be upon him,”
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلَّا أنْـت سُـبْحانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْـتُ مِنَ الظّـالِميـن
Source: Tirmidhi
7. Ibn Mas’ud reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “If
any servant of Allah afflicted with distress or grief makes this
supplication, his supplication will be accepted: ‘O Allah, I am Your
servant, son of Your servant, son of your maidservant. My forehead is
in Your hand. Your command conceming me prevails, and Your decision
concerning me is just. I call upon You by every one of the beautiful
names by which You have described Yourself, or which You have revealed
in Your book, or have taught anyone of Your creatures, or which You have
chosen to keep in the knowledge of the unseen with You, to make the
Qur’an the delight of my heart, the light of my breast, and remover of
my griefs, sorrows, and afflictions‘.” A supplication in these words will be answered. Allah will remove one’s affliction and replace it with joy and happiness.
للّهُـمَّ إِنِّي عَبْـدُكَ ابْنُ عَبْـدِكَ ابْنُ أَمَتِـكَ نَاصِيَتِي بِيَـدِكَ، مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤكَ أَسْأَلُـكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ سَمَّـيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ أِوْ أَنْزَلْتَـهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ، أَوْ عَلَّمْـتَهُ أَحَداً مِنْ خَلْقِـكَ أَوِ اسْتَـأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الغَيْـبِ عِنْـدَكَ أَنْ تَجْـعَلَ القُرْآنَ رَبِيـعَ قَلْبِـي، وَنورَ صَـدْرِي وجَلَاءَ حُـزْنِي وذَهَابَ هَمِّـ
للّهُـمَّ إِنِّي عَبْـدُكَ ابْنُ عَبْـدِكَ ابْنُ أَمَتِـكَ نَاصِيَتِي بِيَـدِكَ، مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤكَ أَسْأَلُـكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ سَمَّـيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ أِوْ أَنْزَلْتَـهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ، أَوْ عَلَّمْـتَهُ أَحَداً مِنْ خَلْقِـكَ أَوِ اسْتَـأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الغَيْـبِ عِنْـدَكَ أَنْ تَجْـعَلَ القُرْآنَ رَبِيـعَ قَلْبِـي، وَنورَ صَـدْرِي وجَلَاءَ حُـزْنِي وذَهَابَ هَمِّـ
Source: Reported by Ahmad and Ibn Hibban
8. Anas reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to supplicate, “O Allah, there is no ease except what You make easy, and you alone can turn a difficulty into ease.” (Ibn As-sinni)
General advice from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when you are in distress or suffering from anxiety:
In hadith #599 narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas in Sunan Abu Dawood, The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If
anyone continually asks pardon, Allah will appoint for him a way out of
every distress, and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide for
him from where he did not reckon.
This means say as much asthaghfar/ask for forgiveness as you can. Whether you are walking to school, driving to work, waiting in a queue utilise this time to ask forgiveness, and also give thanks to Allah for all the blessings we take for granted.
Try reading Surah Al-Baqarah everyday in one sitting, if you cannot do that read the first 4 Ayahs, Ayah 255-257, and the last 3 (284-286), maybe that will help as well, inshallah.
Lastly, please remember that Allah tests those whom he loves the most. So be steadfast so that you may pass the test.
Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “When Allah wants to be good to someone, He tries him with some hardship.”
Don't lose hope, for despair in Allah's Mercy is from Satan.
Even if you don't get what you want in this life, you will be rewarded with something even better for you in this life, or in the next.
Abu Hurairah also reports that Allah’s Messenger, peace be upon him, said:
“For every misfortune, illness, anxiety, grief, or hurt that afflicts a Muslim-even the hurt caused by the pricking of a thorn – Allah removes some of his sins.”
“For every misfortune, illness, anxiety, grief, or hurt that afflicts a Muslim-even the hurt caused by the pricking of a thorn – Allah removes some of his sins.”
Ibn Mas’ud said: “I visited the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, while he had a fever. I exclaimed: ‘O Messenger of Allah! You have a high fever! ‘ He said: ‘My fever is as much as two among you [might have]. ‘ I asked: ‘Is it because you have a double reward?’ He replied: ‘Yes, that is right.
No Muslim is afflicted with any hurt, even if it is no more than the pricking of a thorn, but Allah wipes off his sins because of it and his sins fall away from him as leaves fall from a tree ‘.”
No Muslim is afflicted with any hurt, even if it is no more than the pricking of a thorn, but Allah wipes off his sins because of it and his sins fall away from him as leaves fall from a tree ‘.”
Please remember the writer of this blog in your prayers, as the prayers made for another Muslim in their absence/ without their knowledge are accepted by Allah.
May Allah have mercy on us all and solve our problems and bless with Jannah! Ameen
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Bieber Fever: Are you a Belieber?
Justin Bieber has taken the world by a storm for quite a while now, and as I seem to face writer's block everytime I sit down to blog, I thought why not? Plus this will serve as a useful experiment for me, I will be able to see whether blogging about something which has high search ratings according to Google trends actually translates into more visits, followers and the highly sought after meaningful comments instead of spam.
| Justin Drew Bieber |
Well, unless you have been living in a cave for the past few years you already know that Justin Drew Bieber is a Canadian pop/R&B singer, songwriter and actor. Bieber was discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun who came across Bieber's videos on YouTube and later became his manager. Bieber's debut single, "One Time", was released in 2009 and peaked in the top ten in Canada and charted in the top thirty in several international markets.
His debut album, My World, followed in November 2009, and was later certified platinum in the United States. He became the first artist to have seven songs from a debut album chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
| Justig Bieber before and after his new 2011 haircut |
Besides from his music Justin Bieber is famous for his haircut, and his cult following among tween and teens. In my opinion, he looks and sounds younger than his 17 years, but I guess it works for his tween following. Apparently Just Bieber's and Emma Watson's new haircuts were the most influential hairstyles of 2011.
Justin Bieber batmobile or his black Ferrari is also a part of his trademark style. At a glance you'd be forgiven for thinking some kid's taken some else's car for a ride :-)
The Observer newspaper in the UK published a report indicating that Justin Bieber is more influential in the social networking sphere than Barack Obama or The Dalai Lama! According to Jan Hoffman of The New York Times, part of Bieber's appeal stems from his YouTube channel. Long before he released his EP, My World, in mid-November, the YouTube videos attracted millions of views. You can view his offical youtube channel by clicking here.
Justin puts the J in the super-cute pop couple Jelena with Selena Gomez, who is two years older than him. Does Justin have a thing for older women? I'm sure his fans hope otherwise.
 |
| Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber at the Oscars |
I personally think that Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber wouldalso make a really adorable couple although Taylor is five year's older than him...but cougars are cool in 2012 or so Hollywood would like us to believe. What do you think?
| Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift |
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