08
Dec
09

The Minaret Ban?!

By: Ammara Bokhari/Global Needs Assessment

Late last month, voters in Switzerland approved a ban on the construction of minarets on mosques. The ban has come from a Swiss concern with the spread of “radical Islam”, regardless of the fairly moderate presence of the Muslim community in Switzerland. The government stated that a ban on minarets is “not a rejection of the Muslim community, religion or culture” but instead “reflects fears among the population of Islamic fundamentalist tendencies”.

Islam is Switzerland’s second largest religion after Christianity, with a population of 400,000 Muslims, most of whom are from the former Yugoslavia and Turkey. There are only four mosques with minarets in the country. The ban on minaret construction can certainly be viewed as another anti-Islam move from yet another European country, which is a serious issue in itself, but I see it as something even greater- a ban on design and architecture! And the complete disrespect of a widely used art historical method. I begin to question, how exactly does a work of art such as the minaret, possess “Islamic fundamentalist tendencies”? Wouldn’t it be like relating a church bell or dome to extreme Christian evangelism?

When diving into the history of Islamic art and architecture, with its rich and intricate designs and functions, one can see that even though it represents Islam, the beautification of design lies parallel to its methodological functions. As the Orthodox equivalent of the church bell- the minaret was used to call worshippers for prayer, five times a day. This has now been transformed into the adhan being heard from loud speakers and in this day and age, the call to prayer can be made from anywhere inside the mosque, as is the case in the West today.

But is the minaret an essential part of Islamic law? Certainly not. And it is far from any representation or encouragement of extremism. Function and use aside, the minaret remains symbolic in representing Islam as a whole, just as church domes and rose windows accent the expression of the Christian church. In the early years of Islam, the Near East was still overwhelmingly non-Muslim when Islamic architecture was taking form and various mosques were being constructed. Looking at Gothic and Renaissance church design, their architecture was constructed with the intention to glorify Christianity and attract people towards the faith. Were minarets then, intended to express to the local non-Muslim community that Islam too, is capable of developing monumental architecture for its own glory and to inspire non-Muslims in religious glorification? More so, artists and architects in Islam’s early years designed minarets with the intention to find a worthy outward expression of their faith directed primarily, if not exclusively, at the Muslim community itself, serving the simple function of the call to prayer. Science too perhaps played a role in minaret design amongst the hot temperatures of the Near East- as minarets are seen to provide natural ventilation through mosques, especially when the sun heats the dome.

Has the West labeled the aesthetics of Islamic architecture as an unwelcome and “foreign” model, making it feel like an outsider among the Western art-historical method? One can even call this association “Orientalist”. Famous Palestinian American literary theorist Edward Said (1935 – 2003) is best recognized for his argument about Orientalism. Said describes that Western depictions of the Middle East do not rise from facts or reality, but instead from false preconceived notions that look at the Middle East as “dissimilar” and “different” to the West and therefore, encompassing a subjective view in its study and evaluation.

Switzerland has presented weak reasoning with the minaret ban. If historically the minaret didn’t inhibit “fundamentalist tendencies”, labeling it as doing so today really is not fair. Its’ construction was a means of religious expression, artistic design and even practical use. Isn’t religious architecture- particularly places of worship- a means of expressing religion as a whole in an artistically designed method? Islamically, all one needs for prayer is a clean and tidy spot on the ground. Mosque design is a means of artistic expression for the purpose of religious glorification. Although design can be broken down into detailed categories, in its entirety- churches, mosques, temples, synagogues, and other places of worship- all should be seen as a creative representation of religion through design- design that has presence through historical roots and should take precedence in architectural evaluation. Where is the love, people?

06
Dec
09

Gift Giving: Be Kind Towards Your Wallet

With the holiday season already started, it is quite hard to get a grip of how much we spend. During these economical hardships many can’t seem to put together a good gift giving plan. You don’t want to spend too much, but then again you don’t want to give something that looks cheap.

 

Creativity always helps! And well if you aren’t the creative type, the ideas below might help!
  •  Narrow down your “to give” list. You don’t have to gift people you see once in a blue moon,even you are related to you. A “happy holidays” card works well too!
  • Prioritize your list. List the people and the price range for each. This gives you a better idea of where to start first.

 

  • Look for coupons. No, I am not the coupon queen but trust me, there are always coupons out there! I cannot stress enough; anything that helps you save is a bonus! A website I most commonly use is www.retailmenot.com. It has coupon codes you can use for shopping online. Most of these stores also have the option of picking up the items at the store which is quite handy if you are on a time crunch and also if you don’t like looking through racks and piles.

 

  • Books and music are not only cheap but also make good gifts. Everyone has an avid reader and/or a music fanatic in their family. This makes the perfect gift for them. They even have E-books and iTunes that you can give which are more convenient to carry everywhere.

 

  • Gift cards. You might say “duh! we all know that.” A lot of people tend to give people cards to certain stores or restaurants. Try giving the prepaid Visa/MasterCard. They recipient can use it almost anywhere.

 

  • Creative gift baskets. This is my absolute favorite. I received a gift basket this year for my birthday. My friend thought it would be a great idea to give me something I would enjoy and actually use. Since I love cooking and baking, she gave me a basket various kinds of pasta, pasta sauces, cake mixes, frostings, and also a recipe book which compiled recipes from her grandmother’s and mother’s kitchen.

So go ahead, think outside the box. Don’t let the tight wallet hold you down. Make it a thoughtful giving.

Oh and yes, happy holidays… to you and yours.
=]

06
Dec
09

The Top 10 Winter Destinations

By Amreena Khan/Thaakat Foundation, Contributions made by Kajol Sharma.

Those balmy breezes and cooler nights are upon us and what better way to avoid them than to escape! With the arrival of the ‘holiday season’, millions of people across the globe, pack thier bags in hopes to find a place which transports them far far away. But where?

10. Cape Town and Robben Island – South Africa - Average winter temperatures of 25 degrees make Cape Town all the more inviting. It’s a fantastic place, not just for cosmopolitan life but just outside, the weather’s great, with fantastic culture and beautiful scenery.

9. Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort - Canada - This place defines what winter’s about. For skiing, tobogganing or making snowmen in winter, Whistler is the perfect spot. The winter Olympics were held here in 2006 and certainly lived up to its expectations, so this destination is really hot right now.

8. Gold Cost, Australia – Get away from chilly winters, to the hub of sun, sand and surf. The Gold Coast, Australia’s largest tourist attraction, not only offers the warmth of the pristine beaches, but is also famous for its theme parks. An ideal family getaway, to explore the lands down under.

7. Andorra Located in Southwestern Europe between France and Spain, Andorra is an ideal adventure holiday destination. From snow – sports to walking to mountain biking, you’ll discover that the small nation of Andorra punches well above its weight when it comes to action and adventure.

6. The Algarve, Portugal – The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal and it’s one of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations well known for glorious year round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches. Located on the tip of Europe with the vast ocean of the Atlantic as its southern and western border, this position gives this region possibly the most unpolluted climate in the European continent.

5. Switzerland – Most of us have only seen Switzerland in a Yash Chopra film, and wouldn’t even consider it as a holiday destination, but as it turns out, it’s quite a popular holiday spot. Switzerland is one of the most scenic destinations, with snow covered mountains of the Alps and spacious planes of greenery. Any chocoholics heaven, Switzerland is the home of the world’s most irresistible chocolate.

4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The scenic beauty of the Sultanate of Oman, together with a wide range of activities to entertain tourists, is making it a popular holiday destination. The all – year sunshine, beaches and tax free shopping attract many visitors. The famous Dubai Shopping Festival from 20 December to 2 February, provides a haven for all the women in the world.

3. Mauritius – Mauritius is a picturesque island with thickly wooded mountain peaks and sugar cane fields that border the beautiful coast of the Indian Ocean. Mauritius is known for it’s crystal clear waters and soft white sandy beaches. The varied landscape, good quality hotels and water sports facilities along with the stunning beaches make Mauritius an excellent beach holiday destination.

2. Prague – The magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold – tipped towers and church domes, whose image has been mirrored in the surface of the Vltava river for more than ten centuries. Prague is also a modern European metropolis full of energy, music, and art. It’s a place where different architectural styles stand cheek by jowl, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and romantic, and quite impossible to forget once you visit. A ‘winter wonderland’ awaits visitors to the Prague Christmas Markets. Soak up the atmosphere, browse the stalls and enjoy hearty food and hot wine.

1. Hawaii – Aloha! What better place for a winter escape than the beautiful Hawaiian islands, a place which is truly considered paradise. With tropical food, exotic localities and a generally relaxed atmosphere, Hawaii provides a home away from home for all those looking for a stress – free holiday. With an array of black sand, white sand and even green sand beaches, snorkeling, diving and surfing are just few of the many activities that Hawaii has to offer. This beautiful location was bound to be number one on the winter holiday destination list!



05
Dec
09

Crazy for Cardamom!

Sara T. Khan/Sponsorship Management/sarakhan85@gmail.com

When I was younger, I hated eating kheer or anything that could result in possibly biting into cardamom. Over the years, my feelings for cardamom have changed, and I now enjoy throwing in a couple of cardamom pods into my chai as it cooks.

Cardamom – or elaichi as our parents call it – has always been a popular ingredient in Pakistani and Indian recipes. In pulao, sheer korma, chai, mithai… pretty much everything.

Cardamom is the deliciously aromatic fruit of a tropical plant in the ginger family. It is one of the most expensive spices, coming in right after saffron and vanilla. Little brownish black cardamom seeds are found inside the pod. It is best to buy cardamom in pods because ground cardamom loses its flavor fast. It is produced in India, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Though cardamom is used mainly in India and Pakistan, it has been used in other countries for ages as well. Ancient Egyptians chewed on cardamom seeds to cleanse their teeth. Greeks and Romans used it as a perfume and also in their cooking. It is used in baking cakes and pastries in Nordic countries such as Finland and Scandinavia; Vikings came across cardamom a thousand years ago and loved it so much, they brought it to Scandinavia, where it is still popular. In other European countries, cardamom was used to help digestion. Some Russian liquor is flavored with cardamom. It is also used to flavor Arab and Turkish coffee (80% of the annual cardamom crop goes to the Middle East).

Besides being a tasty addition in food, cardamom has some health benefits too. It is believed to be a caffeine detoxifier.  It is also said to cleanse the kidneys and the bladder, stimulate the digestive system, and reduces gas. It is also believed to improve circulation to the lungs, counteract excess acidity in the stomachache, and stimulate appetite. And lastly, it said to cure halitosis – or bad breath.

Nowadays, cardamom can be found as a flavoring in gum. Though there have been other cardamom flavored gums in other countries, this is the first I have seen in the United States – Eclipse Breeze Exotic Mint and Exotic Berry. The flavor isn’t really faint either; you can definitely taste the cardamom.

Other products with cardamom: Burt’s Bees lip balm, LUSH bars, oh and cardamom flavored tobacco ;) .

04
Dec
09

11/26: We Haven’t Forgiven. We Haven’t Forgotten.

November 26, 2009-a whole year has passed by and today Mumbai stands stronger.

 

Mumbai/Bombay reminds me of traffic, colors of Holi, pani puri at Juhu Beach, Lakme fashion shows, and how can I forget, Bollywood.

 

What touches the heart more than all the above mentioned though are the November 26 attacks. There wasn’t one but eight attacks that hit this gorgeous city and it took away a lot. Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Cama hospital, Leopold Café, Nariman House, Oberoi Trident, St. Xavier’s College, and Metro Cinema were the targets. After a grueling 60 hours of turmoil and bloodshed, Mumbai found some silence. A silence which represented the dead, the angry, and the helpless of this big city of big dreams.
You may ask, why 11/26 when the world has had tragedies like the London subway bombings or even bigger, The World Trade Center.

 

In actual, neither one of them is bigger. The awareness created for each makes it important. Many developing countries go unnoticed. We find it important to embrace their colors, festivities, foods, and cultures but how important do we find it to help them through their times of crisis?

 

When we live in such a globalized society, many of us fail to understand that there are yet a handful out there that conform to ignorance. These people do not belong to any belief system in particular neither do they have an identity. It is their way of making themselves noticed. It is their way to make the world consider their existence; a very pathetic one.

 

Why I write about this issue? Many girls find it necessary to buy Kim Kardashian’s black skinnys or the Preity Zinta hair color, while boys find the need to have the scruffy Johnny Depp look or the Shahrukh abs. We as the younger generation forget to move past the materialistic things in life. We have forgotten to truly represent who we are. We have a faded idea of our roots. Our opinions are strongly based on what we hear or see more than what we feel and learn. Have we ever sat down and re-evaluated how we feel about religions and cultures prospering harmoniously? Have we ever thought of how we can help? How can we make this any better?

 

There is a widespread notion of terrorism being linked with Islam. From my understanding, the Quran, Gita, Torah, Bible, nor the Guru Granth Sahib propagates terrorism. We are taught to believe in what we want, be respectful of others beliefs, and co-exist peacefully. Shahrukh Khan says in an interview, “my religion is hard work and to spread happiness.”

 

Then why aren’t we making a change? Aamir Khan says in his blog, “In my opinion, you really want to change things? Change yourself. Each one of us needs to take a very honest look inwards and rectify and work on what we think is wrong with us. If each one of us does that individually then there will be a sea change in our society at large. I have to promise myself that I will not be corrupt, will play my role in society with honesty and sincerity. Doctors, lawyers, judges, people in the IAS, police force, media persons, businessmen, job workers, labour force, everyone. We have to stop thinking of our own individual gain and loss and do what is honest, true and right, and think collective. It calls for personal sacrifice in this time of chaos but from chaos will emerge clarity. Even if we don’t manage to achieve this for ourselves we will achieve it for our children.”

 

Let us be the change. Let us change.

Abhi jiska khoon na khaula, woh khoon nahi paani hai.
Joh desh ke kaam na aaye, woh bekaar jawaani hai.
”- Rang De Basanti

02
Dec
09

Rock it with a Thaakat wristband!

Support us by purchasing a “rock it with thaakat” wristband! They’re selling FAST!

Comes in black, brown and glow-in-the-dark!

Price: 1 for $3 or 2 for $5

Let any one of us know if you’d like to rock it with a Thaakat wristband (or two… or three)!

29
Nov
09

“Make Chai Not War” on December 13th, 2009 – 4 Great Comics- 1 Hilarious Night!‏

MAKE CHAI NOT WAR — Comedy Showcase

Comedy for a Cause : 4 Great Comics – 1 Hilarious Night !

With Headliner Hannibal Buress

Chicago, IL / November 13, 2009 — This progressive, hilarious, standup comedy troupe showcase stars some of the brightest rising stars in America today. Hosted by Chicago’s native son, Azhar Usman (best known for the international comedy brand “Allah Made Me Funny”), the show will be headlined by Hannibal Buress, another Chicago native who has taken the NYC comedy scene by storm. Hannibal has performed standup on late night talk shows, Comedy Central, and is now a full-time staff writer for NBC’s Saturday Night Live. The show will also feature Rajiv Satyal, an LA comic originally from Ohio, who is among America’s top Indian comedians (often referred to simply as “The Funny Indian”), as well as Hari Kondabolu, a NYC comedian with Seattle roots, whose TV credits include late night talk shows and Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham!

MAKE CHAI NOT WAR will also be a benefit show for Apna Ghar, a Chicago-based shelter for abused women and children.  The show promises to provide smart comedy for a good cause. www.apnaghar.org

When: Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Shows: 2 shows @ 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
What: Make Chai Not War – A Comedy Showcase
Who: Headliner – Hannibal Buress

Hosted by Azhar Usman

Rajiv Satyal, Hari Kondabalu,
Where: Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway St. Chicago, IL 60657
Tickets: $25 general admission, purchase online at http://www.lakeshoretheater.com/buytickets.aspx?eventid=510715

or www.makechainotwar.com

or by calling the BOX OFFICE at (773) 472 3492

(appropriate for ages 18+)

Find out how American comedians of different ethnic backgrounds are coming together to bring laughs, unity and diversity to the comedy circuit.  On December 13th, 2009 – we invite you to join us for an evening of laughter and understanding – as the extremely funny “Make Chai Not War” team appeal to young and old, living the American dream and sharing in its ideals of peace and harmony.  Come to celebrate an evening of good cheer with the underlying message of peace promotion, all while supporting a great cause.

Appealing to broad audiences, the multicultural team of “Make Chai Not War” have gained recognition and praise from cultural organizations, fellow comedians, and critics.  They have attracted significant media attention including stories by The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, The Cincinnati Inquirer, The Wall Street Journal, The Seattle Times, Time Out Magazine, The New York Magazine, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX News, Comedy Central, and dozens more.

Additional information, hi-res photos, and interviews may be obtained by contacting Ms. Reema Kamran atreema@rreventmanagement.com or (630) 640-9422.

Informational websites: www.lakeshoretheater.com and www.makechainotwar.com.

Quotations:

Azhar Usman

“Allah Made Me Funny is one of the funniest and most important comedy shows

in America today.” –DAVE CHAPPELLE

Hari Kondabolu

“A young man reaching for the hand-scalding torch of confrontational comics like Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor.” – From the SEATTLE TIMES

Hannibal Buress

“Funniest Person in Chicago” Time Out Magazine

Listed as “ Ten new comedians Funny people find funny” by New York Magazine

Rajiv Satyal

“1 of 2 Indian American “Comics to watch”– Russell Peters

“Make Chai Not War – Comedy Showcase” with headliner Hannibal Buress will be at the Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway in Chicago, on Sunday, December 13 at 6:00pm and 9:00pm.

Tickets are $25 / $40 (VIP) and are available by calling (773) 472-3492 or by visitinghttp://www.lakeshoretheater.com

29
Nov
09

Calling Computer Security Protection Services,Is Sire Jibran Ilyas Available?!


Interview by Uzma Bawany/Thaakat Foundation

Identity Theft, it’s really only funny in the commercials. When you think about the number of people it affects and you see the bona fide statistics, it’s hard to imagine that one day you may not be a victim. Take it from me people! From being pick pocketed to having fake checks on my account used at boutique parlors- the mess is not entertaining to say the least.

Now in past days we would imagine source of identity theft just being mere carelessness. You didn’t shred your bills, you left your wallet in a cab etc etc. Today, theft has become all the more sophisticated. You being a victim could just mean you simply not being aware- enough.

I recently had a talk with Jibran Ilyas- Jibran is currently working as Senior Forensic Investigator at Trustwave (www.trustwave.com), where he has investigated some of the nation’s largest data breaches.  This past summer, Jibran presented the field at DEFCON (World’s Largest Hacking/Security Conference) where he showed how hackers steal credit card data from computer systems. Riding on the edge of technology and trying to keep speed with sneaky hacking districts- Jibran has traveled a long journey to join the pack that works to keep us protected in virtual world.

Let us first begin by giving you all a short visionary into Jibran and how he got where he is today. Network security and digital forensics is a popular genre for career goals in current times, though the road to this aspiration isn’t so easy.

Jibran joined Senn High School after arriving here from Pakistan at age 14. There, he worked hard to take advantage of all the educational devices and opportunities he had at his fingertips. During his senior year he was featured on a game show called “Who Wants to Win a Scholarship”, a replica of a popular game show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”, which awarded him a full four year scholarship to DePaul University. Yes people, we’ve got a celebrity on our hands.

Jibran wanted to stress though that if it weren’t for his work experience in the field and constant thought intrusion of wanting to push ahead he’d never get where he is today. Here was his footwork for those of you who may want to follow:

2001 – Admitted at DePaul for Bachelors in Networks Technology
2002 – Lab Tech at DePaul computer lab and IT Intern at Morgan Stanley
2003 – Onsite Computer Technician at Hometech Computer Solutions
2004 – Full time job at Stratford Advisory Group as Network Administrator
2005 – Graduated from DePaul and started job search for pure computer security job
2006 – After 7 month job search, landed a computer security job at Trustwave as Firewall and Intrusion Detection Systems Admin
2007 (summer) – Got promoted to Computer Forensics at Trustwave
2007 (fall) – Started Masters in Information Technology and Business Management at Northwestern University
2009 – Graduated for Northwestern University

I could give you a list of How To’s and Why Not’s on computer security, but I figured it’d be best if we went straight to our expert. Here are some tidbits of advice that I got from the authority himself.

  1. Miss. Urdu Times: How do you feel computer security issues have changed in the last five years?
    1. Jibran: The change is evident; we are going through a shock in time. In the past five years computers have changed, the virtual world has revolutionized and network security issues have definitely become more complex. Previously, security controls were nonexistent. Today, security is no longer an option, it is required and this is for many reasons. Financial companies must have adequate security to be compliant with the Sarbanes Oxley Act, hospitals are required to protect personal health records due to HIPPA laws and all of us mature individuals and organizations must be aware of the threats that lurk our privacy controls today. Previously, hacker tactics were called “smash and grab”, they would take the data they wanted and would depart. Today, the weasels are much more sophisticated. Once you are attacked, your entire network is consumed until it eventually falls to the assassin.
  2. Miss Urdu Times: What are three common cautionary rules we can all follow?
    1. Jibran: For one, you should not allow remote access if it is not absolutely necessary. Many employees work from home and they are offset by the thrill of the flexibility they are being offered. Do not be fooled, anywhere you are allowed access through a remote connection just know that it is also that easy for someone else to gain access.
    2. Second, make sure you know what your data means to you. What do you want to protect? What records do you want to keep? Do you know where you store your passwords? Make sure that you keep all of this information in secure areas. You must watch what data is going out as well as what data is coming in.
    3. Third: Watch where you’re going! I cannot stress this enough! If you see anything on the internet entitled FREE, you should not trust that blindly. These networks have hackers waiting at the gates to attack.
  3. Miss Urdu Times:How many Americans on average are attacked by a virus/hacker?
    1. Jibran: At least 9 out of 10 computers are attacked on average. Who is really using your computer? What information is protected? These are all questions you should ask yourself on a regular basis. Everyone is a potential victim and everyone should always be prepared to halt and react to serious computer security threats.
  4. Miss Urdu Times: What programs are available today that are helpful in assisting to secure your PC?
    1. Jibran: Unfair question and I’ll tell you why. I don’t want everyone to think that there is a program out there that will fully protect you and keep you safe. That my friends, despite any advertisements and promises is a lie. The best program to protect your security is- awareness. There is no antivirus that is perfect. In fact, worms and viruses evolve, many hackers are testing these against antivirus software before launching. Attacks have become so sophisticated that helpful programs become outdated before we even learn of them. Though if you really want a suggestion, you can use Sunbelt Personal Firewall at http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/home-home-office/sunbelt-personal-firewall/and Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware at http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php. Both have free downloads that I think are at the top of the class as far as those are concerned. Just be AWARE! Do not click on a popup on your computer that says, “your computer is at risk”. Treat that as “your computer will be at risk if you click on it”
  5. Miss Urdu Times: Do you see the future being more difficult for hackers or for the average person (potential victim)?
    1. Jibran: For the average person that’s for sure. Security people are also hackers, but we don’t learn it from the angle of attacking people but protecting people. Average people, you must step it up, be aware. Know your data and do not fall victim to programs and advertisements that seem too easy.

As technology becomes more stylish to meet the demands of virtual and functional sophistication, hacker techniques will become more complex, network disasters will become all the more tumultuous and the attackers channel will be hidden so well as if to seem imaginary to the outside world. Take it from Jibran guys, one can never be too safe.

Jibran Ilyas was also PSA President at DePaul University for two years. Under his reign, culture again began to flourish. Today, he has taken his knack for leadership and want to maintain cultural preservation to ABN (Asian Broadcasting Network) where he works with Mujahid Ghazi and a young team to bring you everything Pakistani, every weekend.

28
Nov
09

Haters? Not bothering me.

“You’re so useless and your columns are horrible”. “You need to stay home, cook, clean, and stop exposing yourself.” “You don’t know what you’re talking about at all Anam.” This all started just a month ago while I was checking my e-mail as usual every night before I went to bed. I saw some new e-mail addresses, so thinking they were someone needing advice, I opened them up. To my astonishment, they were all e-mails criticizing me and my work. They all talked about how I was exposing myself in a non modest way, how everything I said was garbage, and calling me every derogatory term there is in the book. At first, I was very hurt to see how a few people viewed me. I felt really discouraged and kept thinking that I was doing something wrong. But then, later on I realized that I wasn’t. I wasn’t and am not doing anything wrong. The people e-mailing me with the criticizing e-mails obviously do not have lives and need to discourage someone to make themselves feel better. I still get hate e-mails but I ignore them. I realized that once you gain a certain amount of popularity, people will try to bring you down. But you don’t have to listen to anyone. I sure didn’t. Listening to them, wouldn’t do me any good. I have my family and friends supporting me 100% and I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do and that’s all that matters. So if you are sending me hate e-mails and you’re reading this, don’t bother doing it anymore. I don’t care what you or anyone says. If there’s one positive thing I learned through this experience, it’s that I want to write more in the newspaper more and more. Your words don’t bother me. What doesn’t kill me, only makes me stronger.

27
Nov
09

Ode to Chain Letters

By:  Lipi Banerjee

OMG Guys!!!

I forwarded the email and received a rubber chicken with a $3000.00 check attached to it in the mail!  The chicken also had a note stuck up its butt that said if I kissed it three times, my true love was going to appear within 5 mins.  That’s when the garbage truck drove by and the most handsome garbage man I’ve ever seen locked eyes with me. I knew I had found my soul mate in that instance.

After we proceeded to fall in love right in front of my trashcan, I noticed that Mars was visible to the naked eye; an event that only occurs one in a million times!!!  As we stood there hand in hand, ogling this miracle of nature, my phone in my pocket buzzed and alerted me to a new email notification.  Yes everyone…Umbaroni Takadinashoonan Jiggashurashanom Smith, Attorney at law from Uganda, told me that an uncle I never knew I had, passed away and because I was the only kin he could locate, I would be the sole inheritor of the sum of $29,500,000!!  Obviously, I immediately supplied all of my bank account information to the honorable Mr. Smith and am anxiously awaiting my check in the mail!

Just when I thought nothing could make this day better, Elvis Presley walked out of the house next to me in his robe, picked up the newspaper and waved to me!

So folks..PLEASE PLEASE forward this message!!! As you can see it changed my entire life.  As an incentive..I will keep track of this email and for every recipient that you have forwarded this message to, I will donate 1 sock to the “National Dryer Ate One of My Socks Foundation” and you will have contributed to the life of some poor, unfortunate, sockless human being. 

Now make a wish after this series of asterisks and FORWARD!!!

********************************************************************

*********************************************************

*********************************************

**********************************

**************************

******************

**********

*****

**

*




thaakat

thaakat: [Urdu: thaa-qut, thaa-cut] -noun 1. The quality or state of being strong. 2. Moral and mental power, firmness, or courage. 3. Something or someone that gives one strength or is a source of power or encouragement. Synonyms: 1. Strength, Courage, Vitality.

Thaakat Tweets

  • Find some time to laugh =) 1 month ago
  • Thank you to all our AWESOME donors and supporters for helping us reach our goal for the South Asia Pure Water Imitative! You guys ROCK! 2 months ago
  • back to tweet tweet tweet! 2 months ago
  • to give or not to give..why is that even of question? 3 months ago

Tracker

  • 9,243 hits