Bab'Aziz: the prince who contemplated his soul

Hi

Courtesy of my wannabe culturally sophisticated brother, Umar, a potentially interesting movie:



I'll probably be able to relate to this movie. It wasn't that long ago when two of my cousins (of the female persuasion, mind you) from the UK used to call me their prince. I was a wee lad at the tender age of five and they were teenagers or in college. I ruled their hearts with what can accurately be described as cute looks and a child-like innocence. I'm pleased to say that I still have the same affect upon woman these days (no, not just my cousins!).

Moving forward, you can call refer to me simply as "My Prince." It's kinda classy like Robin Williams in the timeless Dead Poets Society where he asked his students to call upon him by saying "Oh Captain, my captain!" I humbly ask that you do much the same: "Oh My Prince, My Prince!" Otherwise, I can't say that I guarantee any sort of response.

The contemplating of the soul part can be likened to my approach at Cold Stone. It takes a lot of soul searching to be able to have the ability and strength to select just one Love It ice cream size and flavor. Do you go for the new, limited-time only Chocolate Fantasy (featuring Ghiradelli's chocolate) or do you go for a classic, though fobby, Coffee Lovers? Sigh. These are the questions that only the wise can answer.

Signing off,
Your Prince


cheers

Badie's Wedding

AA

Alhamdullilah, beloved brother and DMC charter member Badie Ali - the well known chief operating officer of a major media conglomerate - recently got married and on top of that, got married to a girl who compliments our brother very nicely. But, she works (or worked) for the UN, so clearly her intellect more than compliments his, it surpasses him.

And so this past Sunday night, Badie honored his friends with the opportunity to share in his happiness by inviting us to his wedding celebration. This night was nothing short of a DePaul / DMC reunion, but with all of us in suits (sans Awais, but more on that later). Our table was overflowed with the likes of Fahad, Sami, Tariq, Eyad, Meraj, Taha, AJ, and A-Moose. Not to mention that there were other DMC guys like Aladdin (also newly wed, too, mashaAllah) and Mustafa Squared.



After getting our seats, the night officially started in royal fashion when Badie walked into the hall alongside his father, followed by close family and friends. I think Taha said it best when Badie entered: he looked like Arab royalty walking in as though he was about to claim the throne to Palestine. The happiness and excitement on his face was unmatched and soon enough that energy transferred to the dance floor. Now, Arabs are cool and all, but I am now completely convinced that they have no right making fun of desi dancing (i.e. screw in the light bulb dance, pet the dog, etc.). I mean, they're dancing consisted of a lot of skipping and holding of the hands. What's more is that I didn't see any swords being thrown around like dandias are at desi dance offs. In fact, later in the evening, me and my good friend Fahad aka Masood went out and documented this for your viewing pleasure. I think The Riyality Show (Omar) and I, however, did bridge the gap between Desi and Arab dancing with our hybrid performance of "East meets West and runs into the Middle East" fusion dancing. Be warned that the contents here are Rated R. Ok, maybe PG-13. Relax, just watch it below or click here:



What you didn't see here was the screw-the-light-bulb dancing Badie and I did in the middle. Also, I'm not entirely sure of some of the footage Masood caught (i.e. the posterior of some random Arab guy), but it's well captured and documented regardless. Much love, Masood. I can see future collaborations down the road...

Other highlights of the night had to include Awais. Awais in recent years has been caught seen in the back pocket of many an Arab including guys like Aladdin and Badie. That being the case, you can imagine our collective surprise when he came to the wedding in a gray sweater turtle neck and jeans. Yes, jeans. You know how there's always that one fobby desi guy that wears jeans to a wedding? Well, yeah, meet Awais. Ok, I should be a little sympathetic here considering how bad he felt. The poor guy forgot his dress shoes at home and didn't want to come in with his everyday shoes and suit. He called me asking for an extra pair, but I didn't have his size (though he later asked me to bring the extra pair well after I offered and well after I left home). Despite that, Awais' everyday shoes are actually black and he could have pulled off wearing the suit (I mean, it was a segregated wedding, Awais! You had no one to impress!). But, because he didn't feel it was appropriate, he came in his jeans. He also wouldn't enter the main hall and stick around as a result; he just stayed in the lobby and left after about 30-40 minutes. To his credit, he did come all the way from the city to give Badie a gift and to at least show his face (he also did have to go back to Indianapolis that night, too).

One of the quotes of the night had to be OR pointing to AJ saying, "This is Corporate America" based on AJ's very professional, well-groomed look and then immediately point to Tariq saying, "This is R&B" based on Tariq's dark brown, pin-stripped suit that was reminiscent of what many R&B singers or rap artists would rock at award shows. But he did pull off the look extremely well, mA.

Finally, and perhaps the most important "event" of the night, there was the presentation of the dessert. It was a masterpiece and our only regret was that we were too stuffed to enjoy every single item on the dessert menu. The menu was very Grand Lux-esque (i.e. a huge variety); even Taha himself couldn't hide his excitement. You could've almost mistaken him for me at that moment.

Anyway, I'm very appreciative to have been a part of this happy occassion in a good friend's life, mashaAllah. Seeing Badie happy and having good friends come together to celebrate it is absolutely priceless. We wish the newly wed endless happiness and pray that Allah (swt) blesses them with love, mercy, and success. May Allah facilitate to them all good and protect them from all evil. Allah huma sali Allah Muhammad. Ameen.


Much love, Badie

Reliving the Past: Jordan

Hi

Unfortunately the state of Chicago sports is not the greatest right now. The prior season of sports was definitely a Chicago year: Da Bears were unstoppable and went to the Super Bowl, Da Bulls made the 2nd round of playoffs by sweeping Miami with a Luol Deng looking like a future superstar, and the Cubbies under Lou Pinella advanced to the playoffs despite getting swept. Overall, though, it was a great time in early/mid 2007. And this recently passed season in football was supposed to be another Super Bowl-bound year. And in the NBA, all analysts had Chicago as one of the top teams in the East and possibly the league.

It's depressing. The BP List (i.e. the Chicago sports email list) is a cestpool of depression and violence because we are so lost. Just read Scoop Jackson's latest article on ESPN for more perspective. But the intent of this posting is not necessarily a complete tirade on Chicago sports...

You see, when the current state of Chicago sports is so sad (though I'm not lost on hope), you can't help but to relive the glory years. And when you think of the glory years of Chicago sports, you of course think of another man, myth, and legend: Michael Jordan.

There will never be a basketball player like him. There will never be a Chicago Bulls team like the ones he played on. I'll always love the Bulls and our players, but, come on, it was Michael Jordan. And with that, let me show you why he's the greatest player and marketing master ever:

Jordan vs Jordan vs Jordan


Let Your Game Speak (how we aspire to be like Mike)


What is Love as told by MJ


"Failure"


Freeze Time


All Chicago based athletes regardless of which sport needs to watch these videos.

Be like Mike, ya'll

Super Tuesday: Some Thoughts

Hi

A historical Super Tuesday awaits us tomorrow especially in light of the Democratic ballot. For the first time in history, we will have either an African American or woman as the frontrunner of one of the two major, dominant political parties in the US. To be honest, though, I am quite surprised that we have made it to this point in our history. I would even be more surprised if I see either one of them sworn in as the next President of the United States of America. But, with the recent call for change, is this not so unrealisitc anymore?

Well, on the eve of this politically historic night, I thought I would ask a couple politically-minded friends for their thoughts about Super Tuesday and the candidates. I haven't heard back from one of them (Aref ), but fortunately I have from the other. On that note, here's some insightful and witty commentary by a man.myth.legend.sufi.lover.fighter.punjabi first time guest writer (first time having a guest writer, in fact) - Summy Huck (alias):

"As the super upset from this past Sunday's Super Bowl comes to a rekindling end there's a new super event approaching that has maybe just as much hype behind it. Super Tuesday is a collection of a series of states coming together, viewing self promoting - perfectly placed commercial ads, the yard signs that were pushed in on your own lawn w/o permission, the email fwds you receive about not voting for Obama because he's Muslim, are all events that have a desire to persuade your vote to the truth. But the truth is anything but what has been spoken. As Republican Ron Paul can prove - or better stated, his approval ratings will prove - honesty will do little as ambiguity will bring in votes.

I'm a firm believer that history shows a person's strengths and overall attitude for the future. So let's explore the history of the four main candidates: Obama, the not fully but half Black man from Hawaii who has stated, relentlessly, that he's not Muslim and loves Jesus. Second we have the habitual agreer, Hilary "my-tears-show-my-love-for-you, don't-you-remember-the-economy-while-my-husband-was-in-office" Clinton. Third, virgin pina colada Mitt Romney whose campaign reminds me of the documentary, Jesus Saves. Last and most certainly least is Purple Heart, park-in-the-handicap-spot McCain.

Obama stands for change more than any other candidate because he stands for everything opposite of the old white man politics we're used to. Here's a colored man that posesses every color in his family like he's related to Brad and Angelina. He admits to having smoked pot, putting his hand on the knee of his now wife on their first date, he's charming, he's witty, and as we all saw a few months back, he looks better in swimming trunks than even our good friend Imran Shakur [blogger's note: I resent that]. Obama speaks levels to generation YouTube, which is exactly what America needs after eigh years of Bushism.

Hillary, born and raised next to Potter Masjid and MEC, mashAllah, graduated top of her class and was on the side of everyone's favorite rebel president, Bill Clinton. Hilary lacks character - she seems like that really hot Muslim girl you see at a family party who's 23 and single but you think, there's no way this girl is this hot and does all the right things until you notice that green thong hanging from her bedoorm door knob. Hilary is sneaky and fake (as seen with that sinister smile while Obama spoke about her during the last Democratic debate) and flip flops through her ideas more than that horse looking Democrat from four years back.

Mitt Romney, as we all know, is a Morman and holds very Christian values. Marrying his highschool sweetheart, Mitt puts his family first. Although he wants illegal immigrants out, he's open for many of them to finish up the academic year if they're in school or to make it a comfortable transition. With a good set of hair and a strong backing, this Utah man stands a good chance against McCain

Lastly McCain. A man that was born in 1936 when racism was a common practice, McCain graduated in the bottom of his class. Son and grandson to Navy Seals, McCain joined in the family values of war and earned a Purple Heart as a Seal for majority of his life. Now, 115 years old, McCain, a man that lives and breathes war wants to add another 4 years of terror to our lives.

When voting tomorrow at the primaries, think about change. We're near a recession, unemployment is low, the dollar won't get you much more than a double cheeseburger, oil prices makes you want to own a Prius even if people will think you're gay, more money has been spent killing innocent civilians overseas than education here in our country. Let's think about change. We've lived 8 years this way, let's ask for a change...we deserve it."

Well said, Sami. Particularly your point on how honesty doesn't win the Big Game (see NE Patriots); but talk does. And so on that front, the most unique and perhaps fresh talk/perspective from the group of candidates (let's not forget Huckabee-fin) is undoubtedly Barack Obama. He is eloquent and polished and knows how to move a crowd. Though a part of me is worried what he may do to Pakistanis and Muslims worldwide (perhaps moreso to garner the support of Red States and alienate himself further from being a Muslim), it is silly to think that the other candidates wouldn't take similar (or worse) stands. At least Obama's multi-cultured background can offer a more universally American representation than your typical WASP candidate. Also, you have to give credit to Obama and his invention of the word "change." Seriously, ever since he won in Iowa and promised to bring about change ("We are choosing hope over fear, we are choosing unity over division and sending a powerful message that change is coming to America" - Obama), all the other candidates used it like it was going to send them instantly to the Oval Office. Let's see what he can do with it, if destiny works in his favor.

As for Hilary: Sometimes this woman annoys me, but often times she completely astounds me with her smart, quick responses. Clearly, she has some talents here, folks, and for a woman, I could actually see her looking presidential at times. Jeez, I can't believe I said that. And, yes, I did say "for a woman," you ultra liberal fem nazis because of the cold hard fact is that there has not been a woman president in the US...like, ever (ok, maybe Hoover with his cross dressing). But I could see her set the precedent for future women presidential hopefuls. Anyway, Hilary has been doing a pretty effective job since she found her "voice" just about a month ago. Women and many others have come to her beckoning just as many African Americans have come to Obama's. Let's see who wins the fight.

So even though I am not voting tomorrow (ok, don't get angry, I just didn't get around to registering), I am of course anxious to see the results. A bit paradoxical, I admit, as I'm not participating in the particular political process; but no matter what your level of involvement is, you cannot deny that the historical implications are fascinating relative to our American history.

May the best man win.

God Bless America

Halal Mix Tape

AA

This is a good find by my man Taha. Apparently, these guys made this video a few years back; it was also a big hit during ISNA a couple years ago. Definitely some classic, halal humor here...



I can't pray..witr without you...!

cheers

Brrr!

Hi

Ok, so that's my car's current read of the temp outside. Yep, a frigid zero degrees, folks!

Thank God for my desi fob uncle coat (you have to see it in person to know why Taha dubbed it that). All I have to say is that when I wear it, I can't tell that it's really that cold. This is no slight exaggeration either; just ask me to let you hold or wear it the next time you run into me.

Alhamdulillah for what we have. Just keep in mind those that are homeless or without heat in their homer during such harsh weather. Guaranteed you'll feel much warmer with or without a huge fobby winter coat...

Cheers

Fasting; Aashoorah

AA

Well, I should have posted this a couple days ago, but in case you were not already aware, it's encouraged to have fasted yesterday and today or today and tomorrow to observe Aashoorah.

This is a brief, but excellent article from Shaykh Amin on the merits of fasting:
http://www.darulqasim.org/articles/FastingInMuharram.pdf


FiAmanAllah

Ghani vs The Shakur's: The Basketball Showdown of the Ages... [preview]

Hi

Long has there been a battle of words between Taha and The Shakur Brothers on a match-up in the game of basketball. Taha, hailing from an honorable Punjabi family, has recently reignited a challenge between two dominant households of Punjab: The powerful Shakur's against the fearless Ghani's. Or rather, the singularly fearless Ghani. The so-called “challenge” that has been issued is one that calls upon the three musketeers (Ali, Umar, and me) – not to be confused with the three stooges – to play a 3-on-1 match-up against Taha. Yes, you read that correctly, a 3-on-1 match-up.

For the sake of my good friend and brother Taha, I ask that you refrain from your laughter and continue reading for there is some basis for such a match-up, as much as it pains me to admit...

A long time ago, in a place far, far away, T-Wade had challenged Umar and me to a two-on-one basketball game at the Ray Meyer Recreational Center at DPU. Umar and I laughed about it, but Taha's deadpan, stoic expression indicated that he was in fact serious. (In hindsight, perhaps those were the early stages of his Hulk-like personality and demeanor...) After he called us out, we obliged and played him for fear of getting pounded by his massive naak (nose). After all, the only thing bigger than Taha’s nose is his ego; which this challenge makes evident.

As fate (and sadaqa) would have it, Taha ended up winning the game. Ok, maybe not entirely sadaqa on our part since Taha is a talented baller. Just don't ask me how one man could possibly beat two in hoops. It just happened. But, I will say that T does actively take HGH; in fact, I'm convinced that he's the one that invented it, but that's another blog entry for another day...

After that happened, Tahiti naturally wanted to take it to the next level and test his balling abilities against all three of us. An ambitious pursuit by a talented man when it comes to basketball, no doubt, but one that will ultimately be futile. What you have to understand about T is that he’s a passionate man, or more accurately, a passionate brute. Some may even say a passionate buffoon. However you want to look at it, you must agree that he is passionate. Unfortunately, that passion can lead to whimsical challenges like this one. While I admire passion in anyone, I’m cautious against passion that leads to irrational decisions. At this point, maybe now you’ll understand where his Hulk-like personality comes from; it’s not just his physical prowess, but also the mental umm...“edge.”

So, the 3-on-1 challenge was resurfaced after Umar wished Taha a sal gira mubarak on his fb wall. Taha had replied back saying something along the lines of taking the Shakur Brothers down in the 3-on-1 match-up. The next thing we know, Taha was on speakerphone with Umar and me where the smack talking heightened. Hulk’s wit did not fail him with classic one liners like, “I’m gonna use you guys to set picks on yourselves…” Then Taha tried to get personal with me and tried attacking my blog: “Look, Pac, your blog has fallen off. You need to spice it up again.” Umar retorted, “What about your blog, Taha?” Without hesitation Taha shot back in stern fashion, “Look, guys, only dorks have blogs.” A collective “Oooooo” was followed, but Umar came through like the Shakur Clan usually does and said, “Yeah, but only losers read them…”

The shataaak was heard around the world. Taha fell silent.

Sadly, we expect much the same on game day...

Until then

Play on Playa

Getting ready for the camera flash lights. This is how the legendary Professional Pakistani Pimp Playa does it...

2008 New Year's Resolutions

Hi

Happy New Year!

Let’s ring in 2008, folks. 2007 is officially over with and that means that your 2007 New Year’s resolutions are to be refreshed in ‘08, because, after all, who really accomplishes their New Year’s resolutions anyway?!

Having said that, though, I think it’s important that we set forth the 2008 New Year’s resolutions so we can achieve some reasonable expectations in our lives; a motivation to improve upon strengths and weaknesses. And this year I’d like to take the liberty of doing it on behalf of people I know, so let’s start:

Ali: To at least think about leaving his laptop for a period greater than 1 hour. To write a blog entry more than 3 sentences long. Oh, and to write an entry that’s actually interesting, not something like, “This computer article on how to revamp your home network is really interesting. You should read it.” And to get married.

Umar: To possibly invest some time into investigating whether or not GH (growth hormone) pills could get him to break that ever illusive 5 feet mark. To get married, but first to stop running away from hot doctor chicks (note plural usage of “chick”). To improve upon in Madden by playing the local grade school kids first.

Taha: Ease up on the roids and the roid rage when he doesn’t get his choice of food. To officially give up allegiances to STL and to stop bandwagoning in sports. To relive the days of ghanishakur glory that once was.

AJ: To relive the days of glory where he came by my crib every weekend. To brush up on his Madden skills before I totally eclipse him. To at least think about not being so incredibly whipped (just give it some thought). To work on his family and wife accepting me (note: this is a repetitive resolution).

Hassan/AH: Give up on turning tables so much before we start to think that he’s a waiter and not a “doctor.” Oh, and on the subject of his profession, in ’08 he should prove to people that he’s actually saving lives by working. He should also resolve to use his own money for once when buying clothes or taking people out to eat (not his sugar momma’s money). To get over himself by calling and emailing people. To surgically remove that blemish he calls a beauty mark (i.e. the mole). To free up his weekends for his friends, but prior to that, to remember who his "friends" are. To stop sending out text blasts to all his friends asking, “What are the plans tonite?” and then pick and choose from whomever is most likely willing to treat him out. To…you know what, I’m beginning to think that I could write a separate entry about his 2008 resolutions…

Farooq: While continuing his trend on being the King of Corporate America, to remember me on the way to the top. To call me or at least remember me in his duas (at least the duas). To also be nice to me at least once per month in emails, especially group emails, so people don’t think that he actually hates me (note: this is a similar resolution that Sayeed has, though we are still determining if he actually does hate me or not…). To extend that even further by being nice to Fahad, too. To get married ASAP, but go on another mini-vacation weekend trip with me (i.e. to not wait another 2-3 years or when he gets permission from Zubair/Sarfraz).

Fahad: To get married ASAP (maybe to The Predicament). To stop stalking random, hot women and sending them messages confessing his love (repeat resolution). To stop taking pictures of…well, he knows what I’m talking about. Stop calling himself “Masood.”

Aref: To stop fitting into Hassan’s back pocket so much. We don’t need another AH running about. This also includes a resolution to stop taking hundreds of pictures of AH when they’re at my house.

Tariq: No resolutions for 2008 for him as long as he continues to enjoy Frosty Fridays with me. His life is perfect, mashaAllah.

Taha/Hassan/Me: Not to take more than 45 minutes to decide where to eat.

Z: After talking to her fiancé, AH, he wanted me to communicate the following: “lose some weight before the wedding and stop being so sensitive.” I don’t know what he meant, but that’s what he told me so I thought I’d include it. In addition, Zareen is to be nice to Imran for once inshaAllah'ta'ala. Have Imran emcee the wedding. Stop micromanaging Hassan until at least the wedding.

Sana: Stop thinking that she has more rights over Taha than I do. To also come to terms with me sitting in between them during the wedding ceremonies. Also have Imran emcee the wedding. To treat Imran out for dinners (KFC doesn't count).

KR: To stop flirting with 12 year old hijabi girls during ISNA (and his speeches). To invite me to his house at least once to play Madden. To also stop breaking my heart by calling my brother Umar a heartthrob and not me.

Harris: To stop telling us that he’s willing to meet up for lunch or dinners and then sellout once he’s unable to secure someone being his personal chauffeur.

Sofia: To acknowledge that the AJ-Pac connection is unbreakable.

Baseer: To give serious on thought on renaming Zayd to Imran.

Sarosh: To give up on The Hate and welcome in The Love and a path to goodness...

Irfan: To take Zen classes so he can stop yelling all the time.

Awais: To stop fantasizing about being Arab. To call Imran at least once in ’08.

Beast (Anurag): To stop hammering his opponents while down in the post for basketball with an axe.

Most of my Arab friends: To recognize that, yes, desis can be Muslims, too, and that biryani is the international food of choice for all Muslims. That and SGPs from Italian Express.

Ye Faithful Blog Readers: To continue and increase blog reading and spread the word...

Oh, and last, but not least…

My future wife: To find me, dammit! What’s your problem! Where art thou?!

Props goes to my boy Aref for suggesting this epic idea. I think Aref would probably like me to get much more personal for some people (like Zareen, Hassan, or Mo Lester), but I chose to take the higher ground in 2008.

My own resolutions to come shortly, folks. But I encourage you to post any of your comments for suggestions. I also encourage you to finally “man (or woman) up” and achieve these goals in 2008. It’s a new year, people. Anything is possible.


God’s speed and Best Wishes in 2008