Today the streets of DC, in particular the NW/SW part, have witnessed a comedic historical event that attracted over 250,000 people, all vowing to be on the sane side of mind whilst stamping all over each other on the underground trains. The Rally? Comedy Central's very own Jon Stewart dubbed it 'the rally to restore sanity'. His intention? to promote reasonableness (lol).
It was a very interesting turnout of people from all walks of faith and life. The whole event had a comedic feel to it with Stewart and Colbert in character but with a periodical political twist.
"These are reasonable people," Stewart tells Colbert. "They won't be once I release the bees!" shouts Colbert. "You're deliberately created fears of things that don't exist," says Stewart. "No I'm not, I'm raising awareness," replies Colbert.
Another funny performance was the duet of Ozzy Osbourne and Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam who appeared on stage together in perhaps the world's least likely duet.Then Kareem Abdul-jabbar was produced by Stewart after Colbert jumped in and claimed all Muslims were scary ( A jab at the NPR dude that got the sack for his 'fear of Islam' comment).
Stewart had some moments of seriousness as well making statements like "We live now in hard times, not end times" and "If we amplify everything, we hear nothing."
However my favourite part of the whole day was scouting for endless signs that proved to be top entertainment by themselves.
One sign said: "Iraqi-American here. I'm afraid to get on a plane with myself."
Another one had a Tea party slogan and underneath the slogan they wrote: "Snakes, Snakes, watch out for the snakes!"
Great day!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
tales from a perusing mind
A few days ago I went to visit the Indian American museum not far from where I work and came across the delightful yet under-documented culture of the people whose very land we walk on. What stood out for me was their stark resemblance of recreational dances and rituals to those of many African countries. Their culture is embedded with dances and activities that signify the changing nature of life on this earth and the events associated with it. Some of their traditional dances reminded me of some Somali traditional dances such as their dances when gearing up for war, celebrating weddings and the arrival of a revered person. Very fascinating and enjoyable to say the least.
On a different note I took part in a Somali community event held some days ago where community leaders and Somali Americans came to discuss the ongoing issues in Somalia and how they can play a role in engaging the US government to provide more support for Somalia. Some days later the CSIS held an event where Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary for African affairs at the state department, presented their new policy towards helping Somalia. Most of the material presented had all been heard before but what stood out for me was his mentioning of the lack of unity amongst Somalis living in the US, thus engaging them is proving to be a difficult task. It resonated with me because I see so many organisations springing from everywhere across this country. (Same problems by the way exist in Europe too.)While their efforts is admirable yet there is so much room for improvement.
Many of these organisations exist by name only and few are actively engaged in the betterment of Somalia or the Somali people. They can have such a greater impact if they formed partnerships and build a united voice. On an individual level, many have much to say but few translate their words into deeds. There are for example so many Somali refugees displaced all over the East African region, many street children with nowhere to go and orphans who struggle just to make it to another day. Sponsoring them and taking care of them is something anyone can do with or without an established government. Whilst one pushes for security and stability to be brought to Somalia, he can also address the immediate needs of the Somali people. But my sense is that compassion has become a dying breed in this day and age...
On a different note I took part in a Somali community event held some days ago where community leaders and Somali Americans came to discuss the ongoing issues in Somalia and how they can play a role in engaging the US government to provide more support for Somalia. Some days later the CSIS held an event where Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary for African affairs at the state department, presented their new policy towards helping Somalia. Most of the material presented had all been heard before but what stood out for me was his mentioning of the lack of unity amongst Somalis living in the US, thus engaging them is proving to be a difficult task. It resonated with me because I see so many organisations springing from everywhere across this country. (Same problems by the way exist in Europe too.)While their efforts is admirable yet there is so much room for improvement.
Many of these organisations exist by name only and few are actively engaged in the betterment of Somalia or the Somali people. They can have such a greater impact if they formed partnerships and build a united voice. On an individual level, many have much to say but few translate their words into deeds. There are for example so many Somali refugees displaced all over the East African region, many street children with nowhere to go and orphans who struggle just to make it to another day. Sponsoring them and taking care of them is something anyone can do with or without an established government. Whilst one pushes for security and stability to be brought to Somalia, he can also address the immediate needs of the Somali people. But my sense is that compassion has become a dying breed in this day and age...
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The clouds reach out..
to converse with your confused state of mind
Confide in them for confusion is not a companion of the championing kind
What is confusion but a concoction of condraticting thoughts?
failing to comprehend life's true purpose is the real calamity
Seek out clarity through the conversations with your Conquerer
overstepping the cues of capitalism and cravings to buy happiness
Understand and own your capabilities
and remain consistent with the path you seek
The canvass of your life waits to be painted complete
use Lady Courage to lead you to the resilient lands of Composure
as you linger to carve out your calling
Commend yourself for conquering the clamorous noise of life
paying compliments to the most High
Confide in them for confusion is not a companion of the championing kind
What is confusion but a concoction of condraticting thoughts?
failing to comprehend life's true purpose is the real calamity
Seek out clarity through the conversations with your Conquerer
overstepping the cues of capitalism and cravings to buy happiness
Understand and own your capabilities
and remain consistent with the path you seek
The canvass of your life waits to be painted complete
use Lady Courage to lead you to the resilient lands of Composure
as you linger to carve out your calling
Commend yourself for conquering the clamorous noise of life
paying compliments to the most High
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