a reasonable thought...

One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, speak a few reasonable words.

–Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

posted by ubaid at 5:06 AM - 0 comments - post anonymously

the month of ramzan
There is something wonderful about this month of fasting. In my experience it has served to bring me closer to family and friends, there is a warm fuzzy feeling getting up at five in the morning, with all the family, mom trying to keep you from dozing off, sitting on the dastarkhan* with sleepy groggy heads and drooping eyes, and trying to cram in enough to last the day, especially when you are young, skinny and very insecure about yourself. I remember trying to drink six or seven glasses of water before the announcement came booming over the loudspeaker signalling the start of the fast, and of course that still wouldn't quite work, you always feel thirsty. This time however, I'm lonely in San Jose, pulling myself out of the bed in the morning, eating something without really caring and going back to sleep, Ramzan is so much better when you are home.

* dastarkhan akin to a tablecloth, but used for serving food on the floor as opposed to on a table

posted by ubaid at 11:52 PM - 0 comments - post anonymously

breaking news
The Al-Rasheed Hotel in Iraq's capital was subject to some rocket attacks early Sunday morning, Paul Wolfowitz may have been the intended target. CNN reports,

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Numerous rockets have slammed into the Baghdad hotel where U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz was staying, injuring several people, coalition officials have told CNN.

As many as eight rockets were fired at the Al Rasheed Hotel -- used by many coalition officials -- at 6.10 a.m. local time Sunday morning (0610 GMT), officials said.

There were reports of serious injuries, including limb amputations, but Wolfowitz escaped unharmed and was led away from the scene by security forces, said U.S. officials.

Someone's really pissed out there.

posted by ubaid at 12:13 AM - 0 comments - post anonymously