3 Cups of Tea

One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace...One School At A Time

That's the subtitle of my latest read "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.

This book came highly recommended to me by my friend Lina who drove down from Virginia just to meet Greg Mortenson.

This is the story of a regular white guy, Greg, who's a mountain climber. When he fails to climb one of the world's highest peaks, K2 in Pakistan, he lands in the impoverished village at the base of the mountain, Korphe. From this point on his entire life changes.

Without going on forever, this book was, simply put, amazing. And the most amazing part of it that it's a true story. Every mountain (figuratively) Greg faces in his mission to build simple schools for the children in the villages he comes across will blow you away.

You will never encounter a more selfless group of people as the Americans and Pakistanis who help Greg's mission. The generosity, sincerity, and absolute selflessness is heartwarming and motivating.

If you've ever thought you could not help people (you're just one person), or that perhaps whatever little money you can donate to a cause couldn't possibly help much, this will change your mind.

Greg Mortenson has a website, where you can read more about his cause and how you can help.

I hope you read the book and purchase it from his website so that some of the profit can go towards his cause.

If you're looking for the next great read, next on our book club list is "The Geography of Bliss : One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World" by Eric Weiner. I've heard great things about this as well and can't wait to get started.

Happy reading,

Sameera

The age old question

How can a college MSA balance the deen and student life?

There's no answer, but there is a great article that explores the issue.

While I do think some of the MSA's mentioned here went too far with the gender relationships (such as co-ed dodgeball) I think most MSA's do a good job of balancing the two worlds and accepting the fact that Muslims are to fall types. The point is that after all they are an MSA and Islam is their main objective.

Read this New York Times article for a good look at the both sides of the conversation.

Let me know what you think of it and what your own experiences have been in your MSA.

Sameera

Late Night at work

Good Day friends,

Last night I worked until 10:50 pm...not bad but I was supposed to be out at 10. We were covering the latest primaries and the plan was to wait until Wisconsin was closed and the winners called. Hawaii also had their primaries last night but seeing that they only have 20 delegates and polls didn't close until hours later, ABC News didn't deem it necessary to wait around.

Rather early in the night the Republican side was called for John McCain who had a rather haughty victory speech, now certain the presidential nomination would go to him. He said "I may not be the youngest candidate but I am the most experienced," which has actually been on my mind. When I look at him I see an old man, and that doesn't represent change or the future to me. I mean it's true Bush was old, but when I looked at him I just saw a _______ (insert insult of choice here) man.

Shortly after 9:30 the Democratic winner Barack Obama stepped up to the podium. Still tasting the fresh victory of 9 straight primaries, I guess Obama was feeling very chatty. Usually I find him a charismatic speaker, despite the recent copycat allegations (yes this is what politics has come down to- see the article here).

But tonight Obama would not stop talking. He talked about ALL his plans for the presidency, from the war, to economy, health care and education. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but this was just ONE primary. He spoke for over 40 minutes (I'm guessing since I stopped watching the clock after 20). Our election coverage was thrown for a loop and we had to let guests go left and right rather than have them sit around that long. The night ended rather disastrously when we lost the video of our anchor from Washington D.C. and ABC News Now became a gaping black hole for a few seconds.

Obama, if and when you get the presidential nomination, how long will that speech be?

Of the Political Process

I find that most Muslims are not inherently against voting...they're just too lazy.

My bottom line is this : if you don't want to have anything to do with America..then just leave.

For anyone who really questions whether they should vote here is what I found on Islamonline.net.

Dr.Anwar Hajjaj, President of the American Islamic Information Center, writes:

Muslims should be active wherever we are. When we as Muslims unite as a community, our chances of being heard regarding the issues that are relevant and important to us are far more significant than when a small number of us are trying to make a difference. By being politically active, we can seek to better the lives of all Muslims living in the United States.

Our involvement within the political system is also a great way to present to the public an accurate image of Islam, and of Muslims as supporting the issues that are important in our lives, and maintaining high morals and standards. For example, we can show our deep concern over the decay of the family system in America by supporting candidates for whom family values is a high priority.

Muslims speaking out, showing up in numbers and being involved in the political process will enable our vote to be sought-after by political nominees. We will then be taken seriously, and considered a vital consituency by candidates of all political parties; thus, requiring them to address issues of great concern to our community. American Muslims are increasing in numbers; hence, we stand to make an increasingly significant difference in the outcome of elections.

We need to become educated about the governing process, and the laws and issues that affect us as this will allow us to understand American political proceedings, and encourage our participation in a vitally important activity that greatly impacts our lives as well as the way we are viewed by non-Muslims.

Being able to vote and participate in the political process is a privilege that no one should forsake. If we as Muslims feel we are not being treated fairly, or that important issues are being neglected, we must exercise our right to participate and vote. We can then progress and make a difference in our lives, and in those of our families and communities.

As Muslims, we must take advantage of our rights, and become involved - as members of school boards, in mayoral offices, on city councils, and running for government positions and offices - while maintaining our duties and obligations to Islam. Imagine the great status this will bring to us, and the great message we can send to others!

Not taking any sides..

I'm not endorsing anyone (not that anyone would care)...but this is a cool video we premiered on ABC News Now (remember, the place I work...)


Read about the exclusive release :
ABC News Now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY

Watch the video here on you tube:
Video
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4231523&page=1

Nothing to report here

Hello,

It's been a few days since I've updated my blog...it's been an uneventful week...

So there's really nothing new to report here..

Except that my Sprint phone was cancelled this morning due to non-pament..Oops.

Here's to being an adult.

Ciao,

Sameera