SALAM

True Love

2012-01-23T01:14:00.000Z

2011 was full of much political news across the world, fromthe Arab spring to capturing Bin Laden, from the recession in Europe to the demonstrationsin Greece. But as the whole world struggled to come to term with so much, Italywas facing a different scenario. Italy was facing a recession like the rest ofEurope, facing the risk of being downgraded from the credit agencies and its primeminster, Mr Silvio Berlusconi himselfwas facing so many corruption allegations and accusations of misconducts etc.So in the middle of all of this and just one week before Mr Berlusconi's time come to an end as Italy prime minster, hemade a very important decision...................................

He released his album of love songs!!!!!

Yes, you read right…..it was not a decision to save thecurrency, to help the country out of recession, to clear his name or to savehis reputations ….no he decided in his wisdom that it was time to release his albumof love songs. He is clearly passionate about these love songs and he co- wrote 11 of the songs and - I presume - wanted to reach people with his softer side. All I thought about this was tothink of the reaction of his advisers as he told him what he wanted to do,

'A love album prime minster? Yes sure, of course, that whatthe country needs, that what people really really want!'

But on a serious note, this was, may be –in his mind- whathe wanted to be remembered by, may be this was his passion, his heart was really with these love songs and he wanted to spread the joy.

In the quest to make a difference and to be remembered, we strive to do our bestand to reach high grounds, to do something unique to be remembered by, to stay in touch with our emotions and reach out for true love … justone important detail…make sure that the timing is right to fit within the bigpicture!

If Schespear was a blogger

2012-01-20T22:08:00.000Z

Resolutions? What resolutions

2012-01-05T12:36:00.000Z

This year, I decided to make one promise which is...no more 'New Year Resolutions'.

The good news is...so far so good, I am doing what I said I will do.

Happy New Year everyone.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T01:50:00.001Z

A Step or A Stop?

2011-11-15T13:06:00.001Z

‘Everything comes to an end’ this is a fact of life and as we were created, ‘endings’ are a reminder of our limitations and that as we had a beginning we will have an end.

We are surrounded with ‘endings’ all the time, even the words we hear. You hear football managers talk about: ‘at the end of the day, the lads did their best’ or your teacher will say: ‘by the end of the class you need to understand this process really well’, or your friends tell you to ‘hang in there, the end is near’ when you are having a tough time.

Endings are hard, ending a relationship, a job, leaving an old house or loosing someone as their life ends. And as we move from one thing to another we struggle with how to deal with this simple fact of life and in our way to deal with endings we either glorify the person/the event/the job or make a villain out it. So after loosing a job, we only bring up the worst in the boss, how bad it all was, how nasty people were and almost making it an evil cartoon character. On the other hand, after loosing a loved one we glorify them and brush aside all the negatives and make a saint out of them. We all do that as this is the only way we can deal with difficult endings.

But there is another way; we can look at endings as a STEP and not as a STOP. We can stop forever after the end of a relationship and never move on or we can look at the experience and learn from it all (good and bad) and move on with what we leaned. We can see it as a STEP in our development and life experience and remember the good times and don't let everything stops.

How do you look at every ending surrounding you? Finishing school, ending a contract with work, finishing a charity event, ending a relationship, the end of a holiday, etc? How do you see it? A step or a stop….you decide.

How...?

2011-11-11T15:50:00.001Z

To blog or not to blog...

2011-11-06T14:38:00.000Z

Fancy working as a tooth brush?

2011-11-02T22:59:00.000Z

Crocodiles have the largest number of teeth in the whole animal kingdom. A salt water crocodile will have some 64 teeth and they have their teeth replaced throughout their life. For centuries this little bird - called Plovers - worked as a very dedicated dental hygienist cleaning crocodiles teeth.

This little bird does a great job and I believe through the ages, they always knew the rules of engagement with this fierce creature. In one little move, this sweet little bird could be just a snack to Mr. Crocodile. One wrong pick, or nasty nip at the gum, and this cute bird is gone. But the bird is benefiting too, and both creatures are a perfect image of a balanced creation by a mighty God.

But thinking about it, the bird is providing a great service but he is not the boss (and I am sure he knows it). I can't imagine the bird showing off to his mates or teasing the crocodiles, 'Guys, I am the best tooth brush in the whole jungle, you have to do what I say'. I can't see him bossing the crocodile round and giving him orders. But this is the not the order we see around us. I see people providing services forgetting that they are "serving" people. The doctor, the policeman, the teacher, the politician, etc , they are all providing a great service but they forget where does the power lie. The power is with those you are serving, the power is with the people, not the government, the rulers or the political system.

2011 showed us so far that people power is bigger and stronger than we ever thought. Protests all around the world this year proved that power is not just with those who are in high office, have money or arms.

It is a great job serving in a position of authority, but remember that Mr. crocodile could close his eyes, could nod off a bit, could even pretend not to care but it will always let the little bird knows if it is not happy with the service !

Can we fix it?

2011-11-01T23:14:00.001Z

So rarely I get my tool box out (yes, I do have a tool box), usually there is something needs fixing that I can not wait to get someone else to fix for me. So, I gather all my energy, get the tools out and I sit opposite whatever needs to be done.

I usually do my best bashing and hammering away and hope for the best. I usually get it done (in the end).

But in life, you find this great huge need to have 'I can fix it' attitude. So, you sit with a friend, chatting about the day and if you share a worry or a challenge, you always have few ideas, suggestions and solutions. This is good but I recently learned that not all of us are looking for quick answers or solutions to life's challenges. We simply want someone to listen, understand and move on. Just talking to a trusted person can make all the difference, not nesseserly to find an answer to a problem but to bring some order to the confusion.

So instead of adopting the moto of 'Can we fix it, Yes we can' I am choosing a different one:
Can we fix it, Yes we can but we are choosing to just listen for change!

Because you are worth it

2011-10-19T00:21:00.000+01:00

Today came the news of the release of Giliad Shalit, theIstaeli soldier who was captured by Hamas back in 2006. His release came aspart of a deal that involved releasing more than 1000 Palestinian.

As I heared the news, I wondered how he feels, apart from theobvious relief, sence of freedom and the longing to see his family. How do you feel ifyou know that your life is worth more than a 1000’s others? With a simplecalculation, every small bone in Shalit’s body is worth 5 people. Most importantly, how do the other 1000 men feel about their worth and their value?

Where we live, how we live and who we live with give us our self-valuewhether we are aware of that or not. But it was never like that from the start.God created us equal, men and women, black or white. There was no difference. We were all madein his image. We then started to group ourselves based on our wealth,education, status, resources etc.

One prisoner is worth a 1000? Or 1000 prisoners are worthnothing? Politics decided that today. But on a day to day basis, we judgeourselves all the time in the same way.

How do we see ourselves? Because no matter how our governments,our friends, our families and our neighbours see us, we are still highly valuedby the almighty creator. We are all still equal in his eyes, rich or poor,famous or unknown, men or women, able or incompetent.

I believe that I was wonderfully and fearfully made byalmighty God that it is why I am worth it,

What about you?

Join us upstairs, down here!

2011-10-14T12:00:00.000+01:00

This is a real photo on the London Underground station inEast London. I couldn’t resist taking a photo. But thinking about it, so manythings take place around us with some very contradicting messages.

Listen to the parent who tells the kids off to ‘encourage’them, to those who hurt you because they love you. Look at the army that issupposed to protect you but aims at you and kill you for the sake of what iscalled ‘stability’. See the government that says ‘we are on the side of thepoor’ but reduce their jobs, their education and their chance of a better life. Some who declare their hate to others under the umbrella of 'show compassion to those who are different from you'. The group of 'I want to kill you to show you what is the right way to go'.

Who are we deceiving? This photo is honest, if you go ‘downstairs’you will get the overground trains. In life we need to call things by theirown names otherwise we will never change anything. If we are running aroundlooking for ‘excuses’ to certain actions, we will never move forward. Thathappens in relations, in societies and across the whole world.

The photo is confusing because the words don't follow what you expect. The same in every other situation, If I say I care about you, then I my actions needs to show that. If I want to show you how wonderful my way of life is, I need to show you lovingly and not by force. If I say that I want 'stability' then declaring war is not the right way to go about it.

So, would you like to join me 'upstairs, down here' to correct the contradictions in our lives?

Give me a sign

2011-10-07T21:53:00.001+01:00

On my way to work, I wanted to try a short cut suggested to me by colleagues to cut my driving time. So, I tried and instead of reducing my journey, I got lost!

'Not a big deal' I told myself, as it is a lovely countryside and so I kept driving to the next sign post to get direction. I drove for about 6 min, but it felt like a life time, then I saw a SIGN. Old, dirty and battered sign, but a sign none the less. I was so pleased and relieved.

Driving along this beautiful road without any signs to show me the way, was not comfortable at all. I enjoyed the beautiful autumn drive but I didn't like not knowing my exact location even for a short time. This is the same in every situation and in dealing with people around us. We have a need to know where we stand and where we are going. In the same way we are 'signs' to others whether we like it or not. When we see people we see 'Happy', 'Negative', 'Comlaining', 'Greatful' etc. Think of people you meet for the first time and after only 10 second you think to yourself "seem like a good person" or " she looked sad", "he is nasty", etc. Other people do the same about me and you as well. So, what sign are you giving out? and what do people see in you that is different?

So, when you hear of people praying "Give me a sign", you could be that sign....use the opportunity well.

A go on the slide anyone?

2011-10-02T23:16:00.000+01:00

Some things could be so much fun but you need to see where
it all leads.
Could be all as innocent as going on the slide (just like this little boy) but sure it will end in tears (or shredded body parts).

Things can sometimes 'slide' out of control, we cant stop it. We say the wrong thing, we make the wrong turn or decision. We stay so determined that we are right and the other is wrong and we loose it all at the end. We let things "slide" out of control and out of our hands. Relationship deteriorate for not wanting to back down when we still can and then we suffer the consequences. We say an unkind thing, we make bad comments, we sneer at a friend, we enjoy some gossip, the list is endless.
And yet, in every situation, there is always a window where we can go back and save the relationship, the job, the situation etc. There is always a point of "return" (comes before the point of "no return"), once we pass this, then it is too late to save the situation and we have to suffer the consequences.

So ...do you know when to stop?

Now you see it.....now you don't

2011-09-26T23:01:00.000+01:00

Today, I had a big task at work, to clear my electronic data from my computer. I wrote about this last week and today was the day that I had to move all my electronic files, folders etc. Where do you start, I have endless number of documents, lots of drafts and final documents, some duplication and some just back up files. Some I worked on long time ago and some are as recent as last week. I had lots of things already organised in big folders (yes, I am not totally hopeless) but I still felt overwhelmed by the task at hand.

So, I decided to do this in a tidy and organised fashion (OK, OK, no need to laugh) I decided to do it the quick way. I created a new folder and called "work old PC" and then moved everything to it, just as they are. 'I will look into them later' I told myself. The files were so big and took a long time to be transferred to my external drive but it was done at the end. Then with one click I deleted the folder from the main computer after it was transferred. Just like that, one click, one button and it was all gone. More than 8 years of work, research and teaching just gone from the PC, as if I was never there. All you can see on the old PC was my log in name.

There is a book on Amazon called "Now you see it, now you don't: lessons in sleight of hand" by Bill Tarr. Shows you how to do magic tricks and when I deleted the files it felt like that, a magic wand that cleared everything. Then I thought, what if we can do that in real life. Just one click and the problem is gone, one button and 'done' pain deleted. But if we can do that, then we have to be able to run the risk of deleting the good things by mistake or accident. I don't really fancy backing up my relationship in 3 different ways like I do with my documents in case they get lost. I am confident in the love, support and friendships that I have and am sure they can not be lost by mistake, or with a click of a button. As much as I would like for the bad things to be taken away, I know that God in his wisdom is writing the story of my life, weaving it all, dark colours and bright ones, all together to make a wonderful complete picture.

Enjoy life with all its ups and down, no back up and no system crashes, invest in what matters as when it is all said and done only two things remain, your faith and your relationships.

Wish you were 'THERE'

2011-09-25T18:32:00.000+01:00

You know the deal, yougo on holiday, you are having a great time and you pick up few post cards andsend them to a select group of people with the words “wish you were here”. Butwhy do we do that? While running around on holiday enjoying yourself, you thinkof those who could have made it even better and more enjoyable. You imagine thegood times that you could have with someone who is not actually there in thislovely holiday spot and wish they could be there to share this time with you.

So what do we miss? Wemiss the fun times, the laughs, the jokes, the silly faces and the kind words. Weremember how late we stayed out or how much fun we had with someone. Although weremember the bad things, we do not miss it. I never heard someone says: ‘I missgoing to get treatment for my teeth’, or ‘I miss the shouting I used to getfrom my nasty teacher’. We remember it all, but we do not miss the ugly things.As we pass through each other’s lives, we will leave lots of memories, good andbad, but for people to miss us, it will be the good things they have to miss. So,do not work hard to leave bitter taste in people’s mouths by leaving them withbad memories otherwise you will get a card that says

Wish you were ‘there’…away from me!

No Comment!

2011-09-20T23:22:00.000+01:00

New task

2011-09-17T12:18:00.001+01:00

As I get ready to start a new position in a wonderful location ( see the photo above), I have the very interesting task of moving my belongings from my current office. I have endless amount of books, papers, documents, etc that I have accumulated over the years. However, it is my electronic belongings that will take a long time to tidy up. In theory, the electronic belongings are not as obvious as books, papers etc, however they are very important and no one can help me move them. At work, I have access to 3 different offices with 3 different computers, I also have electronic legacy with photos, address and information on websites and university files. Thinking about how to work through it in an organised way is a bit daunting.

But as I think about it (this is the stage I am in at the moment, just thinking, no actual packing just yet), I realised how many electronic information I have out there!

email accounts, store accounts, Face book, twitter, eBay, paypal, online calendars, photo libraries, online banking, supermarkets online shopping, documents storage and many other accounts I have online.

With every account comes user names, passwords, security information and even some silly details about pet names or shoes size! How are we dealing with this volume of information and belongings and what if something happen and I can not for the life of me remember my passwords? Do I need to leave my electronic "belongings" in my will?

I am sure I do not need to answer these questions right now and I better concentrate on actually doing the packing and tidying up to move to my new office in time, only to start creating more legacy somewhere else.

The Egyptian revolution, part 2

2011-09-11T13:02:00.002+01:00

Another cartoon by Carlos Latuff on the military rule currently in Egypt. The speech bubble has the words, "Do not be afraid, I am your friend, hahahahaha".

The revolution continue with more protests and more uprising.

PEOPLE WANT THE FALL OF THE REGIME.

There goes the Neighborhood

2011-09-07T09:43:00.000+01:00

Gingerbread "person" anyone?

2011-09-06T00:01:00.001+01:00

The birthday week for my blog continue with some of my old posts. Here is the gingerbread person post. Enjoy.

This is the last straw I think. The news that we are now supposed to change the name of gingerbread man to gingerbread person or gingerbread people as it is not politically correct anymore.

I don’t like gingerbread anyway (nothing personal really) but I had so much fun helping in my local school with making gingerbread man with the kids, it was fun and messy experience. I was trying to follow the recipe while running after the kids who are trying to taste the dough that had raw eggs and stopping others from dipping their toys in the honey or making tracks on the floor with the flour. However, eventually we made the gingerbread man and they were really nice.

So what is the problem with calling them gingerbread man? And who exactly got offended by that? And where is all this political correctness taking us? and what is next? protest against snowman? Most women -in my opinion- do not actually mind what we call those ginger cookies, and it is not– as far as I am concerned - an equality problem in anyway. When God created us both men and women, He created us on His image, equal in His sight. Equal in being sinful, equal in our need to His grace, equal in being human and equal in our need to be accepted and loved. But saying that, He gave us different talents and different characters and so different ways to contribute and make a difference.

So when it comes to fitting that IKAE bookcase with instructions that only an expert in Egyptology can read and understand (as it seems to be in Hieroglyphics), men are well talented to do that and most women will have no problem accepting that. On the other hand, cooking, tidying and baking “gingerbread man” is enjoyable and women love doing that. I might be still sticking to the old stereotype but I believe that the issue is not who does what or what do we call things, gingerbread men or postman or chairperson etc. The point is that we are all accepted as equal in God’s eyes and it does not matter who does the ironing, what matter is that we are equal in being people who need to be loved and accepted as we are.

Micah Challenge

2011-09-04T17:02:00.001+01:00

(I first wrote this post back in 2007).

Isabelle Caro posed for a series of provocative photos to highlight the tragedy of anorexia. She says she now weighs almost 4 1/2 pounds more than she did when controversial photographer Oliviero Toscani captured this image.I was shocked by the images of this anorexia campaign. It aims to ban size zero models from all fashion shows. But the fact that as a society we became so obsessed with our image to the extent that some people are dying trying to achieve their ideal weight is really hard to understand. In the mean time, still our actions or in-action a lot of the time, causing the death of people who live thousands of miles away, people who are now "size zero" not because they choose not to eat but because there is no food for them to eat. I think the idea to help them is there, but we must be really ashamed that now in this day in the 21 century there are still people dying of hunger in Africa. Join the Micah Challenge http://www.micahchallenge.org.uk/, let us stop both hunger in Africa and size zero models. Let us move from being self obsessed to acting justly, loveing mercy and walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).

Happy Birthday Blog

2011-09-03T02:03:00.001+01:00

Few days ago, my blog turned 4 years old. I can't believe it, approaching the ripe old age of 4 as a blog is a big milestone. I posted 205 posts so far, I wrote about so many different things, from art to anorexia, politics in the Middle East to traffic jams on London's trains, I wrote about books I read and articles I could not understand.

As I read through some of my old posts, I enjoyed reliving the times where they were written. Socrates was reportedly worried about the written word - in books etc- and its availability will have an effect on retaining information. He argued that knowing that the information could be accessed anytime in a book will discourage real learning and retaining information direct from the source. I felt a bit like that reading some of my older posts. I know they are here, always here, I can read them at anytime and so - like anything I know that I can get to at anytime - I never did.

So, as a way for celebrating the birthday of my blog, I will re post some of the earlier posts. You can also check "Popular Posts" for some of the most read post.

And to steel the famous catch phrase from Bruce Forthsyth: Keeeeeeep Blogging.

Shall we play fair?

2011-09-03T00:26:00.003+01:00

A great book by Steve Turner

I make castles You be ghost

I kick football You be post

I play teacher You be taught.

I play crime squad You be caught.

I play tag chase You be it.

I play kick box You be hit.

I play hero You be man.

I play film star You play fan.

I play farmer You be pig.

I play doctor You be sick.

I play leader You be led

I play soldier You play dead.

Libya now by Carlos Latuff

2011-08-29T02:58:00.000+01:00

Media...what media?

2011-08-27T20:37:00.006+01:00

Tonight at 10 pm Cairo time (9 pm GMT), there will be an electronic protest on line against military trails for civilians in Egypt. As I was thinking about this today, I found this website Cartoon Movement by Khalid Albaih. The media is playing a very big role around us everywhere and especially with the Arab Spring in 2011. Here are 2 images from Khalid site on the media role. I am off to catch up with the online protest!

Life is hard, but.....

2011-08-26T18:24:00.004+01:00

"Life is hard"...one of my friends said to me and I agreed. It is so difficult sometimes. You look around and you try and make sense of situations that are really difficult. Then you look worldwide, and there is no much comfort out there either, wars, famine, crimes and brutality. In the middle of it all we start to drown between our personal problems/challenges and the world's sufferings. The results....tiredness and frustrations most of the time.

But while we were away on holiday, I had a chance to think of so many things and reflect on God's creation. I thought of the times when people were dying because there was no simple antibiotic or the times when hot water was luxuries that the poor could not afford. I remembered when we used to go to a phone office to ask to be connected and make a 3min phone call to the capital, when phone numbers were 4 digits! Remember when education was just for the wealthy? when women were still fighting to get some of their rights?

There are so many problems around us, but there are so much that we are enjoying and taking for granted. The beauty of nature, the vast oceans and the blue skis. The education and the travel and the medical advances. I am under no illusion that as I write this, there are millions of people who are still suffering and fighting for their rights. However, in the middle of a gloomy world, let us not be consumed of the darkness of the night because the sun always shine at the end.

2011..what is so different?

2011-08-08T21:54:00.004+01:00

What is so different about 2011? since the start of the year, images of protests, riots, famine, tsunami and more are still coming.

From Syria, Bahrain, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt to the riots in London and the massive earthquake in Japan and the famine in Somalia.....these events are seen every year, but this year seems to be extra special. Something is happening deep in the hearts to people and I am not sure what it is. It is the scale of these events that make them extra special. It seems that Roland Emmerich's movie, 2012 will be true!

Dear Tomorrow

2011-08-03T00:19:00.005+01:00

Dear Tomorrow
I know I can not rush you to come any faster, but please don't let us down. All we are asking is justice in Egypt. Mubarak's trial is tomorrow, will it actually happen? will it take place? will he turn up? will anything really happen? or will it be another frustrating step?

We want to see real change, we want the military trails to civilians to stop, we want to know what happened to the 2000 people who are still missing since the start of the revolution. We want justice to those who lost their lives at the hands of the government's snipers. We want fair society and a real, strong and fair government - not puppets. We want an end to the military rule and fair elections. Too many have died already and many more are still in hospitals across the country nursing their wounds since January 2011. We are tasting freedom but we still want more.
All we can say is, we can't wait.
Yours

A Battered Wife

2011-08-02T01:59:00.008+01:00

Imagine the scene … a dim light in small house, a woman sitting down crying with her hands covering her face. In comes a big guy into the room and looks at her and ask her to stop crying. She does not want to listen to him. She tells him it is over between them, as she removes her hands from her face; the light is shinning on the marks on her face of the fight they had.

But he sits down and try and talk to her, he tells her that he loves her and that she is the one for him, he says that she pushed his buttons and made him so angry that he had to hit her, he tells her that he wants the family to stay together and for the sake of the kids she must stay with him. He tells her that he is not like other guys who beat their wives so badly that they end up in hospital when their men are angry, and it is only few bruises on her face and it will heal very quickly. He tells her that he knows best and she is better leaving all the decisions for him and not to interfere in the future.

Now….this is what is happening in Egypt at the moment, A battered and helpless wife's relation with the one who is in charge, the one the wife used to love. Look at the army arresting and killing innocent civilians, “but we are not like the Syrian or the Libyan armies” you hear them say. “We know best and for the sake of stability of the country we need to rule with an iron fist”. “Some people are protesting so much and stopping normal life and so we had to intervene by force” the “you pushed me to do it” story. So many excuses and while the battered wife used to be able to call for her neighbours for help, at the moment the world is watching and getting more immune to the numbers who are getting killed each day. The majority respond by saying: “but at least it is not like Syria”. True, but how do you feel if I say to the people of Norway after the killings last week, “ah at least it is not like the twin towers in USA” This will be the most inappropriate thing to say.

A life is a life; injustice hurts whether it is against 10 people or 1000 people. The whole police force in the UK was under huge, long and expensive investigation for the unlawful death of a newspaper seller in London during a protest last year. What is happening in Syria, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Palestine and many other places is not acceptable on any level. However, brutal force in one place does not excuse extreme force in another.

One thing about battered wives, they may believe the lies first, but they soon learn to stand up and defend themselves. I believe that Egypt will.

2011-07-31T15:23:00.000+01:00

A Rabbit or a Tortoise...You decide

2011-07-30T11:58:00.004+01:00

You know the story, the race between the rabbit and the tortoise, where the rabbit decided to sleep most of the race thinking that he can jump in last minute and win while the tortoise steady and slow progress made it the actual winner at the end.

We were told the story many times with the emphasis on the laziness of the rabbit and the hard work of the tortoise. This is true but there is another element I think to this great story.

Look around you and see so many people acting like the rabbit, at work, in high positions and even as they treat each other and they have the rabbit attitude which is: “I can get up at any moment of this race, jump two huge jumps and win the race; I can do it because I am THE RABBIT”. It is true that the rabbit could have won the race in two big jumps, the problem was his timing. Look at the middle eastern governments; offering reforms to issues after things reached the point of no return, thinking that they can at any point offer a big gesture and HOORAY, problem solved. Or look at relationships, some people take others for granted thinking, “I can always come back with a big promise, a nice gift or a huge change and I can win them back”. It is the rabbit all over again, two big jumps and I will be the winner.

However, no matter how clever you are or how fast you are you need to jump at the right time otherwise you will be left alone on the sidelines wondering “how did it all go wrong?”

Just remember ..... The plan is in HIS hands

2011-07-29T12:25:00.006+01:00

I am never tired of seeing Tahrir Square in Cairo looking like this. This photo is taken today 29 July, in a 42C heat with people from all backgrounds gathering to voice their anger about the delay and the lack of progress after the revolution.

There are lots of problems still and so many rumors and stories from every direction. Some are worried about the Islamic influence and some of the extremists voices and some are concerned about normal, poor people who are still suffering in silence.

One thing that keeps me very optimistic.....6 months ago, all safe betting were that Gamal Mubarak, the son of Mubark senior, will be soon in charge and will be the next president. No one could even dream of a different scenario or question the outcome. However, God had a different plan. People were praying for Egypt for years, for delivery from injustice and victory to the poor and oppressed. For the torture to stop and for the corruption to end. The thing was we did not know HOW will God sort it out. We prayed and prayed but never thought that it will be like that. Remember David in the old testament? A young boy coming in with a stone to overcome the giant! NO WAY. When Pharaoh went after God's people in Egypt, God opened a way in the SEA!

There are so many examples, but the problem is, God never comes too early and never does things our way. It is always in a BIG, MARVELOUS AND MAJESTIC WAY. So, plan what you want and fight as you wish, but just remember...God still has the plan is HIS hands.

If at first you don't succeed...try try try again

2011-07-15T15:56:00.006+01:00

The Egyptian revolution received great reviews from everyone as if it was a new movie. It was massive, peaceful and quick..no problem then..the world clapped, Mubark left and the media pulled their cameras and back to their comfortable cool studios.

The truth is that the revolution is till going and going strong, people wanted to give the new government a chance to work and make a difference but after 5 months it was clear that nothing has changed. More civilians been tried under military law, all those accused of killing protesters are still in their jobs and Mubark is still getting a nice tan in Sharm El Shik. So, it seems that the motto of the Egyptians now is: If at first you don't success, try try try again.

It is 42 c temperature in Egypt but the weather did not seem to stop anyone from protesting. The latest protest started a week ago and people are now sitting in in Cairo-Tahrir sq and other squares across the country and they are camping out!

WHY...because they want real change and I believe they will get it.

Freedom will not come easy and will not come quickly, but it WILL come as long as people want it and willing to work hard to get it. Long Live Freedom.

Syria....where is it all going?

2011-06-20T19:57:00.000+01:00

WHO IS NEXT?

2011-04-27T21:56:00.000+01:00

It is Friday but Sunday is coming

2011-04-22T19:31:00.003+01:00

Impossible Is Nothing

2011-04-13T12:44:00.004+01:00

In the last 2 weeks, Egyptians were back to Tahrir square with their hands up with flags and banners asking for what they have been asking for all along...the fall of the whole regime. Some commentators said that people are board, or those are the unemployed, or people want to make a revolution for every little thing now...but the bottom line was that Mubarak, his sons and some big names from the old regime were still free, under no investigation and people knew that this is not good. People were not happy with the pace in which change was happening. They waited so long and no one can blame them for wanting to see justice in progress.

There were so many voices trying to stop people protesting again. Tahrir square has become a symbol now and not just a place. All over Egypt, in every square in the country, people were out after Friday's prayers protesting and shanting asking for justice for those who died to give us freedom.

Then it was 11/4/11, 60 days to the day when Mubarak stepped down. He left Cairo to be in Sharm El sheikh. People protesting last Friday declared that if he is not brought to justice, they will move the protest to Sharm El Sheikh. A famous busniss man promised to book 1800 tour buses to transport people for free next Friday.

On 12/4/11 the interim government in Egypt declared that an investigation has started with 3 key figures of the old regime, they were later arrested and they are now in custody. This morning the news been flooding in with the arrests of Mubarak sons, Gamal -who was tipped to be the next president- and Alla - who is a business man. Mubarak himself is now under house arrest and been questioned by the police.

As I write these words, I am still in shock and can't believe that this is all happening. People now know the taste of freedom and will not go back to the dark days of being slaves again. They are asking for a fair trails for all those who corrupted the system for so long. The revolution is still going on and the demands are not changing....Clean the system...the whole system from top to bottom.

LONG LIVE EGYPT

Three Big Pigs and Their View On The Revolutions

2011-03-31T23:11:00.000+01:00

Only In Egypt

2011-03-28T17:04:00.006+01:00

Only In Egypt...

- people get disappointed when they call for a demonstration and only 100.000 turn up!

- people really hate you when you tell them to do something for "the stability of the country"!

- the Nile Hilton rooms overlooking Tahrir square are now more expensive than rooms overlooking the river Nile!

- the formally banned politicians are forming political parties and the previous minister of justice in under arrest!

- people succeeded in toppling their government for corruption but the Italian president is the one who shows up in court to defend himself!

- people clean up after they finish demonstrating!

- and only in Egypt, people know that at last the last Pharaoh has been thrown out for good!

What do you think?

2011-03-24T10:58:00.000Z

The Nation Decides

2011-03-19T12:10:00.007Z

Today, Egyptians are heading to the ballot box to vote on a referendum about the latest changes made to the constitution. An estimated 40 million people are heading to vote compared to 4 or 5 millions in previous referendums when Mubarak was in power. For the first time in almost 60 years, people don't know the outcome of their vote before hand. The corruption was so bad that everyone knew what will happen in advance. Recently and during the revolution, in one police station people found full ballot boxes from previous elections!

There was a lot of debate on whether to vote "Yes" or "No" to the constitutional changes, but regardless of the outcome, I am so happy to see people waiting to vote and for the first time in a life time, they feel that their vote matter. For the first time they feel they are an important part in shaping the future of the country. The nation is deciding what to do and showing to the world that they ARE ready for democracy. Ques of men and women, young and old, Christians and Muslims, are with one aim....to take part in a step to protect the revolution.

Long Live Egypt.

The Egyptian Revolution in 9 min

2011-03-12T11:57:00.000Z

One month has gone since Mubarak stepped down. Egypt is debating the amendments of the constitution and the new government is putting its own stamp on the country.
This video is a summery of all the events from 25 Jan until Mubarak stepped down.

How Long?

2011-03-08T00:14:00.000Z

Inside the Egyptian revolution

2011-03-06T23:16:00.001Z

This is Wael Ghonim, the google executive in the Middle East who created a Facebook page memorializing a victim of the regime's violence. He was detained by the police for 12 days at the start of the revolution and here in this video he shares his views about how Egypt is changing.

Wael Ghonim: Inside the Egyptian revolution Video on TED.com

A step closer to cleansing the system in Egypt

2011-03-06T00:09:00.007Z

Late last night, there were some reports coming out from Alexandria, Egypt about large trucks moving confidential official papers from security HQ. Protesters quickly surrounded the building and warned the army. During this time, there was a battle between officers inside the HQ building and protesters outside, some protesters were shot using live ammunition. After a long battle, the army secured the building. This morning, the picture started to repeat itself across the country with flames spotted in various buildings across the country. Protesters in cities like Cairo, Mansora, Sohag, Tanat, Assuit and others started to surround the buildings and throughout the day today, they were able to take control - with the help of the army - to secure the buildings. Some of what they found inside were piles of shredded documents (as you can see in the photo), secret passages and cells for torture under ground and burned documents.

It seems that by the appointment of a new prime minster sent shivers down the spin of a system that was known for its corruption, torture and abuse to human rights for years.
This is a huge step in this revolution. Removing the head of state was one thing, but getting into an organisation that most analysts in Egypt describe as a country within the country is another.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and there are endless amount of documents coming out with shilling details that I am sure will keep the new appointed minster of interior and the whole new government busy for some time to persecute all those responsible.

Long Live Freedom.

The shredded documents inside one of the offices of the security HQ in Cairo

People power

2011-03-04T18:23:00.004Z

Few days ago, I wrote about the growing public anger in Egypt against Mr Ahmad Shafeek, who was appointed as prime minster by Mubabark 4 days after the start of the revolution. In an another victory step for the revolution and after so much public pressure and demonstrations, Mr Shafeek handed in his resignation early yesterday. Mr Essam Sharaf was appointed as the new prime minster. He is a very respected public figure and joined a march with all his colleges from Cairo university staff in support to the revolution few weeks ago. Mr Sharaf address the public in Tahrir square today and told them: "I am here because I get my legitimacy from you". People are very optimistic with this change and protesters have promised to stop their protest for the next 2 weeks to give the new government a chance to prove that they will listen to people's demands.

Egypt is changing and fast. People tasted freedom and they want those in charge to understand that they are serving the public and it is not the other way round.

All the best to the new prime minster and we wait to see the new cabinet. Long Live Freedom.

Long Live Freedom

2011-02-27T22:20:00.005Z

Today, news are coming out of Yemen with a big people uprising demanding the change of the political system and for the president, Ali Abdulla Saleh to step down.........

where did we hear that before????

I found this lovely photo for some old friends that I am sure will meet up again soon to compare notes about how they were removed from office.......

In this photo, from left to right

(Ben Ali, previous president of Tunisia fled the country after the Tunisian revolution on 14/1/11, Ali Abdulla Saleh of Yemen-still in charge for now although protesters are marching in demanding change according to AL Jazzera TV, Gaddafi of Libya, lost all credibility inside and outside of Libya and the revolution is near toppling him, Mubarak of Egypt, previous president, stepped down after the Egyptian revolution on 25/1/11)

People's Power.

Long Live Freedom.

A Different Kind of Revolution

2011-02-26T17:20:00.005Z

As I was so busy following all kinds of news' channels online and on satellite, I noticed that our hamster was a bit quite. I went over to check and found it on the floor looking up to me with his cute little eyes outside its cage!!

What I did not realize that our little hamster was planning his own revolution and carried out his plan for his great escape. He did not hand in any demands for his revolt and did not chant or ask for anyone of us to leave :)
To cut a long story short, I managed to put him back in his cage after a siege that lasted for 2 hours with all excites closed (not to stress him and not to stress me of course) and there was no use of any violence or tear gas. There were no casualties and the household went back to normal and the economy did not suffer much.

Long Live The Revolution (The Egyptians one that is and not my hamster's).

Egypt revolution one month on...celebrate, protest and keep the pressure on

2011-02-25T20:28:00.009Z

Today, a month has passed since the start of the Egyptian revolution. In the last 4weeks, the eyes of the whole world was focused on Egypt and especially on Tahrir sq. After 18 days of protesting, Mubarak finally stepped down and people started to celebrate. However, the prim minster -Mr Ahmad Shafeek- who was appointed by Mubarak in an attempt to calm public anger 4 days after the start of the revolution, is still in charge and is still running things in the country. The army holds a very difficult position in Egypt at the moment. Today, people went out to Tahrir sq, again in their millions protesting and chanting against Shafeek and his government. 99% of the minsters in this transitional government are from the old regime, they worked for or were advisers to Mubrak and his men. People's anger is rising and as I write this tonight, there are a large group of protesters camping now opposite Parliament in Cairo declaring that they will not leave until Shafeek and the whole system leave.

This is not a new demand for the protesters, from day one, the chant was "down with the system" and "we want the system to fall down". Mubarak was a symbol of the system but not all the system. 'Mubarak to step down' was just the first item on a list of demands including releasing political prisoners, the immediate stop of emergency law, the trials of those who ordered the killing of protesters in the revolution and changes to the constitution among other things. The old regime is still talking about "a movement" or "dispute" or "demand for change" and they can't see it as a REVOLUTION. People can not and will not accept Shafeek and his men to run the government even temporarily, as they were picked by a fallen president and they were in charge when men and women were killed in the streets after asking for freedom.

The demands were and are clear, We want the system to fall, nothing more nothing less. The system means, the current government, the governors all over the country, head of the police and the secret police, media directors who served the system and all their men who are scattered all over the country.

It took 18 days for Mubarak to understand the message and I can understand that after 30 years in power, he became a little hard of hearing but he heard at the end non the less. I am sure that the current government under Shafeek's leadership may find it hard to hear people's voices, but they WILL hear it sooner or later.

So..Celebrate, Protest and Keep the pressure on.

Long Live Egypt.

New Virus

2011-02-24T01:03:00.001Z

This is Egypt no matter what the say

2011-02-23T17:58:00.003Z

This clip shows the Egyptian flag between a church and a mosque in Alexandria. The significance of this is that this is the church that was bombed on New Years Eve just few weeks ago with 24 people dead. Reports now that the forces behind this attack is the previous minster of interior, Mr Habib El Adlee, who is now under police custody.

It has only been just under 4 weeks since this whole revolution started and we are trusting in God and standing firm as Egyptians regardless of religion, class or political views.
Long Live Egypt.

Another trick to ruin the revolution

2011-02-23T01:20:00.002Z

News just in with the death of a Coptic priest in the city of Assuit-Upper Egypt. He was found dead in his flat. As you can see in this clip, Christians were out in the street chanting "we will defend the cross". This is the oldest trick in the book, to create friction between Christians and Muslims to keep them busy. Of course some might say it could be Islamic movement behind this event, however, the Muslim brotherhood is working really hard at the moment to change people image about them to gain more support in the next election and I do not think killing a priest will do them any favours. During the last 4 weeks, not one church was attacked and people finally started to see that the old regime wanted to rule over a divided country. It became clear that the previous minster of interior - Habib El Adelee - was behind the recent bombing in a church in Alexandria on New Years Eve and he is currently waiting trial. Few days later there was another killing against Christians by one of police officer who killed 6 Christians on a train. There are now so many stories to show that the government was supporting, protecting and inciting religious division to keep people away from other important issues like asking about corruption or demanding more rights. However, just looking at general comments tonight on Facebook, I can see that the majority of people can see through these tactics. I can only pray that God protect Egypt and its people from all the attacks.

Seven steps to ruin a perfect revolution

2011-02-22T14:24:00.004Z

In the last few days, there have been so many rumors and talk about the Egyptian revolution and the changes happening in Egypt at the moment. So many pages on face book asking for forgiveness from Mubarak for what people did to him or asking to hang him. Pages to say "sorry" and some declare: "we are not sorry, Mr president. Many talks about Islamic threats and foreign agendas and meals from KFC. Experts call these "the counter revolution" . This usually happen immediately after any uprising, at some point you find some people suggesting new things, spreading rumors and trying to kill the spirit of the revolution so basically the old regime starts serving you the same drink but in a different bottle.

Here is an article I read today about 7 ways to kill a revolution, I loved it and wanted to share it.

Seven simple steps to ruin a perfect revolution
STEP ONE: Let bygones be bygones!
Forgive and forget! Turn the other cheek! Do not pursue anyone! No prosecution! No Trials! Be a bigger person and forget about the mean corrupt guys!
Examples:
People calling for the forgiveness of Mubarak!
People calling for the forgiveness of the members of his corrupt regime!
People accusing those who are insisting on a transparent live trial of ruthlessness and cold-heartedness!
Purpose:
Divide and conquer!
Create a split between people!
Create a counter team of people who are actually sympathizing with the toppled regime.

STEP TWO: Let there be chaos!
More protests! More strikes! More rumors! More confusion!
Example: Strikes in banks, oil companies, factories, and universities!
Purpose:
Make the country come to a standstill
Make people wish for the stability of the old regime!

STEP THREE: Turn the ousted president into a compassion-worthy figure!
Poor old defeated President Mubarak! Humiliated in his old age!
Examples:
Mubarak is in a coma!
Mubarak's sons are fighting!
Mubarak is sick!
Mubarak insists on dying on Egyptian soil!
Mubarak has served the country for 30 years!
Purpose:
Guilt-trip: Making people feel like ungrateful brats!
Emotional blackmail: Coercing people into sympathizing with a dictator.
Replacing the image of the dictator by the image of a father who was abandoned by his kids in his old age!

STEP FOUR: Defame those protesters and revolutionary figures!
Plant the seed of doubt and reap the fruits of confusion!
Examples:
Wael Ghonim is part of a masonic conspiracy theory!
El Baradie is behind the ruin in Iraq!
God-knows-who is an addict, etc!
Purpose: Make people lose faith! Kill their hope in a better future! Destroy their glory and victory!

STEP FIVE: Clear the corrupt slate on TV
Shows and interviews with the very same people accused of corruption and of abusing their powers and authority. Instead of apologizing they present bedtime stories of how they were forced to do what they did or how they never did what they are accused of doing!
Example: Interviews with officers from the Ministry of Interior!
Purpose:
Opening people up to the idea that those icons of corruption could be innocent!
Getting people to calm down and accept step one; let bygones be bygones!

STEP SIX: Creating conflict and tension between the army and the protesters
There is already lack of trust between the people and anyone representing the government! By capitalizing on that tension and adding more fuel to its fire, the army is bound to start attacking the people!
Examples: Many bloggers are now highlighting the torture incidents in military camps and how the army was neutral in the face of the regime during the revolution and over the past 30 years!
Purpose: If the army turns against the protesters; the revolution is over! Change is history before it even starts!

STEP SEVEN: The old regime is reintroduced in its new attire!
A new name, a new face, and a new voice … the same corruption … the same nepotism .. the same injustice … the same abuses!

Happy retirement to every dictator

2011-02-21T22:51:00.002Z

I have been watching the events in Libya very closely and can't help but feeling outraged at the brutality of the regime against its own people. It seems that all the Arab leaders had -at some point- a crash course on how to cope with any revolution. I think it was all in all a one day training course and it must have covered the same old points:

1- how to use scare tactics (weapons, machine guns, thugs, brutality, etc)
2- keep everyone busy hating one another (tribes against each other, Muslim against Christians etc
3- burn all government offices and police stations to remove all evidence when the going gets tough
4-use threats like: if i go; it will be chaos, if i leave; the country will be occupied by foreign forces, etc
5- accuse everyone who criticise the system of being an agent and a spy working for Israel or the USA (this one always work against anyone)
6- maintain the media under your grip, broadcasting calming music, Tom and Jerry, patriotic songs in the middle of any million man marches that come your way

Other general points include, withdrawing your police force and arming thugs to frighten people and keep saying that you -as a leader- will NEVER leave until you finish your time in office (which is usually lasts for 50 years).

If all this fail, pack your bags, move your billions abroad and book one way flight to Saudi Arabia, the whole revolution thing usually takes about 3 weeks max!!

Ahh, one last tip, after you leave office do not forget to spread rumors that you have suffered a coma and that you are on your death bed.

Happy retirement to every dictator.

Getting to know you...

2011-02-20T23:00:00.003Z

It seems that the next Arab league meeting will be a chance for the leaders meet new faces and for them to get to know each other. The old bunch got to know each other for the past 30+ years and now the time has come for a new stage and new direction for the whole reagion.

There might be an event on Face Book to invite all the new leaders to attend :)

We asked for change in Egypt for so long...now we have a chance...are we big enough to take it and do something?

2011-02-20T17:46:00.002Z

For years we wanted change, for a long time we talked and complained about the state of our country, about the poor and the unemployed, about the emergency law and the corruption in EVERY office in the land. Now we have a chance for our voice to be heard, to make a difference, is it going to be easy? Of-course not. Some say who is good enough for this position? I am sure among 82 million; there will be one person we can trust. Surely, we cannot just simply stand with a corrupt system just because there is no alternative!

So what can we do now?

1- Support the moderate forces in our country

2- Go and exercise our rights in electing members of parliament

3- Teach each other and educate one another on the best way forward

This is OUR land, our country and we owe it to ourselves and to our kids. To simply do nothing is just not an option. For so long they sold us the lie that we cannot cope with change, that it is better to stay as we are because we are not sure about what the future might bring. My fellow Egyptians, if you stand and do nothing then you cannot come and complain that no one is listening to you or giving you your rights ever again. I would rather die free than live as a slave.

Celebration from Tahrir Sq - Cairo - Egypt

2011-02-19T00:53:00.000Z

These are the images coming out of Tahrir sq on Friday 18/2 celebrating the success of the first step of the revolution. The words on this clip is not clear but the slogans says "people want to cleanse the system". Long Live Egypt.

God Bless Egypt

2011-02-18T13:30:00.003Z

To all Arab leaders

2011-02-18T13:10:00.003Z

Three things Arab leaders are worried about at the moment:

1- Their people

2- Facebook

3- Fridays

This is Egypt

2011-02-15T23:42:00.007Z

Some said that Egyptians are not ready for democracy, that they need an iron fist to control them, that they are not ready for freedom and that they don't know what is good for them. However, for a nation that was never allowed to protest or ask for its rights or cry out in the face of injustice, they did pretty well so far....the only violence came from the police while the protesters shouting "Selmeya" which means "peaceful", the protesters turns their slogans into songs played out on guitars (see previous posts) and they formed search teams to check that those coming into the square where not armed or trying to cause trouble. However the most striking images that came out in the last few days were the images of the cleaning process taking place not only in Tahrir square itself but all over the country. One of the CNN reporters said: "for the first time we see people cleaning the streets after they finish their protests". For me, this is great nation that is proving that it is ready for real and true democracy, they deserve it and I have every confidence that they will work hard to get it. The next stage will be hard and no one is under any illusion that it will be easy, but if people work together then impossible is nothing. I am proud to be an Egyptian. Long Live Egypt.

The unity that helped us be here today

2011-02-14T08:40:00.005Z

The whole world has been watching Egypt in the last 3 weeks with great anticipation of the people's movement and their peaceful uprising against injustice. In the middle of all the protests, attacks and political analysis, there were lots of voice expressing concerns for the future of Egypt and fears from extreme religious movement taking over in case of power vacuum in the country. These photos were a common occurrence in Tahrir Sq every Friday prayers where Christan men will protect their Muslim brothers as they kneel to pray (you can spot the cross tattooed on the wrist, a common mark for Christians in Egypt).

What the BBC did not show
On Sunday 6 February, Christians conducted a Sunday service in Tahrir Sq. The day was originally declared as a day to remember those who died during this revolution so far. In Egypt, public worship for Christians is completely forbidden, however as you can see in this video, not only did the crowed worshiped but they were surrounded by thousands of Muslims who were responded "Amen" to prayers.

In the video, the crowd are singing in Arabic "bless my county" and "peace to the Lord's people". The elder who led the service is Dr Ehab El Krat, from the Evangelical church of Aser El Dobara (situated right in Tahrir Sq) said that, 2000 years ago, a 30 year old man stood for justice and defended the poor and needy. He did this in peace, he gave up his life in peace. This man is Jesus Christ and his spirit is with us today to give us peace and to help us to defend our rights in a peaceful manner.

He also said that we need to keep asking God for peace and blessing to our nation and our land. The crowd chants "eed wahda" means "all one hand together".

For years we have been praying for Egypt and for revival in our land and now God is doing something marvellous among us and we need to stand up and be counted.

Lord Bless Egypt

LONG LIVE EGYPT

2011-02-12T17:47:00.000Z

FREEDOM AT LAST

2011-02-10T23:27:00.004Z

This is how the crowd responded to Mubarak last speech tonight 10 Feb 2011!

2011-02-09T12:38:00.002Z

In the middle of the Egyptians revolution, the media played a very important role. However, while the cut of the Internet and the phone lines by the government, the Egyptian TV was -for many Egyptians- the only source of information. The top picture was the reality on Tahreer Sq on Friday 28/1 while the bottom picture was what the state media broad casted. No wonder that people are now asking for the media minister to resign from his job for misleading people.

Let us never forget

2011-02-08T00:32:00.004Z

These are some of the young men and women who died in the last few days during clashes with the police. Until now, more than 300 killed, 2000 injured and thousands missing. All they are asking for is freedom, fair elections, end to government corruptions and a better future. We will never forget you guys, we will carry on till the end...Long Live Egypt.

2011-02-06T19:40:00.004Z

The last few days were filled with tear gas, burning, attacks with camels on peaceful protesters, some 500 killed and over 2000 injured. However, since the start of this revolution, the Egyptians always found hummer in the way they put their demands and in their slogans. Here are some of the comedy side to the protesters making their demands very clear.

A sign in the shape of school report, student name: Mubarak, scoring zero in every subject (health, education, security, etc) with a stamp that says "failed".
In the last few days, the state TV mentioned that some of the anti Mubarak protesters were paid to be in the square and given a meal from KFC! This sign reads: "this person is wanted as he belongs to the Muslim Brotherhood and he gave meals in Tahreer square. Wanted cooked or alive".
A sing with an equation: nation+freedom -"someone"= stability.

مكاسب الثورة المصرية حتى الآن :
١. اقالة الحكومة الأردنية
٢. رفع قانون الطوارئ في الجزائر
٣. اعلان الرئيس اليميني عدم ترشيح نفسه للرئاسة
٤. تعديل الدستور الصيني
...٥. قمع الشعب السوري قبل ما يفكر يثور
٦. بقاء الرئيس المصري ولا كأن حاجة حصلت

These are the results of the Egyptians revolution so far:
1- The removal of the government in Jorden
2- The stop of the state of emergency in Algeria
3- Declaration from the president of Yemen that he will not stand for elections again
4- Change in some part of the constitution in China
5- Oppression of the people of Syria before they start to think of a revolution
6- The Egyptian president still here as if nothing has happened.

MUST SEE!!!Egypt Revolution 2011 Demonstrators Vs police Fighting

2011-02-04T21:58:00.001Z

An Egyptian Revolution

2011-02-04T21:31:00.037Z

Since the 25th of January, I have been so wrapped up with the events in Egypt, hardly sleeping and hung up on all sorts of media coverage. Between the Internet in the shape of twitter, Face book and YouTube and the different TV channels from El Jazeera to NBC and the BBC even the Egyptian TV, which I have to say provided the comedy factor during this difficult time by how it reported what was happening. However, blogging was taking a back seat as I felt somehow it was not fast enough in a - to quote the white house - very fluid situation! Today, I was thinking about the significant of the last few days in history and with the flood of information, I felt that in the middle of all these names, photos, statuses, tweets and clips; things will get lost and forgotten and we need to start to think about preserving the place of those brave enough to risk everything for freedom. So here is my very humble attempt with a selection of photos, clips and comments that were exchanged in the last few days. Some in Arabic and some in English, some written in a poetic style and some just came as jokes and black hummer, some brought me to tears and others made me fuming with rage, some from close friends and some from complete strangers. The one thing that join all these together is one cause, "Give us back our country"!

Why did it all start?
In an interview with Adel Emam (Egyptian actor), he was asking the question: "what did Mubarak do to deserve insults from people?" This question is repeated throughout the clip. Throughout the clip, there are images of why does he deserve this. Few headlines in Arabic
about electricity cuts and brutality against people. [be aware there are brutal images in this clip].

the first few days of the revolution

The million man march

the day of rage, Friday 28/1/11
Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one." Benjamin Franklin

Unforgettable guy

An inventive way to avoid being hit on the head with stones :)
The sign read: "leave...my hand is hurting"
هاحميكي يا اما ويا ابويا هاحميك يا شجر التوت
هاحميكي بدمي وهاحمي الشوارع والبيوت

هاحميك يا نيل ويا بحر هاحميكي يا قاهرة يا اسكندرية يا بور سعيد

يا سويس يا كل شبر فية تراب اسمر

هاحميكي يا سمرة وهاموت وانا واقف بطل وحررتك من الطغيان

(a poem about protecting every part of the land)

Christians and Muslims stand together for freedom

And Christians men form a ring around Muslims to protect them during their prayers at demonstrations in Cairo.

And let us not forget all the women of Egypt, http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=47355&id=100001256040548&fbid=162572827127918

"But it turned out that the camel that was released on the protesters was originally from Israel, carries a foreign passport, trained in the Middle East and was originally a shark. It was also said that the camel was mentally ill and had some kind of “electric shock” that affected its behaviour".

Some of the martyrs who died in the clashes with the police and the government's thugs
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=332932&id=593045109&fbid=10150132914260110

أخبريني يا دولة المُسَكِّنات...
هل يُهمِّك من مات؟
هل تُهِمّك الدماء؟
هل تهتزين عندما تسقط البنايات؟
هل يهمك احتراق القطارات
وغرق العبارات
وزوارق الهجرة
وحوادث السيارات
أم يهمك فقط أن ننسى
ونحرق الحشيش
وقُرص الفياجرا
ونشاهد المباريات؟
*********************
أخبريني يا دولة المُسَكِّنات...
هل تهمك النساء؟
هل ترتجفين
عندما تُنتَهكُ الفتيات؟
هل تُهِمُّك المطلقات
اللاهثات في أروقة المحاكم
ومصلحة المعاشات
أم يُهمك فقط أن ننسى
ونملأ بطوننا
وأنت تملأين عنّا
صناديق الانتخابات؟
*********************
أخبريني يا دولة المُسَكِّنات...
هل يُهِمُّك الأطفال؟
حين ماتت الفتاة ظلماً
في عيادة الختان
وحين مات الولد ضرباً
هل عرفت الأحزان
هل يُهمك طفل الشوارع
وعقل في المدرسة فارغ
إلا من التفاهات؟
أم يُهمُّك فقط أن ننسى
ونملأ عقولنا بالفتاوى
ونحبا في الدار الأخرى
وأنت في المنتجعات
*********************
أخبريني يا دولة المُسَكِّنات...
هل تهمك الأبدان؟
حين عُلِّق المصري
في لبنان
هل شعرت بالغضب
وحين بيعت الفتاة حلالاً
لشيوخ العرب
وحين تباع أجزاء البشر
كقطع الغيار في المحلات
أم يُهمك فقط أن ننسى
ونحلم بشقة أوسع
وسيارة أكبر
وتكييف
وتزييف
ومزيد من الفضائيات
*********************
أخبريني يا دولة المُسَكِّنات...
هل يهمك التاريخ ؟
هل تهمك الذكريات؟
هل أصابتك القشعريرة
عند بيع الآثار
وسرقة الأفلام
واشتعال الوثائق
وسرقة اللوحات
أم يُهمك فقط أن ننسى
ونحلم بنمو الوديعة
ومزيد من الاستثمارات
ودرجات الأبناء
في غباء الامتحانات
أخبريني يا دولة المُسَكِّنات...
هل يُهِمّك حقاً من مات؟
هل تهمك الدماء؟
هل تهمك النساء؟
هل تهمك الأبدان؟
هل تهمك الأطفال؟
هل يهمك التاريخ؟
هل تهمك الأوطان؟
By Awsam Wasfi, a poem with questions to the country on daily issues and if anyone cares about ordinary people.

Protesters having fun with the slogans

So far the revolution is still going strong and the end is near.

The End is near .... Hold on tight

2011-01-30T01:35:00.000Z

By Pierre Kroll welknow belgian press cartoonist in "Le Soir", great newspaper in Belgium

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY

2010-12-17T00:03:00.000Z

A Thousand Questions...simply amazing!

2010-11-22T01:23:00.001Z

Trick or treat, victory or defeat?

2010-10-31T23:35:00.004Z

As Halloween approached, for the first time ever, my daughter had lots of questions about the subject. In the past we always did not like any of the Halloween stuff, we knew that we celebrated light and salvation in Jesus and that death and darkness were not on the menu at all in the shape of Halloween. But this year, the conversation started with all questions about the history behind Halloween as we researched it before and knew all about its background in the past. My daughter question was “why do not we do something fun and still celebrate light and salvation, celebrated the old way it used to be”. In fact it used to be All Hallows Eve which was tied directly to All Saints Day celebrated on November 1 of each year to commemorate the old saints who have past on. These “saints” were heroes and martyrs for the Christian Faith. This was a tricky discussion for me. As a child growing up in Egypt, we never heard about Halloween, and so as a mother I was happy to follow the church line not to celebrate Halloween. However, I was faced with the dilemma this year with my child clearly understands what she wanted to do and not wanting to be following the crowd blindly and equally wanting to have fun while sticking to our values.

Looking at Christmas, there is so much focus on the tree, the gifts and Santa, does that mean that we will ban Christmas? No, but we will keep the message alive and keep the focus back on what really matter, the birth of the king who saved us.

So when it came to Halloween, I agreed to a small party for few friends, with no death, skeletons or any scary things. We did crafts and played games and visited few houses of people we knew –rather than some glorified begging for sweets- and the kids had fun. I painted their faces and had mine done as well and was praying all thorough the night for God’s protection to be on all of them.

I remember that similar discussion surrounded the harry potter books and whether as christian we should read them or not with the links to witchcrafts and magic and so on. I really believe that if you have your “holy spirits eyes on” you can see God in everything. Before my daughter went to bed tonight, she said that she had a great day, we prayed and thanked God that Jesus is the light of the world and that he conquered everything that is dark and evil. I trust that if i make a big deal out of little things without full explanations and complete convections especially when my daughter is approaching her teens very quickly, it is more likely that she will grow resenting her faith. After all as Cliff always says, “why do we let the devil have all the fun”?

"I am still not sure about God"

2010-10-06T21:26:00.006+01:00

This is what my daughter announced as she was settling into bed! At that point we just finished praying and thanking God for the day. She said: "I am still waiting for some scientific evidence to make sure that God created the world". I was surprised by the word "still", as she is only 9 years old and has not been looking for evidence for the existence of God that long! I listened to her as she put all her ideas across and I was really fascinated that no matter how old we are, we are looking for assurance that what we believe deep down is the right thing. She said that the "big bang" doesn't really make sense and that to have come from monkeys was really silly. But she wants to see a sign..a big gesture..then she said.."I have only one thing that I know is true, the bible and it was written by so many different people that it could not have been all made up". I was glad and reassured at this point :) We had some discussion and I love the fact that we can share all the questions, ideas and even the doubts. God is like that with us, he loves us so much and he does not mind when we come to him as his kids and ask all kinds of questions, HE loves us to chat with him more than anything else. As for the time being, I am asking for wisdom, a lot of it and quick!!

Yacoubian Building

2010-10-05T22:42:00.002+01:00

This is the trailer for "Yacoubian building" movie, with the biggest budget ever in the history of the Egyptian cinema. It is based on the best selling novel under the same name by Alaa Al Aswany. I watched the movie and it is very brave attempt to address the changes in the Egyptian society. The fiction in this movie is so real that makes it scary to watch knowing the level of corruption, the secretes, the link between religion and politics and the huge gap between the rich and the poor. Great movie and I am surprised that it was released for public viewing in the first place.

Church time

2010-09-12T14:39:00.003+01:00

An excellent cartoon from the Asbo Jesus website.

Sad news

2010-09-05T21:18:00.006+01:00

About a year and half ago, I wrote about a big car accident that involved my old church back in Egypt. Sad to say that it has happened again. This time, in 2 different accidents in the space of one week, 2 dear friends have lost their life. There are a number of people still in hospital with broken bones and other injuries. The church is in shock to say the least. This is not a usual rate of road accidents in this part of the country and the obvious questions is

WHY?

On an online forum, people are posting messages and condolences, others are airing frustrations and condemnations to the church. It is a sad time and some are attacking the leadership of the church and declaring that this is God's judgment on his people. The church family is mourning the loss of 2 prominent people who have been serving the Lord for a long time and I have been personally blessed and guided by them as a young christian. The question is, how can the church mourn and still focus on God, the comforter, the redeemer and the saviour without blaming God or each other. We are all called to examine our hearts and repent, on a daily basis and not only when crises comes.

Only God in his mercy can deliver us.

Joy (The Vally of Vision-Arthur Bennitt)

2010-08-10T23:36:00.002+01:00

O Christ,
All thy ways of mercy tend to and end in my delight.
Thou didst weep, sorrow, suffer that I might rejoice.
For my joy thou hast sent the Comforter,
Multiplied by promises,
Shown me my future happiness,
Given me a living foundation.
Thou are preparing joy for me and me for joy;
I pray for joy, wait for joy, long for joy;
Give me more than I can hold, desire, or think of.

Measure out to me my times and degrees of joy at my work, business, duties.
If I weep at night, give me joy in the morning.
Let me rest in the thought of thy love,
Pardon for sin, my title to heaven, my future unspotted state.
I am an unworthy recipient of thy grace.
I often disesteem thy blood and slight thy love,
But can in repentance draw water from the wells of thy joyous forgiveness.

Let my heart leap toward the eternal Sabbath, where the work of redemption, sanctification, preservation, glorification is finished and perfected for ever.
Where thou wilt rejoice over me with joy.
There is no joy like the joy of heaven, for in that state are no sad divisions, unchristian quarrels, contentions, evil designs, weariness, hunger, cold, sadness, sin, suffering, persecutions, toils of duty.

O healthful place where none are sick!
O happy land where all are kings!
O holy assembly where all are priests!
How free a state where none are servants except to thee!
Bring me speedily to the land of joy

One evening in Avenue Q

2010-08-07T19:31:00.007+01:00

People's dreams, trying to find your purpose in life, finding love, ahh and finding a place that is affordable…welcome to the neighbourhood in Avenue Q. A funny and sweet (and at times rude) musical that I enjoyed very much last night. The use of puppets was superb and the ideas although simple, were addressed so nicely. One of the main characters –Princeton- spent all his time trying to find his purpose in life and “Kate monster” was always trying to help. There were also the “bears of bad ideas” who always chip in at the wrong time with bad ideas that often made things worse.
Avenue Q was great fun and as always there is something about the theatre that is so magical, powerful and highly enjoyable.

Montpellier .... très jolie

2010-07-10T17:36:00.006+01:00

Spent few days in Montpellier, south of France and it is really a lovely, beautiful place to be. One of the nice things I liked very much is the grass that is so neat on the tram rails which adds a nice feeling to the roads and to the journey down the busy town. Lovely coloured trams as well to cheer everyone up throughout the day. Certainly, a place to visit again and again.

Don't get busy with the Bees.....Go after the HONEY

2010-06-26T20:01:00.006+01:00

There are a list of "Bees" that keep people away from God:

Books (work, study worries)

Bills (money)

Blocks/birds (relationships)

Body (image,health)

Bereavement (bad experiences)

But here is my list of HONEY that we need to focus on

HONEY

Hold on to the faith

Only Jesus can save

No condemnation now on those in Christ

Encourage yourself and each other

Your life is safe in His hands

So I say, do not just stay busy with the BEEs, go after the Honey!

what can I say?

2010-06-23T22:06:00.001+01:00

How much I love Elephants

2010-05-20T21:01:00.002+01:00

Happy Birthday

2010-05-15T23:30:00.009+01:00

This is the time of year when I thank God that birthdays are only once a year! just purely for the fact that I needed to organise a birthday party for my daughter. As usual we went through various ideas ranging from the utterly expensive to the ones that will send me to an early grave with worry and bypassing any ideas that involve the words "woods survival skills" or "adventure camping" !

At this point of the planning, I often think about government departments and how they reach ANY kind of decisions as I struggle to reach a decision about a birthday party.

At the end we made a decision and D day arrived and I am glad to report that it was GREAT. We decided to go for a sports party involving canoeing and crate stacking. It was wonderful the the kids had a fantastic time. I also remained calm and in one piece, staying strong on my objection to "jumping in the river after the canoeing".

Just a small question, should organising successful birthday parties be a skill that I should include in my CV in the future? I think so :)

What a week

2010-05-13T21:53:00.005+01:00

It is so true that one week is too long in politics. Since last Thursday, we have seen an election, a hung parliament, some resignations, new type of coalition and a liberal democrat in the government for the first time in more than 60 years. What a week!

I think that the presence of the lib dem in the government will make the conservative rule a less bitter pill to stomach. On top of that, the conservative will have someone to blame if things do not go according to plan. "we had to do things in a difficult sitting working with the lib dem" I can hear the conservative say.

But in this time where the country face this huge task of dealing with the economic situation, I think we needed a government of national unity, putting the country first. Now, my question is, if this coalition government really work and they go on to deliver in this uncertain climate, can we have an option on the ballot paper to choose another hung parliament next time?

just a thought for electoral reforms :)

2010-05-05T11:27:00.002+01:00

I am back to my running days and I am loving it so much. No excuse now as the weather is better and so I am back to my training. I am trying to push behined the 1hour baraier for my next event. Today, I was able to do 45 min follwed by a long collapse :) I am hoping that in the next few days I will be able to do more.

2010-04-25T20:31:00.005+01:00

In the last few months, I feel that I have been going through some spiritual desert, with little if any bible teaching. The problem with that was it gets very comfy not being challenged and after a while it is very cosy to stay still with the common "I believe in God, I am saved, why worry" attitude. But thanks to someone who was giving a talk to a group of people (not about anything to do with God or the church), I was really encouraged and felt this is someone who knows the Lord. Now, we visited the new church and I LOVE it. I am being challenged by God's word (and it is not comfortable place let me say) but I know it is the right place to be. I am longing to grow and keep going with God in all the ups and the downs of my life and a strong lively church is where I need to be. I pray that God can use me in this new place for his glory.

Run fat boy run

2010-03-12T21:02:00.002Z

The title is a bit of a give away to what I am going to do. I have decided in a moment of madness to run half a marathon this year. The good news is I have plenty of time to train and get into shape for it. When I told my friends, one of them said to me: "you need to see a psychiatric..fast" :)

Who said scientist are geeks?

2010-02-12T22:14:00.003Z

This is really nice and it is not because of Valentine's day. This is an experimental image acquired by two researchers from the Centre for Microvascular Research at the William Harvey Research Institute (Queen Mary university of London) that won first prize in the British Heart Foundation’s Reflections of Research competition. Amazing.

Researchers win leading science image competition, Queen Mary, University of London

Well done Egypt, winners of the African cup

2010-01-31T22:36:00.004Z

And what is your shoe size madam?

2010-01-26T16:29:00.003Z

Last week was officially the most depressing week in the year, some believe. As Christmas seems like a distance memory and the bills are coming in thick and fast and still no sight of pay day. However, here is something that will put a smile on so many faces and certainly a dream come true to many women :)

Some genius thought that as women love shoes and chocolate, what not combine the two together? So, welcome to your designer chocolate shoe collections. Fantastic art and comes at a great price as well. You will need to find a strong heart to face eating these designer shoes! and the good thing is, You can buy only 1 shoe and not a pair.

We miss you Darbie

2010-01-21T09:07:00.002Z

Snow, snow and more snow

2010-01-13T16:34:00.002Z

Here is some photos of the river Ouse in the snow. It is lovely to look at but not to endure the freezing wind. Any sign of global worming yet?

Right on your own

2010-01-02T13:01:00.004Z

I watched the BBC program on Apollo wives in the 40th anniversary of the Apollo space mission. A wonderful program, interviewing wives of some of the most famous men on earth. Fascinating to see how the space mission affected real lives on earth, damaging families and breaking marriages as well as making history and conquering fears. The program is still on the BBC iplayer. Here is a song that Clare Whitefield (her husband was in Apollo 9)wrote and sang, funny and a bit sad as well. The question is: Would you like to be right and on your own?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T17:19:00.001Z

2009-12-23T13:26:00.002Z

Yesterday, our new car arrived, just in time for the Christmas rush. My daughter is so excited with the car’s mp4 connections and because it is red, so really life is complete!

As I woke up this morning, I looked out to the drive, the new car is out there covered in snow, there is no noise and the whole street is picture perfect. All made me think that for me, what is making me really happy this Christmas is having my all my family around for our big family reunion and all what comes with that, sitting late at night laughing and cheering, being tired and making a mess in the living room and my last minute search for things I already bought and wrapped but can not remember where I hid it!

Praise God for all his provision for us and giving us a loving family and wonderful friends.

Merry Christmas everyone :)

All I want for Christmas is ...... nothing!

2009-12-13T21:38:00.006Z

As the search for the right present intensifies, there are more unusual gift ideas online to come to the rescue of those of us who are struggling. But, here is an idea that really made me smile. You know those people who say "I do not want anything for Christmas this year" and you really never sure what to get for them, here it is, their wish of "nothing". The grantee on the site (gettingpersonal.com) is that:
This gift is guaranteed to do absolutely nothing. If something happens, return for a full refund.
There is only one more thing to say, they charge you 3.95 for the gift of nothing! Genius.

2009-12-12T11:10:00.004Z

I had the chance to go and attend the El Divo concert. It was FANTASTIC. The whole production was great and the group were amazing. The energy in the Apollo was electric and people (mainly women) were over eager to see them and hear them sing. On the way to the theatre, we can see the marks of husbands and boyfriends been dragged to the venue :). But the majority of men in there were on their best behaviour except one gentleman who sat at the end of my row who let us say, had more drinks than he should (and I am not talking about orange juice). Midway into the show he was shouting things out load to those in front of him and 10 min later the lady who was with him took him outside and they never returned. I think she just needed a word with him!
For me, the whole night was wonderful and the performance was one of their best ever and I can not wait until I have another chance to see them again, better start saving!

IL DIVO...I CAN NOT WAIT !

2009-12-08T13:06:00.002Z

Back for good...

2009-12-06T16:34:00.000Z

Today and after 14 years absence, I joined the church choir for the Christmas carols. I was so emotional sitting there and singing with everyone. It has been a LONG time for me not being in a choir. So much has happened in the last 14 years and I kind of lost an important part of “me”. I am trying to go back to basics and the wonderful time I had serving my God, including singing and worshiping Him. Trying to find my “first love” to God and to get my priorities right. Being in a choir might be a simple thing for a lot of people, but for me it has always been my love and joy and it is wonderful to be back. Praise God that we have a wonderful story to tell and joyful news to share with everyone, that He is great. Happy Christmas everyone.

Hairy day 2

2009-11-13T22:32:00.002Z

After the success of hairy day, here is the sequel. I am glad to report that I was offered another hair colour free of charge together with an apology to correct what happened before (see previous blog).
Funnily enough, I was the one who was apologising about complaining and I made a note to myself: be happy with whatever they do today, do not book another appointment soon and relay on yourself (as I used to) to do my own colouring.
The end results were good, mind you, it is “colour that respect your hair”, never mind respect the customer, however, I am glad that I do not have to wear a hat for going outside anymore :)