KSU - Winter Semester - 2011

My Hajj Vacation

After a month and a half of studying, we finally got a well-deserved vacation. For some it was time for extra hardships, and for some it was a time to enjoy. Some would go on Hajj, and some would relax. Both would be refreshed in their own way, ready to continue with the semester when they returned to KSU/PYP.

I took the easy route by spending my vacation relaxing on the beaches of Jeddah. It's a lively city, especially during this time of the year, since it's a popular point of embarkation for most pilgrims coming from all over the world. The beaches were also crowded, but the coastline is long, and there is room for everyone.

I went to Obhur, which has most of the resorts and private beaches. Benefits of spending extra cash on a resort are cleaner, organized beaches, security/privacy, and facilities. You could spend all day on the beach or rent a cabin and even spend the night there. You could play basketball or volleyball, and then go for a swim. You can enjoy a barbeque and then an ice cold Holsten right on the beach. These are some of the things I was blessed enough to do.

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I received an email from HR saying that our holiday has been extended for another 4 days. My family and I were elated by the news, and enjoyed these extra few days quite thoroughly.

My Nikon D5000

Obituary

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

Funny English

Some commonly used phrases - contradictory meaning brought together :

1) Clearly misunderstood
2) Exact Estimate
3) Small Crowd
4) Act Naturally
5) Found Missing
6) Fully Empty
7) Pretty ugly
8) Seriously funny
9) Only choice
10) Original copies

And the Mother of all......

11) Happily Married...

And there should be no two opinions on the last phrase...

Socratic Dialogue

Socratic dialogue is a genre of prose literary works developed in Greece at the turn of the fourth century BC, preserved today in the dialogues of Plato and the Socratic works of Xenophon - either dramatic or narrative - in which characters discuss moral and philosophical problems, illustrating a version of the Socratic method. Socrates is often the main character.

Socratic method,  named after the Classical Greek philosopher Socrates, is a form of inquiry and debate between individuals with opposing viewpoints based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas. It is a dialectical method, often involving an oppositional discussion in which the defence of one point of view is pitted against the defence of another; one participant may lead another to contradict him in some way, strengthening the inquirer's own point. (Think about the question before you speak.)

Taken from Wikipedia

My favorite snack (One of my many favorites)

There are so many beautiful people and cultures in the world. All of them bring something unique to the world. Snacks are prepared in special, wonderful ways that ignite different taste buds and bring them alive. These well-deserved snacks are vital in our daily lives to keep us going and energized.

One of my favorites snacks is dates. Dates provide everything I need to stay active and alert for my students and family. They can be enjoyed with anything. I've barely tried any of the combinations, but I usually have them with almonds and other nuts. Or I have them with a special mixture of spices called "dukka', with some arabic 'bun' coffee. They are available in many shapes and forms, but the one most recommended by the Prophet (S) are called "Ajwah" dates.