Hey friends,
I will not be blogging for a while now. Expect to see me after the Ramadan break, sometimes mid-November.
Happy Ramadan to you all, and may this month be a blessed and rewarding month for you all.
Mansur
Friday, September 22, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
This Is My World
Hey friends,
When I was in high school, I would tell my friends that I have a shield around me, which other peopel misinterpreted as a solid concrete barrier not to be broken down. I would often shut myself out from those around me, but would allow only those who I trusted well enough to pierce through this shield to get to know me, and I would assure them that once they break through this barrier, that they would get a one of a kind friendship.
So, with that in mine, there is a song that's really close to my heart. It's Darius Rucker's This Is My World.
The look on your face
It could never explain your heart
And the touch of my lips
It could never tell u my thoughts
And U want me to change
I can't get used to
All U want me to be
I just can't pretend
To be anyone else
Cuz it's not really me
This is my world
This is who I am
And I'm not gonna give up myself
To make your life better
She said
This is how it is
I got my own life to live
And U can either accept me
Or baby
And if it's love
That we share
Then we can withstand all
The obstacles that life brings forth
And I will receive you
For who U are who u were
And baby who U will be
But U want me to change
Girl I can't get used to
All U want me to be
And I just can't pretend
To be anyone else, oh
Cuz it's not really me
This is my world
This is who I am
And I'm not trying to give up myself
To make your life better, now
This is how it is
I got my own life to live
And U can either accept me
Or baby
This is my world
This is who i am
And I'm not trying to give up myself
To make your life better
---Mansur
When I was in high school, I would tell my friends that I have a shield around me, which other peopel misinterpreted as a solid concrete barrier not to be broken down. I would often shut myself out from those around me, but would allow only those who I trusted well enough to pierce through this shield to get to know me, and I would assure them that once they break through this barrier, that they would get a one of a kind friendship.
So, with that in mine, there is a song that's really close to my heart. It's Darius Rucker's This Is My World.
The look on your face
It could never explain your heart
And the touch of my lips
It could never tell u my thoughts
And U want me to change
I can't get used to
All U want me to be
I just can't pretend
To be anyone else
Cuz it's not really me
This is my world
This is who I am
And I'm not gonna give up myself
To make your life better
She said
This is how it is
I got my own life to live
And U can either accept me
Or baby
And if it's love
That we share
Then we can withstand all
The obstacles that life brings forth
And I will receive you
For who U are who u were
And baby who U will be
But U want me to change
Girl I can't get used to
All U want me to be
And I just can't pretend
To be anyone else, oh
Cuz it's not really me
This is my world
This is who I am
And I'm not trying to give up myself
To make your life better, now
This is how it is
I got my own life to live
And U can either accept me
Or baby
This is my world
This is who i am
And I'm not trying to give up myself
To make your life better
---Mansur
Monday, September 18, 2006
UAE Nationals Extinct?
Hello people,
Many people who have visited me here in Dubai often ask me where the local population is, and guess what, the local population is indeed shrinking as more and more expatriates come and inhabit the country of UAE. The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah have realized this trend and have incorporated this idea into the textbooks for ninth graders. The illustration, as seen below, shows a bunch of expatriates in a museum observing the skeleton of an extinct UAE national.
(courtesy of Gulf News)
Mansur
Many people who have visited me here in Dubai often ask me where the local population is, and guess what, the local population is indeed shrinking as more and more expatriates come and inhabit the country of UAE. The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah have realized this trend and have incorporated this idea into the textbooks for ninth graders. The illustration, as seen below, shows a bunch of expatriates in a museum observing the skeleton of an extinct UAE national.
(courtesy of Gulf News)
Mansur
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Movie:: An American Haunting
Hey friends,
Late night last night, I saw An American Haunting, which is a horror movie based on true events, as mentioned at the end of the movie. Were it not for the"based on true events" tagline, I would not have seen this movie otherwise.
An American Haunting is set in Tennessee, USA in the 1800s, and revolves around the Bell family. John Bell gets into a dispute with a local lady Kate Bates over land ownership and slavery, after which Kate tells John that she will get even with him, especially with his young daughter Betsy. Soon after, John experiences weird hallucinations, and Betsy is soon haunted by some unseen evil spiritual force, who lifts her up by her hair and slaps her arounds, and removes bed covers from her. Betsy's sister also witnesses the same events, as does the rest of the family. Professor Richard, who is Betsy's school teacher, is the skeptical one in this, trying to come up with rational explanations, but even he succumbs to becoming a believer. Eventually, the truth comes out on what's really happening, which leads to a death in the family.
The movie makes much noise about this case of haunting of being the only recorded in history where a spirit causes a death of a person, something which has never been witnessed or recorded before or since this particular case.
My comments.
First, this movie should not be compared to a far more superior movie called The Exorcism of Emily Rose. That movie and this movie are not related at all. That movie is about 'possession' and this movie is about 'haunting.' Two different things.
Secondly, I did some research on this movie, and it's apparently based on a legend of the Bell Witch, which also gave rise to the very popular The Blair Witch Project. The Legend of Bell Witch upon which this movie is based is a legend, and some people have declared it just that: a myth. Skeptics have debunked the various reasons for the happenings in the Bell House.
Thirdly, the movie moved too fast for me, and did not give me enough time to indulge myself in what could have been creepy atmosphere thrills. Most of the thrills were the kind where everything goes quiet, and then a sudden jolt of loud music, which turns out to be something silly.
Fourthly, while a well made movie, I think they could have done better. It wasn't scary at all, and felt more like a run of the mill movie. They could have indulged in more realism to really drive it home that this movie is based on real events, like they did with The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
Finally, while I may have some negative comments, this movie is not a bad one.
3 out of 5; not too bad, but not too good either.
Mansur
Late night last night, I saw An American Haunting, which is a horror movie based on true events, as mentioned at the end of the movie. Were it not for the"based on true events" tagline, I would not have seen this movie otherwise.
An American Haunting is set in Tennessee, USA in the 1800s, and revolves around the Bell family. John Bell gets into a dispute with a local lady Kate Bates over land ownership and slavery, after which Kate tells John that she will get even with him, especially with his young daughter Betsy. Soon after, John experiences weird hallucinations, and Betsy is soon haunted by some unseen evil spiritual force, who lifts her up by her hair and slaps her arounds, and removes bed covers from her. Betsy's sister also witnesses the same events, as does the rest of the family. Professor Richard, who is Betsy's school teacher, is the skeptical one in this, trying to come up with rational explanations, but even he succumbs to becoming a believer. Eventually, the truth comes out on what's really happening, which leads to a death in the family.
The movie makes much noise about this case of haunting of being the only recorded in history where a spirit causes a death of a person, something which has never been witnessed or recorded before or since this particular case.
My comments.
First, this movie should not be compared to a far more superior movie called The Exorcism of Emily Rose. That movie and this movie are not related at all. That movie is about 'possession' and this movie is about 'haunting.' Two different things.
Secondly, I did some research on this movie, and it's apparently based on a legend of the Bell Witch, which also gave rise to the very popular The Blair Witch Project. The Legend of Bell Witch upon which this movie is based is a legend, and some people have declared it just that: a myth. Skeptics have debunked the various reasons for the happenings in the Bell House.
Thirdly, the movie moved too fast for me, and did not give me enough time to indulge myself in what could have been creepy atmosphere thrills. Most of the thrills were the kind where everything goes quiet, and then a sudden jolt of loud music, which turns out to be something silly.
Fourthly, while a well made movie, I think they could have done better. It wasn't scary at all, and felt more like a run of the mill movie. They could have indulged in more realism to really drive it home that this movie is based on real events, like they did with The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
Finally, while I may have some negative comments, this movie is not a bad one.
3 out of 5; not too bad, but not too good either.
Mansur
Movie:: Lady in the Water
Hey guys,
Last night I just watched one of the most original, highly creative movies in the longest of time: Lady in the Water. I know now why many people didn't like this movie and turned away from it. This movie is written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the guy who brought us The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, Signs and The Village. All these aforementioned movies were highly successful, each one with a unique story line and a twist that completely changed your perspective of the movie.
However, with Lady in the Water, there is no twist to take you by surprise, but there is a very original and a very creative story. Cleveland Heep is the superintendent of The Cove, an apartment complex in Philadelphia. A new tenant, Mr. Farber, or 13-B, as known to others moves in, and from that day onwards Cleveland hears someone swimming at night at the pool. He finally sees that someone, who turns out to be a Narf, and her name is Story, who is actually a character from a bed time story. One of the other tenants' mother, who is a Chinese, knows the bed time story that her mother told her, and through her we get to know the bed time story. Story, the Narf, explains to Cleveland who she is and where she came from, and what needs to be done so she can be rescued. How Cleveland gathers the right people to form the right group in order to save Story forms the crux of the movie, much to the viewer's delight as the plot unfolds.
This is an adult fairy tale story, and it's just that. People expect for some supernatural element to come into force, or for a powerful twist to occur to explain the bizareness of the characters, but there is none of that, and once you realize that, you get to see what a powerful fairy tale story this is. Pre credits, we get to see the basis of this fairy tale story through series of drawings, which was a stroke of genius in my opinion. The other highlight of the movie was the supporting characters, especially the Chinese girl who provided all the right laughs.
One thing that was brought out from this movie was the under lying theme of "our purpose in this world," and as one of the characters says it, "one of the greatest thing one can know is one's purpose in this world." I thought that was a beautiful, because everyone in this world wants to know their purpose, what role they play, and once they know their purpose in this world, their life takes on a whole new meaning. The movie can get a bit slow for those who are expecting this movie to be like the earlier ones. To them I would say, go with an open and clear mind, and take this movie as it comes. Don't sit there trying to figure out what happens next, or to explain the events in your head.
This is a bed time story Shyamalan told his two daughters (now made into a movie) and we should listen this adult fairy tale story as told by him, just like you would listen to bed time stories told to you by your parents or grandparents.
Mansur
Last night I just watched one of the most original, highly creative movies in the longest of time: Lady in the Water. I know now why many people didn't like this movie and turned away from it. This movie is written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the guy who brought us The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, Signs and The Village. All these aforementioned movies were highly successful, each one with a unique story line and a twist that completely changed your perspective of the movie.
However, with Lady in the Water, there is no twist to take you by surprise, but there is a very original and a very creative story. Cleveland Heep is the superintendent of The Cove, an apartment complex in Philadelphia. A new tenant, Mr. Farber, or 13-B, as known to others moves in, and from that day onwards Cleveland hears someone swimming at night at the pool. He finally sees that someone, who turns out to be a Narf, and her name is Story, who is actually a character from a bed time story. One of the other tenants' mother, who is a Chinese, knows the bed time story that her mother told her, and through her we get to know the bed time story. Story, the Narf, explains to Cleveland who she is and where she came from, and what needs to be done so she can be rescued. How Cleveland gathers the right people to form the right group in order to save Story forms the crux of the movie, much to the viewer's delight as the plot unfolds.
This is an adult fairy tale story, and it's just that. People expect for some supernatural element to come into force, or for a powerful twist to occur to explain the bizareness of the characters, but there is none of that, and once you realize that, you get to see what a powerful fairy tale story this is. Pre credits, we get to see the basis of this fairy tale story through series of drawings, which was a stroke of genius in my opinion. The other highlight of the movie was the supporting characters, especially the Chinese girl who provided all the right laughs.
One thing that was brought out from this movie was the under lying theme of "our purpose in this world," and as one of the characters says it, "one of the greatest thing one can know is one's purpose in this world." I thought that was a beautiful, because everyone in this world wants to know their purpose, what role they play, and once they know their purpose in this world, their life takes on a whole new meaning. The movie can get a bit slow for those who are expecting this movie to be like the earlier ones. To them I would say, go with an open and clear mind, and take this movie as it comes. Don't sit there trying to figure out what happens next, or to explain the events in your head.
This is a bed time story Shyamalan told his two daughters (now made into a movie) and we should listen this adult fairy tale story as told by him, just like you would listen to bed time stories told to you by your parents or grandparents.
Mansur
Movie: Monster House
Hey friends,
Last night I saw Monster House. A kiddie movie you might say, but I say it was equally enjoyable for the adults, and may be a little to scary for the kiddies, for Monster House is not your typical animated film. Brought from Amblin Entertainment, Steven Spielberd and Robert Zemeckis co-produced this movie, and I absolutely loved it for I cannot remember enjoying a cartoon this much since Toy Story came out.
DJ, a 10 year old boy living in a quiet surburban house, is right across from Mr. Nebbercracker's house, which is a ghastly shaped monstrous looking house. DJ's parents are away for the weekend, while Chowder, DJ's goofy friend, comes over to DJ's place. Mr. Nebbercracker hates children and warns them to stay away from his lawn, for the lawn will devour anything and the house will eat the kids up. DJ and Chowder maintain a strict watch over the house after the babysitter's boyfriend is eaten alive. Jenny, a stiff upper lipped girl has her goodies eaten by the house, but is saved by DJ and Chowder. The policemen don't believe the kids, till they are eaten up by the house too. So, it's up to DJ, Chowder and Jenny to finally venture into the house and find out what's really happening.
There is something so 80s about this movie. It's a mix of The Goonies and The Explorers. The trio also reminded me of the Harry, Ron and Hermione from Harry Potter series. What I loved about this movie was how current everything was: DJ and Chowder fight over whether they are too big for trick or treating, the babysitter's a rebel with her boyfriend being a bigger rebel, DJ's dad is unable to say I love you to his own son, and DJ himself is finding himself going through puberty. In comes Jenny, and both boys hae these pre-teen emotions to go through. The animation, while not photo-realistic was real enough for me to forget I was watching an animated cartoon. So much attention has been paid to the details that everything seemed like a reality, and the characters have been so well fleshed out, they out performed some of the real live child actors. The biggest plus of this movie is the story which is a decent, engrossing one, which is rare for animated cartoons.
However, Monster House is an exception, and even towards the end we get an emotional, touching backstory that explains the events. I still cannot get over the final 1/3 of the movie, when the kids finally enter the house. It was a roller coaster ride of one event after another, and I truly wanted to scream out in delight as were the other "adults" in the cinema for such a hair raising entertainment.
Clearly, this one will be in my DVD collection
Mansur
Last night I saw Monster House. A kiddie movie you might say, but I say it was equally enjoyable for the adults, and may be a little to scary for the kiddies, for Monster House is not your typical animated film. Brought from Amblin Entertainment, Steven Spielberd and Robert Zemeckis co-produced this movie, and I absolutely loved it for I cannot remember enjoying a cartoon this much since Toy Story came out.
DJ, a 10 year old boy living in a quiet surburban house, is right across from Mr. Nebbercracker's house, which is a ghastly shaped monstrous looking house. DJ's parents are away for the weekend, while Chowder, DJ's goofy friend, comes over to DJ's place. Mr. Nebbercracker hates children and warns them to stay away from his lawn, for the lawn will devour anything and the house will eat the kids up. DJ and Chowder maintain a strict watch over the house after the babysitter's boyfriend is eaten alive. Jenny, a stiff upper lipped girl has her goodies eaten by the house, but is saved by DJ and Chowder. The policemen don't believe the kids, till they are eaten up by the house too. So, it's up to DJ, Chowder and Jenny to finally venture into the house and find out what's really happening.
There is something so 80s about this movie. It's a mix of The Goonies and The Explorers. The trio also reminded me of the Harry, Ron and Hermione from Harry Potter series. What I loved about this movie was how current everything was: DJ and Chowder fight over whether they are too big for trick or treating, the babysitter's a rebel with her boyfriend being a bigger rebel, DJ's dad is unable to say I love you to his own son, and DJ himself is finding himself going through puberty. In comes Jenny, and both boys hae these pre-teen emotions to go through. The animation, while not photo-realistic was real enough for me to forget I was watching an animated cartoon. So much attention has been paid to the details that everything seemed like a reality, and the characters have been so well fleshed out, they out performed some of the real live child actors. The biggest plus of this movie is the story which is a decent, engrossing one, which is rare for animated cartoons.
However, Monster House is an exception, and even towards the end we get an emotional, touching backstory that explains the events. I still cannot get over the final 1/3 of the movie, when the kids finally enter the house. It was a roller coaster ride of one event after another, and I truly wanted to scream out in delight as were the other "adults" in the cinema for such a hair raising entertainment.
Clearly, this one will be in my DVD collection
Mansur
Friday, September 15, 2006
Dubai's Slavery
Hey friends,
Dubai ruler is accused of slavery.
However, what makes me really angry is that "once [the kids] in Dubai, it is claimed that the children - some of them as young as two - were kept in poor conditions, starved (so as to keep their weight down), abused and forced to take part in a dangerous sport."
Wonder how this will effect the image of Dubai.
Mansur
Dubai ruler is accused of slavery.
However, what makes me really angry is that "once [the kids] in Dubai, it is claimed that the children - some of them as young as two - were kept in poor conditions, starved (so as to keep their weight down), abused and forced to take part in a dangerous sport."
Wonder how this will effect the image of Dubai.
Mansur
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Miss Bikini a Pakistani
Hey friends,
While we have a serious situation in Pakistan regarding the issue of rape, women and the Hudood Ordinance, on the other hand, in China on August 28th, we have a Pakistani girl, 22 year old, who represented Pakistan in the Miss Bikini contest bagging the "'Best in Media' title, for being the most photographed and interviewed contestant, according to media reports." Miss Mariyah Moten certainly has brewed up a storm, ruffling the feathers of everyone from the President right down to the more conservative people in the country. Now, everyone is on the case as to how the Pakistani authorities in China has allowed for Miss Moten to use the name of Pakistan in a public Miss Bikini contest. However, the funniest thing I read was how some members of the parliament behaved when they wanted to discuss this issue, and spent more time looking at the pictures rather than discussing it.
Mansur
While we have a serious situation in Pakistan regarding the issue of rape, women and the Hudood Ordinance, on the other hand, in China on August 28th, we have a Pakistani girl, 22 year old, who represented Pakistan in the Miss Bikini contest bagging the "'Best in Media' title, for being the most photographed and interviewed contestant, according to media reports." Miss Mariyah Moten certainly has brewed up a storm, ruffling the feathers of everyone from the President right down to the more conservative people in the country. Now, everyone is on the case as to how the Pakistani authorities in China has allowed for Miss Moten to use the name of Pakistan in a public Miss Bikini contest. However, the funniest thing I read was how some members of the parliament behaved when they wanted to discuss this issue, and spent more time looking at the pictures rather than discussing it.
Mansur
Hudood Ordinance
Hello friends,
I don't know how many of you know about the Hudood Ordinance in Pakistan. It's basically a law that intends to implement the punishments as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah, for example 80 lashes for drinking or amputation of left hand for theft. However, the Hudood Ordinance it most criticized for the punishment it metes out to raped women.
Under this law, a woman who is raped is asked to provide four Muslim male witnesses to testify that the woman was raped. Otherwise, the raped woman is guilty and the rapist is set free. If the raped woman is unmarried, she is guilty of fornication and is given 100 lashes. If the woman is married, she is guilty of adultery and given death by stoning.
Now, in Pakistan,I have still not seen or heard of death by stoning, but rape cases almost always blame the woman, and the rapists are free. I still fail to understand how a woman is supposed to produce four witnesses, according to this law, to prove her innocence.
Just yesterday, the Hudood Ordinance was to be repealed, but instead, it was watered down much to the disappointment of the human right activists and NGOs.
I have sympathy for President Musharraf. As much as he is trying to steer Pakistan to modernity, he is being held back by the more conservative elements in society. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes.
Mansour
I don't know how many of you know about the Hudood Ordinance in Pakistan. It's basically a law that intends to implement the punishments as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah, for example 80 lashes for drinking or amputation of left hand for theft. However, the Hudood Ordinance it most criticized for the punishment it metes out to raped women.
Under this law, a woman who is raped is asked to provide four Muslim male witnesses to testify that the woman was raped. Otherwise, the raped woman is guilty and the rapist is set free. If the raped woman is unmarried, she is guilty of fornication and is given 100 lashes. If the woman is married, she is guilty of adultery and given death by stoning.
Now, in Pakistan,I have still not seen or heard of death by stoning, but rape cases almost always blame the woman, and the rapists are free. I still fail to understand how a woman is supposed to produce four witnesses, according to this law, to prove her innocence.
Just yesterday, the Hudood Ordinance was to be repealed, but instead, it was watered down much to the disappointment of the human right activists and NGOs.
I have sympathy for President Musharraf. As much as he is trying to steer Pakistan to modernity, he is being held back by the more conservative elements in society. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes.
Mansour
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Yakeen
Hey friends,
I know I never posted anything here in Urdu, but having been inspired by Tears and Rain with her post, I am urged to post the lyrics to a song I have been listening to a lot for the last one week. It's a sad and haunting song, yet full of hope. I am not going to translate it because the effect of the lyrics is lost in the translation. It's a song by Atif Aslam, from his first album.
Aaj dil dukha hai
Tum yaad aaye
Anjane log hein
Apne kahan dhoond paaein
jaagey hein soye nahi
aisi hai meri ye bechaini
din bhi wohi raatein wohi
sanso mein sansein hein nahi
shaamein ab dhalti nahi
anchal jo tera simat jaaye
aap yahan hamesha rahein
duuri rahe na ho fasle
jaagey hein soye nahi
aisi hai meri ye bechaini
din bhi wohi raatein wohi
sanso mein sansein hein nahi
ab ager tum mile to
itna ye yaqeen hai
hans deinge hum to
roona nahi hai
I know I never posted anything here in Urdu, but having been inspired by Tears and Rain with her post, I am urged to post the lyrics to a song I have been listening to a lot for the last one week. It's a sad and haunting song, yet full of hope. I am not going to translate it because the effect of the lyrics is lost in the translation. It's a song by Atif Aslam, from his first album.
Aaj dil dukha hai
Tum yaad aaye
Anjane log hein
Apne kahan dhoond paaein
jaagey hein soye nahi
aisi hai meri ye bechaini
din bhi wohi raatein wohi
sanso mein sansein hein nahi
shaamein ab dhalti nahi
anchal jo tera simat jaaye
aap yahan hamesha rahein
duuri rahe na ho fasle
jaagey hein soye nahi
aisi hai meri ye bechaini
din bhi wohi raatein wohi
sanso mein sansein hein nahi
ab ager tum mile to
itna ye yaqeen hai
hans deinge hum to
roona nahi hai
Dubai News Generator
Hello friends,
Over at Secret Dubai Diary, there is this Dubai News Generator, which is basically a tool to come up with the standard news headline announcing a new scheme or project in Dubai. It's hilarious, but true. Do check it out.
Mansur
Over at Secret Dubai Diary, there is this Dubai News Generator, which is basically a tool to come up with the standard news headline announcing a new scheme or project in Dubai. It's hilarious, but true. Do check it out.
Mansur
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Blow Out 2006 Concert
Hello friends,
This past Thursday we all went to the Blow Out Concert 2006 (check out website for more details) held at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. The attraction for us all was the Pakistani singer Atif Aslam, who skyrocketed to fame with his song Aadat. However, before we could see Atif perform, we had to see the warm up group.
We were in the VVIP section, which was right in front of the stage, so close the screaming female fans could literally touch the singers on stage. First up was Mallika, an Indian girl who was brought up in Dubai, and she sang some of her songs which she has produced here in a soon to be released album. I was skeptical, but truly Mallika did a good job, and she will be one to watch out for as she sang seamlessly between Hindi and Arabic. She just needs one song to break herself onto the charts.
Following Mallika were A-Class, a group of guys from Madagascar who thought they were the next bext thing after Tupac, 50 Cents and other rapgroups. While A Class tried hard to get the people to dance and sing along, the audience was just not ready toi put up with the crappiness. We did not pay our tickets to witness this abomination. It got sickening when one of the singer from A Class sang a very derogatory song about women using the word "juice." Totally sickening, and certainly amazing to know how that song past the censor to be heard by the crowds of families there, including little children.
With much relief, A-Class left and Raghav came on, amidts much cheering and applause. He was wrong introduced as a British-Indian, when everyone knows he is a Canadian-Indian, and I heard a few people shout out angrily "He is Canadian Indian, not British Indian!!!" Raghav performed his songs from his album Storyteller, and clearly three songs stood out: Angel Eyes (which he sang twice), Can't Work it Out and Raghav lasted only for 30 minsutes on stage.
Few minutes later, from the side of the apmhitheatre, came someone singing surrounded by his entourage. It was Atif, and everyone started screaming. Seeing a Pakistani singer brought out the patriotism that is in me. He came on stage in a completely new look, whcih was a welcome change, and began belting out his songs. The whole section in which we were in started jumping, singing and swaying to his music. However, it was Aadat, Woh Lamhe and his new song Tere Bin that totally blew the crowd away. However, my favorite song of the evening was Atif's Yakeen, which is a slow song but with awesome humming, which is totally bewitching and gives you goosebumps all over. Every single person in the crowd was in silence as Atif sat down on the stage and sang; he was that powerful! Atif sang for a little over an hour.
Following Atif were the Rishi Rich Project, which is comprised of Juggy D, Veronica and Jay Sean. These are a bunch of Indian singers who grew up in the UK and have some really nice songs. One of the highlight was Juggy D and Veronica perfroming Hum Tum, which was very enjoyable. Jay Sean's Stolen was another highlight. However, for us, Atif was simply superb.
After the show there was an After Show Party at Kandy Klub at the Fairmont hotel. I was not allowed to go because I was in shorts. What I heard from my friends the next day was not much favorable, with the majority of the people drunk.
All in all, the Blow Out 2006 was a good experience, and Atif was worth theprice of the ticket admission. If Atif were not performing, we wouldn't have gone to this concert.
What's next? The Rain Dance party on the 14th of this month with Himesh Reshamiyya and Ali Zafar. We are still thinking if we should go to this or not.
Mansur
This past Thursday we all went to the Blow Out Concert 2006 (check out website for more details) held at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. The attraction for us all was the Pakistani singer Atif Aslam, who skyrocketed to fame with his song Aadat. However, before we could see Atif perform, we had to see the warm up group.
We were in the VVIP section, which was right in front of the stage, so close the screaming female fans could literally touch the singers on stage. First up was Mallika, an Indian girl who was brought up in Dubai, and she sang some of her songs which she has produced here in a soon to be released album. I was skeptical, but truly Mallika did a good job, and she will be one to watch out for as she sang seamlessly between Hindi and Arabic. She just needs one song to break herself onto the charts.
Following Mallika were A-Class, a group of guys from Madagascar who thought they were the next bext thing after Tupac, 50 Cents and other rapgroups. While A Class tried hard to get the people to dance and sing along, the audience was just not ready toi put up with the crappiness. We did not pay our tickets to witness this abomination. It got sickening when one of the singer from A Class sang a very derogatory song about women using the word "juice." Totally sickening, and certainly amazing to know how that song past the censor to be heard by the crowds of families there, including little children.
With much relief, A-Class left and Raghav came on, amidts much cheering and applause. He was wrong introduced as a British-Indian, when everyone knows he is a Canadian-Indian, and I heard a few people shout out angrily "He is Canadian Indian, not British Indian!!!" Raghav performed his songs from his album Storyteller, and clearly three songs stood out: Angel Eyes (which he sang twice), Can't Work it Out and Raghav lasted only for 30 minsutes on stage.
Few minutes later, from the side of the apmhitheatre, came someone singing surrounded by his entourage. It was Atif, and everyone started screaming. Seeing a Pakistani singer brought out the patriotism that is in me. He came on stage in a completely new look, whcih was a welcome change, and began belting out his songs. The whole section in which we were in started jumping, singing and swaying to his music. However, it was Aadat, Woh Lamhe and his new song Tere Bin that totally blew the crowd away. However, my favorite song of the evening was Atif's Yakeen, which is a slow song but with awesome humming, which is totally bewitching and gives you goosebumps all over. Every single person in the crowd was in silence as Atif sat down on the stage and sang; he was that powerful! Atif sang for a little over an hour.
Following Atif were the Rishi Rich Project, which is comprised of Juggy D, Veronica and Jay Sean. These are a bunch of Indian singers who grew up in the UK and have some really nice songs. One of the highlight was Juggy D and Veronica perfroming Hum Tum, which was very enjoyable. Jay Sean's Stolen was another highlight. However, for us, Atif was simply superb.
After the show there was an After Show Party at Kandy Klub at the Fairmont hotel. I was not allowed to go because I was in shorts. What I heard from my friends the next day was not much favorable, with the majority of the people drunk.
All in all, the Blow Out 2006 was a good experience, and Atif was worth theprice of the ticket admission. If Atif were not performing, we wouldn't have gone to this concert.
What's next? The Rain Dance party on the 14th of this month with Himesh Reshamiyya and Ali Zafar. We are still thinking if we should go to this or not.
Mansur
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Two Cheeseburgers
Hey friends,
So I go to McDonalds, and order a cheeseburger. It took 10 minutes because the people at the back did not hear the guy shouting "one cheeseburger." Ten minutes later, I get the bag, and I find it heavier. So I walk back in and show him the two cheeseburgers he gave me. "Excuse me, you gave me two cheeseburgers. I asked for one." With his voice now lowered, and trying to put the second cheeseburger back in the bag, "no, it's for you sir." "Are you sure?" I asked. "Yes," he replied. So I left with two cheeseburgers instead of one.
Mansur
So I go to McDonalds, and order a cheeseburger. It took 10 minutes because the people at the back did not hear the guy shouting "one cheeseburger." Ten minutes later, I get the bag, and I find it heavier. So I walk back in and show him the two cheeseburgers he gave me. "Excuse me, you gave me two cheeseburgers. I asked for one." With his voice now lowered, and trying to put the second cheeseburger back in the bag, "no, it's for you sir." "Are you sure?" I asked. "Yes," he replied. So I left with two cheeseburgers instead of one.
Mansur
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
I dunno...
Hello friends,
I dunno what to say. I am at loss for words. I dunno where to begin. It's like I had something, but now it's no more. You know the feeling when things are going so great, you know something will go wrong, well that's what I am feeling now. It's like the calm before the storm. I know something devastating will happen.
Mansur
I dunno what to say. I am at loss for words. I dunno where to begin. It's like I had something, but now it's no more. You know the feeling when things are going so great, you know something will go wrong, well that's what I am feeling now. It's like the calm before the storm. I know something devastating will happen.
Mansur
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
The Blower's Daughter
Hey friends,
Remember my movie review of Closer? Well, I watched, and re-watched that movie again recently, and I am in love with it. I love the reality factor of this movie, of how real it is. However, it's the song that I am in love with. It's called The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice, and it perfectly encapsulates the feelings I have for a certain female friend of mine.
---
And so it is
Just like you said it would be
Life goes easy on me
Most of the time
And so it is
The shorter story
No love, no glory
No hero in her sky
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes...
And so it is
Just like you said it should be
We'll both forget the breeze
Most of the time
And so it is
The colder water
The blower's daughter
The pupil in denial
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes...
Did I say that I love you?
Did I say that I want to
Leave it all behind?
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off of you...
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind...
My mind...my mind...
'Til I find somebody new
---
Amazing amazing song, with haunting music.
Mansur
Remember my movie review of Closer? Well, I watched, and re-watched that movie again recently, and I am in love with it. I love the reality factor of this movie, of how real it is. However, it's the song that I am in love with. It's called The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice, and it perfectly encapsulates the feelings I have for a certain female friend of mine.
---
And so it is
Just like you said it would be
Life goes easy on me
Most of the time
And so it is
The shorter story
No love, no glory
No hero in her sky
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes...
And so it is
Just like you said it should be
We'll both forget the breeze
Most of the time
And so it is
The colder water
The blower's daughter
The pupil in denial
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes...
Did I say that I love you?
Did I say that I want to
Leave it all behind?
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off of you...
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind...
My mind...my mind...
'Til I find somebody new
---
Amazing amazing song, with haunting music.
Mansur
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