Hey everyone,
A friend asked me last week whether God answers our prayers. She’s been through a lot in life, and wonders If God is listening to her prayers. I wouldn’t have known the answer before, but today I know what happens we pray to God. My experience of doing Hajj has given me a deep insight onto where our prayers go.
There are three things that may happen when you pray.
1. Your prayers are answered immediately.
2. Your prayers are answered later, not immediately.
3. Your prayers are not answered; which means God deems it better to not answer your prayer to prevent you from any harm or disturbance that may come from answering your prayer.
I can hear some of you groan out there. Why would God choose not to answer my prayers? Have you ever been in a situation where something looks so amazing to you now, but then come to realize later that it’s not that great? Well, it’s the same thing with our prayers. Sometimes we pray so hard at a spur of a moment, thinking that a miracle from God will make us happy, but then much later, we realize that what we prayed for was not worth it.
I can tell you when about three years ago I would be praying hard to God to make a girl I loved a lot love me back. I prayed that there would opportunities for me to share my love for her. I prayed that somehow I would get the courage to ask her to marry me. I loved so much so I shared it a with a common friend of that girl and I. I would literally pray everyday. Well, guess what, after about a year having not met with the girl, I was totally shocked to see her again. She was also hooked up with another guy, who was also a not a nice human being. In an instant I thanked God because He did not answer my prayers for that girl and I to hook up. Sometimes, God's best gifts to us are His unanswered prayers!
The one most important thing I learned was that my prayers never go to waste! God always listens to your prayers. God could choose to answer or not, depending on the nature of what you asked for in your prayer. So when my friend asked me that question, I reassured her that just because God doesn’t answer your prayer doesn’t mean He doesn’t care. In fact, He cares so much for you, that in order to prevent you from any unforeseen harm, God doesn’t answer your prayer for your own protection.
Mansur
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Sunday, February 26, 2006
I Am Just Sad...
Hey all,
Just these past few days, I have been just really sad. I don't know when it started to happen, but I just feel really sad. Maybe it's because I am alone here, or maybe it was because someone close to me made a really personal comment to me, hurting me deep in my heart. I am trying to figure out why I am just so sad. I haven't been able to smile or take something lightly. Sometimes I feel that God is punishing me for something I may done couple of weeks ago. This is not a confession blog here, but I wish I could somehow confess my sin to someone. I'd be too ashamed to talk to anyone about it, even my own parents. I have been repenting and confessing my sins to God, but even then I feel like I am being punished. I don't feel like going out of my house, even though I started a new job today, and I am beginning to hate it so much already. Nothing is able to make me happy, not even the Burberry perfume, not even my home videos. I get choked up in my throat just sitting anywhere. I went for a long walk after I left my workplace today evening, more like a soul-searching walk. I had Burger King all alone, and then treated myself to TCBY, my comfort food. Nothing made me happy. I went to an Islamic bookstore to pick out a Quran in English. I almost started to weep in there as it hit me more and more of what an ungrateful person I am to God. Maybe I need to come back to God. I have strayed so far away from God, it hurts me personally. I just feel so down in the dumps, especially after having done the Hajj this year. I realize that I have not made any changes in my life. Despite doing my Hajj, I still managed to sin in a big way. I don't know what to do. I am so confused and messed up right now. I don't understand why I am being punished this way. I finally talked to a friend here, who couldn't really comfort me with her own words but instead gave me a song to express her sentiments and her friendship to me. It is comforting to know that I have a friend like her who would think about me this way, in terms of pure friendship and not romantically inclined.
When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When evening shadows and the stars appear
And there's is no one to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
There's no doubt in my mind where you belong
I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
There ain't nothing' that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love
The storms are raging on a rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothin' like me yet
There ain't nothin' that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
Make you happy make your dreams come true
To make you feel my love
(Garth Brooks)
I hope I can recover this week. If you don't hear anything from me on my blog, you know where I am.
Mansur
Just these past few days, I have been just really sad. I don't know when it started to happen, but I just feel really sad. Maybe it's because I am alone here, or maybe it was because someone close to me made a really personal comment to me, hurting me deep in my heart. I am trying to figure out why I am just so sad. I haven't been able to smile or take something lightly. Sometimes I feel that God is punishing me for something I may done couple of weeks ago. This is not a confession blog here, but I wish I could somehow confess my sin to someone. I'd be too ashamed to talk to anyone about it, even my own parents. I have been repenting and confessing my sins to God, but even then I feel like I am being punished. I don't feel like going out of my house, even though I started a new job today, and I am beginning to hate it so much already. Nothing is able to make me happy, not even the Burberry perfume, not even my home videos. I get choked up in my throat just sitting anywhere. I went for a long walk after I left my workplace today evening, more like a soul-searching walk. I had Burger King all alone, and then treated myself to TCBY, my comfort food. Nothing made me happy. I went to an Islamic bookstore to pick out a Quran in English. I almost started to weep in there as it hit me more and more of what an ungrateful person I am to God. Maybe I need to come back to God. I have strayed so far away from God, it hurts me personally. I just feel so down in the dumps, especially after having done the Hajj this year. I realize that I have not made any changes in my life. Despite doing my Hajj, I still managed to sin in a big way. I don't know what to do. I am so confused and messed up right now. I don't understand why I am being punished this way. I finally talked to a friend here, who couldn't really comfort me with her own words but instead gave me a song to express her sentiments and her friendship to me. It is comforting to know that I have a friend like her who would think about me this way, in terms of pure friendship and not romantically inclined.
When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When evening shadows and the stars appear
And there's is no one to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
There's no doubt in my mind where you belong
I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
There ain't nothing' that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love
The storms are raging on a rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothin' like me yet
There ain't nothin' that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
Make you happy make your dreams come true
To make you feel my love
(Garth Brooks)
I hope I can recover this week. If you don't hear anything from me on my blog, you know where I am.
Mansur
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Cologne Experience
Hey everyone,
Last week I was sitting in the reception area waiting to meet someone in the company. There was a guy sitting next to me, from whom was emanating this amazing smell. I absolutely had to know which cologne he was using. Should I ask him? Should I ignore the matter? Is it gay for a guy to ask another guy which cologne he is using? How can I ask him without sounding flirtatious, or sending out the wrong message? Man, why did he have to so much of that awesome cologne?
Finally, mustering up the courage, I finally asked him. He was so elated and smiled a lot. People do like it when you compliment them on something. This guy was so happy. I don't know why, but I told him again that his cologne is too cool making him smile even more!
So it turned out to be Burberry for Men. I tried some on yesterday and it made me feel all lovey-dovey. I am just so mesmerized by this smell. I can fall in love with myself if I have this cologne on. Right now, I use CK Truth, breaking my habit of using Davidoff's Cool Water for nine years. As soon as I finish this CK Truth, I plan on sticking to Burberry for Men for the rest of my life.
I cannot begin to explain to you how awesome the smell is. It gets to me in my head, and I get a light moment of dizziness. I feel elated. I think there are traces of pheromones in this cologne, for I begin to feel as I have been transported to another world. I get a literal out of body experience.
Goodness, what's wrong with me?
Mansur
Last week I was sitting in the reception area waiting to meet someone in the company. There was a guy sitting next to me, from whom was emanating this amazing smell. I absolutely had to know which cologne he was using. Should I ask him? Should I ignore the matter? Is it gay for a guy to ask another guy which cologne he is using? How can I ask him without sounding flirtatious, or sending out the wrong message? Man, why did he have to so much of that awesome cologne?
Finally, mustering up the courage, I finally asked him. He was so elated and smiled a lot. People do like it when you compliment them on something. This guy was so happy. I don't know why, but I told him again that his cologne is too cool making him smile even more!
So it turned out to be Burberry for Men. I tried some on yesterday and it made me feel all lovey-dovey. I am just so mesmerized by this smell. I can fall in love with myself if I have this cologne on. Right now, I use CK Truth, breaking my habit of using Davidoff's Cool Water for nine years. As soon as I finish this CK Truth, I plan on sticking to Burberry for Men for the rest of my life.
I cannot begin to explain to you how awesome the smell is. It gets to me in my head, and I get a light moment of dizziness. I feel elated. I think there are traces of pheromones in this cologne, for I begin to feel as I have been transported to another world. I get a literal out of body experience.
Goodness, what's wrong with me?
Mansur
Friday, February 24, 2006
Rainy Day in Dubai brings Destruction
Hey friends,
We have been having awesome weather here in Dubai. It's been raining, and I wish I were back in London because I love walking in rainy weather in London. There are no places here for me to walk and enjoy the weather. I would be engulfed in the traffic and pollution. Plus, roads and sidewalks are flooded with water. Go to a park, you find u have to walk through puddles of water.
Anyways, I have been enjoying the weather immensely. However, last night, my friend and I went to the Mall of the Emirates, where we were supposed to meet up with our other friends. She lives in Arabian Ranches, which is in the new part of Dubai. Well, guess what? She was delayed by an hour just to leave her home because the downpour created lakes there. In short, rains caused havoc and destruction in Dubai, especially the new Dubai area.
Not only that, there were 513 car accidents here because of the rain. Water was leaking in shopping malls-not any regular one, but Ibn Battuta mall! A friend said water was leaking in the Fairmont Hotel's restaurant. Buckets were placed in shops to collect water leaking from roofs. I wonder what is going on in the minds of the people who are in charge of town-planning and city buildings. Havent they heard of such a thing as water-proofing buildings? Are they cutting costs and corners by refusing to water-proof public buildings? What will the tourists think as they are passing through malls to see buckets in their path collecting water? My friend was pondering how many floors the water must have passed through such a tall hotel in order to get to the ground floor.
I just see a simple act of God in this. Man cannot overcome nature. Yes, we may have defied elements of nature by building high rises in the desert, and air condition them with air conditioners. Man can defy nature by building structures, but nature will always prove its worth and show man that man is still vulnerable. Remember the minor earthquake last year in Dubai? My Civil Engineering professor used to tell us that "should there be an earthquake in the region, these buildings will fall like a pack of cards." I have personally seen and heard the tactics contractors use here. Their aim: to construct as many projects as fast as possible, and if that means to cut corners and costs, so be it. Sad to say, but it's happening here.
The builders and planners of Dubai need to take a lot into consideration, given the number of buildings and projcets being announced and built. I for one hope nothing afflicts Dubai so seriously that people would wished they had taken precautions.
Mansur
We have been having awesome weather here in Dubai. It's been raining, and I wish I were back in London because I love walking in rainy weather in London. There are no places here for me to walk and enjoy the weather. I would be engulfed in the traffic and pollution. Plus, roads and sidewalks are flooded with water. Go to a park, you find u have to walk through puddles of water.
Anyways, I have been enjoying the weather immensely. However, last night, my friend and I went to the Mall of the Emirates, where we were supposed to meet up with our other friends. She lives in Arabian Ranches, which is in the new part of Dubai. Well, guess what? She was delayed by an hour just to leave her home because the downpour created lakes there. In short, rains caused havoc and destruction in Dubai, especially the new Dubai area.
Not only that, there were 513 car accidents here because of the rain. Water was leaking in shopping malls-not any regular one, but Ibn Battuta mall! A friend said water was leaking in the Fairmont Hotel's restaurant. Buckets were placed in shops to collect water leaking from roofs. I wonder what is going on in the minds of the people who are in charge of town-planning and city buildings. Havent they heard of such a thing as water-proofing buildings? Are they cutting costs and corners by refusing to water-proof public buildings? What will the tourists think as they are passing through malls to see buckets in their path collecting water? My friend was pondering how many floors the water must have passed through such a tall hotel in order to get to the ground floor.
I just see a simple act of God in this. Man cannot overcome nature. Yes, we may have defied elements of nature by building high rises in the desert, and air condition them with air conditioners. Man can defy nature by building structures, but nature will always prove its worth and show man that man is still vulnerable. Remember the minor earthquake last year in Dubai? My Civil Engineering professor used to tell us that "should there be an earthquake in the region, these buildings will fall like a pack of cards." I have personally seen and heard the tactics contractors use here. Their aim: to construct as many projects as fast as possible, and if that means to cut corners and costs, so be it. Sad to say, but it's happening here.
The builders and planners of Dubai need to take a lot into consideration, given the number of buildings and projcets being announced and built. I for one hope nothing afflicts Dubai so seriously that people would wished they had taken precautions.
Mansur
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
What Makes Me Live my Life Each Day....
Hello friends,
I am sitting at my dining table, as another night comes to an end. The curtains are drawn open, and I can see outside, through the balcony. I see few cars zipping down the main road. There are two neon billboard signs standing out prominent. Otherwise the city looks very sleepy. I also see the two minarets of the mosque lit up. Why do I feel I want to be there rather than my home? The weather had been nice last night, with thunder and rain. I hope it rains again tonight. There is just something about rain that I identify with. It is 330am and I am eating my bowl of Frosties. I am not sure if the drop on my cheek is my sweat or my tear. My eyes well up as I take in another day of my life. What is my life? As I try to ponder on what my life and where it is headed, I am left with even more confusing feelings and thoughts. What have I done in my life that I am so proud of? What am I doing in my life that I can look back on at proudly? What have I achieved if anything? Strong feelings of hopelessness over come me. I haven’t really done anything that can make other people proud of me. I have not won any scholarships or any awards. I am not a very popular person. Even though my parents are very well known in Jeddah, I am basically a nobody. Nobody remembers me. They all know me as my “father’s son” but not for me. Why should they even remember me anyways?
Next to my bowl of Frosties I see two things that have defined me my entire life. These two things have been with me as far as I can remember, and every time I look at them, I see how far I have come in my life, for it could have been far worse.
Both these things are my hearing aids for my right and left ear. Having been born deaf, I had always thought I would end up as a miserable loser in my life. What chance am I going to get to prove anything to people? Why would people want to pay attention to me anyways? I have seen how they talk to deaf people, and how some people make fun of them? I also fall under the group of people who are made fun of, or are not treated equally. I grew experiencing hatred, loneliness and discrimination. People would talk behind my back. Students would call me names specifically about my hearing. Others would choose not to talk to me. I would seek desperately for acceptance, but would never really get it. I would come back home from school utterly devastated. At times I would weep myself to sleep. However, I never let anyone know of my true feelings. I had to keep a strong outer appearance. I had to show the others that I am not a defeated person.
There came a point in my life when I was at a crossroad. Do I let people continue to treat me differently, or do I change my attitude and behavior, and go the extra mile to show others that I can be equal, and better than others? I am in no way handicapped, nor am I created inferior to you. Just because I may not listen to you well enough, or that I am deaf without my hearing aids, doesn’t make me an inferior person. As a result of this attitude, I consciously chose to practice my virtues and abandon all vices. I could have picked up smoking, but chose not to. I could have drunk alcohol and eat pork, but chose not to. I could have made girlfriends, not that there is anything wrong with that, but chose not to. I could choose to steal, cheat on exams and lie to others, but chose not to. I wanted to prove to others that my handicap will not stop me from achieving what I want to in life.
Although I have been delayed in school by one year, and have lost out one year in university because of a major change from dentistry to architecture, I feel today that I have achieved a lot for someone who is born deaf. The constant support from my family, and a few of my friends, have made it possible for me to live my life each day with strength and courage. My friends never let me feel anything about my hearing. I learnt early on in life that there will be mean people in this world, and I could let that affect me, or change me for the better.
So while my bowl of Frosties have finished, and cold wind is blowing in my apartment, I see my two hearing aids, which make me realize how far I have become. That drop on my cheek was indeed a teardrop, but one of happiness, as I sit here thankful to God for the life He has given me. It could have been worse, but He has blessed me with so much, and has given me so many opportunities in life. Sure, there are days when I am depressed and sad, and it during those moments when I take one look at my hearing aids, and remind myself of how far I have come in my life.
Mansur
I am sitting at my dining table, as another night comes to an end. The curtains are drawn open, and I can see outside, through the balcony. I see few cars zipping down the main road. There are two neon billboard signs standing out prominent. Otherwise the city looks very sleepy. I also see the two minarets of the mosque lit up. Why do I feel I want to be there rather than my home? The weather had been nice last night, with thunder and rain. I hope it rains again tonight. There is just something about rain that I identify with. It is 330am and I am eating my bowl of Frosties. I am not sure if the drop on my cheek is my sweat or my tear. My eyes well up as I take in another day of my life. What is my life? As I try to ponder on what my life and where it is headed, I am left with even more confusing feelings and thoughts. What have I done in my life that I am so proud of? What am I doing in my life that I can look back on at proudly? What have I achieved if anything? Strong feelings of hopelessness over come me. I haven’t really done anything that can make other people proud of me. I have not won any scholarships or any awards. I am not a very popular person. Even though my parents are very well known in Jeddah, I am basically a nobody. Nobody remembers me. They all know me as my “father’s son” but not for me. Why should they even remember me anyways?
Next to my bowl of Frosties I see two things that have defined me my entire life. These two things have been with me as far as I can remember, and every time I look at them, I see how far I have come in my life, for it could have been far worse.
Both these things are my hearing aids for my right and left ear. Having been born deaf, I had always thought I would end up as a miserable loser in my life. What chance am I going to get to prove anything to people? Why would people want to pay attention to me anyways? I have seen how they talk to deaf people, and how some people make fun of them? I also fall under the group of people who are made fun of, or are not treated equally. I grew experiencing hatred, loneliness and discrimination. People would talk behind my back. Students would call me names specifically about my hearing. Others would choose not to talk to me. I would seek desperately for acceptance, but would never really get it. I would come back home from school utterly devastated. At times I would weep myself to sleep. However, I never let anyone know of my true feelings. I had to keep a strong outer appearance. I had to show the others that I am not a defeated person.
There came a point in my life when I was at a crossroad. Do I let people continue to treat me differently, or do I change my attitude and behavior, and go the extra mile to show others that I can be equal, and better than others? I am in no way handicapped, nor am I created inferior to you. Just because I may not listen to you well enough, or that I am deaf without my hearing aids, doesn’t make me an inferior person. As a result of this attitude, I consciously chose to practice my virtues and abandon all vices. I could have picked up smoking, but chose not to. I could have drunk alcohol and eat pork, but chose not to. I could have made girlfriends, not that there is anything wrong with that, but chose not to. I could choose to steal, cheat on exams and lie to others, but chose not to. I wanted to prove to others that my handicap will not stop me from achieving what I want to in life.
Although I have been delayed in school by one year, and have lost out one year in university because of a major change from dentistry to architecture, I feel today that I have achieved a lot for someone who is born deaf. The constant support from my family, and a few of my friends, have made it possible for me to live my life each day with strength and courage. My friends never let me feel anything about my hearing. I learnt early on in life that there will be mean people in this world, and I could let that affect me, or change me for the better.
So while my bowl of Frosties have finished, and cold wind is blowing in my apartment, I see my two hearing aids, which make me realize how far I have become. That drop on my cheek was indeed a teardrop, but one of happiness, as I sit here thankful to God for the life He has given me. It could have been worse, but He has blessed me with so much, and has given me so many opportunities in life. Sure, there are days when I am depressed and sad, and it during those moments when I take one look at my hearing aids, and remind myself of how far I have come in my life.
Mansur
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Sandy's Pete
Sandy's Pete
(another short story- 20 mins this one!)
Sandy was upset that Pete was going to have to die. She was so upset about it she cried for three days straight. It got so bad that not even her parents could control her. Sandy was a mere teenager who had fallen in love with Pete when she laid her eyes on him for the first time. Today she has come to a point where she had to witness Pete’s death.
It all started when Sandy had moved to a new town with her parents. She started 10th grade, and while she adjusted comfortably into her classes, she never had any friends. She always kept to herself, strolling around the campus all alone. It was only three weeks into her classes when she met Pete. She fell in love with him immediately. His big round brown eyes made her feel like he was giving her all the attention in the world. His touch was the most tender she had felt in the longest of time. His hair was soft and silky, as she passed her hands over him. She knew it was love at first sight.
Sandy would hang out with Pete a lot. They would go for walks in the park, swim in the nearby lakes, and play catch. They would do so many things together that it came to the point where Pete would eventually sleep with Sandy in her bed. Her parents didn’t like it at first, but when they saw the joy in Sandy’s eyes, they allowed for Pete to be in bed with her. Her favorite time with him would be when they would be in bed. She would talk to Pete all night long, sharing her dreams and desires. Pete, as always, was a great listener. He would never interrupt or say anything. He would just listen to Sandy speak. At time Pete would fall asleep, but Sandy didn’t mind that.
Why aren’t any of my friends like you Pete? Why can’t take the time to listen to me? I wish somehow they weren’t so preoccupied with their other stuff. I know I don’t have any friends in school, which is why I am so thankful to have met you, because I love being around you. You allow me to be who I am, and you don’t mind when I show my true colors. That’s what I love about you Pete. You are so amazing. I wish I could have you with me forever.
And so Sandy would talk to Pete like this every night. Her thoughts in school would be pre-occupied with the imminent death of Pete. It is worse knowing that Pete will die, because waiting for the time to come makes it all the more difficult. Why couldn’t someone just drive over Pete? Why can’t Pete fall off a building? That will be instant, unexpected death. Why do I have to wait in pain and torment to actually wait for his death?
The day finally arrived for Pete’s death. He was going to be given a lethal injection. His state of health had deteriorated immensely. There was no cure. Ever since that bat bit Pete, Pete had been infected with some strange disease, so powerful not even the vaccination could prevent the disease overtaking his immune system. She spent the last few minutes telling Pete, while holding his two hands, how much she loves him and will always continue to do so. She looked right into his big round eyes, and started crying. She kissed him on the mouth, and Pete licked her back on the cheek.
She could barely watch the veterinarian lift Pete up and put him on the table. The two nurses held his two rear legs while the doctor injected the medicine into Pete. 10 minutes later, it was all over.
Sandy left the Vet Hospital, knowing no other pet dog could ever replace Pete.
(another short story- 20 mins this one!)
Sandy was upset that Pete was going to have to die. She was so upset about it she cried for three days straight. It got so bad that not even her parents could control her. Sandy was a mere teenager who had fallen in love with Pete when she laid her eyes on him for the first time. Today she has come to a point where she had to witness Pete’s death.
It all started when Sandy had moved to a new town with her parents. She started 10th grade, and while she adjusted comfortably into her classes, she never had any friends. She always kept to herself, strolling around the campus all alone. It was only three weeks into her classes when she met Pete. She fell in love with him immediately. His big round brown eyes made her feel like he was giving her all the attention in the world. His touch was the most tender she had felt in the longest of time. His hair was soft and silky, as she passed her hands over him. She knew it was love at first sight.
Sandy would hang out with Pete a lot. They would go for walks in the park, swim in the nearby lakes, and play catch. They would do so many things together that it came to the point where Pete would eventually sleep with Sandy in her bed. Her parents didn’t like it at first, but when they saw the joy in Sandy’s eyes, they allowed for Pete to be in bed with her. Her favorite time with him would be when they would be in bed. She would talk to Pete all night long, sharing her dreams and desires. Pete, as always, was a great listener. He would never interrupt or say anything. He would just listen to Sandy speak. At time Pete would fall asleep, but Sandy didn’t mind that.
Why aren’t any of my friends like you Pete? Why can’t take the time to listen to me? I wish somehow they weren’t so preoccupied with their other stuff. I know I don’t have any friends in school, which is why I am so thankful to have met you, because I love being around you. You allow me to be who I am, and you don’t mind when I show my true colors. That’s what I love about you Pete. You are so amazing. I wish I could have you with me forever.
And so Sandy would talk to Pete like this every night. Her thoughts in school would be pre-occupied with the imminent death of Pete. It is worse knowing that Pete will die, because waiting for the time to come makes it all the more difficult. Why couldn’t someone just drive over Pete? Why can’t Pete fall off a building? That will be instant, unexpected death. Why do I have to wait in pain and torment to actually wait for his death?
The day finally arrived for Pete’s death. He was going to be given a lethal injection. His state of health had deteriorated immensely. There was no cure. Ever since that bat bit Pete, Pete had been infected with some strange disease, so powerful not even the vaccination could prevent the disease overtaking his immune system. She spent the last few minutes telling Pete, while holding his two hands, how much she loves him and will always continue to do so. She looked right into his big round eyes, and started crying. She kissed him on the mouth, and Pete licked her back on the cheek.
She could barely watch the veterinarian lift Pete up and put him on the table. The two nurses held his two rear legs while the doctor injected the medicine into Pete. 10 minutes later, it was all over.
Sandy left the Vet Hospital, knowing no other pet dog could ever replace Pete.
Three New Movies!!!
Hey friends,
I have written three new movie reviews. They are Wolf Creek (scary), Pride and Prejudice (an amazing new version) and Walk The Line (great country music). I have posted them on my alternate "Life of Mansur's Reviews" site, the link for which you can find on the left-side tool bar. It's the first link, so you cannot miss it.
Here's a catch! In order to get people to read them, I will not post anything on this blog till I get one comment on each of my review (for the movies I mentioned here!) I don't want a simple "hey, great review" kind of comments. I want solid input! Am I asking too much from you all?? :-)
Enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed watching them.
Thanks also to one friend in Riyadh who has said she watches all the movies I review here. It helps her make a better decision to know what movies to watch.
Mansur
I have written three new movie reviews. They are Wolf Creek (scary), Pride and Prejudice (an amazing new version) and Walk The Line (great country music). I have posted them on my alternate "Life of Mansur's Reviews" site, the link for which you can find on the left-side tool bar. It's the first link, so you cannot miss it.
Here's a catch! In order to get people to read them, I will not post anything on this blog till I get one comment on each of my review (for the movies I mentioned here!) I don't want a simple "hey, great review" kind of comments. I want solid input! Am I asking too much from you all?? :-)
Enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed watching them.
Thanks also to one friend in Riyadh who has said she watches all the movies I review here. It helps her make a better decision to know what movies to watch.
Mansur
Movie:: Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek was nearly an unheard of film. It’s an Australian film to say the least, so why pay attention to it? I hadn’t heard of this movie till I heard how it has been declared a hit upon its release. On top of that, it’s supposed to be a true horror story.
The movie does start off with the “based on true events” tag and that sets the mood for this gritty, ultra-realistic film. Wolf Creek details out the journey two Brit girls, alongside with their Australian male friend. They take a road trip to visit Wolf Creek, a site where a meteor had crashed leaving a vast crater behind. Once they get ready to leave from there, their car doesn’t work. Their watches stop working. A friendly Australian outbacker spots them and gives them a lift. Spending a night at his junkyard, while the friendly Australian is fixing their car, our three friends think they have made it through. When they get up the next day, we find Liz all bound and tied up. Her friend is screaming from the other shed. Their Australian friend is completely missing. Thus begins their descent into hell as they realize the friendly Australian is not so friendly after all. He is hell-bent on torturing the three young travelers. He will not let them escape, and even if they do, he will hunt them down like an animal. “The thrill is in the hunt!” so says the tagline for Wolf Creek.
Wolf Creek is not for the faint hearted, because it is an ultra realistic horror movie. There are no cheap scares. There are no demons or monsters. In the same vein as The Blair Witch Project, Wolf Creek uses the same kind of camera techniques so we are tagging along with the main characters. The movie spends a good 25-30 minutes familiarizing us with the three main leads, showing them on the beaches and clubbing, and that proves to be very effective because when these three people are in trouble, we are with them and want them to safe. We actually sympathize with them, which is a rare thing in a horror movie. We cringe in disgust when they are hurt or beaten. We look away as one is slapped on the face. We feel upset when one is stabbed. Why do these innocent people have to go through this?
The acting is so natural; it almost felt like as if you were watching their home videos. The chemistry between the three leads is so natural you are convinced these three actors are best of friends in reality. The movie has made great use the locations too, depicting the vast, huge outback area of Australia. Powerful images of showing one lone car driving amid a huge desert strike hard. You realize how helpless and lost one could be in such a huge desert.
The Australian outbacker who saves the young people from Wolf Creek site is probably the scariest thing here. How could such a friendly, helpful person turn out to be such a violent and sadistic person? It’s all too real and scary and makes you think about hitchhiking again. The director did a good job of not portraying the villain like a Freddy Kruger or Jason, where the audience actually supports the killer and not those who are being killed. The outbacker in Wolf Creek is a mean thing, and you are genuinely terrified of him. You don’t have any sympathy or support for him, and you wish so hard that the three people all run away from him. You realize that there are sick people out there who are lunatics and will do anything to hurt innocent people.
The ending was not quite what I expected. There were two small twists. However, the most disturbing thing at the end of it all was what we witnessed in the movie was actually based on true events, and we are told, “30,000 are missing each year. 90% are found within a month. 10% are never found.” Wolf Creek is about the 10% that are never found, and that is a scary thought.
Wolf Creek sets a high example of how a real horror movie should be made. Psycho made people scared of taking showers. Jaws made people scared of swimming in the ocean. Wolf Creek will scare you into not hitchhiking again!
Mansur
PS One thing of importance here is that the movie is set in 1999. Before any one jumps into questioning the lack of cell phones or internet, keep in mind in 1999, cell phones were not that popular. Also, being in the outback, there would be no coverage of any cellular network.
The movie does start off with the “based on true events” tag and that sets the mood for this gritty, ultra-realistic film. Wolf Creek details out the journey two Brit girls, alongside with their Australian male friend. They take a road trip to visit Wolf Creek, a site where a meteor had crashed leaving a vast crater behind. Once they get ready to leave from there, their car doesn’t work. Their watches stop working. A friendly Australian outbacker spots them and gives them a lift. Spending a night at his junkyard, while the friendly Australian is fixing their car, our three friends think they have made it through. When they get up the next day, we find Liz all bound and tied up. Her friend is screaming from the other shed. Their Australian friend is completely missing. Thus begins their descent into hell as they realize the friendly Australian is not so friendly after all. He is hell-bent on torturing the three young travelers. He will not let them escape, and even if they do, he will hunt them down like an animal. “The thrill is in the hunt!” so says the tagline for Wolf Creek.
Wolf Creek is not for the faint hearted, because it is an ultra realistic horror movie. There are no cheap scares. There are no demons or monsters. In the same vein as The Blair Witch Project, Wolf Creek uses the same kind of camera techniques so we are tagging along with the main characters. The movie spends a good 25-30 minutes familiarizing us with the three main leads, showing them on the beaches and clubbing, and that proves to be very effective because when these three people are in trouble, we are with them and want them to safe. We actually sympathize with them, which is a rare thing in a horror movie. We cringe in disgust when they are hurt or beaten. We look away as one is slapped on the face. We feel upset when one is stabbed. Why do these innocent people have to go through this?
The acting is so natural; it almost felt like as if you were watching their home videos. The chemistry between the three leads is so natural you are convinced these three actors are best of friends in reality. The movie has made great use the locations too, depicting the vast, huge outback area of Australia. Powerful images of showing one lone car driving amid a huge desert strike hard. You realize how helpless and lost one could be in such a huge desert.
The Australian outbacker who saves the young people from Wolf Creek site is probably the scariest thing here. How could such a friendly, helpful person turn out to be such a violent and sadistic person? It’s all too real and scary and makes you think about hitchhiking again. The director did a good job of not portraying the villain like a Freddy Kruger or Jason, where the audience actually supports the killer and not those who are being killed. The outbacker in Wolf Creek is a mean thing, and you are genuinely terrified of him. You don’t have any sympathy or support for him, and you wish so hard that the three people all run away from him. You realize that there are sick people out there who are lunatics and will do anything to hurt innocent people.
The ending was not quite what I expected. There were two small twists. However, the most disturbing thing at the end of it all was what we witnessed in the movie was actually based on true events, and we are told, “30,000 are missing each year. 90% are found within a month. 10% are never found.” Wolf Creek is about the 10% that are never found, and that is a scary thought.
Wolf Creek sets a high example of how a real horror movie should be made. Psycho made people scared of taking showers. Jaws made people scared of swimming in the ocean. Wolf Creek will scare you into not hitchhiking again!
Mansur
PS One thing of importance here is that the movie is set in 1999. Before any one jumps into questioning the lack of cell phones or internet, keep in mind in 1999, cell phones were not that popular. Also, being in the outback, there would be no coverage of any cellular network.
Movie:: Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice have been turned into several movies, including an Indianized version in Bride and Prejudice. However, the latest version of Pride and Prejudice is no boring re-tread of the novel. It is in fact the closest to the book from all the previous versions I have seen, and that makes a big difference. What ever you are doing right now, stop, go watch this movie NOW!
From the beginning, it becomes clear that this movie belongs to Keira Knightley, who plays Elizabeth Bennet, the most vociferous from the five Bennet Sisters. It is through the eyes of Elizabeth, or Lizzie, we see the other stories unfold, namely the fate of her sisters. Knightley shines like a true star here, illuminating the screen, projecting her radiance right back to the last row in the hall. Too strong is her presence that the locations in the movie are not restricted to the dank interiors of 1800s England, filled with stuffy decorations and heavy drapes illuminated with candles, but rather outside in the majestic English countryside. Even the scenes inside the house focus a lot on what’s outside, for every shot from inside the house has a window. It’s all about the outdoors, for that symbolizes Lizzie’s strong and outdoor-sy persona.
We begin the movie with the arrival of Mr. Darcy, played by Matthew MacFadyen, who chooses to give Mr. Darcy a very masculine persona, as opposed to earlier depictions of him as a softie. There is a real chemistry between Lizze and Mr. Darcy, so much so, you want them to be together. I had goose bumps towards the end, when I wanted so badly for Lizzie and Mr. Darcy to be together. So impactful were their performances, Knightley got an Oscar nomination for her acting.
Pride and Prejudice of course deals the issue of how we develop first impressions of other people, and judge them. We become pride in not accepting our faults, and prejudiced against others and not seeing them in any other light. Lizzie is too proud of herself, and Mr. Darcy is prejudiced against Lizzie’s background. How they both transform into different human beings through a series of rendezvous ultimately forms the crux of the movie. There are loads of topics that can be raised from this movie, and I can tell you now that this version of Pride and Prejudice will be watched in every literature classroom all over the world.
There was something else in this movie that made it so likeable and relate-able to the audience today. Whether it was the stars, or the music, or simply the behavior patterns of the characters, there was just something that made the 1800s and 2006 connect. While watching the movie, my mind was simultaneously comparing it to the previous versions, when half way through I realize how superior this new version is, I simply stopped comparing.
My favorite scene in the movie clearly is towards the end, when Lizzie is waiting in the moors, with the sun rising. She spots Mr. Darcy walking from a distance, amidst the morning dew, and finally comes up to Lizzie. They both know they love each other but are too proud to admit it. Their pride eventually falls to the ground as they embrace one another.
If only real life were like this!
Mansur
From the beginning, it becomes clear that this movie belongs to Keira Knightley, who plays Elizabeth Bennet, the most vociferous from the five Bennet Sisters. It is through the eyes of Elizabeth, or Lizzie, we see the other stories unfold, namely the fate of her sisters. Knightley shines like a true star here, illuminating the screen, projecting her radiance right back to the last row in the hall. Too strong is her presence that the locations in the movie are not restricted to the dank interiors of 1800s England, filled with stuffy decorations and heavy drapes illuminated with candles, but rather outside in the majestic English countryside. Even the scenes inside the house focus a lot on what’s outside, for every shot from inside the house has a window. It’s all about the outdoors, for that symbolizes Lizzie’s strong and outdoor-sy persona.
We begin the movie with the arrival of Mr. Darcy, played by Matthew MacFadyen, who chooses to give Mr. Darcy a very masculine persona, as opposed to earlier depictions of him as a softie. There is a real chemistry between Lizze and Mr. Darcy, so much so, you want them to be together. I had goose bumps towards the end, when I wanted so badly for Lizzie and Mr. Darcy to be together. So impactful were their performances, Knightley got an Oscar nomination for her acting.
Pride and Prejudice of course deals the issue of how we develop first impressions of other people, and judge them. We become pride in not accepting our faults, and prejudiced against others and not seeing them in any other light. Lizzie is too proud of herself, and Mr. Darcy is prejudiced against Lizzie’s background. How they both transform into different human beings through a series of rendezvous ultimately forms the crux of the movie. There are loads of topics that can be raised from this movie, and I can tell you now that this version of Pride and Prejudice will be watched in every literature classroom all over the world.
There was something else in this movie that made it so likeable and relate-able to the audience today. Whether it was the stars, or the music, or simply the behavior patterns of the characters, there was just something that made the 1800s and 2006 connect. While watching the movie, my mind was simultaneously comparing it to the previous versions, when half way through I realize how superior this new version is, I simply stopped comparing.
My favorite scene in the movie clearly is towards the end, when Lizzie is waiting in the moors, with the sun rising. She spots Mr. Darcy walking from a distance, amidst the morning dew, and finally comes up to Lizzie. They both know they love each other but are too proud to admit it. Their pride eventually falls to the ground as they embrace one another.
If only real life were like this!
Mansur
Review:: Walk The Line
Hands up if you know who Johnny Cash is! I wouldn’t be surprised if not many hands went up. I for one have heard about Cash, but never really bothered to know who he is. All I knew was that he was a Country music singer in the States, and apparently, he was very popular.
Walk The Line helped me know who Cash was and how he emerged to be one of the forefront leaders of Country Music in the States. Joaquin Phoenix (pronounced Waah-keen) takes on the personality of Johnny Cash in the movie, and he does an amazing transformation, getting every nuance, body language and style of speaking amazingly well. Reese Witherspoon does an even more amazing transformation to play June Carter Cash, Johnny’s wife. Gone are her famous blond locks, and in comes the dyed black hair complete with a southern accent. So amazing have been the two leads, they have garnered nominations and even an a Golden Globe Award for Witherspoon for acting.
A large part on whether you like this movie or not depend on how much interest you have in knowing more about the country music legend, and country music itself. Most of the movie focuses on the friendship and eventual love between Johnny and June. Johnny’s earlier life is shown as he grew up in Depression hit era in the United States. His brother passes away as a kid, and Johnny suffers torments from his father. We immediately cut to the point where we see a grown Cash leave his house to make it big in music industry. He eventually marries Vivian and has children.
While trying his luck at the local recording studio, the manager tells Cash that the no one wants to hear happy songs, but rather want to hear songs that come from his heart, about heartbreaks, tough life, hardships and overcoming them. Cash sings one of his own song, and that becomes an instant classic. Soon, he has made it big, is touring the country with his band and gets to meet other rockers like Elvis Presley. June Carter is also a budding country music singer and hers and Johnny Cash’s paths are crossed at a show. There is affection and appreciation, but both are married to other people.
Cash eventually stumbles and falls as he is involved in drugs, leading him to perform poorly at some of his concerts. June dislikes Cash’s attitudes, avoids him and also struggles with her own marital status. The only time they have any privacy of their own is when they are on stage performing a duet.
Cash’s lifestyle meddling with drugs eventually leads him to a low point in his life, at which point June Carter chooses to help him out. How she nurses him back to life eventually forms the rest of the story. A lot of people may comment that most of the story is focused on the relationship between the two, and I think that is what the makers of the movie attempted to show. Amazingly enough, the script of this movie was approved by Cash and June themselves back in 2003, right after which they passed away. So with their approval, the makers of this movie created a biopic of Cash.
The acting from both the lead actors is very strong. I was most impressed with Phoenix, who I remember fondly from Signs as Gibson’s younger brother, and Witherspoon, who I remember from Legally Blonde. Both the actors have done a complete change of acting
It’s impressive. Oh, and what would a film about a country singer be without country music? The songs are really great, each one an important one, especially “Jackson” signifying their moving on with their lives. I am not sure, but I think “Jackson” was one of their more popular duets. It is also my favorite song in the movie.
Great acting, amazing music, a strong story line makes Walk the Line one of the highly acclaimed movie of the year. I certainly learned a lot more about Johnny Cash, and how he Walk(ed) the (fine) Line between destruction and redemption.
Mansur
Walk The Line helped me know who Cash was and how he emerged to be one of the forefront leaders of Country Music in the States. Joaquin Phoenix (pronounced Waah-keen) takes on the personality of Johnny Cash in the movie, and he does an amazing transformation, getting every nuance, body language and style of speaking amazingly well. Reese Witherspoon does an even more amazing transformation to play June Carter Cash, Johnny’s wife. Gone are her famous blond locks, and in comes the dyed black hair complete with a southern accent. So amazing have been the two leads, they have garnered nominations and even an a Golden Globe Award for Witherspoon for acting.
A large part on whether you like this movie or not depend on how much interest you have in knowing more about the country music legend, and country music itself. Most of the movie focuses on the friendship and eventual love between Johnny and June. Johnny’s earlier life is shown as he grew up in Depression hit era in the United States. His brother passes away as a kid, and Johnny suffers torments from his father. We immediately cut to the point where we see a grown Cash leave his house to make it big in music industry. He eventually marries Vivian and has children.
While trying his luck at the local recording studio, the manager tells Cash that the no one wants to hear happy songs, but rather want to hear songs that come from his heart, about heartbreaks, tough life, hardships and overcoming them. Cash sings one of his own song, and that becomes an instant classic. Soon, he has made it big, is touring the country with his band and gets to meet other rockers like Elvis Presley. June Carter is also a budding country music singer and hers and Johnny Cash’s paths are crossed at a show. There is affection and appreciation, but both are married to other people.
Cash eventually stumbles and falls as he is involved in drugs, leading him to perform poorly at some of his concerts. June dislikes Cash’s attitudes, avoids him and also struggles with her own marital status. The only time they have any privacy of their own is when they are on stage performing a duet.
Cash’s lifestyle meddling with drugs eventually leads him to a low point in his life, at which point June Carter chooses to help him out. How she nurses him back to life eventually forms the rest of the story. A lot of people may comment that most of the story is focused on the relationship between the two, and I think that is what the makers of the movie attempted to show. Amazingly enough, the script of this movie was approved by Cash and June themselves back in 2003, right after which they passed away. So with their approval, the makers of this movie created a biopic of Cash.
The acting from both the lead actors is very strong. I was most impressed with Phoenix, who I remember fondly from Signs as Gibson’s younger brother, and Witherspoon, who I remember from Legally Blonde. Both the actors have done a complete change of acting
It’s impressive. Oh, and what would a film about a country singer be without country music? The songs are really great, each one an important one, especially “Jackson” signifying their moving on with their lives. I am not sure, but I think “Jackson” was one of their more popular duets. It is also my favorite song in the movie.
Great acting, amazing music, a strong story line makes Walk the Line one of the highly acclaimed movie of the year. I certainly learned a lot more about Johnny Cash, and how he Walk(ed) the (fine) Line between destruction and redemption.
Mansur
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