^^ Borat is almost abusing that right but he's doing it with style. I'm happy you're going to do the 10k race. Make sure you book a masseur and have some Deep Heat ready for when you finish.

^^^ Heh. Welcome to paradise. Originally posted by Valenteenah: LoL.. NG , are you making this up? It seems like something you would write. I’m glad you asked that question and helped me out here. As I posted it I worried that someone might think it’s true.

Originally posted by Femme: My brother and I could hardly wait to see it this friday - we've been waiting for months...but I'm lately feeling a little guilty... Why guilty? It's just a film!

Astana, Kazakhstan At least 10,000 protestors incensed by the expected screening of the Borat movie clashed with police and burned three farms, five cinemas and a British pub last Friday, government sources said. The Prime Minster of Kazakhstan has gone on national Television on Saturday night and tried to soothe the nation and convince them that this was merely a humorous movie. However, on Sunday morning, a large number of opposition MPs started giving their own Television interviews and promising to table a motion of no confidence in this cowardly government. By Sunday night, a new wave of rioters rampaged through most Kazakh cities and burned cars, houses and Western establishments (particularly those linked to Great Britain). Monday’s newspaper articles and TV reports all carried in depth analysis of these events and discussed the film’s impact on Kazakh society. Most Kazakh leading lights were unanimous in their condemnation of this imperialistic British/American movie and demanded that the government insist on a full and unequivocal apology from both countries! The overwhelming pressure from all parts of Kazakh society forced the government to ban the screening of the movie in the country and ban the film’s star (Borat) from ever setting foot in that great land. Kazakh news has also reported that the Prime Minster received solidarity telegrams from President Ahmed Injad of Iran, Fidel Castro of Cuba and Chavez of Venezuela expressing their deep dismay and total anger at these events. The Iranian president also sent a letter to all Kazakh media where he talked about the introduction of a universal code of ethics that forbids people like Borat and those Danes from mocking any faith, people, land or historical figures. He expressed his disgust at the way Borat ridicules the Jews in the film and questioned the Jewish beliefs that would produce such a disloyal follower! He ended his letter by reiterating his conviction that every thing in the world is down to the devious Jews and insisted that Borat was merely double-bluffing. Meanwhile, in Muslim capitals throughout the world, huge demonstrating crowds came out in support of the Kazakh cause and to condemn all films, poems, cartoons and opinions that would mock any faith, individuals, countries or historical figures. Most of these demonstrations turned ugly and the crowds started burning flags of the UK, USA and Kazakhstan. They were also chanting ‘Borat, Borat, where you at, we will skin you like a cat’. And because many have read the words of the Iranian president and understood the Jewish conspiracy he talked about, they also shouted chants calling for the death of the Jews; In a delicious and ironic twist, the chant of ‘throw the Jew down the well’ was heard in burning streets all over the Muslim world.

^^^ war shuush! Stop stirring. It was an open goal really.

Originally posted by Khayr: quote:Originally posted by Naden: quote: Originally posted by SOO MAAL: I cannot believe how some westernized people arguing without supporting evidence that west respects more women then Islam, or west protects human rights!!! You're comparing a lovers' spat to a religious figure's words. What exactly is it that you're defending? The right to demean women and just who beats whom in comparing them to dogs or left over cat food. Seriously! :rolleyes: The parallels are there to show that a two-tier system is being utilized in liberal society. A different grading grid is used for liberal-valued people. Especially when compared to any noun (person,place,thing) that makes a mere mention or association with traditional religion. It is deemed acceptable for an upperclass caucasian man to call a women a '*****' especially when she is not liked by the media. However, Godforbid a muslim cleric says the same thing and he is villified for it. The cleric is being vilified by, amongst others, many of his fellow Muslims, saaxib. The problem here is not one of comparing him to Western politicians, it’s the perception that many of his followers and fellows had (have) about his opinions of women. Have his words been misinterpreted? If not, is what he said correct, acceptable and fair on women? If not, and since he’s a preacher not a politician, how can he in any way, shape or form be compared to this politician you speak of? Again, I think Naden is asking the question from a Muslim’s angle. North This is, my knowledge, the first time a Muslim ‘mufti’ in the West has created such controversy with is words. Most those that do live in the Middle East and probably never set foot in the West in their lives. Different culture, different mentality and a different set of obstacles and problems to deal with!

Heh. Can just imagine a Columbian production line with dozens of lactating mothers tied to all sorts of pipes and machines. Still, good stuff.

Looks like you’ve had quite a discussion here! Of course, by calling it a discussion I’m slightly overstretching the truth. For a start, hardly any of you seem to be in agreement as to the basis of this discussion. Is it about the Imam and his ability to speak? Is it about the reasons for rape? Is it about women’s place in society? Is it a comparison of Western and Islamic ‘cultures’? Or is it about the freedom of speech? Is it about media bias? I suppose that, these days, when one discusses an issue that concerns Islam one is forced to address all these issues and more. Even worse when the problem takes place in the West and we are all, once more, faced with that ugly, dark and annoying feeling of victimisation. However, we must resist the temptation to dismiss every new problem as an attack on Islam by the West and, instead, deal with it on its own merits. Our good Mullah probably meant well but his words, understanding and ability all let him down. No matter how many times one reads his words, one is still left with a bitter and infuriating feeling that this man despises women and considers them to be the source of all evil! Yet, there is a second feeling that is less powerful than the first that tells one that this mullah must also respect women! Surely he must! A learned man such as he, a leader of men, a preacher and a mufti must have enough about him to know that women are as good or bad as men. Simple logic would dictate that he should at least be aware of that tiny fact. I’m of course speculating here but these two feelings lead me to conclude that our Mullah does respect women, as long as they adhere to a set of rules and interpretations that he has (having gleaned them from the faith). Still, this is not a new idea that he’s trying to peddle here. It’s something that has been preached and heard in the Muslim world for centuries. In short, it is the norm. Only, many other preachers are more articulate and fairer in their analysis. In a nutshell, it’s better for women to dress modestly, in case one happens to be walking in a dark alley and is confronted by a randy Muslim ruffian with a conscience (the shorter her skirt, the less guilty he’ll feel about defiling her). It’s a farfetched scenario, for not many women (half-naked or fully dressed) would normally walk down dark alleys but one must always plan for all eventualities I suppose. On another point, rape in itself is being belittled in these exchanges! There is a huge difference between one looking at a pretty woman and finding her attractive and one that throws all laws, morals and rules behind him and decides to abuse such a woman. Not all men are the same and they don’t all find the same thing attractive. Some men are simple and would get aroused by the sight of a naked thigh, heaving cleavage or even wrinkly knees. Other men would get aroused by a walk, a voice and shape (and I’m not talking about bottoms or chests here but rather height and weight). I personally, and this might upset some of you but is not intended as such, find fully covered women highly attractive. Maybe it’s to do with growing up amongst such women and developing a different sense of appreciating beauty! But, when a gloved, fully dressed, burka-wearing woman glides past me in the street (and she happens to be tall and slim) I can’t help but drool and wonder at what lies beneath that veil. Further more, if a gust of wind stirs her jilbab a little (like the sails of a ship) I usually look for something to lean on, for at that moment, my legs usually give in. Luckily, of course, pangs of guilt assault my senses and compel me to avert my gaze (after about the tenth glance). Having said that, I’d be lying if I said that the occasional scantly clad blondie does not also stir my senses (though she too will have to be slim, tall and wearing a skirt that ruffle like the sails of a ship). I’ve known men that get aroused by the sight of daring eyes! Maybe it’s best that we lock women up and never let them out of their houses lest they corrupt our fragile souls. Or, better still, maybe we should lock ourselves up!

You not working today, Val?

Congrats, dear. Now we need to get you married off.

^^ I had a good night's sleep last night. So you never know what I might come up with in the next few hours.

Serenity, You have to wait for the surprise, dear. Val is preparing it and she made me promise not to tell you that she’s planning to take you on a boat ride on the river Thames and push you off the edge as you stuff your face with cake. Happy birthday and all that..

war ha nacayin dee. kala bandir waaxid.

I thought I’d ask this question here. Have you noticed that there aren’t many hot topics on this site lately, people? Have we exhausted them all or are we just being lazy? The politics seems to have taken over! Ps Happy Eid to you all by the way! Ah! I almost forgot. Yesterday, I prayed Eid in an Urdu-speaking mosque. I understood nothing of what the Imam was saying and was (for a split second) reluctant to repeat the word ‘ameen’ after him when he started the Du’a. It’s the first time I’ve ever come across such an experience. Have any of you done this before? Keesa tomara urdu, bi kol achhchha yaa bohod khofnaak hee? Mere urdu aadmee urdu nahi, mere urdu, shakilhi, murghi margeya bolee..... samajna? pps Watch all the oily hair Nomads come out to correct me now.

^^^ Calm down, son. None of this nonsense is over yet. Today that lot are 'munafiqoons' and ‘kafiroons’; tomorrow you might turn around and disappointedly accuse your lot of being the same. Since it’s a case of war and fighting. Why not support whatever side you think is in right while praying for others to join you. It’s much better than hasty accusations that do nobody any harm but yourself, saaxib.

^^^ Forward rolls

^^^ I was an amateur insomniac but now I’m the real thing. Oh, if I could only get some sleep Creeky noises make my skin creep I need to get some sleep I can't get no sleep....

^^^ Did you do the audio test, bike-wrecker? Seeker, during Ramadan, I too have become an insomniac. I’ve been managing on four hour’s sleep per day. Last night (or rather this morning) I went to bed at 4.00 AM and was up by 7.30! This is not healthy. It’s cool but not at all healthy.

Was the bicycle damaged by any chance? Cheer up, Seeker; I only could hear the first one (8khz) and none of the others. At least you’re normal. I am DEAF.

Oh yes. It will do nicely. Alas, I'm not as free as I used to be these days. Well, erm, when I say 'these days' I mean the last half dozen years of course. PS If you can ensnare Mr Sophist above you'll be doing your sister a great favour. Waxa la yedhi he's an absolute catch.

^^ This sister of yours, waa qulama?

These days death seems to be making a comeback. It’s everywhere! Or maybe I’m getting old and my antenna is more attuned to such subjects! I can’t even hear properly these days (did you do the sound test I posted?).

^^ Just like that! Ps I bring greetings from Serenity.

Forget that one, try one of these! I can only hear the first one Baby sounds