QUANTUM LEAP

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Posts posted by QUANTUM LEAP

  1. 11

    in General

    Posted

    You got to understand that you were there on merit and not the skin of your color or origin. Unfortunately the man who helped influence the director was biased and probably thought you were not good enough for some unknown reason. It may stem from the hatred somalis have for each other regardless. I do think our judgements are sometimes based on thinking no somali is good enough despite him being one and ofcouse having done the job well, he should have atleast chosen as I think any other man/woman would have to strength the number of successful candidates in the working arena. And no I wouldnt chose you because you were Somali but because you were well qualified. Infact if you look at the statistics you would probably have been one or two amongst the many cadaan. So its crucial we build on our success rather than have the negativities that take place. I would feel much more happier with replacing like for like as long as you can do the job well. Its areal shame to see a fellow somali making sure another wasnt successful where he/she was. About time we acted like most do and that is helping the well educated and able to succeed. It happened to me one time and the directors of the company being all cadaan had to opt of another of their kind. If you look at most society they work towards strengthening their influences in most spheres but we as somalis do have to contend with prejudices from within and without.

     

    I hope you dont take that to heart sis, however. if you ever get to a position of power to make sure you leave alegacy you can both be proud of and ofcouse help spread the good.

  2. Posted

    The contractum trinius was a legal trick used by European merchants in the Middle Ages to allow borrowing at usury, something that the Church fiercely opposed. It was a combination of three separate contracts, each of which was deemed permissible by the Church, but which together yielded a fixed rate of return from the outset. For example, Person A might invest £100 in Person B for one year. A would then sell back to B the right to any profit over and above say £30, for a fee of £15 to be paid by B. Finally, A would insure himself against any loss of wealth by means of a third contract agreed with B at a cost to A of £5. The result of these three simultaneously agreed contracts was an interest payment of £10 on a loan of £100 made by A to B.

     

    I had read about the contractum trinius some months before first encountering the full documentation behind an Islamic banking murabahah contract. It was the kind of contract that Person A might use in order to finance the purchase of good X from Person B. The bank would intermediate in the transaction by asking A to promise to buy good X from the bank in the event that the bank bought good X from B. With the promise made, the bank knows that if it buys good X from B it can then sell it on to A immediately. The bank would agree that A could pay for good X three months after the bank had delivered it. In return, A would agree to pay the bank a few percent more for good X than the bank had paid to B. The net effect is a fixed rate of financial return for the bank, contractually enforceable from the moment that the bank buys good X from B. Money now for more money later, with good X in between.

     

    The above set of legal devices is nothing other than a trick to circumvent riba, a modern day Islamic contractum trinius. The fact that the text of these contracts is so difficult to come by is one shameful fact of Islamic banking. If so clean, why so secretive? The following is an excerpt from a murabahah contract that was used frequently by two major institutions during the 1990's. The 'Beneficiary' is the client that needs finance, and earlier clauses require that the Beneficiary acts as the agent of the Bank in taking delivery of the goods.

  3. Posted

    SEPT30_debatenight.jpg

     

    I thought Kerry looked more of adeplomat and Statesman and certainly the right man who can make adifference in the hostile foreign policies that have somehow made peaceful Americans atarget for the many torrorist groups.

     

    What comes to mind in Bushes speech was the flipflop repeatitions.....

     

    Here are the next debate schedules..

     

    Vice presidential debate:

    Case Western Reserve University

    Cleveland, OH

    Tuesday, October 5

     

    Second presidential debate:

    Washington University in St. Louis

    St. Louis, MO

    Friday, October 8

     

    Third presidential debate:

    Arizona State University

    Tempe, AZ

    Wednesday, October 13

  5. Posted

    Pretty much disappointed with what I saw tonight...Looks like the chickens have come to roost and our players are kinda tired. Amongst the English premiership teams that have played since yesterday, Arsenal havent looked comfortable and Im disappointed with amere draw knowing that we can achieve more than we r capable of. The championships seems to be asticking thorn in out buttss ....

  6. Posted

    A great investment for Fergie and awarning to many apremiership team. United are back....6-2 the tukeys where shot down big time...

     

    I really dont think he is anywhere near Pele but he has the potential to be agreat player and hope the English media dont destroy him as they do most other good players.

  13. Posted

    I cant help wonder the thinking behind this question.....can someone tell me why someone needs to ask such a question.

     

    Being married to some probably means you dead and have no fun no views and most of all opinions ADEAD END!

  14. Posted

    Just wanna Welcome you to this lovely Metro....here is a brief guide hope it helps

     

    Theatre Lovers ..

    London is home to over 108 theatres and music halls. On any one night there might be 300 different plays, musicals or comedies being put on across the capital. London's West End shows are amongst the best in the world.

     

    Body Worlds

    Body Worlds has been dominating the headlines, but it's not for the squeamish. Featuring anatomical and whole body parts, the aim of the exhibition is to encourage a greater appreciation of the human body. And it's fair to say it's pretty captivating! There are cross sections and whole-body specimens of healthy and diseased bodies for starters. The authenticity of the exhibits is the show's real attraction, but it's also caused some controversy, particularly the exhibits that have been turned into 'artworks'. Take it or leave it, the choice is yours!

     

    London Venue: Atlantis Gallery, The Old Truman Brewery, 146 Brick Lane, E1

     

    The Queen of Sheba: Treasures from Ancient Yemen

     

    Perhaps examining the romance and mystery of the Queen of Sheba would appeal to you, this exhibition introduces the ancient civilisation of Yemen where she is thought to have orginated from. Popular stories about this mythical Queen will be presented in paintings, drawings and other objects from the period. Examples of architecture, religious iconography, dress and jewellery evoke the daily life of the region, including attitudes to death and the afterlife.

     

    London Venue: British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1

     

    Tailor Made tours by private guides

    Private Driver Guides are available whenever and wherever you require it. All drivers are fully qualified by the British Tourist Association. This licenses them to guide in Britain and guarantees an expert service.

     

    Half-day tours take four hours and are an ideal way to orientate visitors. The itinerary takes you round the main sights, shops, restaurants and theatres, showing where they lie in relation to one another. Favourite stops include the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Harrods, Oxford Street and Tate Modern.

     

    Full day tours give you a chance to dive beneath the surface of this unique city. Your guide will accompany you throughout the day, providing information, entertainment and cushioning you from the hassles of modern travel.

    Uncover your own corner of London with LondonTown.com and our selection of the finest private driver guides.

     

    Trips on River Thames

    The River Thames continues to define the very essence of the capital. Since the Romans settled around the river 2000 years ago and declared the area "Londinium", to the recent millennium celebrations. A trip on the Thames is a must. Enjoy unrivalled views of Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London and Tate Modern. Revel in the varied architecture - from nineteenth-century warehouses to the stunning Millennium Bridge (one of 19 principal bridges spanning over 200 years of construction).

     

    Changing the Guard

    London is steeped in over 2000 years of history and many of the capital's longest-standing traditions are still very much alive. Perhaps the epitome of London's surviving pageantry can be found in the ceremonial Changing of the Guard. A hugely popular spectacle, the Changing of the Guard takes place daily during the summer (April-July) and on alternate days for the rest of the year. There is no ticketing, so make sure you get there early.

     

    Madame Tussaud's Waxwork Museum

    Madame Tussaud's Waxwork Museum is the world famous collection of wax figures of the notable and notorious, everyone from Sigmund Freud to Madonna. Recent additions include their new interactive experiences section where you can try out as a Pop Idol, be snapped by the paparazzi, get up close and personal to serial killers and explore the galaxy. Relive David Beckham’s moment of glory as he scores against Greece to qualify in dramatic fashion for the World Cup and squeeze Brad Pitt’s beguiling biceps.

     

    Address: Marylebone Road, NW1 5LR

     

    Kew Gardens

    At Kew Gardens, there are 300 acres containing living collections of over 40,000 varieties of plants. The Palm House is world-famous and there are other magnificent tropical, alpine and temperate houses. The Princess of Wales Conservatory recreates ten different kinds of environments, with appropriate plants in natural settings.

     

    Address: Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB

     

    Tower Bridge Experience

    At the Tower Bridge Experience visitors can see one of the most famous bridges in the world and spectacular views from the high level walkways 140ft above the Thames. In the two towers, there's an exhibition which explains the history of Tower Bridge.

     

    Address: Tower Bridge, SE1 2UP

     

    As for touring Europe..try this page

     

    Euro-Budget travels

     

     

    And a lot more ….

  16. Posted

    personally I think if you're that depressed about your life, and have the money to afford it then why not...your genes wont certainly change but your presentation could slighty improved unless its facial where the skin stretchesso much one can smile without feeling pain.

     

    Then again... look at Michael Jackson, too much could go terribly wrong, cos once you start you might not be able to stop, so maybe it would be better not to start in the first place if you're not horribly disfigured.

     

    On medical ground yes if you are disfigured and need your bits to put in their rightfull places...

  17. Posted

    Its been an interesting start for many ateam....Real were taught a lesson, ManU had anarrow escape and so did we the favourites....Goooners...but then again we have never won an opening so I guess the jitters of Inter came back to haunt the gooners.....ah well we got the three points and thats what matters most. Liverpool did very well and Chalsea I guess are a force in the championship. Ultimately each team has to get the three points and we did. Shame Roma are still living in the stone age and throwing stones or was it the improved versions coins... :D

     

    Oh by the way Middlesboroug though not in the championships did quite well and for me they are avery improved side firing on all cylinders....

     

    Good luck to all ....

  18. Posted

    Well I’m not sure if we can come to a mutual agreement as we do spend most times arguing about stuff that is of no importance. However, many societies do come to conclusive collective mutual agreements. I would love to see us here come to some kind of middle ground.

     

    Bro Yusuf I’m sure the point here is to brainstorm and see what suits us as Somalis and why we think that this would work for both this generation and the next generation and hopeful develop out country too.

     

    Since Somalis base most of their arguments and beliefs on cultural grounds we have no choice but to consider some of the finer points and mix it with the sharia and ofcouse whatever we can pick from the western/modernist ideologies. That way we would have a combination that wouldn’t alienate anyone. The cultural lobby would be pleased; the Islamic lobby would feel some justice and ofcouse the modernists would find it liveable.

     

    One thing we have to understand as Somalis is we neither here nor there in terms of religion. Call it being uninformed but I do know that a lot of Somalis would chose cultural heritage over the Islam at least that’s what I see when I look back at the way most of the leaders cheat their way into power and how they deal with their own populace. Infact one can already see that the present parliament to be is solely based on clanism than anything else and that’s why I say that culture seems to be far stronger than anything else in the political mainstream of Somalia.

     

    We have to work for the good of the larger Somali population and not what we selfishly want to see as the right political system. We need a system that is inclusive and caters for the needs of the everyday Farax and Xalimo and not only the fat cats.

  20. Posted

    Mugabe? Naaaaa he isnt smart dictator at all....imagine destroying the economy of the country at will without a thought and industries coming to ahalt. You need a dictator who keeps his people in check but at the same time doesnt stifle development like Mugabe has done so far. He could have used the constitution to take away lands rather than force it as he did.

  21. Posted

    Talk about superficiality....I cant help but fellow some of us are way too shallow in their thinking here. Now why would you judge a person by what he/she wears? Suddenly do we believe color makes the person wearing it? I cant help but think that one choices are based on what one is wearing rather than the genuine article ....Does the choice of book you are reading depend on the contents or the cover?

  22. Posted

    Hmmm pheww how quick this topic has gone by without me looking at the different response some knee jerk and others pretty good. I thank you all for the contributions. I do take this as a mutual debate that suits all and hopefully too that we learn as we contribute from each other. Politics is something that is in its infancy in our part of the world and I’m hoping that we as the generation of today and tomorrow can somehow come to across as regards the sort of political institution we would like to belong and support. Some of you prefer the Islamic sharia and others prefer the circularized version and a mixture Marxist and Chinese laws…ïŠ. Ideally it’s always good to know what one is talking about before responding to them and I hope and urge you all to read understand and then respond. Listening, understanding and responding are skills that many people don’t have and if one is endowed then he/she should thank Allah for that.

    Most political scientific or political philosophic theories of the origins of the polity and polity-building, suggest that polities are founded by force and organized as hierarchies, developed by accident as centers with peripheries, or constructed throughout reflection and choice as no centralized matrices. In our part there is no such thing an organized political system other than a few who are working over time just feeling their own pockets and spending money that would have otherwise been used for good causes. In real politics the three may be somewhat mixed but in fact every polity is constituted on the basis of one or another, which remains dominant in its form of government if and until a fundamental reconstitution takes place and in this case we Somalis are on ground zero.

    Northerner - thought of it as an organizational chart where power trickled down to the masses but I would call it the pyramid version which is the classic expression of the hierarchical model, with organizational authority and power distributed among levels linked through a chain of command. Having its origin in some form of conquest, the use of force, a possibility in all polities, and its implication of its constitution. Thus it is the military model par excellence. It goes without saying that, in the hierarchical model, the top level must be the most important and the place where decisions are made as to which level does what.

    The center-periphery model is one in which authority is concentrated in a single center which is more or less influenced by its periphery, depending upon the situation in which it finds itself. Such polities or organizations tend to develop organically, either around a center or through generating one over time. They tend to be oligarchic in character, with power in the hands of those who constitute the center. Power is either concentrated or dispersed according to decisions taken in the center which may or may nor include significant representation from the peripheries.

    The federal, or matrix, model reflects a polity compounded of arenas within arenas held together by common framing institutions and a shared communications network. This brings in mind the scattered nature of Somalia and each regions coming together or equals to establish a mutually useful framework within which all can function on an equal basis, usually defined by a pact. Consequently, it reflects the fundamental distribution of powers among multiple centers across the matrix, not the devolution of powers from a single center or down a pyramid. Each cell in the matrix represents an independent political actor and an arena for political action. Some cells are larger and some smaller and the powers assigned to each may reflect that difference, but none is "higher" or "lower" in importance than any other, unlike in an organizational pyramid where "levels are distinguished as higher or lower as a matter of constitutional design".

    I would also love to see an Islamic state with respectable ideals and were resources are distributed through the masses fairly and ofcouse the laws being fair for all and not only the poor. In this case I’m thinking of Saudi Arabia where there is a class system that makes others more powerful and high and mighty than the rest of the masse

  23. Posted

    Sister much as you would like that system to be used, it has never worked in any of the Islamic countries that it was bestowed upon. The human race are weak and follable and so they create asystem that always suits the main players n hurts the grassroots. I wouldnt necessarilly agree with your suggestion that other systems are doomed to failure. Many political systems work well albeit them not being unislamic in nature. So Im wondering how you came up with your point of view having not seen a successful country using the islamic sharia.

  24. Posted

    I believe we as Somalis have never had aspecific political system that suits us as a people and neither do we use the sharia as a model of gavernance. My observations are that... we as somalis use a model based on family and clan more than a wider system that focuses on country and nationalistic ideals.

     

    Please feel free make your point and as had as it may be try stay within the confines of the topic.

  25. Posted

    Well Classic thanks for the quick response....Whilst questioning what pink is and the thoughts that pass through each individuals mind while thinking pink, I get the feeling that its mostly a Western Opinion rather than what some of us have grown up with in our distinctive culture. I have never known Somalis bringing in gifts that r based on color for babies. The concept of the pink color is mostly derived from the western culture and ofcouse the marauding industries that put a meaning to it ie lipstick manufacturers. We are told to believe that pink is soft smooth and ofcouse girlie and to me it looks like the intention of the adverts have hit home bigtime. I think Colour in ones wardrobe should be based on what flatters you and stylish and that may well be pink.

     

    I guess just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and so is reaction to pink.