Bambina, To cook or not to cook? Is that the question? If you get time to spare, by all means, do cook and learn all the culinary skills you can master. By doing that, you are not only enhancing your profiles but you are also helping your mom and I’m sure she needs all the help she can get. If you are the kind of girl who wants to please her lovely husband by doing all the right stuff true ladies do to make him feel home, then you would not object fixing the hot dish (that unique recipe the good old lady taught you how to do) for him. I’m sure he will reciprocate your love and care by showing the appreciation his own unique way. Gentlemen don’t mind fixing a dish for their wife or kids if they know how or if they have time for it. What they do mind is the competition, dhabiisha, and all other unnecessary *****ing right in their own home after a long day of work with a long frustrated traffic jam. In an era of microwaves, fridges, dishwashers, and other electronic appliances, it shouldn’t be that hard to cook for someone you love with all your heart - that is if you are at home while he is out working his butt off to make the ends meet. Darling, plz listen mom and if you can learn few especial dishes from her save no effort to master it. It will come handy later when you meet that special man who has an eye for a true lady who has the full package.

^ Ma boodin ee waxa aan aad ula dhacey xikmada, sideedana suugaanta Somalida xushmad badan baan u hayaa. Annigu Qallanjadeydii waa horaan rag kala dhex baxay ama paltalk aan ka doono ama si kale aan wax ku keenee sxb waan hayaa mid aan la quudhi karin oo Maanka iyo indhahaba deeqda. :cool: Armaad adigu tahay ninka wali tiisii heybinaya oo xataa beentii wax ku keeni waayey Hadii aad ku sari weydid ha la i tilmaamo dheh ileeyn taasu ceeb ma ahee

^^I love it! Nasir, who is the author? you? This is a nice poem; keep them coming sxb plz. Bilis xaawalay iyo rag, waa kalama baydhaane Cidlo lagama beermeen, hadii layska baal maro’e Carmal baashaheedii wacnaa, boogi kala gaadhay Oo beenta way necebtahee, barasho waayeele Iyo qaar sidii geenyo ba’an, weli yar buubaala Iyo qaar haduun baaluqoo, sheeko baranaaya Gidigood rag waw baahanyee, paloow adigaale Indeed!

Originally posted by Opinionated: Allah -> arabic word for God God -> english word for Allah True but the point is: In English language the God can be female such as Goddess or can be many such as Gods! SubxanAllah. Whereas the Arabic word Allah there is no such multiplicity and does not implicate the gender of the Supreme Being. Its beyond our imagination...got it?

Yet, the politicians are the ones who are empowered to legislate - at least in non-Islamic polities. They pass laws that govern from driving tests to capital punishments. They set the agenda for all of us. They have the power to declare war or make peace. When the realm of politics is left for few “bad apples” to lead, the rest of us would pay a terrible price. Bro Nur, I’ve pondered over the whys and hows our current “warlords” attain such awesome power at the expense of the rest of the Somali population. I went to the bottom of this question and come out empty. It appears that the convergence of gamut of factors gave them the upper hand. Greed, collapse of the government, and animosity between the lineage segmentation of the Somalis aside, it’s the negative tribalism as a political tool that the warlords find very useful to stay in this game of political “anarchy” that enrich them so much.

This is good one Samurai, Are these whites too smart? Can we condemn them for being the incarnation of the evil? I’m not terribly fond of generalizations per se but these Europeans/American governments and their imperial designs for other races or for that matter the whole globe is nothing short of “evil”. First crusaders, slavery and colonization followed, then they got too smart and come up the UN, WTO, World Bank, IMF, etc. And now they come up with yet another evil idea: Globalization, intellectual property (watch out geed hindi genetic blue print might be owned by this NACALATULAH firm!), etc. Yamin Zakaria pinned the irony in this paragraph: Europeans are forging unity despite having differences in language, culture and religion with deep historical feuds. Simultaneously the Arabs, despite possessing a common language, religion and culture are moving in the opposite direction, as each state attempts to uphold the new forms of national identity engineered by the former colonialist. Yet, this is supposed to be an anti-Imperialist programme to create the Arab revival! It is pertinent to note, that the colonialists of today are enthusiastic in sowing the seeds of further division (Shia, Sunni, Salafi, Turk and Kurd) in the Arab/Islamic world whilst they are busy forging greater unity in their own lands. What do we make of this? Anyax teg eelna reeb!

1. Quality of Nur Post in general = 5+ 2. Variety of the topics = 5 3. Depth of the topics = 5+ 5. Ease of understanding of topics = 5 Specific Questions A. Should Nur Focus on one subject, or keep the variety? Variety B. If you vote for focus, which topic is your favorite? Social issues (Somali), Softwaano, Educational Satire (with subliminal messages). C. Quraan, your feedback on Nur approach of Tafseer. Good. D. Hadith Science.your feedback on Nur approach of Hadeth Good. E. Social Drama, Any sensitivities. None. F. Techno Jargon , Any Confusion on vocabulary used. None. E. Somali Posts, are they of any help to Nomads who may have never seen a cael outside the zoo? About Nur i. Any advice for the brother, please say it, I promise to take it with grace ( I have enouh napkins to wipe out tears). Brother Nur continue the good work. You are very talented man who uses his talent and time wisely. My suggestion to you is: Open Q & A thread in Islam section. Ask the SOL-ers to direct their inquiries to this special thread. Once it is posted I’m sure you will save no effort to address their questions and clarify the inquirers of their deen. Illahey ha kaa abaal mariyo dadaalkaaga. P.S. Will let u know the E-Mag Insha’Allah.

Always be patient, kind, and forgiving with kids. "Be sure before you judge. Love has a far greater value than material possessions." I'm sure many families can relate the scenario this peam is depicting. ------------------------------------------------ Writing On The Wall A weary mother returned from the store, Lugging groceries through the kitchen door. Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son, Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done. "While I was out playing and Dad was on a call, T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall! It's on the new paper you just hung in the den. I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again." She let out a moan and furrowed her brow, "Where is your little brother right now?" She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride, she marched to his closet where he had gone to hide. She called his full name as she entered his room. He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom! For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved. Lamenting all the work it would take to repair, She condemned his actions and total lack of care. The more she scolded, the madder she got, Then stomped from his room, totally distraught! She headed for the den to confirm her fears. When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears. The message she read pierced her soul with a dart. It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart. Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it, With an empty picture frame hung to surround it. A reminder to her, and indeed to all, Take time to read the handwriting on the wall.

and you wonder why S.landers want to be independent lol Aha! that is it

Ciid Mubaraak to u too sis and Ciid Mubarak to all SOL members and Aamiin to the prayer.

^Very good summary.

Lion-teaser Jr., There is no “truth” in politics in general. There are conservatives, nationalist, liberals, Islamists, etc and in turn they have agendas to advance, goals to reach be that economic, social, or host of other policies. These groupings operate within the rules of engagement even though their world outlook is different. Ours is different. There is no political parties with defined political agendas (within SL is an exception) but SL, PL, reer Hebel, etc. We are in a perpetual semi-anarchy with the exception of the shaky “recovery zones”. Might, guns, and foreign friends can get you on the table. Now, nomads who are active participants in politics section reflect the mood and political climate of their respective hometowns. The political reality and actuality on the ground is filtered through BBC, Allpuntland, Hiiraan, Jamhuuriya, Arlaadinet, etc and other biased media outlet. None of us here, I think, has a bird's eye view on the big picture of what’s happening back there. Nevertheless, some nomads take the news posted on these outlets in its face value which leads to a heated debate if and when these innuendos and half-truths are refuted or questioned. Every group puts spin on their failures, showcase their progress, and promote their leaders. To them they speak nothing but the whole truth when they post these propagandas for their region. My suggestion to you is let’s not talk about this subjective “truth”, for it has different meaning to the concerned nomads. It is their opinion and I for one can live with that. I find the debate on the topics such us federalism, secession and separatism, “Somali-weyn”, etc. very interesting. Sometimes it gets emotional and that should be expected from the nomads whose versions of history or political/tribal persuasion have never been refuted. “From Abdiqaasim to Riyaale to Yusuf Yeey to the very folks” you “thought were respectable(Aadan Cadde)” are all fallible men. They have history - a long one. With exception of Aadan Cadde, none of the current leaders have economic, national, or for that matter political policy that I can put my finger on. They are all engaged in the art of “political expedience” and “coalition of convenience”. They have perfected the art of tribalism. Yet, I don’t blame ‘them’ per se! They are in unprecedented power play at the regional (IGAD) stage. Negative tribalism is the only winning ticket at this stage of Somali politics. It is wrong yet that is the real “truth” (my take at least). That’s my input for now!

Yasmine, We were hostages to a small group of dictatorial, repressive government officials aka military junta. They employed espionage (dhar-cad/NSS), torture, intimidation, and other tactics (borrowed from the Warsaw pact) to subjugate the populace. Simply put it was impractical to become active participant in the Somalia's political discourse. The ones who questioned the policies of the 'revolutionary' council were made examples for all to see. It was a treason (high crimes) to even speak of your mind as far as the politics is concerned. It was a suicidal to venture in realm of politics. Lastly, contrary to the common believe, there is no such thing as sponteneous uprising. It takes a lot of effort and organizing skills to put one together. The ones who were at top had NSS working for them to prevent that from happening.

double post!

MMA, Purely cunning or simply irrational? how about survival and trying to make the ends meet in a harsh, dog eat dog, envirnment. Waa yaab, cajiib, dhabanaheys, ashqaraar, anfariir, amakaag, af kala-taag, iyo wax dadkeyaga dhulka shisheeyaha degan ay la fajacaan laakiin qeyb nolasha ka mid ah ka noqotey meelaha nabada iyo amniguba ku yar yahay sida Muqdisho iyo Kismaayo.

I don't know about this...ever heard these lyrics: Quruxda yaanu leenahay qallabka yaan u sidanaa? Hadeydaan wax nala qaban! Ma rag qaarad kale jidha buu noo qorey Illahey? And your answer is?...then don't become another Doob qallanjadiisii gabay! ee kuwa mudan ee rag yaqaanka ah la kalaam...amaantana ha ka badin qaar baa eeda e.

Afxakame has a point. Britain was a colonial power then whose aristocrats and queens's officers made decisions for their subjects. That is not the case today. Today independent Somalis are masters of their destiny. Sool and Sanaag Barri residents are part of Puntland for they don't want their people to carry two passports under two different flags. Why would they want to do that. Only "laba-garaadle" would entertain such hallucination. That is not going to happen. Likes of inna Adam Adde are "laba-garaadle" as the poet eloquently put it: Sida gaari raadklii, ninyahow gees walba u jeeda, Ninyahow labada ganni ee aan is galin jeeb isugu geeyey, Ninyahow shaley anniga ila joogey ee Godey ka sheekeeyey, Walee laba-garaadloow kaama guro sheeko. And kaama guro sheeko was the response he got from the "issimo". That response should be repeated loudly for others to hear it clearly.

In answering this question, Mr Abdulqawi A. Yusuf thinks there are four groups whose interest is to see themselves as the gaurdians of future Somali state or else...! 1.The warlords. We all know who they are. 2.The Warmongers, the financiers, and business allies of the warlords. These lot "run the plantations and manage the ports and airports; they organize the drug-trafficking and arms trade; they establish contacts with foreign companies for banana exports and fishing licenses. They promote the image of the warlords to the outside world as "faction leaders" or "clan elders," and generally put their racketeering activities in a positive light. Every year or two, they print new banknotes which are exchanged against the dollars or euros received by the impoverished population as remittances from relatives abroad." 3. Legions of wannabe presidents. 4. Perpetual candidates for leadership. The author asserts that if we are to break free from the hold of these self-promoting groups Somalis "will have to find a solution to their sorrowful predicament" and shoul "overthrow the yoke of their homegrown oppressors." He recommends for foreign involvement such as the West and neighboring countries. If they want to help Somalis, he said, actions such as "freezing of the warlords' ill-gotten assets, travel bans on them and their families, sanctions on foreign corporations doing business with them and the establishment of an international commission of inquiry on massacres and mass murders committed by them and their armed thugs " will be one-step closer to a lasting peace in Somalia. He also calls for "targeted assistance to those regions and areas where peace and stability have been secured through civilian-based governance" Such assitance on the "basis of such self-governing units" lays the foundation of a future Somali state "federal structure". Finally he warns others to engage a futile attempt to "find a magic formula for a rotating presidency among Somalia's warlords, warmongers and wannabe presidents" This opinion appeared on IHT as a commentary. You can read it here

^^ typo that what it is I guess!

^Thanks again. Great! Sophist and Barwaaqo, I will let u know through pm when I got things in order and ready to roll. I appreciate your contribution on this...Thanks.

Gabaygan Waa saban wuxuu soo baxay Bishii May 28,1994tii, waana mid sifeynaya Aduunkan waxa ka jira Gaar ahaan Soomaalida Siyaasad ahaan sida ay marinkii ay u seegtay, Gabaygu wuxuu leeyahay sidatan : Waa Saban Waa saban sokeeyuhu markeer suuqya kuu tumane Waa saban siyaasadi wax tarin sumucu qiiqaaye Waa saban sariigtii habluhu kaba sawaaleyne Waa Saban Alle ha noo sahlee saancad uu kacaye Waa saban saqiir iyo kabiir maare uu sido e Waa saban midkaad saxar ka tiri seeda kaa jariye Waa saban soomaalidu noqdeen sun iyo waabeeye Waa saban an soonkiyo salaad lagu sifoobeyne Waa saban sunada kii fushaa laga santaagaaye Waa saban suxuur loo kacayn soonki oo galaye Waa saban ninkii soof lahaa sadaqa dhiibeyne Waa saban simaadhii Janaad suusna loo bixine Waa saban sabiyo Aabihii kala socdaaleene Waa saban sarqaankii kacaa saarka loo tumiye Waa saban an sooryada la siin seedi kuu yimide Waa saban kufriga saacid kiis loo suguud dhigane Waa saban salaafxumi nafluhu kaba siqooneyne Waa saban sargaal talinayoo silic ka joogaaye waa saban hadaad sama fashaa lagu salaamayne waa saban sir iyo beentu tahay hadal sixiixeede waa saban saruurada gabdheed saasba loo dayine Waa saban siraanyada coleed saabka loo suraye Waa saban sifaad kiisa aad saarin ebidkaaye Waa saban Daruuraha salliban seymo kuu curane Waa saban saqdii loo kacaa saro colaadeede Waa saban saqiir iyo sirqaba seeftu ay mariye Waa saban saaxiib nimadu tahay sayma lagu reebe Waa saban midkaad saakushaa saahid kuu noqone Waa saban qabiil lagu saliday saaca maanta ahe Waa saban sakaal lagu ridoo suufi uu taline Waa saban sawaadkii habeen seexad aad ladine Waa saban sareedadi ilaah loo saldhigi hayne Waa saban waxaa webi sussumi sarac la beerayne Waa saban mid magaciis saxayn uu suldaan noqone Waa saban siniyo saariqnimo lagu sareeyaaye Waa saban sidii saxal nujuum sibiq ku dhaafaaye Waa saban safkaan kacay haddeer saaqid uu yahaye Waa saban an saxan saxo udgoon , lala sumbaaxoone Waa saban si loodayo nafluhu seegay marin kiiye Waa saban sifaalaha aduun lala sureeraaye Afartaas intaan sada ka dayay sadar ma qaadsiiyay Sarmaseegto hadalaan lahayn maysu wada soocay Sowd kalana siyaasadan sirgaxan balaan ku saameeyo Siyaasadi ma aha inuu sargaal sama ka weecdaaye Siyaasadi ma aha inaan qabiil saacidnaa Ebide Siyaasadi ma aha inuu sar-teen sumucu leefaaye Siyaasadi ma aha calan surnaa siibay oo nacaye Siyaasadi ma aha inaan sabool saabir noqonaaye Siyaasadi ma aha silic u dila kii sokeeya ahe Siyaasadi ma aha soofka dhaca qaalma saransoore Siyaasadi ma aha sibir kharaar sun iyo waabeeye Mana aha Soomaalida inaan , silc dilyeeynaaye Mana aha inaan soorka daro saafidii Dumare Mana aha saqiir keen inay gaajo solotaaye Mana aha santaag iyo anaa kaa sareyn Ebide Mana aha sadkaad cuni lahayd soorti waa gabiye Mana aha anaa seeda jari sidigta Maandeeqe Mana aha sariigtiyo ka taga samafal Ruuxeede Mana aha surkaan jari ninkii aan i saacidine Mana aha salaaf xumo inii lagu sifoobaaye Subbeeh-nimo ma fiicnee ragaw saxa kalaan kiina Ama silic Soomaalaay ku jira saadanbaad garane. By C/rashiid Axmed Xuseen

Many thanks Barwaaqo that was very informative piece. Not to mention how you kept your promise...I like that sis...bravo! BTW, who is the author...u? ---------- A new e-Magazine is under discussion; join us with your contribution I intend to spearhead a team effort to create a successful professional e-Magazine. I’m mindful the challenges that is inherent in such endeavors. To undertake such time-consuming project is not easy, to say the least. With your help (members) and with the help of SOL administration, and moderators, we can and we will succeed if we try. The mission of this e-Magazine is to provide a platform for Somali writers, community activists, educators, watch-dog groups, and other like-minded groups to discuss, share, and promote ideas that serves the interest of Somali community everywhere. If successful, this e-Magazine will serve as Somali’s window on the world. It will publish reports, essays, poetry, art, Islamic lectures, and social commentaries for Somalis prepared by Somalis. With this e-Magazine we will have an opportunity to speak and connect to Somalis in a way no other publication ever has. The talent, the readership, the energy, and hopefully the will are all here on SOL and it will only expand. This is one of those rare opportunities. If we mobilize all of these into positive direction and provide real leadership, soon before you know it, things will start rolling into fruition. One way you can help is to contribute this effort. For instance, a dispatch of entrepreneurial opportunities in South Africa sent by Huganka Idealojiyada, the state of Somalis in Canada prepared by MMA, a dispatch of the challenges and opportunities faced by Somali school children in both UK and Australia posted by Ameenah and Raxmah,, satirical piece on nomadic pride in Anarchy weighed in by sage Nur, Barwaaqo’s take on women issues, and Hibo’s diary on her recent trip to Somalia etc., can cover a wide range of interests and can attract a diverse readers. All in all, I post this to encourage the administration to follow through this idea as well as to get SOL nomads’ attention to this effort. Remember friends there is no failure except in no longer trying. Let’s try it and help us get there. Will you?

^^Right on Barwaaqo! Time management is a must. From experience, my advice is to join a study group and take advantage of the help provided by TA's and the tutors of your school. Keep u head up sis...trust me it will be over pretty soon and Insha'Allah you will reap the benefits of your effort.

Sis Opinionated wrote, Again, that was not necessary and stop being so accusatory! were you not taught the art of arguing a point without character assasinating? But I guess that's the SOL way I accuse no one in that post nor did I character assassinate you or anyone else. It was an opinion and I could be wrong. Nevertheless, that is how I see things at this point of time. If you took it personnel, I assure u it was not. We are not going at it again, are we? I hope not...my sincere apology if that post offended u or anyone else for that matter. This discussion is good one...for the sake of SOL nomads lets not spoil it plz. Dawaco, that was really good discussion thanks for initiating...

H.I., My 2 questions r sidelined! Here they r again; What is it that you object about the route PLers had taken considering the anarchic reality of the Somalia that once existed? How would you go about if you faced the dilemma faced by the PL elites? Dilemma : let the warlords and their mafia do what they do best or embrace any workable political solution available? Remember we agree more than we disagree. I just want to understand how you reason in answering these 2 questions. Waiting...