Khayr, The Da Vinci Code, is a well written thriller story, it's pupose to make money and to become a bestseller because it is accessible to anyone who has reached puperty and who can read. I don't think it's a particularly deep story but I do appreciate some of the historical facts that are incorporated. eg. The existence of groups such as Opus Dei (not sure of the spelling) that still exist and have prominent members, such as the Edcuation Minister Ruth Kelly.

Thanks Bashi, I've already read that.

25. Your cleaner is Portuguese, your grocer is Somali, your butcher is halal, your deli man is Israeli, your landlord is Italian, your laundry guy is Philippino, your bartender is Australian, your favourite diner owner is Greek, the watch seller on your corner is Senegalese, your last cabbie was African, your newsagent is Indian and your local English chippie owner is Turkish. LoL, thats so true and what I love about London. Again, very true: 26. You wouldn't want to live anywhere else until you get married.

A very good read from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,1710836,00.html The Basra video should lay to rest a scurrilous lie The smug superiority of the British over their peacekeeping efforts in Iraq is an insult to those of us who live there Jasem al-Aqrab Thursday February 16, 2006 The Guardian Since April 2003, the people of Basra have consistently been bemused by reports that they and their city enjoy a state of calm and stability under the command of the British forces, in contrast to the north of Iraq and the so-called Sunni triangle. As someone born and bred in Basra, I hope that the recent images of British troops beating young Basra boys to within an inch of their lives will allow such claims to be laid to rest and show a fraction of the reality that has made life throughout Iraq a living hell. When the Abu Ghraib scandal broke a couple of years ago, I recall a commentator on the BBC World Service smugly saying that the Americans were heavy-handed and undisciplined when it came to dealing with civilians, while the British were far more restrained, touring Basra in their berets as peacekeepers rather than occupiers. My estimation of the BBC World Service dipped when the other side of the picture was not presented. The truth is that ever since the fall of Saddam Hussein's tyrannical regime, abuses and atrocities committed against Iraqi civilians have been a regular, at times daily, occurrence throughout the country, including in Basra. These have been committed by American, British and Iraqi official forces. Hearing the British prime minister describe this latest incident as an isolated case fills me and fellow Iraqis with anger. It adds insult to very serious injury when we are told that this humiliation, torture and violence is the work of a few "bad apples". From previous experience, the most we can look forward to is a whitewash inquiry and possibly a young, low-ranking soldier being made a scapegoat. As a strong believer in the need for Iraqis to use the political process to bring about change, it is not difficult to see how innocent youngsters are radicalised and why they turn to widely available arms. Those who were beaten mercilessly while being mocked by the film-maker for their pain and humiliation will never listen to me or my colleagues when we try to win them over to peaceful ways of venting their anger and frustration. Their families, loved ones, friends and even those who see the horrific images on TV will be ever more convinced that such degradation can only be met with fire and force. The allegation that insurgents have flooded into Iraq from neighbouring Syria and Iran may hold some truth, but the flooding I fear is the daily recruitment of insurgents by the brutal, inhumane and tyrannical treatment that young Iraqis experience every day at the hands of occupation forces, as well as the Iraqi government forces they support. Although I and numerous members of my family suffered personally, physically and otherwise at the hands of the Saddam Hussein regime, and dreamed for many years of the day he would be gone, I always opposed the invasion and occupation of our country. Subsequent events have made me even more convinced of the fallacy and immorality of the military campaign that Britain and the US have pursued in Iraq. The biggest indictment of the war and occupation is surely that more and more Iraqis are speaking publicly of how life was far better when Saddam was in power - an achievement most Iraqis never imagined possible. Tony Blair's suggestion that British forces are in Iraq to educate Iraqis in democracy has only added salt to our bleeding wounds. This rhetoric harks back to imperial times when Britain was a colonial power and treated my forefathers, as well as many other peoples in the world, as backward savages. It hurts me that despite Mr Blair's first-class education, he seems to have learned so little. Until recently, Britain was admired and respected by Iraqis. The few who had the chance to visit or study in the UK were looked upon with envy. The past three years have seen to it that that respect has been obliterated. Iraqis have suffered immensely over recent years, first from the west's support for a despotic dictatorship, then from 13 years of sanctions that ravaged the country, and finally from a war and occupation that reduced a once-affluent country and its highly-educated people to rubble and dust. It saddens me that Britain has had a significant hand in every episode that has heaped misery on Iraqis. At a time when a brief apology and admission of fault by the prime minister would have gone a long way towards reconciliation between our peoples, he has chosen to widen the gap still further. I suggest that next time Britain hears of a fallen British soldier in Iraq, Mr Blair should be asked about his role in that tragedy. I share with the majority of Iraqis the belief that the only way forward is the immediate departure of American and British troops from our country. The suggestion that this would make matters worse is at best laughable and at worst a scurrilous lie. Matters cannot get any worse, and they only became this bad because of the decision by American and British leaders to wage war against a people who were already suffering. I have no doubt that I will see my country truly free and liberated from tyranny and occupation. I pray that this happens without the further spilling of blood - Iraqi, American or British. · Dr Jasem al-Aqrab is head of organisation for the Iraqi Islamic party in Basra

Walalayal, Allah dadkhan uma wayniin cunto, it is a test for all of you. This is what I recomment: * Pray , and never tire of prayer * Give everything you can, forget the pathetic excuse of fraud, spend in Allah's cause and Allah will spend on you. * Stop absolving yourselfs of responsibility by blaming war lords. I know a lot of us already give money back home for our relatives but spare a thought for those who have no one to depend on. Every one of us can search for NGOs or whatever other organisations are out there and give support to them. Try to actually contact ppl in the region to find out more of the situation. Try to raise awareness among other Somalis and encourage them to give. It is not enough to feel helpless and enjoy 3 meals a day. I know our hands are small but they are still effective. Insha Allah I will do some research and share what I can find.

lol Lazy, can I apply for a job? I have a squeeqy clean rep and would uphold the honour of this e-paper.

Uff, nicotine, coffee was better. ALhamdulliah soon they'll ban it in public spaces in the Uk, im really happy.

For your information Red Sea, I read the Quran more on a daily basis. Happy?

Yes Khayr everything is influenced by our internal values, including even so called 'objective' pure science. As for Harry Potter, I do think it covers the same themes of Chronicles of Narnia, but it doesn't state them explicitly. Clearly the Lion Witch and the Wadrobe is a Christian alegory. Truth, Honesty, the ancient topic of Good vs Evil is discussed in the form of Harry and Lord Voldermort. The children undergo trails and tribulations becoming 'vitorious'. They fight for the 'Good' bravely. They deal with loss & death and afterlife. These themes never die but the way the are told change. I think they teach children important lessons. p.s. Sorry about the nick, I'll pay more attention.

Che, just don't think about it. Fresh air rejuvinates. Lots of water, and keep busy! Sometimes, it could be imaginary. I hate coffee, Im into tea but I can live without it. Choclate is prooving to be difficult.

Blessed, Tolstoy & Castro, those sound like fascinating reads, will look into them. Khyar It would be a Herculean task to define exactly what literary theory is. If I could do that I would be loaded. Anyway, I’ll have a go and give you the briefest and general outlook because your question covers a huge topic. Literary theory is concerned with how literature is read/approached. From whose perspective and from which tradition. The traditions that are common reflect the type of literature that is dominant as well as who wrote that literature. the theories also reflect powerful movements/historical changes that have shaped societies and education(marxism & feminsim). There are a number of approaches to literary theory common to humanities in general, the popular ones being Historical Criticism, Formalism, Post colonialism, Psychoanalysis, Structuralism, Marxist theory , Postmodernism (the works of Habermas specifically have great impact in literature of the early 20th century) Feminism and the eternal Critical theory. Literary Criticism is born out of literary theory. This may also lead to questions about the nature of literature. What is its purpose? To entertain? To educate? (Plato) To imitate/represent nature/art? (Aristotle) You can see some of these debates are still raging with no end in sight. Thus to conclude, the purpose of literary theory is to ask questions, and keep asking them so that we may not take what we read for granted. It also shows that much of literary theory is a Western product.

^^^ Absolutely, I don't take joy in belitering Muslims when there is enough blittering going on already.

LX, An example of Taliban cruelity, It was well documented that girls were killed for going to an ALL GIRLS SCHOOL tought by ALL FEMALE STAFF. That public excecutions were entertainment, and children as young as 9 were encouraged to excecute deviant members of their families in front of these crowds. I will not go into all the atrocities that the Taliban committed in the name of Islam. I hate to break it to you but there are bad Muslims out there. Back to the topic...

Alla idhinka dhagx ba tihiin, after all that's been said? You should all be shipped off to Boorome, then you'll get a taste of what's on offer. As for me, I'm glad things have calmed down at work, no more sea of rose with each girl looking more proud than the next because her flowers appeared bigger or more expensive. What's worse was the loud exclaims and feigned suprise of wondering who the flowers could possibly be from? No, it's only your bf of 5 years. p.s. flowers are welcomed any other day of the year except the 14th

Laba X and Khyar, as the sister stated already, I have no problem with Sharia laws, but I doubt these kids knew what they were doing was 'illegal'. Where was the education? Where was the warning? We don't know if any of those things took place. I don't think people are complaining about this from a religious point of view but more about how the problem was dealt with. How is demanding a fine Islamic? It's either punishment or reprimand. They should just release them and warn others so next year anyone who gets caught knows what to expect. I recommend patience in all things. As for Afghanistan under Taliban, it was a disgraceful perversion of Sharia.

I think 8 months is a bit harsh. A warning would have sufficed. Perhaps they didn't know the origins of the day and only wanted to be cool or 'westernized'. And since when did having a party become banned in Somalia? I don't want to return to no Afghanistan.

Khayr what is your point? Literary theory, yes I know about it I studied for an entire semester (it was compulsory) in my final year. If you are interested in it read Literary Criticism, Norton Anthology volume, it has lots on literary theory from Plato to current day.

lol@Metro, that paper annoys me, it gives the impression that it's dumb while being informative at the same time, I can never make up my min. I did the whole Dan Brown thing last year too, glad that is over. I was recently gripped by Katherine Slaughter, some chilling stuff. Also if you are into thriller read The Straw Men.

It's been a while since we had a book discussion. I have just spent 45 min of my lunch break browsing Books etc. book store depleting my life savings. Has anyone read anything fascinating or insightful lately that they would like to share? I'm constantly looking out for new things to add to my reading list. I mean it could be a book on any topic ( although anything with historical relevance sends thrills down my spine). I will start reading 'Birds Without Wings' by Louis De Bernieres on my tube journey home. Will share when I've finished it. The blurb says its a historical (fictional)tale about Christian/Muslim Turks and how the onset of war will has effected their lives. I await your responses.

I dare them to shock us for once.

Justice, I haven't tried these particular ones but I have a similar black pair, and the inside layer of the shoes is really comfortable, round front won't hurt your toes and the heel is chunky so should be balanced. Having said that anything over 3 inches is ridicules, and I see these are 3 & half still beautiful though, but definately not every day shoes, like 2/3 out of 7 days shoes.

Here some nice comfortable looking high heels: well it wouldn;t let me post so here is the link http://www.jonesbootmaker.com/ebusiness1/store/product_details.jsp?pid=25724&cid=100&brc=&red=product_list.jsp?id=100,mid=-1,

^^^ lol, you were reading my thoughts exactly. I mean soon it 'll be Tour of Somaliya.

Only you can help yourself, eliminate the causes of arguments by laying down common ground. It's only arguments, sort it out.

:rolleyes: So who else here is spoken for to save potential JBs the cold gust of wind?