Originally posted by Afromali: does he just say,"ok Mr Hadad, the case dismissed" or does he try torationalize? Something along this line: I find the violation is factually inconsistent. or I find the violation didn't occur. and concludes with: Consequently, you're not responsible for the fine. For traffic violations, if the officer doesn't show up, there's no talking, except telling me to get my bond card from an aide. Also, I take with me pictures showing there are no signs that support the violation, like improper U-turn. The bottom line, if you think a little bit, you can come up with strong supporting explanations/excuses (preferably with the aid of pictures).

Originally posted by Papamaine513: I will add my two cents once I get my hands on Kitaab Al-tawheed... It's freely available online. Two links: 1 2

Originally posted by Afromali: I can picture you talking to the judge: "But your honor... I don't use the term your honor; I just answer what I am asked. The whole event is businesslike, oftentimes involving a few or several questions, sometimes raising your right hand and saying "I do." But, I always in advance point out inconsistencies in those tickets. For example, I had a ticket where the inconsistency was the address located on the Eastern side of the street, instead of the Western side. When it's like that, I just say "The address doesn't exist." When the parking or traffic ticket is dismissed, I don't even say "Thank you" or "Have a nice day"; I just grab the dismissal papers or bond card and head for exit.

Originally posted by Nur: I placed Wahhab in the second category, as it means giver of gift, so a person can be a giver of gift but can not be THE Giver of Gift. Bro. Nur, thanks for the prompt response. I read online Arabic newspapers and magazines, and sometimes come across the terms الوهابى and الوهابيون. I was wondering about why they don't use عبدالوهابى or عبدالوهابيون.

This is for those who know Arabic; I have some questions about the name AbdulWahhab: 1. Can a Muslim shorten it; can he call himself Wahhab or Al-Wahhab? 2. If a Muslim named AbdulWahhab develops a theory, can it be named the Wahhabi or Al-Wahhabi theory? 3. This is related to question #2: If another Muslim named Abdullah develops a theory, following the shortening method, how would the theory be named after him? 4. If question #1 isn't possible, what's the ruling of the Islamic teachings about Muslims who use it (either by naming themselves as such, or calling others as such)? For the moderators of this section of the forum, please remove this topic if you find it unsuitable. Thank you.

Mr. OLOL, is this Abucar Said Abubaker? I have read years ago an article written by him on Yemen Times. BTW, did you translate the article from the one on SomaliaWatch.com?

BTW, there's a site carrying her name: Ilaria Alpi.

Mr. ofleh, I didn't mean to set the tone in such a way.

Originally posted by Hibo: His believes I didn't talk about his believes; I talked about his decisions, opinions or viewpoints. His decisions, opinions or viewpoints aren't Somali or African-based; it's Western-based.

No. Simply, because Bashir Goth is too secular. There's something wrong with being secular. Secular Muslims aren't assertive, and independent to make their own decisions, opinions or viewpoints.

Originally posted by rudy: u talking about starting salary of > 110k! Let's be realistic here. Yes, you could be making that figure, but only in big/expensive cities like Los Angeles or New York, not in Des Moines or Madison, WI. Even then, you will be leading a lifestyle different than those who make $1500-$2000/month. Chances are greater you'll hook up with a blonde Anglo-Saxon. Chances are greater you'll mortgage a townhouse & an Audi (Lexus?). There's also the nearly $100,000 loan you have spent on your mba. You know what I am talking about? That kind of figure is less likely to be blessed; it quickly evaporates. 110k isn't a big deal. In fact, you could save more with the Associate degree you got from the community college, plus a responsible & humble lifestyle. Yo.

Originally posted by Cuchullin: I was wondering whether any somali's have managed to enter Harvard/Oxford/Cambridge and the like? Attending Harvard/Oxford/Cambridge doesn't make one elite; that's a Third World outdated myth (pre-90's). Those educational institutions are much hyped. Education in those institutions is inflated, with the scope of making the maximum profit. Oftentimes, one graduates with several tens $thousands in debt, and no good chance to get an entry-level job. Yes, there are Somalis in those institutions, so are other nationals. Anyone can attend there, as long as they got tens $thousands to burn. But, careers are shifting, with some getting deprecated, some no longer viable, others requiring upgrade after one graduates.

Originally posted by Jason: Our leaders are our biggest enemies and they are products of our cultures mixed with western education(for some of them). Wait a minute; are you saying the mixture with western education is the culprit? Interesting.

Originally posted by CAAMIR: What do you know of the Socotran Archipelago I have heard claims that the Archipelago belongs to Somalia, that Yemen is illegally occupying it. I am not sure if the claims are correct.

Originally posted by ofleh: You left out: mofos 1 Indeed.

Some observations about the topic; terms and the number of times it were used: WTF 3 shit 2 f%ck 1 f%cking 1 goddammit 1

Originally posted by OG_Girl: بينما انت تختار شخصيات معينه كأنهم غير قابلين لنقد ارجع لمجازر إبن سعود للأهل الجزيرة بما Ùيهم الاطÙال والنساء وإستغلال الدين الحني٠أبشع إستغلال مستخدمين Ùتاوى الشيخ. على العموم ليس لى ناقة ولا جمل ÙÙ‰ هذا المنتدى السلام عليكم الأخت، لم اÙهم المغزى من ربط المجازر بالÙتاوى. هل ان ما تريده ان تقول هو، الÙتاوى هى التى سببت المجازر؟

Originally posted by Discreet1: Patriotism and nationalism have thier subtle differences. Indeed. However, patriotism is the manifestation of nationalism. Your inference that american patriotism is recent, does not hold water, its been around since the civil war. recent relative to post-911, not since the civil war as you've inferred. There's a chance you were in the US before 911; Have you been aware of any signs of showing patriotism? I am talking about the average Joe/Jane, not opportunist politicians or political events.

Originally posted by Discreet1: How would you characterize the millions of americans who have the stars and stripes proudly displayed on their cars, their front porches, even as their pc screensavers? Oh, you're talking about the recent fervor of American patriotism? It's attributed to the events of 911. Even then, only few bought the stars and stripes on their own, most were motivated by commercials. This is about seasonal business opportunism, similar to the one which motivated many Americans to buy duct tape. Few Americans care about patriotism or displaying it. In fact, Americans are more loyal to their local state and sports teams. At the moment, American patriotism has declined to pre-911 level. It might be even declining further.

Originally posted by Guhaad: I know what nationalism is or isn't. So does anyone. This is my pictorial definition of who nationalists are: Nationalists This is my pictorial definition of who sports fans/zealots are: Sports fans/zealots What do they have in common? Flags and shouting (just to name a few).

Sister OG_Girl, I got you. This is how I initially understood it: Ø·Ùيلى: تصغير Ù„ Ø·ÙÙ„, meaning mini-baby, just like جميل is for جمل.

Originally posted by Discreet1: I might just give it a shot Better not; it's illegal if it works. You think the authorities will let the sale of such a product that will drastically decrease $billions in revenues? Nah.

Originally posted by Guhaad: You either say yes or no. Being a nationalist is irrelevant. Why? Because nationalism is a colonial instrument meant to delay the development and progress of the Third World. Proof: Nationalism is irrelevant in developed and developing nations. What's relevant is being an economic power. Nationalists are similar to sports fans and zealots.

Originally posted by Sky: Wether it's the increasing westernization and arabization of our culture or toxic waste being dumped by outsiders. Is there's a campaign of westernization and arabization of Somalis' culture? I don't believe so. No one is forcing Somalis to a cultural transformation. Sure, a different society & culture could have an influence, but transformation happens with the individual's choice. Besides, there are millions who don't transform culturally. Adopting some different culture is good, sticking to some of one's own is bad (like Somalis' clan-based).

Originally posted by SomericaN: I think minneapolis city has somehow become a regular at taking a share of my paycheck every month. It's not only Minneapolis; it's most (if not all) major US cities. Those who are hit mostly are African Americans, immigrants and the poor. It's particularly hitting very hard African Americans; just drive through where they congregate, you'll see a considerable number of cars with the Denver boot. The policy is meant to weaken & disenfranchise them, and/or delay their progress. They're the usual victims, because they easily pay for it, either because they don't know what they can do about it or because they aren't proactive. You won't believe how much cities make ($billions) from this policy. If you easily pay for those tickets, the city will send you more tickets. If you fight, even if you lose by contesting, you'll force the city to spend money on judges & administrative officers. So, be aggressive and proactive about those tickets.