^^^Lol! Oh I forget to mention I could see my luggage, during the whole flight, while it slid across the plane cabin everytime the plane made a turn.

^^^ Yeah well personally I think it's a good thing there aren't any pictures of a somali man in a wheelbarrow with a gun in hand.

Rudy! :confused: :confused: I honestly think you've coined the sound "HUH?!" writing is a form of communication, and in order for you to communicate it would be nice if it made sense so that the other person would understand the message you're conveying. Otherwise it would defeat the whole point of communicating. Oh and sorry if I sounded rude You know I love you really!

^^^^ Oh my God you people have no sense of humour! :eek: What happened did the grinch of laughter come and steal it all away! :confused: Or is that you all don't think it's not "PC" enough, or maybe it makes a mockery of our problems back home? (Probably a touchy topic) Anyways, I know my 14 year old brother would find that extremely funny. He plays the game Grand theft Auto all the time, and even I've TRIED to play it before... it's hilarious! (If you're sadistic like me ) Basically, what the picture means is that Somali is so messed up they'd steal your wheelbarrow. loooooool! I also think the expressions on their faces is VERY amusing

^^^^^ Actually I believe it needs more! I remember being scared out my wits when I travelled on it, in 2002. There was one Russian stewardess who only knew one word in Somali, which was Biiyo and a Somali man who was suppose to be a stewardess but didn’t do anything to help. While the 11 year old girl in the seat behind me was crying hysterically, because she was unable to fasten her seat belt. Most of the seats either didn’t have seat belts or the seat belt were not working. We ended up tying the two loose ends of the belts together in an effort to comfort the poor girl. After the plane had lifted off at 3am, the amount of turbulence we experienced scared the lift out of me, we sat there saying Ashadah over and over. Finally when we were mid air me and my friend spotted a cockroach crawling out the air vent and so we started screaming, the Somali stewardess came running. When we explained we had seen a cockroach he waved it off and actually had the cheek to insinuate that it may have come along with us or one of the passengers! (Cheeky sod!) The scariest bit was when we were flying over the mountains of shekh and we experience the worst turbulence ever, I honestly thought we were all gonners and started saying my prayers. But alhamduiallah we landed in Burco airport that had a rock lined runway, which explained why we left at 3am…lol! It was an experience of a life time…I was lucky I made it alive!

Congratulations!!! Sorry about the LATE reply. I wish you and your family well inshallah!

Coin Street - Signposting Advice and Guidance Officer Up to £30,000pa depending on experience (12 month contract initially) Could you help find the right training or business support opportunities for people? Are you an excellent communicator with experience of working with a wide range of people and agencies? This new post will be responsible for offering comprehensive information and advice about learning and enterprise support opportunities to both the residential and business communities around the South Bank, London. Working with others you will identify needs and opportunities, and develop partnerships which will assist the sustainable provision of learning and enterprise support services. You will be an excellent communicator and administrator, committed to a social enterprise approach to meeting community needs. Lambeth Borough Council are contributing towards this post. Coin Street Community Builders (CSCB), one of the country's leading social enterprise and development trusts, was set up by local residents in 1984. CSCB bought a derelict 13 acre site on London's South Bank and has since overseen the demolition of derelict buildings, the completion of the South Bank riverside walkway, Bernie Spain Gardens, Gabriel's Wharf, the refurbishment of Oxo Tower Wharf for mixed uses, and the building of 220 affordable homes. CSCB is designing a neighbourhood centre which will include a nursery/creche; out-of-school, family support and youth activities; a learning and enterprise support centre; and a community café. CSCB is also planning a major mixed development including a public swimming pool and indoor leisure centre. Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 24 June 2005. Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday 6 July 2005. You can obtain application forms and information packs including job descriptions and background information from the Director of Administration and Human Resources, 99 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP Tel 020 7593 3114 or email h.jones@coin-street.org. ------------------------------------------------- Women's Resource Centre - Development Officer (Small Groups Worker) Want to work at WRC? We're looking for a Development Officer to join our team (£23,307 pa inclusive, reviewed annually + 5% pension contribution). You will provide advice, capacity building support and guidance to London based small women's groups and organisations who contact the Women's Resource Centre (WRC). You will be required to deliver training, including with other WRC staff members where appropriate. The post requires an understanding of issues affecting the women's voluntary and community sector, particularly groups working with Black, minority ethnic & refugee women and other marginalised communities. WRC is committed to equal opportunities and invites applications from all sections of the community. Please email recruitment@wrc.org.uk for an application pack or send A4 SAE with 42p stamp to WRC, 76 Wentworth St., London E1 7SA. An application pack can also be downloaded from our website: http://www.wrc.org.uk/getinvolved/job_130605wrc.htm. Closing date for applications is 13th June 2005. Interviews will be taking place on 23rd June 2005. Post funded by Bridge House Trust ------------------------------------------------ Volunteer Centre Westminster - Year of the Volunteer Development Officer - Communications and Marketing Volunteer Centre Westminster is an innovative organisation delivering quality services to the voluntary, public and private sectors in the centre of London. It is now looking to recruit for new post of Year of the Volunteer Development Officer - Communications and Marketing. Salary: £23,000 pro rata for the period. Hours: 35 per week Funded through Volunteering England's Year of the Volunteer Action Fund from June - Dec 2005 only. The successful applicant should be able to start as soon as possible As a graduate with experience of working with the media you will be responsible for promoting the Year of the Volunteer in Westminster. You should have experience of marketing and campaigning, ideally gained in the voluntary sector. You will work using a range of media to promote the Year and create sustainable links with the local media. For this post, we are looking for applicants who are confident, have excellent communication and organisational skills and a desire to work with and support volunteers. ----------------------------------------------- Volunteer Centre Westminster - Active Futures Development Officer Volunteer Centre Westminster is an innovative organisation delivering quality services to the voluntary, public and private sectors in the centre of London. It is now looking to recruit for new post. Salary: £23,000 - £24,000 pro rata Hours: 17.5 per week Funded by Westminster City Council and Equal, Off the Streets and into Work Active Futures is a new scheme to enable people who have been homeless or are refugees/asylum seekers to become involved in, and benefit from, volunteering within the local community in the centre of London. With your experience, or understanding, of being homeless or a refugee, you will be recruiting, training and supporting volunteers and promoting the benefits of volunteering. For this post, we are looking for applicants who are confident, have excellent communication and organisational skills and a desire to work with and support volunteers. ---------------------------------------------- Woolwich Development Agency - Director. Salary to £70,000 The Agency is newly created to spearhead the regeneration of this prime key strategic location within the Thames Gateway. This is a pivotal role which has been created in order to carry out the essential changes that need to take place in Woolwich. The successful candidate will lead the handling of this exciting project. This role will need to incorporate the following skills and/or experience: · senior level influence, ranging across complex issues such as transport, housing, tourism and business a visible leader, with strength of character, playing an instrumental role · sensitivity to community issues · outstanding track record in an urban area characterised by complex public/private sector partnerships To request an application pack please contact Caroline Garland --------------------------------------------- Prowess - Women's Enterprise Coordinator - London Region (2 year fixed appointment) from £35,815 to £38,982 pa Prowess is the UK association of organisations and individuals who support women to start and grow businesses. Working with the London Development Agency (LDA) we are looking to appoint a coordinator to develop and drive a women's enterprise strategy for London. We are looking for a diplomatic and practical person to fill this exciting and challenging vacancy. Employed by Prowess and seconded to the LDA, you will be working strategically to increase the numbers of women starting and growing business in the London Region, by: Working with a range of stakeholders to develop a London Region strategy and action plan for women's enterprise, embedding the targets and principles of the DPEI's national Women's Enterprise Strategic Framework. Influencing and inputting into the relevant strategies and action plans of relevant regional and sub-regional stakeholders. You will have at least 2 years' experience of developing and writing strategies and policies for government bodies. You will need to demonstrate strong project management skills and an ability to work co-operatively with all levels within the region. Essential criteria also includes an understanding of the barriers to women's enterprise and the relevant policy issues. You will be a self-starter with determination, as well as a good team player, with an ability to communicate complex information. Prowess is committed to equality of opportunity for all. For an application pack, available in various formats, please contact LDA Recruitment Agents, TMP. T: 020 7649 6033. E: lda@TMP.com Please quote reference LDA/PROWESS/02 Closing date: 25th May 2005 Interview date: 15th June 2005 www.prowess.org.uk www.lda.gov.uk --------------------------------------------- TASHA FOUNDATION - F/T Social Enterprise Business Manager £25,230 - 30,098 (incl OWL) plus 5% pension TASHA Foundation is a substance misuse/mental health charitable organisation and is a registered charity No: 1062805 Purpose: To be responsible for the delivery of quality and accredited training for clients and customers and to manage and develop TASHA Foundation Internet Café and Learn Direct Centre as a commercial venture. Business Management Qualification and 4 years experience of Training or Business Management required For further info call: 020 8569 9933. Closing date: Mon 6th June 2005

I just saw it as an opportunity to show off...Don't ruin it for me!!! You Just gave my game away, DAMN IT!

I hated the damn thing, I had to endure a whole 2 hours and 26 minutes of it! Oh god that’s one form of torture I never wish to go through again! I’ve always hated Star wars…I remember being forced to watch it OVER and OVER and OVER again as a child. I can still hear those unrealistic piercing laser sounds and see those annoyingly iridescent laser beams :rolleyes: ! I seriously thought special effects had come along way since Star wars was first released back in 1977. But to be a little fair the plot was good, but the many fighting scenes put me off the film completely. And I seem to remember the first version being more funny or maybe I’m confused :confused: ! Maybe I’m a little biased due to my traumatic childhood experiences of having to suffer the torment of this and other films like , Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers and even James Bond (Oh god the horror of it all!) due to the predominately male household I was brought up in :confused: . Back then I would much rather watch, Mary Poppings, The sound of music and chitty chitty, bang bang .

Xu interesting question! I recently watched the film “Guess who†with Bernie Mac and it sort of covered the same issue, lol Movie is about inter racial relationships, and in the movie Bernie Mac’s daughter brings home a white man as her new fiancé, which of course the family didn’t take too well. But there was this one dinner scene, where they were all having a meal around the table and Ashton the fiancé is forced to tell black jokes by the family. The scene was very funny and very typical of the society we live in… where some black jokes are acceptable and others are boarder line racist and have the ability to turned nasty within just a few connotations. A classic example from the film is when Ashton says “what are the three things black men can’t get?...a tan, something else (can’t remember..sorry!) and a job†Which had the whole family up in arms about, lol Yet they didn’t seem to mind the other jokes, like when Ashton said… “what do you call a turf with 100 black men buried up to their neck?....an afro turf†They thought that was ‘cute?!’ I also found it strange that this African American family who were the dominate figures were some how threaten, by this one white man, shouldn’t it be the other way around?! ~(Just a thought)~ Anyways getting back to what I was saying…obviously people dislike jokes that are based on stereotypes, and because these stereotypes are usually based on the actions of a minority or a majority from that ethnic group, then people are usually offended by these.

^^^^ Actually, let me have a go at it, It's been a while... Five pillars of Islam 1) Ashahaad (I Bear witness there is only one God, Allah and that Mohammed (saw) is his messenger) 2) 5 Prayers 3) Fast in Ramadan 4) Pay zakkah 5) Go hajj if possible Six pillars of Imaan To Believe in: 1) One god, Allah 2) All his prophets 3) All his Angels 4) All the 5 books – Quran, Torah, Injeel (Bible), Tablets, Scriptures (I’m not sure about these) 5) Judgement day 6)Fate

We all know Somalis have problems with themselves, what with tribes being a major issue…so considering other races is a no go area for many. I remember hearing a quote once that goes something like this… “Somali love three things, camels, religion and Culture, and if they were asked to let go of two them, only culture would be left†And I’m sure my parents would follow suit too, I know my mothers old fashion argument that, she won’t be able to understand or talk to my potential spouse is getting boring! And someone should tell her that it’s a good thing …lol Anyway I wouldn’t call my family racist for having a preference toward Somali people, because I’ve seen the way my family interact with our mixed and non Somali relatives and they don’t treat them any different, in fact they embrace them and always make an effort to welcome them. Maybe that what Rayaan meant when she said “coz the end of the day a Arab will call you aswada (black), and your children behind your back will be called "the children of the black one†^^^ sounds a little typical of what most Somalis do, forget Arabs and Indians! lol But on a serious note, I guess it’s down to personal choice. I seriously don’t agree with limiting yourself because of culture! I don’t even have any Daqaan (culture) much less allow it to cloud my judgement. Therefore I doubt that would be much trouble, as for parents and families!??? What are you all talking about, you’re not marrying his parents nor is he marrying yours. As Zephyrine quite rightly said, that is the very same reason why marriages fail. What with nosy in laws and old fashioned cultures dictating lives. However, having said that…just to save myself from arguments, fights and god knows what else (probably disownment), I’m quite happy with Somalis unless a better offer comes along of course …lol Having said all that, I’m truly appalled by of the out right and some “boarder line†racist comments I’ve read . I won’t point fingers, but really the ignorance is killing me…you accuse others of being racist yet you do not see your own racist nature! This is a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black! (I guess it’s something we’ve all come accustom too) Maybe we as Somalis will one day learn to over look all these petty issues of colour and race and learn to live and let live if that at the very least. Who am I kidding?! This definitely won't happen in my life time, when they’re still feuding amongst themselves!…then again miracles can happen! :rolleyes: Ameen to that miracle!

You know, I thought I was the only person who noticed how odd it looked, when ever you see a Mashallah very Islamically dressed women (who has even covered even her face) walking hand in hand with a man you could never distinguish from a kafir. I'm glad someone else out there noticed, I know my family constantly bugs me for not "looking" like your average muslim girl, but never take much notice of my brothers. They look more 'thugish' than islamic. (lol)

Don't laugh but I got 5, what the hell does that mean?

No baashi, I think you'll find that in north Somalia the when the thyroid expands due to hyperthyroidism it is called a fiix (fiih). And in English the enlarged thyroid is called goiter.

Hello! welcome dear, I think you should have posted this on the actual chat room thread. Oh well anyways nuune (the founder of the chat room) knows that the 10 person capacity is a little tight, so he's promised to upgrade it. mind you he promised this some time ago...and still nothing! Lol But I have faith in him!

Welcome Adnaan! I hope you enjoy it here, in fact I'd like to welcome all our new members...I believe there's 155 of you, and the thought of saying welcome individually to each and everyone of you (Oh god :eek: ) is draining just from the thought. So WELCOME and HELLO to you ALL!

welcome dear! It's always great to see a new face around here...the old lot were getting boring I hope you have good times here, I know I've had a few. Oh and I erm.. :confused: like? the new status, alien plasma. Seriously admin what were you thinking? could you possibly make them feel any worse ?

What's with the nit picking?! :confused: Is there something I missed? So what did BOB do to Haddad ? The guy was most definitely mentally disturbed, but it's worse when they use Islam as an excuse. They just love to taint our great religion.

Sorry I'm going completely off the topic! Ngonge...me and my friend were having a debate about your name, how the hell do you pronounce it. My friend gave up and refers to you as no-Congo now. lol Getting back to the topic, north I don't think HIV can be transmitted through the consumption of food. I always thought...that unless you have mouth sores or cuts and infected sexual fulids or blood is directly in contact with the blood stream.

Guess what Rudy I fixed the damn thing myself. In a small way you were right it was the my security system that was blocking the java applet from running which is very weird since I never had the problem before. I also managed to sort a few others things But MSN is still giving me problems, it’s to do with zonealarm. The thing annoys me…but yet it’s so good to me!

I don't know what to stay because I'm still in shock myself. OG I hope that you get through this hard time and I'm not expecting it to be easy. Life is meant to be hard, otherwise existence would be pointless. Every single nomad here will at one point or has already gone through the same thing, yet they’re still surviving still doing what they’re meant to do. I’m just so sorry it happened the way it did, unexpected death is the worse of them all. But hopefully the one that makes your imaan stronger. There’s no point burying your head in the sand because death in inevitable and unrelenting. Inshallah I hope and pray that you and your family see the light through the rain and inshallah see the rainbow that’s waiting for you to see it, because it’s always there. But inshallah with time you will, Allah has a plan for us all and one day you’ll see the bigger picture, and even if you don’t, don’t worry because faith doesn’t mean you have to see it to believe it or know it. May Allah show mercy one your father and on us all, May Allah show us the light and see why we’re here. We’re here to live and worship Allah and part of life is death so we can live on in a blissful eternity. But until then your father will live on in your heart and mind. Ameen to all the du’as made. Sue

^^^ I'm confused about it...after all we're nomads! I mean the majority of people in SOL were born and raised in multiple countries. Somalia/Somaliland to me is just the place my parents are from, so it's where my roots are from. When people ask me where I'm from I say Somalia. But if they ask me where home is I'll say where ever my family is, because home is where the heart is. So home is London at the moment.

^^^ Love you seem lost, this post is a year old! I'm guessing he married the girl he was asking advice about. Plus he's either a dad now or a going to be. (my memory evades me) But I agree this is by far the funniest post I’ve read!

Originally posted by Northerner: What is the definition of Qabiil? Qabiil was designed as an identity 'tool' only. Ie for you to 'know' your family tree and pass onto your kids for them to carry-on the tradition. Qabiil was not designed as a 'tool' to devide or hate the other. Its funny how you can meet somebody over a cup of tea in a maqaahi and find out that their is a link/relation. It would not surprise me if many SOL members were linked through qabiil lineages (that would interesting). Now when it comes to the question posed, Qabiil shoulnd NOT matter. We all know the long traditions of certain qabiils marrying each other over the years and bringing about many a decent family as a result. However, we are in a transitional stage when it comes to marriage for young Somalis. the long tradition of arranged marriages are slowly ebbing away. this has resulted in some of the older and more traditional folkes becoming very pesimistic about their younger ones finding thier own 'soul mate. They (parents) are looking at the longer term and wondering if the potential new family is a 'well known and well respected' family whereas the younger ones do not necessarily see the longer picture. The long term view taken by parents is if problems occur later on in the marriage, will it be easy for all to communicate positively and squash any problem rather than negative communication resulting in the two to divorce. Therefore, a mutual understanding must be achieved by the parents and their guur-doons. Dialoque is needed between them from as young their teenage years. Examples will be set by older siblings. Many parents may initially be wary of new families they havnt met or heard of but they tend to come round later on if the individual does it (introductions/connections etc) the right way. Just my opinion. ^^^^ That’s exactly how my family sees it, and I understand and some of it is perfectly fine. I don't mind people asking me my qabil in order to make connections and introduction, like any normal meet and greet people need to know who you are where you come from. Not to form stereotypes or assumptions on your character but just to find a common ground. Sure sometimes this is used for the wrong purposes by “stup!d and dumb†(nin_yabaan, 2005 ) people.But obviously they’re not going to change their inbreed culture overnight, so you have to learn to compromise. I would never let qabil get in the way of anything, as long as the potential mate is a good person and is muslim…what more is there to consider? (besides the superficial stuff of course!) Like some nomads have stated already… People are different, just because you come from a “good†or “bad†family doesn’t determine how you will turn out. I’m sure you’ve all seen it… that one bad seed or that one angel in a family. Not everyone conforms to preconceived ideologies …I’m living proof! My parents are very traditional and always stick to the normal traditions…marrying only into closely related tribes and what not. However, I’ve made it very clear with my family that I will not use qabil as a factor when considering a mate. I mean we’re not living in Somalia, if you have martial problems sort them out between yourselves. Why involve the in laws? Personally I reckon in laws cause martial problems…so the less contact the better Jokes aside I’ve seen it in the UK a married couple have problems, they try to revolve it with their families and nothing good comes of it. Someone ends up getting the short straw, being forced to stay in an unhappy marriage for instance and for the sake of what? What other people think? Sorry but that’s one trap I refuse to fall into!