Changing it Up

I have moved my blog to chereenz.tumblr.com


I haven't moved all my old posts so feel free to check them out here. 


See you on the other side ;) 

If the only book you've read this month is Facebook, be ashamed. 

Be very ashamed.

US Debt Crisis for Dummies

So basically, we're all screwed.

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity? - BRILLIANT!

The Religious vs The Spiritual

In this holy month of Ramadan, you can't help but get to thinking about spirituality, life, love, and all of the above.

I used to consider myself quite religious. Until recently.

Granted, I'm not veiled and wear bikinis in the summer (when tacos and cupcakes haven't gotten the best of me), but regardless - I cherish the strong connection I have with God. I have strong faith, enjoy prayer and attempt to stay on the right path as much as possible. I used to pray that I meet a man with the same sentiments in hopes that I could bond with someone on a religious level.

And then I did (elhamdillah, which means Thank God). :)

Then one day, after he finishing praying, I asked: "Karim, do you consider yourself religious?"

He replied, "No. I'm spiritual."

Same damn thing, isn't it?

It's not. The majority of people are turned off from accepting religion due to the intimidation of the strict rules and regulations they see attached. They fear of the stigma of being called "religious" because of those it's associated with.

If you saw me out on the beach in a swimsuit, would you imagine in a million years that I've done 3omra (or mini pilgrimage) 5 times? (elhamdillah). Probably not. Because I don't look "religious". I'm not walking around in Muslim garb preaching the ways of the Prophet and the fear of hellfire and the fountains of Paradise.

It's unfortunate that many of those who dress religiously as representations of Islam actually behave in the complete opposite manner. We've seen the veiled gossip and backstab their friends. We've seen the bearded cheat and sexually disrespect women. How a man can claim he's religious when the same hand that stole money also holds his rosary beads, I'll never understand.

What's piety without spirituality? And how can you claim spirituality if your hypocritical actions speak louder than your words, beard, and/or veil?

These days - the term "Religious" has become a label so that others may recognize your piety. But spirituality isn't for others...it's for you.

To each his own. Faith is a personal thing that should be no one else's business. And that my friends - is spirituality. The ability to go out with friends who make their own decisions and not judge. To be able to pick up a passage and read it, believe it, and embrace the direction and solace that it provides. To use prayer as meditation for your own life and faith, not because someone's forcing you into prostration in fear of punishment.

So next time someone asks if I'm religious?

I'll reply, Nope. ;)

Ramadan Kareem!

Hola Marbella!

Welcome To The New Generation

THIS IS NOT FASHION.

I place these Louboutin's in my "This is not fashion" genre. 

I love Christian Louboutin, really, I do. There's nothing sexier than that red sole. 

But tracing back to my opinion on ridiculous fashion concepts (wrote about it earlier) - this is not fashion.

What this is, is absolutely ridiculous. This is physically impossible to wear, unless you're a prima ballerina - and even then, they don't go out and walk on their tippy toes!

Fashion is creative and artistic forms of wearable clothing.

So is it art? Yes. It is fashion? No. 

Is it still absolutely adorable? Yes. 

Sigh.

The Sound of Freedom

Is it even possible to hear this song and not get goosebumps? 

Well, probably if you don't understand Arabic. 

And it's a damn shame too, because this song never fails to make me tear with Egyptian nationalistic pride.

"Sout El Horeya", meaning "The Sound of Freedom", was filmed in Tahrir during the Egyptian Revolution and doesn't promise anything, doesn't insult anyone, it simply expresses the new sound of freedom ringing through the streets of Egypt from the people themselves. 

The different signs that people are holding say things such as: "We heard the voices of those unheard,""Let's not use the word "I" anymore", etc. 

Every time I start to get frustrated with the chaos of the post-revolution transition, 

I listen to this song and I'm brought right back.

Tahya Masr.

A New Definition for Baltaga

"What 11 September did to the usage of the term “terrorists,” the Egyptian revolution did for the word baltageya."

Amazing article on the term "baltaga" by my professor and friend, Adel Iskandar:


Revolution Interrupted? The baltageya


"The greatest danger posed by baltageya is not that they instill a state of uncertainty, fear and paranoia in the country, or that they create a culture of violence, or that they foment divisions among the revolutionaries (such as the recent sectarianism), or that they distract from the revolution’s priorities or that they might be ushering, through their actions, a virulent form of military totalitarianism in Egyptian. 


Instead, the baltageya are most frightening because their very existence, at least as a rhetorical and legal construction, creates a space above the law. Beyond simply serving as a scapegoat which can be easily demonized, vilified, and eventually punished, they are a shroud which conceals the real actors who sponsor unrest in the country."

Not Guilty?!

Best responses to the ridiculous Casey Anthony verdict

The Break-Up Guide

Alas, I am back with yet another one of my brilliant theories on love and life. This one is not a theory or syndrome per-say, but it is something that everyone has gone through at one point or another - and if you haven't, then read this so that you are prepared for it.

I have broken down the science of the "break up". No pun intended. 

As any girl, I've had my fair share of heartbreaks but it was only until about two-to-three years ago, that I went through what was probably the worst break up of my life which taught me more about love and life than anything else. Since then, I have monitored and guided the break ups of girlfriends, taking into consideration my experience and those of others. and VOILA! The break up guide is here to help you ladies through your next heart break (God forbid). 

Step 1: Tissue Town

This is the worst part. During this phase, the break up JUST happened. Possibly last night even. This is where you are so upset that you actually feel a physical pain in your heart (hence the name - heart break). This is where you cry. A lot. No really - so much you'll start to wonder if you're normal (you are, don't worry).

At this point, you miss the person, regardless of whether they were wrong or not. You crave the goodnight phone call, the constant company you always had, and remember every good moment. You start to wonder if it was mistake - was there something you could have done? This is where you have to try to stop yourself and realize that everything happened for a reason (it'll be hard, but try!) You also need to realize that guys detach a lot easier than us ladies and try to move on asap, so try not to go crazy waiting for his phone call.

The only positive thing about this phase is the weight loss - get ready for the easiest weight loss diet ever. Without even trying, I lost 2 sizes. Unless you're an emotional eater - then step away from the Ben & Jerry's.

Your friends will say nice things and try to make you feel better but honestly, they're just being nice. The best advice I can pass on is what my best friend told me: "It hurts. And it'll continue to hurt, until one day it won't hurt so much. And then the next day it'll hurt less...Until one day you remember what it felt like, but it doesn't hurt anymore. It'll just take time". 

Step 2: WTF!

Put the tissue box away and bust out a stress ball because you're about to get PISSED. At this point, you start getting angry at everything that happened. You start realizing all the things that you put up with that you shouldn't have. You think of what he should have done. Could have done. You wonder why you accepted things and realize what you really deserved. You swear off love and men indefinitely and roll your eyes cynically at anyone in a relationship. You begin imaging what you would say if you only got the chance, scripting your words into a perfect monologue.

You're going to get really angry, but it's okay...things are just about to get a whooole lot better ;)

Step 3: Holy Shit - I'M AWESOME.

Welcome to the biggest ego-boost you're ever going to have. After being so angry at things you settled for, you realize what you really deserved. When you embrace your qualities and what you really want - you start to fall in love with yourself. No really. You walk around with an arrogance and confidence that is matched by no one. You're freakin unstoppable. You're no longer angry, so you accept the things that you needed to work on and the things that you accepted. You embrace what you really want. You'll also get like a bagillion ideas of things you want to do now that you're your own woman. Hell, I went and got my masters degree. 

You'll actually enjoy being single. When you walk into a club and when a guy smiles at you, instead of wanting to punch him in the face for representing every ex-boyfriend, you'll smile back. And that's huge.

Step 4: I'm Back, Bitches! 

The picture says it all. You're finally over it. Your "me high" will start to wear off a little and you'll come back down to Earth with the rest of us, still confident but not arrogant. Maybe you're on good terms with your ex, maybe not. Either way, you're finally happy enough with yourself to move on, and perhaps when the time's right maybe even meet someone new. But the best part is - you won't settle. You won't date someone out of the need for affection and attention. You'll know when to compromise and when not to. 

Either way, if you've reached this point, you don't need to read this anymore - because you're good to go ;)

**Every woman is different so please don't let me death notes if this doesn't apply to you...(although you're probably in the angry stage!)**

Unfortunate Reality

CEO gets 20 months for stealing $3 Billion, Homeless man gets 15 years for stealing $100.

Story of my life

HAHAHA "you are ruining my life". 

I really wish I thought of this during grad school when DC cops enjoyed ticketing me every other day. 

The Awkward Girl Syndrome (AGS)

Just a little intro for you...

Over the past few years, I've constantly been approached by family and friends about my naive attitude towards men.

When a boy likes a girl, or vice versa - one of two things should happen: the liked person reciprocates the feeling, or they don't. Pretty simple, eh? Well according to friends and family, I have unknowingly epitomized a hidden option C: leading the person on.

But I don't mean to! - I shout - He's like my brother, I'm just being nice! 


A-HA! (the American aha not the Egyptian a7a...) Apparently, not everyone is like my brother?

Taking the problem into consideration and needing to satisfy my incessant obsession with understanding humanity, naturally - I came up with a theory!

The Awkward Girl Syndrome

Hi, my name is Chereen, and I suffer from the awkward girl syndrome (AGS).

What is AGS? The awkward girl syndrome plagues women all over the world. It's an epidemic that only certain woman will understand, and traces back to their teenage years - such as yours truly.

I was undoubtedly an awkward teenager. I suffered from an extensive case of teenage acne, I had frizzy hair of which I had no control over (or knowledge of useful products), I was chubby, wore braces, and I had not yet grown into my facial features. Let's not forget to credit my Middle Eastern genes for the excess of overgrown eyebrows and that I had yet to learn the art of threading. Long story short - this girl was not the hottest chica in town, let me tell you.

I was praised for my extroverted personality (which also confirmed my lack of physical attractiveness) and was every boy's friend. I was rarely the girlfriend (don't get me wrong, I had a few fans here and there). I was usually the platonic friend that helped the boys get the girls. I crushed on the class hottie? He crushed on my best friend. Was I upset? Meh, it was high school, I was more concerned with why my chest and ass were growing at double the rate of my white friends (thanks again Arab genes).

Because I was the friend more than I was the girlfriend, I grew up treating my guy friends like brothers. I was so comfortable being myself as a friend that I never had to worry about boundaries. THEN. Thankfully, I eventually grew into my body and learned the art of the sexy. But while my fly may be fierce now, I still treat boys like I did when I was 13.

Now while not every teenager gracefully floats through puberty, there are those girls that really just blossom into hotties right away - and those girls learn the tricks of the trade from an early age. Many of my friends who did not suffer from AGS, can deal with men effortlessly now. They know when to flirt (which my friends and exes will confirm I totally suck at), they know when to seal the deal, and when to back off and send the right messages.

As for me? I'm retarded. I will treat every guy like he's special...and for those that may have feelings for me? I end up hurting them worse than if I had just initially showed that I wasn't interested. I end up giving them false hope. Essentially, the awkward girl in me still thinks every guy is a friend with platonic intentions.

So what to do? Well, essentially girls that suffer from AGS have to learn to set boundaries. Since it's happening at a later stage in life, you may find it difficult and uncomfortable at first, but eventually, you'll find that less guys hate you for leading them on and you won't need to deal with rocks thrown at your window at 3 am. (Ahmed, seriously, I'm just not interested. Want to go to dinner to talk about it?).

...Shit. 

Beat the beat yo - A Real Artist

This is music...

Historically Hardcore

"Rising Sun" by Shepard Fairey

A limited edition "Dark Wave" variant released to aid relief efforts in Japan.

London Town

Just some photos I took during my trip to London a few weeks ago...

Vote No - قول لأ

LA2!! 

Why? 

Because Egypt deserves a fresh start. 

ON REPEAT

By far, one of the sexiest, most amazing albums ever. 

Praying for Egypt

Praying for Libya

Praying for Bahrain

Praying for Japan

Praying for every nation in need of support right now! 

One Month Later

It's been one month since my last post. I've been so busy keeping up with revolutions and natural disasters, I haven't had time for my own blog.

But I'm BACK!

Looking at the past three months of 2011, I can't help but pray for thanks, pray for patience...and wonder the remaining 9 months of the year will bring us! 

There is no doubt those seeking reform have been inspired by the downfall of Mubarak. 

‘Egypt is the centre of the world for us,’ said one. 

‘What happens there has a tendency to happen here. They had a king, we had a king; they had a coup, we had a coup; they had a kleptocracy, we had a kleptocracy; they had an uprising . . .’ 

He did not need to finish his sentence.

It's been 25 days since my last post.

I've wanted to write, I've wanted to share, but I've been speechless.

Utterly speechless.

As a considerably outspoken Egyptian studying social media who loves to write, naturally I've been asked where my two cents are on the whole situation. But night after night, between January 25th until today, I paused at my keyboard...speechless.

Today, I will not write about the influence of social media on the Egyptian revolution. Today, I won't let my keyboard win - I will write about my Egyptian revolution. Not my political position, not my opinion of Mubarak - but my very own personal Egyptian revolution.

So here goes nothing.

These past couple of weeks have been intense...an emotional roller coaster that I, as well as the rest of the world, was completely unprepared for. I was angry, I was scared, I was frustrated, anxious, nervous, but most importantly, I was hopeful.

I was hopeful that the country that was known worldwide as "Om el donya" (the Mother of the world) would one day be as beautiful as she should be. The country who's warmth, kindness, and light heartedness could only be compared to the embrace of a mother. A country who's civilization dates so far back that it baffled my mind that it could be so behind nations 1/10th it's age.

There's a famous saying in Egypt that claims that Masr heyya omy or "Egypt is my mother" - my experience explains why.

I was genuinely angry at first. I think back to the first few days where I was frustrated with the planned revolution of "Jan 25th" teasing that only Egyptians would "plan" a revolution. I was scared they would lose and bruise the country's esteem worse than it already was. Egypt couldn't afford anymore heartbreaks. I was angry because the corruption had trickled so far down to the poorest streets and people that I feared they would tear each other to pieces. "The revolution has no leader!" I would shout and tweet, scared shitless of what was to come. My anger was undoubtedly fear based.

Have you ever experienced fear so deep that only your mother could shake you out of? Om el donya shook me awake. She showed me that although corruption had poisoned her children for quite some time, the essential core that she raised them with stood still. As I worried about my parents, family, and friends in the chaos of looting and thugs, Om el donya comforted me with the chivalry she had implanted in her men, sending boys and men out to protect the streets.

After the chaos, she reminded me of the beauty of sha3b el masry (the Egyptian people). The demonstrations were peaceful and happy, more like celebrations. The Egyptian people were fearless, they had decided and were just waiting for the government and the rest of the world to catch up. They would not rest, but with no violence. They laughed, they sang, they cried, they danced, and true to Egyptian style - they cracked jokes. Even in the most emotional times, they cracked jokes! Yes, there was undeniable tension between people (including ridiculous Facebook fights), but what's a revolution without a little tension, eh?

I cried at the sight of people cleaning the streets after the protests. I have never been so proud in my life. I may have been born and raised in Washington, D.C. and while I do consider myself a proud American, the Nile runs through my blood...my parents raised me with Egyptian values that I can't deny. My brain is American, but my heart is Egyptian.

I watched the world get blown away by the grace of the Egyptian people. I watched as Coptics and Muslims protected each other during prayer. I watched my American sister-in-law beautifully embrace her husband's culture. I watched Egyptians all over the world (including myself) fall in love with Egypt all over again, and truly feel the guilt of mistreating and insulting her. I watched my people change Egypt and the world forever.

And for that I am proud.

I am still scared of what's to come...where will we go from here? Who knows?

But I do know one thing -  I am not pro-Mubarak. I am not anti-Mubarak. I am Egyptian and damn proud of it, and I will continue to pray that God protect Egypt and the Egyptian people. I will continue to pray that the Om el donya gets treated the way she deserves. 

Incredible

This song brings tears to my eyes and gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.
Beautifully produced, beautifully written...just beautiful.

Fe kola shara3 fe beladi, so2 el horeya be nady
(In every street in my country, the sound of freedom calls)

Beat the beat yo - Awesome Mash up Covers

These kids are amazing, they've got a bunch of covers on YouTube.
Check out their mash ups Decues/Loving you no more & OMG/Rude boy.
I also can't get over the blonde girl's voice in the cover of "Unthinkable (posted below as well)

Kiss my ass Ke$ha, THIS is talent.

Amazing.

An amazing analysis of the Koran by a non-Muslim. Beautifully explained. 

"The fact that so few people actually do read the Koran is precisely why its so easily to quote - that is misquote. Phrases and snippets taken so out of context in what I call the 'highlighter version', which is the one favored my Muslim fundamentalists and anti-Muslim islamophobes"

Damn you iPhone

Gotta love the iPhone's auto correct! hahahah

Hilarity

Sexy Fashion Blog.

If you love shoes as much as the next girl, you will LOVE this blog. My friend and classmate Stephanie just started her own blog, "The Serendipitous Sole" which I've already fallen in love with.

I'm also purchasing those Michael Antonio mushroom pumps ASAP.

Check it out! The Serendipitous Sole

Hilarity

Georgetown University's CCT Graduate Program

The new teaser promo I made for my grad program.

LOTD: Kanye

You're my lies, you're my truth

You're my war, you're my truce

You're my questions, you're my proof

You're my stress, you're my masseuse

~  Kanye West "Lost in the World"

Beat the beat yo - I can't behave myself!

Can't stop listening to this song.

Why my friends are better than yours

Because they do stuff like this:

I love you Erika! 

Beat the beat yo - Jay Z vs The Verve

Holy sexiness to my ears!!

Dirt Off Your Bitter Sweet Shoulders - Jay Z vs The Verve

In matters of food, I am French. In matters of love, I am Italian, and in matters of business I am Swiss.

~ Shantaram

Hilarity

Thank you Hadeel! 

You betcha'

Let's all practice our shocked faces.

Shantaram

I am currently reading the sexiest book ever. 

The words...the descriptions...the story...
it's just incredible.

"You have to feel your way into the reality, beyond what we see with our eyes"

SOLIDARITY

Um El Donia, or "The Mother of the World", she is called and for a reason. 

Besides the obvious history, Egypt is known as warm and loving. With it's pollution, it's corruption, it's traffic, and chaos...she is beautiful for her warmth and embrace of her people. 

She is beautiful for the unification of its people during good and bad times. 

Whether it's a soccer game or bombing, whether you're an Ahly fan, Zamalek fan, Muslim or Christian,  the country unites in chants and support. 

And this my friends, is why Masr is Um El Donia.

Beat the beat yo

Can't get this song out of my head...

It's the end of the world as we know itttttt

Dead blackbirds falling from the sky in different states, 100,000 dead fish washing up shore...and finally, TWO people won the lottery using Hurley's "cursed" numbers from LOST.


All within the first 5 days of 2011.


So I don't want to jump to conclusions or anything, but we're all going to die.

Stop Whining.

I had a discussion with one of my friends the other day about Mark Zuckerberg and the Winklevoss twins, when I realized that Zuckerberg was absolutely right in the movie when he said that it wasn't just about the idea, this is about the first time that the Winklevii didn't get their way.

I understand that Zuckerberg is not the most social fella, not the most likable, amicable guy and he did take an idea and make it better. He took their seed, planted it and grew a freaking forest. So they complain he knew that timing was everything, yes that's true and while Zuckerberg had the first-movers advantage, why the hell didn't they continue and learn from his mistakes? They could have still pursued their dating website, learned from where Zuckerberg was messing up and made something of themselves.

That's called competition, son.

The Winklevii not only had the resources, but the brains, friends, and the personalities to take their project and make it work for themselves. Facebook was still within Harvard walls, they could've created a better idea, taken his idea and branched out, or even just created the "Harvard Connection" and focused on a different niche. But no, instead, they bitched. A lot. For awhile.

The Olympics, a gabagillion dollars and a movie still wasn't enough for them..they're still complaining! During a recent interview with 60 minutes, the interviewer asked why they were still complaining, even after they've been paid. They responded that it was their idea.


But mom, it was my toyyyy first

And of course, coming on top once again, Zuckerberg made them look like children when he responded "I feel bad that they're still upset about what they think happened". SLAP.

Yes, it sucks when someone potentially stole your idea and became the world's youngest billionaire from it but be Harvard gentlemen and handle with it class already. Jeez.

Hilarity

That's right, bitches.