Month: May 2005

The Arab Beyond

I just found this interesting new blog called “The Arab Beyond” by a Palestinian in the U.S.

The Arab Beyond. It is the Arab beyond stereotypes, beyond fear, and importantly, that Arab on the beyond: acting now, guided by a secular, progressive and determined vision of the future. Progressive Arabs have a triple responsibility: 1) to actively join the toiling classes and communities

Book Fair

We just came back from the international book fair, and man are we tired, we’re just exhausted.
It was full of people as usual, although more bearable than the first days of its opening.

There were basically the same countries that come with their books every year, but I did notice a little change in the type of books that were being exhibited. Religious books are still dominating, although less then last year, and the two new types of books that are coming strongly into center stage are children’s books and books about health, beauty and macrobiotics.

The thing that brings me down though is that most of the Arab books are either old re-issued books or translated ones. It’s as if there are little to no new Arab writers nowadays, which is a big shame.
Each year I keep hoping it will change and that there will be some kind of revolution in Arab literature, but it hasn’t happened yet. Still I remain optimistic that the day will come.

I came out of the whole thing with two novels: Pattern Recognition and Secret Smile. They seem like 2 good reads.
I’ll let you know when I get around to reading them after finishing the book I already have in hand.

All in all, it was great visiting the book fair, as always. It’s good to see that people still read and that they’re encouraging their children to read.

What Does My Birth Date Mean?

I just came across this little thingie that tells you what your birth date means. I tried it out for my birthday, March 11th, and this is what I got:

Your birth on the 11th day of the month makes you something of a dreamer and an idealist.
You work well with people because you know how to use persuasion rather than force.
There is a strong spiritual side to your nature, and you may have intuitive qualities inherent in your make up, too.

You are very aware and sensitive, though often temperamental.
Although you have a good mind and you are very analytical, you may not be comfortable in the business world.
You are definitely creative and this influence tends to make you more of a dreamer than a doer.

It’s weird, but a lot of what they said is right.
I don’t know, I don’t really believe in horoscopes and stuff like this, but well it amazes me how sometimes they’re really close to reality.

Anyway, try it out yourself. What Does Your Birth Date Mean?.