Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Middle East and North Africa	dogs	Ok. I mean I always thought He forbade the pig because it was unclean but I mean cow balls are unclean too. I onlly ask because I saw that this is an Egyptian fave on a different website and it made me wonder... If you can find me some cow balls I'll eat them raw!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-11 12:12:00
Middle East and North Africa	dogs	I was told its because of where a dog is constantly sticking its nose that it is considered unclean. Cats must be doubly unclean then! Not all muslims believe that Islam is only based on the Quran. For me, I believe Allah commands us in the Quran to obey and follow the way of the messenger and so I believe the Sunnah is a very big part of Islam. If the prophet said those animals are unclean and should not be kept except under certain conditions then I choose to obey him in that. But isn't the major claim to Islam's legitimacy the Koran, that it is the unaltered word of God? The hadiths are not the unaltered word of God (AIUI), they're stories told by people about the Prophet. How can one give the hadith the same weight or influence as the Koran itself?	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-11 10:47:00
Middle East and North Africa	dogs	"A Muslim minicab driver refused to take a blind passenger because her guide dog was "unclean". Abdul Rasheed Majekodumni told Jane Vernon she could not get into his car with the dog because of his religion. " Now, as I understand it, there's nothing in the Koran that talks about dogs. Also AIUI there is something negative in a hadith, which isn't part of "the recitation" but instead a story about the Prophet or that time. So, why is this guy saying (effectively) that Islam says dogs are unclean?	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-11 09:49:00
Middle East and North Africa	hey Salwa!	I have just posted that but I thinkI was too late Yeah, I was having my cereal this morning and reading the paper when I saw your picture on the back page. I was like, "hey, I've seen that picture before!" If they didn't send you a copy, I can send you mine.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-12 12:02:00
Middle East and North Africa	hey Salwa!	Lemme see if I can find a link so everyone else will know what I'm babbling about... Wow, it was on the front page! Congratulations, you're famous!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-12 08:06:00
Middle East and North Africa	another Great news	Is it this one? Maybe Salwa brought something a little extra with her on the plane...	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-16 10:23:00
Middle East and North Africa	another Great news	hey guys just wanted to let you know ..Mark and I were interviewed by ABC news today and the article will appear in their website next monday..wowhooooooooooooooo Was it a phone interview or did they send a reporter & cameraman? See, I told you you were famous!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-14 10:04:00
Middle East and North Africa	Transportation Issues	that's true. I'll mention it to him and see what he says! only thing is that this week is was 90 degrees with 90 percent relative humidity. after an hour long bike ride, not sure if he would be in any condition to be presentable for work! Yeesh! I hadn't thought of that. In my situation I have two advantages: one, I leave at 0600 while it's still cool so I don't get all sweaty. Two, if I do get sweaty, we have showers where I can rinse off if necessary. For the ride home it doesn't matter, cause I take a shower when I arrive regardless. A friend of mine used to road bike to work about 20 miles and he did it in less than an hour. He'd have to take a shower no matter the weather!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-14 12:18:00
Middle East and North Africa	Transportation Issues	a bike would be great if we lived in one of the central areas I talked about (but those are either expensive or slummy). But SA is soooooo spread out. I just pulled up Google Earth and it looks to me like SA is about 20 miles east to west & north to south. Anything within 10 to 15 miles is doable on a bike in an hour, hour and a half. Here in SoCal I bicycle commute 10 miles one way, takes me about an hour cause I'm not really pushing it too hard. Something to think about.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-14 11:39:00
Middle East and North Africa	Transportation Issues	You live in San Antonio? Have you considered one of these?	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-14 11:12:00
Middle East and North Africa	Travel with MENA question	This link off of Delta's site has everything you need to know about visas for international travel for pretty much anybody. rclouse, this is off topic BUT is that a jet plane humping a star trek space ship in your avatar??? It's the Millenium Falcon humping the Starship Enterprise. It was an entry in an animated Photoshop contest and it just struck me funny.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-18 17:46:00
Middle East and North Africa	Travel with MENA question	This link off of Delta's site has everything you need to know about visas for international travel for pretty much anybody.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-18 12:27:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan Kiss	Public displays of affection in Egypt are not considered acceptable. When I teared up in the airport before leaving, Mohammed put his arm around me to comfort me and was immediately swarmed by security with threats of being hauled off if he didn't move a "respectable distance" away from me. Wow. Morocco isn't nearly as bad in that respect.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-19 12:36:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan Kiss	When will people learn that you can't legislate morality? There are moral standards legislated in every country including this one... it is illegal to walk out in public nude... you will be arrested/fined for indecency in public if you violate this law. It may not be your morals but it is someone's. Do you advocate we ban that law and allow nudist teachers to teach our children in the buff? Wouldn't want to enforce our morals on anyone right? I'm pretty sure there's a big difference between kissing in public and public nudity. Every society sets standards for what is and is not appropriate in public. Some set the bar a bit higher than others, but there's always that bar. Would you prefer officers from the Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Promotion of Virtue to decide for you what is moral and what is not? They've just set the bar a bit higher, right?	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-19 10:40:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan Kiss	When will people learn that you can't legislate morality?	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-19 10:10:00
Middle East and North Africa	our story in ABC news	abcnews.com's search still can't find Salwa's story. I liked the LA Times one better. I think they had a better writer. MI has had snow already? Talk about a shock! I'd invite you guys to live here in California, but we're full.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-25 10:22:00
Middle East and North Africa	Is your SO practicing his religious beliefs?	My point is this is a secular nation. Our laws are applied equally without regard to a person's station, race, color, or beliefs. When one starts saying a law is based on a religious belief, we need to examine that law because if it is, indeed, based on religion, then that religion is being favored. That isn't something a modern civilized democracy does. Around Christmas time, the nation becomes far less "secular". That Christmas has been made a federal holiday has been challenged unsuccessfully in courts, and symbols of it are displayed on public property, sometimes with a nod to Chanukah. If you have been raised to see Christianity as part of your social network, and most Americans are raised that way, then you will not be so sensitive to how often the Judeo-Christian perspective is the basis of social law. In case you haven't noticed, the main thing being worshipped during Christmas is the Almighty Dollar. I feel very strongly about this because this allows you to practice your religion as you see fit. And it allows me to believe what I want without fear of oppression or discrimination. As long as our beliefs do not infringe on the freedom of others in this country, we're allowed to believe and practice whatever we want. How many Muslims are given the opportunity and space to pray during business hours? The freedoms of some are often sacrificed for the efficiencies of the work place. I'd say about as many as smokers given the space and opportunity to smoke outside during business hours.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-28 10:26:00
Middle East and North Africa	Is your SO practicing his religious beliefs?	BTW, places like Austin, TX allow women to go topless, didja know that? So because a law is based on a religion... a religion that the majority shares.... it's not as good a law? Whether you want to admit it or not a person's religion drives him in his decisions.... that include our elected lawmakers... how many non christian presidents have we had? My point is this is a secular nation. Our laws are applied equally without regard to a person's station, race, color, or beliefs. When one starts saying a law is based on a religious belief, we need to examine that law because if it is, indeed, based on religion, then that religion is being favored. That isn't something a modern civilized democracy does. I feel very strongly about this because this allows you to practice your religion as you see fit. And it allows me to believe what I want without fear of oppression or discrimination. As long as our beliefs do not infringe on the freedom of others in this country, we're allowed to believe and practice whatever we want. You can even believe that a Flying Spaghetti Monster created the Universe just 6,000 years ago and that we are all His creatures.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-27 14:50:00
Middle East and North Africa	Is your SO practicing his religious beliefs?	In "Amreeka" this is a matter of secular law, not religious decree or dogma. I think it's driven by religion in some sort of way.... it is mostly christians who have decided that public nudity is bad. It may have ulitmately been inspired by religion in some way, but it is a secular law that all basically agree to. For example, murder is forbidden in just about every religion, but the law against it in the US is secular, not religious. BTW, places like Austin, TX allow women to go topless, didja know that?	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-27 13:19:00
Middle East and North Africa	Is your SO practicing his religious beliefs?	In other countries it's left up to the individual, which is the way it should be. I don't really agree with this and nothing is 100% left up to the individual.... walk down your street in the buff and see how many people call the police... even in Amreeka modesty is regulated for us In "Amreeka" this is a matter of secular law, not religious decree or dogma.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-27 11:28:00
Middle East and North Africa	Is your SO practicing his religious beliefs?	I consider following the rules as you see them as "practicing". At least that's how I understood the question. It'd be nice if it was that simple in the real world. Too many "holier-than-thou" types will decide for you if you're "following the rules". In Afghanistan & Pakistan, a woman's "covering" means a burkha. In other countries it's a hijab. In other countries it's left up to the individual, which is the way it should be.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-27 10:30:00
Middle East and North Africa	Saturday	Working. For another 30 minutes, then I'm outta here!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-28 12:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	A Salute (and thanks) to Ewok	also: One of those and a glass of JP's suggestion and you'll be feelin' fine, I can vouch for it. Just don't overdo it!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-31 16:44:00
Middle East and North Africa	MENA BICKERING	I just thought of a solution: We can ask Ewok to make a section just for well wishing and blowing sunshine up people's a$$e$ all day. The people that don't like it here can go there, we can even password protect it for them Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, Everything that's wonderful is what I feel when we're together, Brighter than a lucky penny, When you're near the rain cloud disappears, dear, And I feel so fine just to know that you are mine. My life is sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, That's how this refrain goes, so come on, join in everybody!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-10-31 16:37:00
Middle East and North Africa	airline from us to cairo	WOW nothing good to say for Air France. I fly it all the time. never late, never lost luggage, great service. I agree, why the hate for AF? The only time I dealt with a "typical" French attitude was the very first time I flew them, I got in the "L'Espace" line instead of "Tempo". When the (obviously) Parisian guy realized I was just a coach passenger he kicked up his nose and told me to go to the other line. Since then when I've needed extra attention (like when I missed a connection in Paris) their service has been exemplary.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-11-06 17:19:00
Middle East and North Africa	Daily Show/Colbert Report Appreciation thread	You can't get hummus without mashing some chickpeas....	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-11-21 15:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Salwa's 15 minutes aren't up!	The Egyptian Sandmonkey has discovered Salwa's story on ABCNews.com. Your 15 minutes of fame aren't over yet!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-11-21 15:44:00
Middle East and North Africa	Pride or Hubris?	Jenn, could you provide a link or at least the date of publication? I never felt patriotic as a kid in Morocco and the same feelings linger today about America and all other nations. I am in my mind and in my heart at least, a citizen of the world that happened to be born in Casablanca. This occurrence could have taken place a bit more south or east and I would have been tagged Algerian, Senegalese etc… As such I believe in loving all the good people and countries of the world equally. I like that statement the best. I'm sure Charles could find fault with it though.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-11-28 11:08:00
Middle East and North Africa	he shoots, he scores!	Thanks, everybody. So far so good. She hasn't had morning sickness at all, just a bit nauseous in the afternoon. Now we have to get a visa for her mom, she wants her mom here when she gives birth. And I've got to come up with a plan for the baby's room. AAAH! So much to do!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-12-13 10:55:00
Middle East and North Africa	he shoots, he scores!	Just to make sure my friends in MENA know about this: Aicha's pregnant! We got the official word yesterday, though we were 99% sure last Friday. ZOMG, I'm going to be a father! P.S. Salwa, we're ony a couple months behind you.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-12-12 18:50:00
Middle East and North Africa	Muslims and pork	Why do we question something that Allah has commanded? Because it's a person telling us God has commanded it. Most of the suffering in the world is visited upon us by men of God saying "it is God's will".	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-12-15 11:21:00
Middle East and North Africa	Another travel question	As long as you don't leave the airport it should be much like changing planes here in the US. In Paris-CDG if you move from one terminal to another (still within CDG) you do have to go through a security chack at the next terminal, just passport/boarding pass/metal detector/carryon X-ray. Madrid-Barajas doesn't though. So YMMV.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2006-12-19 16:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	Direct flights to/from Morocco	Is NYC the only city in the US where you can get direct flights to Morocco? I'm thinking it is. My husband's worried about his mom being able to find her way through several connecting flights, as she's never flown and only speaks Darija. Is there a way that we can request transfer assistance from someone at the airport? Thanks for any info! Liz I emailed janejfk@aol.com who's the Program Manager for Traveler's Aid at JFK about this, and she said that yes they can assist with my mother-in-law changing planes. I also asked about any fee and she replied that they're a non-profit organization and donations are always welcome. Dunno if we'll go that way but it's nice to know your options.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2007-02-28 12:49:00
Middle East and North Africa	Fears tourism will ruin Marrakesh culture and charm	"Tourism brings only illnesses and social deviance," said one young man in a recent survey of local attitudes. "You're wrong," interrupted his mother. "It is thanks to these people that we have bread to eat." mom!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2007-03-01 14:18:00
Middle East and North Africa	Hijab fashion show- youtube video	Is next... DAYWEAR.... very nice Is next... EVENING WEAR.... very nice Is next... SWIMWEAR.... very nice	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2007-03-07 14:56:00
Middle East and North Africa	HELP	You're FIRED!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2007-03-07 15:00:00
Middle East and North Africa	calling morocco	i've used those little $5 phone cards where you call the number and type in the code. i've used joinvip.com (which i like best so far...and what i currently use) but the cheapest i've found for a mobile to mobile rate is about $0.26/minute is there ANYTHING better to use out there that i don't know? excluding computer/voip calls, please:) i'm spending too much money! why is it so expensive to call morocco versus a lot of other countries? my friend calls her fiance in armenia and kuwait and pays wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy less than i do with the same cards. This is why we still have a land line (also for DSL), callling anywhere internationally w/ a cellphone is very expensive. And I dunno why, but Morocco is one of the more expensive countries to call. For our land line we're using 3u.net, it's the best/cheapest I could find. Just getting LD service that has good connections to Morocco is difficult!	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2007-03-09 12:02:00
Middle East and North Africa	LATE SATURDAY OR EARLY SUNDAY	Where is my child right now? Gestating. But not in a box.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2007-03-18 13:20:00
Middle East and North Africa	israel	Completely off topic, but can I just say that the whole "train wreck" thing really bothers me. Sure, it may be funny to some to put up a picture of some smashed and overturned cars. But, my everday work deals mainly with the legal reprocussions of train wrecks. It seems to be in poor taste, especially when many lives are horrendously adversly effected by these wrecks. Sorry, I've just been looking at one too many pictures of dead bodies caused by a train wreck today. Carry on. Hey, I can relate.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2007-03-24 13:56:00
Middle East and North Africa	Converting to Islam	[size=3]Bismillah. Salaam and thank you very much, m&n, for your prompt and concise answer to the question posed. However, and with all due respect, it does not cite Quran nor Sunnah, the elements needed to make a ruling binding. Merely being mentioned in a list in a book of fiqh does not mean that the element is of the sharia, only that the element is of fiqh. *snip* holy #######...maybe arabic is the language of preference 'cause it's shorter! I didn't understand one word you just said. I like to keep things simple. If you cannot understand that then you fail high school English. I thought it was very well written, intelligent, moderate and tolerant. Exactly what Islam needs more of today.	rclouse	Male	Morocco	2007-04-02 14:13:00