It's hard to write about this topic without revealing a lot about my personal experiences, which ultimately gives clues as to who I am. I prefer to keep that concealed, as I'm sure many of you have gathered. With that said, however, I feel that my life has taught me enough to comment on the topic, and I hope that sharing my learnings with you my readers/followers could inspire and help.

Let's get right to it, shall we ...

I'd like to jump right to the summary and then later elaborate if that's OK: It may also help those TL;DR folks.

Love is a physiological & chemical reaction that, in my opinion, spurs from infatuation. Basically, it's attractiveness that leads to the need; rather, want, to be with someone. This infatuation, by definition, is not a permanent state. What remains is compatibility, dedication, respect, compassion and (my favorite) rights & obligations. How they're used hereon out is what defines ... << MORE >>

As we near the end of school days, and many 1st generation Muslims (and some 2nd generation ones) head back to visit their families, I can't help but wonder and be repeatedly bothered by the phrase "back home." Not to be a hypocrite, I have to admit that I say it too. But believe me, it's no more than a habit. I'm not sure that's the case for many others, however. Here's what bothers me about that phrase, and why I think it should not be said ...<< MORE >>

I feel compelled to create a poster explaining the etiquette of driving in the left lane (aka the fast lane); however, that's best left for professionals like The Oatmeal. Until then, let's review some basics:

There are three (3) road conditions to address:  One lane only roads, 2 lane roads and 3 & more lane roads.

One Lane Only Roads

Whether it's a highway or a country road, I've seen where a vehicle will briefly go over the shoulder to allow those behind them pass —Whether that's one vehicle or three, they let them pass. That is common courtesy. Those who do that are basically acknowledging their discomfort with going any faster, but also respecting the needs of others ... regardless of the posted speed limit. Let me say that in a different way ...

There are drivers out there that drive on a one-lane road that are uncomfortable going any faster than what they're already doing, regardless of the posted speed limit, but have the common courtesy to move over into the shoulder ... << MORE >>

Sex between a married couple is an issue with which many struggle. It could be frequency, quality, or how it's stale and no longer exciting. Although not a Psychologist, I still recognize that the stresses of life and overall communication are to blame for a good part of the issues. But I did not want to tackle that aspect. Instead, I wanted to give my perspective as a guy on the issue(s) that occur when couples are having sex after having been in a relationship for some time (beyond the honeymoon stage)

It could be argued that having sex, beyond intimacy or the act of "making love," is a pillar of marriage. Without which, the implications are vast and have a domino-like effect. The act of having sex, however, should not lay squarely on the wife, as many expect. Men are just as guilty of violating this pillar. The implications start with stress, and can quickly turn into resentment. Unfortunately, in many situations it also leads to infidelity. Beyond the couple themselves, the domino effect continues to affect the family; especially the children. With divorce as a sure thing, the ... << MORE >>

I'm not quite sure how to even approach this topic! I am certain, however, that I better do it carefully.

It seems that their are certain characteristics about women found to be common. Whether or not the female gender agrees, it seems all too often that when men get together, the issues they express about the women in their lives seem quite similar.

Of course, like everything in this article, or the entire blog of that matter, this is not intended as a stereotype. We all know there are exceptions.

For example, women are safer drivers. It could be argued that their "safe" driving is causing a lot of accidents, but statistically they're safer drivers then men. In my observations, this is attributed to an obsessive-like approach to following the rules; in this case, the law. "You cannot cross a solid yellow line. Why else would they have put that there?" Personally, as a guy, I like to see what makes them tic; and so, I ask:  When you need to turn left, and it's not a stop-light intersection, don't you sometimes ... << MORE >>

I have purposely tried to avoid this topic, given my previously long dissertation; but looking at the responses (thank you) I've received, I feel compelled to add some colorful commentary on a couple of items. But first, let's review:

It is my personal belief that 2012 is an event that will rock the World as we know it!  But this is not in the cataclysmic/disaster manner expressed by the movie; or even marking the end of the World in any way.   Instead, it's about how the Mayans predicted (calculated?) the solar cycles with precision, and marking what coincides with December 21, 2012 on our Gregorian calendar to be the end of the 13th & 5,125-year-long cycle. Their (the Mayan's) Mesoamerican Long Count calendar completes a "great cycle" of thirteen b'ak'tuns (periods of 144,000 days each). Onwards, if need be, I will refer to this as b'ak'tun 13.

My personal beliefs about 2012 also include the possible ... << MORE >>

It's no surprise that the Middle East is undergoing a transformation. What I think and fear is happening is akin to a child wanting, insisting, demanding and even kicking & screaming for something new —something they've not had before— only to ... "yuck, I don't like it."

The people such Middle Eastern countries are fighting for their "freedom." But their definition of freedom is different from the next person ... within their own town. Yet, they collectively believe that getting rid of the current regime is step one. I respect and admire that, but I worry about the outcome.

Egypt is at the heart of the Middle East. It's got treasures, natural resources, a phenomenal local with direct access and control over trade routes, tourism (even when under war), culture, civilization, etc. Its people cover a wide range of classes, education, etc. In the Arabic World, Egypt is at the center of all things media. And now they have freed themselves from the main source of corruption in their country. But was that the reason their country is in its current state? I think not.
... << MORE >>

In Islam, the Day of Judgment will not come but on a certain type of mankind.  During this time, and amongst such people, the word "God" will not so much as be uttered.  The prophecy, based on a number of hadiths, is more detailed than that, of course.  But knowing this much ought to inspire Muslims to understand a segment of the World population outside of the typically encountered faiths of Christianity, Judaism, etc.  And I don't mean just atheists, but agnostics as well.

As a side note & observation, many agnostics seem to be the precuror to atheists.  Both groups, however, have similar outlooks on life and morality outside of "organized religion."  This very outlook is what many have steered away from within Islam (and other religions) despite much of it being the core of the religion.

To simplify the writing of this article, and at the risk of introducing an acronym, let's refer to both groups (atheists and agnostics) as non-religion followers (NRFs).  NRFs by practice may surprise many who follow religions.  It may even surprise many that NRFs come across as God-fearing individuals.  They opt out of lying, cheating, dishonest transactions, etc.  The difference is ...<< MORE >>

I'm dying to hear back on this very topic from journalists themselves; specifically, those from major media outlets.  I'm dying to have it explained to me.  I'm actually seeking an education ... a "schooling" of sorts.  And I'd love to have it from the likes of the NY Times, Chicago Tribune, Fox, CNN, etc.  I'm just a blogger, but I represent more than one demographic, I assure you.

Let me get to the inquiry itself.

When something happens, and the suspect happens to be a Muslim or in any way related to Islam, the name of the person is delivered as a trio —His first, middle and last name.  And while that may be normal (is it?), I find it very curious that his religion is mentioned.  If not that, then his occupation as it relates to Islam definitely is.

Let me explain.  I don't know much about the recent news that took place in Detroit where the FBI exchanged fire with a person that resulted in that person's death, but I do know this:  The raid, the shoot out, all of it were not terrorism related.  Despite that, and despite the fact that law enforcement was ...<< MORE >>

Recently, I started thinking about things I'd like to have and how I ought to wait for this or that to happen before embarking on such things.  This all lead me down a thinking road muddled with confusion.  Confusion about the cultural stigma otherwise known as the "mid-life crisis."

Allow me to clarify before I embark such a topic, and give you my take & perspective.  I'm not referring to the controversial medical condition or symptom of mid-life crisis; instead, I'm referring to the phase commonly believed many middle-aged men go through in their lives.  Specifically, I'm referring to the cultural cliché of men where sports cars, hairpieces, and robbing the cradle (and running away) are thought to be commonplace.

Whether it was coined by Erik Erikson, and his theory of personality, or coined by Elliott Jaques as commonly referenced is irrelevant for the purposes of this perspective of mine.  It is, however, worth mentioning that it's commonly spelled without a dash and as such I will continue to do so from this point onwards.  What I do want to recognize, however, is that midlife crisis is an emotional period of doubt and anxiety sometimes experienced by people ...<< MORE >>