:: Noor ::

:: 12.19.2001 ::

IHT: Muslim Women Claim Rights to Their Lives "To the extent there is public debate over the role of Islam - as armor or emancipator - that debate often turns on the subject of women." But I still don't think that living in the west is as different as we think outside of the educated power elite, just farther down the scale.
:: Sarah Smiles 11:10 PM [+] ::
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Finally a picture of anjou, the royal princess. Thank you.
:: Noor Noor 4:39 PM [+] ::
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Why are there no pictures of the new little princess in Japan! Given the media in Japan I'm surprised her picture isn't plastered up everywhere. geez.

I'm not sure why I find this so interesting...perhaps because I've always wanted to visit Japan (and a soft spot for royalty).
:: Noor Noor 9:20 AM [+] ::
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perhaps i'm behind on the latest news but i just found out today about japan's new royal baby. over the last few years i remember hearing concern over the crown princess masako not being able to provide an heir...what a relief it must be now.
To think that throughout the entire history, for over 1500 years, the imperial bloodline has been maintained. That during all changes of power, coups and or wars, the emperorís family was never eliminated! i find that a pretty interesting fact given our european history and the treatment of kings and queens.
Check out this BBC report (too bad there are no pictures of the baby though).
:: Noor Noor 9:13 PM [+] ::
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sorry i haven't written in a while. it's been pretty busy getting back into the swing of things. my trip was a last minute decision, and I didnít have time to wrap up my affairs before going.
anyway, there isnít much to report. Iíve spent all of last week just working at the galley...same old.

However, I should update you all on the relief effort in Algeria. There has been over 6 million raised already by private donation, and there has been much progress made inthe cities. Most of the large debris has been cleared away in Aleries, reopening the city for buisness. And now the Red Cross and government are focusing on helping the homeless, which will probably prove to be an even greater challenge for such a poor country.
:: Noor Noor 6:41 PM [+] ::
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I returned from my trip todayÖI donít really know what to say. What does anyone say after visiting a desperate place? The capital is a complete disaster. The army is in Algiers trying to help out, moving the rubble and clearing the streets. And there are also relief workers from the Red Cross and other countries like Morocco treating the wounded and homeless. Iím sure there is a method to the relief effort, but everything there still appears to be in chaos. People moving in and out with no real purpose. Itís just mud and trucks and homeless. Thatís all one sees in the area of Bab el-Oued, the area worst hit in Algiers.
When I first reached the country I met with my uncle in Algiers, who luckily wasnít hurt by the flooding. I spent four nights with him in the capital, helping out at a community centre most the time. It didnít matter that Iím not a doctor or nurse, their largest demand at present is simply having the manpower.
Then I went to visit my parents in the countryside for the remaining 2 nights. It was a short time but I think I made the most of it. It was strange though to see my family again. I wouldnít say we are close, in fact I doubt they know me as a person. I grew up mostly in the States since I was a child, and I guess we simply come from two different world, separated by culture as well as time.
That being said it was very nice to see my folks, especially at a moment like this. My mother tried to stuff me with food the entire time, while my dad took me out to all the touristy sites. I do love them.
I also took some nice photos from the country. I didnít take any from Algiers ń how does one approach a woman who just lost her family and home and ask to take a photo? It just didnít seem right.

Anyway, I will write again.
:: Noor Noor 11:09 AM [+] ::
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Well, Iíve finally gotten in touch with my mother at home, and everyone is accounted for. I'm so happy - it has been the most stressful week - and at points I was imagining the worst.
I'm going to Algeria tomorrow, to visit my family and lend my support. Itís been years since Iíve seen any of them (and they have no idea of the person Iíve become), but I feel itís important nonetheless.
Wow, itíll be so strange to leave Paris for Algiers.

I will write again upon my return.
:: Noor Noor 10:35 PM [+] ::
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some pictures from the horrible floods in Alergia....

if you would like more information to go this UN report which summarizes the effects of the floods as of yesterday. And if you would like to donate to the relief effort you can review this appeal made by the Red Cross, and make a contribution at https://www-secure.ifrc.org/donation/donate.asp.
:: Noor Noor 7:35 PM [+] ::
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In case you guys haven't been keeping up with the news, this past weekend there was a huge flood in Algeria that killed more than 575 people and completely shut down the capital. I've been trying desperately to get a hold of some of my family down there, but many parts are without telephones, or even road access. I know my parents are safe since they don't live near the capital, Algiers, but I'm still very worried about my uncle and cousins who live right in the capital. This is very scary for me and itís difficult to get any information.

:: Noor Noor 9:03 PM [+] ::
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Another hectic day. nothing really to report. I just returned from work and am now nestled in my oversized armchair with my favourite possession, my lap top.

Boy, the walls in my apartment could use a repaint. Iím looking around my apartment and not liking what I see. I have a really boring apartment! Iím going to have to fix this, perhaps Iíll spend next weekend giving my place a bit of a make over, new coat of paint, some new curtains and lights. I guess I never really took the time to fix this place up since I moved in.

Anyway, thereís nothing terribly exciting too report. Paris is pretty grey at the moment, not that it would ever bother me. I prefer it when Iím walking home from work and the streets are not as busy. Itís sort of peaceful that way.
:: Noor Noor 5:49 PM [+] ::
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Can you see me?

:: Noor Noor 7:41 PM [+] ::
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An interesting website about Gypsy culture and history (at least I think it's interesting): The Patrin Web Journal

...and just so you know, International Romani Day is on April 8th.
:: Noor Noor 5:35 AM [+] ::
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I should also share this site with you. It's called Collected Visions and it allows people to create their own photo journals, which are then archived for everyone to see. And for those voyeuristic bloggers, there are some very interesting personal stories to read about.

:: Noor Noor 1:09 AM [+] ::
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Today has been a rough day and what better way to deal than to vent about it with anonymous strangers over the internet. Boy, I love blogging.

...one of the paintings at the gallery was damaged during the course of the night (we don't by whom), and because it had already been sold, both the buyer and artist came into today looking for blood. I don't mind them being upset, but must they take out their anger and frustration on me. I am in no position to reimburse either of them, so all I could do was listen to them get more and more upset. Things like this can really sour me.

Boy, this blogger thing is very therapeutic...I feel better already.
:: Noor Noor 1:03 AM [+] ::
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This site is pretty unique (proof that there exists an organization for every concevaible human experinece).

The International Association for Near-Death Studies

...perhaps I should contact their Paris branch - I'm sure they'd get a kick out of my story.

:: Noor Noor 10:53 PM [+] ::
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I have finally forsaken my new chat room friends, after less than a week, and Iíve found a new way to waste my time by taking up jogging every morning before work. This way, I only have to deal with my own inane thoughts, and not the clashing ridicule of a dozen strangers. And besides, joggers, although a unique subspecies in their own right, are far more sociable to a newcomer than these chat room gurus.
Iíve only gone out twice, but since both were along the same route, I already recognize the regulars. And in Paris it is not difficult since the joggers are far and few between. I think that Parisians, in general, lack the athletic bent of most North Americans ń or at least they choose less noticeable forms than a treadmill and television set, or a run through traffic in hot pants.
At the same time, Iíve been keeping up with my yoga classes, so as of now, Iím officially an ěathleticî personÖI think.
:: Noor Noor 5:27 AM [+] ::
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Crowd: All Spendid! The handsomest man in France! The handsome drum major! There he is, there! How he looks, walks, goes!

Bohemians: Glory and honor, honor and glory of the Latin Quarter!

:: Noor Noor 11:08 PM [+] ::
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I'm not sure if I should admit this...but I join a chat group a couple days back. I don't know what came over me.
it was one of the weirdest experiences ń talking to people who I didnít know, couldnít see, and knew nothing about. When I first joined I didnít know what I was doing there. I didnít want to type anything in fear that Iíd use the wrong syntax or something. And the conversations I observed were something out ofÖwell they canít really be compared to anythingÖjust plain weird. I didnít realize people actually talked like thatÖI guess there is a freedom that comes when they canít see you or know anything about youÖI however, did not anything but uncomfortable.
Thanks SarahÖyouíve turned me into the type of person I hate.
I will never forgive you.

...and the worst thing it is, I'll probably log onto the chat again.
:: Noor Noor 6:59 PM [+] ::
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ah, what a beautiful evening tonight. perfect for staying in my cramp studio apartment, staying at my computer screen and soaking up the artificial light (I really need to get out more often).
Anyway, I should take advantage of this time and write down a few words. Iíve been reading a couple other blogs and itís become apparent to me that I have the type of blog that many people criticize. Itís not filled with any profound advice, mind-blowing facts about the CIA, or provides research on the post-modernization of urban centres. Itís just a blog that I use as a weekly journal, a place to write down some thoughts or links when it comes to me. A lot of people seem to think thatís not useful enough for the web ń they forget it might be useful to me ń and to them I writeÖÖ

I heard about an amazing movie coming out this fall called waking life. The film was shot in clips, then edited and painted to look more like animation than anything else. And get this, the subject matter explores the possibility that we are only alive through our dreams, and questions our known reality.
Canít wait to see it.
:: Noor Noor 8:13 PM [+] ::
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Itís been a while...I must admit that since I've never been very good at journals it's difficult to keep up with my blog. I think there is a built in hesitance whenever one is required to reveal themselves, in any capacity, to the public. And what I've noticed with other bloggers is that there's a point when you just let go of that. Iíve read through archives of some other weblogs and there is a clear progression in writing, becoming more personal and spontaneous with time. It will be interesting for me to read over my past blogs as time passes.

Anyway, I felt the need to write considering all the hype that has started back up again about the war on terrorism. Perhaps I shouldnít call it ëhypeí, considering how sincerely people are in fear. But in Paris, where I live, there are posted guards on all the major streets, and now with the anthrax cases in Florida, there is a whole new brand of fear, and equally high measures of security.
Iíve been watching the US military attacks on CNN, and Iíve read about the new airport security measures and the new thoughts on immigration and the massive manhunts (the list goes on), but strangely enough, none of this comforts me. In fact the complete hysteria that has followed the attacks, and the rash action taken by many statesmen, makes me even more worried. If people would react calmly and sensibly then I would have more confidence. For Gad sakes, President W Bush was almost crying at the one-month memorial service in Washington. He simply doesnít appear up for the job (but with 80% popularity in the polls, I seem to be in the minority).
It interesting to see all these events unfold, and it will be even more so to read about them in history texts years from now, by as of now I simply donít know what to think. And that doesnít mean Iím in shock ń it means that there is so much out there right now, I donít think anyone can really wrap their heads around it.
:: Noor Noor 1:56 AM [+] ::
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Looking for something original, try http://www.halfbakery.com/
You can chose from a wide selection of ideas like a transparent necktie, a screaming candy dish or a carbonated aspirin drink...who says people are stupid?
:: Noor Noor 6:33 AM [+] ::
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I'm new to this blog thing so not everything is working at the moment. Not all of us are as adept at computers as the talented and gracious miss sarah.
:: Noor Noor 12:29 AM [+] ::
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Ok. This is the last post here. Sarah sitting in for the loverly and tallented NoorSA.

I realized that I should put a link right here to her new address,so that you know to go there...
and that is to www.sarahsmiles.com/noor. Now, isn't life wonderful?
Go there. Right now! And for the forseeable future. K?
[signed Sarah, fan of NoorSA]
:: Noor Noor 11:00 PM [+] ::
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Very bored, and somewhat unable to upload an image properly. [Sarah grins and ducks.].
Hey, guess what? I talked Noor into joining me at Sarahsmiles.com... the neigborhood was gone already, so it didn't matter much if I shared it with Parisians. Perhaps this will get us both out of our collective funks.
:: Sarah Smiles 10:48 PM [+] ::
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very bored...

:: Noor Noor 7:26 AM [+] ::
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October is here! Without question my favourite month...my favourite season. Yesterday evening I was walking around as I normally do, the breeze was so crisp breeze and you could smell fall in the air. Things have been going pretty well lately. I have started a pilates class (I finally found one at night so is perfect for me). I normally donít subscribe to these fad workouts, but Iíve been wearing myself out lately with all the work Iíve been doing and this would be an excellent way to keep me energized. However if I start wearing tight little yoga outfits, dying my hair blond or strutting around town with the newest fat-free, no calorie, no taste health shake, please shot me.
It was actually pretty embarrassing when I went to my first class. I had none of the proper clothes - I showed up wearing my 10 year old keds and some beat up clothes I painted my apartment in. What could I do, I had nothing else and I wasnít about to buy new clothes for this class. But I did look out of place. One person, who owns a suntanning place actually told me ěYou know you donít have to look like this if you donít want to, 20 minutes in a bed will take care of it.î And she passed me her card. I didnít bother telling her a trip to her establishment would be suicide in my case. Although I probably should have just to see her reaction.

Oh yes, I also wanted to throw in this article I found. Itís from the BBC and talks about the first successful attempt to clone an endangered speciesÖnow this is a good use for science.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1573000/1573309.stm

:: Noor Noor 7:02 PM [+] ::
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It's been a few days since I last wrote, but of course, things have been busy.
The show was a success so I'm quite pleased. And despite the fact that these kinda things are normally filled with beatnik posers, I did meet one promising soul...I shall say no more for now.

Oh, I found a funny posting on BBC online. It not only goes to show how the media has become a complete circus during the "Attack on America" coverage, but also how crazed everyone else is as well.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/americas/newsid_1557000/1557800.stm

The title of this piece of jounalism, Surfers choose Bin Laden over Sex.
...I say no more.

:: Noor Noor 8:04 AM [+] ::
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test
:: Noor Noor 8:39 AM [+] ::
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This is a very cute video, and the graphics are great. It may take a while to load but it's definitly worth a look (even for you tech. geeks). Just go to this site and hit "the movie" in the centre of the page.
www.warriorsofthe.net/

Anyway, today has been a pretty hectic day, but since the weekend I'm feeling much more productive. We have a new artist at the gallery so there's a lot of work that must be done before the opening. And of course, that also means another cocktail party...it's a good thing I look so good in black.
(Sara, you really should come - these pretentious art crowds are always good for a laugh. and this way you wont blame me for never asking you out).

The artist himself is very interesting too. I should tell him to post his work on the web...for more exposure and such.

That's about it - just work, work, work as always. You'd think a person like me would have a bit more time considering my situation in life. oh well, c'est la vie.

:: Noor Noor 5:17 AM [+] ::
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Well, I've been playing around with the layout and colors of this page. I'm finding it exceedingly difficult since I'm still not comfortable with html formatting. If this page looks strange, keep in mind that it's still a work in progress.
And suggestions are always appreciated.
:: Noor Noor 12:38 AM [+] ::
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www.viceland.com/issues/v8n6/htdocs/AFGHANISTAN/1.php
I came across this website which includes a mini-photojournal taken in Afghanistan. I wouldnít normally recommend such classic time-magazine rubbish, but the images are quite beautiful.
:: Noor Noor 9:55 PM [+] ::
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Iím back home again. I wanted to write while I was away, but I was mistaken about my friendís villa having internet. Fortunately, I enjoyed the solitudeÖit was good to escape the city, if only for a few days. And a necessary absence it was.
Now that I'm home again I can return to my books and study with new interest and focus. I work in a small gallery in the Marais of ParisÖIt isnít very busy, but I have plenty of time for my own, personal work. Right now Iím becoming increasingly interested in medieval art, something I know very little about.
Just for fun, check out this site featuring Medieval images of death and demons. www.godecookery.com/macabre/macabre.htm

At the very least you might find the pictures amusing, although I'm personally very interested in seeing how such a closed people tried to make sense of things outside their realm of understanding. Societies are often defined by how and what they classify as the others, even "abnormal' or "evil". And at the very least it's interesting to see images which were intended to be frightening and horrific (although we today may find than more comedic than any thing else).
I'm also hoping to learn more about this Blog software since I havenít worked out all the glitches (you can notice that I haven't been able to include proper hyperlinks yet). Iím trying to figure out most things for myself, however, in a few days I may resort to help from others.
:: Noor Noor 4:08 AM [+] ::
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For those who do not speak 13th century Italian allow be to translate the words above.
They are from Dante's Inferno "Midway on our life's journey, I found myself in dark woods, the right road lost..."
Read into it what you like but do not expect an explanation from me - I prefer some things left unknown.

Anyway, Iím leaving tonight for the country. It's late, i know, but I find things unnerving in Paris at the moment and I have to take off for a while. I cannot spend one more night here.
A friend I work with owns a villa outside of Lyon ń I will head there, although I doubt I'll make it tonight.
I'll also be bringing my laptop, so I shall continue to write.
:: Noor Noor 10:38 PM [+] ::
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Well, my friend has finally convinced me to create my own blog after her site has been active for years.
I must admit that I find computers and the internet a bit intimidating. I have always preferred the company of books over television or computers. In fact, I prefer them even over other people. I guess Iím a bit of a loner in that respect. Anyway, Iím going to give this a try and I would appreciate any feedback or helpful suggestions anyone has to offer.

And what a first day to begin my personal journal after yesterdayís attacks. Even though I am writing now from Paris, far away from the terror, people here were also strongly affected. In the public areas there were crowds gathering around television sets, trying to make sense of the events as they unfolded. And of course the American tourists could be seen trying desperately to get in touch with family back home. It was also recommended by authorities in France for all tourists to carry theyíre passports at all times.

I went to school in the States, my sisters and I moved there when I was only 7. And although I now live permanently in France, I consider America to be a second home ń a place of my childhood. I donít know how to describe my reaction when I first heard of the news. I just my feelings were of both amazement and disbelief. It was like something in a Diehard movie, not real life. Of course this quickly faded when I began to think of the actual loss of life. Of real people.

Today, however, my feelings are quite different. I was born in Algeria, my parents still live there, and now I find myself scared and unsure. Algeria is one of the Muslim countries suspected of supporting terrorism and who knows what will happen in the upcoming months. Even in Paris there is graffiti on the buildings calling for the ědeath of dirty Arabsî and ěevil Muslimsî. I was raised in both the Muslim world and America and I feel a huge conflict inside. What happened to those thousands of innocent people is too horrible for words, but I also fear for my mother and father, and even myself as the backslash hits. This is a fearful time to be a Muslim and living in the western world.
:: Noor Noor 12:10 AM [+] ::
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