Here is the type of stuff that I would like to post on the blog (I can't link to the thread as I don't have access to Metachat from my office, from where I am typing this, which is why I am reposting it here; I hope you don't mind).

Vinay

He's sort of become my best friend from work these days, even though he gets on my nerves sometimes. He's 5' 6, and acts like he's some kind of a wrestler--okay--I'll admit--the guy is really strong for his... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 9:41 PM on July 21, 2008

Thank you for the great answers so far, but I should've pointed out that the blog isn't going to be post after post about me per say, but rather about life in India in general. Hopefully, about all the different kinds of people that we have living here, their religions, their culture, and the kind of differences that exist between the West and the East.

I would also like to write about various other things, like the movies that are released over here (Hollywood and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 1:25 AM on July 22, 2008

Well, not forbidden I'd say, but I want to be the best muslim that I can be, and if that means wearing simple clothes like a kurta pyjama and having a beard and maybe not being as materialistic as I once wanted to be, then I want to do that. However, there's the other part of me who's trying to justify having all of these things by saying--you don't have to give up on your jeans and tshirts, or the bike that you always wanted, or any of the other flashy stuff, but again--that would run contrary... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 2:50 AM on May 20, 2008

like you understand that doctrine is illogic

Here's my problem: I think you can be a good muslim and yet not give up on all the worldly stuff that you want, but I think you can be an even better one if you can learn to forgo such pleasures as much as possible, to a certain extent. I mean--a car is something that I consider necessary for my family to get around in, but a bike (for me) I'd consider that to be a waste, something... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 2:54 AM on May 20, 2008

Yeah, but netbros--my question isn't to make people suffer because of religion (something that is forbidden in Islam as far as I am aware--after all--it is said that he has created the world for our enjoyment, and so we should partake in it)--but the part where it gets fuzzy for me is how much is "too much" of a good thing--because that is something that IS forbidden. If you have money to spend--spend it, but if you're spending it on something that you can probably do without, why not... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 3:14 AM on May 20, 2008

Thank you jacalata for the link--I think uxo summarized the problem much more eloquently than I did, but I wouldn't classify my problem as one of ambition--I plan to take up a good job and try and earn a decent amount of money to try and support my family and donate to charity if I can--but, and here's what's bothering me--do I have to go through a certain kind of a lifestyle change in order for me to make my peace with God?

I suppose your x, y and z analogy has much... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 3:23 AM on May 20, 2008

How have you decided on the balance you take between these competing needs?

Well, weekdays are meant for work, and weekends with the family or friends:)

What I meant by "I plan to" was that since I'm starting a new job, I haven't yet had the chance to implement any of the things I'm talking about...

But I hadn't thought of your--if you don't like it later, you can always leave it--because I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 4:15 AM on May 20, 2008

Is the desire you have happening because of the wish to please your new relationship?

It started out that way, and to be honest with you--it still is, but I can feel a change coming over me that has not very much to do with the relationship. Like the joy it brings me, or the pride that I find myself taking in performing my religious duties.

have you spoken to a non-fundamentalist imam about this?... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 6:15 AM on May 20, 2008

Hey Bin--yeah, in the past three weeks I've gone from praying five times a day (in a mosque that too--me--a guy who could never imagine taking that kind of precious time out of his life to enter God's house), to reading two Rukus of the Quran at least, to saying all of my Fardh, Sunnath, Nafil and Witr prayers, and even doing some research on the net about stuff that I always wanted to look up but never got around to, and feeling much more connected to everything that's happening around me,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 6:55 AM on May 20, 2008

paul, you have no idea how the medical field here works--I told this to nicky once, and she was aghast! I'm too embarrassed to mention it in public, but you'll have to take my word for it--somehow I don't think my therapist would have any problem in me having found god. She'd probably think it's a positive influence since we live in such a religiously manifested society here.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 7:07 AM on May 20, 2008

Hi lanterns, Salaam!
I don't like those kinds of people either (the fake muslims) with their long beards and their covered heads and bodies--Islamic from the outside, but just the opposite from the inside.

I guess what I was referring to in my case was to have the courage to express my faith externally as well as internally. Why shouldn't I be comfortable wearing an Islamic dress just because some people might think wrongly of me if I do... that's what I used... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 9:48 AM on May 21, 2008

Thanks to everyone who took the time out to reply to me; it has been very illuminating:)
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 9:49 AM on May 21, 2008

ND¢, I know the idea sounds absurd, but sometimes I find myself going through peoples blog profiles wondering, what if, I find someone that is perfectly compatible with me, and we strike up a conversation, and one thing leads to another, and before you know it, we've hit it off so well that we're practically inseperable. I wonder if that's too much of a stretch to imagine.

The reason why I'm asking this is because I don't have the freedom to go out on dates, or meet... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 6:07 AM on April 22, 2008

ND¢, you know something: that's just it, I'm so preoccupied with the concept of this bolt of lightning hitting the both of us that I kind of find a back-door way out of the whole "get to know her over a cup of coffee" routine. Hey, if you're never going to risk putting the time and effort into getting out there and willing to let yourself be judged by someone else, then there's little chance of you getting hurt by the other person and getting your heart crushed in the process--and who... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 8:16 AM on April 22, 2008

I think you've hit on something important there. Are you doing the internal work that means you'll be more ready to have that serious relationship once the good prospect arrives? Are you working towards becoming a better person yourself, resolving your relationship with your parents, rebuilding aspects of yourself that were damaged in your youth? Do you have solid interests that will keep you occupied while your mate is busy with her own life? Are you able to take risks and trust... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 8:31 AM on April 22, 2008

I know you said you're looking for hope. And I realize that this answer is not it. Its in many ways the opposite of what you are looking for, and in that sense my response probably merits a jessamyn-delete. But I won't take back a word I said.

Thanks for the honesty, it's more than I could've asked for. It's just that I have a hard time thinking that there isn't more to life than that. That that's just it. That there's no oomph, no bang, no zest for... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 9:18 AM on April 22, 2008

Heavens, I had no idea Gracie was such a terrific singer!

BTGoG--when are you cutting an album, and where can I buy it???
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 9:57 AM on April 10, 2008

> think Ayayayo is specific to Tamil.
We also say this in Kannada

Ha! I was just about to say "Aiyo" for down here in Andhra.

iconoclast, yeah--I guess Ayayao (or any derivative there of) would be inappropriate in front of elders, although, when I was in school, we used to say Niyamma a lot!
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 10:48 PM on April 9, 2008

I can't think of an alternative for "Mmmm"

How about "hsssssssh, wahhhhhhh!"
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 10:50 PM on April 9, 2008

The Taxpayers?

On Preview: what JohnnyGunn said.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 10:38 PM on April 9, 2008

My question is, how does a place go from being the tourist site (Hey, family, let's go on the tour of Mohammed's birthplace!) to being a sacred site.

Well, for one thing Mecca (Prophet Mohammed's birthplace [pbuh]) isn't meant as a tourist attraction, strictly speaking. If you're not a muslim, then you can't enter unfortunately, and if you are a muslim, and lucky enough to reach Mecca, then the only thing on your mind will be reaching the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 10:02 PM on April 7, 2008

I'm talking about when you're at a restaurant and the valet brings your car around, or opens the door for you to sit in, and you have to pass him a tenner or something, how do you do it? How do you place the note in your hand so that it can be easily transferred into the palm of his, without anyone being the wiser?
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 5:32 AM on April 7, 2008

your touch may not be welcome.

I actually like the idea of shaking their hand; gives me a chance to really appreciate what they are doing, and as far as I've noticed, people really appreciate you when you think that they're worth the time and effort to make personal contact with.

Slarty, just thinking about you today! You know, actually, it would look out of place if I DID tip the people I'm talking about (the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 7:49 AM on April 7, 2008

Hi cloudgazer!
I know how worrisome it can be when you open the Newspaper and have headlines like these staring back at you about the place your husband's going to visit in a day or two, so I thought I'd do a little bit of scouring and post some stuff to hopefully put your mind at ease (hope you don't mind).

Not to turn things into a political debate, but here's what someone had to say on Andrew Sullivan's blog a couple of days ago. I also liked the stuff... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 2:28 AM on April 7, 2008

parmanparman, speaking of Khat/Qat: have you read this?
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 2:33 AM on April 7, 2008

Muslim men aren't allowed to dye their hair unless they use henna (ie henna is the only thing they can use to dye it).

That's basically it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 11:59 PM on April 6, 2008

Has this been a recent occurrence? My mom started acting this way a couple of years ago, for whatever reason (wasn't the traditional "boy" I guess) and I got a lot of "it's okay to tell me if you're gay son", but it sort of died down after a couple of months.

I can definitely understand how uncomfortable it must feel if this is not something that has ever come up before, and your step-mother and father aren't the sort of people you discuss these... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 8:04 PM on April 5, 2008

Oh, hey--thanks a lot! I've been driving myself nuts trying to figure out what that tree was.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 7:34 AM on March 26, 2008

but I wonder if I’m missing something that I could be doing

Have you told her any of this. You sound like a really caring friend, and I understand how concerned you are not to become the sole support for your friend, which in the end, would not be good for her. But, she does need someone in her life right now, and for better or worse, that someone seems to be you. I think you should continue writing, calling, emailing her, but be sure that its not... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 12:10 AM on March 15, 2008

Was the depression relapse caused due to your maybe going off your meds? If that may have been a reason, try not to talk yourself out of taking your medication, no matter how long its been and how good you may think you feel now that you've been regularly taking them for 9 months. (If you do feel like going off them, best to consult your doctor, before you take any steps, and don't go off them cold turkey, as was brought to my attention this week by a friend, after I'd stopped taking my meds,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 11:52 PM on March 14, 2008

Ha, that's a relief:)

Yeah, I already cleared my cache, cookies and history, but that seems to have had no effect either. (Guess I'll have to wait it out.)

Thanks for the help!
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 9:47 PM on March 14, 2008

What is it called when...

Rude.

Ignore 'em.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 5:27 AM on March 14, 2008

Call the cops.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 9:45 PM on March 1, 2008

Thanks for asking the question TheDukeofLancaster!

My benchmate got one of these when he was in the ninth standard, so that means he must've been around 13 or 14 years old, and as onepapertiger says--it's to sanctify a boy's journey from childhood to adulthood. So you can imagine how big of a deal it is.

Although, your mentioning that the children were much younger led me to a little bit of investigation, and this is what I could find out: The... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 4:09 AM on February 29, 2008

one day he came in without the cord and a bald head

Good catch--I wonder what happened.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 11:05 PM on February 29, 2008

Yeah, I know--the genius misspelt undoubtedly:)
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 11:52 PM on February 28, 2008

why doesn't your "friend" just stump up the 5 sponds and ask herself

Ah, I only wish it was a her, but alas--I am NOT that lucky!

Actually, I would like him to join, but then this wouldn't be my little place anymore... oh well--it had to happen sooner or later. I'll tell him to stop by here, if he dares;)

XMLicious, thanks for the link, and the article... you too farishta--appreciate it!
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 3:51 AM on February 29, 2008

Thanks! I'll be passing them on to my friend and hopefully it'll help him.
I'll try and get him to steer by here as well.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 11:01 PM on February 29, 2008

Brad Renfro was the guy who starred in The Client (based on a John Grisham novel). And then later in Apt Pupil with Sir Ian Mckellen (directed by the guy who made The Usual Suspects).

He also starred opposite Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson in a movie who's name is escaping me now... Ghost World I think.

He was a good actor, they should've included him in the montage.

(Oh yeah--just took a look at his IMDb page, and he... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 6:35 AM on February 29, 2008

I'm sorry for you man, but really--recounting how much you spent on her for Valentine's Day = bad move. Seriously. I know it can get expensive, but a woman does not want to know how much you've spent on her for something that was supposed to be a romantic gesture. (It kind of spoils the whole mood). To do it in public, would be even more hurtful I would suspect, not that I think you were doing it intentionally, so if others have suggested this upthread, I would only echo them in saying... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 4:00 AM on February 24, 2008

Thank you all, this really takes a load off my mind. I went back and re-read my emails (we did this over the internet) and it looks like things weren't as bad as I thought they were.

I did use the positive-negative-positive approach, and was sure to let him know exactly why I thought certain scenes could've been better, and he replied by answering why he thought they were appropriate.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 7:41 AM on February 21, 2008

Funny you say that, because I was extra careful to mention that what I was stating were just my OPINIONS, and they could be wrong, because I might like certain things this way, and someone else some other way.

I don't think he was defending his work, so much as trying to help me understand where he was coming from, and that made the gesture all the more special to see that he valued my opinion enough to explain his view points, rather than just dismissing mine.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 10:05 PM on February 21, 2008

Well, sweets seem to be the traditional gift on such sorts of occasions, and you being an Irish lad and all, I'm sure they'll be pleasantly surprised to get something like that from their native country.

Kaju-barfi would be a great choice. I don't know how costly it will be, but it shouldn't be outside your budget, and you can go with the 1 kilo box, or the 1/2 kilo box.

The only problem is, I can't for the life of me, find a sweet shop ANYWHERE... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 8:05 AM on February 21, 2008

Ubu, sorry for being so opaque; after re-reading my post I don't know what I was thinking while typing it. I guess just getting the whimp (dirtynumbangelboy, I think you can spell it like that as well... not sure though:)) part out of the way was a huge step.
I suppose what I was looking for was a means to calm myself whenever I'm in a situation that might require me to stand up to someone--without having to sacrifice my dignity. Because I either go too far, or I don't go far enough;... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 8:06 AM on February 9, 2008

Thanks for posting the "100 Spiritually Significant Films" list, fire&wings!

showbiz_liz: you might also want to check out

On the Waterfront (I don't think it's been mentioned yet)
Marty
The Bicycle Thief
Come and See
and Lawrence of Arabia and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (as has already been mentioned)... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 2:53 AM on February 3, 2008

Your fiance is reacting because she's your fiance and she's very invested in this, and it sounds like she needs to take a step back.

How do you know it's a she? Just asking.

Hope you get the job, anonymous!
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 4:24 AM on January 26, 2008

If anything, the fiancé in question is a male!

Er, hence my point; incessant was referring to the "fiancé" as a she.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 8:33 AM on January 26, 2008

That was interesting: Traditionally, a painting of Theodore Roosevelt (a Republican) is displayed over the mantle during a Republican administration and a painting of Franklin Roosevelt (a Democrat) is displayed during a Democratic administration (although President Clinton kept the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider painting).

Thanks for the links, smackfu!
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 5:36 AM on January 26, 2008

Acari, go here. There's a page on things to do in Haifa, and also a forum where you can ask questions. I'm sure they'll give you all the skinny there is to know on Haifa, and come February/March--you'll be all suavish and worldly for that one night.:)

Tell us how it goes...... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 5:10 AM on January 26, 2008 marked best answer

Like Sambrosius Foyer and stuff.

I'm totally using that for my alternate female internet persona. (Is it supposed to be feminine? Kind of rhymes with Ambrosia.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by hadjiboy at 4:19 AM on January 26, 2008