I think I crossed path with someone named Dan Murphy. Well...I know his name was Dan and from the information he told me, I think his last name is Murphy. But after about an hour of searching, I wasn't able to find a picture of him anywhere online.
Anyway, he's a journalist based in Cairo and he writes mostly about the Middle East. Over the last couple of years, he's spent a bunch of time in Iraq and worked a lot on trying to find his co-worker, Jill Carroll after she was kidnapped.
Christian Science Monitor articles
and
Alternet.org articles
--plus, a fun one about the increasing number of Western students studying abroad in the Middle East.
This gives me another reason to start playing Ultimate Frisbee -- running across interesting people like this! *laugh* Apparently, Dan Murphy really enjoys playing...
That being said, he was a bit of a jerk, but I can forgive him b/c he's probably stressed out of his mind and needed to blow off some steam by playing.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Dance Dance Revolution
Would you believe I played DDR on Thursday night? (If you don't know what this game is, stop reading this entry b/c I'm not even going to try to explain -- or read this to try to understand)
I was in Cairo to show some new volunteers around town...and 2 of them have a version of the game for their computer and 2 pads that plug into the USB ports.
Craziness with 5 of taking turns playing. I should have pictures to post soon! *laugh*
I was in Cairo to show some new volunteers around town...and 2 of them have a version of the game for their computer and 2 pads that plug into the USB ports.
Craziness with 5 of taking turns playing. I should have pictures to post soon! *laugh*
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Off to Cairo
Heading to Cairo today with a group from Tanta to see the old Coptic area of the city. After that, I'll stay around for a few days and help show some of our new arrivals around. So...nothing until Saturday or Sunday.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Housing Update
Currently, I'm doing my own special Tanta version of Couch Surfing.
*grin*
First, my new apartment was supposed to be ready on July 20th.
That deadline was missed.
So then they said August 20th.
Nope, didn't make that one, either.
Now the date for me to move in is set as Sept. 7.
God willing, that will happen.
For about 6 weeks, I stayed in a beautiful apartment owned by my friend Fady's family. I had the place to myself. But Fady and his family traveled to the U.S. last week, so I needed to move out. The timing would have been perfect, if the new apartment had been ready.
But it wasn't, so now I'm staying with my friend George. His wife and son are away from Tanta for the summer, so he's glad to have me around to keep him company. I'll give him a break for a few days b/c I'll be in Cairo from Wed. night - Saturday.
Really, it's not as stressful as it sounds! It's interesting to see how different people live and to see different apartments!
*grin*
First, my new apartment was supposed to be ready on July 20th.
That deadline was missed.
So then they said August 20th.
Nope, didn't make that one, either.
Now the date for me to move in is set as Sept. 7.
God willing, that will happen.
For about 6 weeks, I stayed in a beautiful apartment owned by my friend Fady's family. I had the place to myself. But Fady and his family traveled to the U.S. last week, so I needed to move out. The timing would have been perfect, if the new apartment had been ready.
But it wasn't, so now I'm staying with my friend George. His wife and son are away from Tanta for the summer, so he's glad to have me around to keep him company. I'll give him a break for a few days b/c I'll be in Cairo from Wed. night - Saturday.
Really, it's not as stressful as it sounds! It's interesting to see how different people live and to see different apartments!
Random TV-watching
So, I've been watching a bit of TV the last couple of days. This is strange for me b/c I usually don't watch TV.
What's even stranger is _what_ I've been watching. This morning, it was ABC's Good Morning America, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune! *laugh*
There's a satellite channel that broadcasts all those! GMA was from yesterday morning and was quite painful to watch. There were some useful bits, but mostly it was just sugar-coated junk. They even showed a grainy YouTube clip of some stupid firefighter in England who let his buddies put him in an industrial-sized clothes dryer.
The game shows were interesting, mostly b/c I haven't seen them in at least 4 years and quite a few things have changed. Jeopardy was the Teen Tournament, so I was actually able to answer some of the questions! *smile*
Wheel was fun and there was even a puzzle with the solution "Cairo Egypt".
What's even stranger is _what_ I've been watching. This morning, it was ABC's Good Morning America, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune! *laugh*
There's a satellite channel that broadcasts all those! GMA was from yesterday morning and was quite painful to watch. There were some useful bits, but mostly it was just sugar-coated junk. They even showed a grainy YouTube clip of some stupid firefighter in England who let his buddies put him in an industrial-sized clothes dryer.
The game shows were interesting, mostly b/c I haven't seen them in at least 4 years and quite a few things have changed. Jeopardy was the Teen Tournament, so I was actually able to answer some of the questions! *smile*
Wheel was fun and there was even a puzzle with the solution "Cairo Egypt".
Monday, August 21, 2006
Some like it hot!
...but not me! And it's been hot!
Really hot, as in sweating when you're just sitting sort of hot. Not sure if there's any end in sight. I guess I should check the weather to see! Thankfully, there's air conditioning in the classroom that I use most of the time so I get a break from the heat for a few hours each day.
100 degrees yesterday, according to weather.com. Plus, it's unusually humid.
Yes, I know the U.S. had a hot stretch a few weeks ago, but it's harder to escape the heat here, I think.
Really hot, as in sweating when you're just sitting sort of hot. Not sure if there's any end in sight. I guess I should check the weather to see! Thankfully, there's air conditioning in the classroom that I use most of the time so I get a break from the heat for a few hours each day.
100 degrees yesterday, according to weather.com. Plus, it's unusually humid.
Yes, I know the U.S. had a hot stretch a few weeks ago, but it's harder to escape the heat here, I think.
Keeping You Safe
This just in from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you _are_ allowed the following items in carry-on-baggage:
-Corkscrews
-Knitting and Crochet Needles
-Metal Scissors with pointed tips, if less than 4 inches in length
-Screwdrivers, if less than 7 inches in length
-Walking canes and umbrellas, once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed
(here is a full list of allowed/banned items)
Anyone else see a possible problem with this? Okay, I know the current issue of people going mad scientist and mixing chemicals on the planes, but if they're going to stop me from carrying Saline Solution, shouldn't they also ban all sharp pointy things?
On a related note, the TSA recently "discovered explosive residue at a checkpoint" in Huntington, W. Virginia. Here they note that the terminal was reopened later in the day, but fail to inform us that "chemical tests later found that there were no explosives in the bottles" (according to CNN).
The woman stopped with the bottles was 28 and of Pakistani origin. Her mother says she was targeted and humiliated.
-Corkscrews
-Knitting and Crochet Needles
-Metal Scissors with pointed tips, if less than 4 inches in length
-Screwdrivers, if less than 7 inches in length
-Walking canes and umbrellas, once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed
(here is a full list of allowed/banned items)
Anyone else see a possible problem with this? Okay, I know the current issue of people going mad scientist and mixing chemicals on the planes, but if they're going to stop me from carrying Saline Solution, shouldn't they also ban all sharp pointy things?
On a related note, the TSA recently "discovered explosive residue at a checkpoint" in Huntington, W. Virginia. Here they note that the terminal was reopened later in the day, but fail to inform us that "chemical tests later found that there were no explosives in the bottles" (according to CNN).
The woman stopped with the bottles was 28 and of Pakistani origin. Her mother says she was targeted and humiliated.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Missed Opportunity for WVO!
Blast! I am a master of bad timing. Bidding on a diesel Volvo in Jackson just ended a couple of days ago! And it was a cheap car, too!
If anyone around Michigan knows of a good diesel for me to buy, please let me know! I don't want to miss a chance like this again! *sigh*
If anyone around Michigan knows of a good diesel for me to buy, please let me know! I don't want to miss a chance like this again! *sigh*
WRIF Rocks
Okay, I admit it...I'm a sucker for advertising. I've always liked the WRIF radio station and I'm registered to get their emails. Every so often, I look through what they have to offer on their site.
Today, I found the Interviews section which is full of downloads with the DJ's talking with musicians. Fun stuff!
Today, I found the Interviews section which is full of downloads with the DJ's talking with musicians. Fun stuff!
RenFest has started
I hadn't thought of this in a long time...I guess it was about 4 or 5 years ago that I made the trip to Holly, Michigan for RenFest. It's a fun way to spend a day!
(if you have no idea what I'm talking about, follow the link and look through the website)
For those of you in Michigan who enjoy attending the Renaissance Festival, I have an email that will get you Buy 1 - Get 1 Free tickets. Email me and I'll forward it to you.
(if you have no idea what I'm talking about, follow the link and look through the website)
For those of you in Michigan who enjoy attending the Renaissance Festival, I have an email that will get you Buy 1 - Get 1 Free tickets. Email me and I'll forward it to you.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Price Comparison -- dry cleaning
As I do from time-to-time, here's a message to tell you how much things cost in Egypt.
I just took in some dry cleaning:
-1 suit
-1 sweater
-1 short-sleeved shirt
Any guesses on how much the bill was?
19 Egyptian Pounds = $3.50
How much would it be in the U.S.?
I just took in some dry cleaning:
-1 suit
-1 sweater
-1 short-sleeved shirt
Any guesses on how much the bill was?
19 Egyptian Pounds = $3.50
How much would it be in the U.S.?
Gone until Sunday
I'll be in Cairo and without Internet access until Sunday. So...I'm trying to give you as much as possible to look at or read as I can! Just pace yourself!
Here are some new photos that go along with the previous post.
Here are some new photos that go along with the previous post.
Pictures? You want pictures?
What is there to explain about this one? Just a group of guys with a big head, right?*laugh*
Well, this is what Coptic Orthodox youth do during the summer months -- they get ready for the big parties that each church has in September. These are huge productions and for the occasion, someone writes a new play and then these masks, costumes, and scenery are made for it.
The King is Dead, Long Live Rock and Roll!
Elvis Aaron Presley
Born: January 8, 1935
Died: August 16, 1977
...and a whole lotta hip-shakin' in those years...
Born: January 8, 1935
Died: August 16, 1977
...and a whole lotta hip-shakin' in those years...
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
MegaFarms in Michigan/Ohio
The topic of megafarms has been a hot one in my part of Michigan for years now, but it looks like it's getting even hotter!
Ohio, Michigan megafarms spur clashes over air, water pollution
and to balance that out:
Megafarms find new friends in neighborhood
Ohio, Michigan megafarms spur clashes over air, water pollution
and to balance that out:
Megafarms find new friends in neighborhood
Monday, August 14, 2006
Iran's President starts Weblog
Yes, I know that sounds like a joke, or something from the Onion...but it's true!
According to the BBC, you can read what President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is writing in several languages...but first you have to get to the Official Website. When I tried, the server was too busy.
According to the BBC, you can read what President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is writing in several languages...but first you have to get to the Official Website. When I tried, the server was too busy.
Snakes on a Plane
Okay, I admit it! I had a bit of free time on my hands, so I had Samuel L. Jackson call a few of you on the telephone!
But I really do like the idea of a movie called Snakes on a Plane! Plus, the marketing they're doing with the website, phonecalls, and contest is really spectacular!
But I really do like the idea of a movie called Snakes on a Plane! Plus, the marketing they're doing with the website, phonecalls, and contest is really spectacular!
Wonderful Photographer!
I just realized that I've never told you about my Canadian friend Matt. I mention that he's Canadian b/c it would make him happy and also so that you don't get confused with either of my 2 American friends named Matt.
Matt came to Egypt for a few months on an internship with MCC and his university. He worked with refugees in Cairo, but he was also also able to do lots of things related to his serious hobby, photography. He's due to start photography school in the fall and by looking at some of his pictures, I think you'll see why he's going down this path.
Really, you should go look at the pics.
Now.
Matt came to Egypt for a few months on an internship with MCC and his university. He worked with refugees in Cairo, but he was also also able to do lots of things related to his serious hobby, photography. He's due to start photography school in the fall and by looking at some of his pictures, I think you'll see why he's going down this path.
Really, you should go look at the pics.
Now.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
She wants to be a SuperHero?
Thanks to my Mom for giving me something to write about! *laugh*
So, it turns out that a young woman from my hometown is on the SciFi Network's "Who Wants to be a SuperHero?" program. She's the one called Creature.
The SciFi profile lists here as an Auto Mechanic, but I don't think that's quite right. From reading TonyaKay.com, it looks like she's a professional dancer (warning, some pics Not Work-Friendly).
Plus, I found "How a Vegan Lifestyle Changed Tonya Kay's Life"
In the hometown paper, I found 2 articles and they're pretty funny...both are written in a "girl next door makes good" sort of way, but they're talking about a person living a very alternative lifestyle. Much different than conservative Hillsdale, as I know it!
--Creature from Hillsdale
--Family enjoys woman's gig on 'Superhero' show
And for the record, she dropped her hard-to-spell and hard-to-pronounce last name of "Linebrink" for performing. Probably a good idea!
All this _and_ she drives a car that runs on Vegetable Oil??? Can I marry this girl???? *laugh*
So, it turns out that a young woman from my hometown is on the SciFi Network's "Who Wants to be a SuperHero?" program. She's the one called Creature.
The SciFi profile lists here as an Auto Mechanic, but I don't think that's quite right. From reading TonyaKay.com, it looks like she's a professional dancer (warning, some pics Not Work-Friendly).
Plus, I found "How a Vegan Lifestyle Changed Tonya Kay's Life"
In the hometown paper, I found 2 articles and they're pretty funny...both are written in a "girl next door makes good" sort of way, but they're talking about a person living a very alternative lifestyle. Much different than conservative Hillsdale, as I know it!
--Creature from Hillsdale
--Family enjoys woman's gig on 'Superhero' show
And for the record, she dropped her hard-to-spell and hard-to-pronounce last name of "Linebrink" for performing. Probably a good idea!
All this _and_ she drives a car that runs on Vegetable Oil??? Can I marry this girl???? *laugh*
Sewing up a Storm!
Yeah, that'd be me...sewing.
Never let it be said that there's no practical value to high school! I learned how to type and how to sew. The typing I do a lot (like now, for example), but I don't do much sewing.
However, this month it's been necessary.
My Master Plan (TM) to have clothing that I brought with me to Egypt wear out so that I don't want to bring it back to the U.S. is working. In fact, it's working _too_ well and things are wearing out now, when I still want to use them for a few months!!!!
This happened last month when I was in Alexandria with my friends. Rip!! ...and there's a tear at the knee... Thankfully, I had a needle and thread in my Dopp bag (yes, I was a Boy Scout), so I took care of that little problem.
Since that time, I've discovered 2 other tears in pants I'd like to keep wearing. So...I canibalized a T-shirt that is wearing out to make some patches. 1 pair is finished and the other I'll do this week. Maybe I'll even post pictures!
Never let it be said that there's no practical value to high school! I learned how to type and how to sew. The typing I do a lot (like now, for example), but I don't do much sewing.
However, this month it's been necessary.
My Master Plan (TM) to have clothing that I brought with me to Egypt wear out so that I don't want to bring it back to the U.S. is working. In fact, it's working _too_ well and things are wearing out now, when I still want to use them for a few months!!!!
This happened last month when I was in Alexandria with my friends. Rip!! ...and there's a tear at the knee... Thankfully, I had a needle and thread in my Dopp bag (yes, I was a Boy Scout), so I took care of that little problem.
Since that time, I've discovered 2 other tears in pants I'd like to keep wearing. So...I canibalized a T-shirt that is wearing out to make some patches. 1 pair is finished and the other I'll do this week. Maybe I'll even post pictures!
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