Risky Rx: Drug maker's secret strategies
By Robert Bazell
Chief science and health correspondent
NBC News

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14348176/

"We know that physicians meet a parade of drug company sales representatives from their first days of medical school to retirement and that they see drug ads every time they pick up a medical journal.

At least that is represented as the advertising it is.

But a study in this week's issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine provides extensive detail about how drug companies push their products in far more subtle ways.

Some drug makers pay key leaders in a field of medicine, such as chairs of departments in medical schools, tens of thousands of dollars if they are saying the right things about their product. They manipulate medical education sessions, lectures, articles in medical journals, research studies, even personal conversations between physicians to get their product message across.

"It is very disturbing," says lead author Dr. Michael Steinman of the University of California, San Francisco and the San Francisco VA Hospital. "It really does a disservice to patient care."




The more I read on the medical system, the more I become uneasy. Just as long and I don’t get sick or injured, I’ll be fine.

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~Lets come together as once human race and bring about world Peace~



~`~`~`~`~`~`In the Name of your deity and mine`~`~`~`~`~`~

I personally am not offended by the cartoon. I haven’t seen it but have read about its content and it does not bother me on a personal level. I understand Islam and I know Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and how could some ppl who have no knowledge of either form a cartoon image of representing it? They don’t know what he looks like and have no clue of who he is? Yes it is deemed offensive to Muslims and that’s alrigt. The cartoon purpose was to mock Islam and the last prophet and be taken offensively.
The idea of stopping imported products from certain countries into Denmark was a good idea. You would be a fool to help others who end up disrespect your beliefs. One reason why I did not like the cartoon from the beginning is that it has a major influence of spreading Islamaphobia and hatred towards Islam and it's followers. But what’s actually spreading the fear and disgust against Islam are the actions of uneducated, ignorant and foolish Muslims who insists on death threats towards an entire nation, insists on burning down of diplomatic missions and the murder of those who have no relation to the cartoonist. Here is a reminder for those who agree with those acts. “During the life of the Prophet Muhammad he was faced with numerous instances where he was mistreated. From the severity of the way the people in Taif attacked and abused the Prophet with stones leaving him to bleed, to the instances where people spoke negatively about Islam. Did the Prophet threaten them with death? Did he encourage us to burn their houses down? Leaving Taif with bleeding legs, he told the Angel of the Mountains who offered to kill the people of Taif to leave them alone, in the hope that some of their off spring may accept Islam. This historic account alone, unequivocal in its authenticity, illustrates the way we should respond to those who wish to tarnish or harm Islam.”
Just take the cartoon as a reflection of how ignorant and stereotypical some people are with thier very limited knowledge of Islam. And even Laugh at it. Humor had always played an important part in the life of the early Muslims and throughout the period of Islam especially with Prophet Muhammed (Peace and Blessings be upon him).

This blog space is too pretty to leave unattended. I have a lot to say about many issues/subjects, the deal is figuring what to write about.
I have a question for everyone who reads this entry and i hope u reply with an answer. Ok...What gives you self worth?? Meaning, do u rely on others approval or validation to make ur life have importance? Of course we all do want to feel loved and feel that we belong but there r stages in life where u r alone and have to fend for urself. But how about if u r alone or feel alone. Do u not exist?? Just reply and lets see what happens. Looking forward to your comments.

Found this on the web...

1. Give Allah what's right -- not what's left.
2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- Allah's way leads to an endless hope.
3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
4. He who kneels before Allah can stand before anyone.
5. In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma --but never let him be the period.
6. Don't put a question mark where Allah puts a period.
7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the Masjid for a face-lift.
8. When time to pray, do not make excuses -- just report for duty.
9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to the Masjid.
10. We don't change Allah's message -- His message changes us.
11. The Masjid is prayer-conditioned.
12. When Allah ordains, He sustains.
13. WARNING: Exposure to the Allah may prevent burning.
14. Plan ahead -- It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
15. Most people want to serve Allah, but only in an advisory position.
16. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Qur'an.
18. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.
19. Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
20. Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
21. He who angers you controls you.
22. Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.
23. Give Satan an inch and he'll be a ruler.
24. Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them & He'll clean them.
25. Allah doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

As were previously covered, according to Islamic teachings, the earth and universe have been around for a long time. It is clearly stated in the Qur’an that one reason why Allah made us intelligent and attentive to our surrounding is so that we can discover the wonders of the natural splendor of the world around us. Allah provided us with the task to investigate and explore all that He created.
Islam teaches us that Allahs creation is vast beyond our comprehension. The more we explore and learn about the earth and universe around us, the more we will come to believe in Allah.
Allah said: “Behold! In the creation of space and the earth in the changing if night into day are indeed signs for people understanding. Those who remember Allah standing, sitting and laying down, and contemplate the (wonders) of creation in space and the earth. (They declare,) “Our Lord! You didn’t create all of this. So save us from the punishment of the fire.” (3:190-191)
Therefore, science certainly increases our faith. For hundred of years, people have been finding fossils, bones and ancient artifacts which point to a hidden past we don’t know much about.
We know the earth existed long before the appearance of humans. Allah says, “Wasn’t there a long period of time before humans were even mentioned?”
We also know from the geological timeline that the earth went through many ages before we came to existence. In the ayat (verse) that mentions this proof of Allah, we are given a strong clue about the adaptability of life forms to their environments.
The Qur’an stated, “Don’t you see that Allah sends rain from the sky? With it We produce plants of various colors. And in the mountains are colored layers, white and red of various tones and some black in hue. And so to among humans and crawling creatures and cattle. They are of various colors. Those among Allah’s servants who have knowledge truly fear Him, for Allah is mighty and Forgiving.”
We agree with scientist that declares the existence of self-replicating/self-producing organisms. The concept of dinosaurs, trilobites and ancient algae’s does not go against our beliefs. Rather, it confirms the power of Allah. The Qur’an states, “He has created horses and mules for you to ride and show; and He has created other (creatures) that you do not know.” (16:8)
“Allah created every creature from water. Of them are some that creep in their bellies, some that walk on two legs and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills for He has power over all things. We have indeed sent signs that make things clear and Allah guides whom He wills to the straight way.” (24:45-46)
Quick summary, in Islam we know of the existence before we were created. We are encouraged to explore the natural wonders of this earth. We are accepting and support scientific findings to help us better understand our world, our life, and our Lord.

Why does Allah tell about the Creation of the Universe, which happened too long ago?
Allah knows us best and is aware that humans are very skeptical creatures. In the Qur’an, He states “…if you were to seek a tunnel into the earth or a ladder into the skies and bring them a sign, (they still wouldn’t be convinced.) If it were Allahs’ will. He could gather them all to true guidance, do don’t be amongst those who are influenced by ignorance.” (6:35)
So Allah made it a point to supply us with many proofs in the Qur’an about His existence. We need proof and Allah has given us Proof.
Allah of course is not in need of us to follow Him or believe in Him. “Allah can do without them and Allah is free from all needs.” (64:6) He merely advises that people would choose to believe in Him so He can reward them for the way they carried their lives. Allah is ready to forgive even those who acted wrongly if they genuinely ask for his forgiveness and try hard not to repeat the same mistake. In a Hadith, it states that “When Allah decreed the creation (of the Universe,) He set down His book which his with Him, ‘Indeed, My mercy is stronger than My wrath.’”

The process of creation can be summarized as follows: All matter in the universe was compacted together in one place. Then Allah gave the commanded and it blew apart scattering molecules and gases in all directions. (The Big Bang.) The force of this initial explosion keeps the universe expanding.
Space was filled with matter, anti-matter and gases which eventually combined into larger particles. These bits of matter eventually grew into asteroids, planets, stars and moons.
Each object of inter-space conformed to a set of physical laws which governed the trajectory of their orbits so a regular pattern of rotation could be seen. (21:33, 29:61)
Stars ignite in a fury of radioactive fusion and gave off light and heat which brought warmth to those these planets nearby. (86:3) Small moons were captured in the orbit of larger planets and came to have regular orbit around them, often reflecting light from the sun. (54:1-2)
Finally the planets themselves developed and formed in a variety of ways with fantastic geologic formations and movements both above and below the surface. (27:61)
The planet earth, in particular, cooled near its outer layer, forming a thin rust made up of plates that moved and grated against each other. (15:19) This allowed the earth’s surface to constantly erase the damage caused by occasional asteroids impacts. But the colliding of plates also has its; side effect of rising tall mountains and exposing the geologic history of the planet.
Escaping gases from the ground and water, warmed in the sunlight, eventually raised to a high altitude where they formed a protective layer. This Ozone Layer shielded out harmful radiation and ultraviolet rays from the sun. After a time, life was to appear but that is the topic for another update. For now, it is amazing that this scientific narrative is almost exactly the same as what Allah revealed in the Qur’an.

It is absolutely amazing and I can only proclaim my marvel at Allah’s Revelations. Remember, He mentioned these things to teach us to be believers in Him. If He tells us the truth, we would be fools not to do so. Correct?

We previously covered what Islam and who Allah is. Briefly, Islam is not a religion but is a complete way of life that follows the consistent natural flow of the world and Universe. It is in harmony with the natural order of nature and existence.
Allah, a Being who is beyond our limited intellectual capacity, created the Universe Billions of Years ago. He had created natural laws and functions of matter and orders according to His will. By this, we can state that the entire Universe is Muslim. It is surrendered to Allah’s’ will. In certain galaxies on certain planets at some point, Allah permitted living organisms to develop. One particular planet, Earth, came to exist a very complex ecosystem. After some time , Allah created Human beings on that planet Earth. They were willed to be like no other creature before them. They would posses far more intellect and free will. No cat, dog, fish, frog, monkey nor tree can function in any other way than that of its own natural instincts and tendencies. Humans, however, would be given the choice of how to live their lives. They had the ability to defy their instincts and natural tendencies to whatever they please. But, with this free will came consequences. Allah created this universe free of disorder and chaos. In the development of human societies, people have the choice to either conform to the values of order and peace or to fulfill their nasty desires to cause destruction and follow their raw natural instincts. Humans have the choice weather to utilize that intellect and free will to do better for mankind or low themselves to the level of a beast.
The way of life Allah wants humans to choose is one which Humans use their intellect and emotions to search for facts about Allah and the entire Universe. And to hold a firm brotherhood with whom coexists. There must be no anger, hatred, violence and greed against your fellow brother. All foul emotions and actions must be controlled and eliminated.

This is enough for now. I know, I know. Many of you are shaking your heads telling yourselves that this isn't the Islam that you see. I can not speak on behalf of all Muslims but I can definitely speak on behalf of Islam. And what I witness around the globe and even in my own "Muslim" society is not Islam. I do not blame anyone who has the wrong impression about Islam but you should know better. Judge Islam by its book. Judge any religion or way of life by it's text because certainly texts do not change and shows you what the object of it’s existence since it’s beginning. People are surely not always the best example to illustrate what their way of life is. If you have any questions, PLEASE do not hesitate to ask. Am open and always willing to respond to what ever question, concerns, or curiosities you may have. Take care

Hey everyone, Am back. It’s been a while but I just moved back home and is ready to write more about whatever comes to mind about Islam or whatever I feel like discussing at the time. Some updates may be longer then others. Always feel free to post any questions, comments, or concerns.

Now, Islam. What is Islam?

Islam is the name of a way of life. The name Islam means, among other things, peace, purity, submission and obedience. In short, peace and surrender. The definition means that when you surrender your will to Allah you will find peace in your soul.

What is a Muslim?

A Muslim is a self-surrendered one who is attaining peace. Muslims are only the followers of the of Islam. Not “Mohammedans.”

Who is Allah?

Allah, a Being Who is beyond our puny comprehension. He is the creator of all things. He is the all knower, all see-er. In Arabic, the word God is Allah. Allah isn’t only used by just Muslims, also I know of Christian Arabs who uses the same term referring to their God. Allah is one and unique. He has neither partner nor equal. He is the sole creator and sustainer of the entire universe. He is the God without whom no affairs are accomplished, and to whom lordship ultimately pertains. All creatures stand in need of Him, but he stands in need of none. He is omnipotent, the omniscient. Whose knowledge comprehends in the most perfect manner all things, hidden or evident. But he is far greater than to be encompassed but the knowledge of his creatures. His unbounded mercy is far greater then any. Allah’s justice ensures order in the universe, which has no defect. There is no one to share his domain, nor does he take aid or support from His creatures. He is the God of all worlds. Yet, He is nearer to a man then mans’ jugular vein.

Islam is based on the following Five Pillars:

~ 1. (Shahaadah)
~ 2. (Salat)
~ 3. (Zakat)
~ 4. (Saum)
~ 5. (Hajj)


Shahadah

The testification of Faith. To testify: “Ashadu an la illa Allah wa ashadu anna Mohammadan Rasulullah”, “None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah.” This statement is necessary for anyone to be a Muslim. Whether you are a born Muslim or a convert (revert) to Islam. By stating so, one should strive hard thereafter to act according to this decree.

Salat

Five daily prayers.
~ The first prayer is ‘Fajir’ and it contains two Rak’aats {units}. It may be performed between dawn and sunrise.
~ The second prayer is ‘Duhur’ and it contains four Rak’aats. Can be performed right at the afternoon.
~ The third prayer is ‘Asr’ and this one contains also four Rak’aats. It is performed later in the afternoon.
~ The fourth ‘Magrib.’ This particular prayer is the only one which consists of three Ra’kaats. It is performed right at sunset.
~ The fifth and final prayer is ‘Isha.’ Consists of four Ra’kaats and is performed after the suns redness disappears from the horizon.
All prayers MUST be preceded by Wudu, which is, in brief, the washing of the hands, face, forearms and the feet.

Zakat

The word Islam is usually translated as “poor-due” or “charity.” But the words literally means, “To make clean; to make pure.” But how is that linked to the concept of charity? Quiet simple, the world and everything within it has the potential to distract us from our primary duty in life, to surrender our self to Allah. Money and worldly things causes greed, selfishness, jealousy, hatred, and all of that sort. Therefore, when we are made to let go of some of our worldly possessions, we are forcing ourselves to let go of some of the material things we love. “O you who believe! Don’t let your riches or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. If any do so then the loss is their own.” (63:9) By taking part in Zakat, our souls indeed. The forces of greed are put in check. The spirit of Islam is at its best when we learn to give freely for Allah’s sake.

Saum

Fasting, the fourth pillar of Islam. During the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar lunar calendar. Every Muslim who meets certain requirements is required to fast. We all need food to survive but many abuse this act and ‘live only to eat’. They let their animals instincts take over them. Fasting is a way to train our stomachs to obey our mind.

Hajj

“And Hajj [pilgrimage to Mecca] to the House [Ka’bah] it is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses”
This just means that if you can afford transportation expenses, food and residence expenses and has no reason such as any illness to prevent them, they should attend Hajj at least once in a life time.


This is enough for now. Just the basics of Islam. Will go further into the pillars when in future updates as we go along.

Now that you have a better undertsand of how they think, here is jus a few ways to protect yourself.

Start with protecting yourself. Check your online profiles and make sure that you have no personal real information on them. If the chat server ( like yahoo) has a space for alternate email address, make sure that is current at all times, this is where your new password goes if you request it..... make sure its current and VERIFY IT!!

Make sure you have a great password!! use a password generator, grab the random code yahoo mail generates, or whatever tool you chose... BACK up the passwords to a text file..... and save to a floppy.. print it out.... put it SOMEWHERE safe as well.

Have a firewall and antivirus on your computer. There are several free of both, and no excuse to not have both current. Firewalls will protect you from random port attacks and hack attempts, and an antivirus protects your mail and your computer from malicious email... intended or not...... SIDE NOTE HERE>> if you private message with strangers or cam with strangers on yahoo, you risk a peer to peer connection on your computer ? this means a DIRECT CONNECTION and your computers ip becomes known to the other user. be careful.

Anything anyone would like to add? Comments?

Eww..Yes, inspired by a recent incident, lets learn a little something about Stalkers. In this case, online stalkers.
What counts as stalking ( cyber or real life)?
Stalking is defined by most as the willful, malicious and repeated following or harassing of another person. The acts are malicious, repetitive, personally directed, obsessive and premeditated.

Malicious~> the person has the intent to annoy, harass, harm, or even cause you fear for well being. Actions may include spamming, impersonation, or jokes.

Repetitive~> More than once, often with a pattern you can discern over time.

Obsessive~> This is when the person will not stop. You can ask or even have them ordered to stop the harassment, and still they persist. They continue the harassment even in your absence by posting or commenting openly.

Personal direction in attack / vendetta~> The person seeks to cause you harm or distress because of real or imagined acts. Most of the time this is all in the stalker/ harassers head, they have no reasonable reason, and use your defensive actions/ reactions to justify their further abuse.

Premeditated~> this means the harasser THOUGHT about and PLANNED to annoy, harass, stalk, abuse you. This includes looking up personal information on the internet, newspapers, etc, includes the creation of chat or email ids with your information, and includes repetitive actions. Heat of the moment "attacks" that occur once do not fall in this category


There are three main types of stalkers. Intimate partner stalkers, delusional stalkers and vengeful stalkers. I will just get into 'Delusional stalkers.'
"The typical profile of delusional stalkers is that of an unmarried and socially immature loner, who is unable to establish or sustain close relationships with others. They rarely date and have had few, if any, sexual relationships. Since at the same time they are both threatened by and yearn for closeness, they often pick victims who are unattainable in some way; perhaps he/she is married, or has been the stalker’s therapist, clergyman, doctor or teacher. Those in the helping professions are particularly vulnerable to delusional stalkers, because for someone who already has difficulty separating reality from fantasy, the kindness shown by the soon-to-be victim, the only person who has ever treated the stalker with warmth, is blown out of proportion into a delusion of intimacy. What these stalkers cannot attain in reality is achieved through fantasy and it is for this reason that the delusion seems to be so difficult to relinquish: Even an imaginary love is better than no love at all."

Hmm.....That is what makes it so tough. With one act of kindness, these deperate people take it as an act of love. So it's kinda hard to distinguish who to be nice to or not. Well teh beauty of it being online is that you can ignore them, so no biggy.

"Delusional stalkers frequently have had little or no contact with their victims. They may have major mental illnesses like schizophrenia, manic-depression or erotomania. What they all have in common is some false belief that keeps them tied to their victims. In erotomania, the stalker’s delusional belief is that the victim loves him. This type of stalker actually believes that he is having a relationship with his victim, even though they might never have met.

Another type of delusional stalker might believe that he is destined to be with someone, and that if he only pursues her hard enough and long enough, she will come to love him as he loves her. These stalkers know they are not having a relationship with their victims, but firmly believe that they will some day."

Rape, domestic violence and teenage violence.

"It's just the way, I am being abused, he the provider, head of the house, I should try harder to cook food on time, I won't try to get a job, won’t go to school, try to keep the kids quiet, I’ll keep things real quiet, should lose weight, shouldn’t have had a kid; he really didn't want the baby. Women would say anything to blame themselves and lower their self esteem.”
Regina Lee, a good friend of mine who works at the Women Domestic Violence Center in Lake City Florida who is also a good friend of mine. She listens to women where she works. “The women seem to have a lot of emotional problem, they take medicine like anti-depressant to escape reality, They can’t cope actuality, take drugs to take away pain and hurt, to basically numb them self from their situation. One says she can't work, be a mother and run the house. They are use to living in a home where they don't work, and handle kids and housework. Therefore they are ill equipped and seem to be very irresponsible women. They seek need someone to make decision for them. And that is where the control comes from, that’s when he starts the abuses both physically and mentally. They develop low self-esteem, has little or no motivation, just cannot coop with reality, cannot live a normal life in society. Live a life that is hostile. And some women leave the relationship. They feel like, it is a way of getting attention; they leave the abuser with the same characteristics and enter the same relationship. And don't leave time to find out whom they are. And most of the time they go back to the abuser and thinking he change, he persuades them to come back and he figured out a way to manipulate them to stay. Works for him so why he would change?” Regina Lee

My thoughts, now I learn where domestic violence originates. One thing women should know is that there is no excuse to be abused. Not only in domestic situations but all other circumstances in life. No one should verbally and physically abuse you. Okay, it is the men fault that if he abuses his wife/partner both physically and mentally. But it is up to the woman to protect herself and not to allow anyone to put her down, or to hit her, and never put her own self down. Think about it, if some one knows that they can hurt you, take advantage of you, they will do it. It is up to you to protect yourself. It is up to you to take action. Cuz if you don’t, they abuse will continue and it is you that is allowing that to happen. Not only will he abuse you but ur kids also. And even ur dog or cat. So you are not only hurting yourself but you are also putting the ones you love at risk.

Teen domestic violence…..”If he calls all the time and don’t want you hanging around someone else, they are potential to be bad husbands.” Regina Lee

Not only does Violence against women start after marriage or a committed relationship but also as early as teenage years. That’s unsafe. We hear a lot about teen violence, teen rape and that’s a bad start. If you bare up with it at that early age, more them likely you will allow it to happen to you in you adult life. And again, men don’t control us. We are equals, yes they may have responsibility over us cuz they have to take care of us. And no where does it give them command to emotionally hurt you and physically hurt you.

On a serious note, a lot of parents ask about how they can be a bigger part of our lives. They feel that they r losing us as we grow. Like we are drifting further and further away from them. All that I could say is, we will always love you {our parents}. I know at times it may seem that we are ignoring you or we rather hang out with our friends’ then stay at home. You may think to your self that we love them more then you. But no, we just like to do different things. We like being around our friends because we relate to them better and we have more fun. This is probably something that a lot of parents are unaware of, but we {teenagers} do things out of home or away from our parents because we almost feel as a burden to them. We are afraid to open a conversation because we could be bothering them from their work or maybe disturbing them from their rest. We feel that parents are annoyed by us and actually want us to go away. And then we wonder why they fuss at us when we are not home often. This is my perceptions of how it is, I can not be the representative of all Teens. Only thing I can say is, if you want to know more about your Childs life, if you want to know more about what they are thinking about then just talk to them. I feel that there should be very open communication lines between parents and their children. We will talk, just make time for us and we will do the same. And it may seem that we think we know everything and we need neither help from adults nor anyone else. In factuality, it’s not true. Most of the time it is just a cover up and we are embarrassed to ask for help or somewhat scared. Let your kids know that they can talk to you about ANYTHING and that you won’t freak out or accuse them of anything, and even if they were in the wrong, let them know they can tell you. Let there be a trust. Not saying to be their friend. A mother or father are far better then any friend. They will always love you, never disown you, always think about you, always care for you, always there for, and always a part of you.

Okay, before you read this article, I don't know if teh word 'Humor' in teh title is really doing its job or the fact that this whole updates content is in a joking tone, If you are not going to take this entry as a joke, then don't read it. Didn't know something sooo trivial could lead to sooo much controversy. Would think it would be in some other Update Entries on Islam or my personal opinions. Note, this was just a something to make you laugh at. Those of you who enjoyed reading this, glad u liked it, those of you who are going to take this offense, don't, and if you still do, thats dangerous ..dunno what to telll you.
{This Update entry (UE) inspired by an article I read titled ‘Whoever wears the Diapers Rules.’}

Parents, what a large responsibility we must attend to on a day to day basis. Lets’ face it, our teen years is one of the most critical and toughest time in our life. We face many dilemmas’ concerning our future. If we make a mistake now or choose a wrong decision, it might hunt us for the rest of our lives. We are awfully unappreciated and labeled as “Ungrateful!” What?!?! Why do parents always entitle us ungrateful?? If anything, they are ungrateful towards us. They say that how they feed us and give us a place to stay and we don’t even say ‘Thank You.’ Well pardon me, isn’t that their job? When they brought us into this world, is it not their responsibility to feed us and shelter us and teach us until we can face the world on our own? Also, most of them aren’t even doing their full jobs. Our responsibility as (only) teenagers is to take what they have to offer and try to form who we will be. We don’t need their nagging and their harassment. Being a teenager is hard enough. And they say how we throw tantrums and make a scene. Please!!!!!!!! No tantrum can even COMPARE to that ‘Thing’ they do when we don’t make the good grades or don’t get into the college they wanted us to. So here are some solutions to discipline our parents. Yes, that is correct, discipline them. We have been manipulated since childhood that they are in charge or has superiority over us and will always be, but now that they are old (pass 40) ;) they are loosing their senses and it is our duty as good citizens of this society as young sane people to help these old individuals. They don't know what the real world is like. Here are just a few tips which I have come up with. Will add more when I do further analysis on this issue. Do follow and put to use.

Tip #1…..Don’t try to be friends with your parents.

A very common mistake teenagers have been doing is trying so hard to be their parents’ friends instead of showing them who is boss. By this I don’t mean you have to do what they have been doing to you during childhood by being yelling and screaming at you day and night. Instead, I suggest that you should be gentle yet firm. Limit setting is what really works. Believe it or not, my father being 45 and my mother soon to be 44, really appreciate this limitation because now they don’t feel so out of control anymore.

Tip #2…………….Take way their Credit Cards
Now what is something that all parents have revolved their lives around and would absolutely die without?? Credit cards! Well, I wouldn’t actually recommend cutting them up, as that could interfere with them paying off my car insurance for the month. So I suggest that you hide them and promise to return them back when they decide to behave better towards you and I assure you, they will behave.

Tip #3……..Don’t Negotiate
If anything out of anything that I hope you have learned from your childhood years is to not negotiate with your parents. When attempted this back in the day, they would talk you into or out of stuff by offering you something else (which in most cases was something stupid like candy). So 'no' means 'no.' Also, one more thing to be aware of, threats are very ineffective. Except for calling Child Protective Services. But that isn’t valid for your use anymore. Tell your younger siblings of it.


Tip #4……………….Working thru Tantrums
Yes, we all know how crazed lunatics are parents can be at times. All parents go thru tantrums at some point or another. The key is to know how to handle them. One thing you must remember is to remain calm. Usually tantrums are a cry for attention, and you have to reassure your parents that you love them even if they have lost all control of themselves and haven’t a clue what they are yelling about and is totally freakin you out. Tantrums are especially hard to control when you are in public places and your parents is completely embarrassing you, making you feel that you have no control over your own parents and that other teenagers are looking at you like you are a failure. Yes, I personally know how you guys feel but it is ok, I had to go thru the same scenarios before using these tips. And I can assure you one thing, those other teenagers are just as weak and pathetic as you are at making their parents behave in public. So no biggy, just learn from your mistakes and move on.

Tip #5…………………..reward good behavior.
Nothing extravagant, just simple pleasurable things that you know they like. You would be surprised how much you can help improve your relationship with your parents if you give them these little rewards. You want them to feel good about themselves so when they go into the outside world, they will not care when other teenagers are mean to them because they know that they are loved and respected by their own teenagers.

This all I have for now. Hope this helps some of you out. So you see, disciplining your parents doesn’t have to be that tough. You will soon really enjoy the fact that you as a teenager have done your role as raising respectful, happy, and well adjusted parents. Take care.

:p

Another Birthday, another year has passed. Am 19. Gosh I feel so old, yet I ponder, is that all?... Many spend thier birthdays with a cake and celebration. But I like to sit down and think. Think about who I am. All that I have done, what goods I did and what bads. Am I becoming that woman I want? Did I do something different this year? Did I grow any? Have I learnt more? Have I changed? {For teh better that is}. All I can say is, I hope so.
On another note, I am very thankful that I have Family and friends that love me soo much. Here are some things soem have told me just today.

--My sister {who will remain nameless} [Amina!] said that my moustache is getting too long and that I looked like a little Indian boy.
--A friend of mine left a message on my voice mail that started off with "Hey B*tch."
--My mom compared me to a monkey.

Okay Okay..Here are soem positive ones :)
~~Hi Sarah! I was just cheking the page to send the link of the page where your poem is, to a friend of mine. What a co-incidence you are here! Anyways, again you are AMAZING!
I don't know if all the Muslim women see the world, the way you do, but if all do so, there is going to be an enormous burst of positivity around.
I agree with what you say about being feminine. Lot of people think that dresses, the desire to look good, to fashion is all being feminine is all about. I believe in your idea of strong mind, the power to voice one's opinion and to be heard and to defy the standards already set.
~~Hi, You don't know me but I'm a friend of your words, soul friend, all what I wanted to say is Happy Birthday.
~~Sarah, You may never know how important it was that You were born 19 years ago and not just for me but for the rest of this world. Sarah just because You are grown don't stop Growing into the Briliantly Beautiful Creature that i see when i read your WORDS.

It makes me really happy to know that there are people who care about me soo much. And it is sincere love, unlike these facades people like to put on. I don’t know what the future holds in store for me. But all that i can ask for is, to never lose those that I love, never hurt anyone, always be of help, always maintain a good heart, continue to grow and share what I know to all that would listen. 8:36 p.m. now. This is about teh end of my day. Just wanted to share this with you guys. Hope to see another birthday and live another year. Become a better human being, woman, Muslimah, and become a better Me. Take care