Eid at Summer's Ranch

Photo: summer's ranch 2007

These last three days were are a muslim holiday called Eid-ul-Adha and during this time muslims around the world sacrifice a goat or sheep and distribute a portion among the poor and hungry.

Muslims eat Halal meat and it has to be slaughtered according to strict guidelines. Due to lack of observant butchers around here, we usually send money back to Pakistan and our family members fulfill the obligation of distributing meat for us. This year was especially unique because we found out about a ranch here in Michigan that lets muslims do the sacrifice themselves. In Pakistan and India this is a common practice but it is wonderful to have access to an organic farm where muslims can get halal meat.

At the ranch we stood in line behind a dozen other muslims. Most people had already picked out and paid for their animals. We knew it was going to be a long day but we made the best of it. I even ordered pizza from the only pizza shop in town and it really started to feel like Eid. My cousin brough his kids to the ranch and I am sure it was an eye-opening experience for them. It is difficult to associate the fresh meat at the supermarket with a living animal. Today my parents and the rest of our family distributed the meat amongst family / friends and sent the rest to the poor.

KI BS

Photo: Death ride 2006


I think I messed up my iliotibial band. This is the BEST time of the year to be out running and I am icing my freakin' knee instead. Thanks to Google there is so much great info on the internet about it.

Check it

1. What is iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)?

2. Pre-workout stretches and ways to strengthen the iliotibial band.

Give one Get one

(summer 2007)

This year was my first time taking part a Black Friday shopping adventure. Every year, I hear people talking about the incredible deals they got after waiting in line all night outside a local computer store or mall. I don't think I have the same devotion/time in the day and secondly I didn't really need anything so it was a perfect people watching opportunity.
As it gets closer to the holiday season, there are many more coupons in my already bulging mailbox. The stores seem to be a little busier and people use every opportunity to check off gifts for their family members. I have heard of many great ideas this year but one definitely stands out. One of my friends bought a laptop from the "give one get one" laptop campaign. This project is run by an organization called One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) and they hope to provide a laptop for every child in a developing country. Until December 31st you can buy a $399 ($200 is tax deductible) laptop for yourself and they send one overseas to a needy child.
After my last summer of research in Pakistan I got an idea of the conditions in impoverished school systems. These laptops run on a linux based operating system and are designed to work in areas where there is a lack of a good telecommunications network. They build a network with other nearby laptops to provide internet access to everyone.

So this year, if you are having trouble figuring out what to get for that special someone, this is a great option.

p n l