"MJ's This Is It!" -- two thumbs up!!!!

[http://www.thisisit-movie.com/ <--Click here to see the trailer.] Something amazing happened today. I went to see MJ's This Is It! and I was so estatic that I did! Talk about a spellbinding and uplifting 2 hours spent! The movie was a running documentary chronicling MJ's comeback concert tour that he was prepping for right before he died. What I found interesting about the movie was the evidence of Michael Jackson's creative genius at play. Forget the eccentricities, allegations, and rumors... when it came to music, MJ was the KING OF POP. The movie was never intended to air in a public and commercial venue. Footages that went into the movie were meant for MJ's personal viewing library. Thank goodness he had the forethought to allow the cameras to roll, so that fans and curious seekers could see him in his prime.... when he was creating... performing... leading... and making music magic. To see him in rehearsal performing songs that brought me back to my youth was incredible: Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, Wanna Be Starting Something, Human Nature, The Girl Is Mine, She's Out of My Life, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Heal The World, Man In The Mirror.... and the list goes on inclusive of songs from his pre-solo days with the Jackson 5. Every song he performed brought back warm fuzzies to every event and emotion I was experiencing when his songs were released. Another fascinating factor I observed was his meticulous perfection in getting every note, music arrangement, choreography, lighting, and costume "just right." He was a daunting visionary with a sweet disposition. An iconic paradox. His crew loved and revered him. Every interview was uttered in hushed reverent tones, all in a dazed wonder that they were at the pinnacle height of their career by working with THE legendary MJ. The movie was amazing and inspiring, and at the end achingly sad. To see MJ's larger than life presence alive for 2 hours, only to be reminded in the end that he was gone.... was like going through his demise all over again. He was a candle in the wind whose light was snuffed out too soon, and whose flame flickered brightly while he was on the big screen for the last time.

7 More Days!!!

A Salute To All Veterans Today Especially To Those In Harm's Way!

Race for the Cure In Cairo

On 24 October 2009, Cairo sponsored the first ever Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure event at the Giza Pyramids. I was Team Captain for my workplace, and we headed with high energy across town along with the rest of Cairo to take part in this historical and most worthy event.


Here's a self-portrait of said Team Captain on the bus ride over.


The buses were packed and full of anticipation.


Traffic to the event was horrendous. Ugh!


Local scenery passed on the way to the pyramids.


Yaaay! We finally arrived, but check out the traffic! Yikes!


I really liked this gal's choice of athletic shoes. Pretty in pink!


A sea of pink ribbon Susan G. Komen t-shirts were everywhere!


Here's me sporting my pink ribbon on my face. tee hee!


The starting line before it got crowded.


I thought this image captured RACE FOR THE CURE perfectly.


I thought the pyramids were the PERFECT backdrop.


Friends and colleagues were all there to show their support.


This photo shows why guys should never take pics. LoL.


More of my posse excited to be there!


Loved how these local girlz snazzed up their accessories to match the pink ribbon theme. In deference to the Q'uron, Muslim women only expose face, hands, and feet.

Team USA in da HOUSE.... woot! woot!

The starting line was reaaaally packed now!


I thought this local gal was styling n' profiling.


Some Muslim women zealously show their faith by covering their entire bodies except for 2 eye slits to see. This woman is wearing a burka, and even though you can't see it, she is also wearing black gloves. Regardless, I liked the fact she was sporting a Susan G. Komen ball cap. A true supporter!


An estimated 5,000 particpants came from all over Cairo.


As usual the pyramids were inspiring and beautiful to gaze upon.


As was the Sphinx, the guardsman of the Giza pyramids.


Yippeee! We finished!!!


The finish line surged with participants completing the 5K.

Afterwards, everyone meandered down to the big tent for the big after party. Survivors were recognized, awards presented, and all participants thanked for their contributions that helped fund breast cancer research. It was an incredible day and an incredible event : RACE FOR THE CURE ROCKED!

City of the Dead

Last year I blogged about attending the El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in California the day after Halloween. This year in keeping with the theme and tradition, I decided to blog about Cairo's unique "City of the Dead". What is this you ask? Simply, it is a cemetery compound that stretches along the base of Moqattam Hills in Old Cairo that is inhabited by the city's poor. It is the slums of Cairo infiltrated by squatters who have taken over mausoleums inside the high bricked walls of the cemetery's compound. While the "City of the Dead" sounds morbidly disturbing, Cairenes think nothing of it. Egypt's government turns a blind eye to the squatters, since there are no social welfare programs that assist their indigent population. Daily sightings of laundry hanging out to dry, and the occasional satellite cable dish on top of a mausoleum rooftop are common sightings to passersby. On my way home from work last week, I adeptly took several photos (in a moving vehicle mind you) of this morbid section of the city, and found additional photos online to provide you with a visual concept of the "City of the Dead".

pic found online



pic found online





pic found online