It is amazing how we can trace the history of this bird through the myths of various religions and ideologies. It catches the fancy in mysterious ways for such an unassuming bird.

It is considered to be the bird that was the special messenger from King Solomon to the Queen of Sheba in Jewish/Muslim folklore. Ustad Fariduddin Attar in his famous "Conference of the Birds" , names it the wisest of birds and all the other birds regard it as the carrier of Solomon's wisdom.

This little creature with just a crest to its name has lots of fame. It is revered in Chinese poetry as a celestial messenger often bearing news of the spring and features in Aristophanes work too.

One could argue that Aristophanes work and Ustad Attar works draws from similiar sources as both regard the Hoopoe as the King of Birds. How did these legends and fables from far away sources get so mixed together?

This little bird has a connection to ancient Egypt too. It is depicted as a spectre of Horus that indicates joy and affection. There are friezes of the bird in delightful color in some of the ancient tombs too.

What is the story of Oz but a stylized description in the modern literary way, an adaptation of both these works. I do doubt that the Wizard of Oz was ever penned in the knowledge of this tale of a group of radically different but very similar characters searching for a King's/Wizard's healing touch.

All this about a little innocuous bird....

Urdu Poetry Archive

Without its poetry, Urdu struggles to survive. Its poetry, be it Ghalib,Iqbal, Faiz or Majaaz makes it a transcendental means of communication.

Enjoy the link above.

Vintage Tea Leaf

This is a great place to have tea in the afternoon. We usually go on any empty stomach so we can enjoy their scruptious sandwiches and lovely tea.

Tomorrow we are going again with friends and hope to have fun.

Right near by in Long Beach is Acre of Books, on 240 Long Beach Blvd. What a lovely bookstore this is.

Have a great weekend!

There is so much fighting going on about renting or buying one's home in Los Angeles that one can take very extreme positions either way.

However this wonderful article in NY times explains things rather well and dispassionately.

A very worthy read, I think

We went and got a Philips HDTV and now are in the process of getting DishNetwork to give us a good deal on the pricing. This whole duopoly that the satellite providers providers enjoy is one of those wonderful problems inherent in an economy where certain costs, though inherently variable, are actually fixed by the "standard of living" principle.

For our ease, we need


Microwave Oven
Conventional Oven
Dishwasher
Laundromat
Cable TV
Fan or A/C depending on the climate
Cell Phone
Massive Beds
DSL connection

All these costs are inherent in any living condition in California. Curiously, one finds that some of these have become so much of a part of life that they are not even included in this list. Central heating, for example.

For every few years,we add to this list. One could argue that a digital video recorder is part of this list now. I mean, I love mine and cannot abide by ads on TV anymore.

So, the more we buy and consume and don't save, such duopoly's can charge whatever they can get away with. What a great business to be in!

Today we start to talk about Hajj and the best books that will lead you to ponder over this absolutely cataclysmic event in your life. Please prepare your mind for an immersion in something that you have an idea about but no clear view of, if it is your first Hajj.

Please also be aware that all reading and looking up terms and prayers stands meaningless when you stand at Arafat or make your Tawaf around the Kaaba. No Dua matters, only your heart beats to a rhythm that you can not identify later. Faith, takes over...and for those like I, who question their faith repeatedly it is a watershed event where doubts do not strangle your mind and, thoughts though they do stray, are more often focussed on the Talbiyah than on anything else. Even the delirium of fever can be a blessing in disguise.

So dear prospective Hajji, read but reflect more..

1. HAJJ: Reflection on Its Rituals by Ali Shariati

Dr. Shariati presents a very esoteric but practical explanation of Hajj and its rituals and how they are grounded in the myths of our Deen. Almost a Sufi style of writing.

2. One Thousand Roads to Mecca: Ten Centuries of Travelers Writing About the Muslim Pilgrimage by Michael Wolfe

You will find yourself very much in tune with other Hajjis of ages gone by. Some went in good times and others in times that were bad for the Ummah. All underwent considerable hardships quite akin to your own.