Thursday

Finals Update:

1. Monograph essay for Professor Canfield
2. Research paper on Zionism in Salafist writings for Professor Ahmed
3. Finish writing comments on undergrad papers and return them

So I've read Milestones by Sayyid Qutb, and in his worldview, there seem to be two different kinds of Jews--historical Jews of the Qu'ran and modern Zionist Jews plotting world domination. The latter picks up on cliched tropes of Jews and usury and financial control. But in reality, apart from a few asides, Jews aren't perceived as the main threat, Western Crusaders spreading Jahiliyya are. So to argue about the place of Jews in the categories constructed by Qutb (and soon to be other Salafists,) do I need to explain the other categories first? The types of Christians and Muslims, seen as individuals and groups?

First Post

I don't mean to be self-absorbed, but I thought it might be fun to start a blog.

Here goes.

The semester is wrapping up, just:

1. 600 word Arabic paper
2. Arabic presentation on ^ paper
3. Monograph essay for Professor Canfield
4. Research paper on Zionism in Salafist writings for Professor Ahmed

to go.

Made koushari for dinner, going to make zucchini risotto at some point this week.
Anyone else going to be in St. Louis this summer studying for the GRE? I feel the need to retake it since the economic crisis is going to make PhD funding more competitive and I need options.

Does anyone know someone who might want a 1 bedroom North of Delmar for the Spring semester next year? We really don't want to have to move, but our landlord only allows year-long leases.

On a different note, I'm auditioning for a local production of the musical Rent. Any suggestions for a pop/rock genre song to audition with next Monday are appreciated.