Posted by BeautyandtheEast on 04-20-2010 | Comments | Share | Filed under: Entertainment, Film/TV, Art/Books
In the wake of 9/11, Naif al-Mutawa made what some might consider an unusual career move for a clinical psychologist. He created a comic book. Al-Mutawa, a Kuwaiti with multiple degrees from American universities, wanted a series that could counter the anti-Muslim backlash for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The 99, as al-Mutawa named his creation, has everything a good comic book needs—evil in the world and superheroes to fight it. Unlike most comics, however, its stories are told in an Islamic context. The superheroes are boys and girls from all over the world, each of whom finds one of 99 stones created after the destruction of an Iraqi library by Genghis Kahn’s descendants. The stones endow the heroes with superpowers based on Allah’s 99 virtues—such qualities as wisdom, healing, destruction, and love.
The comic books’ popularity has grown quickly, and al-Mutawa’s superheroes now have an international audience. On April 26th al-Mutwawa and his company Teshkeel, plan to announce its American debut of the animated series set for this Fall 2010!
Tags: Naif al-Mutawa, The 99
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Posted by BeautyandtheEast on 03-29-2010 | Comments | Share | Filed under: Entertainment, Film/TV, Art/Books
“Paradise Found” is a breathtaking and insightful documentary by art critic Waldemar Januszczak that chronicles the history of Islamic art and architecture. Watch Part I here and see other nine parts on YouTube:
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Posted by BeautyandtheEast on 10-30-2009 | Comments | Share | Filed under: Entertainment, Leaders/Stories, Art/Books
On Wednesday night, The Daily Show with John Stewart featured pro-Palestinian activists Anna Baltzer and Mustafa Bargouti. Unfortunately, the show was overwhelmed with angry emails and phone calls prior to the appearance, and up until the last minute it seemed like they might cancel. During the taping, the first heckler in Daily Show’s 11 years interrupted the interview several times. Many have stated that the entire staff were very nervous and may come to regret the monumental decision (and not make it again) as they will surely be inundated now that the show has aired.
It is CRUCIAL that the show receive letters of support from anyone who appreciated the interview. PLEASE take a moment to give a quick thank you to the Daily Show. They will likely be affected by numbers rather than length, so it’s OK to make it short, but spread the word to others! Be sure to put “Thank you for Dr. Barghouti & Anna Baltzer on your show” in the subject followed by a quick thank you.
You can fill out the form here: http://www.comedycentral.com/help/questionsCC.jhtml (make sure to choose The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as your topic). You can also try calling 212-468-1700.
This isn’t about politics…it’s about working together to influence more positive portrayals of Muslims in mainstream media. Action brings change!
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Exclusive - Anna Baltzer & Mustafa Barghouti Extended Interview Pt. 1 | ||||
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| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Exclusive - Anna Baltzer & Mustafa Barghouti Extended Interview Pt. 2 | ||||
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Posted by BeautyandtheEast on 10-26-2009 | Comments | Share | Filed under: Entertainment, Art/Books
On Saturday, October 24th, I was invited to the annual fundraising gala for the The Central Asia Institute at the Hyatt Regency in New Jersey (thanks, Adnan!). The institute was founded by Greg Mortenson, the bestselling author of Three Cups of Tea, a book about building schools in some of the most remote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The gala was quite impressive and organized - a networking mingle followed by a three course dinner, entertainment, interesting speeches, and a performance by the Three Cups of Tea children’s troup. It was a packed house of about 800 distinguished guests and donors (what economic crisis?). Kudos to the organizers of this event. Looks like they raised a ton of money to benefit these schools!
To read more about how this organization benefits children and schools of Afghanistan and Pakistan, visit http://www.ikat.org
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Posted by BeautyandtheEast on 10-16-2009 | Comments | Share | Filed under: Entertainment, Music, Comedy, Film/TV, Leaders/Stories, Travel, Art/Books, Fashion-Eastas, Fashion, Beauty, Episodes
Got talent? Beauty and the East TV is looking for emerging Muslim musicians, comedians, actors, film-makers, designers, dancers, and hosts to feature in our new episodes! For details, watch this video:
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Posted by BeautyandtheEast on 08-25-2009 | Comments | Share | Filed under: Entertainment, Art/Books
My father has written a new book that appeals to readers who like international affairs, politics, culture, and family type of stories. TURBULENCE –The Tumultuous Journey of One Man’s Quest for Change in Afghanistan by Dr. Nadir Atash will take you from his life in Kabul in the 1950’s, before the country had been ravaged by Soviet imperialism, to the subsequent civil war, the rise of the Taliban, and the U.S. engagement in 2001 following the attacks of 9/11. The story also details his experiences as an advisor to the Government of Afghanistan a few years ago…and the chilling corruption he experienced firsthand, not only by Afghans, but by outside figures. A definite MUST read for those who want to know the truth about what goes on in the shadowy halls of power in Kabul and what has led to the insurgency in Afghanistan.
http://www.turbulencethebook.com
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Posted by BeautyandtheEast on 07-08-2009 | Comments | Share | Filed under: Entertainment, Art/Books
I just returned from a trip and had the pleasure of reading Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes by famed Afghan-American author Tamim Ansary, who also penned the criticially acclaimed memoir West of Kabul, East of New York after 9/11. I met Tamim at a Barnes & Nobles book talk in New York City and ended up picking up 5 copies of the books for friends and family. What I like about Tamim’s writing style is that he talks to you in a way that makes you feel as if he is telling you a personal story (in other words, it’s not boring!). So for those of you, Muslim or not, who want to learn more about the history of the most misunderstood religion in the world in a way that is compelling and unbiased, this is the book for you. A definite must-read!!
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Posted by BeautyandtheEast on 05-23-2009 | Comments | Share | Filed under: Entertainment, Art/Books
I’m glad my awkward teen years are over. Talk about a double life. We lived in a white neighborhood and many of my friends had no idea what “Muslim” meant or how overprotective my family was…. that going to a football game or party was not an option. I made up a lot of creative excuses when invited, and thankfully, I had my sisters and cousins for support (and to vent about my parents!). Many Muslim teens do not have this support. In a post-9/11 world where Islam is too often associated with terrorism and where Muslim parents can become “preachy”, many teens may feel embarrassed by their identity, are frustrated….or simply lost in the cracks.
Brother and sister Yamin and Imran Hafiz, two young, intelligent Muslim Americans from Arizona, have written the American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook, an upbeat and open-minded guide that offers some answers to this dilemma. Currently, 1,000 libraries in 39 states in the US, high schools & universities (including Duke University ), the Girl Scouts, interfaith youth clubs, and book clubs are carrying the book, which has been reviewed in The Guardian, The National, The New York Times, and more. Wish this book was around when I was 13!
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Posted by BeautyandtheEast on 05-08-2009 | Comments | Share | Filed under: Entertainment, Music, Art/Books, Episodes
I met Yousuf and Saima Arain at a fashion show I was part of at the W Hotel in NYC in 2008. I was immediately struck by their mutual talents. Yousuf is a member of the band Kundalini Shock Attack , a self described “desi post-dancefloor deconstructionalism” band and Saima is a professional artist who has featured her work at galleries in New York City. If you like the sounds of Depeche Mode-New Order-Chemical Brothers as much as the sounds of tabla infused Desi vocals, you will get a kick out of their album. My favorites are “Pyar Bhara Zamana”, “Din Ka Rishta” and “Aaghosh”.
In this original Beauty and the East episode, I interview this creative duo about their work and how they deal with Muslim stereotypes in the U.S.
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Are you a Muslim/Middle-Eastern/South Asian actor, musician, singer, comedian, designer, film-maker, journalist/host, or have a special story? Show us what you got!
