I don’t think the fact that I was going to see an Opera actually hit me until I got out of the subway at Columbus circle. It’s funny because even though I’ve been there many times, I felt like the biggest tourist asking where Lincoln center was. I asked this guy who pointed me in the right direction, but not without wishing me a great time. I couldn’t help but smile as I thanked him and headed on my way. He seemed more exited that I was going to the opera than I was :P. By the time I saw Lincoln center, I realized what I had gotten into. I felt like an ant, dwarfed not only by the beautiful buildings around me, but by swarms of well-dressed folks all seeming to know where they were going. Confused, I stepped into one of the side buildings to ask where Carmen was, only to be answered by this rather old women. “Wooooowww,” she said, “your going to see Carmen…Lucky you.” I hope shes not saying this thinking I’m taking a girl to the Opera I thought. She smiled, and pointed me to the main building. I genuinely smiled once more and even when I was farther away she was telling me how amazing a performance it was. I really stood out. Was it because I was young, becuase I had a nice beard (bc for real, when was the last time you imagined a guy with a beard going to see an opera), or was it that I was a charming young man (thank you very much jk). Regardless, I certainly felt…special, as if I had suddenly moved up the prestige ladder. The only thing left was for someone to roll a red carpet in front of my feet, and I would feel like a king.

First impressions were certainly ones of luxury. Red carpets, fancy chandeliers, and elegance all around. It felt like stereo(typical) Manhattan. And of course, the people. These people were no joke. They seemed like avid opera goers. This old lady on the elevator was all worried that the bell would ring. And if that wasn’t funny enough, another old lady reassured us all telling us that they never start on time, as if she was born and raised in the Opera house her whole life.

The performance started off with the musicians, and objectively speaking, they were certainly phenomenal in skill. I remember leaning as much as possible to get a closer look to see the conductor moving left and right, as if he controlled the music. I looked to single out specific instrument sounds like the harp, violin, trumpets and cymbals. It certainly brought back nostalgic memories of when I used to play the violin (ES) and the clarinet (HS). I particularly remembered my hs music teacher, guiding us through the basics with the tapping of his batton. It was amazing to me how everything rested on the music…the actors ques, the lighting. It all seemed to center on the music.

As far as the performance was concerned, the actors performed well in their roles. I found the plot to be rather confusing, although I was able to distinguish the different characters. I still don’t know how Carmen fell in love with two guys. I was following everything the first scene when the girl in blue came and the guy loved her, and the whole situation with the soldiers mom. Everything after that was confusing. And somewhat boring.

I am not really a fan of these love stories. They’re unrealistic, emotionally draining, and often have no logical explanation. “I love you” “No you don’t” “Yes, I do” “Ok, you do” “Actually wait, I hate you now, you can die for all I care”…..Are you serious? Please give me a break. On this whole issue of love, now that I bring it up, I can’t help but ask myself are these actors married? Carmen especially. For real. Laying on top of each other in front of thousands of people. Does the concept of shame exist, even in the slightest form, exist anymore? Forget my reaction, I would certainly like to imagine the reactions of Americans about half a century ago. And not just with one dude, but two. I was asking myself, why don’t these people just rip of their clothes and do a live demonstration? Perhaps I may have a tighter definition of what constitutes modesty and morality, but I think in this case, the sexuality of certain scenes were very explicit and intended.

Last thing about the actual performance which intrigued me was the stage and lighting. The lighting and moving stage really allowed for seamless transitions between scenes and I found that to be particularly fascinating. The curtains reminded me of some power point animations, and the fact that that could be done on a stage setting was pretty neat if you ask me.

As far as the audience is concerned, yes it is mainly for older folks. That is not to say younger people can’t see it, especially if your trying to impress a lover, I guess. I can imagine that many older folks have a lot of time to kill. What better way to do just that than to go to a luxurious, expensive, long Opera that focuses on romantic, heartbreaking, confusing love. That’s a sure way to make you feel 20 again. Although I think I had an interesting, brand new experience at the Opera, I am not really all hyped up to go again. When I come to think about actually seeing the opera, I just remember waiting for the scene to end so that I can get up and stretch. I just ain’t about that life. I did however get to experience a sense of “prestige” which I didn’t have to work too hard to get. I think that’s really what makes going to an Opera a different experience. Reflecting back on the event, I am able to recall all these things simply because they are completely new to me. After the glitter settles, I am left stuck in a seat for 3 hours, straining my eyes to see ant-like figures with a dude’s head in front of me.

-Waseem Bassam Iqnaibi

http://quran.com/1    (Link for translation of the chapter I recited (The Opening) * Muslims believe the Quran to be the verbatim word of God, unaltered, not even a vowel.

Some more examples of Quran Recitiation:

1. Slow recitation  — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG-38XxqS-4

2. Another slow recitation by Abdulbasit( very famous slow reciter known for his long breath and ability to quickly alternate between extremely high pitched and low voices; i try to imitate him sometimes, key word try :P)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5djO4FwMR2o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlYwPqbuvrE   here he starts off deep, then skip to around 6 min)

3. example of prayer led in congregation (makkah)      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Hwvoa1l7JY

Let me start off by saying that the performance was not what I had expected. Spoken word is not something new to me. As a matter of fact, I had a chance while in HS to compete and rank in a competition where I presented my own spoken word piece, in both a regional, then a national team (shown below. I have no idea who took the pic but I sure look angry). I also remember prepping other competitors from my school who were competing in extemporaneous speaking, rap, and improv. I have seen truly jaw-dropping performances that I wish I reexperience. With that said, I was relieved the music stopped pounding in my ear to hear only one person speak. What a relief! It started off confusing, kinda the way I feel reading some books, but quickly oriented myself to the setting and problem of Mums story. His enthusiasm was evident; sweat trickled down his face and his eyes frequently narrowed. I was certainly hooked on his story before long.

Although the performance was quite long ( I was getting restless towards the end, thinking when he would finish), it was memorable. The most fascinating part of the performance was the aftershow, where I could better understand the artist better. All that talk of Hip-hop made no sense to me. I certainly did not see any hip-hop in the performance (maybe because I am not really acquainted with music genres or music to begin with). That really detracted from the performance, because both Medina and Craig talked about it heavily, almost forcing me to reinterpret what I had just seen. Thats number one. Number two, I started to question the “authenticity” of the performance after Mums described how he “wasn’t feeling attached” to the piece during the planning stages. I have to remember at the end of the day, that this is a show that people are paying for. And whether or not he would admit it, he must tailor his story (no matter how unique) to the audience at hand. It seemed to me that the story was “watered down” or censored to say the least. I’m glad that was done, if my thinking is right, because I remember instinctively shaking my head during some parts of the performance, particularly when he started cursing. Not really art, or a form of self expression if you asked me.

Lastly, I remember specifically asking if he had any “agendas” or messages, other than the be yourself stuff that was obvious. Although he said No, I find it hard to believe. Especially after that funny scene when he describes how he wished how he could strangle capitalism and have the rich see how he lived in the Bronx. If he really meant that No, then in that case that was not demonstrated in the performance. If Yes, I’m really interested why he wouldn’t admit it.

After realizing that Mums was telling his own story, I don’t think that it is really one to use as an example. Mums admits to being lost (for a loong time). And while most would agree that not knowing your major for a year or two is perfectly normal, a 30+ year old full grown man taking drugs is not really acceptable, even by the lowest of American standards. He seems to have many opputunities put to him (the best in my opinion being West Point), but simply refused because he wasn’t feeling it. By choosing to remain stagnant, and allowing time to pass, he lost more by making no decision instead of a wrong decision which would have at least bought some form of guidance to a lost person.

-Waseem Bassam Iqnaibi

When I think of  “Wealthy” New York, I think of Bernie Madoff while others panhandle on the subways. I think people eating truffles while others struggle to eat. Being wealthy means adapting a certain lifestyle in the US. I hate to generalize, because not all wealthy individuals adapt selfish lifestyles in pursuit of happiness, but more often than not the wealthy are the greedy. And the worst part about it, is that the money is often extracted out of the dry pockets of those who try to earn an honest living. A wise man (perhaps you should google to find out who if your interested) once said “If the son of Adam were given a valley full of gold, he would love to have a second one; and if he were given the second one, he would love to have a third, for nothing fills the belly of Adam’s son except dust.” Numbers don’t lie. Perhaps the following article may enlighten those living in a fantasy: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-zuesse/us-is-now-the-most-unequa_b_4408647.html .

I find it really funny how people come to New York to become wealthy. Perhaps one of the funniest encounters I had over the summer happened one night while I was working in Manhattan. I was a delivery boy (yes, I actually got to see the arrogant snobs that would have me do their grocery shopping. And those rich young folks walking their teeny dogs dressed in tuxedos in Battery park). Anyway, back to the story, I was exhausted after working a long time and decided to take a break to washup and pray at a local mosque. Once I go in and start praying, I overhear a loud conversation of several Egyptian folks talking about life. One of them starts by saying how he has been trying to get a TLC license for more than 6 months. One of the other guys (also a driver) starts mentioning how disgusting the job is, talking about the lewd sights he has encountered all day on the job. Really something to blacken the heart. I could not help but focus on the conversation. The guy who complained then delivered the funniest punchline, “I don’t know what people think America is…They think thats it, once you get out of JFK in the baggage pickup, Obama comes and personally dispatches two trucks of money for you.” It was a good think I was praying because had I been sitting around I would have burst out laughing. On a more serious tone however, this is the false perception the city boasts so confidently. New York seems like paradise. But not everything that sparkles is gold. New York is nothing more than a gold platted ring. No wonder New York always ranks as one of the most depressed cities in the world.

The film Breakfast at Tiffany’s best represents wealthy New York. Emily (Paul’s designer) in particular portrays the superficiality of the upper class. The way she walks, talks, and dresses are meant to show how she believes the world revolves around her. Her false sense of dignity is shattered when she foolishly offers Paul a $1000 check after he ends the relationship. She feels that money will earn her respect or at least allow her to be treated differently from a common person. Sadly, this is exactly how many rich folks act. As much as I despise such personalities, I can only blame the society’s morals for admiring such personalities. The film really demonstrated the wealthy life: lavish parties, drinking, smoking, and hyper sexuality were all reoccurring themes. Holly especially seems lost, not knowing what she wants. Her pursuit of happiness (or arguably the American Dream) land her confused. She even states in her own words that she doesn’t know what she wants. The Hollywood ending where she suddenly changes and recognizes the meaningful relationships in her life, as she scrambles to find her cat in the garbage, is there to get the ratings in the box office. If anything, the film serves to attest to the depressing, superficial life the rich live.

As I write this post, an amazing example comes to mind. Loon, a former bad boy records rapper, born and raised in NYC (perfect!) attests to such superficiality, loneliness, and depression. I have posted two video’s below each of them in which he tells his story. (One of them is shorter the other a little more in depth. I would really appreciate anyone reading this to take to take the time to watch at least one of them) I have to say I have watched them several times (among other of his talks) and still remain in awe every time I hear his story about how he turned his life around. In his (funny) story, he talks about how he climbed up the ladder making money, only to realize that a horrible lifestyle came with the music business. His path eventually led him to religion. In his talks, he offers deep insight into the minds, lives, and attitudes of the rich, giving a first hand understanding of a reality most of us cant relate to.

I end by mentioning a quick parable for reflection. A man walked down a quiet town at night to see a boy bent over holding his stomach. After asking him what happened, the boy replied that he had not eaten for days. As the man walked on he saw the same sight. After stopping the person he asked what the matter was. The man replied that he had eaten too much.

1. Longer version (starts at 4 min)

2. Short Version (amazing synopsis of Loon’s story in less than 30 min). Setup in Interview Format

-Waseem Bassam Iqnaibi

Art. Martial arts. Performing arts. Fine art. Creative arts. Pshh, my father once told me that driving is an art. The term “Art” is a highly subjective word. Its application is endless and universal. What makes art so hard to categorize is the ability for anyone to claim something is art. No masters or phD required. And there isn’t a single person in the world that could claim its not. Art is truly in the eye of the beholder. It is the uniqueness of an object, task, or idea in the eyes of a specific individual that makes something art. I remember being shown one of these paintings ( to be honest, I don’t really know the specific technicalities of the image) in 8th Grade. To me, the uniqueness of the image was just how “fat” everyone was in the picture. This “fat” was Fernando Botero’s signature. That was his art. It also allowed me to identify his work almost instantly, even if i had never seen it before. There certainly must be something special, something unique, something different about the way he drew (The way apple always likes to describe its iphones). By defining art as simply uniqueness, I can better tangle, argue, and interpret a vague, ambiguous, and highly abstract idea even though my gut instinct to define art would be beauty. Thinking about that answer however, it sounds just as convoluted as the term I wish to define.

Museums, as well as highly influential and famous painters, have a great role, not so much in defining art (as the definition varies from person to person), but by giving certain works “more space” than others. It is inevitable that a person who happens to have his work showcased will recieve more recognition than a person with no name. The best and most amazing experience I had into this realm happened in the last several months. My economics teacher, (who also happens to be a lawyer in Colorado) was a studio artist for many years. On the last day of school he bought in his paintings. Having seen him draw the most crooked axes lines on the board the whole year, I was absolutely stunned to see amazing paintings. I could not believe this was my economics teacher. I asked him how much each painting was worth, to discover that they were worth pocket change. He explained to me that the fact that he was not recognized by anyone made his art less valuable than Starry night by Gogh, even though in my opinion his skill equally rivaled such famous painters.

Art is constantly changing. New ideas and social norms are frequently reflected within artwork. Museums play a large role in making sure that art on display reflect these trends. More than anything however, I keep in mind that a lot of the work on display belongs to famous and upper class individuals. Money makes the world go ’round. If I ran a museum, I would certainly want exhibits to bring in the most paying patrons of the art. You can say I’m cynical, but I’ll simply tell you that I’m a realist.

-Waseem Bassam Iqnaibi