elysium exposed

ah the air.

2007-04-11T13:18:00.000-05:00

ah the air., originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

laguna beach, CA

king of cream #2

2006-09-21T09:51:00.000-05:00

king of cream #2, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Bollywood Plays

2006-01-30T11:18:00.000-05:00

A lot has been happening in my life that I haven't updated almost in a month.
I shall soon make a wrapping post..
until then:

I like this song in the video - Yeh Waada Raha

and

This video is funny - A mockery of Bollywood videos

RIS

2005-12-19T13:43:00.000-05:00

RIS Bazaar, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.
Taken above the bazaar hall, at the RIS conference in January 2004.

RIS - Sami Yusuf in Concert #2, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.
Sami Yusuf in concert at RIS - Skydome 2005

I will be at RIS this year as well, hopefully selling art, tshirts, stickers and photos from both myself and friends, god willing. It's been a difficult task to find others to sit at the vending booth for me to go off to listen to lectures, or leave my sister with for her to listen when I'm not around. They need to start temporary in building fm broadcasts of the lectures so vendors can tune in using radios or headphones within the building. This along with my other suggestion of making a guest registry where out of town visitors can find places to stay at people's homes within toronto vicinity since so many can't come due to travel and financial constraints -- need to be seriously considered for whatever is being planned in the next year. I also plan on taking pictures at RIS so that will require moving around as well. Next year I hope I'm a bit more prepared for this with more people to back me up. But for now the plan is to make the best of it. :-)

Come say hi! if you find these on the table:

Decorated yet Daunting.

2005-12-13T02:05:00.000-05:00

Decorated yet Daunting., originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

It's a daunting task to take pictures indoors, specially if you are one to belong in a 'risk' group that is easily profiled. It took me about 2 minutes to focus and test around for this shot. It's underground in the pathways of toronto's exchange tower leading out to the sheraton hotel.

Right after I clicked the shutter the man in yellow who was already on his way over to me, told me to depart since they do not allow photography. Ofcourse, if I looked like a foreign tourist, everything probably would have been okay. This isn't the first time I've been escorted out or told to leave. To his credit, this security guard was polite.

All I wanted was to take a picture of the festive decorations in the underground world. Something that a lot of businesses in the downtown core actually spend money on.

Hands in Prayer

2005-11-24T17:12:00.000-05:00

Hands in Prayer, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

My sister's hands in prayer.
I am often envious of her mindset, because it seems, being less aware means more honest you can be. And when you pray.. you need that feeling in your heart, where you plead with all honesty.

I recently got a new toy. It's a russian Helios 40-2 85mm 1.5 prime lense off of ebay. It takes FANTASTIC portraits. This is a sample :)

EID Mubarak!

2005-11-04T11:37:00.000-05:00

Fall 2005 #2, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Caption: A friend wants to get married under this tree after seeing the photo. It's the bright fall colours in canada. Enjoy the view folks, it won't last long. Soon it'll be all brown and gray, and then the snow shall fall.

Eid Mubarak :)

Yesterday night while breaking fast I told my dad, that 10-20 years from now, we'll no longer have different days for parts of the community inshallah, because the younger generation is getting sick of the difference of opinions based upon bias that divides our celebrations up.. just because we dont want to hurt some grandpa's feelings back home, or not celebrate with our uncles in another part of the world on the same day -- and we impose tradition over reasoning, rather than working together as one.

We're young, we're smart, and soon we'll be the ones making the decisions. And we hope to do it right, insha-allah :)

Out to get you

2005-10-18T22:26:00.000-05:00

Out to get you, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

A constant reminder of how many moments you've already lost of your life -- a clock on a busy bay street wall in toronto.

Public service, really -- that means, run, run, run, you're late for work, you're late for that appointment, if you don't get there in time.. you're not going to be successful.

But what does it matter?
Every moment, is a moment closer to death.
Is that not the ultimate success? the only surity in life?

Glory be to him.

2005-10-11T12:18:00.000-05:00

Glory be to him., originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Walking towards the Thorncliffe Mosque on Overlea Blvd., just off the DVP/Don Mills exit.

The sun had just set and the reminiscent light was glowing in the background. These two buildings are very visible from most parts of the city. Large, Concrete structures standing next to the East York Town Center.

Walked up all the way from downtown toronto to overlea on the don valley parkway trail, while fasting. It was an interesting experience, missed iftar by a few minutes -- running to the 7/11 at the gas station, to get a gatorade to break fast with. Fun times, I say.

Ramadan Mubarak everyone!

Upside down you're hanging me.

2005-09-25T21:28:00.000-05:00

Upside down you're hanging me., originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

This picture is dedicated to squeeky and her recent run-in with the little creatures. The first house I had lived in after moving to canada, we had squirrels in the attics that would scare me until I realized it was just their home. One day I got enough courage to crawl up the stairs on the side of my closet, and peak into the attic. It was rather creepy, but very serene. It almost felt like an untouched and forgotten part of the 95 year old house. I don't miss the wierd noises at night though, it can get rather irritant when you're young and trying to sleep, alone, in a new country, in a house with long corridors and parents are quite a walk away. Add the fact that my room was the only room with an access to the attic via my closet, it creeped me out plenty of times that something up there was coming down. In someways, me peeking into that world actually made me feel safer, atleast knowing what was there ( as creepy as it may be ) allowed me to realized it was no longer just an unknown imaginary spot above me.

About the picture itself -- This squirrel was noticed rather alert as I approached it, it stopped in that position and I took about 8 shots at various distances, and edged close to it. It held still. Must have put a lot of strain on it's muscles.

I'm still looking for a perfect bouncing ball shot. :)

Special restroom flora

2005-09-15T14:41:00.000-05:00

Special restroom flora, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

These flowers were placed in the theatre's washrooms because of the Toronto International Film Festival. I never realized people needed to be pompus even in the washrooms. But I guess they want to please the high-class-guests that show up. Unfortunately my focus went on the wall rather than the flowers, but I had to share the sentiments regardless.

It's also uneasy taking pictures with people who happen to be there for privacy.. I got odd looks taking the camera out in a public washroom. But being a hobbyist, I'm getting used to odd looks. Getting security to escort me out would have been worse :)

Bugs away.

2005-09-13T21:02:00.000-05:00

Bugs away., originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

From a cottage trip to muskoka in 2001. I miss that evening, the serenity of nature.

set out the window

2005-08-30T10:17:00.000-05:00

set out the window, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Sunsets are always gorgeous. Except the days where smog makes it difficult to take in the scene. This was yesterday.... summer's going away soon. enjoy while you can :)

Sappy Ant

2005-08-21T23:23:00.000-05:00

Sappy Ant, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

ant macro on sap. this was just too gorgeous to not take a picture of :)

hope everyone had an awesome weekend.

Triplets at peace

2005-08-19T15:07:00.000-05:00

Triplets at peace, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

The City in Stillwater

2005-08-14T22:59:00.000-05:00

The City in Stillwater, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Around 3 am last night at ashbridgest bay - after food at lahore tikka house on gerrard, I went for a walk with a friend..
Somehow we got to talking about jinns.
And then heard a baby cry from a tree top. It was WAY not cool. We were both bothered enough not to go back to the tree for a second look. It was an interesting night over all. We spent the entire night talking, at the restaurant, in the car, at the beach, in the car again, and I didn't get home till after praying fajr. I haven't had these nights in the recent past but it was thoroughly enjoyable.

RAPL. - Redundant Array of Paan Leaves

2005-08-07T02:34:00.000-05:00

RAPL. - Redundant Array of Paan Leaves, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

This is what you call Grandmothers Dream Come True!

Wet Sunset

2005-07-29T05:27:00.000-05:00

Wet Sunset, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Taken today on the way back from the beach

Muslimday at Wonderland

2005-07-17T13:47:00.000-05:00

Sheikh al-Ninowy, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Sheikh Sayyid Muhammed al-Ninowy from Atlanta, speaks at the muslimday event on pleasing the creator to please the creation, which eventually pleases the creator even more.

Further info at www.alhaqq.net/

The rest of the pictures taken at Paramount Canada's Wonderland Muslimday festivities are here

Ahhh bright colors.

2005-07-10T03:21:00.000-05:00

Ahhh bright colors., originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Art by Paulus Tjiang and Monica Johnston, as witnesssed at the art show happening at nathan phillips square this weekend in toronto. you may reach the artist at frantic@reach.net

www.torontooutdoorart.org/web/index.php

Bombay mouse

2005-07-08T02:55:00.000-05:00

Bombay mouse, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Bombay themed fireworks -- part of the festival of fire as viewed from a bridge atop lakeshore boulevard last night. This one looks like mickey mouse!

The queen must walk :)

2005-07-02T04:14:00.000-05:00

The queen must walk :), originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Where is cinderella?
A shoe on display at a shop on gerrard street - toronto's indian bazaar.

---

I actually managed to take my mom out for canada day, although she stayed in the car. Sis and I walked through the park near ashbridges bay, sat down in the heavily windy hill slope grass, and enjoyed the show for a while. We were sorrounded by people from all places.. from bearded muslim men in full pakistani selwars and turbans, to asians with puppies and groups of beach-area residents who might as well be in california :)Upon returning to the car, my mother mentioned how the car beside ours had a full group of muslim girls in hijabs.. and that she was surprised that muslims would 'come out' to see 'fireworks'.. to which i replied 'just because you want to stay at home doesn't mean the rest of the world can't enjoy life' :) And then we went to gerrard street and got some food. They renovated chandni chowk! I also took other pictures. Some of the dresses were too pretty. Everytime I see some pretty girly dress the first thought that checks into head is 'must get married' -- irony, really. :D See flickr site for details :)

And that's why I love canada. It's full of people that love canada! Diversity.

Flora #2

2005-06-29T02:28:00.000-05:00

Flora #2, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Being in their shoes.

2005-06-26T05:57:00.000-05:00

Tuesday last week after a catchup session with friends I hadn't seen for a long time, we were ready to go home. As we walked back towards union station, some people decided that they'd instead go for dessert. So they called up someone else who lived close by and asked if she could join. And the group decided to lurk around on front street while waiting for a good 15 minutes. I was the only person who wanted to go home, and be the party ruiner -- but it was getting late.

I, with my usual erratic behaviours, decided to sit right there, on the sidewalk, cross-legged. This was directly infront of east side marios. About 7 people standing around me -- and one new person who I was introduced to while sitting on the sidewalk -- a manager of sorts. I was sort of embarassed since I could potentially be working under/with him someday, and he was just leaving the datacenter/office. I got around this by telling him to smile, and taking a picture of him, bottom up. So I sat there, realizing sitting on the ground allows me to rest my arms thus take pictures of longer exposures.. under the low light, I snapped a few. Combine this with the foot traffic coming out of the stadium after the tuesday baseball game -- and you get one busy front street. And everyone looking at me, since I'm the only one sitting avec la camera.

Then something even more out of the ordinary happened.
A homeless person, decided to walk by.. throw a dime at me, and said "I know you'd do it for me if I was sitting there.. here you go buddy" and walked away. As I picked up the dime.. my friends were laughing .. "hahah... he thought you were homeless" But I was wondering would I really have given him a dime if it was him sitting on the street? My friends said it's a lucky dime, and I should keep it.. I don't believe in superstition, but I kept it out of respect. Then my friends decided to mock me a bit more and throw more change at me. It wasn't too funny. I got up soon after and left with another friend, who dropped me off at home. Everyone else went for desserts.

I pass by plenty of homeless in the downtown core of toronto. And many I find are not legitimately homeless.. some I have given money to because they made excuses, which later I found to be untrue. Over time I've become somewhat desensetized to 'giving money' portion, but I do have the feeling for 'sense of well being' portion.. so I try to keep a balance on whether I donate or not.

I have thought about doing an exhibit of sorts online with photos of homeless people, but that runs into ethical dilemmas.. so it's on hold for now. There's much more that could be told about this issue. I know we've had to work hard to live after moving to canada. And it's unfortunate that there are such people on our streets.

So I guess that's what it means when 'if you were in my shoes' is stated.
What would you do, if you were in their shoes?
And have you considered what he did do, when he was in yours?

Miracles of life? Or a Telus ad?

2005-06-21T22:11:00.000-05:00

Miracles of life? Or a Telus ad?, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

This was taken while sitting on the bench here and pointing straight up

Went by the scarborough lakeshore yesterday until it got too chilly. Wonderful afternoon though. I almost forgot how much nature had to offer. I need to take out my bike after almost 2 years of hiatus and actually ride around the trails a bit more.

Pollen-o-mania

2005-06-18T20:12:00.000-05:00

Pollen-o-mania, originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

Where life begins..
Right before our eyes.

Took this sitting at a second cup near university and front street. :)

Oh Toronto.

2005-06-09T11:36:00.000-05:00

This morning walking on the way to work, these two gorgeous ladies, who were probably close friends.. were diagonally crossing my path from the left. Habitually.. I made a sudden stop. I usually tend to stop if I feel someone is going to cross my path, old highschool habit from the hallways, so you don't try to take over or bump in. I'm sure it gets annoying to some people -- but foot walk has traffic rules in my head too :) I hadn't realized the one on the right had ignored her friend -- who was talking to her, smiled at me and said thank you, until after the fact -- because I was zoned out, thinking about something else. It was as if she was waiting for a response.. Obviously me wearing sunglasses doesn't help the lack of eye contact. Within seconds, there were 20 more people on the scene and we'd gone our merry ways. I just realized that was the first smile of the day. Even a split second makes a difference.

In this cosmopolitan city, atleast at the heart of downtown toronto, there exists a variety of people. I like to observe and often wonder what someone's life is like. Could be the artsy looking dude at the cafe, or the lady that looks like she's worried about an upcoming real estate deal. The ones that hurry like ants in the morning rush hour.. then return again in the afternoon to make their way back. It's rare to see personal contact.. But experiences such as today's suggest there are good hearted people, and everyone has a little something to offer.

Ironically, I was thinking of the amount of independence the city offers when the incident happened this morning. I was thinking about how busy these people are, how they have a night life, and perhaps have no limits to their fun. Then I realized, everyone is still working hard, paying bills, dealing with a family -- life isn't quite the fantasy .. unless you're an irresponsible teen or early twenties with no dependants. Everyone does have a limit. Their individual ways may be different.. Their faith, creed and culture, may be different.. yet they interact, and depend on each other. I'm still happy I live here though. I love it. :)

Shadow on dundas square.

2005-06-08T20:54:00.000-05:00

Shadow on dundas square., originally uploaded by Elysium Exposed.

This is toronto city's time square.. with sun at the back.

First post

2005-06-04T17:48:00.000-05:00

This is me entering blogger.
Mostly because there are interesting people on here that I'd like to comment on. :-)

Other links to link to me.

http://elysium.naseeb.com
http://flickr.com/photos/a-z