Iglesias show's organisers 'should be whipped': Sri Lanka leader - Yahoo News: "Colombo (AFP) - Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena Sunday said that organisers of a recent concert by pop star Enrique Iglesias in Colombo should be "whipped with toxic stingray tails" because it was "uncivilised."
The December 20 concert in capital Colombo saw ecstatic local women running on stage to hug and kiss the "Hero" singer while others threw their underwear at him, Sirisena told a public meeting in the eastern district of Ampara.
"This is most uncivilised behaviour that goes against our culture," the president said.
"I don't advocate that these uncivilised women who removed their brassieres should be beaten with toxic stingray tails, but those who organised such an event should be," he added.
Whipping with the tails of stingrays was reserved for hardened criminals in medieval Sri Lanka and is used as a popular idiom for extreme punishment of wrongdoing.
There was no immediate comment from the local organiser, Live Events, a company co-owned by Sri Lankan cricket stars Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
In conservative Sri Lankan society, public displays of affection, even among married couples, is frowned upon. Police are known to have arrested courting couples for kissing in public parks or sea-front promenades."
'via Blog this'
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Thursday, December 24, 2015
US storms: At least seven dead in trail of destruction - BBC News
US storms: At least seven dead in trail of destruction - BBC News: "A storm described by forecasters as "particularly dangerous" has hit the South and Mid-west of the US, killing at least seven people and injuring scores more ahead of Christmas.
Four people were killed as tornadoes moved through northern Mississippi, officials said, and two in Tennessee and one in Arkansas.
There have been reports of at least 20 tornadoes of varying severity.
The high winds have also caused significant damage to homes.
Authorities in parts of Mississippi - where a seven-year-old was among those killed - are conducting a house-by-house search-and-rescue operation after the state was hit by multiple tornadoes.
The boy was inside a car, which was picked up and tossed in the storm. His relatives, who were also in the car, were taken to a hospital for treatment."
'via Blog this'
Four people were killed as tornadoes moved through northern Mississippi, officials said, and two in Tennessee and one in Arkansas.
There have been reports of at least 20 tornadoes of varying severity.
The high winds have also caused significant damage to homes.
Authorities in parts of Mississippi - where a seven-year-old was among those killed - are conducting a house-by-house search-and-rescue operation after the state was hit by multiple tornadoes.
The boy was inside a car, which was picked up and tossed in the storm. His relatives, who were also in the car, were taken to a hospital for treatment."
'via Blog this'
Shahena Uddin 'beaten for years and denied water' - BBC News
Shahena Uddin 'beaten for years and denied water' - BBC News: "21 December 2015 Last updated at 17:34 GMT
A woman who beat her teenage sister-in-law to death in the family home following a "regime of terror" has been jailed for life.
Salma Begum, 32, denied murdering Shahena Uddin, but was convicted at St Albans Crown Court. She must serve a minimum of 18 years.
Shahena's eldest brother, Suhail Uddin, was cleared of murder, but along with three other brothers and a sister was found guilty of causing or allowing Shahena's death"
'via Blog this'
A woman who beat her teenage sister-in-law to death in the family home following a "regime of terror" has been jailed for life.
Salma Begum, 32, denied murdering Shahena Uddin, but was convicted at St Albans Crown Court. She must serve a minimum of 18 years.
Shahena's eldest brother, Suhail Uddin, was cleared of murder, but along with three other brothers and a sister was found guilty of causing or allowing Shahena's death"
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
19 students barred from boarding US-bound Air India flight - Times of India
19 students barred from boarding US-bound Air India flight - Times of India: "Air India received communication on December 19, 2015 from the US Customs and Border Protection agency that two universities namely Silicon Valley, San Jose, California and North Western Polytechnic College, Fremont, CA are under scrutiny and students who arrived into San Francisco were not allowed to enter the US and were deported back to India," an Air India statement said.
"In the past, we have witnessed that students who secured admission in those institutions have been deported to India as soon as they land there. To avoid embarrassment to them and save their money, we prevented them from boarding the flight," an AI official said in Hyderabad.
Air India has offered full refund and waived all charges such as cancellation and rescheduling fee.
The airliner said it will start accepting students travelling to join these universities, at no additional cost, as soon as clearance is received from Air India's US office.
The statement said so far 14 students who travelled on Air India flights to San Francisco have been deported. Students travel on a one-way ticket to the US and, in the event of deportation, incur huge expenditure to buy a ticket back to India on first available service. Further, seats are often not available on any airlines to travel back," it said."
'via Blog this'
"In the past, we have witnessed that students who secured admission in those institutions have been deported to India as soon as they land there. To avoid embarrassment to them and save their money, we prevented them from boarding the flight," an AI official said in Hyderabad.
Air India has offered full refund and waived all charges such as cancellation and rescheduling fee.
The airliner said it will start accepting students travelling to join these universities, at no additional cost, as soon as clearance is received from Air India's US office.
The statement said so far 14 students who travelled on Air India flights to San Francisco have been deported. Students travel on a one-way ticket to the US and, in the event of deportation, incur huge expenditure to buy a ticket back to India on first available service. Further, seats are often not available on any airlines to travel back," it said."
'via Blog this'
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Welcome to Paradise: inside the world of legalised prostitution
Welcome to Paradise: inside the world of legalised prostitution: "Pressure to review prostitution laws is coming from an EU anti-trafficking directive that obliges member states to “reduce demand” for human trafficking. Given that at least 70 per cent of trafficking in Europe is into forced prostitution, a lot of people are arguing that the best way to reduce demand for trafficking is to reduce demand for prostitution. And one way to do that is to criminalise the buyer.
Sex trafficking statistics are frustratingly incomplete, but a recent report estimated the number of victims in Europe at 270,000. And Germany and the Netherlands have repeatedly ranked among the five worst blackspots.
There is “absolutely” a correlation between legalised prostitution and trafficking, says Andrea Matolcsi, the programme officer for sexual violence and trafficking at Equality Now. “For a trafficker it’s much easier to go to a country where it’s legal to have brothels and it’s legal to manage people in prostitution. It’s just a more attractive environment.”
She points out that Denmark, which decriminalised prostitution in 1999 – the same year Sweden made the purchase of sex illegal - has four times the number of trafficking victims than its neighbour despite having around half the population.
It’s one reason the Netherlands has gone into reverse with legalisation. The Deputy Prime Minister, Lodewijk Asscher, has called it “a national mistake”. As Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam he spent millions of euros buying back window brothels, turning them into shops and restaurants in an effort to rid the city of the gangs that had moved in.
Chancellor Angela Merkel attempted to raise the issue in the summer of 2013 but things got so out of hand (there were riots at conferences) that the matter was quietly dropped."
'via Blog this'
Sex trafficking statistics are frustratingly incomplete, but a recent report estimated the number of victims in Europe at 270,000. And Germany and the Netherlands have repeatedly ranked among the five worst blackspots.
There is “absolutely” a correlation between legalised prostitution and trafficking, says Andrea Matolcsi, the programme officer for sexual violence and trafficking at Equality Now. “For a trafficker it’s much easier to go to a country where it’s legal to have brothels and it’s legal to manage people in prostitution. It’s just a more attractive environment.”
She points out that Denmark, which decriminalised prostitution in 1999 – the same year Sweden made the purchase of sex illegal - has four times the number of trafficking victims than its neighbour despite having around half the population.
It’s one reason the Netherlands has gone into reverse with legalisation. The Deputy Prime Minister, Lodewijk Asscher, has called it “a national mistake”. As Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam he spent millions of euros buying back window brothels, turning them into shops and restaurants in an effort to rid the city of the gangs that had moved in.
Chancellor Angela Merkel attempted to raise the issue in the summer of 2013 but things got so out of hand (there were riots at conferences) that the matter was quietly dropped."
'via Blog this'
Welcome to Paradise: inside the world of legalised prostitution
Welcome to Paradise: inside the world of legalised prostitution: "It’s six o’clock in the evening at Paradise and about thirty men are padding about the swirly red carpet in wine-coloured towelling robes and green plastic slippers. The women sit in the men’s laps at the bar. One is cuddling up to a pot-bellied man on a day bed. Several are clustered together, looking bored in their black glitter basques and hot pink fishnets, waiting for it to get busier.
People think Amsterdam is the prostitution capital of Europe but Germany has more prostitutes per capita than any other country in the continent, more even than Thailand: 400,000 at the last count, serving 1.2 million men every day. Those figures were released a decade ago, soon after Germany made buying sex, selling sex, pimping and brothel-keeping legal in 2002. Two years later, prostitution in Germany was thought to be worth 6 billion euros – roughly the same as Porsche or Adidas that year. It’s now estimated to be 15 billion euros.
Prostitution was legalised “for the government to make a lot of money,” Beretin says, strolling past a woman in a lime green lycra shrug (and nothing else) while another woman, nude except for black hold-up stockings, leans against the bar. Quite a few people agree with Beretin – and not all of them are brothel owners grumbling about their tax bills. But that isn’t how the legalisation argument was won 12 years ago.
The idea of the law, passed by Chancellor Gerhard Schröder’s Social Democrat-Green coalition, was to recognise prostitution as a job like any other. Sex workers could now enter into employment contracts, sue for payment and register for health insurance, pension plans and other benefits. Exploiting prostitutes was still criminal but everything else was now above board. Two female politicians and a Berlin madam were pictured clinking their champagne glasses in celebration.
It didn’t work. “Nobody employs prostitutes in Germany,” says Beretin. None of the authorities I spoke to had ever heard of a prostitute suing for payment, either. And only 44 prostitutes have registered for benefits.
What did happen was the opening of Europe’s biggest brothel – the 12-storey, neon-wrapped Pascha in Cologne. Not to mention a rash of FKK, or “naked”, clubs where men can spend the evening drifting between the sauna, the bar and the bedrooms. Bargain-hunters might try the “flat rate” brothels, where an entry fee of between 50-100 euros buys you unlimited sex with as many women as you want, or cruise the caravans at motorway truck stops, or the drive-through “sex boxes” in the street-walking zones. (They look like stables and are known as “verrichtungsboxen” - “getting things done boxes”.)"
'via Blog this'
People think Amsterdam is the prostitution capital of Europe but Germany has more prostitutes per capita than any other country in the continent, more even than Thailand: 400,000 at the last count, serving 1.2 million men every day. Those figures were released a decade ago, soon after Germany made buying sex, selling sex, pimping and brothel-keeping legal in 2002. Two years later, prostitution in Germany was thought to be worth 6 billion euros – roughly the same as Porsche or Adidas that year. It’s now estimated to be 15 billion euros.
Prostitution was legalised “for the government to make a lot of money,” Beretin says, strolling past a woman in a lime green lycra shrug (and nothing else) while another woman, nude except for black hold-up stockings, leans against the bar. Quite a few people agree with Beretin – and not all of them are brothel owners grumbling about their tax bills. But that isn’t how the legalisation argument was won 12 years ago.
The idea of the law, passed by Chancellor Gerhard Schröder’s Social Democrat-Green coalition, was to recognise prostitution as a job like any other. Sex workers could now enter into employment contracts, sue for payment and register for health insurance, pension plans and other benefits. Exploiting prostitutes was still criminal but everything else was now above board. Two female politicians and a Berlin madam were pictured clinking their champagne glasses in celebration.
It didn’t work. “Nobody employs prostitutes in Germany,” says Beretin. None of the authorities I spoke to had ever heard of a prostitute suing for payment, either. And only 44 prostitutes have registered for benefits.
What did happen was the opening of Europe’s biggest brothel – the 12-storey, neon-wrapped Pascha in Cologne. Not to mention a rash of FKK, or “naked”, clubs where men can spend the evening drifting between the sauna, the bar and the bedrooms. Bargain-hunters might try the “flat rate” brothels, where an entry fee of between 50-100 euros buys you unlimited sex with as many women as you want, or cruise the caravans at motorway truck stops, or the drive-through “sex boxes” in the street-walking zones. (They look like stables and are known as “verrichtungsboxen” - “getting things done boxes”.)"
'via Blog this'
Welcome to Paradise: inside the world of legalised prostitution
Welcome to Paradise: inside the world of legalised prostitution: "Forced prostitution comes in many guises. Some women are kidnapped, others are tricked with the promise of jobs as nannies or waitresses. Others choose to work as prostitutes but have no idea of the conditions that await them. Often, a woman’s pimps or traffickers are people from her own town. They know where her family lives and aren’t afraid of harming them in order to control her. Sometimes it’s the families who pressure girls into prostitution in the first place - unable, or unwilling, to think of another way for a woman to earn a living.
Hermann Müller knows that some of the women working in Pascha have pimps, “but [the pimps] are not allowed to come in the club,” he says. If a woman asks them for help, they put her in touch with the police. “Two weeks ago,” he says running his hands over his close-cropped hair, “a girl said to our manager that some guy wanted to have money from her because he drove her from Romania to Germany. And then he wanted to have money from her every week or something.” Pascha called the authorities and the girl went with them. Müller’s not too sure where.
Hopefully, she wound up somewhere like Solwodi. Lea Ackermann is the “foundress” of Solwodi, a charity with 16 counselling centres and seven shelters in Germany for victims of sex trafficking or forced marriage. She’s travelled the world with her work and exudes warmth, kindness and wisdom. It’s like talking to a Disney grandmother, only one who is telling the most terrible stories.
She tells me about a 17-year-old Russian - let’s call her Klara – whose father had fallen ill. The family was getting desperate for money so when Klara saw a newspaper advert offering temporary work as a prostitute in Germany, “she thought, ‘it will be awful but for three months I can bear it.’ And then she was raped by several men the night she arrived to “get her ready” for prostitution. They took her passport. There was another girl there who wouldn’t do something a customer wanted and they broke a bottle, a glass bottle, and raped her with that. She was cut inside. It was shown to all the others.” Klara was trapped there for four years."
'via Blog this'
Hermann Müller knows that some of the women working in Pascha have pimps, “but [the pimps] are not allowed to come in the club,” he says. If a woman asks them for help, they put her in touch with the police. “Two weeks ago,” he says running his hands over his close-cropped hair, “a girl said to our manager that some guy wanted to have money from her because he drove her from Romania to Germany. And then he wanted to have money from her every week or something.” Pascha called the authorities and the girl went with them. Müller’s not too sure where.
Hopefully, she wound up somewhere like Solwodi. Lea Ackermann is the “foundress” of Solwodi, a charity with 16 counselling centres and seven shelters in Germany for victims of sex trafficking or forced marriage. She’s travelled the world with her work and exudes warmth, kindness and wisdom. It’s like talking to a Disney grandmother, only one who is telling the most terrible stories.
She tells me about a 17-year-old Russian - let’s call her Klara – whose father had fallen ill. The family was getting desperate for money so when Klara saw a newspaper advert offering temporary work as a prostitute in Germany, “she thought, ‘it will be awful but for three months I can bear it.’ And then she was raped by several men the night she arrived to “get her ready” for prostitution. They took her passport. There was another girl there who wouldn’t do something a customer wanted and they broke a bottle, a glass bottle, and raped her with that. She was cut inside. It was shown to all the others.” Klara was trapped there for four years."
'via Blog this'
Welcome to Paradise: inside the world of legalised prostitution
Welcome to Paradise: inside the world of legalised prostitution: "Forced prostitution comes in many guises. Some women are kidnapped, others are tricked with the promise of jobs as nannies or waitresses. Others choose to work as prostitutes but have no idea of the conditions that await them. Often, a woman’s pimps or traffickers are people from her own town. They know where her family lives and aren’t afraid of harming them in order to control her. Sometimes it’s the families who pressure girls into prostitution in the first place - unable, or unwilling, to think of another way for a woman to earn a living."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Driving instructors 'may offer lessons in return for sex', Netherlands government confirms - Telegraph
Driving instructors 'may offer lessons in return for sex', Netherlands government confirms - Telegraph: "Transport minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen and Justice minister Ard van der Steur addressed the issue in response to a question tabled in parliament by Gert-Jan Segers of the socially conservative Christian Union party, noting that, although 'undesirable', offering driving lessons with sex as payment is not illegal.
In a letter to parliament the ministers said: "It's not about offering sexual activities for remuneration, but offering a driving lesson. It is important that the initiative lies with the driving instructor, and focuses on offering a driving lesson, with the payment provided in sexual acts. When a sexual act offered in lieu of financial payment, that is prostitution."
• Welcome to Paradise: inside the world of legalised prostitution
• Prostitution, pimping and brothels: how legal are they across the world?
It's been noted that web searches for driving lessons in exchange for sex, or 'a ride for a ride' as the practice has been dubbed, have recently increased in popularity.
Gert-Jan Segers protested that the situation should be illegal as the (apparently entirely theoetical) learner drivers would not have an escort license, and would not be declaring the sexual services for tax purposes."
'via Blog this'
In a letter to parliament the ministers said: "It's not about offering sexual activities for remuneration, but offering a driving lesson. It is important that the initiative lies with the driving instructor, and focuses on offering a driving lesson, with the payment provided in sexual acts. When a sexual act offered in lieu of financial payment, that is prostitution."
• Welcome to Paradise: inside the world of legalised prostitution
• Prostitution, pimping and brothels: how legal are they across the world?
It's been noted that web searches for driving lessons in exchange for sex, or 'a ride for a ride' as the practice has been dubbed, have recently increased in popularity.
Gert-Jan Segers protested that the situation should be illegal as the (apparently entirely theoetical) learner drivers would not have an escort license, and would not be declaring the sexual services for tax purposes."
'via Blog this'
Friday, December 18, 2015
Book and Weblog – Authored by Garth Turner — Greater Fool – Authored by Garth Turner – The Troubled Future of Real Estate
Book and Weblog – Authored by Garth Turner — Greater Fool – Authored by Garth Turner – The Troubled Future of Real Estate: "The dollar crashed to an 11-year low, now at 71 cents. Oil tanked, too. "
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
AsAm News | Asian Gang Broken up in Queens
AsAm News | Asian Gang Broken up in Queens: "A suspected violent New York gang known as the Zheng Organization was raided this week by the FBI, New York Police Department and IRS in Queens.
Eight members of the gang have been indicted on charges of racketeering, drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal gambling.
Qian Zheng, also known by the nickname “cash,” is accused of dealing the drug Ecstasy and the pain killer Ketamine in Brooklyn and Queens since 2007.
The criminal indictment alleges those that crossed Cash were often the targets of hired thugs who would assault Zheng’s enemies.
“For years, Zheng and his associates committed violent acts to make money, protect their territory, and as retribution for perceived slights. Violent gangs are a blight on our neighborhoods, and we will do all in our power to prevent them from casting a shadow of violence over our streets,” stated United States Attorney Robert Capers. “The arrests and charges announced today are a testament to our commitment to dismantling violent criminal organizations and making our communities safe.”
Zheng faces a maximum sentence of 164 years in prison. The seven other suspects could get maximum sentences of 16 to 40 years.
The names of the other defendants and their nicknames are below.
GUIFU GAO, also known as “Chicken Feather” Age: 35
XIN LIN, also known as “Blackie” Age: 33
ALLEN HUI CHEN, also known as “Yi Hui” Age: 43
KAI HUAN HUANG, also known as “Shen Shen” Age: 25
BILLY CHEN, also known as “Lo Di” Age: 42
JIAYO JIANG, also known as “Yi Qiang” Age: 45
XUE JIANG GAO, also known as “Xue Zhang” Age: 30"
'via Blog this'
Eight members of the gang have been indicted on charges of racketeering, drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal gambling.
Qian Zheng, also known by the nickname “cash,” is accused of dealing the drug Ecstasy and the pain killer Ketamine in Brooklyn and Queens since 2007.
The criminal indictment alleges those that crossed Cash were often the targets of hired thugs who would assault Zheng’s enemies.
“For years, Zheng and his associates committed violent acts to make money, protect their territory, and as retribution for perceived slights. Violent gangs are a blight on our neighborhoods, and we will do all in our power to prevent them from casting a shadow of violence over our streets,” stated United States Attorney Robert Capers. “The arrests and charges announced today are a testament to our commitment to dismantling violent criminal organizations and making our communities safe.”
Zheng faces a maximum sentence of 164 years in prison. The seven other suspects could get maximum sentences of 16 to 40 years.
The names of the other defendants and their nicknames are below.
GUIFU GAO, also known as “Chicken Feather” Age: 35
XIN LIN, also known as “Blackie” Age: 33
ALLEN HUI CHEN, also known as “Yi Hui” Age: 43
KAI HUAN HUANG, also known as “Shen Shen” Age: 25
BILLY CHEN, also known as “Lo Di” Age: 42
JIAYO JIANG, also known as “Yi Qiang” Age: 45
XUE JIANG GAO, also known as “Xue Zhang” Age: 30"
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Unusually warm weather triggers mold allergies
Unusually warm weather triggers mold allergies: "Not everyone appreciates unseasonably warm temperatures this December. People with allergies are actually suffering because of them."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
80 percent of workplaces face this drug scourge
80 percent of workplaces face this drug scourge: "America's painkiller epidemic grips the workplace
New study claims that as much as 80 percent of employers face prescription painkiller abuse by workers."
'via Blog this'
New study claims that as much as 80 percent of employers face prescription painkiller abuse by workers."
'via Blog this'
Monday, December 14, 2015
Shiite, Sunni militants fuel chaos in Yemen - Times of India
Shiite, Sunni militants fuel chaos in Yemen - Times of India: "rmed groups have led the slide into chaos in Yemen, where a truce between Arab-backed loyalist forces and Iran-backed Shiite rebels is expected to enter into force at midnight Monday.
Shiite militiamen and Sunni extremists have sought to exploit a power vacuum since 2011 nationwide protests forced veteran president Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down.
The Shiite Huthi militiamen, also known as Ansarullah (Supporters of God), have long complained of marginalisation by authorities in Sanaa.
They hail from the Zaidi sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam that comprises approximately one-third of Yemen's Sunni-majority population.
Their strongholds lie in northern provinces bordering Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia, which is leading the Arab coalition against them."
'via Blog this'
Shiite militiamen and Sunni extremists have sought to exploit a power vacuum since 2011 nationwide protests forced veteran president Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down.
The Shiite Huthi militiamen, also known as Ansarullah (Supporters of God), have long complained of marginalisation by authorities in Sanaa.
They hail from the Zaidi sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam that comprises approximately one-third of Yemen's Sunni-majority population.
Their strongholds lie in northern provinces bordering Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia, which is leading the Arab coalition against them."
'via Blog this'
Nigerian Shias say soldiers have killed hundreds - Times of India
Nigerian Shias say soldiers have killed hundreds - Times of India: "geria): Soldiers killed hundreds of Shia Muslims this weekend after their group opened fire on the convoy of Nigeria's army chief, the Shia Islamic Movement and military reports said Monday. Other reports put the number of dead at about 20.
Shia leader Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenah Ibrahim, are in military custody, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state told The Associated Press. The movement had earlier reported that Zakzaky's wife was among the dead from the military raids in northern Zaria town, along with two of their sons and Zakzaky's deputy.
"They were arrested alive and are receiving medical attention,'' El-Rufai said in an email message that implied the couple may have been wounded.
Zeenah Ibrahim called AP early Sunday to report that soldiers were besieging her home in a ``pre-planned attack to assassinate the sheikh.'' She said hundreds of Zakzaky's followers surrounded the house to protect the leader.
Witness Ojo Momodu said the Shias barricaded the road with burning tires as Buratai approached and then stoned his convoy. Momodu said residents are frequently harassed by the Shias' unlawful blocking of roads for processions."
'via Blog this'
Shia leader Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenah Ibrahim, are in military custody, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state told The Associated Press. The movement had earlier reported that Zakzaky's wife was among the dead from the military raids in northern Zaria town, along with two of their sons and Zakzaky's deputy.
"They were arrested alive and are receiving medical attention,'' El-Rufai said in an email message that implied the couple may have been wounded.
Zeenah Ibrahim called AP early Sunday to report that soldiers were besieging her home in a ``pre-planned attack to assassinate the sheikh.'' She said hundreds of Zakzaky's followers surrounded the house to protect the leader.
Witness Ojo Momodu said the Shias barricaded the road with burning tires as Buratai approached and then stoned his convoy. Momodu said residents are frequently harassed by the Shias' unlawful blocking of roads for processions."
'via Blog this'
Sunday, December 13, 2015
In the first majority-Muslim U.S. city, residents tense about its future - The Washington Post
In the first majority-Muslim U.S. city, residents tense about its future - The Washington Post: "HAMTRAMCK, MICH. — Karen Majewski was in such high demand in her vintage shop on a recent Saturday afternoon that a store employee threw up her hands when yet another visitor came in to chat. Everyone wanted to talk to the mayor about the big political news.
Earlier this month, the blue-collar city that has been home to Polish Catholic immigrants and their descendents for more than a century became what demographers think is the first jurisdiction in the nation to elect a
majority-Muslim council.
It’s the second tipping for Hamtramck (pronounced Ham-tram-ik), which in 2013 earned the distinction of becoming what appears to be the first majority-Muslim city in the United States following the arrival of thousands of immigrants from Yemen, Bangladesh and Bosnia over a decade.
In many ways, Hamtramck is a microcosm of the fears gripping parts of the country since the Islamic State’s attacks on Paris: The influx of Muslims here has profoundly unsettled some residents of the town long known for its love of dancing, beer, paczki pastries and the pope."
'via Blog this'
Earlier this month, the blue-collar city that has been home to Polish Catholic immigrants and their descendents for more than a century became what demographers think is the first jurisdiction in the nation to elect a
majority-Muslim council.
It’s the second tipping for Hamtramck (pronounced Ham-tram-ik), which in 2013 earned the distinction of becoming what appears to be the first majority-Muslim city in the United States following the arrival of thousands of immigrants from Yemen, Bangladesh and Bosnia over a decade.
In many ways, Hamtramck is a microcosm of the fears gripping parts of the country since the Islamic State’s attacks on Paris: The influx of Muslims here has profoundly unsettled some residents of the town long known for its love of dancing, beer, paczki pastries and the pope."
'via Blog this'
Lessons from a US town with majority Muslim city council - BBC News
Lessons from a US town with majority Muslim city council - BBC News: "Once heavily Polish Catholic, the Detroit-area town has seen a number of Muslim immigrant communities - isolated from each other by language - each building their own mosque.
Now Hamtramck has become what is thought to be the first American town to elect a majority Muslim city council. "
'via Blog this'
Now Hamtramck has become what is thought to be the first American town to elect a majority Muslim city council. "
'via Blog this'
Changing faiths: Hispanic Americans leaving Catholicism for Islam - BBC News
Changing faiths: Hispanic Americans leaving Catholicism for Islam - BBC News: "21 August 2013 Last updated at 01:20 BST
With more than 50 million Hispanics living in the US, the Latino community is now the country's biggest minority.
While most are brought up within the Catholic Church, a number of them are turning to Islam.
Precise figures are difficult to pin down as the US Census does not collect religious data, but estimates for the number of Latino Muslims vary between 100,000 and 200,000.
The BBC's Katy Watson went to Union City in New Jersey - where the population is more than 80% Hispanic - to meet some converts."
'via Blog this'
With more than 50 million Hispanics living in the US, the Latino community is now the country's biggest minority.
While most are brought up within the Catholic Church, a number of them are turning to Islam.
Precise figures are difficult to pin down as the US Census does not collect religious data, but estimates for the number of Latino Muslims vary between 100,000 and 200,000.
The BBC's Katy Watson went to Union City in New Jersey - where the population is more than 80% Hispanic - to meet some converts."
'via Blog this'
Inside a halal slaughterhouse, where the knives are sharp and tradition endures | Public Radio International
Inside a halal slaughterhouse, where the knives are sharp and tradition endures | Public Radio International: "It's a messy process. This is a slaughterhouse after all. But there’s a prayer: Allahu Akbar. God is great in Arabic.
Then things move very quickly and precisely. Mayar says the idea is for the animal to suffer as little as possible. “It takes seconds to kill these animals in a really humane way,” he says.
The blood also drains quickly and fully. You’re not going to see a rare, bloody halal piece of meat — ever. And soon the animal is off to the meat locker. "
'via Blog this'
Then things move very quickly and precisely. Mayar says the idea is for the animal to suffer as little as possible. “It takes seconds to kill these animals in a really humane way,” he says.
The blood also drains quickly and fully. You’re not going to see a rare, bloody halal piece of meat — ever. And soon the animal is off to the meat locker. "
'via Blog this'
She's an imam in LA and doesn't have patience for a strict interpretation of Islam | Public Radio International
She's an imam in LA and doesn't have patience for a strict interpretation of Islam | Public Radio International: "Instead she founded a Muslim community — Muslims for Progressive Values — that embraces gender equality, gay rights and interfaith marriage."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Imam Explains Why He Agrees With Trump's Ban on Muslims Entering the U.S. | Fox News Insider
Imam Explains Why He Agrees With Trump's Ban on Muslims Entering the U.S. | Fox News Insider: "On "Hannity" tonight, a Muslim imam explained why he actually agrees with Donald Trump's proposed ban on Muslims entering the U.S.
Imam Nidal Alsayyed, religious director of the Islamic Society of Triplex in Houston, Texas, told Sean Hannity that Trump is concerned about Muslims and Islam being associated with radical terror groups.
Alsayyed said it's a "very wise move" to take safety and security measures, including putting a temporary hold on Muslim immigration, until we have figured out what's going on.
He explained that many Muslims don't understand what it takes to live in Western countries, such as not following Sharia law.
"The issue is a matter of different backgrounds, from different places," Alsayyed said."
'via Blog this'
Imam Nidal Alsayyed, religious director of the Islamic Society of Triplex in Houston, Texas, told Sean Hannity that Trump is concerned about Muslims and Islam being associated with radical terror groups.
Alsayyed said it's a "very wise move" to take safety and security measures, including putting a temporary hold on Muslim immigration, until we have figured out what's going on.
He explained that many Muslims don't understand what it takes to live in Western countries, such as not following Sharia law.
"The issue is a matter of different backgrounds, from different places," Alsayyed said."
'via Blog this'
Nidal Alsayyed, Texas imam, forced to resign after endorsing Trump's Muslim ban - Washington Times
Nidal Alsayyed, Texas imam, forced to resign after endorsing Trump's Muslim ban - Washington Times: "Shortly after he made the comments, Mr. Alsayyed said he was forced to resign as religious director of the Islamic Society of the Triplex in Beaumont. A board member said the board will issue an official statement Saturday on Mr. Alsayyed, the station reported.
Meanwhile, Mr. Alsayyed said Mr. Trump’s controversial comments are in line with the Islamic religion.
“The text of the holy Quran says the loss of one life is equivalent to killing the whole mankind,” he said. “We cannot [be] behaving in the Islamic society in a way to act in a political dimension. If Mr. Trump said something that goes in line with our sharia law, yes we need to take all safety measure to protect people in the country. We are dealing with unknown people [who] are coming with different backgrounds.”
He said his viewpoint has shifted, in part, due to the recent terror attack by a Muslim couple in San Bernardino, California, that killed 14 people.
“But the way it happens when you see this mass shooting and you see some people coming with such a very peaceful background and all of the sudden the intelligences themselves, the agencies are not able to figure out what’s happening, why all of a sudden this guy or this girl or that lady open fire and kill 15 people, because American Muslims are not doing their job in the country. So we need to stop, we need to stop taking new ones until we fix the existing situation,” he said."
'via Blog this'
Meanwhile, Mr. Alsayyed said Mr. Trump’s controversial comments are in line with the Islamic religion.
“The text of the holy Quran says the loss of one life is equivalent to killing the whole mankind,” he said. “We cannot [be] behaving in the Islamic society in a way to act in a political dimension. If Mr. Trump said something that goes in line with our sharia law, yes we need to take all safety measure to protect people in the country. We are dealing with unknown people [who] are coming with different backgrounds.”
He said his viewpoint has shifted, in part, due to the recent terror attack by a Muslim couple in San Bernardino, California, that killed 14 people.
“But the way it happens when you see this mass shooting and you see some people coming with such a very peaceful background and all of the sudden the intelligences themselves, the agencies are not able to figure out what’s happening, why all of a sudden this guy or this girl or that lady open fire and kill 15 people, because American Muslims are not doing their job in the country. So we need to stop, we need to stop taking new ones until we fix the existing situation,” he said."
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
China and Japan Continue to Liquidate US Treasury Holdings: What It Means - 24/7 Wall St.
China and Japan Continue to Liquidate US Treasury Holdings: What It Means - 24/7 Wall St.: "November marked a record month for China in terms of the pace of its liquidation of foreign exchange reserves. The People’s Bank of China reported on Monday, December 7 that foreign exchange reserves, which mostly consist of U.S. Treasury debt, dwindled by another $87 billion in November. This constitutes a stunning 2.5% drop in one month.
Since peaking at $3.99 trillion in June 2014, China’s central bank has sold off more than half a trillion dollars of (mostly) U.S. treasuries, accounting for 14% of its entire stockpile. At this rate China’s foreign exchange holdings will be liquidated within nine years. While there is no reason to assume the current rate will continue for that long, it does illustrate how fast the debt and currency markets are moving, hinting at possible instability ahead"
'via Blog this'
Since peaking at $3.99 trillion in June 2014, China’s central bank has sold off more than half a trillion dollars of (mostly) U.S. treasuries, accounting for 14% of its entire stockpile. At this rate China’s foreign exchange holdings will be liquidated within nine years. While there is no reason to assume the current rate will continue for that long, it does illustrate how fast the debt and currency markets are moving, hinting at possible instability ahead"
'via Blog this'
Monday, December 7, 2015
China's capital outflows set to hit record: Expert - Yahoo Finance
China's capital outflows set to hit record: Expert - Yahoo Finance: "Data released Monday showed China's foreign exchange reserves fell by $87.2 billion in November to $3.44 trillion. Evans-Pritchard's calculations suggest that fluctuations in exchange rates accounted for $30 billion of that reduction, leaving $57 billion in foreign exchange sales by the central bank.
Combining the foreign exchange sales with Capital Economics' trade surplus estimate of around $55 billion for November (official data are out Tuesday) leaves net capital outflows at $113 billion.
It is worth noting that these estimates can vary. Capital Economics reckons that net capital outflows stood at $86.3 billion in August, the month when China rocked financial markets by devaluing the yuan. In contrast, the U.S. Treasury believes capital outflows were closer to $200 billion during the month."
'via Blog this'
Combining the foreign exchange sales with Capital Economics' trade surplus estimate of around $55 billion for November (official data are out Tuesday) leaves net capital outflows at $113 billion.
It is worth noting that these estimates can vary. Capital Economics reckons that net capital outflows stood at $86.3 billion in August, the month when China rocked financial markets by devaluing the yuan. In contrast, the U.S. Treasury believes capital outflows were closer to $200 billion during the month."
'via Blog this'
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Mumbai Muslims ready plan to fight back Islamic State - The Times of India
Mumbai Muslims ready plan to fight back Islamic State - The Times of India: "MUMBAI: Alarmed by the rapid spread of the Islamic State and its propaganda to attract impressionable youngsters, Mumbai's top maulanas, muftis, and heads of religious organisations are gathering on Thursday at the Mahim Darhah to plan a fight back.
Among a host of measures likely to be discussed will be Friday sermons across all mosques in the city where the imams will call the Islamic State's bluff, and a counteroffensive on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The tag-line for Thursday's meeting is - 'ISIS is our enemy.'
"The fact that IS is using the name of Islam but has nothing to do with Islam in reality needs to be engraved in the minds of the community's youth," said Maulana Khalilur Rehman Noori, general secretary of Tanzeeme Masjid, an organisation of Imams that has over 10,000 members in Mumbai.
Maulana Noori will be among the hundred-odd eminent community leaders present at the Mahim Dargah meeting.
There is a growing concern among the city's Muslims that the Islamic State's activities are bringing a bad name to the community. The fear of radicalisation of Muslim youth because of Islamic State's strong presence online was brought home when four Kalyan youngsters -- Arif Majeed, Fahad Shaikh, Aman Tandel, and Saheen Tanki --joined the Islamic State last year. While Arif has since returned and has been charged with conspiring to commit a terrorist act and waging a war against the nation, there have been reports of Saheen's death in a gun fight. According to a Union Home Ministry report, 23 Indians, including the four boys from Kalyan, joined Islamic State in 2015.
"What ISIS is doing is un-Islamic as well as inhuman. But in all this, it is the Muslim community that is suffering," said Suhail Khandwani, trustee of the Mahim Dargah. He said the sole agenda of Friday's meeting would be to convey that Muslims are against ISIS.
He said that while the community has been discussing the impact of Islamic State's activities on its image for some time now, the Paris attacks have brought a new urgency to this dialogue. Community leaders are now convinced there is a need to counter the Islamic State's propaganda with their own aggressive outreach. "ISIS is using the internet to target the youth. We have to counter them with using the internet to reach out to our youth and spread the real meaning of Islam," said Mufti Manzur Ziyaee of the Raza Academy.
Ziyaee, who is also the Islamic advisor to the Mahim Dargah, said that the Raza Academy's IT department is already active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. "They are in the process of maximizing the reach," said Ziyaee, adding that messages like "ISIS will not lead you to jannat" and "a terrorist has no religion" are being spread out in the web space."
'via Blog this'
Among a host of measures likely to be discussed will be Friday sermons across all mosques in the city where the imams will call the Islamic State's bluff, and a counteroffensive on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The tag-line for Thursday's meeting is - 'ISIS is our enemy.'
"The fact that IS is using the name of Islam but has nothing to do with Islam in reality needs to be engraved in the minds of the community's youth," said Maulana Khalilur Rehman Noori, general secretary of Tanzeeme Masjid, an organisation of Imams that has over 10,000 members in Mumbai.
Maulana Noori will be among the hundred-odd eminent community leaders present at the Mahim Dargah meeting.
There is a growing concern among the city's Muslims that the Islamic State's activities are bringing a bad name to the community. The fear of radicalisation of Muslim youth because of Islamic State's strong presence online was brought home when four Kalyan youngsters -- Arif Majeed, Fahad Shaikh, Aman Tandel, and Saheen Tanki --joined the Islamic State last year. While Arif has since returned and has been charged with conspiring to commit a terrorist act and waging a war against the nation, there have been reports of Saheen's death in a gun fight. According to a Union Home Ministry report, 23 Indians, including the four boys from Kalyan, joined Islamic State in 2015.
"What ISIS is doing is un-Islamic as well as inhuman. But in all this, it is the Muslim community that is suffering," said Suhail Khandwani, trustee of the Mahim Dargah. He said the sole agenda of Friday's meeting would be to convey that Muslims are against ISIS.
He said that while the community has been discussing the impact of Islamic State's activities on its image for some time now, the Paris attacks have brought a new urgency to this dialogue. Community leaders are now convinced there is a need to counter the Islamic State's propaganda with their own aggressive outreach. "ISIS is using the internet to target the youth. We have to counter them with using the internet to reach out to our youth and spread the real meaning of Islam," said Mufti Manzur Ziyaee of the Raza Academy.
Ziyaee, who is also the Islamic advisor to the Mahim Dargah, said that the Raza Academy's IT department is already active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. "They are in the process of maximizing the reach," said Ziyaee, adding that messages like "ISIS will not lead you to jannat" and "a terrorist has no religion" are being spread out in the web space."
'via Blog this'
Thursday, December 3, 2015
What No One Is Telling You About Mark Zuckerberg Donating 99% Of His Fortune To "Charity"
What No One Is Telling You About Mark Zuckerberg Donating 99% Of His Fortune To "Charity": "The vehicle for his beneficence will be the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative LLC, a family-run foundation that he controls and through which he will maintain control of Facebook for "the foreseeable future."
Which basically means:
Mark Zuckerberg will transfer ownership of his Facebook stock without paying capital gains taxes. He will also benefit from the possibility that his foundation will live beyond him, with his heirs and their heirs at the helm, untouched by estate taxes."
'via Blog this'
Which basically means:
Mark Zuckerberg will transfer ownership of his Facebook stock without paying capital gains taxes. He will also benefit from the possibility that his foundation will live beyond him, with his heirs and their heirs at the helm, untouched by estate taxes."
'via Blog this'
Chennai rain: Army battles deadly flooding to rescue survivors - The Times of India
Chennai rain: Army battles deadly flooding to rescue survivors - The Times of India: "The floods that have killed 269 people in Tamil Nadu began to recede on Thursday, giving rescue teams a chance to evacuate thousands of residents stranded by the heaviest cloudburst in the city of Chennai in over a century.
Floods and incessant rainfall cut off more than three million people from basic services and hampered rescue efforts by the Army, which has so far evacuated 18,000 people from rooftops and outlying villages.
City authorities were deploying bulldozers and bags of concrete to repair collapsed roads, while several bridges were under water as urban lakes in the low-lying coastal city of six million overflowed.
Train services and flights to Chennai remain cancelled and the Navy has pressed fishing boats into service to evacuate people from the worst-hit suburbs to temples, schools and wedding halls.
READ ALSO:
Chennai marooned, flights to land at Naval base
A senior federal official said more than 700 people had been critically injured and were rushed to government hospitals by paramilitary forces.
"We want to do everything but the problem is beyond our control. The airport is flooded, train networks have collapsed and the weather is still not conducive," home ministry spokesman KS Dhatwalia said in New Delhi.
Dhatwalia said the priority was to repair phone networks, distribute drinking water, medicines, food for infants and prevent the spread of water-borne diseases. Many firefighters from around Tamil Nadu have been pressed into service.
But new flooding problems continue to remain a concern with additional rainfall of 100-200 mm (4-8 inches) predicted from Thursday through Sunday.
In a 24-hour burst - the strongest in more than a century - 345 mm (14 inches) fell on parts of Chennai. As ground floor dwellings were flooded, residents sought shelter with upstairs neighbours."
'via Blog this'
Floods and incessant rainfall cut off more than three million people from basic services and hampered rescue efforts by the Army, which has so far evacuated 18,000 people from rooftops and outlying villages.
City authorities were deploying bulldozers and bags of concrete to repair collapsed roads, while several bridges were under water as urban lakes in the low-lying coastal city of six million overflowed.
Train services and flights to Chennai remain cancelled and the Navy has pressed fishing boats into service to evacuate people from the worst-hit suburbs to temples, schools and wedding halls.
READ ALSO:
Chennai marooned, flights to land at Naval base
A senior federal official said more than 700 people had been critically injured and were rushed to government hospitals by paramilitary forces.
"We want to do everything but the problem is beyond our control. The airport is flooded, train networks have collapsed and the weather is still not conducive," home ministry spokesman KS Dhatwalia said in New Delhi.
Dhatwalia said the priority was to repair phone networks, distribute drinking water, medicines, food for infants and prevent the spread of water-borne diseases. Many firefighters from around Tamil Nadu have been pressed into service.
But new flooding problems continue to remain a concern with additional rainfall of 100-200 mm (4-8 inches) predicted from Thursday through Sunday.
In a 24-hour burst - the strongest in more than a century - 345 mm (14 inches) fell on parts of Chennai. As ground floor dwellings were flooded, residents sought shelter with upstairs neighbours."
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Deluged Chennai cries for help as airport flooded, trains stop, phones out - The Times of India
Deluged Chennai cries for help as airport flooded, trains stop, phones out - The Times of India: "CHENNAI: There was no let up to the rain fury in the city and several coastal parts of Tamil Nadu. The city received 34.5cm rain in the past 24 hours. Met officials said the state hasn't been lashed by such a downpour in 100 years. Road and and rail links are down and the airport is flooded.
Complaints of patchy to poor mobile phone service have been coming in making it even more difficult for people elsewhere to get in touch with their near ones."
'via Blog this'
Complaints of patchy to poor mobile phone service have been coming in making it even more difficult for people elsewhere to get in touch with their near ones."
'via Blog this'
San Bernardino shooting: 14 killed; 1 suspect killed - CNN.com
San Bernardino shooting: 14 killed; 1 suspect killed - CNN.com: "San Bernardino, California (CNN)Hundreds of police officers swarmed a six-block area of San Bernardino in pursuit of as many as three suspects who authorities say gunned down 14 people at a center for people with developmental disabilities.
Witnesses said the gunmen fled the scene of the shooting at the Inland Regional Center in a black SUV. Hours later, aerial images from CNN affiliates showed two armored trucks approaching a black SUV riddled with bullet holes. A person could be seen on the ground not moving, with a long gun by his side.
Law enforcement officials told CNN that two suspects were in the SUV armed with AR-15-type weapons and threw what are believed to be pipe bombs out the windows as police closed in.
'Pray for us' says a text from California shooting scene
At least one suspect was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police, a law enforcement official said. A police officer was also hurt, but the injury is not life-threatening, police Sgt. Vicki Cervantes said.
A third suspect could still be on the loose, officials said."
'via Blog this'
Witnesses said the gunmen fled the scene of the shooting at the Inland Regional Center in a black SUV. Hours later, aerial images from CNN affiliates showed two armored trucks approaching a black SUV riddled with bullet holes. A person could be seen on the ground not moving, with a long gun by his side.
Law enforcement officials told CNN that two suspects were in the SUV armed with AR-15-type weapons and threw what are believed to be pipe bombs out the windows as police closed in.
'Pray for us' says a text from California shooting scene
At least one suspect was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police, a law enforcement official said. A police officer was also hurt, but the injury is not life-threatening, police Sgt. Vicki Cervantes said.
A third suspect could still be on the loose, officials said."
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
HGTV's Flip or Flop stars Tarek and Christina El Moussa cancel events in Oregon | Daily Mail Online
HGTV's Flip or Flop stars Tarek and Christina El Moussa cancel events in Oregon | Daily Mail Online: "Stars of HGTV house-flipping series cancel events in Portland after angry residents claim seminars will only worsen the city's 'rental crisis'
California couple Tarek and Christina El Moussa are the stars of HGTV's Flip or Flop and remodel houses for a profit professionally
They were set to host live seminars in Portland this week but canceled
Locals condemned the events as contributing to the current shortage of available and affordable housing in the city
The Community Alliance of Tenants announced a Renter State of Emergency in Portland in September"
'via Blog this'
California couple Tarek and Christina El Moussa are the stars of HGTV's Flip or Flop and remodel houses for a profit professionally
They were set to host live seminars in Portland this week but canceled
Locals condemned the events as contributing to the current shortage of available and affordable housing in the city
The Community Alliance of Tenants announced a Renter State of Emergency in Portland in September"
'via Blog this'
Inside the horrific unregulated sweatshops of Bangladesh | Daily Mail Online
Inside the horrific unregulated sweatshops of Bangladesh | Daily Mail Online: "Crammed into squalid factories to produce clothes for the West on just 20p a day, the children forced to work in horrific unregulated workshops of Bangladesh
Photographer Claudio Montesano Casillas went inside sweatshops in Keraniganj, Dhaka
Due to workload kids eat, shower and sleep inside the factories with just half a day off a week
Estimated 7,000 informal factories in Bangladesh are not subject to safety controls
Photographs show buildings without emergency exits, fire safety plans or extinguishers
Nearby Rana Plaza factory burned down in 2013 killing 1,100 people"
'via Blog this'
Photographer Claudio Montesano Casillas went inside sweatshops in Keraniganj, Dhaka
Due to workload kids eat, shower and sleep inside the factories with just half a day off a week
Estimated 7,000 informal factories in Bangladesh are not subject to safety controls
Photographs show buildings without emergency exits, fire safety plans or extinguishers
Nearby Rana Plaza factory burned down in 2013 killing 1,100 people"
'via Blog this'
CBS News finds Peace Corps volunteers blamed, punished for reporting sexual assault - CBS News
CBS News finds Peace Corps volunteers blamed, punished for reporting sexual assault - CBS News: "Nearly 7,000 Peace Corps currently serve in about 65 countries. Roughly one in five of them is sexually assaulted during that service, according to the results of a recent anonymous Peace Corps safety questionnaire, obtained exclusively by CBS News.
The report also shows that nearly half don't report the assaults.
Pressure to change a culture of victim-blaming goes back years, but some survivors still claim they are blamed or punished. One volunteer wrote that in reporting an assault, "I made myself a target.""
'via Blog this'
The report also shows that nearly half don't report the assaults.
Pressure to change a culture of victim-blaming goes back years, but some survivors still claim they are blamed or punished. One volunteer wrote that in reporting an assault, "I made myself a target.""
'via Blog this'
Passports Required For Domestic Travel In 2016, But IRS Can Revoke Passports For Taxes - Forbes
Passports Required For Domestic Travel In 2016, But IRS Can Revoke Passports For Taxes - Forbes: "Think you only need a passport to board an international flight? In 2016, some fliers better have one to fly domestic, which means they had better be paying their taxes. It now looks as though your passport could be cancelled if you owe the IRS. The Real ID Act created a national standard for state-issued IDs. It hits air travel in 2016. Some states initially refused to comply, fearing that the feds would make a national database of citizens. Others cited high administrative costs and a 50% increase in fees for drivers. Most states are OK, but millions in Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire and New York may have to start using a passport to fly domestically.
Those states skipped the stricter standards for state-issued IDs. As a result, the TSA could insist on passports rather than driver’s licenses to board flights. The TSA will accept $55 passport cards and $135 passport books as valid identification. But some advice says that people in Minnesota should get passports by January 2016 to fly domestically. New York has been granted a waiver, so any driver’s license should still work. Louisiana has a waiver until Oct. 10, 2016, meaning that existing driver’s licenses work there too. Ditto for New Hampshire which has a waiver until June 1, 2016. "
'via Blog this'
Those states skipped the stricter standards for state-issued IDs. As a result, the TSA could insist on passports rather than driver’s licenses to board flights. The TSA will accept $55 passport cards and $135 passport books as valid identification. But some advice says that people in Minnesota should get passports by January 2016 to fly domestically. New York has been granted a waiver, so any driver’s license should still work. Louisiana has a waiver until Oct. 10, 2016, meaning that existing driver’s licenses work there too. Ditto for New Hampshire which has a waiver until June 1, 2016. "
'via Blog this'
Monday, November 30, 2015
How to Have Morning Sex - Best Time to Have Sex
How to Have Morning Sex - Best Time to Have Sex: "If you're not engaging in morning sex on the regular then you are seriously missing out. Why? Turns out women might be hardwired to want it then."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
For A Good Marriage, Have Sex Even If You Aren't In The Mood | YourTango
For A Good Marriage, Have Sex Even If You Aren't In The Mood | YourTango: "Ladies, I hear you. Please take a moment to calmly breathe, take another sip of your coffee/wine and read on before you congregate on my front lawn with picketing signs.
I recently wrote an article, 5 Mistakes I Make as a Wife (And You Probably Do, Too), and one of my faults is not making time for my husband in the sexual department. I received many positive comments and emails regarding the article, but it made some women incredibly angry that I had the audacity to insinuate that a woman should put her husband's desires before her own.
Because, apparently, selfishness is a horrible thing unless we are talking about sex.
Sex isn't solely about you, woman. Let that sink in. If you have a good man (as I do) who values, loves, respects and honors you in every way, then there is absolutely nothing wrong in giving him what only you can offer—even if you'd rather sleep, watch television, pin recipes or play Candy Crush.
Simply, it's called putting other's needs before your own, and yes, I use the term "needs" because that's exactly what they are.
Sex is a real physical need for men that women just don't have.
It's not my opinion. It's science.
Women do not have a biological drive for sex. We want sex based on hormones that fluctuate due to our reproductive cycle, our emotions and the hypothalamus in our delicate female brains. We just don't need sex in the same way that our men require it.
This doesn't mean we are completely lacking a libido or that sex isn't a wonderful and mandatory part of our lives. It simply means that we don’t have as much testosterone as men (but just enough to trigger the growth of that chin hair).
I didn't fully understand this until I heard the following comparison:
When I was breastfeeding, I felt annoying pain and discomfort when the milk built up. I had to release it before I turned into the Hulk and went on a rampage. This need for release is quite similar to the need that a man feels when he is chocked full of semen. With sex, we don't have a buildup that demands release. Men certainly do.
Again, it's not just some crazy submissive opinion. It's science."
'via Blog this'
I recently wrote an article, 5 Mistakes I Make as a Wife (And You Probably Do, Too), and one of my faults is not making time for my husband in the sexual department. I received many positive comments and emails regarding the article, but it made some women incredibly angry that I had the audacity to insinuate that a woman should put her husband's desires before her own.
Because, apparently, selfishness is a horrible thing unless we are talking about sex.
Sex isn't solely about you, woman. Let that sink in. If you have a good man (as I do) who values, loves, respects and honors you in every way, then there is absolutely nothing wrong in giving him what only you can offer—even if you'd rather sleep, watch television, pin recipes or play Candy Crush.
Simply, it's called putting other's needs before your own, and yes, I use the term "needs" because that's exactly what they are.
Sex is a real physical need for men that women just don't have.
It's not my opinion. It's science.
Women do not have a biological drive for sex. We want sex based on hormones that fluctuate due to our reproductive cycle, our emotions and the hypothalamus in our delicate female brains. We just don't need sex in the same way that our men require it.
This doesn't mean we are completely lacking a libido or that sex isn't a wonderful and mandatory part of our lives. It simply means that we don’t have as much testosterone as men (but just enough to trigger the growth of that chin hair).
I didn't fully understand this until I heard the following comparison:
When I was breastfeeding, I felt annoying pain and discomfort when the milk built up. I had to release it before I turned into the Hulk and went on a rampage. This need for release is quite similar to the need that a man feels when he is chocked full of semen. With sex, we don't have a buildup that demands release. Men certainly do.
Again, it's not just some crazy submissive opinion. It's science."
'via Blog this'
Sunday, November 29, 2015
After Planned Parenthood Attack, No Calls to Close Churches or Register Evangelicals - World News - Israel News - Haaretz Israeli News Source
After Planned Parenthood Attack, No Calls to Close Churches or Register Evangelicals - World News - Israel News - Haaretz Israeli News Source: "And even though 26 Americans have been killed since 9/11 in terror incidents linked to Muslims in America, 48 have died at the hands of right-wing terrorists: The FBI consistently warns that home-grown right-wing terror is a danger no less clear and present than jihad-inspired assaults. And never mind the horrendous statistics of gun-related violence that consistently shock the world, including the fact that since 1968, more people have been killed by guns in the U.S. than those who have died in all of its wars combined."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Watch | How Russia’s crackdown on Muslims gives IS new recruits | world | videos | Hindustan Times
Watch | How Russia’s crackdown on Muslims gives IS new recruits | world | videos | Hindustan Times: "Two decades of Russia’s war on Islamic insurgency in Dagestan has given rise to a culture of violence and police profiling that has pushed conservative religious groups to the margins of society and into the jaws of the IS. (AP)"
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Salman on religious intolerance: My mom is Sushila, my dad is Salim | bollywood | Hindustan Times
Salman on religious intolerance: My mom is Sushila, my dad is Salim | bollywood | Hindustan Times: "The 49-year-old actor, steering clear of making a direct comment on the issue, said, “This is a wrong forum for that... We are here to promote Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. But I will answer your question. My mother is Sushila Charak, my father is Salim Khan.”"
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Anupam Kher supports Shah Rukh, asks BJP leaders to stop talking rubbish | bollywood | Hindustan Times
Anupam Kher supports Shah Rukh, asks BJP leaders to stop talking rubbish | bollywood | Hindustan Times: "Actor Anupam Kher was among a host of Bollywood celebrities who came out in support of Shah Rukh Khan after he was compared to Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Yogi Adityanath. Kher, who has earlier criticised the decision of filmmakers returning their awards to protest rising intolerance in the country, is due to lead a ‘tolerance march’ in Delhi on November 7.
However, he supported Khan who had also commented on “the climate of intolerance” on the occasion of his 50th birthday on Monday. The actor said there was “nothing worse than religious intolerance and that it would take India to the Dark Ages”.
Kher blasted the controversial statements made by some of the BJP leaders against Shah Rukh. “Some members of the BJP really need to control their tongue & stop talking rubbish about @iamsrk. He is a national icon & We r PROUD of him,” he tweeted."
'via Blog this'
However, he supported Khan who had also commented on “the climate of intolerance” on the occasion of his 50th birthday on Monday. The actor said there was “nothing worse than religious intolerance and that it would take India to the Dark Ages”.
Kher blasted the controversial statements made by some of the BJP leaders against Shah Rukh. “Some members of the BJP really need to control their tongue & stop talking rubbish about @iamsrk. He is a national icon & We r PROUD of him,” he tweeted."
'via Blog this'
Anupam Kher questions Aamir Khan's statement on 'intolerance' - The Times of India
Anupam Kher questions Aamir Khan's statement on 'intolerance' - The Times of India: "Aamir Khan had joined the debate over rising intolerance in India, saying that his wife Kiran Rao had asked if they should move out of the country as she feared for the safety of their children in a climate of insecurity. In a series of tweets addressed to Aamir, Anupam Kher expressed what he thought about Aamir's statement. He also questioned Aamir as to when had Incredible India turned Intolerant India for him."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Aamir intolerance row: Om Puri demands apology - The Times of India
Aamir intolerance row: Om Puri demands apology - The Times of India: "65-year-old Puri also said that such remarks could incite people against each other. "He(Aamir) should apologise to the nation for what he said. In fact, if somebody was an ordinary man he would have been arrested for saying these words. You are trying to incite people against each other," Puri told a TV channel."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
What the backlash against Bollywood's Aamir Khan tells us about India - BBC News
What the backlash against Bollywood's Aamir Khan tells us about India - BBC News: "The bitter backlash against Bollywood star Amir Khan's remarks about "growing intolerance" in India tells us a few things about the world's largest democracy.
At a journalism awards ceremony, Khan said there was a growing sense of fear, insecurity and despondency in the country, and that when he discussed things with his filmmaker wife, Kiran Rao, she wondered whether the family should move out of India.
"It is disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make to me. She fears for her child, what the atmosphere around us will be, she feels scared to open the newspaper every day. There is a growing sense of disquiet, and despondency. You feel depressed, you feel low. Why is this happening?" Khan said.
Many believe Khan was spot on. In drawing-rooms in recent months, friends and acquaintances have told me that they worry about India - the dull economy, shambolic criminal-justice system, unchecked corruption, the fussing about non-issues, and now the acts of intolerance and the coarse and polarised levels of debate - and they would prefer their children to leave. There is a sense that the immense hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had offered before sweeping to power last year is fast slipping away.
Many high-profile writers and artists have raised concerns about what they feel is rising religious and cultural intolerance - rationalists have been killed and a Muslim man lynched over suspicions he consumed beef.
Not imploding
To be true, India is certainly not imploding with religious violence. But the protests against intolerance by artists and writers appear not to be so much a reaction to the scale of incidents, but a creeping anxiety over whether the highest levels of the government, including Mr Modi, seriously want to condemn or put their imprimatur behind them.
To make matters worse, Mr Modi and his senior ministers have not been quick enough to speak out against the incidents and hate speech, and when they have eventually done so, they have sounded scripted and remote. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, for example, famously said that the lynching of the Muslim man would actually hurt India's image and "amount to policy diversions".
But the fierce public and social media backlash against Aamir Khan by the ruling BJP and supporters of Mr Modi possibly holds up a mirror to hardened positions in today's India."
'via Blog this'
At a journalism awards ceremony, Khan said there was a growing sense of fear, insecurity and despondency in the country, and that when he discussed things with his filmmaker wife, Kiran Rao, she wondered whether the family should move out of India.
"It is disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make to me. She fears for her child, what the atmosphere around us will be, she feels scared to open the newspaper every day. There is a growing sense of disquiet, and despondency. You feel depressed, you feel low. Why is this happening?" Khan said.
Many believe Khan was spot on. In drawing-rooms in recent months, friends and acquaintances have told me that they worry about India - the dull economy, shambolic criminal-justice system, unchecked corruption, the fussing about non-issues, and now the acts of intolerance and the coarse and polarised levels of debate - and they would prefer their children to leave. There is a sense that the immense hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had offered before sweeping to power last year is fast slipping away.
Many high-profile writers and artists have raised concerns about what they feel is rising religious and cultural intolerance - rationalists have been killed and a Muslim man lynched over suspicions he consumed beef.
Not imploding
To be true, India is certainly not imploding with religious violence. But the protests against intolerance by artists and writers appear not to be so much a reaction to the scale of incidents, but a creeping anxiety over whether the highest levels of the government, including Mr Modi, seriously want to condemn or put their imprimatur behind them.
To make matters worse, Mr Modi and his senior ministers have not been quick enough to speak out against the incidents and hate speech, and when they have eventually done so, they have sounded scripted and remote. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, for example, famously said that the lynching of the Muslim man would actually hurt India's image and "amount to policy diversions".
But the fierce public and social media backlash against Aamir Khan by the ruling BJP and supporters of Mr Modi possibly holds up a mirror to hardened positions in today's India."
'via Blog this'
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Pork or nothing: how school dinners are dividing France | World news | The Guardian
Pork or nothing: how school dinners are dividing France | World news | The Guardian: "Aïcha Tabbakhe, a French nurse, went to fill out the forms for her children’s school dinners in her small town outside Paris, she was puzzled. The box she would usually tick to say that her Muslim children didn’t eat pork wasn’t there. “Confused, I called the town hall and I was bluntly told: ‘From now on, that’s the way it is,’” she said. “Pork or nothing.”
After years of French controversies over headscarves, pork has become the new battleground in the nation’s uneasy debate over national identity and the place of Islam. Bacon and sausage school dinners are being used by rightwing politicians to hammer home what it means to be French. Court battles and vicious political spats have erupted as protesters warn that controversial menu changes are sending a message to Muslim or Jewish children that to be truly French, they must eat roast pork. Politicians, as they go to war over the ham on school dinner plates, are fighting about the true meaning of French secularism and whether it has been hijacked and twisted by the right in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attacks.
Tabbakhe’s home town of Chilly-Mazarin – a town of about 20,000 people in L’Essonne, which nudges up against Orly airport to the south of Paris – is the latest of several run by rightwing mayors to announce they will scrap pork-free options in school canteens in the name of secularism. For 30 years, Chilly-Mazarin has provided non-pork alternatives to Muslim and Jewish children. But from November, that will stop. On days when the menu features dishes such as roast pork with mustard and courgette gratin, or Strasbourg sausage and organic lentils, or ham pasta bake, children whose families don’t eat pork for religious reasons will be offered nothing but the side dishes. The new mayor, Jean-Paul Beneytou, from Nicolas Sarkozy’s rightwing Les Républicains party, says this is a commonsense way to preserve public sector “neutrality”. But many parents, teachers and leftwing opposition politicians call it a deliberate stigmatisation of Islam that is cruel to children by playing politics with school lunches."
'via Blog this'
After years of French controversies over headscarves, pork has become the new battleground in the nation’s uneasy debate over national identity and the place of Islam. Bacon and sausage school dinners are being used by rightwing politicians to hammer home what it means to be French. Court battles and vicious political spats have erupted as protesters warn that controversial menu changes are sending a message to Muslim or Jewish children that to be truly French, they must eat roast pork. Politicians, as they go to war over the ham on school dinner plates, are fighting about the true meaning of French secularism and whether it has been hijacked and twisted by the right in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attacks.
Tabbakhe’s home town of Chilly-Mazarin – a town of about 20,000 people in L’Essonne, which nudges up against Orly airport to the south of Paris – is the latest of several run by rightwing mayors to announce they will scrap pork-free options in school canteens in the name of secularism. For 30 years, Chilly-Mazarin has provided non-pork alternatives to Muslim and Jewish children. But from November, that will stop. On days when the menu features dishes such as roast pork with mustard and courgette gratin, or Strasbourg sausage and organic lentils, or ham pasta bake, children whose families don’t eat pork for religious reasons will be offered nothing but the side dishes. The new mayor, Jean-Paul Beneytou, from Nicolas Sarkozy’s rightwing Les Républicains party, says this is a commonsense way to preserve public sector “neutrality”. But many parents, teachers and leftwing opposition politicians call it a deliberate stigmatisation of Islam that is cruel to children by playing politics with school lunches."
'via Blog this'
Friday, November 20, 2015
95% of beef traders are Hindus, says former chief justice of Delhi high court - The Times of India
95% of beef traders are Hindus, says former chief justice of Delhi high court - The Times of India: "Scholars and delegates from India, Canada, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and other countries were present at the conference to discuss world security and radical Islam.
Justice Sachar, who was sharing the stage with many prominent Muslim scholars on the last day of the conference held at RC Degree College in Mathura, said that among all the beef traders in India, 95% are from the Hindu community.
"Almost 95% beef traders are Hindus. Still, a man was lynched in Dadri because he ate beef. This is the death of mankind and humanity. Eating habits have nothing to do with religion. Even I can eat beef," he said. "
'via Blog this'
Justice Sachar, who was sharing the stage with many prominent Muslim scholars on the last day of the conference held at RC Degree College in Mathura, said that among all the beef traders in India, 95% are from the Hindu community.
"Almost 95% beef traders are Hindus. Still, a man was lynched in Dadri because he ate beef. This is the death of mankind and humanity. Eating habits have nothing to do with religion. Even I can eat beef," he said. "
'via Blog this'
A Woman’s Body May Incorporate DNA From The Semen Of Casual Sex Partners
A Woman’s Body May Incorporate DNA From The Semen Of Casual Sex Partners: "Compelling new scientific research has shown that female insects and mammals are able to absorb foreign DNA throughout the cells of their bodies. In human beings, this phenomenon has been conclusively shown to occur in women during pregnancy where genetic material from her growing fetus becomes fused within areas of her brain, affecting her chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The evidence now shows that female animals can incorporate sperm DNA from her prior sex partners. This foreign DNA winds up in future children after the woman successfully reproduces with a completely different male. In the human world, this means that the children a man has with a promiscuous woman could possess genes from previous sexual partners he has never seen or met.
There are existing sociological studies that show a marriage is far more likely to fail when a woman had more than two prior sexual partners (1, 2, 3, 4), but now renewed support for the once-questionable field of telegony is showing that there are also genetic reasons not to start a family with a promiscuous woman: children you have with her may have their gene pool polluted by her random affairs and one-night stands."
'via Blog this'
The evidence now shows that female animals can incorporate sperm DNA from her prior sex partners. This foreign DNA winds up in future children after the woman successfully reproduces with a completely different male. In the human world, this means that the children a man has with a promiscuous woman could possess genes from previous sexual partners he has never seen or met.
There are existing sociological studies that show a marriage is far more likely to fail when a woman had more than two prior sexual partners (1, 2, 3, 4), but now renewed support for the once-questionable field of telegony is showing that there are also genetic reasons not to start a family with a promiscuous woman: children you have with her may have their gene pool polluted by her random affairs and one-night stands."
'via Blog this'
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Study finds more Mexicans leaving the US than coming - Yahoo Finance
Study finds more Mexicans leaving the US than coming - Yahoo Finance: "SAN DIEGO (AP) — More Mexicans are leaving than moving into the United States, reversing the flow of a half-century of mass migration, according to a study published Thursday.
The Pew Research Center found that slightly more than 1 million Mexicans and their families, including American-born children, left the U.S. for Mexico from 2009 to 2014. During the same five years, 870,000 Mexicans came to the U.S., resulting in a net flow to Mexico of 140,000.
The desire to reunite families is the main reason more Mexicans are moving south than north, Pew found. The sluggish U.S. economic recovery and tougher border enforcement are other key factors.
The era of mass migration from Mexico is "at an end," declared Mark Hugo Lopez, Pew's director of Hispanic research.
The finding follows a Pew study in 2012 that found net migration between the two countries was near zero, so this represents a turning point in one of the largest mass migrations in U.S. history. More than 16 million Mexicans moved to the United States from 1965 to 2015, more than from any other country.
"This is something that we've seen coming," Lopez said. "It's been almost 10 years that migration from Mexico has really slowed down.""
'via Blog this'
The Pew Research Center found that slightly more than 1 million Mexicans and their families, including American-born children, left the U.S. for Mexico from 2009 to 2014. During the same five years, 870,000 Mexicans came to the U.S., resulting in a net flow to Mexico of 140,000.
The desire to reunite families is the main reason more Mexicans are moving south than north, Pew found. The sluggish U.S. economic recovery and tougher border enforcement are other key factors.
The era of mass migration from Mexico is "at an end," declared Mark Hugo Lopez, Pew's director of Hispanic research.
The finding follows a Pew study in 2012 that found net migration between the two countries was near zero, so this represents a turning point in one of the largest mass migrations in U.S. history. More than 16 million Mexicans moved to the United States from 1965 to 2015, more than from any other country.
"This is something that we've seen coming," Lopez said. "It's been almost 10 years that migration from Mexico has really slowed down.""
'via Blog this'
Friday, November 13, 2015
Jamaat defends ties with RSS - The Times of India
Jamaat defends ties with RSS - The Times of India: "Guwahati: Amid criticism by Congress and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), the Jamaat-e-Ulema Hind on Friday said there was nothing wrong in having ties with RSS.
Recently, both the ruling Congress and AIUDF had alleged that Jamaat was propagating RSS ideology in Assam. While Congress minister Siddique Ahmed had said RSS was using Jamaat to make inroads in the Muslim community, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal had charged the Muslim organization of working to ensure political benefits for BJP ahead of the 2016 assembly election.
State working president of Jamaat, Abdul Jalil Khan, said, "We are working in close partnership with RSS. We are for Hindu-Muslim unity. There is nothing wrong it."
The Jamaat, in association with RSS-affiliate Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), is working to bring Assam's Muslims closer to the saffron organization. National president of the organization Suhaib Qasmi had last month said the objective of his organization was to dispel mistrust about RSS among Muslims.
Qasmi will hold a series of meetings in the Muslim-dominated districts of lower Assam from November 26 during a five-day tour of the state. The Jamaat has also called a public meeting here in January next year. It said Muslim leaders from different parts of the state will take part in the meeting to convey that RSS and BJP are not antagonistic to the community's interests.
The Jamaat had worked closely with MRM in wooing Muslim voters of Jammu & Kashmir ahead of the assembly election there earlier this year."
'via Blog this'
Recently, both the ruling Congress and AIUDF had alleged that Jamaat was propagating RSS ideology in Assam. While Congress minister Siddique Ahmed had said RSS was using Jamaat to make inroads in the Muslim community, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal had charged the Muslim organization of working to ensure political benefits for BJP ahead of the 2016 assembly election.
State working president of Jamaat, Abdul Jalil Khan, said, "We are working in close partnership with RSS. We are for Hindu-Muslim unity. There is nothing wrong it."
The Jamaat, in association with RSS-affiliate Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), is working to bring Assam's Muslims closer to the saffron organization. National president of the organization Suhaib Qasmi had last month said the objective of his organization was to dispel mistrust about RSS among Muslims.
Qasmi will hold a series of meetings in the Muslim-dominated districts of lower Assam from November 26 during a five-day tour of the state. The Jamaat has also called a public meeting here in January next year. It said Muslim leaders from different parts of the state will take part in the meeting to convey that RSS and BJP are not antagonistic to the community's interests.
The Jamaat had worked closely with MRM in wooing Muslim voters of Jammu & Kashmir ahead of the assembly election there earlier this year."
'via Blog this'
China wants to steal gold-market ‘reins’ from New York, London - MarketWatch
China wants to steal gold-market ‘reins’ from New York, London - MarketWatch: "China has been making it very clear that it wants more control over the global gold market, but it’ll have to go through New York and London first.
“Given that China is the epicenter of the physical gold market, it does make sense that the Chinese government would want its physical Shanghai gold market to supplant the Comex derivative market (and others) as the primary global price-setting mechanism,” said Anthem Blanchard, chief executive officer of online precious-metal retailer Anthem Vault.
China is, after all, the world’s largest producer and one of the biggest buyers of the metal, often running neck and neck with India as the globe’s top consumer."
'via Blog this'
“Given that China is the epicenter of the physical gold market, it does make sense that the Chinese government would want its physical Shanghai gold market to supplant the Comex derivative market (and others) as the primary global price-setting mechanism,” said Anthem Blanchard, chief executive officer of online precious-metal retailer Anthem Vault.
China is, after all, the world’s largest producer and one of the biggest buyers of the metal, often running neck and neck with India as the globe’s top consumer."
'via Blog this'
Young women are living with Mom and Dad as if it's 1940 - LA Times
Young women are living with Mom and Dad as if it's 1940 - LA Times: "Another factor in the change, Fry says, is increased ethnic diversity across this age demographic, which in turn has introduced cultural traditions of living with parents and relatives longer into life."
'via Blog this'
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Thursday, November 12, 2015
Gold coin sales haven't been this high since the financial crisis - Yahoo Finance
Gold coin sales haven't been this high since the financial crisis - Yahoo Finance: "Sales of US gold Eagle coins are going gangbusters.
According to a new report from the World Gold Council, gold buyers saw an opportunity in the falling price.
"US retail investment demand jumped to 32.7 tonnes, generating growth of more than 200% year-on-year," the WGC observed. "This signaled both a level of interest in gold investment not seen since the global financial crisis, and a level of price awareness on a par with that of Indian and Chinese retail investors. Nowhere was this more clearly demonstrated than in the US, where the US Mint reported rocketing sales of gold Eagle coins."
Gold is a peculiar asset. There isn't much of it, and it has limited practical uses. It isn't productive and it doesn't pay a dividend. However, it is tied to old-world traditions in both the East and the West. And for some folks, gold is a currency. Some folks turn to gold as a safe haven during times of financial-market distress and volatility.
"Demand for was the highest for more than five years: in volume terms, sales hit 397,000 oz.," they added. "Demand for newly minted coins surged across all key product lines: sales across all denominations were many multiples of their long-term average levels. Secondary market activity was correspondingly weak as profit-taking slumped in favor of bargain hunting.""
'via Blog this'
According to a new report from the World Gold Council, gold buyers saw an opportunity in the falling price.
"US retail investment demand jumped to 32.7 tonnes, generating growth of more than 200% year-on-year," the WGC observed. "This signaled both a level of interest in gold investment not seen since the global financial crisis, and a level of price awareness on a par with that of Indian and Chinese retail investors. Nowhere was this more clearly demonstrated than in the US, where the US Mint reported rocketing sales of gold Eagle coins."
Gold is a peculiar asset. There isn't much of it, and it has limited practical uses. It isn't productive and it doesn't pay a dividend. However, it is tied to old-world traditions in both the East and the West. And for some folks, gold is a currency. Some folks turn to gold as a safe haven during times of financial-market distress and volatility.
"Demand for was the highest for more than five years: in volume terms, sales hit 397,000 oz.," they added. "Demand for newly minted coins surged across all key product lines: sales across all denominations were many multiples of their long-term average levels. Secondary market activity was correspondingly weak as profit-taking slumped in favor of bargain hunting.""
'via Blog this'
Muslim prisoner uses soaps to craft beautiful idols of Hindu gods - The Times of India
Muslim prisoner uses soaps to craft beautiful idols of Hindu gods - The Times of India: "Lodged in Agra central jail since December 2014, he has made a dozen of beautiful idols, including Hanuman's mace, an idol of Bharat Mata, goddess Durga and Ashokan pillar too. This year, he prepared one foot tall idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh, which will be used for Diwali Puja in the jail this year.
"I kidnapped a businessman from Etah in 2001. My five other friends were also involved. But they managed to trick the court and I failed. All the others were freed while the judge awarded me life imprisonment in September 2010," said Firoz.
According to him, he was depressed when he began his jail term in 2010. "In the time of loneliness, I met a fellow prisoner who was a follower of goddess Durga. He enlightened me and showed me the right path which is to seek forgiveness from the lord. I used my bathing bar provided to me by the jail administration and made a small statue of the goddess. Within a few days, I started stealing all the soaps to satisfy my creative urge," he said. "
'via Blog this'
"I kidnapped a businessman from Etah in 2001. My five other friends were also involved. But they managed to trick the court and I failed. All the others were freed while the judge awarded me life imprisonment in September 2010," said Firoz.
According to him, he was depressed when he began his jail term in 2010. "In the time of loneliness, I met a fellow prisoner who was a follower of goddess Durga. He enlightened me and showed me the right path which is to seek forgiveness from the lord. I used my bathing bar provided to me by the jail administration and made a small statue of the goddess. Within a few days, I started stealing all the soaps to satisfy my creative urge," he said. "
'via Blog this'
No ‘band, baja’ at Muslim weddings from now on: Ulemas - The Times of India
No ‘band, baja’ at Muslim weddings from now on: Ulemas - The Times of India: "Anwar-ul-Haq, Imam of Chahshiri mosque and general secretary of UP West branch, said, "These days, the trend of playing loud music and having liquor on Muslim weddings is catching up. It is not allowed in Islam. Consummation of marriage is a sacred affair and must be performed in all humility. It is not something for which people need to get inebriated and engage in vulgar dancing. Unfortunately, this is becoming a rage among the youth of today. This is not acceptable."
The council further observed that in most cases, liquor and music lead to ego clashes that often result in physical assaults. "We understand that dancing and liquor is quite widely observed during marriages in UP, but in a way it is part of Western culture which has trickled down into our society. We have to put a check on that", said Anwar-ul-Haq. "
'via Blog this'
The council further observed that in most cases, liquor and music lead to ego clashes that often result in physical assaults. "We understand that dancing and liquor is quite widely observed during marriages in UP, but in a way it is part of Western culture which has trickled down into our society. We have to put a check on that", said Anwar-ul-Haq. "
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
NO VOTE FOR MILLIONS OF MUSLIMS IN MYANMAR’S ‘HISTORIC’ ELECTIONS | Caravan Daily
NO VOTE FOR MILLIONS OF MUSLIMS IN MYANMAR’S ‘HISTORIC’ ELECTIONS | Caravan Daily: "Among the most serious is the disenfranchisement of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, a much-maligned minority.
Amid a rising wave of Buddhist nationalism, the group was excluded this time around, though it had been allowed to vote in both a 2010 poll and in 1990.
Muslim candidates have also been excluded from the poll. One is Kyaw Min, a Rohingya who contested the 1990 poll and is head of the Democracy and Human Rights Party.
Of its 18 candidates, 15 were denied the right to contest a seat in November on citizenship grounds.
“It’s killing the voice of the minority, particularly the Rohingya and other Muslims, and is totally excluding them from the political process,” Wai Wai Nu, a Rohingya rights activist and Min’s daughter, told Anadolu Agency.
“It’s just discrimination against those candidates based on their religion,” she added.
In response to pressure from the U.S. and other governments, the Union Election Commission reinstated 11 Muslim candidates following an appeal, the Myanmar Times reported."
'via Blog this'
Amid a rising wave of Buddhist nationalism, the group was excluded this time around, though it had been allowed to vote in both a 2010 poll and in 1990.
Muslim candidates have also been excluded from the poll. One is Kyaw Min, a Rohingya who contested the 1990 poll and is head of the Democracy and Human Rights Party.
Of its 18 candidates, 15 were denied the right to contest a seat in November on citizenship grounds.
“It’s killing the voice of the minority, particularly the Rohingya and other Muslims, and is totally excluding them from the political process,” Wai Wai Nu, a Rohingya rights activist and Min’s daughter, told Anadolu Agency.
“It’s just discrimination against those candidates based on their religion,” she added.
In response to pressure from the U.S. and other governments, the Union Election Commission reinstated 11 Muslim candidates following an appeal, the Myanmar Times reported."
'via Blog this'
RSS Role in 1984 Sikh Massacre: 31 Years After the Carnage, Perpetrators Still Free | Caravan Daily
RSS Role in 1984 Sikh Massacre: 31 Years After the Carnage, Perpetrators Still Free | Caravan Daily: "In the case of 1984 massacre it is generally believed that the Congress cadres were behind this genocide. This may be true but there were other forces too which actively participated in this massacre and whose role has never been investigated. Those who were witness to the genocide of 1984 were stunned by the swiftness and military precision of the killer marauding gangs (later on witnessed during the Babri mosque demolition, burning alive of Dr. Graham Steins with his two sons, 2002 pogrom of the Muslims in Gujarat and cleansing of Christians in parts of Orissa) who went on a burning spree of the innocent Sikhs. This, surely, was beyond the capacity of the thugs led by many Congress leaders.
This document circulated by a prominent ideologue and luminary of RSS, Nana Deshmukh on November 8, 1984 may help in unmasking the whole lot of criminals involved in the massacre of innocent Sikhs who had nothing to do with the killing of Indira Gandhi. This document may also throw light on where the cadres came from, who meticulously organized the killing of Sikhs. Mr. Nana Deshmukh in this document is seen outlining the justification of the massacre of the Sikh community in 1984. According to him the massacre of Sikhs was not the handiwork of any group or anti-social elements but the result of a genuine feeling of anger among Hindus of India.
This document also shows the true degenerated and fascist attitude of the RSS towards all the minorities of India. The RSS has been arguing that they are against Muslims and Christians because they are the followers of foreign religions. Here we find them justifying the butchering of Sikhs who according to their own categorization happened to be the followers of an indigenous religion.
The RSS often poses as a firm believer in Hindu-Sikh unity. But in this document we will hear from the horse’s mouth that the RSS like the then Congress leadership believed that the massacre of the innocent Sikhs was justified. Deshmukh in this document is seen outlining the justification of the massacre of the Sikh community in 1984."
'via Blog this'
This document circulated by a prominent ideologue and luminary of RSS, Nana Deshmukh on November 8, 1984 may help in unmasking the whole lot of criminals involved in the massacre of innocent Sikhs who had nothing to do with the killing of Indira Gandhi. This document may also throw light on where the cadres came from, who meticulously organized the killing of Sikhs. Mr. Nana Deshmukh in this document is seen outlining the justification of the massacre of the Sikh community in 1984. According to him the massacre of Sikhs was not the handiwork of any group or anti-social elements but the result of a genuine feeling of anger among Hindus of India.
This document also shows the true degenerated and fascist attitude of the RSS towards all the minorities of India. The RSS has been arguing that they are against Muslims and Christians because they are the followers of foreign religions. Here we find them justifying the butchering of Sikhs who according to their own categorization happened to be the followers of an indigenous religion.
The RSS often poses as a firm believer in Hindu-Sikh unity. But in this document we will hear from the horse’s mouth that the RSS like the then Congress leadership believed that the massacre of the innocent Sikhs was justified. Deshmukh in this document is seen outlining the justification of the massacre of the Sikh community in 1984."
'via Blog this'
‘Modi Not Welcome’ Projection On British Parliament | Caravan Daily
‘Modi Not Welcome’ Projection On British Parliament | Caravan Daily: "LONDON — At 9.00pm last night (Sunday, Nov 8) a masive projection of Narendra Modi holding a sword in one hand and a shield with the Oum symbol with a swastika superimposed appeared on the Houses of Parliament next to the iconic Big Ben. Above it were the letters Modi Not Welcome. It was the most high profile message from the campaigners of the Modi Not Welcome organisations which have come together as the Awaaz Network.
As a spokesperson from one of the constituent groups South Asia Solidarity Group commented ‘The projection represents the fascistic ideology which Modi and the RSS – admirers of Hitler – stands for.On the day when voters in Bihar decisively rejected Modi’s anti-people politics of hate, this demonstrates that Modi will get the same message of rejection from a large section of Indians abroad and all those who care about human rights violations. He can no longer peddle the myth of NRI adulation to try and bolster his image at home’
The demonstration on the 12th of November at Downing Street beginning at midday is likely to be a massive affair with a range of groups involved."
'via Blog this'
As a spokesperson from one of the constituent groups South Asia Solidarity Group commented ‘The projection represents the fascistic ideology which Modi and the RSS – admirers of Hitler – stands for.On the day when voters in Bihar decisively rejected Modi’s anti-people politics of hate, this demonstrates that Modi will get the same message of rejection from a large section of Indians abroad and all those who care about human rights violations. He can no longer peddle the myth of NRI adulation to try and bolster his image at home’
The demonstration on the 12th of November at Downing Street beginning at midday is likely to be a massive affair with a range of groups involved."
'via Blog this'
Monday, November 9, 2015
Sunday, November 8, 2015
The fundamental spirit of India has won, for BJP it’s time for a chintan baithak | The Indian Express
The fundamental spirit of India has won, for BJP it’s time for a chintan baithak | The Indian Express: "I further said “if Modi loses Bihar polls then his grip on BJP and government will slip to a great extent and the knives within the BJP and the allies will be out in the open and also the politics of the country will change”. Nitish could emerge as the prime ministerial candidate for 2019.
Yes, this will all happen. This is the second massive blow to Narendra Modi/ Amit Shah duo and the BJP after the Delhi Assembly elections. The loss of face will result in loss of confidence internally within the BJP cadres and the duo themselves."
'via Blog this'
Yes, this will all happen. This is the second massive blow to Narendra Modi/ Amit Shah duo and the BJP after the Delhi Assembly elections. The loss of face will result in loss of confidence internally within the BJP cadres and the duo themselves."
'via Blog this'
Muslim Mirror » List of 24 Muslim candidates who won Bihar Assembly Elections 2015
Muslim Mirror » List of 24 Muslim candidates who won Bihar Assembly Elections 2015: "atna: The Mahagathbandhan of JDU, RJD and Congress, led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar scored a stunning win in the Assembly Elections.
The Muslim candidates of the Grand Alliance managed to win 24 seats with twelve from RJD, six from Congress, five from JDU and one from CPI (ML).
List of 24 Muslim Candidates who won in Bihar Assembly Elections 2015 :
Constituency
Winner
Party
Alinagar ABDUL BARI SIDDIQUI Rashtriya Janata Dal
Amour ABDUL JALIL MASTAN Indian National Congress
Araria AVIDUR RAHMAN Indian National Congress
Arrah MOHAMMAD NAWAZ ALAM Rashtriya Janata Dal
Bahadurganj M.D. TAUSEEF ALAM Indian National Congress
Baisi ABDUS SUBHAN Rashtriya Janata Dal
Balrampur MAHBOOB ALAM Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation)
Barauli MD NEMATULLAH Rashtriya Janata Dal
Bisfi FAIYAZ AHMAD Rashtriya Janata Dal
Dehri MOHAMMAD ILIYAS HUSSAIN Rashtriya Janata Dal
Dhaka FAISAL RAHMAN Rashtriya Janata Dal
Jokihat SARFRAZ ALAM Janata Dal (United)
Kadwa SHAKEEL AHMAD KHAN Indian National Congress
Kasba MD. AFAQUE ALAM Indian National Congress
Keoti FARAZ FATMI Rashtriya Janata Dal
Kishanganj DR MOHAMMAD JAWAID Indian National Congress
Kochadhaman MUJAHID ALAM Janata Dal (United)
Mahishi DR. ABDUL GHAFOOR Rashtriya Janata Dal
Narkatia SHAMIM AHMAD Rashtriya Janata Dal
Samastipur AKHTARUL ISLAM SHAHEEN Rashtriya Janata Dal
Sheohar SHARFUDDIN Janata Dal (United)
Sikta KHURSHID URF FIROJ AHMAD Janata Dal (United)
Sursand SYED ABU DOJANA Rashtriya Janata Dal
Thakurganj NAUSHAD ALAM (TATPAUWA) Janata Dal (United)"
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The Muslim candidates of the Grand Alliance managed to win 24 seats with twelve from RJD, six from Congress, five from JDU and one from CPI (ML).
List of 24 Muslim Candidates who won in Bihar Assembly Elections 2015 :
Constituency
Winner
Party
Alinagar ABDUL BARI SIDDIQUI Rashtriya Janata Dal
Amour ABDUL JALIL MASTAN Indian National Congress
Araria AVIDUR RAHMAN Indian National Congress
Arrah MOHAMMAD NAWAZ ALAM Rashtriya Janata Dal
Bahadurganj M.D. TAUSEEF ALAM Indian National Congress
Baisi ABDUS SUBHAN Rashtriya Janata Dal
Balrampur MAHBOOB ALAM Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation)
Barauli MD NEMATULLAH Rashtriya Janata Dal
Bisfi FAIYAZ AHMAD Rashtriya Janata Dal
Dehri MOHAMMAD ILIYAS HUSSAIN Rashtriya Janata Dal
Dhaka FAISAL RAHMAN Rashtriya Janata Dal
Jokihat SARFRAZ ALAM Janata Dal (United)
Kadwa SHAKEEL AHMAD KHAN Indian National Congress
Kasba MD. AFAQUE ALAM Indian National Congress
Keoti FARAZ FATMI Rashtriya Janata Dal
Kishanganj DR MOHAMMAD JAWAID Indian National Congress
Kochadhaman MUJAHID ALAM Janata Dal (United)
Mahishi DR. ABDUL GHAFOOR Rashtriya Janata Dal
Narkatia SHAMIM AHMAD Rashtriya Janata Dal
Samastipur AKHTARUL ISLAM SHAHEEN Rashtriya Janata Dal
Sheohar SHARFUDDIN Janata Dal (United)
Sikta KHURSHID URF FIROJ AHMAD Janata Dal (United)
Sursand SYED ABU DOJANA Rashtriya Janata Dal
Thakurganj NAUSHAD ALAM (TATPAUWA) Janata Dal (United)"
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Bihar polls: Muslim push in record close | The Indian Express
Bihar polls: Muslim push in record close | The Indian Express: "Ladli Khatoon, 18, woke up early to ensure she was first in the queue of women voters at Gulabbagh in Purnea. “Apne man se vote dalungi,” said the delighted class 12 student, her face veiled. Behind her stood a number of Muslim women of various ages, their eagerness obvious, and matched by that of the men in the other queue at the booth where over 2,400 voters are registered.
It was an enthusiasm seen across Purnea district, where the turnout rose to 63 per cent from the 60 per cent of 2010. Across phases, voting in Bihar closed at 56.80 per cent Thursday, the highest in the state’s assembly election history, the Election Commission said. It was 53 per cent in 2010.
The fifth and final phase saw a turnout of just under 60 per cent, five points above the 55 per cent of 2010. And women once against outnumbered men, 64 per cent to 56."
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It was an enthusiasm seen across Purnea district, where the turnout rose to 63 per cent from the 60 per cent of 2010. Across phases, voting in Bihar closed at 56.80 per cent Thursday, the highest in the state’s assembly election history, the Election Commission said. It was 53 per cent in 2010.
The fifth and final phase saw a turnout of just under 60 per cent, five points above the 55 per cent of 2010. And women once against outnumbered men, 64 per cent to 56."
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Thursday, November 5, 2015
BJP leader threatens to behead Karnataka CM over beef remark
BJP leader threatens to behead Karnataka CM over beef remark: "A senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Karnataka’s Shimoga has threatened to “behead” chief minister Siddaramaiah and “play football” with his severed head over the latter’s statement that he will eat beef.
SN Chanabasappa, BJP district secretary and close aide of former CM BS Yeddyurappa, made the statement at a protest meeting organised by the saffron party on Monday. The agitation was called to condemn Siddaramaiah’s remarks last Thursday on the Dadri lynching incident.
In a statement aimed at Hindu right-wing parties, which are campaigning for a complete ban on cow slaughter, the chief minister had said it was his right to eat beef and nobody can stop him.
Repeating his threat on Tuesday, Channabasappa told Hindustan Times, “If Siddaramaiah has guts, let him come to Shimoga and eat beef. If he thinks we will spare him, he’s wrong. Let him kill a cow and show, we will separate his head from his body and play football with it.”"
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SN Chanabasappa, BJP district secretary and close aide of former CM BS Yeddyurappa, made the statement at a protest meeting organised by the saffron party on Monday. The agitation was called to condemn Siddaramaiah’s remarks last Thursday on the Dadri lynching incident.
In a statement aimed at Hindu right-wing parties, which are campaigning for a complete ban on cow slaughter, the chief minister had said it was his right to eat beef and nobody can stop him.
Repeating his threat on Tuesday, Channabasappa told Hindustan Times, “If Siddaramaiah has guts, let him come to Shimoga and eat beef. If he thinks we will spare him, he’s wrong. Let him kill a cow and show, we will separate his head from his body and play football with it.”"
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Wednesday, November 4, 2015
SRK says there's ‘extreme intolerance’ in country
SRK says there's ‘extreme intolerance’ in country: "In a Twitter town hall organised by a media house on the occasion of his birthday, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan spoke about issues that have been making headlines for the past few weeks -- like writers, artists and scientists returning awards to protest what they see as rising intolerance in the country -- and said there is an atmosphere of 'extreme intolerance' in the country."
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Shah Rukh Khan’s soul is in Pakistan says BJP minister - Video | The Times of India
Shah Rukh Khan’s soul is in Pakistan says BJP minister - Video | The Times of India: "BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya has given some rude comments against Bollywood's king Shah Rukh Khan. Check out the video to know what the BJP leader said"
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Shah Rukh Khan is a Pakistani agent, says Sadhvi Prachi - Video | The Times of India
Shah Rukh Khan is a Pakistani agent, says Sadhvi Prachi - Video | The Times of India: "Controversial Hindutva leader Sadhvi Prachi termed Shah Rukh Khan as a “Pakistani agent”, who should be sent to that country, a day after the Bollywood superstar added his voice to the protest against “extreme intolerance” in the country."
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Shah Rukh Khan is a Pakistani agent, says Sadhvi Prachi - Video | The Times of India
Shah Rukh Khan is a Pakistani agent, says Sadhvi Prachi - Video | The Times of India: "Controversial Hindutva leader Sadhvi Prachi termed Shah Rukh Khan as a “Pakistani agent”, who should be sent to that country, a day after the Bollywood superstar added his voice to the protest against “extreme intolerance” in the country."
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BJP MP spews venom at Shah Rukh, party brass frowns at ‘such nonsense’ - The Times of India
BJP MP spews venom at Shah Rukh, party brass frowns at ‘such nonsense’ - The Times of India: "NEW DELHI/LUCKNOW/MUMBAI: A day after Union minister Prakash Javadekar sought to distance BJP from general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya's toxic comments against Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, party MP Yogi Adityanath spewed venom against the actor, saying he should heed 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed of Pakistan since "they speak the same language".
While Vijayvargiya beat a quick retreat on Wednesday by retracting his tweet that SRK's heart lies in Pakistan, Adityanath said, "I will welcome the decision of people like Shah Rukh to go to Pakistan on the invitation of Hafiz Saeed." Saeed had tweeted on Wednesday that India's disenchanted Muslims and intellectuals feeling persecuted by "Hindu extremists" were welcome in Pakistan.
READ ALSO:
'Intolerance has always existed, let's not pretend'
Adityanath said, "Shah Rukh should understand that if Hindus stop watching his films, he will become like any other common Muslim... There's no difference in what Shah Rukh and Hafiz Saeed say about intolerance in India.""
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While Vijayvargiya beat a quick retreat on Wednesday by retracting his tweet that SRK's heart lies in Pakistan, Adityanath said, "I will welcome the decision of people like Shah Rukh to go to Pakistan on the invitation of Hafiz Saeed." Saeed had tweeted on Wednesday that India's disenchanted Muslims and intellectuals feeling persecuted by "Hindu extremists" were welcome in Pakistan.
READ ALSO:
'Intolerance has always existed, let's not pretend'
Adityanath said, "Shah Rukh should understand that if Hindus stop watching his films, he will become like any other common Muslim... There's no difference in what Shah Rukh and Hafiz Saeed say about intolerance in India.""
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Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness: Recognizing the Cult of Qigong for What It Is: Chapter 3
Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness: Recognizing the Cult of Qigong for What It Is: Chapter 3: "I asked him, "Do you believe supernormal ability exists?" I looked at him, waiting for a reply.
He nodded. "I know supernormal ability does exist. It is a supernatural power." In order to illustrate further, he pointed to some small buildings along the street and said, "Let me give you an example. Some people can use their supernormal ability to make them fly up to sky and back to ground. Very powerful. Of course, this is only an analogy."
I looked at him and said seriously, "I believe there are people who are able to do that."
He was very interested in talking with me and patiently explained, "But you have to understand that the supernormal capabilities do not belong to the person who claims to have them.""
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He nodded. "I know supernormal ability does exist. It is a supernatural power." In order to illustrate further, he pointed to some small buildings along the street and said, "Let me give you an example. Some people can use their supernormal ability to make them fly up to sky and back to ground. Very powerful. Of course, this is only an analogy."
I looked at him and said seriously, "I believe there are people who are able to do that."
He was very interested in talking with me and patiently explained, "But you have to understand that the supernormal capabilities do not belong to the person who claims to have them.""
'via Blog this'
Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness: Recognizing the Cult of Qigong for What It Is: Chapter 2
Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness: Recognizing the Cult of Qigong for What It Is: Chapter 2: "On a summer night, a band of gangsters attacked my home with knives and axes. Three in my family were wounded. I was badly stabbed in the head. Blood spilled all over the floor, and a stinking smell filled the room. Our report to the security authorities was ignored. Our complaint was not given attention. We stayed in the hospital for half a year, exhausting almost all our savings. I thereby lost all my financial resources, having already lost my job.
Years earlier, when my entire family started to practice qigong, my brother was stabbed in the chest and almost lost his life. He was out of danger two weeks later and was hospitalized for half a year. He rested at home for a year and then left to work in another city. He also suffered a lot in his love affairs.
After this disaster I began to connect qigong with all these unfortunate incidents, realizing more or less the dangerous elements of qigong. But I did not yet stop practicing it.
I carried on some business, but very often when it was almost successful, unexpected occurrences would arise and bring about failure. My supernormal capabilities from qigong did not offer me any help. My life got into a predicament, and I met with failure everywhere. There was only a precipice in front of me. It seemed that besides my jumping down into it, there was nothing else that could be done.
I went to visit my brother during a business trip. His girlfriend's mother said to me that in the entirety of China there could not be found another family as unlucky as ours. I was watching a movie about a gambler on TV one night. A famous Hong Kong actor was playing the antagonist, who had supernormal capabilities. They were repeatedly performed in the movie and suddenly stimulated me so violently that I felt my own supernormal ability stirred and very soon lost control of myself under a power unlike any that I had experienced before. I was forcefully controlled by that power. I wanted to cry and to have a big move. My consciousness was gradually completely dominated by another "me" who went so far as wanting to control my body. "It" wanted me to walk towards the window and commanded me to jump out of the window. I held myself and shouted crazily. My brother and his girlfriend were greatly astonished. My brother held me tightly for a few minutes until I finally calmed down and told him it was all right now. After a while my brother started to weep, his girlfriend standing by and comforting him."
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Years earlier, when my entire family started to practice qigong, my brother was stabbed in the chest and almost lost his life. He was out of danger two weeks later and was hospitalized for half a year. He rested at home for a year and then left to work in another city. He also suffered a lot in his love affairs.
After this disaster I began to connect qigong with all these unfortunate incidents, realizing more or less the dangerous elements of qigong. But I did not yet stop practicing it.
I carried on some business, but very often when it was almost successful, unexpected occurrences would arise and bring about failure. My supernormal capabilities from qigong did not offer me any help. My life got into a predicament, and I met with failure everywhere. There was only a precipice in front of me. It seemed that besides my jumping down into it, there was nothing else that could be done.
I went to visit my brother during a business trip. His girlfriend's mother said to me that in the entirety of China there could not be found another family as unlucky as ours. I was watching a movie about a gambler on TV one night. A famous Hong Kong actor was playing the antagonist, who had supernormal capabilities. They were repeatedly performed in the movie and suddenly stimulated me so violently that I felt my own supernormal ability stirred and very soon lost control of myself under a power unlike any that I had experienced before. I was forcefully controlled by that power. I wanted to cry and to have a big move. My consciousness was gradually completely dominated by another "me" who went so far as wanting to control my body. "It" wanted me to walk towards the window and commanded me to jump out of the window. I held myself and shouted crazily. My brother and his girlfriend were greatly astonished. My brother held me tightly for a few minutes until I finally calmed down and told him it was all right now. After a while my brother started to weep, his girlfriend standing by and comforting him."
'via Blog this'
Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness: Recognizing the Cult of Qigong for What It Is: Chapter 2
Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness: Recognizing the Cult of Qigong for What It Is: Chapter 2: "I also realized what in essence Yan Xin's "qi-remitting" lectures were. I experimented with some people who also cried, or laughed or danced without stopping. I sometimes secretly healed others. I imagined that I went to the person that I wanted to heal and healed him. I later asked him about his illness. He said he was healed, but did not know that I had done it for him. If some came to me with a request to heal a third party, I would give him something, plus some so-called "messages," for him to take to the sick person or give him a prescription of Chinese Medicine to be carried by the sick person in his pocket. Many got healed in this way. Later I found it was still too troublesome, and just I simply told them, "There is nothing serious. He'll be ok tomorrow." It was exactly so the next day. Or I would say, "You're already healed." The painful sickness of the patient would disappear immediately.
But if someone had displeased me and I felt this person to be a bad person, I would curse him and attack him by imaginative meditation. The result would usually be his getting sick or having some unlucky things happened to him the next day. And the sickness might be with him for a long time. "
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But if someone had displeased me and I felt this person to be a bad person, I would curse him and attack him by imaginative meditation. The result would usually be his getting sick or having some unlucky things happened to him the next day. And the sickness might be with him for a long time. "
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Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness: Recognizing the Cult of Qigong for What It Is: Chapter 2
Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness: Recognizing the Cult of Qigong for What It Is: Chapter 2: "By that time I had practiced qigong for four years. I had practiced every day and reached a considerably high level. Then I began to take several disciples. The ones with good qigong quality soon acquired supernormal capabilities."
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Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness: Recognizing the Cult of Qigong for What It Is: Chapter 2
Breaking Through the Barriers of Darkness: Recognizing the Cult of Qigong for What It Is: Chapter 2: "Just before I practiced "Nine-step Qigong," I acquired a very interesting gong power. One day I found that my audiotape of qigong practice had lost all the recordings on it. I did not know it was the tape and thought it was the player that had gone wrong. But I was mistaken and suddenly realized that it was a supernormal phenomenon. I then held the tape in my hand, produced gong for a little while, and put it back in the player. The tape was played, and still it ran quietly. I waited and listened for a little while more. Gradually, I heard a very small sound which grew louder and louder as if the sound were coming from far to near. Finally it was all normal. I knew I had acquired new power.
Once I was with some friends who had a similar problem. They couldn't understand why their cassette tape went wrong. I took the tape with me to the outside, meditated a little while, and put it back into the player. They played it, and there came beautiful music. Another time I was with some young students, enjoying disco music. Again, the tape was soundless, and a boy student checked and judged that the player was broken. I told him it was not and took the tape and shook it. I played it, and the rhythmic music played from the tape filled the room. That student looked at me blankly, completely puzzled.
After I practiced "Nine-step Qigong," this ability of mine was even enhanced. I once visited with the family of a friend who also practiced qigong. She tried to play some music to please us all, but the tape would not produce any sound. She found it strange and tried another tape, which showed the player to have no problem. I told her that I could make the tape normal. She was excited to hear this and would like to see how it could be possible. I put that tape back in the player, pushed down the play button, and sat down quietly to maneuver the sound of the tape by meditation. Gradually, the sound came up, from small to loud, as if it had come from far to near. My friend exclaimed in admiration, "Ah! You are really now omnipotent!" I was all the more so much pleased with myself that I continued to exert my imaginative thought upon the tape and the sound grew louder and louder until it reached a volume even louder than what the player was set to produce.
I felt great when I moved to about the fourth step in the "Nine-step Qigong." I was thinking about some issue one day when I happened to see an enamel bowl somewhere near me in the room. It had its cover on it, but I suddenly began to see a dark green shadow in the bowl. I looked closely and saw it was water. I held the bowl up. The water shook in the bowl. I was very surprised, for I could now perceive objects, even through iron. I could not even believe then that this was true, so I observed more. I removed the cover of the bowl, looked on the inside and the outside of the bowl, and finally was certain that I could perceive the bowl and see the water from the outside of the bowl. The major function of "Nine-step Qigong" is to develop supernormal capabilities, especially that of perception. I thus realized the power of this gong method. But what was strange was that I later lost the ability to perceive the enamel bowl. I had great regrets and confusion.
I usually practiced at night with the lights out. I closed my eyes and could still see the outlines of my hands with a layer of white light. Sometimes I woke up at night and saw clearly the outlines of my shiny hands with my eyes closed. I felt I saw them with my tianmu.
During this period of time, healing the sick became easier and easier for me. The methods that I used looked to others more and more mysterious. I invented, as my heart desired, some gestures, which I very simply performed, for it took me only a thought to solve the problem. Really, it looked as if I had done nothing, for imaginative meditation was all that was needed
Another inexplicable phenomenon bothered me. While I practiced one day, the power failed in my room, and I thought it was general power failure. I looked outside and saw there was light in all the other rooms. Yet the lights in my room were on the same circuit as others and were not burning. A few hours later, the lights in my room suddenly lit up. This happened several times. This was another qigong phenomenon and one I found hard to control. Every time it happened, I had to sit in meditation for a while before I could have the light back in my room. My life was made inconvenient in this way. Sometimes I would just light some candles and leave my cassette player alone. I was very unhappy for I knew gong power had interfered with the electric power. I wondered why I could not maneuver the electric power as easily as I could maneuver the sound of tapes. I would sometimes forget whether the switch was on or off when I went to bed. I would have to wake up and turn the light off when the light came back on again.
Once the light was out again when two qigong friends came to listen to some music in my room. I was very embarrassed and asked them to wait while I got on my bed and sat in meditation. In about ten minutes the light came back on. They listened to the music and praised me in admiration, yet I fretted for being unable to control the light. This situation lasted for over half a year. Sometimes when the light was out, I would go outside, and a surge of unspeakable sadness and incompetence arose in my heart."
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Once I was with some friends who had a similar problem. They couldn't understand why their cassette tape went wrong. I took the tape with me to the outside, meditated a little while, and put it back into the player. They played it, and there came beautiful music. Another time I was with some young students, enjoying disco music. Again, the tape was soundless, and a boy student checked and judged that the player was broken. I told him it was not and took the tape and shook it. I played it, and the rhythmic music played from the tape filled the room. That student looked at me blankly, completely puzzled.
After I practiced "Nine-step Qigong," this ability of mine was even enhanced. I once visited with the family of a friend who also practiced qigong. She tried to play some music to please us all, but the tape would not produce any sound. She found it strange and tried another tape, which showed the player to have no problem. I told her that I could make the tape normal. She was excited to hear this and would like to see how it could be possible. I put that tape back in the player, pushed down the play button, and sat down quietly to maneuver the sound of the tape by meditation. Gradually, the sound came up, from small to loud, as if it had come from far to near. My friend exclaimed in admiration, "Ah! You are really now omnipotent!" I was all the more so much pleased with myself that I continued to exert my imaginative thought upon the tape and the sound grew louder and louder until it reached a volume even louder than what the player was set to produce.
I felt great when I moved to about the fourth step in the "Nine-step Qigong." I was thinking about some issue one day when I happened to see an enamel bowl somewhere near me in the room. It had its cover on it, but I suddenly began to see a dark green shadow in the bowl. I looked closely and saw it was water. I held the bowl up. The water shook in the bowl. I was very surprised, for I could now perceive objects, even through iron. I could not even believe then that this was true, so I observed more. I removed the cover of the bowl, looked on the inside and the outside of the bowl, and finally was certain that I could perceive the bowl and see the water from the outside of the bowl. The major function of "Nine-step Qigong" is to develop supernormal capabilities, especially that of perception. I thus realized the power of this gong method. But what was strange was that I later lost the ability to perceive the enamel bowl. I had great regrets and confusion.
I usually practiced at night with the lights out. I closed my eyes and could still see the outlines of my hands with a layer of white light. Sometimes I woke up at night and saw clearly the outlines of my shiny hands with my eyes closed. I felt I saw them with my tianmu.
During this period of time, healing the sick became easier and easier for me. The methods that I used looked to others more and more mysterious. I invented, as my heart desired, some gestures, which I very simply performed, for it took me only a thought to solve the problem. Really, it looked as if I had done nothing, for imaginative meditation was all that was needed
Another inexplicable phenomenon bothered me. While I practiced one day, the power failed in my room, and I thought it was general power failure. I looked outside and saw there was light in all the other rooms. Yet the lights in my room were on the same circuit as others and were not burning. A few hours later, the lights in my room suddenly lit up. This happened several times. This was another qigong phenomenon and one I found hard to control. Every time it happened, I had to sit in meditation for a while before I could have the light back in my room. My life was made inconvenient in this way. Sometimes I would just light some candles and leave my cassette player alone. I was very unhappy for I knew gong power had interfered with the electric power. I wondered why I could not maneuver the electric power as easily as I could maneuver the sound of tapes. I would sometimes forget whether the switch was on or off when I went to bed. I would have to wake up and turn the light off when the light came back on again.
Once the light was out again when two qigong friends came to listen to some music in my room. I was very embarrassed and asked them to wait while I got on my bed and sat in meditation. In about ten minutes the light came back on. They listened to the music and praised me in admiration, yet I fretted for being unable to control the light. This situation lasted for over half a year. Sometimes when the light was out, I would go outside, and a surge of unspeakable sadness and incompetence arose in my heart."
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