The mountain valley city of Sana'a has been occupied for some 2,500 years, and was a major center for the early spread of Islam. Many of the Old City's tower-like buildings are made of rammed earth.
Leia Mais…
Monday, May 11, 2009
Zakir Naik VS Sri Lavishankar
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This debat was on 21-01-2005 in India, between the Muslim Zakir Naik and the Hindu Sri Sri Lavishankar. More than 50.000 people attended to this event. Dr. Zakir Naik presented his talk first and said, 'The difference between Hindus and Muslims happens to be just a small apostrophe in the way they think. Hindus think that everything, sun, moon, stars, water, snake, earth and all is God. Muslims, on the other hand, think that everything is God’s creation. Hence the difference between the two is just the apostrophe'. This is how Dr Zakir Naik began the dialogue. Zakir talked about concept of God in Hinduism and Islam in the light of religious scriptures. During last 20 minutes, he quoted the book authored by Ravishankar and brought various errors in the same. Dr Naik quoted extensively from Hindu and Islamic scriptures. He said, 'The best way to understand religion is to learn them from the scriptures'. This was followed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's talk. Ravishankar quoted that, 'We don't need study of various scripture to understand God!'. He spoke about importance of loving each other. He spoke for about 35 minutes, out of his alloted 60 minutes. Then again Dr. Zakir Naik came in to respond to the talk of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This was followed by a very interesting Open Question and Answer session. First three questions were directed at Ravishankar that he should have talked about 'Concept of God' nothing else. He accepted that the book written by him, was published in hurry and came forward to acknowledge it openly that it contains errors. He informed the enlightened audience that he would not publish the second edition. Dr. Zakir thanked him for this noble decision! Event went live on Peace TV worldwide.
Leia Mais…
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Kareen being Saif's Friend ,Philosopher and (Wife).
With her name engraved on his arm in bold letters and her presence adding to his stardom, Kareena sure does rule Saif's heart. Given his explicit lavish gifts and love for splurging money for his dainty lady's smile, it's for sure that Bebo drives Saif's matters of heart. But now it seems that the lady Kapoor has wooed his business side too as she is ruling his mind.But with the lady now calling professional shorts, it seems Kareena is the one having beauty with brains. She in fact is an active partner when it comes to feedback and is advising Saif on which projects to back as a producer.
Leia Mais…
TAJ MAHAL
LOVE they say, knows no boundaries. The Taj Mahal is a classic example of this. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, for his beloved wife Mumtaz, Taj Mahal monument which was built on the riverbank of Jamuna in the city of Agra stands testimony of the fact that Shahjahan was indeed madly in love with his wife and he wanted to build a monument which will always go down in history as the ultimate tribute of pure, pristine and virtuous love. It is said that after completion of the monument Taj Mahal, Shahjahan ordered that the right hand of the mason be cut, so that the masterpiece could never be recreated.
Mankind can never ever recreate or build the finest example of architectural beauty (Taj Mahal) which Shahjahan built centuries ago with all the modern technology and equipment available now. The Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture in its classic beauty and splendor which combines styles from the Persian, Islamic, Indian and Turkish elements. The Taj, a masterpiece recreated by Shahjahan, and which is now a Heritage Site declared by the UNESCO is a monument which makes Indians extremely proud to be a part of this wonderful creation and which has definitely put India in the league of most visited tourist place. The chief designer of Taj Mahal was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.
Mankind can never ever recreate or build the finest example of architectural beauty (Taj Mahal) which Shahjahan built centuries ago with all the modern technology and equipment available now. The Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture in its classic beauty and splendor which combines styles from the Persian, Islamic, Indian and Turkish elements. The Taj, a masterpiece recreated by Shahjahan, and which is now a Heritage Site declared by the UNESCO is a monument which makes Indians extremely proud to be a part of this wonderful creation and which has definitely put India in the league of most visited tourist place. The chief designer of Taj Mahal was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.
ORIGIN AND ARCHITECTURE TAJ MAHAL
The Taj Mahal was completed in 1648. White marble was used to build the entire structure which was inlaid with semi-precious stones.
The Taj Mahal was completed in 1648. White marble was used to build the entire structure which was inlaid with semi-precious stones.
CONSTRUCTION Of TAJ MAHAL
It is said that the plinth and tomb took 12 years to complete and all the exterior decoration like garden, entrance, walls etc took another 10 years to complete. The cost of the construction was estimated to be around 32 million rupees. The materials were transport by 1000 elephants. The precious and semi-precious stones which were inlaid into the marble were brought from different parts of the country. The labor force was called in from Northern India while the creative unit was called from Persia, Baluchistan, Syria.
SURROUNDINGS Of TAJ MAHAL
A huge Mughal garden called charbagh surrounds the complex which has sunken flowerbeds and a reflecting pool in the centre which reflects the image of the Taj Mahal.
A huge Mughal garden called charbagh surrounds the complex which has sunken flowerbeds and a reflecting pool in the centre which reflects the image of the Taj Mahal.
EXTERIOR DECORATION Of TAJ MAHAL
The marble dome which is mounted on the tomb is of the same height as that of the base of the building. The top of the dome has a lotus design on it. The four sides have chattris in the corners. The chhatris which open through the roof provide light to the interiors.. The gilded spire is made of bronze which is crowned at the main dome. The finial has a moon whose horns are pointed upwards so it resembles a typical Islamic motif and also resembles the Hindu symbol of Shiva. Thus the filial is an example of integration of Persian and Hindu elements. The entire structure is very symmetrical. There is also a place for the muezzin to call the prayers. The work found on the tomb is very detailed and delicate. The calligraphy used in Taj Mahal structure is made by jasper inlaid in white marble. Passages from the Quran are used throughout the complex. Abstract forms and vegetative motifs are found on the walls, plinths, gateways
The marble dome which is mounted on the tomb is of the same height as that of the base of the building. The top of the dome has a lotus design on it. The four sides have chattris in the corners. The chhatris which open through the roof provide light to the interiors.. The gilded spire is made of bronze which is crowned at the main dome. The finial has a moon whose horns are pointed upwards so it resembles a typical Islamic motif and also resembles the Hindu symbol of Shiva. Thus the filial is an example of integration of Persian and Hindu elements. The entire structure is very symmetrical. There is also a place for the muezzin to call the prayers. The work found on the tomb is very detailed and delicate. The calligraphy used in Taj Mahal structure is made by jasper inlaid in white marble. Passages from the Quran are used throughout the complex. Abstract forms and vegetative motifs are found on the walls, plinths, gateways
INTERIOR DECORATION Of TAJ MAHAL
The inner chambers of Taj Mahal are designed with precious and semiprecious gemstones. There are four central upper arches and each window of the balcony is intricately carved with jali cut from marble.
The inner chambers of Taj Mahal are designed with precious and semiprecious gemstones. There are four central upper arches and each window of the balcony is intricately carved with jali cut from marble.
THE TOMB (TAJ MAHAL )
The white marble tomb (Taj Mahal) stands on a square plinth consisting of a symmetrical building with an iwan. The base structure is a cube with chamfered edges and is multi-chambered. On the sides of Taj Mahal a pishtaq frames the iwan with arch-shaped balcony. Four minarets at each corner frame the tomb. The main chamber of Taj Mahal has the cenotaphs of Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal while their graves are on the lower level. The beauty of the monument can be viewed in its entire splendor on a full moon night when it looks like pearl. The white marble assumes different tints and tones throughout the day like it is pearly pink at dawn.
The white marble tomb (Taj Mahal) stands on a square plinth consisting of a symmetrical building with an iwan. The base structure is a cube with chamfered edges and is multi-chambered. On the sides of Taj Mahal a pishtaq frames the iwan with arch-shaped balcony. Four minarets at each corner frame the tomb. The main chamber of Taj Mahal has the cenotaphs of Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal while their graves are on the lower level. The beauty of the monument can be viewed in its entire splendor on a full moon night when it looks like pearl. The white marble assumes different tints and tones throughout the day like it is pearly pink at dawn.
GRAVES OF MUMTAZ AND SHAHJAHAN In TAJ MAHAL
The graves of Mumtaz and Shahjahan in Taj Mahal are placed facing the Mecca. Both their caskets have calligraphic inscriptions which identify and praise them. Shahjahan's grave has a small pen box inscribed on it with a writing tablet which differentiates the two graves.
The graves of Mumtaz and Shahjahan in Taj Mahal are placed facing the Mecca. Both their caskets have calligraphic inscriptions which identify and praise them. Shahjahan's grave has a small pen box inscribed on it with a writing tablet which differentiates the two graves.
HISTORY Of TAJ MAHAL
It is said that as soon as Taj Mahal was constructed, his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him and he spent his last years gazing at it from the Agra fort where he was kept. After his death Auranzeb buried him next to Mumtaz Mahal.
Leia Mais…
It is said that as soon as Taj Mahal was constructed, his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him and he spent his last years gazing at it from the Agra fort where he was kept. After his death Auranzeb buried him next to Mumtaz Mahal.
Giant Anaconda Attacks American Explorer
An adventerous American along with some friends were exploring the remote region north of the Yavari River some 180 miles west of Iquitos, Peru. While they were fording a small creek a 22 foot, 420 lbs Anaconda attacked 47 year old Ron Shores from Seminole,Oklahoma. Ron was the last of 8 people to cross the small river, when he was only 8 feet from the far bank the snake made a violent attack. In seconds the giant reptile had encoiled the American , fortunately Ron managed to keep his footing until his companions jumped into the water to pull him and the monster from the water. Experienced jungle guide Juan Maldonado wanted to shoot the snake but Ron insisted it be released back into the creek from where it came from. Anacondas spend most of their time in the water and their usual method of killing their prey is to encoil their victim and then drown it. Ron knows that with a snake of this size he had a very lucky escape.
iquitostimes.com/anaconda.htm
Leia Mais…
iquitostimes.com/anaconda.htm
Peace Monument in Washington D.C.
The Peace Monument in Washington D.C. is a stunning piece of architecture built between 1877 and 1878. It stands on the grounds of the United States Capitol in the Piece Circle, is also known as the Naval Monument and was actually built to commemorate the naval death during the American Civil War. One of the most expressive sculptures is “Peace”. It’s a classical figure draped from the waist down that holds an olive branch and faces the Capitol. This was the final part to be put in place (January 1878) that completed the whole monument.
weburbanist.com/.../
Missing 74-year-old Scarborough woman found
A missing 74-year-old woman has been found safe and well after she wandered away from her Scarborough home this morning.
Police were concerned for the safety of Joan Angwin as she has Alzheimer's disease .
She was found at Joondalup train station. ed away from her Scarborough home this morning.
Police were concerned for the safety of Joan Angwin as she has Alzheimer's disease .
She was found at Joondalup train station.
abc.net.au/.../2008/03/17/2192035.htm
2009 Opening Party at Mercedes World
EPCA will organize the opening event of its 2009 Annual Meeting at Mercedes World in Berlin on Sunday 4 October. Together with Cefic, EPCA will organize an exhibition at the same venue in Berlin from 4 to 7 October 2009. The purpose of this exhibition is to show the positive interaction between the chemical and the car industries versus sustainability. More news on this exciting initiative will follow in the March 2009 newsletter."
Leia Mais…
Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island located 8km North-East of Townsville, is the ideal choice for families seeking a relaxing holiday. This large and beautiful World Heritage island is surrounded by sparkling blue waters with golden sandy beaches, coral gardens and an array of National Park walking tracks.
Magnetic Island has twenty-two beaches and 24 kilometres of walking tracks winding their way through tropical bush. Just off shore is a diverse range of fringing reefs where you can discover an amazing array of marine life and soft and hard corals.
With an average of 320 days of sunshine annually, Magnetic Island offers activities to enjoy at every imaginable tempo. From fast and furious water sports, to a relaxing swim in the clear waters of the Coral Sea. Then, as the sun sets, relax and enjoy the balmy, tropical island night.
Magnetic Island provides the chance of a holiday of a lifetime - go for it! magneticislandhomes.com/
High heels are dangerous to your health
You like high heels. When you are wearing high heels your legs are beautiful. You probably think high heels are the height of elegance. You should know that high heels can affect your health. Wearing high heels is your choice, but you should at least be aware of the problems related to high heals. Women have four times as many foot problems as men. Wearing high heels is a major reason for this. Physical problems associated with high heels include foot pain, foot deformities, a change in back posture, knee osteoarthritis and balance impairment. Orthopedists think that high heels can contribute to the development of a variety of conditions like arthritis, chronic knee pain, sprained ankles and back problems. High heels can also result in a variety of foot problems. High heels could be the cause of knee osteoarthritis, a painful, degenerative joint disease. The knee osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of the cartilage surrounding the knee. You could have ankle sprains and breaks from rolling over on high-heeled shoes. If you wear high heels you probably had this kind of problem. You should also know that high heels are pumps with heels of more than two inches.
Leia Mais…
Dancing House
The site of Gehry's Dancing House was originally occupied by a house in the Neo-renaissance style from the end of the 19th century. That house was destroyed during bombing in 1945, its remains finally removed in 1960. The neighboring house (with a small globe on the roof) was co-owned by Czech ex-president Vaclav Havel, who lived there from his childhood until the mid-1990s. He ordered the first architectural study from Vlado Milunic (who has been involved in re-building Havel's appartment in the neighboring house). Afterwards the Dutch bank ING agreed to build a house there, and asked Milunic to invite a world-renowned architect. Milunic first asked Jean Nouvel, who rejected the invitation because of the small size of the site (491 square meters); he then asked Frank Gehry, who and he accepted the challenge. Gehry had an almost unlimited budget, because ING wanted to create an icon in Prague. The construction started in 1994 and the house was finished in 1996.
The building is an example of deconstructivist architecture, with an unusual shape. It reflects a woman and man (Ginger Rogers and Fred Astair) dancing together. Construction is from 99 concrete panels each of different shape and dimension, each therefore requiring a unique wooden form.
Its unusual shape and technical solutions caused a big public debate. After ten years emotions are over, and the house has its place in modern Prague. In 2005 the Czech National Bank issued a gold coin with the motif of the Dancing House, as the final coin of the series "10 Centuries of Architecture."
Leia Mais…
Getting the Most Out of Vegetables
What is the best way to cook vegetables? It’s one of the most common questions asked by readers, so I decided to explore whether boiled, steamed, microwaved or raw is better.
Unfortunately, as you’ll see in today’s Well column in Science Times, there isn’t a simple answer. How you prepare a food influences the nutrients and phytochemicals that end up on your plate. The challenge is finding the right balance between healthful preparation and delicious eating.
Leia Mais…
Unfortunately, as you’ll see in today’s Well column in Science Times, there isn’t a simple answer. How you prepare a food influences the nutrients and phytochemicals that end up on your plate. The challenge is finding the right balance between healthful preparation and delicious eating.
Faisal Mosque
Faisal mosque, the largest and the most beautiful mosque of Pakistan. It is the largest mosque of South-Asia. Located very aesthetically at the footprints of Margallah hills, it gives the very best of Islamabad. The mosque was a dream made true by His Excellency [Late] King Faisal of Saudia Arabia. The very elegant and pleasing design was a masterpiece by the Turkish architect Vedat. And due to the great interest and force of His Excellency [Late] king Faisal, this mosque is named Faisal Mosque.
The mosque holds beautiful Islamic artifact work done by famous Pakistani artists Gulgee and Sadiqain[whose page does not exist on wikipedia unfortunately]. And the mosque used to hold the campus of International Islamic University that is one of the premium educational institute of Pakistan. Another great thing about Faisal Mosque is that it hosts Dawah academy, an academy that promotes peaceful teaching of Islam. This academy prints and distributes very professionally managed weekly sermon freely on Friday prayers. There is a shop in Faisal mosque that sells very good books like Masnawi of Maulana Rumi, Harun Yahya books, and other great books.
In the evenings - whether it be winter, summer, spring or autumn - it is a great feeling to walk in the corridor of Faisal Mosque and after that one can have tea or cold drinks and samosas from the mini-cafe there.
Islamabad owes a lot of its beauty to Faisal Mosque. We - Islooites - pray to Almighty Allah that may He bless His Excellency Late king Faisal for his dream, efforts and continous support to provide us with this entity that is truly the identity of Islamabad.
islamabad.metblogs.com/.../
Leia Mais…
The mosque holds beautiful Islamic artifact work done by famous Pakistani artists Gulgee and Sadiqain[whose page does not exist on wikipedia unfortunately]. And the mosque used to hold the campus of International Islamic University that is one of the premium educational institute of Pakistan. Another great thing about Faisal Mosque is that it hosts Dawah academy, an academy that promotes peaceful teaching of Islam. This academy prints and distributes very professionally managed weekly sermon freely on Friday prayers. There is a shop in Faisal mosque that sells very good books like Masnawi of Maulana Rumi, Harun Yahya books, and other great books.
In the evenings - whether it be winter, summer, spring or autumn - it is a great feeling to walk in the corridor of Faisal Mosque and after that one can have tea or cold drinks and samosas from the mini-cafe there.
Islamabad owes a lot of its beauty to Faisal Mosque. We - Islooites - pray to Almighty Allah that may He bless His Excellency Late king Faisal for his dream, efforts and continous support to provide us with this entity that is truly the identity of Islamabad.
islamabad.metblogs.com/.../
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, an icon of Paris, is a wonder of design and structure, and an impressive sight worth getting close to. Lie in the grass at the Champs de mars and gaze up. Ascend the tower for spectacular views of Paris. Return at night with a bottle of Merlot to watch the spectacular light display. The Eiffel Tower tops out at over 1,000 feet, containing 2 restaurants, a souvenir shop, a post office (for that one of a kind postmark), snack bar, and a viewing area.
The world famous Paris tower is a mass of iron designed by Gustave Eiffel for the Universal Exposition of 1889 and was the tallest structure in the world until 1930, when New York’s Chrysler building surpassed it. The Paris tower faced criticism, especially from the artistic community of Paris, calling the structure a “truly tragic street lamp.” Allegedly, Guy de Maupassant ate lunch on the lower level of the Paris tower everyday because it was the only view of the city in which he couldn’t see it. The critics were slowly silenced as 2 million visitors ascended the tower in 1889. Today, the Eiffel Tower is an icon of Paris, and is embraced by the city.
Fifty tons of paint are used every 5 years to repaint the structure. A permanent light display goes off every hour in the evenings. Skate 187 feet above the Earth, during the winter, as the Eiffel Tower Paris turns the first floor into a rink. The tower has two restaurants, Altitude 95, located on the first floor 95 meters above sea level, and “reminiscent of an airship moored above Paris” according to the Eiffel Tower website. Also on the first deck are a souvenir shop, exhibit on the Paris tower, snack bar, and the post office. On the second floor, a specialty food shop, the restaurant Le Jules Verne, some historical panels, and another snack bar (in case you’re using the stairs instead of the elevator). At the top level, along with panoramic views, is a replica of Gustave Eiffel’s office, complete with wax figures of the man himself.
No Paris travel guide would be complete without mentioning famous Paris attractions including, the Panthéon, a monument dedicated to historical personages of France, housing a crypt containing over 70 people, including Votaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas. Notre Dame cathedral, with its ornate interior is an awe inspiring and popular destination. Pay homage to French author Victor Hugo, and ascend the bell tower for a look at the gargoyles from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Worth mentioning in any Paris travel guide is the Arc de Triomphe, located on the famed avenue Champs Élysées and centered in the world largest traffic roundabout. It is a simple, yet daunting monument commissioned by Napoleon. The gothic Saint Chapelle, built in the 13th century, has 15 stained glass windows depicting an entire biblical history.
Also important to mention in a Paris travel guide are some of the world famous museums Paris is home to including the gigantic Louve, which houses the Mona Lisa; the Musee d’Orsay, with artists such as Renoir, Monet, and van Gogh; and the National d’Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou, home to a modern art collection.
The Eiffel Tower Paris, still a marvel of structure and design, is a must see stop on any Paris itinerary. Constructed for the World’s Exhibition of 1889, the Eiffel Tower Paris was slow to be embraced, but is now a beloved symbol of Paris, and one of Europe, if not the world’s most recognizable.
destination360.com/europe/france/eiffel-tower.php
Leia Mais…
The world famous Paris tower is a mass of iron designed by Gustave Eiffel for the Universal Exposition of 1889 and was the tallest structure in the world until 1930, when New York’s Chrysler building surpassed it. The Paris tower faced criticism, especially from the artistic community of Paris, calling the structure a “truly tragic street lamp.” Allegedly, Guy de Maupassant ate lunch on the lower level of the Paris tower everyday because it was the only view of the city in which he couldn’t see it. The critics were slowly silenced as 2 million visitors ascended the tower in 1889. Today, the Eiffel Tower is an icon of Paris, and is embraced by the city.
Fifty tons of paint are used every 5 years to repaint the structure. A permanent light display goes off every hour in the evenings. Skate 187 feet above the Earth, during the winter, as the Eiffel Tower Paris turns the first floor into a rink. The tower has two restaurants, Altitude 95, located on the first floor 95 meters above sea level, and “reminiscent of an airship moored above Paris” according to the Eiffel Tower website. Also on the first deck are a souvenir shop, exhibit on the Paris tower, snack bar, and the post office. On the second floor, a specialty food shop, the restaurant Le Jules Verne, some historical panels, and another snack bar (in case you’re using the stairs instead of the elevator). At the top level, along with panoramic views, is a replica of Gustave Eiffel’s office, complete with wax figures of the man himself.
No Paris travel guide would be complete without mentioning famous Paris attractions including, the Panthéon, a monument dedicated to historical personages of France, housing a crypt containing over 70 people, including Votaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas. Notre Dame cathedral, with its ornate interior is an awe inspiring and popular destination. Pay homage to French author Victor Hugo, and ascend the bell tower for a look at the gargoyles from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Worth mentioning in any Paris travel guide is the Arc de Triomphe, located on the famed avenue Champs Élysées and centered in the world largest traffic roundabout. It is a simple, yet daunting monument commissioned by Napoleon. The gothic Saint Chapelle, built in the 13th century, has 15 stained glass windows depicting an entire biblical history.
Also important to mention in a Paris travel guide are some of the world famous museums Paris is home to including the gigantic Louve, which houses the Mona Lisa; the Musee d’Orsay, with artists such as Renoir, Monet, and van Gogh; and the National d’Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou, home to a modern art collection.
The Eiffel Tower Paris, still a marvel of structure and design, is a must see stop on any Paris itinerary. Constructed for the World’s Exhibition of 1889, the Eiffel Tower Paris was slow to be embraced, but is now a beloved symbol of Paris, and one of Europe, if not the world’s most recognizable.
destination360.com/europe/france/eiffel-tower.php
Do Cell Phones Cause Brain Cancer?
Dr. Vini Khurana, a top Australian neurosurgeon, finds evidence that using handsets for more than 10 years can double the risk of brain cancer. He says the incubation time for brain tumors may be 10-20 years, which would be when the impact of cell phone use can be definitively observed.
"It is anticipated that this danger has far broader public health ramifications than asbestos and smoking, and directly concerns all of us, particularly the younger generation, including very young children," Dr Khurana said.
Khurana is strongly urging governments to take immediate steps to reduce cell phone users from radiation exposure. France and Germany have both warned against the use of cell phones.
He said mobile phone radiation could heat the side of the head or potentially thermoelectrically interact with the brain, while Bluetooth devices and "unshielded" headsets could convert the user's head into an effective, potentially self-harming antenna.
However, Dr. Robert Ashton, a thoracic surgeon, remains skeptical and said the recent study "hasn't been accepted in a peer review journal," he said on Fox News. "There's no clear link between cell phone use and brain cancer. To compare cell phone use and tobacco, I don't think is appropriate."
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Dr. Khurana, who since 1994 has received 14 awards, said the crucial time between the initial start of regular mobile phone usage to the diagnosis of a malignant solid brain tumour might be in the potential order of 10-20 years.
"In the years 2008-2012, we will have reached the appropriate length of follow-up time to begin to definitively observe the impact of this global technology on brain tumour incidence rates," Dr Khurana said.
There have been other studies done that found no link between cell phone use and brain cancer. In 2001, the National Cancer Institute said there was no increased risk of brain tumors in cell phone users in comparison to non-users. Even so, the FDA says further investigation is warranted.
halflifesource.com/cell_phones
Love is like a Butterfly
In nature a repulsive caterpillar turns into a lovely butterfly. But with humans it is the other way around: a lovely butterfly turns into a repulsive caterpillar. ~Anton Chekhov
Butterfly is a mystic phenomena but you may not understand it. Butterflies can create more flutters in your heart than any other flying insect. Butterfly is also symbolic of man’s own existence.
Man lives in a cocoon. His cocoon is full of Ego,Goals and Misery. Man keeps on building his cocoon with false materials, He doesn’t realize one day everything will disappear. He keeps building walls of security built on foundation of greediness. Man is a caterpillar destined to butterfly. and Only man and I repeat- Only man never realizes his potential to become butterfly.
Caterpillar needs to die to become a butterfly. Caterpillar needs to go through metamorphosis to become a Butterfly. Trust me Caterpillar has no knowledge about colors he can produce in his death. But he still moves with trust towards unknown.
In death, caterpillar explodes into millions of colors. In living in this moment ugly caterpillar becomes beautiful butterfly.
Remember to Live in this moment. Live this moment with so much intensity that every death of a moment gives rise to beautiful next moment. Live this moment is such ecstasy that you have no option other than getting out of your cocoon.
Live this moment with so much love that you have no choice but to explode into butterfly. Just be in Love with everything you see, be in Love with nature, be in love with existence , Be in Love in your deep acceptance. Love alone can give you wings. Love alone is enough to make you butterfly.
What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.” Richard Bach
Love is the only substantial thing in life, all else is illusion. Let love grow in you and God will be growing on its own accord. If you miss love you will miss God and all.
There is no way to God without love. God can be forgotten — if love is remembered, God will happen as a consequence. It happens as a consequence. It is the fragrance of love and nothing else.
Be in Love and I wish – you become a butterfly
Leia Mais…
Butterfly is a mystic phenomena but you may not understand it. Butterflies can create more flutters in your heart than any other flying insect. Butterfly is also symbolic of man’s own existence.
Man lives in a cocoon. His cocoon is full of Ego,Goals and Misery. Man keeps on building his cocoon with false materials, He doesn’t realize one day everything will disappear. He keeps building walls of security built on foundation of greediness. Man is a caterpillar destined to butterfly. and Only man and I repeat- Only man never realizes his potential to become butterfly.
Caterpillar needs to die to become a butterfly. Caterpillar needs to go through metamorphosis to become a Butterfly. Trust me Caterpillar has no knowledge about colors he can produce in his death. But he still moves with trust towards unknown.
In death, caterpillar explodes into millions of colors. In living in this moment ugly caterpillar becomes beautiful butterfly.
Remember to Live in this moment. Live this moment with so much intensity that every death of a moment gives rise to beautiful next moment. Live this moment is such ecstasy that you have no option other than getting out of your cocoon.
Live this moment with so much love that you have no choice but to explode into butterfly. Just be in Love with everything you see, be in Love with nature, be in love with existence , Be in Love in your deep acceptance. Love alone can give you wings. Love alone is enough to make you butterfly.
What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.” Richard Bach
Love is the only substantial thing in life, all else is illusion. Let love grow in you and God will be growing on its own accord. If you miss love you will miss God and all.
There is no way to God without love. God can be forgotten — if love is remembered, God will happen as a consequence. It happens as a consequence. It is the fragrance of love and nothing else.
Be in Love and I wish – you become a butterfly
Abraham Lincoln's Childhood and Education
Lincoln was born in Hardin County, Kentucky on February 12, 1809. He moved to Indiana in 1816 and lived there the rest of his youth. His mother died when he was nine but he was very close to his stepmother who urged him to read. Lincoln himself stated that he had about one year of formal education. However, he was taught by many different individuals. He loved to read and learn from any books he could get his hands on.
Leia Mais…
'At risk'
Australia is at risk of more tragedies such as the Victorian bushfires if the Federal Government does not reassess its approach to global warming, says the peak firefighters union.
United Firefighters Union of Australia national secretary Peter Marshall has written an open letter to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Premier John Brumby, on behalf of Australia's 13,000 firefighters.
He says the Government's own CSIRO report shows that under a high global warming scenario "catastrophic events are predicted to occur every year in Mildura and firefighters have been warned to expect up to a 230 per cent increase in extreme danger fire days in Bendigo" alone.
It also shows that in Canberra, where there were horrendous fires in 2003, fire services were being told to prepare for a 221 per cent rise in extreme fire days by 2050.
Mr Marshall says the Victorian fires are happening in the backdrop of the Federal Government global warming report that was released in 2007.
"These fires aren't happening by accidents ... it's highly likely we'll have similar events in other states and territories around Australia in 2010," he said.
"[The Government's own research shows] by 2020 it's going to be a regular occurrence. All the current thinking and science behind protecting communities has not built in the factor of this increase.
With one end of the country drowning in floodwaters and the other end being devastated by fires, the letter urges the Government to follow scientific advice and halve Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
"Without a massive turnaround in policies, aside from the tragic loss of life and property, we will be asking firefighters to put themselves at an unacceptable risk," says the letter.
United Firefighters Union of Australia national secretary Peter Marshall has written an open letter to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Premier John Brumby, on behalf of Australia's 13,000 firefighters.
He says the Government's own CSIRO report shows that under a high global warming scenario "catastrophic events are predicted to occur every year in Mildura and firefighters have been warned to expect up to a 230 per cent increase in extreme danger fire days in Bendigo" alone.
It also shows that in Canberra, where there were horrendous fires in 2003, fire services were being told to prepare for a 221 per cent rise in extreme fire days by 2050.
Mr Marshall says the Victorian fires are happening in the backdrop of the Federal Government global warming report that was released in 2007.
"These fires aren't happening by accidents ... it's highly likely we'll have similar events in other states and territories around Australia in 2010," he said.
"[The Government's own research shows] by 2020 it's going to be a regular occurrence. All the current thinking and science behind protecting communities has not built in the factor of this increase.
With one end of the country drowning in floodwaters and the other end being devastated by fires, the letter urges the Government to follow scientific advice and halve Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
"Without a massive turnaround in policies, aside from the tragic loss of life and property, we will be asking firefighters to put themselves at an unacceptable risk," says the letter.
Leia Mais…
Firm shrugs off rape video game concerns
A Japanese computer game maker has dismissed a protest by United States rights campaigners against the game RapeLay, which lets players simulate sexual violence against females.
New York-based Equality Now launched a campaign this week "against rape simulator games and the normalisation of sexual violence in Japan". It urged activists to write in protest to the maker and Prime Minister Taro Aso, arguing the game breaches Japan's obligations under the 1985 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
The Yokohama-based games manufacturer, Illusion, brushed off the campaign.
"We are simply bewildered by the move," spokesman Makoto Nakaoka said.
"We make the games for the domestic market and abide by laws here. We cannot possibly comment on [the campaign] because we don't sell them overseas."
Players earn points for acts of sexual violence, including stalking girls on commuter trains, raping virgins and their mothers, and forcing females to get abortions, according to the group's online statement.
Japan, often criticised as a major producer of child pornography, in 1999 banned the production, distribution and commercial use of sexually arousing photos, videos and other materials involving those aged under 18.
However, the law did not criminalise possession of such materials and the ban also failed to cover child porn in animation and computer graphics, often categorised as "hentai", meaning pervert.
US online retail giant Amazon, took RapeLay off its websites in February after receiving complaints, but clips of the game were still available this week on popular video sharing websites.
A spokeswoman for the Japanese Government's gender equality bureau said the office "realises the problem is there".
"While we recognise that some sort of measures need to be taken, the office is currently studying what can be done," she said.
abc.net.au/.../2009/02/08/2485648.htm
Australia's worst bushfire disaster
The death toll from horrific bushfires across Victoria this weekend has reached 93, surpassing the number of people who perished in the 1983 Ash Wednesday blazes.
Police revised the official toll down from 96, however the number is expected to rise throughout the day.
More than 700 homes have been lost in what is being described as 'Hell on Earth', and it is feared the death toll will pass 100.
Former television newsreader Brian Naylor and his wife Moiree are among the victims; their house at Kinglake, north of Melbourne, was engulfed by fire yesterday.
Twenty-six fires continue to burn across Victoria; 12 of those are out of control. Authorities suspect arsonists are responsible for some fires.
The Kinglake Complex blaze continues to burn out of control and so far has burnt through more than 220,000 hectares. Communities around Glenburn, Taggerty and Rubicon are being urged to remain alert for any threats to their homes.
The federal and Victorian governments have set up a Bushfire Relief Fund and $10 million in Centrelink payments for victims.
"Tonight our resolve as Victorians is being tested," Victorian Premier John Brumby said in an address to the state.
"We know that tragically many lives have been lost ... and we have grave concerns for many more. We know that hundreds of Victorians have lost their houses. Out there it has been Hell on Earth.
"It is one of the most tragic events in Victoria's history. I am personally devastated by the tragedy. The scale of the tragedy defies comprehension.
"We all grieve with you. So many families, families like yours and mine, now have to rebuild. I can promise that we will not stop until you are safe and your lives and communities have been rebuilt."
The worst-hit areas are Kinglake, where at least 18 have died, St Andrews (12 lives lost), and Steeles Creek (seven dead).
Five people are dead in Callignee and Flowervale, three in Hazelwood, Whittlesea and Taggerty, and one in Jeeralang. More bodies have been found at Marysville, Humevale, Bendigo, Long Gully, Strathewan and Arthurs Creek.
Seventy-five people died in Victoria and New South Wales during the February 1983 Ash Wednesday fires.
abc.net.au/.../2009/02/08/2485648.htm
Drugs Now Look, Taste Like Candy
Many of those drugs are turning up in pills made to look like popular candy. Experts say it's a disturbing trend every parent needs to be aware of.
More kids are experimenting with dangerous drugs. Some of those drugs can be found in all of our homes. We're talking about over-the-counter medicines and prescription pills, but there's another face of drugs -- meth, marijuana and ecstasy that look like candy.
We talked to teens who used drugs. They say this stuff isn't hard to get.
Brock, Former Drug User: "There's enough people that if you're looking for it, you can find anything you want to find."
That's what he found when he started using drugs at age 14.
Brock: "Actually, at my age, the hardest thing to get is alcohol."
Brock, who is now 18, admits to having tried everything but meth and cocaine.
Brock: "Everything is off the street, even the pharmaceuticals I was getting for the most part were off the street."
Twenty-year old Tarrah started with cough and cold pills. Those same pills almost killed her 12-year old brother. He nearly died, but no one knew what was wrong because tests can't detect over-the-counter medications.
Tarrah, Former Drug User: "It took him three and a half weeks before he started to come to and was able to tell my dad and the doctor what he had taken."
Authorities say more kids are using and abusing illicit drugs. What's disturbing is many of them come disguised as tempting treats.
Debby Pastrana, DrugTALK: "Yarba here comes in flavors, tastes, and looks like candy, and it's chewable; and it's equivalent to five hits of meth. This is marijuana, tastes and looks like Jolly Rancher and it's laced with THC which is marijuana."
Teens say the look of these drugs makes them seem harmless.
Brock: "I don't want to smoke, shoot or snort. I'll just swallow something. I swallow pills, vitamins, everyday, but this one just makes me feel different."
Both Brock and Tarrah are sober now. They encourage parents to talk to their kids.
Tarrah: "Teach them about it so they're more aware of what can happen to them and be more of a friend to them. Don't turn them away if they come to you and tell you that they're using drugs."
DrugTALK is a private company that encourages just that, communication between parents and kids. It has partnered with Smith's to sell an instructional DVD and Reference Guide. All proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club.
Leia Mais…
More kids are experimenting with dangerous drugs. Some of those drugs can be found in all of our homes. We're talking about over-the-counter medicines and prescription pills, but there's another face of drugs -- meth, marijuana and ecstasy that look like candy.
We talked to teens who used drugs. They say this stuff isn't hard to get.
Brock, Former Drug User: "There's enough people that if you're looking for it, you can find anything you want to find."
That's what he found when he started using drugs at age 14.
Brock: "Actually, at my age, the hardest thing to get is alcohol."
Brock, who is now 18, admits to having tried everything but meth and cocaine.
Brock: "Everything is off the street, even the pharmaceuticals I was getting for the most part were off the street."
Twenty-year old Tarrah started with cough and cold pills. Those same pills almost killed her 12-year old brother. He nearly died, but no one knew what was wrong because tests can't detect over-the-counter medications.
Tarrah, Former Drug User: "It took him three and a half weeks before he started to come to and was able to tell my dad and the doctor what he had taken."
Authorities say more kids are using and abusing illicit drugs. What's disturbing is many of them come disguised as tempting treats.
Debby Pastrana, DrugTALK: "Yarba here comes in flavors, tastes, and looks like candy, and it's chewable; and it's equivalent to five hits of meth. This is marijuana, tastes and looks like Jolly Rancher and it's laced with THC which is marijuana."
Teens say the look of these drugs makes them seem harmless.
Brock: "I don't want to smoke, shoot or snort. I'll just swallow something. I swallow pills, vitamins, everyday, but this one just makes me feel different."
Both Brock and Tarrah are sober now. They encourage parents to talk to their kids.
Tarrah: "Teach them about it so they're more aware of what can happen to them and be more of a friend to them. Don't turn them away if they come to you and tell you that they're using drugs."
DrugTALK is a private company that encourages just that, communication between parents and kids. It has partnered with Smith's to sell an instructional DVD and Reference Guide. All proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club.
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale, born in 1820, was a pioneer in modern nursing. She was named after the city of her birth, Florence, Itary, and felt she had a divine calling to her profession. She declined her wealthy British parents' advise to marry and settle down, instead she dedicated her life to the poor. She also trained nurses and set out to wars to help the wounded. She is most admired for her work during the Crimean War and stressed on sanitary conditions of living as of great importance to health and recovery.
The Florence Nightingale Museum, honors the heroic woman by giving visitors a detailed history of her life through personal artifacts, awards, memorabilia and a lifesize replica of an origional Crimean hospital ward. Visitors can view objects from the Crimean War, the Nightingale School and St. Thomas' Hospital. On display are hundreds of her letters and 53 of her printed works.
A short 13 minutes walk to the northwest of Florence Nightingale Museum will take you to the St. James Park.
A great nearby hotel option is the Royal Horseguards Thistle Hotel which has a very luxurious feel.
Leia Mais…
The Florence Nightingale Museum, honors the heroic woman by giving visitors a detailed history of her life through personal artifacts, awards, memorabilia and a lifesize replica of an origional Crimean hospital ward. Visitors can view objects from the Crimean War, the Nightingale School and St. Thomas' Hospital. On display are hundreds of her letters and 53 of her printed works.
A short 13 minutes walk to the northwest of Florence Nightingale Museum will take you to the St. James Park.
A great nearby hotel option is the Royal Horseguards Thistle Hotel which has a very luxurious feel.
The History of Ferrari Cars
Ferrari is an Italian sports car manufacturing company that is based in Maranello, Italy and was founded by Enzo Ferrari in the year 1929. He came fro ma well to do family who was one of the first families in Modena to own an automobile.. They owned a metal foundry that made railroad parts.
When World War I happened Enzo Ferrari’s father and brother, Dino, were both drafted into the Italian army and they both died from influenza in 1916. Enzo was then forced to quit school and run the metal foundry. Around this time the business collapsed despite the best efforts of Enzo, and he had no choice but to become a metal worker at the Modena Fire Brigade which was a metal workshop. Here he earned enough money to support his widowed mother.
Later on Enzo himself was drafted into the Italian army where he worked at shoeing mules for mountain travel. After a few months he became very seriously ill and was released from the military altogether, at which point he moved to Turin to become a test driver in 1918. This was against his mothers orders and wishes.
In 1919 Enzo moved to Mila and begam working at CMN as a race car driver and was in his first real race, the Parma-Barceto. That same year he was also in the Targa Florida race. He would go on to be hired by Alfa Romero as head of the racing department in 1938 and again in 1940. He quit Romeo when he discovered that it was planning to take control of his beloved Scuderia.
Around this time is when the first Ferrari plant was put into use. Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari was produced to make primarily machine tools and aircraft parts for RIV and Piaggio in preparation for Italy’s part in World War II.
In 1943 the Ferrari factory moved to Maranello and has remained there ever since. It has been bombed during war and rebuilt. Ferrari, as a man, is known for his distaste of his own customers. He is quite famous, in fact, for taking offense to customers whom he believes are buying a Ferrari car for the prestige rather than because they are the worlds best racing cars.
Ferrari of course went on to participate in and win several Formula One World Championship contests, the first of which happened in 1950. Alberto Ascari gave Ferrari their first World Championship a year later. Ferrari has gone on to hold nearly all Formula One records.
Leia Mais…
When World War I happened Enzo Ferrari’s father and brother, Dino, were both drafted into the Italian army and they both died from influenza in 1916. Enzo was then forced to quit school and run the metal foundry. Around this time the business collapsed despite the best efforts of Enzo, and he had no choice but to become a metal worker at the Modena Fire Brigade which was a metal workshop. Here he earned enough money to support his widowed mother.
Later on Enzo himself was drafted into the Italian army where he worked at shoeing mules for mountain travel. After a few months he became very seriously ill and was released from the military altogether, at which point he moved to Turin to become a test driver in 1918. This was against his mothers orders and wishes.
In 1919 Enzo moved to Mila and begam working at CMN as a race car driver and was in his first real race, the Parma-Barceto. That same year he was also in the Targa Florida race. He would go on to be hired by Alfa Romero as head of the racing department in 1938 and again in 1940. He quit Romeo when he discovered that it was planning to take control of his beloved Scuderia.
Around this time is when the first Ferrari plant was put into use. Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari was produced to make primarily machine tools and aircraft parts for RIV and Piaggio in preparation for Italy’s part in World War II.
In 1943 the Ferrari factory moved to Maranello and has remained there ever since. It has been bombed during war and rebuilt. Ferrari, as a man, is known for his distaste of his own customers. He is quite famous, in fact, for taking offense to customers whom he believes are buying a Ferrari car for the prestige rather than because they are the worlds best racing cars.
Ferrari of course went on to participate in and win several Formula One World Championship contests, the first of which happened in 1950. Alberto Ascari gave Ferrari their first World Championship a year later. Ferrari has gone on to hold nearly all Formula One records.
Ferrari may write off 2009 F1 racing season
Ferrari will decide after next month's Spanish grand prix whether to abandon development of the current F60 single seater.
In Malaysia, the word was that the Maranello team had endured its worst start to a season since 1992. Another pointless race in China means the rot has not been this bad so early in a campaign for 28 years.
A major raft of car improvements is due when the European season begins in Barcelona, but if the championship is still in a downward spiral, Ferrari could turn its focus to 2010, team boss Stefano Domenicali admits
"I think for sure we will see after Spain where we are," the Italian said in Shanghai.
"In that period we will see really what can be the situation, so when we come back to Europe basically," said Domenicali.
Observers are wondering if, in the post Ross Brawn, Jean Todt and Michael Schumacher era, elements of Ferrari's overly reactive and shambolic past are creeping back in.
But Domenicali insists he is thinking dispassionately about what road to take.
"I think we have to wait. We need to stay cool. It is not easy, I know, but we need to stay cool because there are too many things that can change very quickly," he said.
autocult.com.au/Image.aspx?id=11159
Leia Mais…Rhino Beetles Horn In !
Bug World keeper, Sue AndersenLooking every bit as fierce as their namesake, rhino beetles (Dynastes granti - AKA the Grant's or Western Rhino beetle) are making their presence known in Bug World. These beautiful American beetles are found in the Southwest and are often found around mercury vapor lights near gas stations. After living as grubs for two-four years underground or in rotten logs, these beetles, olive green with numerous chocolate to brown spots on the wings, emerge to eat pollen, ripe fruit, and tree sap. The male beetle has impressive black horns with which he defends the hornless female against other potential suitors. These beetles are at increasing risk of over collection, habitat destruction, and eradication due to increased incidences of wildfires as a result of global warming. Our first two males recently eclosed, the third generation of zoo- bred beetles from ova laid in July 2007. A female pupa is being watched with eager anticipation!
Leia Mais…
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Daily Screen Time for Kids Approaches Six Hours
Some good news and some bad news: According to a recent survey, television now accounts for less than half of children's viewing time (its major competition coming in the form of computer gaming and Internet-ing on the computer). The bad news? The total time that kids spend in front of screens is still nearly six hours a day.A survey of 1800 kids in Britain, ages five to 16 years old, was conducted by the Childwise research agency. It found that YouTube was the most popular Web site with the kiddies, followed by social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. The official breakdown was 2.7 hours per day watching television, 1.5 hours on the Internet, and 1.3 hours on computer and video games.
The accompanying drop in reading sees kids spending 0.6 hours per day in front of pages, with the number of children reading for pleasure falling from 80-percent last year to 75-percent. 42-percent of 11 to 16-year-olds said that they never read books for pleasure. We believe the solution rests in subtitled foreign films. The best of both worlds! [From: BBC]switched.com/tag/children/
The accompanying drop in reading sees kids spending 0.6 hours per day in front of pages, with the number of children reading for pleasure falling from 80-percent last year to 75-percent. 42-percent of 11 to 16-year-olds said that they never read books for pleasure. We believe the solution rests in subtitled foreign films. The best of both worlds! [From: BBC]switched.com/tag/children/
Leia Mais…
Is my Computer Functioning Properly?
Everything turned upside down when the computer came into our life and became our family member. However, it has not always been a loved one - often perfectly normal and even wise people loose every trace of the common sense in front of a PC. There are millions of stories. Here are some examples of these computer legends.
Many people are confused about the location of the “any” key is on their keyboards when the “Press Any Key” message is displayed. The “OK” button has also never been found.
One man was not sure if it was safe to insert a CD in his computer because the disc had a hole in the middle.
An office technician got a call from a not too experienced user describing the problem with his computer. The tech concluded “It looks like the computer needs to be serviced. Please turn it off first, unplug the power cord and bring it in for inspection”. The guy showed up later with the power cord in his hands.
A tech received a call the other day: “I threw my mouse at a wall. Do you think I might have damaged it? It’s not working properly”
A man who had just bought a new desktop requested to change his computer cup holder as it broke down really fast. The service team were surprised to find out that what was described and used as a cup holder was a simple CD drive.
Technical Support received a phone call asking how to turn off a computer. They replied: “Click on start, then shutdown, then select shutdown from the list, and click on OK.”About thirty minutes later they got a call back from the same customer. “I did what you said, and now my screen is all black and I can’t do anything on my computer!”
Here’s another problem, the system won’t boot up. The user had an enquiry “My Caps Lock indicator lights up when I boot the PC, Caps Lock must be on, can this be the problem?”
And if you have a smile on your face it rather means it’s been a while since you acted in a similar way with your first computer.
Leia Mais…
Many people are confused about the location of the “any” key is on their keyboards when the “Press Any Key” message is displayed. The “OK” button has also never been found.
One man was not sure if it was safe to insert a CD in his computer because the disc had a hole in the middle.
An office technician got a call from a not too experienced user describing the problem with his computer. The tech concluded “It looks like the computer needs to be serviced. Please turn it off first, unplug the power cord and bring it in for inspection”. The guy showed up later with the power cord in his hands.
A tech received a call the other day: “I threw my mouse at a wall. Do you think I might have damaged it? It’s not working properly”
A man who had just bought a new desktop requested to change his computer cup holder as it broke down really fast. The service team were surprised to find out that what was described and used as a cup holder was a simple CD drive.
Technical Support received a phone call asking how to turn off a computer. They replied: “Click on start, then shutdown, then select shutdown from the list, and click on OK.”About thirty minutes later they got a call back from the same customer. “I did what you said, and now my screen is all black and I can’t do anything on my computer!”
Here’s another problem, the system won’t boot up. The user had an enquiry “My Caps Lock indicator lights up when I boot the PC, Caps Lock must be on, can this be the problem?”
And if you have a smile on your face it rather means it’s been a while since you acted in a similar way with your first computer.
Chidambaram rubbishes Pak Navy Chief's claim
Tiruchirappalli (TN), Feb 28: India on Saturday rejected Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Noman Bashir's contention that terrorists involved in attacks in Mumbai did not use the sea route and said there was evidence that they did. Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said India has evidence to prove that terrorists involved in the Mumbai attacks used sea route from Karachi. There was no further evidence that is required to be given to Pakistan as "all requisite evidences had been provided to them. The chargesheet (filed in a Mumbai court on February 26) gives clarification to many of the questions Islamabad had asked", he said. Chidambaram was reacting to a question on the Pakistan Naval Chief's claim there was no evidence to show that the terrorists who came from Karachi used the sea route to reach Mumbai. zeenews.com/nation/2009-02-28/511493news.html
Leia Mais…
Pak Navy Chief says, India’s proof correct
Pak Navy Chief’s remarks on Kasab were rebuffed by India which said that this was part of ‘prevarications’.
Adding to flip-flops over the Mumbai attacks, Pakistan's Navy Chief retracted his statement that Ajmal Amir Kasab did not take the sea route and said he backed Interior Ministry's report that nine terrorists had sailed from Karachi to launch the strikes.
Admiral Noman Bashir, who had on Friday contended that the Navy had no evidence to prove that Kasab took the sea route, said he was not contradicting Interior Ministry's report on the Mumbai attacks.
"We have not been directly involved in the investigation, which is under the domain of the Interior Ministry. Therefore they are better equipped, they have better knowledge and information," he said.
Interior Ministry Chief Rehman Malik had admitted on Feb 12, when Pakistan gave its response to Indian dossier, that the Mumbai attacks were ‘partly’ plotted on Pakistan soil and launched from its shores for which it has arrested six persons. Malik had said nine terrorists had travelled in three boats from Karachi to Mumbai.
"We have no contradictory opinion on the report prepared by them. Whatever evidence they have is correct. I won't contradict it," Admiral Bashir said.
"I had said (yesterday) that as Pakistan Navy chief I do not have any evidence. This does not imply that the Ministry of Interior (also) has no evidence," the Navy Chief said.
Admiral Bashir's remarks on Friday were rebuffed by India which said that this was part of ‘prevarications’ by Pakistan.
Asked about Bashir's contention, Home Minister P Chidambaram said in New Delhi, "I am sure somebody will deny it tomorrow. This is part of prevarications".
screenindia.com/.../429234
Leia Mais…
QURAAN PAK
Mohamed Seif el-Shazli has renovated a lot of manuscripts and monuments in his time. He spent 10 years in the holy city of Mecca restoring old documents and books. But nothing has come close to the importance of his latest project: the restoration of possibly the first mushaf ever written.
EI-Shazli, along with his son Ahmed, has spent the past year diligently rebuilding the leather pages of the 1,400-year-old book. The holy book - which stands a staggering 50 centimeters high - has been kept in the relics room of al-Hussein Mosque for the past 100 years. "This may not be the most difficult project that I have done, but it is a project that feeds my soul," says el-Shazli, 58, whose grandfather, Shazli Mahmoud Alî, worked during the 1920s with British and American archeologists restoring artifacts found at Giza and Saqqara pyramids.
EI-Shazli learned the craft of restoration from his father, el-Shazli Mahmoud. He began his apprenticeship when he was 12 years old, assisting his father in restoring leather, moldings, weaving, and wood, as well as manuscripts and books. But it wasn't until he was in his twenties that felt he could work on restoration projects alone.
EI-Shazli, a faculty member in the archeology department at Cairo University, was a natural selection when the Egyptian government was looking for someone to restore the Qur'ân. In addition to his experience in the field, like the ardent scribes of early Islâm, he has memorized the entire Qur'ân.
The restoration project is the brainchild of Dr. Souad Maher, the former dean of Cairo University archeology department, who is renowned for being the first female to attain a doctorate in Islamic history in the Arab world. She has long been involved in the renovations of the relics in the mosque and during the 1960s she verified the authentidty of the relics, using the scientific carbon-testing method to determine that the mushaf (The Qur'ân is the arabic speech of Allâh, which He reveald to Muhammad (salallâhu alayhe wa salam) in wording and meaning, and which has been preserved in the mushafs, and has reached us in mutawâtir transmissions - a mushaf is a written copy of the Qur'ân) dated back to the time of the Prophet Muhammed (salallâhu alayhe wa salam).
Maher restored the same mushaf 45 years ago, but she says that the wear and tear of the years made additional restoration work necessary. She petitioned the Ministry of Awqaf to allocate money for the renovation. "The problem is that many people come to see the book, to touch and kiss it," says Maher. "This is a very important project. After all, this is (possibly) the first (oldest) mushaf in the world. The inscriptions are perfect."
The Uthmân mushaf, as it is known, is one of four mushaf hand-written by the third Caliph Uthmân. The Prophet Mohammed's disciples used to write down his recitations on leaves, animal skins and rocks and kept the writings in the home of Hafsa, one of the Prophet's widows. Uthmân, the son-in-law of the Prophet collected the Prophet's writings after his death and put them into one book, creating the version now accepted by Muslims. Uthmân made four copies to be distributed in the Arab world. One was sent to the ruler of Egypt; the other three are believed to be in Iraq, Yemen and Syria.
Uthman is remembered as the Caliph who pushed for the preservation of the Qur'ân,in written form, in one book.
Since that time, the holy book has been in the possession of each successive Egyptian ruler. About 500 years ago, the Uthmân mushaf was moved from the ruler's home to a place called "relics of the Prophet" in old Cairo, then to Amr Ibn el-Aas Mosque in Old Cairo, then to the Salâh Tala'i Mosque also in old Cairo and finally to al-Hussein building where it has been ever since.
The years however, haven't been kind to the book. Although it was carefully enclosed in a leather box and a glass case, dust had accumulated between the 1,400 pages and tiny insects had eaten away some portions of the leather pages.
El-Shazli spent the first two months cleaning the pages of the mushaf and sanitizing the book to kill all the insects, before beginning the restoration work. Two kilos of dust had accumulated in the box where the mushaf was kept.
Each page takes roughly two weeks to restore. El-Shazli first stretches the old deerskin page between pieces of glass for a week, then fills in any gaps with chemical-free paper. He hand- paints any holes in the letters, however he refuses to replace any completely-missing letters or words, saying that he doesn't want to alter the text of the mushaf in any way. "That is the line I don't want to cross when restoring a manuscript," he says.
In the sacred room, el-Shazli works slowly and methodically. Wearing glasses similar to a jeweler's, he studies a portion of the leather page which he has mounted on white paper. As his son Ahmed looks on, he paints in portions where the letters have worn away. After a year and a half of this work, he says the restoration is nearly 80 percent complete. By the summer he says, the mushaf should be completely restored. After that, el-Shazli hopes the book will be put on display, for any interested scholar or tourist to view. "It is part of our heritage," he says. "It is important that people who want to see it, are able to see the first book in Islâm."
Sheikh Ahmed is quick to point out that physical age of the book is secondary to the message inside. "This isn't just a book to be blessed by, it is a way of life," Sheikh Ahmed says. "The Qur'ân tells us not only how to pray, but how to work, cultivate and beautify life."
islaam.net/main/display.php?id=719&category=2
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