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The Lone Star Crescent, July 2008
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Please call 214.306.7920 or email to ads@myCrescent.com
COMMUNITY REPORT
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The Lone Star Crescent, July 2008
SO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR STATE?
AT&T Is Coming To Town
AT&T Inc. is moving its headquarters to Dallas from San Antonio. By revenue, AT&T will be the second-largest company based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area behind Exxon Mobil Corp. When the move is complete, AT&T will have about 14,400 workers in the Dallas area. “Being headquartered in Dallas will benefit our long-term growth prospects and human resources needs, and our ability to operate more efficiently, better serve customers and expand the business in the future”, said company company’s chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson. One major reason that prompted AT&T’s move is access to two airports. The largest telecom comapny has easier access to the world through DFW International Airport. ...................................................................................................................................................................
American Eagle Pilots Have Deal
(FORT WORTH, TX) American Eagle pilots announced they’ve agreed with the airline to scale back its job cuts. The union and the carrier said the agreement includes voluntary leaves of absences and part-time flying for pilots at Eagle, the sister carrier to Fort Worth-based American Airlines. Both are owned by AMR, which last month announced American Airlines and Eagle would cut capacity this year and reduce an unspecified number of jobs. According to the agreement, the pilots will be able to work part-time and or take a leave of absence up to five years long. ...................................................................................................................................................................
British High Court Rejects Halliburton’s Bid
(HOUSTON, TX) The British High Court has struck down a bid by Halliburton Co. to acquire U.K. oilfield services company Expro International Group PLC. In response to an appeal by the Houston -based Halliburton, the court on June 26 rejected an argument by two hedge funds that controlled 21 percent of Expro shares that the bidding should have been turned over to an auction. Halliburton on June 20 raised its bid for Expro to 1,625 pence, or $31.83 a share, which values the company at about $3.6 billion. The court stepped in the process when Expro’s board proceeded to go ahead with a previous lower bid.
$16 Million for UNT Law School
Dallas State Senator Royce West will sponsor the bill in the 2009 Legislative session to provide $16 million to for UNT Law School. However, Dallas City Council members have approved a total of 16 million dollars to restore and renovate the old Dallas City Hall, at Harwood and Main. Before the vote, Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Elba Garcia noted the boost to downtown revitalization that the law school would bring. ...................................................................................................................................................................
End Of Reunion Arena
(DALLAS, TX) Running in a loss of $6 million over last five years, the time for Reunion Arena is running out. Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert believes that it is time for the arena to go. “Clearly that arena has served us very well - the people of Dallas very well. The reality of it is, now it’s an economic one, and it’s time to move forward”, he said. City Council member Roy Compton is opposing the measure citing the historic and cultural significance of the Reunion Arena. “You will rob, steal, from each and every citizens of Dallas one of its greatest cultural assets,” he said. ...................................................................................................................................................................
TX Supreme Court Ruled In Favor Of The Church
Texas Supreme Court made a 6 - 3 decision in favor of a former former Colleyville church, saying church members who were involved in a traumatic exorcism that ultimately injured a young woman are protected by the First Amendment. According to the court’s ruling, Pleasant Glade Assembly of God staffs’ efforts to cast out demons from Laura Schubert shows an ecclesiastical dispute over religious conduct that would unconstitutionally entangle the court in church doctrine. Ms. Schubert claims that that night in 1996, during the attempts to exorcise demons from her, she was left physically bruised and so emotionally scarred she later tried to commit suicide. ................................................................................................................................................................... More community news and information online at www.myCrescent.com
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ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Message Of Change May Have Changed Obama
So whats the bearer of change and new politics has been doing now a days? One thing is for certian he is working to bring change. May be not in the system but on his positions. First, the champion of unity himself suffers from what John Stewart of The Daily Show calls “Baracknaphobia”. He plans to bring unity within our nation by alienating himself with 8 million American Muslims. This policy may work in the country in the short-term but is sure to affect his image here and abroad. On civil rights issue, Obama voted on a bill that gives immunity to telecoms involved in wiretapping of U.S. citizens. His laltest flip-flop moment came when he annoumced backing out of public financing to underwrite his campaign. In February he made a commitment to work with GOP in aggressively pursuing an agreement on spending limits. But with $290 million by his side, he has changed his position. “Turns out, it was a sham. Obama is all about money,” said the Washington Post in an editorial. ...................................................................................................................................................................
Supreme Court Backs Legal Gun Ownership
(WASHINGTON, DC) The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the District of Columbia’s 32-year ban on handguns as unconstitutional. It marked the first significant Supreme Court ruling on gun rights in US history. Republican Presidential nominee John McCain called it a “landmark victory” for people’s right to bear legal arms. Democrative presumtive nominee Barack Obama supported the decision and said that complete ban had gone too far. However, he believes that states have t he right to implement such laws within their jurisdiction. The court said that “the right of the people to keep and bear arms” is not limited to state militias, as some historians have argued. Rather, it protects “the inherent right of selfdefense,” Justice Antonin Scalia said. Joining him in the majority were Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justices Samuel A. Alito Jr., Anthony M. Kennedy and Clarence Thomas.
S.C. Rules In Favor Of Legal Rights At Gitmo
June turned out to be a month of historic rulings. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled one more time that the detainees at Guantanmo Bay have rights under the Constitution to challenge their detention in U.S. civilian courts. In a 5-4 ruling, the majority also noted that the system the administration put in place to classify suspects as enemy combatants and review those decisions is inadequate. The court has ruled twice previously that people held at Guantanamo without charges can go into civilian courts to ask that the government justify their continued detention. John McCain disagreed with the ruling (conveniently forgetting about our American values and a person’s right to a fair trial). ...................................................................................................................................................................
Midwest Devasted Due To Floods
Bad weather and floods have continued to spread throughout the midwest. The cresting Mississippi River washed over more flood barriers but now drier weather fed hopes of relief as the worst Midwest floods in 15 years added to billion-dollar losses, global food inflation fears and the political temperature in a U.S. election year. Some towns have already succumbed to the water, including nearby Foley, where officials said 95 percent of homes were flooded.
HELP THE FLOOD VICTIMS TRHOUGH YOUR DONATIONS
The flood victims in the Midwest are in need of your help. You may make a donation through a charity of your choice or one of the following:
Baitul Maal, Irving TX: www.BaitulMaal.org Islamic Relief, Plano TX: www.irw.org Life USA, Soutfield, MI: www.LifeUSA.org The Lone Star Crescent / Melanz Publishing is not associated with any charity organization.
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ACROSS THE COUNTRY
It’s Getting More Expensive To Fly
The sharp hike in prices, charge for luggage and $2 for a can of soda were apparantly not enough. Airlines are now looking into reducing the number of flights across the U.S. Over all, the cuts will reduce flights this year by American carriers by almost 10 percent, industry analysts estimate, with even deeper cuts in store for 2009. American, the world’s largest airline by passenger traffic, plans to reduce its departures in Chicago by 28 flights, in Dallas by 19 flights and in St. Louis by eight flights. Larger cuts are planned by American Eagle in all three cities. The flight reductions take effect in November. ...................................................................................................................................................................
US Pays A Huge Amount For Anthrax Case
The US justice department has agreed a multimillion-dollar settlement with a man it said was a “person of interest” in the US anthrax attacks in 2001. Dr Steven Hatfill, a former US army scientist, sued the department, saying it violated his privacy rights by speaking to reporters about the case. Court papers now say a deal has been reached and the case will be dismissed. Five people were killed by anthrax mailed to lawmakers and media outlets in New York, Washington and Florida. Eighteen people were infected by the anthrax-laced letters. According to the settlement documents, the justice department will pay Dr Hatfill $2.8 million upfront. It will also buy Dr Hatfill a $3 million annuity that will pay him $150,000 each year for 20 years. ...................................................................................................................................................................
Indian Couple Sentenced For Keeping Slaves
Varsha Mahender Sabhnani, 46, and her husband Mahender Murlidhar Sabhnani, 51 were found guilty on 12 charges (in December), including involuntary servitude, harboring aliens and forced labor. They now get a jail term of 11 years. The wealthy couple, had brought the women to their large house to work as housekeepers, and forced them to work up to 18 hours a day.
Bill Gates Departs From Microsoft
Microsoft founder, Bill Gates has left the building. Gates, 52, is retiring in order to spend more time giving away his $58bn fortune. On his last day, he delivered a tearful valedictory address to staff with his righthand man, Microsoft’s chief executive, Steve Ballmer, by his side. “There won’t be a day in my life when I won’t be thinking about Microsoft, the great things that we’re doing and wanting to help,” said Gates, wiping his eyes as a crowd of 830 employees rose to their feet to applaud. ...................................................................................................................................................................
SF To Vote On Naming A Sewer After GWB
The Independent reports that “in November, alongside casting their ballot for the next president, the people of San Francisco will also vote on a measure to rename one of the city’s largest sewage works the George W Bush Sewage Plant, to provide a ‘fitting monument’ to the outgoing commander-inchief’s achievements. “In 50 years from now, we want people to see George Bush’s name on that plant, and ask each other what went wrong,” said Brian McConnell, the Memorial Commission’s organiser. “We want them to be reminded of the Iraq war, and his other dramatic mistakes, and this is the perfect way to do it.” ...................................................................................................................................................................
$2.1M For Lunch With Warren Buffet!
Zhao Danyang, a Chinese investment fund manager won the chance to have lunch with billionaire Warren Buffett by bidding $2.1 million in the most expensive charity auction ever held on eBay. The auction helped San Francisco-base non-profit Glide which provides social services for the needy. “It almost feels like a miracle,” Glide’s founder Reverend Cecil Williams said in a statement. “We are amazed and ready to continue our work of breaking the cycles of poverty.” Zhao and up to 7 friends will dine with Buffett at the Smith & Wollensky steakhouse in New York City.
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COMMUNITY REPORT
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U.S. MUSLIM HISTORY: KEY EVENTS AND PEOPLE
Early Muslim Comers To The U.S. “Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the United States today,” U.S. Department of State. “Between 17 and 30 percent of American Muslims are converts to the faith.” To many fellow Americans, the religion of Islam is relatively a new phenomenon. However, historical evidence suggests Muslim presence in North America and United States dateing back to the 12th century A.D. “The Navigator of Columbus, who during the famous voyage, brought along a copy of a travel narrative written by Portuguese Muslims who had sailed to the New World in the 12th century. The narrative by al-Idrisi was called ‘The Sea of Tears’. In this narrative he discusses he voyage of 80 muhagharrun (explorers) who lived in Lisbon during the reign of the Mura-
bit amir, Yusuf ibn Tashufin”, writes Aramco World in May/June 92 issue. In the Annuals of al-Masudi an early travel document to the region dates back to 942 A.D. In 1539, the Spanish brought an Arab guide Istafan to help them settle in the area now called Arizona. Istafan has been to this ‘new world’ in one of the expeditions of Panfilo de Narvaez to Florida in 1527. He was one of the four people who survived thousands of miles tour of the Southwestern U.S. Istafan died in an Indian attack near Arizona and New Mexico in 1539. Algerian native Salim went to study in Constantinople and was captured by the Spanish after his return. He was later sold to the French as a slave in New Orleans. Historical accounts show that after running from slavery he lived among American Indian tribes and later settled
in Virginia where he learned to speak English. Salim came across Christianity through a Greek New Testament due to his knowledge of the language. He converted to Christianity and befriended several members of U.S. Congress. Salim attempted to go back to Algeria but was shunned as an apostate. He met Thomas Jefferson and attended the first Continental Congress. Reports say he died an insane man. (Source: Graham’s Magazine) Majority of the early Muslims did not have strong conviction to maintain their faith and pass it on to their next generation. However, one slave in the 1730s in Maryland maintained his faith until his death. Ayub Sulaiman ibn Diallo became a go between for his people and the British after his repatriation. He was versed enough in Arabic to write at least a half dozen letters in that language, translate coin inscriptions for the
British Museum, and draw a map of West Africa writing place names in Arabic. Another prominent Muslim came as a result of the Jefferson Davis bill in 1855 passed by Congress. It authorized import of camels for military purpose in Arizona. A Greek convert to Islam Haji Ali (Philp Tedro) came with 3 Turks and 2 Arabs to help the military. But as war broke out among states, the plan to use camels for exploring Arizona was abandoned. Haji Ali was the only cameleers to remain in the United States, the others return to their homelands. Later Haji Ali became a Prospector in the Colorado River region. The soldiers in the U.S. Calvary used to call him ‘Hi Jolly’. Haji Ali died in 1903 in Quartzsite, Arizona where he was a Prospector and resident Imam. His three daughters were raised as Muslims but it is unknown how many generations continued to prcatice Islam.
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On the occasion of Independence Day, The Lone Star Crescent presents a timeline of Islamic history in the region. Awareness and interest in Islam has been rising sharply since the mid-1990s. Here we cover important events in U.S. Muslim history until early 90s. -1178 A Chinese document known as the Sung Document records the voyage of Muslim sailors to a land known as Mu-Lan-pi (America). -1310 Abu Bakri (Abu Bakar), a Muslim king of the Malian Empire, spearheads a series of sea voyages to the New World. -1312 Mandinga, African Muslims, from Mali and other parts of West Africa arrive in the Gulf of Mexico for exploration of America’s interior using the Mississippi River as their access rout. -1527 A Muslim from Morocco by the name of Estevanico of Azamor (Istafan) lands in Florida with the expedition of Panfilo de Narveaz and remains in America to become the first of three Americans to cross the continent in 1539. -1530 More than 30% of the estimated 10 million African slaves, uprooted from the areas of Fulas, “Fula Jallon”, “Fula Toro”, and “Massina” as well as other areas of “West Africa” governed from their capital “Timbuktu”, that arrived in America during the slave trade of that time and sent to Mexico, Cuba, and South America were Muslims, they and became part of the backbone of the American economy of that period. -1732 A Muslim slave by the name of “Ayyub Bin Sulaiman Jallon” from “Boonda, Galumbo” is set free by James Oglethrope, the founder of Georgia, and provided transportation to England. In 1735, three years later, he arrived home. -1790 Moors from Spain are reported to be living in South Carolina and Florida. -1807 An African Muslim by the name of Yarrow Mamout is set free in Washington DC, after the United States Congress prohibits the importation of slaves into America after January 1st, 1808, and later becomes one of the first shareholders of the Columbia Bank, the second charted bank in America. It is implemented that Yarrow may have lived to be more than 128 years old, the oldest person in American history. -1809 A Muslim by the name of “Omar ibn Said” is enslaved in Charleston, South Carolina, and imprisoned after running away. Later in prison he was visited by John Owen, who became later a Governor of North Carolina, and taken to Bladen County to be placed on the Owen plantation and it is reported that he lived to be 100 years old -1828 A slave by the name of “Abdulrahman Ibraheem Bin Sori”, known to many “The Prince of the Slaves” because he was a former prince from West Africa, on a Georgia plantation is freed by the order of Secretary of State Henery Clay and President John Quincy Adams. A drawing of him by Henery Inman is displayed in the Library of Congress.
FROM THE FRONT PAGE: ISLAM IN AMERICA
-1839 “Sayyid Sa’id”, ruler of Oman orders his ship “The Sultana” to set sail to America on a trade mission, reaching New York, April 30, 1840. And although the voyage was not a commercial success, it marks the point of Muslims successful friendly relations with America, which still continues to exist between many of the Muslim nations and the United States. -1856 The United States cavalry hire a Muslim by the name of “Hajji Ali” to experiment with raising camels in Arizona. -1865 During the American Civil War, the “scorched earth” policy of the North destroyed churches, farms schools, libraries, colleges and a great deal of other property. On the morning of April 4, when the Federal troops reached the campus of the University of Alabama with orders to destroy the university, “Andre’ Deloffre”, a modern language professor and custodian of the “Rotunda library” at the university, appealed to the commanding officer, to spare one of the finest libraries in the south. The officer, being sympathetic, sent a courier to General Croxton at his headquarters in “Tuscaloosa” asking permission to save the library, but the general’s reply was negative, so the officer reportedly said “I will save one volume as a memento of this occasion” and the volume selected was a rare copy of the Qur’an” -1889 A noted scholar and social activist by the name of Edward W. Blyden travels throughout the Eastern and Southern parts of the United States lecturing about Islam and in one of his speeches before the Colonization Society of Chicago he told his audience that the reasons Africans choose Islam over Christianity is that, “the Qur’an protected the black man from self-depreciation in the presence of Arabs or Europeans.” -1893 “Mohammad Alexander Russel Webb”, one of the earliest “White American Converts”, founds the “American Islamic Propaganda Movement”. And on September 20th and 21st, he appeared at the First World Congress of Religions and delivered two lectures: “The spirit of Islam,” and “The Influence of Islam on Social Conditions.” -1908 Muslim immigrants from the provinces of the Ottoman Empire, who are mainly Turks, Kurds, Albanians, and Arabs arrive in North America. -1913 “Timothy Drew” (Noble Drew Ali) establishes an organization in Newark, NJ, known as the “Moorish Science Temple of America” (MSTA), responsible for many of today’s African-American converts to Islam, and who was reportedly commissioned by the Sultan of Morocco at that time to teach “Negroes” in the United States -1915 Albanian Muslims build a Masjid (Mosque) in Maine and establish one of the first associations for Muslims in the United States, and in 1919 they build another Masjid in Connecticut. -1920 The Red Crescent, a Muslim charity modeled after the International Red Cross, is established in Detroit. -1926 “Dues Muhammad Ali,” mentor of “Marcus Gravey” and the person who had
considerable impact on Gravey’s movement, establishes an organization in Detroit known as the Universal Islamic Society. Its motto was “One God, One Imam, One Destiny.” -1926 Polish-speaking Tatars build a mosque in Brooklyn New York. -1930 African-American Muslims build the “First Muslim Mosque” in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. -1933 The organization of the Nation of Islam (NOI) is founded by “Fard Muhammad” or (Wallace Ford), a Muslim mystic who introduced its philosophy to the United States and disappeared in 1933. The late “Eli-jah Mohammed, succeeded Frad in 1933 and built the organization into a strong ethnic movement advocating Islam as a way of life. The NOI is one of the most well known organizations that had its prints on the history of United States, as well as the American Muslim history; it holds itself responsible for converting a high percentage of African-Americans to Islam and highlighting American Christians’ difficulties combating the effects of slavery and racism among African-Americans. Two of the most famous African-Americans, “Muhammad Ali” and “Alhajj Malik al-Shabazz” (Malcolm X), were early adherents of this movement, but both later embraced the proper multiethnic concepts of orthodox Islam or mainstream Islam. -1934 The Lebanese community of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, opens its Masjid. -1939 “Sheik Dawood” founds the “Islamic Mission Society” in New York, which publishes a magazine entitled, “Muslim Sunrise”. -1952 Muslims in the Armed Services sue the Federal Government to be allowed to identify themselves as Muslims. Until then Islam was not recognized as a legitimate religion. -1955 “Sheik Dawood Ahmed Faisal” establishes the “State Street Masjid” in New York City, which is still in use today and represents a special point in the development of the American Muslim community. And it is from this Masjid the “Dar-ul-Islam movement” was later born in 1962. -1960 The NOI’s University of Islam schools flourishes drawing the attention of the American media, but the coverage focuses upon the “Black Muslims’ self-help programs for Blacks” yet considers them a “threat” to the white establishment. 1963 Establishment of the “Muslim Students Association” (MSA), an organization to aid foreign Muslim students attending schools in the United States. -1965 The assassination of “Al-Haj Malik alShabazz” (Malcolm X), one of the most outstanding Muslims in American history as well as a dedicated fighter for justice and equality for African-Americans and other oppressed people, takes place in New York. -1968 “Hamas Abdul Khaalis” founds the “Hanfi Movement” in New York and builds the “Hanafi-Hab Center” there, but latter on moves to Washington DC His movement had a membership of more than 1000 and one of the first Muslims who first came into contact
with Islam through this movement is “Kareem AbdulJabbar” the famous Lakers basketball player. But in 1977, Khaalis and some of his followers seized control of 3 buildings in D. C., holding hostages for more than 30 hours, one man was killed. Khaalis is now incarcerated in Washington DC and is serving a sentence of 41 to 120 years, marking a challenging period in American Muslim history. -1975 “Elijah Muhammad”, the late leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI) dies and is succeeded by his son “Warith Deen Mohammed,” who is regarded as one of the leading Muslim spokesmen in the United States of today and is credited disputing many of his father’s ethnic beliefs and statements and for moving the organization toward the broader universal concepts of Islam. -1982 The “Islamic Society of North America” (ISNA) is established in Plainfield, Indiana, which is now the umbrella organization. -1986 “Dr. Isma’il R. al-Faruqi,” the founder of the “American Muslim Social Scientists” organization and the International Institute of Islamic Thought, and his wife are murdered in their home outside Philadelphia. Dr. Faruqi and his wife are the authors of the Cultural Atlas of Islam and many other books. His murder was predicated without name by the president of Jewish Defence League one week before his death in the Village Voice, New York by claiming that within a week an outspoken Palestinian professor will be eliminated. -1987 Muslim Alert Network was established in Chicago to mobilize Muslim response to media and discrimination against Muslims. Later on the same concept was used to establish CAIR. -1990 Muslims hold the first solidarity conference called “Muslims Against Apartheid.” This was the first conference of its kind in support of Muslims for the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa. The conference was organized by the American Muslim Council. -1991 Imam Siraj Wahhaj offers an invocation (opening prayer) to the United States House of Representatives. He was the first Muslims to do so. -1993 Bosnia Task Force, USA organized the largest rally to date by Muslim in favor of Bosnia in Washington DC attended by 50,000 Muslims -1994 Islamic Shura Council of North America was established choosing four of the largest participents of the Bosnia Task Force, USA -1996 Iftar-Dinner on Capitol Hill sponsored by American Muslim Council February 13 hosted by Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (D CT), Congressmen Nick J. Rahall (D W. VA), Dana Rohrabacher (R CA), Thomas M. Davis III (R VA), James P. Moran (D VA) and attended by ambassadors and representatives from most of the Muslim countries. -1996 The White house celebration of Eid AlFitr, February 20, 1996 by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton the first Eid celebration ever at the White House. ......................................................................... Comments? info@myCrescent.com
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COMMUNITY REPORT
First Ever Hindi / Urdu Mushaira In America
Peace Promotion Conference By Madaline E. States
From left to right – Gopichand Narang (President of Mushaira) Haneef Akhgar (Chief Guest) Majid Khaleel (Pakistan), Kunwar Bechain (India), Dr. Taqi Abedi (Canada), Fe Seen Ejaz (India), Iftikhar Naseem (Chicago), Khalid Irfan (New York), Anita Soni (India), Dr. Vinod Tiwari (Colorado), Noor Amrohvi (Texas), Anoop Bhargava (New Jersey) Anu Bansal (Chicago) who is reading poetry.
By AlNoor International (IRVING, TX -Fun Asia) Al Noor International (AI) in collaboration with India Association of North Texas (IANT) – by organizing this Kavi Sammelan & Mushaira, has put the foundation of new tradition through this event. At this Kavi Sammelan & Mushaira, poets from Pakistan, India, Canada & America participated. President of this Mushaira & Kavi Sammelan was Dr. Gopichand Narang and guests were welcomed with Pakistan’s renowned poet Hanif Akhgar. Prominent Urdu scholar Dr. Taqi Abedi (Canada) said poet propagates love and affection. Urdu & Hindi’s script may be different but track is one. In his Presidential address Gopichand Narang praised loudly the soul of this function Noor Amrohvi and his friends Akram Saeed, Rajendra Vankawala and congratulated them on setting up the program. Organizer, Noor Amrohvi said that poetry
of different languages will bring people together. Amrohvi said languages join heart to heart and teach lesson of brotherhood. In this Hindi & Urdu Mushaira, America’s Urdu Poet Dr. Iftekhar Naseem, Khalid Irfan, Noor Amrohvi, Hindi Poet Vinod Tiwari, Anoop Bhargava, Anu Bansal, Pakistan’s Majid Khalil, Hanif Akhgar, Canada’s Dr. Taqi Aabdi India’s Kunwar Bechain, Fe. Seen Ejaz, Anita Soni & Dr. K.K. Rashi participated. Audience highly appreciated the poets and the program. Rajendra Vankawala, President of IANT said that Dallas & Texas is fortunate to have the first Kavi Sammelan & Mushaira. Elected President Akram Saeed welcomed the guests with his Urdu poem. AI’s Vice President Azhar Bukhari & Secretary Mustaq Raees who managed and coordinated the program said that the historical Kavi Sammelan & Mushaira was a great success and should become a tradition in Dallas / Fort Worth.
(DALLAS, TX -June 7), Peacemakers Incorporated, a nonpartisan, nonprofit peace organization founded here presented BePeace, a Peace Studies Workshop, at the Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future. “Before directing the lighting in the sky, we must first harness the storms in our own hearts,” said Rita Marie Johnson quoting Costa Rican poet Roberto Brenes Mesén. Ms. Johnson is the founding director of the Rasur Foundation, started the workshop. The Rasur Foundation’s primary project is the Academy of Peace located in Costa Rica. The mission of the academy is to ensure that the skills of “feeling peace” and “speaking peace” will be passed from generation to generation. As Rita Marie Johnson’s presentation for the morning session of the workshop proceeded, a trilateral paradigm for peace unfolded. In a structured and elucidating format, Mrs. Johnson spoke on the techniques and tools of 1) HeartMath, 2) Nonviolent Communication, and 3) the Path of BePeace. Early in the presentation, the correlation between the physiology of emotions and brain stimulation was explained. When we become stressed or angry, and some aspect of our universal needs (such as safety, love, play, sustenance, security, belonging, growth) are not being met; the amygdala, an area in the limbic system of the brain, reactively sends signals for aggressive behavior. When we experience these negative emotions, a disruption occurs in our coherence, in our vibration of peace. In such a situation what is needed is to understand the feelings underneath and refocus on feelings of appreciation and gratitude in order to re-establish coherence so our thoughts can be directed toward more positive responses. The development of teachable peace strat-
egies has transformed the vision of peace from abstract conception into concrete practice and “being peace.” When our heart and brain are harmonious we are more coherent, and the inner dance of creativity, wisdom and compassion can take place. “As an educator, I found Rita Marie Johnson’s BePeace workshop to be extremely useful. Her explanation and demonstration of HeartMath made me more aware of how certain situations affect more than just my emotions”, said Aliya Ait Dra who teaches in DISD. “I especially enjoyed the break-out session when we worked together in small groups and used ‘emotion cards’ to express our feelings and reactions to individual experiences,” she added. The rich Path of BePeace is based on Johnson’s discovery of the synergy between the social and intellectual methodologies of HeartMath and Non-violent Communication. The BePeace workshop uplifted Peacemakers Inc.’s own mission: To create paths of peace by example and positive action both locally and globally through encouragement, communication, education and friendship. It also supported movement forward on the organization’s Plans of Action. Plans of Action were developed during the 3rd International Women’s Peace Conference hosted by Peacemakers Incorporated in July 2007 in Dallas, Texas, which brought to the DFW area three women Nobel Peace Prize winners and 1400 delegates from 45 countries and 37 states. Plans of Action were developed in such areas as Diplomacy, Education, Environment, Law and Discrimination, Poverty and Migration. Through these plans and goals, private citizens, involved activists, professionals in many disciplines, and all concerned humanitarians now have an avenue where they can become involved.
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COMMUNITY REPORT
Focus On Community Non-Profits
TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW a. A Non-Profit, and Tax-Exempt organization, established in 2002. b. Aims to preserve, safeguard, and promote the civil & legal rights of Muslims in America. c. Works with a coalition of national Muslim and non-Muslim organizations. d. Works with a network of hundreds of civil and criminal lawyers nationwide. e. Conducts civil rights and educational seminars nationwide. f. MLFA takes on cases, negotiate attorney fees, and appoint attorneys to cases. g. Raises funds for the legal defense of Muslim individuals and organizations. h. Processed over 400 cases ranging from profiling to charity indictments, and covering over 15 ethnic groups. i. Endorsed and recognized by leading National Muslim organization as their legal defense arm. j.Has a full time staff, but utilizes volunteers and interns nationwide. WHY DONATE TO MLFA? a. Giving is an act of moral and spiritual excellence. b. Your donation is a personal investment with Allah. c. Giving is a great expression of social responsibility. d. Giving is an exercise of your religious and constitutional rights to support causes close to your heart. e. MLFA is a charity organization. Your charitable donation is what keeps it running. f. MLFA qualifies to receive Zakat according the Fatwas from leading Muslim organizations and scholars. g. Your donation to the MLFA provides actual services to people and organizations in need. h. Your donation to the MLFA is tax-deductible. i. MLFA implements important aspects of Islam such as defending the innocent. Without your support, that aspect will be missing from the Islamic life. j. MLFA empowers Muslim communities; without it you, your family, your business, and your favorite Islamic institution will remain vulnerable. For more information on MLFA and its work, call 866-MLFA-USA.
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The G Program Starts In Irving (IRVING MASJID) Focus on youth and young adults is at all times high in the community. One such expample is ‘The G Program’ in Irving Masjid. G stands for good morale and character. More information is available online at www.irvingmasjid.com or www.thegprogram.com The program is tailored to offer Tarbiyah Course to Muslim Youth Ages 4-21. Registration and donations are accepted online. For more information send an email tarbiacoach@gmail. com . ...............................................................................
Islamic Relief Requesting Support For Midwest Flood Victims
(PLANO, TX) Severe storms across the Midwest have caused the worst flooding in over 15 years, forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes. The floods have already ruined an estimated 5 million acres of farmland for corn and soybean, increasing fears of food inflation for U.S. consumers and dozens of countries relying on American exports. Over an additional 200,000 acres of crop land from Iowa to Missouri are still at high risk of being flooded. Iowa, which helps produce over onethird of U.S. corn and soybeans, was the worstaffected region, incurring over $1 billion in property damages. Twenty-four people have died, 140 people have been injured and another 40,000 people have been evacuated from flooded areas of Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota and are in urgent need of assistance. Islamic Relief is launching an emergency appeal to assist in the recovery efforts. Your help is urgently needed to aid the victims of this disaster. Please Donate Generously. Islamic Relief USA. 2600 K Ave, Plano TX 75074 khalid@irw.org or call (972) 424-4479. Online at www.irw.org/ ...............................................................................
NEW CHARTER SCHOOL FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY & MATH (LEWISVILLE, TX) Located on 1800 Lakeway Drive in Lewisville, iSchool High uses a projectbased approach to learning math, science, and technology. The school aims to “challenge students to think critically, to reflect, and to transform their goals into realities through authentic, innovative and rigorous studies in a safe, hightech learning environment.” iSchool High would like their students to excel in their education and character to meet challenges of the changing global economy. The educational methodology is redefined at iSchool High based on 3R’s. -Rigorous Instruction: challenging students and setting high expectations -Relevant Curriculum: Help students connect to the real world through their education -Meaningful Relationships: Fostering supportive relationships between students and adults. FOR ADMISSIONS & MORE INFORMATION: www.iSchoolHigh.com
COMMUNITY REPORT
RAMADAN ISSUE ADVERTISING The major shopping season for Muslim consumers is from Ramadan through Hajj. Do you have your advertising reserved yet? Call 214.306.7920 today or send an email to ads@myCrescenrt.com
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NEWSLINE
Kashmir Govt Revokes Hindu Land Decision Indonesians Support Establishing Islamic Law: Poll (SRINGAGAR, KASHMIR) — The government of the disputed Indian Kashmir, revoked a decision to hand over land in the Muslim-majority region to a Hindu shrine. “The matter is closed,” Kashmir’s chief minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad told the reporters. Earlier the government decided to allocate land to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, a Hindu trust, to build “temporary structures” to Hindu pilgrims. “[It was] in the interest of the State Government and the people at large to not only provide all support and facilities to the pilgrims but also to ensure their full safety and security,” said Azad. Kashmiri Muslims cheered the revocation of the government decision. “It is our victory,” politician Mehbooba Mufti said. Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party had pulled out of the state government over the issue. “Our resignations have paid off,” she said. Protestors say the land transfer was a ploy to settle Indian Hindus in the Muslim-majority Kashmir. However, they insisted that they will not stop their protests until the government gives an even clearer statements saying the land transfer had been formally rescinded. “Until we see a written order from the government that the land transfer order has been revoked we will not call off these protests,” protestors’ leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq told thousands of protesters in Srinagar. Several UN resolutions and Pakistan have backed the right of Kashmiris for self-determination. India has opposed it. ...................................................................................................................................................................
Muslims Marched For Peace In Philippines Thousands of Muslims held rallies in key cities in the southern Philippines urging President Gloria Arroyo to resume peace talks with Muslim rebels. “This is a show of unity among Muslims who are for peace,” said Amirah Lidasan, of the human rights group Suara Bangsamoro, one of several organizations under the Mindanao Alliance for Peace, which organized the rallies. Lidasan said the rallies were held in the cities of Marawi, Iligan, Cotabato, and General Santos and in the provinces of Basilan and North Cotabato. She also criticized Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat for rejecting their application for a permit to hold a peace rally in the city. Zamboanga City was a former Muslim province and part of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, but many of its original inhabitants were forced out by Christian settlers. Lidasan said government troops also prevented about a thousand Muslims on board six trucks from going to General Santos City from North Cotabato. The call for the resumption of talks came amid escalating clashes between troops and the MILF rebels. Earlier in the week, two people were killed and more than a thousand fled their homes in at least three clashes between soldiers and MILF. Peace talks between the MILF and the government have been stalled since December 2007 over disagreements on the scope of territory to be included in a proposed Muslim homeland. ...................................................................................................................................................................
Free Public Bus Service Available In Abu Dhabi The Transport Department of Abu Dhabi will launch free public bus service starting June 30th until the end of 2008, within the emirate. Initially, 60 buses would ply on four major routes. Saeed Al Hameli, Director-General of the public buses office at the department, told the media that the free bus service would run from 6.30am to 12.30am. He said the number of routes would increase to 21 in the near future, covering almost all areas of Abu Dhabi and the surrounding islands. ...................................................................................................................................................................
UAE # 1 In Daily Per Capita Consumer Spending The UAE tops in daily per capita consumer spending in the world, which is alarmingly as high as $27, against $3.5 in rest of the Arab world, says a study. This huge gap is set to expand even more, with the spending behavior going unnoticed and in the absence of corrective measures. According to initial findings of a recently conducted survey by the Department of Planning and Economy in Abu Dhabi on the income and spending of families shows that consumption tendency was alarmingly high as families spend up to 60 per cent of their income, which is not a healthy sign for any economy. With the high economic growth rate witnessed in recent years, the UAE has emerged as alarmingly high consumer society, putting strains on the economy. The UAE economy has remarkably remained strong during the last few years. However, this all-time strength has been tainted by a couple of downsides, notably high inflation and high consumer spending. The consumer spending has been on the rise at the average annual rate of 18 per cent, a rate that is twice as high compared to the overall economic growth rate of the country during the same period. As consumer spending is one of the main indices of economy, natural and balanced increase in this index impacts positively on production and the overall economic performance, whereas excessive rise would have a negative impact. For instance, a considerable chunk of liquidity would be drained at the expense of production and investment. Indeed, some economic activity in the country are linked with the pervasive culture of consumer spending. Semi-official statistics indicate that per capita consumption in the UAE is sevenfold higher compared to the average spending in the rest of Arab countries. (Source: Khaleej Times)
(JAKARTA, INDONESIA) - A majority of Indonesians questioned in a national survey support establishing Islamic law. The same poll said that fewer than half want stern measures such as cutting off the hands of thieves. The poll was conducted by the Australian polling agency Roy Morgan Research. They reported that some 52 per cent of Indonesians questioned between July 2007 and March 2008 favored introducing some form of Islamic law, or sharia, in their areas. With an estimated 200 million Muslims, Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation. The Indonesia survey did not give participants a definition of sharia, but follow-up questions sought their opinions about practices in conservative Islamic countries in the Middle East. When asked if women should have to wear a jilbab - a gown covering the entire body save hands and feet - 45 per cent of the Indonesians answered ‘yes,’ while 40 per cent said they want thieves to have a hand removed as punishment. Just under a quarter said women should stay at home. Aceh, the province where Islam arrived in Indonesia from Saudi Arabia centuries ago, enjoys semiautonomy from the central government because of a long-running Islamic insurgency. A version of Islamic law introduced there in 2001 bans gambling, drinking alcohol and makes it compulsory for women to wear head-scarves. The questions were put to 8,000 people aged 14 or older in dozens of towns and cities across the vast tropical country. ...................................................................................................................................................................
Muslim Women Say They Were Fired For Dress Code Six Somali women claim they were ordered by a manager to wear pants and shirts to work instead of their traditional Islamic clothing of loose-fitting skirts and scarves, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).The women have filed a religious discrimination complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.”Should these employees choose to adhere to the current Mission Foods uniform policy, they may return to their positions with the company,” the company statement said. “However, these positions will need to be filled as soon as possible and cannot be held indefinitely.” CAIR issued a press release calling on Mission Foods to reinstate the women in their jobs. However, the group declined to disclose the names of the women and would not make them available for interviews. ...................................................................................................................................................................
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NEWSLINE
Danish National Soccer Team Includes Hijabi Player
International Prize For Mina Tent City
(Source: IslamOnlin.net) Zainab al-Khatib commanders the attention of the women national soccer team fans not just with her unmistaken talents, dribbling skills and spectacular goals but also her colorful hijab. “I’m so glad that I set a precedent in Denmark,” 15-year-old Khatib, the star of the national team for girls under 16, told IslamOnline.net. She was recently chosen to join the team after receiving permission from the Danish Football Association (DBU) to be the first ever hijab-clad girl to play for a national team, not only in Denmark but across Europe. Khatib, who only started her professional football career two years ago, is now the striker for the national team. She has led her team to an impressive victory in their latest match against Sweden, scoring a wonderful goal. “Zainab has a strong personality and her attitude is always positive and inspirational in and outside the court,” her coach Troels Mansa told IOL. “She is one of my best players and I am so glad to be her coach.” Denmark has a Muslim minority of nearly 200,000 out of its 5.4 million population. Islam is the country’s second largest religion after the Lutheran Protestant Church. Coach Manas stressed that Khatib’s hijab has never been an obstacle. “We are only interested in her skills and personality,” he said. “I do not remember any player or coach expressing reservations about her hijab.” The issue of hijab in sports thrust into the international limelight recently. In March 2007, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game’s ultimate regulators, said hijab is forbidden in soccer games. The ruling came after a Canadian Muslim was expelled from a soccer game for donning a hijab. Last January, an American high-school Muslim star runner was pulled out from a local competition for wearing hijab. An 11-year-old Canadian kid was also thrown out of a national Judo tournament last November for wearing hijab. Khatib believes all the fuss over hijab is meaningless. She says her teammates are very supportive. Modest and persistent, she wants her contribution to the team to demonstrate the willingness of Danish Muslims to integrate into society. “I see myself as a Danish Muslim who effectively contributes to her society and will be proud to represent my country abroad.”
Saudi Arabia has been awarded an international prize for best urban work at a global level, in recognition of the efforts of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs in providing housing facilities and integrated services to Hajj pilgrims in Mina. Saudi Arabia is the first country in Asia that has won the prize among 226 contestants who provided research papers indicating their urban experiences. Dr. Osama Fadl Al Bar, mayor of Makkah, said that this year’s prize has been given exclusively for the “ White Tent City “ in Mina. The $2.6 billion city is the first city ever in the world to be fully fire-proof, with the use of non-flammable materials in its entire construction. The combined cost of the White Tent City and Jamrat Bridge exceeds $4.01 billion. ...................................................................................................................................................................
Aligarh Muslim University To Recognize Madrasas The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has decided to recognize several Madrasas across the country. The move intends to provide better opportunities to Madrasa students to pursue higher and modern education as well. ...................................................................................................................................................................
Muslims Dominate The Intellectuals List Muslims for all over the world dominated the list of top intellectuals around the world. More details on the story and to see the list and related articles visit Foreign Policy Magazine’s website at www. ForeignPolicy.com.
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SHOPPING & GADGETS
TOP #1 THIS MONTH MO
GARMIN NUVI 350: Reviews from Epinions.com “Pros: Ease of use, design, accuracy, features, features, features. - Small, light, speaks street names, fast routing, search feature, excellent window mount. - Extremely portable, Easy to see and understand, Accurate, WORKS. - Unequalled portability. Speaks the name of the street to turn onto (most don’t). - Compact, feature-filled, simple & intuitive to use. Cons: A little slow in processing, battery life. - Expensive, Doesn’t actually drive the car. - Battery life, quirky directions, no printed manual, window mount illegal in some states. - Screen could be brighter, expensive. - Sometimes has trouble acquiring sattelite. In my case, windshield suction cup melted to windshield.”
EUREKA BOSS SMARTVAC: Review by ConsumerSearch.com “ Best budget vacuum cleaner. Reviews say the Eureka 4870 is the best value in a bagging upright vacuum cleaner, cleaning as well as or better than more expensive models. The Eureka vacuum also ships with a sealed HEPA filter and does well in noise tests. Experts say this vacuum does a good job of picking up pet hair on carpeting. It has on-board attachments and brushroll on/off control. At 20 pounds, the Eureka can be cumbersome to push, as well as hard to carry up and down stairs. In addition, you have to change a bag. We did read complaints about breakdowns, especially after the two or three-year mark. For those who want a good all-around upright vac for a modest price, however, the Boss is the best vacuum cleaner.”
Rocket Languages Vs Rosetta Stone By Valentina Capra Learning a second language can be a very challenging thing to do. This is where language-learning software steps in to lend a hand. This article compares the two most popular language learning software, available in today’s online market - Rocket Languages vs Rosetta Stone. Ease of use: Rocket Languages is a systematic program with emphasis on teaching your chosen language fast. Their software interface is based on audio, text, and with languages, they have games as well. Rosetta Stone’s interface is more graphical and shows much focus on visuals to get you learning the language. Languages: Between Rocket Languages vs Rosetta Stone, when it comes to the number of languages that each program teach, then Rosetta Stone have much great range of languages with around 30. Rocket Languages have only 6 languages, however interestingly this includes American Sign Language, which Rosetta Stone does not include.
Rocket Languages have just released Rocket Italian as well to complement their range. Features: Both have use audio and visual aids to get you learning the language as quick as possible, both come with a money back guarantee and both are offer a online version and a hard copy version. I should mention that both are also good for beginner levels right through to advance. Note however, that as you progress in the language with Rosetta Stone you will have to pay for the more advanced levels, where as with Rocket Languages all levels are inclusive in the one off fee, which is considerably cheaper than the first level of Rosetta Stone.
Rosetta Stone to help you make a decision, go and visit SecondLanguage.org .............................................................................. Valentina Capra is a qualified Language teacher, who teaches private and group lessons in England. Her methods of teaching is borrowed from many sources, and her belief is that getting students to repeat and converse, rather than just read and write is the best and quickest way to learn a language. Find out more at http://www.secondlanguage.org/rocket-languages-vs-rosetta-stone. php
Overall: Well both packages are excellent language learning programs, that teach you how basic words, greetings, phrases, reading, writing and verbal comprehension. Both also have their own benefit, however if you were looking for a more cost effective method, then Rocket Languages, may be the best to choose as it’s more interactive and also offers you a free day by day course, before you buy. To get more details on the two and a further breakdown of features between Rocket Languages vs
BodyBot is a new, automatic, and interactive workout program which combines state of the art technology, video, and exercise knowledge. BodyBot isn’t really a robot, but it’s something along those lines. It was created by trainer and fitness expert Ryan Lee, who is known for his short and intensive workouts. Actually a video software which allows you to create 4 minute workout sessions by choosing different exercises and arranging them as you wish. Each segment is a 20 seconds video in which Ryan Lee does the exercise along side of you on your PC or Mac screen and you just follow along. The workout robot is a lot of fun and it’s a great tool to have at your side if you want to lose weight and tone up. Being able to create your own workouts any time you want in the privacy of your own home is a great way to remain motivated and to keep fit. It’s also a great way to keep fit during vacations as this workout robot is accessible online from any computer with an internet connection. Overall, the Body Bot workout robot is a useful tool to have at your side. It is very easy to use, provides value, and also delivers results to its users. How Does the Body Bot Work? BodyBot is very simple to use. It works in a few simple steps: 1. You log in with your username and password 2. You choose which body part you wish to workout 3. You ‘drag’ the video segments of the 8 exercises you wish to perform in this session into the ‘special’ workout creation area 4. You choose a workout tune from the 13 available in the machine 5. You do the workout 6. and that’s it BodyBot.com is a handy tool to have around the house. You can take it anywhere you have an internet connection since it works online.
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It’s not perfect, but a valuable program to have for you if you wish to burn fat, build some muscle, and improve your fitness levels. Online at www.BodyBot.com.
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OPINION COLUMNS
We All Have a Stake in Our Children’s Education How to Improve Study Habits By David Hall
In the most recent Indiana Jones movie, Jones is approached by a young man who wants to involve him in rescuing the young man’s mother, but Jones is not interested until he is told that one of his friends (and a potential archeological find) are part of the deal. The young man tells Jones that he has not graduated from high school, even though his mother has sent him to numerous schools that teach worthless things. Jones replies that it is fine for him to do whatever he wants with his life. However, later Jones finds out that the young man’s mother is his former fiancée, the young man is his son (and Junior), and THEN Jones says, “WE need to get Junior to finish
school.” Junior says. “I thought you were OK with me not finishing school?” to which Jones replies, “That was before I found out you are my son!” Until I became a grandfather, I sadly had the same view as Jones, but I was WRONG on MANY levels. First as a Christian Jesus said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” I would want to be given every opportunity for a good education even if it seemed inconvenient to me at the time, or there was no family tradition of education, or I had other difficulties like having to work to help support my family.
Additionally, if only my descendants (and circle of friends) are well educated, then they will not have the best life, they will not live peacefully, and their education will not be as good as possible. From a financial, business, and societal standpoint the YEARLY additional costs to us Texans added by each year of dropouts is: “Dropouts cost Texas taxpayers additional Medicaid costs of $321 million and additional incarceration costs of $12 million per year.” www.queuenews.com/NewslettersMar07/ TX_Mar07.html www.edweek.org/media/ew/qc/2007/17shr. tx.h26.pdf A recent Financial Times article Philip Whyte wrote entitled, “Why free markets have little to do with inequality” highlights this reality. In it, he writes, “The reason the Nordics and the Dutch have the most egalitarian outcomes is
that they provide the best education. The correlation between educational and social outcomes across the EU is striking. People with low levels of attainment at secondary education are most exposed to the risk of poverty. Moreover, the more educated people are, the more likely they are to be in work: the employment rate for Europeans with tertiary education is 80 per cent, whereas it is just 50 per cent for those who fail to complete their secondary education.” For the sake of my descendants/conscience/legacy, I am employed full time as an administrator for Responsive Education Solutions (www.responsiveed.com), ran for Plano ISD School Board Trustee in the most recent election, and write a weekly Education Ideas Emails note to the Plano ISD School Board. It is wonderful to find out that MANY people (including many in Plano) are working toward the same goals so I am joining their efforts. ............................................................................... About the author: David Hall is a graduate of Abilene Christian University, 1972. B.S. Mathematics w/minors in Physics & Business. An ex-marine and a financial consultant, he currently serves as Public School Administrator/Auditor for Responsive Education Solutions. www.responsiveed.com. David Hall may be reached at DHall.Planoisd@gmail.com and on his blog at www.DHall-Planoisd.blogspot. com. Married 36 years with 3 kids and 7 grandchildren, he now lives in Plano, Texas, where he is a member of McDermott Road Church of Christ.
Human Rights In The United States By Zeinab Ghasemi Tari The United States is considered one of the most liberal and the freest states of the world. The U.S. constitution and treaties ratified by the senate and congress is the base of human rights of the Americans and is praised by many people around the world as a model of democracy and freedom. Freedom of speech, Freedom of press, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, freedom from cruel and unusual punishment including torture and the right to a fair trial are bases of Americans bill of rights. American governments also try to impose human rights in other countries by interfering in their affairs. But what is this American version of human rights? The United States has refused a seat in the United Nation Human Rights Council since 2006 by claiming that it has lost its credibility with repeated attacks toward Israel’s policy and failure to confront other right abusers. U.S. has violated the so called human rights both inside and outside of its country whenever and wherever it served their interest or was against their benefit. This trend is seen in U.S. policy and has been intensified since September eleven and the war on terrorism both inside and outside of America and their excuse for such an attitude is national security.
United States government has suspended various rights on national security ground in different situations and the most significant example is the current War against Terror and after 9/11 attacks. In some cases the suspension has gone too far that has led to the same terror and tyranny which Americans claim to fight with. Here are just a few examples to illuminate the American violation of human rights and its double standard policies: The United Nation Human Right Council released a report in 2006 that revealed U.S. citizens and foreign national are occasionally captured and transferred to secret places and prisons; these people are tortured, abused and humiliated. Guantanamo Bay camp and Abu Ghraib are symbols of American human right violation: “In the almost six years since Guantanamo opened, only one person has been convicted of any crime and that was by plea agreement.” said a senior counsel on counter terrorism. Of the 305 detainees held in Guantanamo, only three are subject to military commission charges. In 2004, the photos revealed from Abu Ghraib showing humiliation and abuse of the prisoners which led to a political scandal. On the other hand while International and U.S. law prohibits torture and ill-treatment of any person in custody, U.S. governments claim that this law is not applied to what
they call “unlawful combatants” and U.S. personnel acting outside the Unite States. Based on this claim the privileges of prison of war are not applicable to detainees in Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib. The detainees of these prisons are kept for an infinite time and generally do not receive any trials. The point is that United Nation Human Rights Council has no legal authority or power to stop the United States and as it was mentioned before U.S. has refused to seat on United Nation Human Rights council. America is responsible for many crimes and wars around the world and has engaged in other countries affairs accusing them for violation of human rights; America claims that all its actions and practices are for expansion of democracy and freedom and for respecting human dignity; America is considered by many people as a leader and model of freedom. But U.S. claim of human rights is biased and is dependent on the benefit and interest of American government. ............................................................................... Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_ rights_and_the_United_States, http://www.hrw. org/doc/?t=usa ...............................................................................
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By M. Lord If you are a young person reading this article or a parent I assume you want to improve your study habits. In high school I had poor study habits but now that I am in college and boast nearly a 4.0 GPA therfore, I feel I am qualified to speak on this subject. Let me tell all of you that the first thing you can do to better your study habits is to make a commitment to yourself and your future and perform up to your abilities. In today’s society it is virtually impossible to get where you want to go without a solid education. Now that you have realized this I would like to offer you three suggestions I beleive will help you or your child’s study habits. 1. Make a commitment to organization. This may be the most important aspect of poor study habits; the lack of organization that most students possess. Create notebooks for specific subjects and three hole punch all assignments. This ensures that if you need to refer back to anything you can easily find your notes. 2. Set aside a specific time everyday to study. Treat school as a job. Think of it in the sense that if you do not acheive an A in a certain class you will be fired. This sense of urgency allows people to channel all of their intelligence and will to succeed. 3. While in class, pay attention and try to sit in the front two rows. I know this seems weird but it absolutely works. Also do not write down everything your professor or teacher says. Focus on the key points of the lecture and write down what they repeat. If the teacher repeats it, you can guarantee it is going to show up on an exam. For the best tips and training on study habits visit: http://mattl30286.freshstudy.hop.clickbank.net/ About the Author: M. Lord is a college student who currently possesses a 3.77 GPA and wants to help people improve study habits. This helped me: http://mattl30286.freshstudy.hop.clickbank.net/
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REAL ESTATE
Foreclosure, saving your home through investors By Kathy Swift
If working with the bank on home retention plans won’t work for you, then you need to look to investors to help you save your home. I recently worked with a woman who was offered one hundred dollars a month over the next three years as a payment to have an investor pay off 5,000 she had acquired in back payments. That’s a pretty good deal. You could mow a few lawns or give up a few cups of coffee to only have to increase your monthly expenditure by a hundred dollars a month. There are good investors and there are snakes. Be careful what you sign onto. This same woman was in trouble because a different investor had loaned her three thousand dollars and was going to take her home if she didn’t pay him the above referenced 5,000 dollars. When you are facing foreclosure there will be many people trying to get you to work with them to solve your problem. Not all of them are trying to take advantage of you. Some do want to get your home for little expenditure. Not all of them are bad. You should
be careful who you choose to work with. There are good, solid business people out there who do want to help you and do create win win situations for everyone involved. Listen carefully to all the plans that are proposed. Choose the one that best fits your goals. Be sure you feel comfortable with the investor with the investor you choose to work with. There are as many twists on helping you with your back payments as there are people in these businesses. They will all have a slightly different twist on how to help you. Read the paper work carefully. Make sure you understand the plan they are going to implement. If it fits for you, and your situation, go for it. It is a lot better than having a foreclosure on your credit and all the headache of losing your home. Stop foreclosure About the Author My husband and I have been real estate investors for over eight years. Because of the recent mortgage crisis, we have turned to helping people through the foreclosure process. We have been able to help many people.
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REAL ESTATE
What’s A Real Estate Investor To Do When The Housing Bubble Bursts? By Adier Barrin Real estate investors have had a heyday for the last ten years or so. Although the market has slowed down considerably and housing values have not yet bottomed out, the smart real estate investor can still find real estate deals worthy of their investment dollars. The Lucrative Rehab Business The housing boom was evidenced by the scores of popular television shows that followed real estate investors as they rehabbed residential real estate. The typical show depicted an experienced investment company as it purchased a run-down property that was sorely in need of a makeover. The investors purchased the home with the purpose of “flipping” it, fixing it up and reselling it for a quick profit. Once the purchase was complete, teams of subcontractors descend on the house, swarming over it like a hive of busy bees. During the first phase, the real estate investor’s team does the “demo” or demolition. They remove all the trash
left in the home by the prior residents who were often renters. They remove all the outdated appliances, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, counter tops, and damaged substances like moldy drywall or outdated tile. After demo has completed, the real estate investors would start rebuilding the house from the ground up. New flooring goes down; new walls go up. Granite, tile, or concrete counter tops are installed in the kitchen, and new kitchen cabinets go in. Sparkling new shower surrounds, toilets, sinks, and vanities are installed in the bathrooms. New light fixtures and landscaping complete the rehab picture. The real estate investor sometimes replaces the infrastructure of the home, installing a new furnace or air conditioning unit, and replacing the roof. Occasionally these are unplanned repairs, which are discovered during the rehab process. The unplanned repairs wreak havoc with the real estate investor’s budget, but in a seller’s market, the investor always made a handsome profit.
Carpet Cleaning Myths Debunked By Mathew Guiver Myth: You should wait to have your carpet cleaned the first time, because it will never look the same again. Fact: Waiting for your carpet to be cleaned will do nothing but create possible health hazards and make the job harder for your carpet cleaner. As long as you’ve hired a trained professional, your carpet should look better every time you clean it. Myth: Carpet cleaning may shrink my carpet. Fact: Your carpet will not shrink unless the hired cleaner leaves the carpet extremely wet. A professional cleaner will not allow this to happen, but play it safe and check for wetness before they leave your home. Myth: You should not vacuum your carpet very often or it will deteriorate. Fact: Studies have shown vacuuming your carpet 4 times a week does no more damage to your carpet than vacuuming it twice a month. In fact, the build-up of dirt and residue in carpet fibers
can be harmful to your health, so vacuum frequently. Myth: I only have to clean my carpet if it has been stained. Fact: The dirt and residue that can build up in your carpet over time is not always noticeable on the surface. It is smart to have your carpet cleaned at least once a year by a professional, especially if you have small children in the house. Myth: I don’t have to clean my carpet because it has built-in stain resistance. Fact: Although carpets with stain resistance will help with accidental spills, dirt still gets under the fibers. Treat your carpet the same as any other. Myth: Cleaning your carpet often is bad for it. Fact: You can never clean your carpet too much. In fact, the more often you clean your carpet, the longer it will retain its original appearance. Carpets aren’t cheap to buy; cleaning simply protects your investment. Myth: Carpet cleaning can destroy my stain resistance.
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER WANTED
The Future of Flipping With the current mortgage lending crisis, homeowners are abandoning perfectly good homes because they can no longer afford their house payments. Banks consider themselves lucky if they can resell these homes for the amount owed on them. They are not run down enough to support a rehab and flipping effort, and real estate investors are scratching their heads, wondering how to make a profit in this market. The answer seems to be to hang on to these investments and wait. Real estate is one investment that withstands the test of time. Although the market is in a downward cycle at the moment, housing values are certain to turn around and go back up. About the Author Article by real estate point a weblog that publish real estate articles for Ozfreeonline, a free real estate apartment listings in Australia.
Fact: Although stain resistance is by no means permanent, foot traffic actually loosens it up more than anything. Have a carpet cleaning specialist re-apply stain resistance every 3rd cleaning. Myth: Cheaper cleaners do just as good a job, only for less. Fact: Don’t hire a cleaner simply because their price is the cheapest. A bad carpet-cleaning job can leave your carpet worse off than it was to begin with. Myth: I have my own carpet-cleaning machine, so I don’t need to hire a professional. Fact: Although having your own machine is useful for small stains and routine cleaning, most home machines don’t have the suction power professional machines do. Because of this, the stain gets loosened up, but the residue is not completely removed from the carpet itself. It’s best to still have your carpet cleaned by a professional on occasion. WaterDamageTeam.com is a nation wide disaster restoration company, with years of experience in water removal, extraction, and drying. For carpet water removal, or same day carpet cleaning services check out FastCarpetCleaning.com.
Muslim community’s local paper, The Lone Star Crescent is seeking independent advertising sales manager in the Greater Dallas area. The candidate is responsible for acquiring new business account and advertisements for the paper and promote display and retail advertising. Job duties include sales to new accounts, managing current clients, up-sell and cross-sell our services. Ideal candidate should be familiar with the market and this region. He/She MUST have previous experience in outside sales and client account management. An understanding of media and advertising is required. Compensation is based on generous commission plus performance bonus. Candidate is required to work from home, but expected to meet sales quota monthly. If you are qualified for the job, apply in confidence by emailing your resume to info@myCrescent.com. Write “ad sales manager” in the subject line. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
NOW HIRING ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF IRVING An Accredited College Preparatory School
ISI is seeking a few dedicated individuals to prepare our next generation to be: • Committed balanced Muslims • Knowledgeable scholars • Contributing citizens and community builders
Positions available for the academic Year 2008 - 2009: Lead Islamic Studies & Quran Teacher Librarian Elementary Grades Arabic Teacher Early childhood Islamic Studies/ Quran/ Arabic Teacher Elementary Homeroom Teachers Early Childhood Teachers Technology Teacher for Middle/High School Physical Education Teacher for Boys High and Middle School Subject Teachers Lead High School Teacher
Besides highly competitive wages, ISI offers the following benefits: Signing Bonus for qualified applicants Health Insurance 50% Discount on children’s tuition Performance based yearly increments and bonuses Personal and Sick Days Off Paid National and Islamic Holidays Educational Reimbursement Professional Training and Development. For more information please visit below links: ISI Job Brochure: http://school.irvingmasjid.org/ pdf/isi_job_brochure06.pdf Careers at ISI for detailed job requirements: http://school.irvingmasjid.org/Careers.aspx Islamic School Of Irving, 2555 N. Esters Rd. Irving, TX 75062. Phone: 972-812-2220 Fax: 972-812-2221 http://school.irvingmasjid.org Email: careerisi@irvingmasjid.org
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The Lone Star Crescent, July 2008
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THESE RIDES
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The Lone Star Crescent, July 2008
MAZDA CX-9
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THESE RIDES...
Cars.com: “The CX-9 manages to avoid the chunkiness of many SUVs” Washington Post: “tasteful interior that would please [the] most affluent parents” Motor Trend: “exterior details exude sport”Kelley Blue Book: “logically laid-out audio and climate control area” Consumer Guide Automotive: “can react harshly to small bumps” NHTSA: “five of five stars” in all front and side crash tests IIHS: “Good” rating for both front-offset and side-impact crashes Edmunds.com: “the CX-9 did very well [in safety tests]” MyRide: “Nice array of features” Motor Trend: “can often touch the $40-grand level”
TOYOTA SIENNA 2008
theCarConnection.com: “does almost everything right for the family, with a roomy, functional interior and great ride comfort, but there’s not a lot of personality.” Motor Trend: “pure carryover year for Toyota’s family hauler, which returns in CE, LE, XLE, and XLE Limited trims and FWD or AWD. All share a smooth 266-hp V-6, 5A transmission, and ABS, but only the Limited and AWD models make stability/traction controls standard. A tad expensive, but worth it.” Edmunds.com: “Roomy, comfortable and well-built, the 2008 Toyota Sienna minivan is an easy choice, especially if you have a big family. Expensive option packages, uninspired handling even for a minivan.” US News: “a solid performer that’s more powerful than nimble”