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by John MacDonald Smith
from Signs of the Times, No. 25 - Apr 2007
(See also John Quenby: Science and Religion - Avoiding the Conflict, Signs of the Times, July 2007)
I do not think Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion, 2006) fully understands what he is really doing when he does the science which he teaches with such elegance. For this reason it is worth going more deeply into the underlying nature of scientific activity than is allowed simply by noting that a good theory has strong experimental justification and is elegant. Start with this idea: while there is no logical reason why there may not be uncaused events, suppose that every event does have a cause and that if you understand the cause you can explain the event. That is the foundational idea at the basis of science, and it is a fundamental apprehension about the nature of the universe we inhabit. We have a bad feeling about the idea of uncaused events.
To say that every event has a cause is to say that at all times and in all places things will interact, in the same way, according to their natures. This is a large claim and a lot of people do not realise what it involves, because they take it for granted and do not think it through. It means that we expect the very small number of occurrences of a given phenomenon which we have observed in our small corner of the universe to be typical of all the occurrences of that phenomenon throughout time and space.
Now of course we have no right to assume this, and you only have to look at what I have just written to see that when Hume pointed this out two centuries ago he was right. To be quite sure, you would have to examine every occurrence of the phenomenon, and that is plainly impossible.
Is that the end for science? Clearly not. But it implies a new beginning for an understanding of what science really is. Karl Popper offered a way forward here with the idea that, far from wanting ideas verified, progress in science depends on their falsification in order to make way for better ones. Verifiability is clearly a necessary attribute of doctrines within the contemporary paradigm, but, according to Popper, ground-breaking new theories arise because somebody thinks hard enough about the science he already knows to be inspired (the word is deliberate) by a better way of understanding it. Old assumptions are questioned and the way is opened to carry out new experiments to test the implications of the new theory. Science is looking for empirically falsifiable statements about physical reality to fit into a developing understanding about the way causality operates in the universe. That is a never-ending process and the last word will never be said.
If Hume and Popper are right, universal causality cannot be assumed. It is not an absolute truth, though it is taken for granted in science and often treated as it were a 'given'. It is an apprehension, almost a 'what if' a posit. Causality is therefore a universal, falsifiable, cosmological theory, which so far has had very strong empirical support and may indeed, almost, be taken for granted. Therefore, what scientists are doing when less adequate theories are transformed by falsification into more inclusive ones is to explore the nature of the causality which they have apprehended as operating at all levels in the cosmos. That understanding has changed greatly, from Newton to Einstein and from classical mechanics to particle physics.
Thus no scientist has any business using phrases like 'accident' or 'chance' of an event unless he is careful to explain that there is a conceptual framework within which the 'chance-ness' can be understood. This can be done in quantum mechanics but our understanding of causality is altered. Dawkins provides an understanding of genetics within which the 'chance' arrival of you and me in the world can be made sense of, but other scientists have not been so careful. Professor Atkins of Oxford has said that the Big Bang origin of the cosmos is a matter of 'pure chance'. It would be better if he said he does not yet know, for the next task is to offer a conceptual framework within which the 'chance-ness' of the Big Bang makes sense as science. This is what it means to explore the nature of physical causality.
In his genetically-justified attack on theology, it looks as if Dawkins has done something very like this: he has moved out of science into another area entirely. On Popper's analysis, falsifiability is a criterion of demarcation and not of meaning or truth: philosophy and theology are true knowledge, free to carry out their activities according to their own methods of procedure. Dawkins does not appear fully to understand the terms of reference of his own discipline; he may properly be invited to get back to it, because the last word has not yet been said there. We shall return to this, because some theologians are at fault in a similar way.
Creative purposiveness
There is a parallel apprehension to that of physical causality and it is the apprehension of that which is not a thing among things, or a fact about the universe. In the Christian tradition it is often referred to as metaphysical causality, which is apprehended as the creative purposiveness of God. A great doctrinal, speculative framework has been built up round the apprehension of the presence of God in the world. But the many writings and ideas which have been part of this exploration over the centuries are all dependent upon and are the consequences of key, privileged, foundational documents: the Bible, the Old Testament, the Q'ran and so on.
An overriding conviction of a sense of purposiveness in things has been intuited from key events which, while arguable as historical have been regarded as historic or significant for an understanding of the present. Interpreting the present in the light of privileged documentary interpretations of the historic keeps the promise of future hope alive and gives meaning to the apprehension of creative purposiveness. Metaphors of Exodus, Incarnation, Resurrection, Promised Land and Return occur in the Christian scriptures; techniques like Midrash and typology have been developed as aids to interpretation, while notions like anamnesis and shaliach express a transcendence of time and space so as to bring historic events into the present. Through the foundational documents interpreted within the tradition, religion becomes public knowledge.
There are two separate apprehensions: physical causality is about the universe; metaphysical causality is about God. To confuse them is to get your science or your theology wrong.
Verbum visibilium (word made visible)
Some theology has forgotten this warning. It has been rather slapdash in trying to take advantage of what seemed like gaps in the scientific account, to insert God into what turned out to be a lack of scientific, rather than a gain in theological understanding.
One glaring occasion of this sin concerns the Big Bang, seized upon by some theologians as (at last!) the moment of divine creation. Well, they tried it when the question of fossil-dating arose; and they tried it over Darwinism. Will they never learn! The Big Bang could be seen as an analogy for divine creation but that is not the same thing.
Another opportunity to get theology wrong concerns the fundamental constants of nature. If these varied only slightly from their present values (assuming these to have remained unchanged) the evolution of sentient life would have been impossible. Some theologians think that this is evidence of purposiveness. It is actually nothing of the sort; it is evidence of what can happen when the constants of nature have the values they have. This fact does not prove that we are meant to be here, though it can be seen as verbum visibilium of creative divine purpose; but analogy is not identity.
Theology will offer to Christian faith analogies and reflection drawn from nature which will be helpful, the exploration of purposiveness. Again, Dawkins' enthusiasm for the beauty of the world and his awe at the wonder of nature is a reminder of Wordsworth's nature-mysticism. This was built on by the Anglican tradition - which already accepted the truth of Christianity - into a renewed understanding of incarnation. Dawkins' wonder at the glories of nature is a very appropriate verbum visibilium of the Christian wonder at the presence of God.
If the world of the mind was a self-contained, independent observer of reality then it might be possible to formulate mental statements in one-to-one correspondence with facts and thus attain to absolute truth. This was done - to a first approximation - as seventeenth century scientists and theologians created a mechanistic cosmos and a detailed propositional theology. But things weren't that simple and we have been forced to move on: closer examination of causality demands radical revision of the way we understand the world, along with recognition and trust in our own fallibility and the fact that we are part of the cosmos we seek to understand. To trust our proneness to error means in science a continuous willingness to allow the empirical to correct the a priori, and in theology a readiness to allow experience to broaden our understanding of the way the foundation documents interpret to us the apprehension of creative purpose and future hope. As Cardinal Gasquet once remarked to Pope Pius X1, we are none of us infallible; paradoxically, our proneness to error is our best hope of reaching truth. Dawkins might think about this.
John MacDonald Smith is a retired Anglican priest and MCU member.


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Calle Vialidad Paseo Mujeres, Mza. 1 Zona Continental, Lote 10 SM 3, Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Quintana Roo
Set on an as–yet–undeveloped stretch of Mexican Caribbean beach, The Beloved (formerly La Amada) offers all the creature comforts along with a real sense of isolation. It's also remarkably good value.
As the coast south of Cancun filled up with big–name luxury palaces, The Beloved opened in 2009 on a quiet beach north of the vacation capital. This area, about a 20–minute drive from downtown Cancun, and 45 minutes or so from the airport, has been christened Playa Mujeres (not to be confused with Isla Mujeres, across the bay). Playa Mujeres might eventually be the next hot real estate on the coast, but in the meantime it offers a now–rare sense of true getaway. So far, the only other major property in the area is the neighboring Excellence Playa Mujeres, owned by the same hotel group and priced in the midrange. The properties sit side–by–side, but stroll farther north, and there's virtually nothing but forest and sand for about a mile, and just a glimpse of the golf course inland.
And although the hotel hits all the right notes for a high–end property (more on this shortly), it's really the beach that's the most luxurious detail of all. It's broad and edged with the shallow, calm waters of the bay between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. As the hotels in Cancun proper have struggled with beach erosion, it's a treat to come here and see this decadent expanse of sand.
Back to the hotel itself: The Beloved isn't groundbreaking in its style, but it feels modern without being forced. It smartly incorporates most of the hallmarks of luxury resorts established in the last decade or so. This covers smaller details, such as multiple shower heads and quality street–brand amenities (L'Occitane de Provence, in this case), as well as structural ones: there are separate blocks of two–story family suites with plunge pools, and of course there's a grand spa. (And fortunately, it skips some of the sillier fads, such as aggressive aromatherapy in public spaces.)
Both buildings and rooms are basically white. But potential starkness is offset by layers of rich cream, burnished silver and palest lavender. Even the standard junior suites are plenty large —960 square feet, including the terrace — with a sitting area, a side bar and a large terrace, plus a whirlpool tub that opens onto it. The look is a good balance of minimalist and plush — Philippe Starck lamps are cutting–edge, but the sofa and bed are sumptuous and welcoming.
The Beloved welcomes children — there is a kids' club, and the oceanfront penthouse suites have two separate rooms, to better accommodate families. In this respect too, it's following a trend set by Mandarin Oriental and others on the Riviera Maya, which have looked beyond the typical honeymooner demographic to entice parents who want a decadent vacation even with the kids along.
The spa deserves special mention — it's a large, beautiful indoor–outdoor space with a central pool and a great hydrotherapy circuit, included with any treatment. Some luxury properties in the area have opened with token spas, or wedged them in to dark corners, but The Beloved dedicates serious real estate to its spa and (just as important) seems to have trained its staff quite well. The Beloved also has a full fitness center with exercise machines and weights as well as yoga and pilates classes.
For dining, the property has four restaurants: a beachside grill–bar, El Mar; the main dining room, Aroma, serving Mediterranean food; a refined Mexican restaurant facing the adjacent marina called Lupita; and another beachside grill call Isla Grill with a fresh and mixed menu of international and mexican dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the time of this review, at least, the food was expertly prepared, with lavish breakfasts featuring local flavors, such as spiced cold drinking chocolate. Considering the relatively small size of the place, it's likely these standards have been maintained, which would place The Beloved high on the list of all–inclusives with respectable food, and an alternative to Las Velas for those who prefer a more intimate setting.
If you'd like to explore beyond the resort, The Beloved's location is a slight drawback. It's a 20–minute taxi ride to downtown Cancun, where there are some excellent restaurants, but it might take a more adventurous traveler to navigate the winding streets. A trip to Cancun's hotel zone is a bit impractical, as restaurants there can be 45 minutes or more away.
Cancun and the Riviera Maya have a few "luxury" properties that feel a bit hollow at the core, as they're too large and cookie–cutter in their production. With a strong attention to detail, The Beloved is perhaps the first hotel in the region that hits all the right notes for comfort and service, but isn't priced well into the stratosphere.
Web Address: www.belovedhotels.com
Total Number of Rooms: 109
Published rates: $344 to $609
Review and photos by Zora O'Neill
Return to Cancun and Riviera Maya Luxury Hotels
Return to Luxury Travel in Mexico

subset: commoncrawl


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Stocks were modestly weaker Monday: Rotation today out of financials, builders, retailers, back into drugs and energy.
Volume light.
Banks down 4.0 percent, builders down 4.0 percent, retailers down 2.7 percent.
Retail weak because same store sales for January are due this Thursday; most are expecting poor numbers.
Morgan Stanley didn't help, with their downgrade of the credit card companies on concerns about a consumer recession.
Cisco, by the way, down 4.5 percent. They report after the bell Wednesday. Stock is right near a 52-week low.
Questions? Comments? email@example.com


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Five months of turbine convoys are due to hit North Powys roads
Credit: Staff reporter | News North Wales | 30 June 2016 | www.newsnorthwales.co.uk ~~
Five months of turbine convoys are due to hit North Powys this year and meetings will be held to inform residents.
The developers behind two Mid Wales windfarms currently under construction have jointly organised two public information events to update people about turbine component deliveries which will be starting later in July.
Awel Newydd and RES are inviting people to join them at events being held in Pant and Newtown about the turbine delivery programmes for Tirgwynt Wind Farm (Awel Newydd), between Carno and Cefn Coch, and Garreg Lwyd Hill Wind Farm (RES), between Felindre and Llanbadarn Fynydd.
Encouraging residents to attend the meetings, MP Glyn Davies said: "One of the biggest down sides of windfarms is the transport implications.
"What we will be seeing is only a fraction of what the Mid Wales Windfarm Project would have brought. It is inevitable that this will be disruptive. But we will cope.
"I think people should go to the public meetings as it is sensible to be prepared.
"It will make people realise how bad the Mid Wales Project would have been," he added.
The first meeting will be on Tuesday, July 12, 3pm to 7pm in Pant Memorial Hall, Pant, Oswestry, SY10 9QQ.
The second is to be on Thursday, July 14, 3pm to 7pm in the NPTC Group college, Newtown Campus, Llanidloes Road, Newtown, SY16 4HU.
The events will include information about the delivery plans and timings of convoys carrying turbine components as they pass villages and towns on the route with a full police escort.
Representatives from both companies will be available to discuss the deliveries and answer questions.
Turbine deliveries for Tirgwynt Wind Farm are due to begin on July 25 and last through to mid-September 2016.
Turbine deliveries for Garreg Lwyd Hill Wind Farm are due to begin after TirGwynt, on September 12 and continue until mid-December 2016.
Andy Black, director at Awel Newydd Cyf, said: "Awel Newydd has been in discussion with the police forces involved as well as the highway authorities to ensure that the safety of road users is prioritised and any potential disruption is minimised.
"While we expect minimal traffic delays, we understand that some people may have concerns and we look forward to meeting people at both events in Pant and Newtown, and welcome their questions about the planned delivery routes and timing."
Rob Kemeys, RES project manager for Garreg Lwyd Hill Wind Farm, said: "We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to these drop-in sessions especially in Newtown, through which turbine components for Garreg Lwyd Hill Wind Farm will begin to travel from September."
This article is the work of the source indicated. Any opinions expressed in it are not necessarily those of National Wind Watch.
The copyright of this article resides with the author or publisher indicated. As part of its noncommercial effort to present the environmental, social, scientific, and economic issues of large-scale wind power development to a global audience seeking such information, National Wind Watch endeavors to observe "fair use" as provided for in section 107 of U.S. Copyright Law and similar "fair dealing" provisions of the copyright laws of other nations. Send requests to excerpt, general inquiries, and comments via e-mail.
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Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
Skilak Lake on the Kenai Peninsula is the setting for a new novel that comes out Tuesday. Author David Vann, who spent his early childhood in Alaska, writes about a rapidly disintegrating 30 year marriage in, "Caribou Island." But Vann says the largest character in the book is really Alaska. Because the tragedy that unfolds couldn't happen any other place.
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There's nothing like attending a good workshop to enhance, boost and super-charge your singing and live performance skills.
Listed below are live workshops events which are aimed at singers, musicians and performers. Depending on your location, you may be interested in attending one of these events to give your skill level a big shot in the arm!
If you'd like to be updated when new workshop events are added just sign up to our free mailing list!


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Slocan Valley Watershed Gap Analysis
February, 2, 2020 Prepared by Dominique Monnier in collaboration with Jennifer Yeow & Joel Russ. Published by Slocan River Streamkeepers
In 2018 Slocan River Streamkeepers Society received a grant from the RDCK to create a document to inform (and provide recommendations) on ecosystem based management strategies to maintain the ecological and hydrological integrity of the watershed. Ecosystem-based conservation planning is a management strategy that as the first priority "maintains or restores natural ecological integrity — including biodiversity across the full range of spatial (from very large to very small areas) and temporal (from short to long periods of time) scales."
For the purpose of the analysis, the study area includes the Slocan River from its outlet at Slocan Lake to the confluence with the Kootenay River. This gap analysis was based on two key steps: 1) a literature review, and 2) Interviews with the local scientists, members of Streamkeepers and local residents who have been involved with studies of, and conservation efforts for, the Slocan River.
Assessing and enhancing wetland species in the West Kootenays
Prepared by:
Darcie Quamme, MSc., R.P.Bio., Integrated Ecological Research
Rhia MacKenzie, BArch., BIT, Slocan River Streamkeepers
Gregoire Lamoureux, Slocan River Streamkeepers Society
Ryan Durand, R.P.Bio., Durand Ecological Ltd., Crescent Valley
And Richard Johnson, P.Eng., Opus Petroleum Engineering.
May 31, 2018
Lemon Creek_Water Quality Monitoring Report 2016-2017
(Prepared July 2018) Mainstreams Environmental Society partnered with the Slocan River Streamkeepers to conduct baseline water quality monitoring in Lemon Creek during two years (2016 & 2017). Lemon Creek was identified as a priority for monitoring, since it had high fisheries values, and is in an area with the potential for increased development pressures. In addition, there was concern about effects from a fuel spill that occurred up the creek in 2013.
Monitoring was conducted at a site near the confluence with the Slocan River. Three components were monitored: benthic macro-invertebrate community using the reference model provided by CABIN, water/sediment quality, and hydrologic characteristics (i.e., velocity and stream flow). Only one parameter, pH, exceeded guidelines for the protection of aquatic life, and only in one sample. All others met the aquatic and drinking water guidelines. No indications from the water/sediment quality or the hydrometric results of the habitat being impaired.
Species-at-Risk in the Slocan Watershed – 2017
Through this project 47 species-at-risk were confirmed in the Slocan Watershed in 154 locations. An additional 11 species that have a high potential to be at-risk were identified, as well. The species include vertebrates, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, vascular plants and non-vascular plants. This represents a considerable increase in the number of species-at-risk known to exist in the watershed, although several species on the list are well documented but are not tracked, or do not show up, on CDC data.
Lotic's 2016 Lemon Creek Water-Testing Results Review
Lotic Environmental Ltd. completed a review of data collected by the Slocan River Streamkeeper Society at Lemon Creek Site 3, through the Columbia Basin Water Quality Monitoring Project. This review included analysis of data collected in 2016 for the four components of the project: 1) water quality data, 2) continual temperature data, 3) hydrometric data, and 4) Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network data. Lotic Environmental's objective was to conduct a quality assurance/quality control review of data, compare water quality results to applicable guidelines, interpret results, and make recommendations.
Kat McGlynn and former Slocan River Streamkeepers chair Rhia Mackenzie undertook a project to learn about the dietary habits of the river otter. Here are some results of their project, provided in poster form. (Use the "zoom" or + function to enlarge the display.)
Slocan Valley Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory prepared by Ryan Durand for Slocan River Streamkeepers 2013
Preliminary Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory (SEI) mapping of the Slocan Valley was completed during the summer of 2012. The main purpose of SEI mapping is to describe the ecological diversity of a given area, and determine the type and extent of vulnerable and rare elements. This preliminary report describes the type and extent of ecosystems occurring in the Slocan Valley. The mapping was used to develop regionally specific sensitive ecosystem classes and subclasses which will
be refined in consultation with the BC Conservation Data Centre.
Slocan River and Area 2005-2013 Final Report
This report – chiefly involved with the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) project – presents research, analysis, and discussion concerning 11 sample sites on Slocan River and tributary creeks. Water-quality and aquatic ecology: benthic community composition, water-quality testing, sediment-guideline acceptability assessment (guideline review), etc.
Slocan River Rainbow Trout Habitat Assessment and Side Channel Analysis – 2012
Rainbow trout habitat throughout the Slocan River was assessed using aerial photography, contributing to the development of a database of relevant biological and physical. This study is intended to enable the identification of sites with the greatest potential for the return of rainbow trout productivity.
Nixon Island West Channel Slocan River Benthic Invertebrate Assessment Fall, 2010
In 2010, benthic invertebrate specimens were collected in the fall, at the Nixon Island side channel (adjacent to the Island) below Lemon Creek. The report summarizes methods, and findings for the 2010 collection at the Nixon Island Side Channel. This study was intended to establish a benchmark of the numbers and types of insects present in this side channel of the Slocan River. As such, the data represents a baseline that can be related to fish numbers, species, size, age class and overall fish health.
Slocan River Preliminary Side Channel Assessment – 2010
An initial inventory identified over 80 side channels, major and minor, throughout the Slocan River, with side channels being a critical component to rainbow trout ecology. Some channels were fully functioning, some not. Out of a total of 45 "significant" channels, 10 were selected for further investigations (3 fully functioning to act as benchmarks, 7 having potential for restoration).
Slocan River Monitoring and Assessment Report 2008- 2009 Section 1
This report documents the sixth year of a multi-year ecological assessment and educational outreach in the Slocan Valley conducted by the Slocan River Streamkeepers. Activities occurred from April 2008 through January 2009, which the report organizes as being under three areas: 1) monitoring and assessments; 2) outreach and education; 3) restoration. Report includes discussion, tables, and graphs.
Slocan River Benthic Invertebrate Assessment – 2008
This reports on a study undertaken in an effort to better understand fish population dynamics and links between numbers, age class and species of fish in relation to food source, a study of benthic macroinvertebrates, the fishes' main food source.
Upper Slocan River Rainbow Trout Population Assessment – 2008
This reports on the monitoring of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) population in the Slocan River. A spike in population in 2006 was indicated, driven by the production of trout in the Lemon Creek index site. By 2007, trout from the Lemon site had redistributed throughout the river, causing a reduction in the number of trout in the Lemon site, while other sites in the river experienced an increase in numbers. By 2008 reduction in the overall number of trout was indicated, returning to population levels experienced pre 2006.
Monitoring Spawning Rainbow Trout and Redd Counts In the Slocan River: 2003 – 2006
Continuing the work begun in 2003, this report informs about four years of monitoring. The majority of rainbow trout in the Slocan River spawn in the mainstem of the river below the outlet of Slocan Lake. Spawning is reasonably concentrated both in timing and geographic position with a bridge crossing over primary spawning habitat — conditions that offer an efficient opportunity to enumerate spawning fish and redds in the Slocan River. The number of redds in 2006 was the highest total count observed in the four years of monitoring.
Monitoring Spawning Rainbow Trout in the Slocan River: 2003
The report is from the beginning of Slocan River Streamkeepers' long-term monitoring of a variety of environmental and biological variables in the river, to serve as a baseline from which to monitor ecological change. Spawning productivity of rainbow trout were identified as a reasonable measurement of ecosystem health and a valuable biological variable to monitor over time. The intent of this survey was to collect data for comparison from year to year.
Fish in the River Report – 2000
Concerned with the Slocan River fishery, this final report published in June 2000, at the end of extensive research by the Fish in the River Working Group, became the impetus for the formation of the Slocan River Streamkeepers Society. The report was developed in conjunction with Selkirk College and funded by Fisheries Renewal BC.
Other Reports
Slocan River Bull Trout Spawning Assessment 2018 – prepared by Robyn L. Irvine and Jeremy T. A. Baxter – February 2019
Lemon Creek Spill: Biological Monitoring Program Final – Report – prepared by SNC-Lavalin Inc. for Executive Flight Centre Fuel Services Ltd – August 2016
Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory of Several Slocan River Tributaries and Falls and Bird Creeks – prepared by Mirkwood Ecological Consultants Ltd. – March, 2006
Slocan River Rainbow Trout Population Assessment: 2005 -prepared by Mirkwood Ecological Consultants Ltd. – June, 2006
Slocan River Rainbow Trout Population Assessment- 2000 – prepared by G.G. Oliver- January 2001
1999 Slocan River Watershed: Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assessment. – prepared by Aquatic Resources Limited – April 2000
Slocan River Summer Temperature in 1997 &1998: Implications for Rainbow Trout Distribution and Production – prepared by Steve Arndt, M.Sc.
for Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program – September 1999
Slocan and Salmo Rivers Temperature Monitoring Summer 1997 – Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program – 1998
Migratory, Overwintering and Spawning Behaviour of Rainbow Trout in the Slocan River – prepared by James Baxter and Robyn Roome – 1998
Slocan River Rainbow Trout Capture and Telemetry Implant Project: 1997 – prepared by Mirkwood Ecological Consultants Ltd. – 1997
Fish Inventory and Stream Classification of Selected Streams in SBFEP, Arrow Lake Forest District Operating Area – prepared by Wild Stone Resources Ltd.- 1996
Report on the Slocan Valley Water Monitoring Program 1994-1995 prepared for Slocan Valley Watershed Alliance by Passmore Laboratory Ltd
Floodplain Mapping Study Slocan River, British Columbia Design Brief – prepared for Water management Branch Ministry of Environment BC prepared by Northwest Hydraulic Consultant Ltd North Vancouver, BC – February 1989
Biophysical Resources of the Slocan Valley 1982 – Terrestrial Studies Branch. Ministry of Environment. Victoria, BC


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High Unemployment Numbers Fuel New Heinous Job Scams
In this tough economy, it's hard enough for record numbers of the unemployed to find a job. Now, in addition to fighting the frustration of a challenging job search; the desperate unemployed also have to fend off a new trend of clever and unscrupulous online scam artists using deceptively enticing job offers.
With the current unemployment rate at 9.8%, more and more discouraged workers are becoming potential easy targets in danger of being victimized online.
"As the unemployment rate stays stagnant, more and more cyber-criminals turn to that captive audience to exploit them," says Eric Klein, Marketing Manager, Online Conversion, for PC Tools. "An unemployed worker might be online and they'll see a page pop up that offers them the opportunity to make several hundred dollars a day from the comfort of their own home. That's a very attractive option for someone who's looking for work", says Klein, "... however, the problem is that it's a very aggressive and direct attempt to get credit card information."
Klein says one of the more alarming tactics that these scam artists are using to deceive people is using the logos of fake, or even legitimate news sites, to look like a genuine news article. The ultimate goal is to entice a potential scam victim into giving out their personal and financial information in exchange for employment opportunities.
"Some of the sites are quite clearly fake and with a little digging online, you can determine they're not a legitimate news source," says Klein, "... but, many others are using logos for NBC, CNN, USA Today deceiving folks into thinking these genuine news organizations are saying these job opportunities are great, when in fact, they're fake companies using real logos to entice people to be scammed."
Here's how the experts say many of the scams work in general.
- Illegitimate websites appear with news media logos and fake "breaking news" stories on the topic of working from home to earn money immediately.
- They try to attract the users into signing up because the site says that there are very few positions left and that they should act fast.
- When users try to leave the page, the site offers them a chat with an "Agent" to "secure your position." The agent tries to appear as a real person, but it's actually an automated bot.
- The bot tries to push the user into signing up, repeating that there are very limited places available, and giving links to the sign up page.
- When users sign up, they are asked for their credit card details. This could result in massive fraudulent charges and even identity theft.
Surprisingly, these scams are having great success even though the offers seem obviously "too good to be true."
"I think when you have a large segment of the population that is vulnerable right now, because financially they're in a more difficult position than they've been in several years... in some cases, they're desperate to get their families back on track and start making money again," says Klein, "... they're going to look for any opportunity they can. There's a sense of desperation with a lot of people that tends to help them overlook the risks in the background."
Klein suggests some basic rules of thumb and some old fashioned common sense can prevent you from falling victim to these increasingly visible and aggressive scams targeting the unemployed.
"You should, quite frankly, not believe everything you read," says Klein, "... when you see something that looks too good to be true, do a little more research. Make sure that if you're on a page that's claiming to be a news site, then also make sure that it's legitimate."
Klein adds, "No genuine news organization or website is going to ask for your credit card information. They're not in the business of processing payments for the types of opportunities that these sites are offering. If you see one that does ask for that information, then that's a very, very clear red flag."
Next:Learn more about job scams


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You glow girl! Consider this your new go-to beauty companion for a mega-watt complexion. This magical face serum contains a blend of nutrient rich pure cold pressed oils which nourish your skin thanks to powerful antioxidants and vitamins. Over time it will reduce inflammation and smooth the appearance of fine lines.
About the brand: Passionate about creating wellness-centered natural care products, the Biconi team harvests ingredients straight from nature to create only 100% pure and natural products to beautify your hair and skin. All Biconi products are vegan friendly and aren't tested on animals, plus they're free from parabens, mineral oil, phthalates and sulphates, alcohol and SLS.
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Yung Bans joins us for the latest episode of "On The Come Up."
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Yung Bans recently popped by our offices for the latest of "On The Come Up." The rapper explained that his biggest song to date, "Lonely" came about naturally for him.
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Shortly after, he realized the song was a hit and instantly reached out to Cole Bennett and Lil Skies to record the music video for it.
Peep our latest episode of "On The Come Up" with Yung Bans and subscribe to HNHH TV for more exclusive content with your favorite artists.


text:
Listen, SlowlyBook - 2015
From the critics
Community Activity
CommentAdd a Comment
I think that this book was pretty good. I like how it gave some insight on the Vietnam cuture. Mai starts off a bit dissagrable, but then slowly turns agreeable. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book.
This story starts out a little rocky with a self-centered teenage narrator, Mai, obsessed with her own wants and needs but develops into a sweet story about the importance of love, family and acceptance as she helps her grandmother come to peace with the loss of her grandfather.
I did not like this book. All the minor problems in this book were solved in a paragraph or page! I do not recommend this book!
Not clean enough for a child to read, though nothing really bad happens, this book is full of teenagers talking about their bodies etc.
Watch our conversation with the author on Youtube:
I loved this one. The narrator's voice is believably tween, so when she complains about going to Vietnam for the summer, the reader understands and sympathizes, and when she (Mai) begins to learn more of the language and enjoy her trip, it feels right. Mai goes to Vietnam with her father and grandmother because her grandmother is trying to put her deceased husband's spirit to rest. He had been a prisoner of war and his body never found, so Mai's grandmother needs Mai to help take care of her as she gathers information.
I found this story very moving, with an engaging narrator, an interesting story, and perfect pacing.
California-born Mai has to listen slowly, look carefully and use all her patience when she travels to Vietnam with her Grandmother to find out what really happened to her Grandfather during the war.
Age SuitabilityAdd Age Suitability
white_dove_572 thinks this title is suitable for between the ages of 9 and 12
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text:
BNI Update July 30
New Tweet from Bare Naked Islam:
barenakedislam @barenakedislam
BNI has been hacked by Paki scum. New posts not visible on some PCs. Moving soon to more secure server. Will update here.
Bare Naked Islam Update 07/24/12
BNI tweeted: barenakedislam @barenakedislam
BNI site down from server overload caused by AZ Tea Party referencing BNI to call for McCain recall http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2012/07/23/tea-party-leader-says-all-muslims-a-threat-to-u-s-seeks-recall-of-mccain/
Terrorist Verses Report
The government laid out a great deal of money for a scholarly analysis
of the communications of terrorist groups & individuals whose
output agrees with their pre-ordained opinion. Islamic terrorism
is a function of Islamic doctrine, not the propaganda pitch of any
group of terrorists. Muslims engage in terrorism because of Allah's
imperatives, promise & threat. Terrorism was practiced and
bragged about by Moe long before Abd-Al-Wahhab began his Salafist
"How Islamist Extremists Quote the Qur'an"
The malignant malarkey commences early: in the third
paragraph of the executive summary on page 2.
questions about the veracity of claims often made by analysts. The most
surprising is the near absence of the well-known "Verse of the Sword"
(9:5) from the extremist texts. Widely regarded as the most militant or
violent passage of the Qur'an, it is treated as a divine call for
offensive warfare on a global scale."
"Widely regarded as the most militant or violent passage" by whom, and
is that evaluation warranted by the facts? "Treated as a divine call
for offensive warfare on a global scale.": if you treat
your dog as your child, does it produce grandchildren for
you? Is Surah At-Taubah 9:5 the most violent verse? Is it the
best basis for ordaining global conquest?
And a declaration from Allâh and His Messenger to mankind on the
greatest day (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah – the 12th month of Islâmic
calendar) that Allâh is free from (all) obligations to the Mushrikûn
(see V.2:105) and so is His Messenger. So if you (Mushrikûn) repent, it
is better for you, but if you turn away, then know that you cannot
escape (from the Punishment of) Allâh. And give tidings (O Muhammad )
of a painful torment to those who disbelieve.
9:4. Except those of the Mushrikûn with whom you have a treaty, and who
have not subsequently failed you in aught, nor have supported anyone
against you. So fulfill their treaty to them to the end of their term.
Surely Allâh loves Al- Mattaqûn (the pious – see V.2:2).
9:5. Then when the Sacred Months (the Ist, 7th, 11th, and 12th months
of the Islâmic calendar) have passed, then kill the Mushrikûn (see
V.2:105) wherever you find them, and capture them and besiege
them, and prepare for them each and every ambush.
But if they repent and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give
Zakât, then leave their way free. Verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most
9:3 Is translated as a declaration to mankind, but the Arabic word
used: الناس
means the people, as indicated by http://www.openburhan.net/
, Corpus Qur'an (http://corpus.quran.com/wordbyword.jsp?chapter=9&verse=3)
returning a server error at the time of this writing.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir indicates that the declaration was issued to the
pagans assembled for the hajj ritual. (http://www.islam-universe.com/tafsir//9.20723.html)
22 of the translations at Islam Awakened use the people, 3 use all
mankind and 8 use mankind. While the original intent was local,
many want to interpret this context as global, in my opinion, the
globalization is a polemical error. Unfortunately, several hadith
can be used to reinforce the global interpretation. I will
therefore stipulate that 9:5 is a declaration of local and global
most violent verse
Is 9:5 the most
violent verse? We need a few verses for comparison.
find them,
and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah is
worse than killing. And fight not with them at Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (the
sanctuary at Makkah), unless they (first) fight you there. But if they
attack you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.
(Remember) when your Lord inspired the angels, "Verily, I am with you,
so keep firm those who have believed. I will cast terror into the
hearts of those who have disbelieved, so strike them over the
necks, and smite over all their fingers and toes."
8:39. And fight them until
there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism: i.e. worshipping
others besides Allâh) and the religion (worship) will
all be for Allâh Alone
[in the whole of the world ]. But if they cease (worshipping others
besides Allâh), then certainly, Allâh is All-Seer of what they do.
8:67. It is not for a Prophet that he should have
prisoners of war (and free them with ransom) until he had made a
great slaughter
(among his enemies) in the land. You desire the good of this world
(i.e. the money of ransom for freeing the captives), but Allâh desires
(for you) the Hereafter. And Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
9:29. Fight against those who
(1) believe not in Allâh, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that
which has been forbidden by Allâh and His Messenger (4) and those who
acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islâm) among the people of
the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah
with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
47:4. So, when you meet (in fight Jihâd in Allâh's
Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks
till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then
bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter
(is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or
ransom (according to what benefits Islâm), until the war lays down its
burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allâh to continue in carrying out
Jihâd against the disbelievers till they embrace Islâm (i.e. are saved
from the punishment in the Hell-fire) or at least come under your
protection], but if it had been Allâh's Will, He Himself could
certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in
order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the
Way of Allâh, He will never let their deeds be lost,
- kill the
Mushrikûn (see V.2:105) wherever you find them, and capture them and besiege
them, and prepare for them each and every ambush
- kill them
wherever you find them,
- so strike
them over the necks, and smite over all their fingers and toes
- fight them
- until he had
made a great slaughter
- smite at
their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them,
Which of these is the most violent? Does any really
stand out above the rest as an exemplar of violence? 9:5 is
equaled, if not exceeded by 2:191.
global scope
9:5 is primarily local in scope, confined, by its
immediate context, to Mekkah & environs; to pilgrims making
the hajj. 8:39 is global in scope, setting a monopoly for Allah
as a terminal condition of a fight until loop. Abdullah Yusuf Ali says "altogether and everywhere"
. 9:29 makes people with scriptural religions the object, implying that
the scope extends to wherever Jews, Christians & Zoroastrians are
straw man
The authors of the study have set up a straw man
argument: 9:5 is the "most violent verse" which commands global jihad
but the terrorists rarely mention it, so it must be
insignificant. Thus, they conclude, that we do not face an
"aggressive offensive foe" bent on conquest. Instead, the enemy
writes about "themes of victimization, dishonor, and retribution", so
we should assume that jihad is grievance driven, not doctrine driven.
that the West abandon claims that Islamist extremists seek world
domination, focus on counteracting or addressing claims of victimage,
emphasize alternative means of deliverance, and work to undermine the
"champion" image sought by extremists."
Terrorism is an intrinsic sacrament of Islam, not
the innovation of any subset. Examine the Qur'an verses relating
to terrorism and the hadith which exemplify their implementation.
Take a close look, then a second look at modern Islamic military
- 3:151. We shall cast terror into the hearts of those
who disbelieve
- …Allah next conveys the good news that He will put fear of the
Muslims, and feelings of subordination to the Muslims in the
hearts of
their disbelieving enemies, because of their Kufr and Shirk. … The Prohibition of Obeying the Disbelievers; the Cause
of Defeat at Uhud
- …Allah next conveys the good news that He will put fear of the
- 7:4. How many a township have We
destroyed! As a raid
by night, or while they slept at noon, Our terror came unto them.
- Our torment
came upon them by
night or while they were taking their midday nap. ) means, Allah's
command, torment and vengeance came over them at night or while taking
a nap in the middle of the day. Both of these times are periods of rest
and leisure or heedlessness and amusement. Nations that were destroyed
- Our torment
- 8:12. (Remember) when your Lord inspired the
angels, "Verily, I am with you, so keep firm those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those
who have disbelieved, so strike them over the necks, and smite over all
their fingers and toes."
- …(I will cast terror into the hearts of those who have
means, `you — angels — support the believers, strengthen their
(battle) front against their enemies, thus, implementing My command to
you. I will cast fear,
disgrace and humiliation over those who defied My command and denied My
(so strike them over the necks, and smite over all their fingers
toes.) strike them on their foreheads to tear them apart and over the
necks to cut them off, and cut off their limbs, hands and feet….Allah commands the Angels to fight and support the
- …(I will cast terror into the hearts of those who have
- 8:60. Against them make ready your strength to
the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into
(the hearts of) the enemies, of God and your enemies, and others
besides, whom ye may not know, but whom God doth know. Whatever ye
shall spend in the cause of God, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall
not be treated unjustly.
- (to threaten), or to strike
fear, the enemy of Allah and your enemy), the disbelievers, Making Preparations for War to strike Fear in the
Hearts of the Enemies of Allah
- (to threaten), or to strike
- 33:26. And those of the people of the
Scripture who backed them (the disbelievers) Allah brought them down
from their forts and cast terror into their hearts, (so
that) a group (of them) you killed, and a group (of them) you made
- (and cast terror into their
hearts😉 means fear, because they had
supported the idolators in their war against the Messenger of Allah and
the one who knows is not like the one who does not know. They had
terrified the Muslims and intended to kill them so as to gain earthly
power, but their plans backfired; the idolators ran away and the
believers were victorious while the disbelievers were losers; where
they had aimed for glory, they were humiliated. The Campaign against Banu Qurayzah
- (and cast terror into their
- 59:2.
He it is Who drove out the disbelievers among the people of the
Scripture (i.e. the Jews of the tribe of Bani An-Nadir) from their
homes at the first gathering. You did not think that they would get
out. And they thought that their fortresses would defend them from
Allah! But Allah's (Torment) reached them from a place whereof they
expected it not, and He cast terror into
their hearts, so that they destroyed their own dwellings with
their own
hands and the hands of the believers. Then take admonition, O you with
eyes (to see).
- …Therefore, Allah
sent His torment down on them;
it can never be averted, and His appointed destiny touched them; it can
never be resisted. The Prophet forced them to evacuate and abandon
their fortified forts that Muslims did not think they would ever
control. …Then take admonition, O you with eyes.) meaning,
"Contemplate the end of those who defied Allah's command, contradicted
His Messenger and denied His Book. See how Allah's humiliating
struck them in this life, as well as, the painful torment that Allah
has reserved for them in the Hereafter."… The End that Bani An-Nadir suffered
- …Therefore, Allah
- 59:13. Of a truth ye are stronger (than they)
because of the terror in their hearts, (sent) by
God. This is because they are men devoid of understanding.
- …(Verily, you
are more fearful in their breasts than Allah.)
meaning, the hypocrites fear you more than they fear Allah, as He
says; (Behold! a section of them fear men as they fear Allah or
more.)… The False Promise of Support the Hypocrites gave to the Jews
- …(Verily, you
- 8:57. So if you gain the mastery over them in
war, punish them severely in
order to disperse those who are behind them, so that they may
learn a lesson.
- …(then disperse those who are behind them,) by severely
﴿the captured people﴾ according to Ibn `Abbas, Al-Hasan Al-Basri,
Ad-Dahhak, As-Suddi, `Ata' Al-Khurasani and Ibn `Uyaynah. This
Ayah commands
punishing them harshly and inflicting casualties on them.
This way, other enemies, Arabs and non-Arabs, will be afraid and take a
lesson from their end,… Striking Hard against Those Who disbelieve and break
the Covenants
- …(then disperse those who are behind them,) by severely
- Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 7, Number 331:
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:
The Prophet said, "I have been given five things which were not given
to any one else before me.
1. Allah made me
victorious by awe, (by His frightening my
enemies) for a distance of one month's journey. .
- Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 52, Number 220:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "I have been sent with the
shortest expressions bearing the widest meanings, and I have been made victorious with terror(cast in the
hearts of the enemy), and while I was sleeping, the keys of the
treasures of the world were brought to me and put in my hand."
Abu Huraira added: Allah's Apostle has left the world and now you,
people, are bringing out those treasures (i.e. the Prophet did not
benefit by them).
Brig. S.K. Malik wrote The Qur'anic Concept of War
as a training manual for the army of Pakistan. His analysis will
you to comprehend their strategy. Terror is both a means and an
This paragraph comes from the bottom of page 59. [Emphasis added.]
enemies is not only
a means, it is the end in itself. Once a condition of terror into
the opponent's heart is
obtained, hardly anything is left to be
achieved. It is the
point where the means and the end meet
and merge. Terror is not a means of imposing decision upon
the enemy; it is me decision we wish to impose upon him.
There is a purpose for the numerous continuing
assaults against Christian faith in this nation. You will not
fully comprehend it without reading this next quote.
There is one necessary prerequisite for instilling terror: the
destruction of our faith. Islam's strong faith shields Muslims from
being terrorized. This paragraph comes from page 60. [Emphasis added.]
struck into the hearts of an army by merely
cutting its lines of communication or depriving it of its routes
of withdrawal. It is basically related to the strength or weakness
of the human soul. It can
be instilled only if the opponent's
Faith is destroyed.
Psychological dislocation is temporary;
spiritual dislocation is permanent.
Psychological dislocation can be
produced by a physical act but this does not hold good of the
spiritual dislocation. To
instill terror into the hearts of the enemy,
is essential. in the ultimate analysis, to dislocate his Faith. An
invincible Faith is immune to terror. A weak Faith offers inroads
to terror. The Faith
conferred upon us by the Holy Qur'an has
the inherent strength to ward off terror from
us and to enable
to strike terror into the enemy. Whatever the form or type of
strategy directed against the enemy, it must, in order to be effective,
be capable of striking terror into the hearts of the enemy. A strategy
that fails to attain this condition suffers from inherent drawbacks
and weaknesses; and should be reviewed and modified. This rule
is fully applicable to nuclear as well as conventional wars. It is
equally true of the strategy of nuclear deterrence in fashion
today. To be credible and effective, the strategy of deterrence
must be capable of striking terror into the hearts of the enemy.
The experts make a false assumption concerning the
identity of the enemy as well as the enemy's motivation. Those
who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. 230 years ago, the
new nation's shipping was attacked by the Barbary Pirates, who seized
crews & cargoes for ransom, demanding tribute.
1786 Jefferson and John Adams went to negotiate with Tripoli's envoy to
London, Ambassador Sidi Haji Abdrahaman or (Sidi Haji Abdul Rahman
Adja). They asked him by what right he extorted money and took slaves.
Jefferson reported to Secretary of State John Jay, and to the Congress:
ambassador answered us that [the right] was founded on the Laws of the
Prophet (Mohammed), that it was written in their Koran, that all
nations who should not have answered their authority were sinners, that
it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could
be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as prisoners, and
that every Mussulman (or Muslim) who should be slain in battle was sure
to go to heaven."
Many years earlier, a Persian General asked a similar question and
received a similar answer.
Our Prophet, the Messenger of our Lord, has ordered us to fight you
till you worship Allah Alone or give Jizya (i.e. tribute); and
our Prophet has informed us that our Lord says:– "Whoever amongst us
is killed (i.e. martyred), shall go to Paradise to lead such a
luxurious life as he has never seen, and whoever amongst us remain
alive, shall become your master." …
Did we have "boots on the ground" of the Hijaz in
1786? Israel was under the thumb of the Ottoman Empire, so there
was no grievance against us except the status offense of not being
Muslims. What did Allah order them to do? Was that order in 9:5 or was
it in 9:29?
The Barbary Pirates were not the enemy in the 18th
century, Islam was. They attacked us because they were
Muslims and we were not. Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Hizbollah, etc. etal.
are not the enemy. Islam is the enemy. They attack us because they are
Muslims and we are not. All of those so called terrorist groups have
one thing in common: they are Muslims: believers in Allah; emulators of
Islam means submission. Muslims are those who submit
to Allah and obey his commands. What did he command them to do?
He commanded them to conquer the world and impose the rule of
Islam. 8:39 & 9:29 the scholarly exegesis of those verses and
their codification in Shari'ah leave no possible doubt.
Two verses clearly define believers.
believers their lives and their properties; for the price that theirs shall
be the Paradise. They fight in Allâh's
Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed.
It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Taurât (Torah)
and the Injeel (Gospel) and the Qur'ân. And who is truer to his
covenant than Allâh? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have
concluded. That is the supreme success .
49:15. Only those are the believers
who have believed in Allâh and His Messenger, and afterward
doubt not but strive
with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allâh. Those!
They are the truthful.
Lets break that down for the low functioning Morons among us.
- Allah purchased their souls for promised admission to his
celestial bordello. (http://www.qurancomplex.com/Quran/Targama/Targama.asp?nSora=
78&l=eng&nAya= 31# 78_ 31)
- They fight in his cause: world dominance. (http://www.qurancomplex.com/Quran/Targama/Targama.asp?nSora=
9&l=eng&nAya= 33# 9_ 33)
- They kill others and are killed.
- They strive in Allah's cause with their wealth and their
Allah's promise
Allâh – Islâmic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to
Gardens under which rivers flow
(Paradise), abiding therein forever. Therein they shall have Azwâjun
Mutahharatun [purified mates or wives (having no menses, stools, urine,
etc.)] and We shall admit them to shades wide and ever deepening
(Paradise) .
61:10. O You who believe! Shall I guide you to a commerce that will save
you from a painful torment.
61:11. That you believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad ),
and that you
strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allâh with your wealth and your
lives, that will be better for you, if you but know!
61:12. (If you do so) He will forgive you your
sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and
pleasant dwelling in Gardens of 'Adn Eternity ['Adn (Edn) Paradise],
that is indeed the great success.
61:13. And also (He will give you) another (blessing) which you love,
help from Allâh (against your enemies) and a near victory. And give
glad tidings (O Muhammad ) to the believers.
If Muslims join the jihad, Allah will forgive their sins and admit them
to his celestial bordello, flowing with rivers of wine, milk, honey and
water. There they will sport with virgins who grow new hymens every
time and they won't need Viagra.
Allah's threat
you, that when you
are asked to march forth in the Cause of Allâh (i.e. Jihâd) you cling
heavily to the earth?
Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter?
But little is the enjoyment of the life of this world as compared with
the Hereafter.
9:39. If you march
not forth, He will punish you with a painful torment and will
replace you by another people, and you cannot harm Him at all, and
Allâh is Able to do all things. (http://www.qurancomplex.com/Quran/Targama/Targama.asp?nSora=
78&l=eng&nAya= 21# 78_ 21)
If you do not go to jihad, you will go to Hell to be
burned & tormented, eating wound discharges and toxic nettles,
drinking boiling water.
where are you going?
If you are a Muslim, and you really believe that
Allah is going to dig you up, weigh your sins against your good deeds
and send you to the garden or the fire unless you got killed in battle,
what will you do? Yeah, right, you will spend 40 passive
years on earth, only to burn in the fire for eternity.
rousing rabble
Protecting the weak, aiding the distressed and
promoting justice are common themes in rousing the rabble to fight. The
"plight of the Palestinians", "illegal occupation" and "resistance" to
invasion serve to cloak jihad in an aura of moral virtue. The
expert authors of the study seem to be unable to detect the difference
between the recruiter's propaganda pitch and the Islamic doctrines that
drive jihad. Recruitment may be aided by false appeals to virtue,
but the real motivator is the immutable doctrines enshrined in the
Qur'an and exemplified in Moe's sunnah: Allah's imperatives, threat
& promise.
After the Hijra, Moe assembled an army. As his
army grew, and graduated from raiding camel caravans to
invading villages and threatening neighboring
kingdoms, he spent much of his time exhorting the Muslims to
fight. The recitation of Surahs 8 & 9 result from
that effort.
The major codes of Islamic law are silent on
terrorism but not about jihad, which is a communal obligation.
Jihad is offensive, not defensive and is undertaken on Islamic
initiative. I will give you one infamous quote and links to the
code of the Shafi'i, Hanifi & Maliki schools.
Hedaya Vol II, Book IX, Ch. 1 Pg. 141 PDF 154
- Text
- The destruction of the sword is
incurred by infidels, although they be not the
first aggressors, as
appears from various passages in the sacred writings which are
generally received this effect.
- The destruction of the sword is
- Marginal Note
- Infidels may be attacked without provocation.
bottom line
If vampires were real instead of mythical, it would
be necessary to hunt them down and destroy them: all of them. In
Rabies epidemics, bounties are placed on skunks & raccoons. When
the Black Plague strikes, bounties are placed on rats. The
political, academic & clerical elites can not acknowledge the
reality of Islamic doctrine & practice because to do so would
be an extermination warrant.
The elites view that as the moral equivalent of the
murder of six million innocent Jews by Hitler's SS. It is not,
for two reasons:
- Islam can be greatly reduced in magnitude by inducing mass
apostasy through educating Muslims about the true character of Allah
& Muhammad.
- The true believers who endorse, propagate, promote and engage in
terrorism are not morally equivalent to the innocent Jewish masses of
Europe in WW2. They believe that they have a divine mandate to
conquer the world and that their eternal destination is dependent on
implementing that mandate. They view us as morally inferior, subhumans
whose blood and property are not sacred to Muslims; without human
rights. They have declared open season on us. (http://www.muslimaccess.com/sunnah/hadeeth/bukhari/008.html#001.008.387)
There is no alternative to eliminating them because they will never
cease from terrorism so long as they continue to believe Allah's
imperatives, threat & promise. They can not be deterred or
contained, they must be exterminated.
Caliphate: The Global Islamic Civilization
Caliphate: The Global Islamic Civilization
"The Global Islamic Civilization: The Power of a
Nation Revived"is
a malignant manifesto of arrogant supremacism, nothing new.
It is a restatement of long established Islamic doctrines
The American Muslim speculates that it
is spurious, created by "Islamophobes", functionally
equivalent to The Protocols of the
Elders of Zion. while I will give TAM credit for posting links
to the manifesto, the author's blog & Facebook
page, I am not convinced that the manifesto is spurious. I did not
find any evidence to discredit it.
I do not know whether the quotes about wiping Christianity off the earth, etc.
are accurate or not and I am not concerned about them. It ain't
what they say or write that bothers me: I am concerned about their
aspirations & intentions.
Islamic Revival
Islamic revival is not a novel concept.
Sunan Abu Dawud Book 37, Number 4278:
Narrated AbuHurayrah:
The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: Allah will raise for
this community at the end of every hundred years the one who will
renovate its religion for it.
Faith & piety are required for Islam's success.
Muslims can not be successful if they do not obey Allah and
emulate Moe. Therein lies a major problem.
Jihad: The forgotten Obligation
What are the consequences of abandoning jihad? Hilali & Khan, in their footnote
to Surah Al-Baqarag 2:190, list several of them.
- Islam is destroyed
- Muslims
- fall into an inferior position
- lose their
- honor
- lands
- rule and authoity.
One hadith teaches us a great deal about jihad:
- Jihad is
- a preferable economic alternative to
- trade
- agriculture
- the "original religion" of Islam.
- a preferable economic alternative to
- Allah will curse Muslims by making disgrace prevail over them if
they abandon jihad for agriculture.
Sunan Abu Dawud Book 23, Number 3455:
Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar:
I heard the Apostle of Allah, (peace_be_upon_him) say: When you enter into the inah transaction,
hold the tails of oxen, are
pleased with agriculture, and
give up conducting jihad (struggle in the way of Allah). Allah will make disgrace prevail over
you, and will not withdraw it until you return to your original
Ummah = empire
This gem comes from the third page of the manifesto.
selected and guided by the Almighty Allah Himself, these people then
form part of a great Islamic Civilization, that are united as one Nation, a Universal
Empire, known as the Muslim Ummah"
How are empires built? How did the ancestors of most
Muslims alive today become Muslims? Jihad! By universal,
the author means global. The caliphate must be all inclusive,
ruling the entire world.
best nation
On the fourth page of the manifesto, Surah Al-Imran
3:110 is quoted.
followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples
ever raised up for mankind; you
enjoin Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm has
ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that
Islâm has forbidden), and you believe in Allâh. And had the people of the
(Jews and Christians) believed, it would have been better for them;
among them are some who have faith, but most of them are Al-Fâsiqûn
(disobedient to Allâh – and rebellious against Allâh's Command).
3:111. They will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance; and if they fight against
you, they will show you their backs, and they will not be
3:112. Indignity
is put over them wherever they may be,
except when under a covenant (of protection) from Allâh, and from men;
they have drawn on themselves the Wrath of Allâh, and destruction is
put over them. This is because they disbelieved in the Ayât (proofs,
evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh and
killed the Prophets without right. This is because they disobeyed
(Allâh) and used to transgress beyond bounds (in Allâh's disobedience,
crimes and sins).
Allah was telling the Muslims that they are the best ummah
because they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong. He also told
them that we would not mount an effective resistance to their
conquest. There is something more that you need to know, which
can only be found in a hadith which explains 3:111.
Sahih Bukhari Volume 6, Book 60, Number 80:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Verse:–"You (true Muslims) are
the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind." means, the best of
peoples for the people, as you bring them with chains on
their necks till they embrace Islam.
The highlighted clause contains a clue for you; read it again.
Shall we be brought to Islam in chains? My response is too
profane to print.
Islam's right to rule
After proclaiming the supposed moral superiority of
Islam, the manifesto gets down to brass tacks on page 6.
the face of the earth, it is such people that deserve full respect and
honor, it is such people that not only deserve to Rule the World,
it is their Right
to Rule the World.
Page 14 of the manifesto is loaded with meaning.
Reformation would involve removing the genocidal conquest imperatives.
Of course, that is impossible because Islam is perfected & immutable.
hard on weakening the Imaan (faith) and belief of the entire Muslim
Ummah and their attack is on every individual Muslim and they are using
the Munafiqeen (Hypocrites) among us, the Munafiq [our hidden enemy]
are clearly identified just as the Almighty Allah mentions in the Holy
Quran. These people [our hidden enemies] have been working on a
project to try and destroy Islam from within, this project is known as Reformation of Islam,
I repeat so look at the words [Reformation of Islam] not reformation of
people to Islam, my beloved brothers, sisters, elders and respected
Ulama they know very well of our grievances and they use this to their
advantage, instead of following what Allah and His Messenger subscribes
for us [the Shariah of al Islam]
they subscribe the vile Kufr system called Democracy, they call
themselves Reformists, Modernist and Moderate Muslims yet nothing about
them resembles a Muslim with the lowest amount of faith.
They claim to
be the voice of the Muslim Ummah but they are the mouthpieces of the
This subject leads off page 16 of the manifesto with
a grand deception.
based the heavens and the earth on justice and given permission to the
oppressed to take revenge from his oppressor in due measure. [Satement
by one of the Mujahideen who met the Barakah of Martyrdom] Oh fellow
Believers, We find the Almighty Allah commands us to Fight those "The
Kufaar" who fight against us, and to fight them is Fard (Compulsory)
upon all Muslims, and Allah lays down the criteria of justice for Jihad
"great struggle" against them in the Holy Quran [Surah Al Baqara
And such True Believers can never be defeated, for Allah is always
their Defender and Helper: And be not weak hearted, nor grieve, for you
will have the upper hand, if you are True Believers. [Surah 3:139]"
Surah Al Baqara 2:190-193 is supposed to apply to defensive jihad,
when Muslim lands are invaded. Keep a sharp eye open for deceit.
but transgress not
the limits.
Truly, Allâh likes not the transgressors. [This Verse is the first one
that was revealed in connection with Jihâd, but it was supplemented by
another (V.9:36)].
2:191. And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from
where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah is worse than killing.
And fight not with them at Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (the sanctuary at
Makkah), unless they (first) fight you there. But if they attack you,
then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.
2:192. But if they cease, then Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
2:193. And fight
them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and
worshipping of others along with Allâh) and (all and every kind of)
worship is for Allâh (Alone). But if they cease, let there be no
transgression except against Az-Zâlimûn (the polytheists, and
wrong-doers, etc.)
2:190 does not say those who attack
you, it says those who fight
in other words: those who resist your conquest. "The limits" means
primarily ghulul & flight in the face of the enemy.
Embezzlement of spoils is the second worst offense, exceeded only by
abandoning jihad. Killing women, children and monks is prohibited not
on moral grounds, but because they are "property for Muslims"
i.e. slaves.
Examine the terminal conditions, highlighted in
2:193. Worship is for Allah alone. Compare that verse to Surah
Al-Anfal 8:39 which is obviously offensive, not defensive.
(disbelief and polytheism: i.e. worshipping others besides Allâh) and the religion
(worship) will all be for Allâh Alone [in
the whole of the world ]. But if they cease (worshipping others besides
Allâh), then certainly, Allâh is All-Seer of what they do.
Furthermore, the citation to Surah Al-Imran 3:139 is deceptive because of lack of context;
read through 145 and compare it to Surah Muhammad 47:35.
Page 17 ends with an exhortation to fight.
continues, to protect our state of affairs, to protect our faith, to
defend Islam will always be a struggle, we struggle to spiritually
uplift ourselves to that desired status, we want to be counted by
Allah, we want to serve Him in the best way we can, but fellow Muslims,
our religion is under attack. Learn how to respond and respond with
power and might, you are a great nation after all. Allah says fear not
man but Fear Me, fellow Believers our enemy is weak and we
need to crush this weak enemy, we cannot be silent, action is required.
If you are a True
Believer you will defend the cause of Islam, everything you owe to
Allah or have you forgotten your duty?
The Enemies of Islam does not want us to have an Islamic State, they do
not want us to govern our affairs by the Shariah of Allah, they fear
the leadership of the Khalifah which is part of the foundation upon
which the pillars of Islam rests, we cannot stress enough on the
importance of Global
Imamat (A
Worldwide Leadership), with an Imam to make sure that the affairs of
the Muslim Ummah are attended to in conformity to the Justice and Rule
of Islamic Law, the minute you subscribe to learning the Quran so that
you can try to understand it, the Kufaar (non-Muslims) they will call
you a fundamentalist, an extremist, a terrorist, they
don"t want you to become a real Muslim,
they want you to keep quiet, they want to silence and blind the Light
of PURE ISLAM. The Enemies of Islam will lie to you about the matter of
Amir ul Mumineen, they will say it was abolished, it ended!
Authubillah! May Allah protect us from believing this falsehood."
Well, wise guy, if Attatu8rk did not dissolve
the caliphate, who is the current caliph?
Bottom line
was previously unimagined and unimaginable possibilities; fellow
Believers our New
World Order is such that it is based on Sublime Character and
Distinctive Morality that will set the course of human history
on a path of peace,
tranquility, honor and dignity.
Mankind will finally be free from a world of enslavement, it is our
duty to protect the world from corruption and all forms of evilty,
everyone, both Muslim and Non-Muslim deserve to live in a
world that is safe and secure, Fellow Muslims the Holy Quran is
the Declaration of Human Rights, if a Non-Muslim asks you regarding his or her rights under
the Shariah of Allah,
refer them to the Holy Quran as it clearly states their rights,
freedoms and protection under the rule of the Khalifah. Fellow
Believers we know very well that the enemies of Islam will always try
to distort the Image of our beautiful religion, we know that they
deceive their own people and they will do anything in their power to
oppress and stop those who try and attempt a Revolution for real
change, The Islamophobic Racists would kill and imprison their own
people who dares to challenge their evil system of manipulation and
greed, you can protest, go on a hunger strike, set yourself on fire in
a demonstration, demand a revolution and you will fail because they
will stop you because you are powerless, you will lose your dignity,
your respect, your honor and soon they will call you the enemy. Turn to
Allah and you will be successful… The Almighty Allah says in the Holy
Quran that He will not change the condition of a people unless they
change that which is within themselves so REVIVE ISLAM WITHIN YOU!"
Islam inverts everything. Having four wives,
divorcing them by triple talaq and raping captive women is a strange sort of
morality. 'Marying' a six year old girl who has not reached
puberty is hardly an exemplar of morality. Waging genocidal conquest until "only Allah is worshiped"
and Jews & Christians are humbled, subjugated & extorted is a great way to make
peace, ain't it?
One hadith has powerful clues for you. Pay
particular attention to the emphasized clauses. Your blood and
property are not sacred to Muslims, you have no human rights and are
subject of an open season.
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Allah's Apostle said, "I have been ordered
to fight the people till they say: 'None has the right to be worshipped
but Allah.' And if
they say so, pray like our prayers, face our Qibla and slaughter
as we slaughter, then
their blood and property will be sacred to us and we will not
interfere with them except legally and their reckoning will be with
Allah." Narrated Maimun ibn Siyah that he asked Anas bin Malik,
"O Abu Hamza! What makes the life and property of a person sacred?" He
replied, "Whoever says, 'None has the right to be worshipped but
Allah', faces our Qibla during the prayers, prays like us and eats our
slaughtered animal, then he is a Muslim, and has got the same
rights and obligations as other Muslims have."
As a Christian dhimmi under the caliph, you are
subject to the rules & regulations of the Pact of Umar. You can not
pray aloud in public, hold processions, display crosses, ring bells or
build and maintain churches. If you say anything negative about Islam
you will be executed. Got a clue yet?
Such non-Muslim subjects are obliged to comply
with Islamic rules that pertain to the safety and indemnity of life,
reputation, and property. In addition, they:
-1- are penalized for committing adultery or
theft, thought not for drunkenness;
-2- are distinguished from Muslims in dress,
wearing a wide cloth belt (zunnar);
-3- are not greeted with "as-Salamu 'alaykum";
-4- must keep to the side of
the street;
-5- may not build higher than or as high as the
Muslims' buildings, though if they acquire a tall house, it is not
-6- are forbidden to openly display wine or
pork, (A: to ring
church bells or display crosses,) recite the Torah or Evangel aloud, or
make public display of their funerals and feastdays;
-7- and are forbidden to build new
The agreement is also violated (A: with respect
to the offender alone) if the state has stipulated that any of the
following things break it, and one of the subjects does so anyway,
though if the state has not stipulated that these break the agreement,
then they do not; namely, if one of the subject people:
-1- commits adultery with a Muslim woman or
marries her;
-2- conceals spies of hostile forces;
-3- leads a Muslim away from Islam;
-4- kills a Muslim;
-5- or mentions something
impermissible about Allah, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him
peace), or Islam.
Name Game
This is not a function of al-Qaeda,. Muslim
Brotherhood or any other subset of Islam: it is Islam!!! How do you hope to
understand this fatal fact without reading the Qur'an, hadith and
Shari'ah? I have provided links to Islam's canon of scripture,
tradition & jurisprudence in this blog post. I can lead you to
information but I can't make you read it.
Allah commands conquest in 8:39 & 9:29 and he demands "great slaughter" in 8:67. In 9:120 he promises an upgrade in his celestial
bordello for acts of terrorism.
Allah promises Muslims who join the jihad admission to
his celestial bordello. He threatens those who refuse with eternal damnation.
Can you get a clue? If you do get a clue, what will you do with
We have two possible options: preemptive nuclear
attack or preemptive ideological attack. Either we make them quit
breathing, we make them quit believing, or they will conquer and
enslave us. Which will it be?