text:
Page added on September 18, 2011
New religious unity regulations have been published in the government's gazette cracking down on extremist and unlicensed preaching of Islam in the Maldives.
The regulations reflect the enforcement of the Religious Unity Act and were originally put forward by the Islamic Ministry, but have undergone numerous drafts and revisions over the past year. The penalty for violating the regulations under the Act is 2-5 years imprisonment, banishment or house arrest.
Under the regulations – the government's interpretation of the Act – scholars foreign or local must be licensed to preach in the Maldives by the Islamic Ministry, and have received at least a first degree at one of 36 listed universities.
None of these are Maldivian institutions, although the regulations stipulate that new institutions would be evaluated on a case by case basis, and the list reviewed every three months.
The regulations contain general principles for the delivery of religious sermons. These include an emphasis on specifically referencing the Quran when statements are made, and clarifying the authenticity of Hadith.
Preachers are instructed not to express anything "against general agreement" reached among Islamic scholars, or provide any information " about issues disputed among Islamic scholars that serves to create disunity among the people and result in internal conflicts."
The regulations also require preachers to refrain "from passing off as Islam one's personal stand – that may result in obstruction of human progress and development and hinder modern findings and intellectual advancements."
Controversially, preachers are also asked not to preach in a manner that flaunts human dignity, that may be interpreted as racial and gender discrimination, prevent people from education or health services in the name of Islam, or demeans the character or creates hatred towards people of any other religion.
Foreign scholars preaching in the Maldives "should not talk against Maldives' social norms, nor should they criticise Maldives' domestic policies and laws," the regulations state.
It remains illegal to propagate any other religion other than Islam, and to carry or display in public books on religions other than Islam, "and the translation into Dhivehi language such books and writings on other religions." Proselytising by foreigners remains punishable by deportation.
Articles involving comparisons between Islam and other religions, "and description of sayings and expressions about Islam by people of other religions, and dissemination of Muslim expressions on other religions", are exempt, according to the regulations.
Media is banned from producing or publicising programs, talking about or disseminating audio "that humiliates Allah or his prophets or the holy Quran or the Sunnah of the Prophet (Mohamed) or the Islamic faith."
"This also includes the broadcasting of material (on other religions) produced by others and recording of such programs by the local broadcaster, and broadcasting such material by the unilateral decision of the local broadcaster," the regulations stipulate.
At a press conference today, the Islamic Foundation of Maldives (IFM) contended that the regulations conflicted with both the Maldivian constitution and the Quran.
In February this year, the IFM filed a case at the High Court requesting that outdated provisions in the Protection of Religious Unity Act of 1994 be abolished.
Article 2(b) of the Act states that permission to preach or offer instruction in religious matters must be sought in writing with the President.
Islamic Foundation Lawyer Shaheem Ahmed argued today that the Act conflicted with article 27 of the constitution, which states that, "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought and the freedom to communicate opinions and expressions in a manner that is not contrary to any tenet of Islam."
"Sadly however no hearings have been conducted in this case so far. We don't know why this is so," he said.
In addition, Shaheem argued, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs did not have the legal authority to enact regulations that restricts or limits fundamental rights and freedoms enumerated in chapter two of the constitution.
Article 16 states that the rights and freedoms contained in the chapter could be restricted "only to such reasonable limits prescribed by a law enacted by the People's Majlis".
"After this regulation was approved, from this day onward no one without a degree could teach Islam in any school in the country," he said, adding that imparting knowledge of Islam by a person without a degree would also be illegal.
As provision 5(l) of the regulations prohibits speech that could "incite hatred among the public, demean or undermine the human dignity of followers of another religion," Shaheem noted that the Quran described Jews as "evil people and liars" and cautioned against "taking Jews as your friends."
"Would expressing something like this from the Quran incite hatred or love towards us from Jews?" he asked. "The people who formulated this regulation should consider that the basis of Islam is the Quran."
Quran 2:120 states that, "Never will the Jews or Christians be pleased with you till you follow their religion" while 5:51 reads, "Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliya' (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but Auliya' to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as Auliya', then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers and unjust)."
Sheikh Ibrahim Fareed Ahmed meanwhile called on Islamic Minister Dr Abdul Majeed Bari to "repent" for approving a regulation that conflicted with the Quran.
"[The regulations] obstruct the freedom granted by Almighty God to spread Islam. It is therefore completely void," he claimed.
Fareed called on the government to review the regulations and reconsider enforcing the new rules, urging Islamic Minister Bari to consult religious scholars who were not Adhaalath party members and "not make such decisions on your own."
"We urge very respectfully and with affection, to reconsider this and change [the regulations] so that it does not conflict with the Quran," he said. "And don't try to narrow Islamic matters in the country."
IFM President Ibrahim Fauzee meanwhile revealed that the foundation was preparing to mount a legal challenge to the regulations at the Supreme Court.
Adhaalath Party condemns regulations
The Adhaalath Party, which controls the Islamic Ministry, issued a press statement today criticising the removal of "very important principles" from the original draft, and distanced the party's religious scholars from the regulations.
The statement notes that the regulations were drafted by a legal team from police and 11 prominent religious scholars and approved by three Attorney Generals.
"We would like to inform the beloved Maldivian people that the party condemns [the changes] in the harshest terms and the party's religious scholars and members renounces the gazetted regulations," it reads.
"We note that provisions from English law have been added that were not in the regulations before and are not suited to a 100 percent Islamic community. We also note that other dangerous changes have been made to the regulations," reads the statement signed by Sheikh Ilyas Hussein, vice-president of Adhaalath party's council of religious scholars.
"While the Minister of Islamic Affairs [Dr Bari, president of the religious scholars council] was requested to not agree to publishing the regulations in the gazette without consultation with the party's
scholars, we want to reveal that the regulations were brought out in the form it is in the gazette without any discussion at all with Adhaalath party's council of religious scholars."
Among the clauses that were removed were provisions outlining criteria for issuing preaching licenses, and prohibitions on broadcasting "un-Islamic" material.
These included provisions that preachers must be Sunni, and according to the Adhaalath Party, a provision requiring that religious fatwas (edicts or rulings) must be issued in accordance with the Sunni sect
was also removed, and so-called 'blasphemy' laws appeared to be toned down.
Laws forbidding independent prayer congregations were also scrapped.
The amendment regulations published in the government gazette yesterday was made up of 12 provisions, whereas previous drafts contained 40 provisions and a number of sub-clauses.
A more 'academic' approach
Former member of the Special Majlis and the new Constitution's drafting committee, Ibrahim 'Ibra' Ismail, who was involved in redrafting the regulations, told Minivan News that they set out a more "academic" approach to preaching Islam in the Maldives, and were targeted at curbing the spread of extremism.
"[The regulations] do not impinge on freedom of expression, compared to the first draft, and I believe we have taken out those elements," Ibra said.
"We have observed in this country and elsewhere that there are people who misquote the Quran and twist it around to propagate their agenda. These provisions curb that," he explained.
"What in effect we are ensuring is that preachers should not say whatever comes to their mind. We say that if those preaching religion must refer to sources – the Quran and the Prophet's sayings – so someone can independently verify if they wish.
"Where scholars deliver sources on areas and issues that are in dispute, these regulations require that they should state that," he said.
"We put in a provision that prohibits hate speech, such as no one should propagate xenophobia or negative sentiments towards other religious."
The criminalisation of those who violated the Act was not stipulated by the regulations, but in law, he explained.
"Currently the parliament is reviewing the relevant legislation (the Religous Unity Act), what we are doing is simply setting out how this can be enforced," Ibra said, confirming that 2-5 years sentences was "more or less" what was in the Act.
Enforcement would ultimately be a court decision, he explained, with the Islamic Ministry only having the right to temporarily suspend preaching license pending the outcome of the court decision.
Ibra suggested that religious groups active in the Maldives – such as the Islamic Foundation of the Maldives and Jamiyyath-al-Salaf – should welcome the regulations, "as until now there has been a move by some people to silence them. These regulations do not silence them, but ask them to engage and follow procedures in their work. There are no ramifications for any particular group – again this different to what was originally proposed."
He disputed that outlawing extremist preaching would drive the practice underground, and lead to a repeat of the 2007 Himandhoo incident, in which islanders donned red motorcycle helmets and armed themselves with batons and knives to defend the Dhar al Khuir mosque from a police crackdown.
In the ensuing skirmish, a policeman was taken captive and another's hand was severed. Shortly afterwards a video discovered on an Al Qaeda forum was found to contain footage taken inside the Dhar-al-khuir mosque moments before it was raided by police.
"Himandhoo was not based on religion – those where highly politicised times," Ibra said. "What I believe is that this will allow liberal-minded thinkers to convince people of the middle ground. Initially there may be some reactions, but I'm optimistic."
Download an unofficial translation of the new regulations (English)
54 Comments on "New religious unity regulations crack down on extremist preaching in Maldives"
Atheist on Sun, 18th Sep 2011 5:57 PM
Congratulations, Maldivians
Adhaalath have become your supreme leaders.
me on Sun, 18th Sep 2011 6:46 PM
we will see how many anti-islam comments you publish for this story. Remember we are also here and we will uphold the countries regulations and we are ready to go to the courts if you people continue publishing anti islam things. Now we have the backing of religious unity regulation on our side.
Kart on Sun, 18th Sep 2011 7:55 PM
Shame on u Maldives… This proves wat the world over has been talking about… Islam is regressive, medival and allows no freedom of thought and expression… It's followers are possibly the biggest idiots on the planet…
hassan ahmed on Sun, 18th Sep 2011 8:57 PM
Few days back the Mullahs were complaining that the government is purposely not publishing religious unity regulation in government gazette.
Now when the government full filled its obligation the Mullahs are complaining that there are restrictions on to spread the words Quran.
However the mullahs who preach and spread hates towards other religions failed to understand that Maldives have signed UN charters on human rights and international charters which the government is oblige and binding. Furthermore the Mullahs refuse to understand that, if the government accommodates to their ideology and ways, Maldives will be isolated with the international community. We have to accept the fact that we are not in a position to be so.
Ainth on Sun, 18th Sep 2011 9:21 PM
i do hope the police prosecute this website for its anti-islam content under the new law.
Atheist on Sun, 18th Sep 2011 9:53 PM
expect a decrease in tourism revenue.
yaamyn on Sun, 18th Sep 2011 9:58 PM
I don't think you realize it, but it is now us, the secular and moderate wing of the public, who'll be closely watching Adhaalath and IFM.
If you haven't read the regulations, or the article, do note that it explicitly forbids hate speech, misogyny and hindering the progress of civilization (hence the condemnation from IFM and Adhaalath, who know nothing else)
This means, we moderates and secularists will be watching very, very closely when Illiyaas or Fareed gets up on the podium next.
And conceivably, we WILL drag them to court legally now, should they engage in their usual hate speeches in contravention of the law.
Rumbe on Sun, 18th Sep 2011 10:49 PM
There is no doubt that Islamism is idiotic ideas it is so idiotic its believers believe that they are so right there is no scope for any doubt in the teaching of Islam and then the Maldivian have nothing except this perfect divine thing, how can anyone take that thing out of them. For them the first thing is their perfect religion because that's the only hope they have. The other issue is Maldivian culture is art of doing nothing and Islam is the religion that promotes to refrain from all works accept banging their heads five times a day and go to heaven and enjoy life there. This is so perfect concept for Maldivian so be it. Also Maldivian lack individual identity and their conceptual domain are fixed and it will not exceed beyond that, they will have one role model and will be followed by everyone and it becomes their fashion. This is very unique people in the world and we should respect and preserve this indigenous culture.
Non-Muslim Maldivian on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 12:33 AM
The next time any of these idiots say a thing against Jews and Christians, I will drag all these commentators and Mullahs to the court. Thank God for this regulation.
Rocket on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 12:54 AM
@ yaamyn
"I don't think you realize it, but it is now us, the secular and moderate wing of the public, who'll be closely watching Adhaalath and IFM."
Kon kameh vaanethee?
I think you ought to know a little bit about Maldives, Maldivians and Maldvian culture before you make such comments. You have lived abroad for too long that you are almost a misfit here now. You speak almost like a foreigner who is keeping an eye over things that happen here. I think someone like JJ will also understand us, Maldivians more than what you seem to do.
Sheikh Ilyas, Sheikh Fareed and any other Sheikh you may mention will speak on the podiums just the way they have been doing all these years. Nothing is going to happen to them. You are naive if you think this new 'religious unity regulations' will do anything that would change their speeches.
mohamed on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 1:21 AM
"Never will the Jews or Christians be pleased with you till you follow their religion" oh the irony
Ahmed on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 2:18 AM
Oh folks, what sheer nonsense from both all of you dumbfks! I and my people, hear me out loud, do not give a flyin' fk 'about any of these dumb regulations.
paid Adhaalath Troll on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 6:29 AM
there is a difference between our kaafirs and their (western) kaafirs. Our kaafirs are always ready to provoke and insult our responsibilities but their kaafirs are not so eager. So its like this.
our kaafirs have a very dim view of us. That our sharia is outdated, that our prophet is a bad person, that our holy book is invented etc. But after saying all these things at us they try to take the moral high ground. namely that their thinking is right, that they invented science, and that they only know science. and bla bla bla..
the problem is these worthless bigots do not know how hollow their insides are!!
yaamyn on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 8:34 AM
paid Adhaalath Troll,
You see, you can't lay claim to the moral high ground AND support hate-mongering at the same time.
You can't deny established Science AND lay claim to science at the same time.
There's a reason why we consider your party backwards. Because objectively speaking, progress lies in one direction.
You use phrases like "your" sharia and "your" prophet.
You praise the ideology of your masters to the heavens, but reject their dismal failures in every part of the world where it has been implemented in the last 300 years. You'd rather blame your leadership failure on the 'jews' and the 'west'.
Learn to take responsibility for yourself and acknowledge some basic facts. Without that, you do not stand a chance of progress.
yaamyn on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 8:36 AM
Let's see about that. I hear Fareed's speaking soon.
hassan ahmed on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 8:46 AM
@Ainth on sun, Good havens we do not advocate "BLASPHEMY", faith is not a thing to be forced or imposed on people!
The Mullah on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 8:56 AM
You describe 'Islamism' as having idiotic ideas. Your ideas as expressed in your post sound more idiotic and could only have come out from a dunce (for your information, a dunce is more than an idiot; he is one who is inherently incapable of learning). Let me explain. Firstly, take the case your usage of words. There is sometimes no relation between them and what they signify. For example, it is not clear what you mean by 'Islamism'? You seem to give the impression that 'Islamism' and Islam mean one and the same thing. Even though it may sound idiotic, you have the liberty to waive the conventional meanings of words and assign your own meanings to them! But if you want to make sense, you must at least be in the same class as Humpty Dumpty of Alice in Wonderland. At least, Humpty explains what he means by words when he chooses what he wants them to mean! If you do not do this, you will sound idiotic and your words will not make sense!
Secondly, you claim that Maldivians lack an 'individual identity'. What do you mean by this? Are not Maldivians individually identifiable? Do not they have names, addresses, dates and places of birth – all of which together give them an individual identity? In addition, they must also have a national identity – a shared language, history, ethnicity and culture – or else they would not be identified as Maldivians. And this national identity, in certain contexts – such as distinguishing a Maldivian from say an Indian – is part and parcel of their individual identity. Your lack of explanation renders your comment idiotic and nonsensical! You should have enlightened the reader on how a Maldivian can acquire an individual identity. By talking in a different language or claiming a different national history or by embracing a different culture or by changing their skin complexion? Or do you mean that many Maldivians have a 'mass' or 'party mentality' and blindly follow the masses or the party line without recourse to their own independent thinking and reasoning in order to formulate ideas and opinions? But what has 'individual identity' got to do with this? It is very confusing unless you explain! You should have at least said that in your dictionary black means white and white means black! Then it would have made sense. Otherwise it would sound idiotic and nonsensical!
Thirdly, you make some very tall claims. You claim that Maldivian culture constitutes of just one thing, that is, to use your words 'doing nothing.' Are you saying that all Maldivians are idle, lazy and not productive? This must be quite insulting to many Maldivians and especially those hard working fishermen who toil at sea day and night in sun or rain just so that they can put a plate of food on the table for their families. Unless you are blind, you cannot fail to observe their burnt and dried skin which is enough testimony to their hard labour. Or may be you do not consider this as work? Does not that sound idiotic? You also claim that Maldivians' 'conceptual domain' being 'fixed' and incapable of 'extension'. Did you look into each and every Maldivian's way of thinking and their intellectual capabilities? Does not this sound as utterances of a dunce? What a tall claim to make! You also claimed that 'Islam is the religion that promotes to refrain from all works [except] banging their heads five times a day …' So you investigated all religions and reached the conclusion that a fundamental objective of Islam, to the exclusion of all other religions, is to inculcate in its followers a sense of idleness and inactivity? In which Islam's foundation texts did you find these teachings? Is not this a tall claim to make? How can your hatred of Islam reach such proportions that it makes your rational faculties redundant? Do you really believe what you have said and think you are right? If that is the case, you are indeed a dunce and your 'intellectual domain' does not go beyond that of a three year old who only sees his ball in the street and goes after it ignoring all the on-coming traffic! It is indeed amazing that you fail to see how idiotic and nonsensical you sound and how full of yourself you are! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
me on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 9:40 AM
@ yaameen
just read article 8 of the regulation. it says:
"Allah ah nuvatha ekalaage rasoolunah nuvatha nabee beykalun nah rahdhuwaaney gothah huthuru ehchethi bunumaai, Allah aai rasoolun naai nabiyunge qadharaai loabi kuda waaneh fadha kankamaai efaraahthakaai nisbah kurumah waahaka dhekumaai, kurehun kurehumaai, minoonwes gothakun efadha shu'ooru faalhukoh hedhumakee MANAA kamekeve."
this means we will be watching very, very closely what you people write here in this website and in your blogs, facebook etc..
And conceivably, we WILL drag people like you to court legally now, should you people engage in your usual anti-islam hate mongering in contravention of the law.
Fathun on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 9:49 AM
@ the Mullah
Amazingly nice job.
but it is worthless arguing with a complete idiot as most of the anti-muslim-ists prove to be.
Rocket on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 10:09 AM
"Let's see about that. I hear Fareed's speaking soon."
I can tell you what will happen.
Fareed will speak. Out of the keen listeners, few will get an opportunity to get some media attention. These people will make a hype of it. Some others will jump and and down. Fareed will be in the midst of it. He might be asked to attend few meetings. In these, Fareed might even be told a few things. The issue will be dragged as much as is possible. Those jumping up and down will run out of steam. Then dust will start settling. And when it settles, it would be just another day of life for Fareed. He will start preparing for his next speech.
This is nothing unusual. The only thing new this time would be, in the meetings Fareed will be told of a new 'religious unity regulations.' But, other than that, there would be nothing new.
What would happen would be some (who call themselves "the secular and moderate wing of the public") will be so disappointed that they will wow to not interfere ever again.
PS. yaamyn, if you call yourself an atheist, mark my words, there will be a day of your life when you will realize how wrong you are. I pray that day will come soon.
peasant on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 10:31 AM
I fail to understand this vehement backlash against "secularists", nobody is calling for restrictions on religion, neither is anyone asking to replace Islam as the state religion.
But hey, one thing I do understand is that the hypocrisy is here to stay and a lot of people will be happy to sit back and criticize the "secularists" and the "masters" the west, all the while paying lip service to their religion.
I call on all who want to end this lunacy to fight fire with fire. As a first step we must join the Mullahs in calling for abolishing entertainment on satellite TV, especially the Hindi soaps with their idol worship. Once this is accomplished, (and with the women of this country with us) we can look for other"unislamic" targets until all the useful idiots which the mullahs wield understand that – live and let live is not such a bad philosophy.
Dhondheeenaaa on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 10:34 AM
I mean really what is wrong with you all. Quran and sunna is there what else you all need.
Anyways let c…!!??
And for the people who are trying to bring religious freedom to Maldives. Do not even think about it. Are you people out of your mind. Do you really think we can live hear peacefully with that. I don't think so…
@ Rumbe
Our religion is perfect. It is the truth. If you are so great prove it wrong.
Dhondheeenaaa on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 10:41 AM
@ Athiest
ya we will make them our supreme leaders. No yellow or blue. I am a yellow guy but now i am against yellow and insha Allah i will make 100 of me. And that 100 will make 100 for each. You will see when the time comes.
yaamyn on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 11:07 AM
That might very well be. But it won't make it legal.
You must have misread my comment. Where did I (ever-)call myself an 'atheist'?
Rumbe on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 11:20 AM
@The Mullah
First of all I am happy that you had completely read my mind and understood my assertion, most of Maldivian will not have that ability. The rest is debatable and thorough research and independent opinion can prove me wrong. Argumentum verbosium is logical fallacy and it is not how to prove someone is wrong
too many prophets in maldives on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 11:42 AM
Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve
Qur'an, sura 2 (Al-Baqarah), ayat 62
Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book (the Jews and Christians) are a portion that stand (for the right): They rehearse the Signs of God all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration.
They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works. They are in the ranks of the righteous.
Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for God knoweth well those that do right.
Qur'an, sura 3 (Al-Imran), ayat 113-115
Maldives resort photographer on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 11:46 AM
This website is just two three Drug addict, child sex, prostitute ruining very democratic website. They believe there is no god and they believe there is no there mother and father and even them self. haha
Maldives resort photographer on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 11:48 AM
Maldives is a Democratic country and Maldivians choose ISLAM is there Religion. I don't understand what you are calling for. What kind of Democracy your are following.
yaamyn on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 1:16 PM
Maldives resort photographer,
You have a fundamental misunderstanding of the concept of democracy.
Please read more to understand the difference between 'tyranny of the majority' and 'democracy'.
A modern liberal democracy has no meaning if does not (constitutionally-) safeguard and protect minority opinions and beliefs.
Minority opinion and dissent is not only acceptable, but also crucial in a true modern democracy – which is why you have the concept of an 'opposition' in parliament.
If 60% of the population want to dispossess the rights of 40% – and, by your idea of democracy automatically has this right, then it wouldn't make for a very ideal society.
The percentages don't matter. In a civilized society, even a lone dissenting individual will have his rights protected.
imran on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 1:52 PM
hahahah know minivan news cannot publish articles against islam…atheist works are failed masha allah..
Dhondheeenaaa on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 2:54 PM
@ Yameen
Some minority or some individuals says they want be Maldives to be like Pompey. That is having sex in public. Homo sex and Lesbians are their favorite type.
Another bunch of people says we want to legalize all the type of drugs. Marijuana is their favorite.
This is just few, if you like i can show you more.
So yameen according to your democracy we have to give them their rights. If we are not giving these right we cant be a civilized society. Arnt we..!!???
I am an uneducated guy. What to do!? My parents are Maldivians, they are uneducated. Unfortunately from their effort we are hear like this.
Ya they did not go to moom but they took the moon to the king. I think they are better than Americans. Arnt they…!!!????
Sorry we do not want be a civilized society that has no protection . In these so called civilized societies criminals run freely.
I don't want to install a huge security system at my home that alarms even an innocent little creature unknowingly enters my home. I want to walk freely to the bank. I do not like bodyguards running around me. When i go out i see most of the youth roaming around high doing nothing. And i feel sorry for them. I dont want to see it either.
So where is my right…!!!???
unknown person on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 3:55 PM
People stop getting your knickers in a twist.
This is all pent up blah blah blah.
yaamyn on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 4:06 PM
This is the problem I have with your thinking.
The right to freedom of conscience is something modern civilizations elsewhere takes for granted.
When you go to India, or Sri Lanka, or America or Europe, there's this basic understanding that come what may, you are free to have your own opinion, so long as you do not harm someone else, or threaten someone else's security.
I have personally never seen or heard of any Maldivian demanding to have sex in public.
You're equating your wildest fantasies with basic rights to private thoughts.
Why stop at having sex in public? There are also people who'll want to murder, or rape children or worse. None of these things are allowed in free societies, because they infringe on others rights and safety, and an expectation of a decent living.
What exactly does it take away from you as a Muslim when a non-Muslim practices his/her religion?
yaamyn on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 4:15 PM
Have you ever paused to consider why you think anything but the strictest control over everything fills your mind with scenes of chaos and anarchy?
This is exactly the kind of thinking that Dictators talk about democracy.
If people are given the right to have an opinion, then there'll be no stability and chaos everywhere.
It is true that democracies are a bit noisier and occasionally chaotic – but overall, countries like India, Western Europe and US and Scandinavia show that it works.
The people in all these countries lead better lives today than they did yesterday, and can actually look forward to better tomorrows.
Compare that with the stagnant dictatorships of the middle east who are 'stable' and 'peaceful' much like our country was for over 20 years.
Some idiots continue to wish for a dictatorship in the Maldives, claiming it was more peaceful.
A slightly chaotic freedom is always more welcome than a repressed, superficial 'peace'.
Rumbe on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 6:01 PM
If I have no evidence that Islam is no different than any other religion why do you think I am advocating it. Probably you will say Allah has sealed my heart and made me blind and deaf so I can't see the sign of Allah and can't see the truth in the words of Allah. Definitely I can't prove it to you because you have no scope for doubt for what you believe. If you ask my personal opinion, I don't believe in personal God like Allah who communicates with his super creation through his chosen one in a specific language to a people to one geographical location and basically deals with human conception of universe of that period of time in the history. I believe with archeological evidence that the human history did not began about 2000 years before, the way all monotheist religions projects. And I believe the universe is not that simple the way these religions see it. I believe religions are theories in Science of that period which has no answer to Science of today and human being will pursue to find the truth about their existence which they may never find an answer.
Rocket on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 6:18 PM
"Where did I (ever-)call myself an 'atheist'?"
Not that you literally did. But your strident articles and comments against belief and religion in general and Islam in particular made me think you are. (I had to go through your blog once again to find out where i got this impression from. But I'm afraid it cannot be pinned down to one article or comment.) My apologies if I am wrong.
Now I wonder whether it is Islam that you have a problem with.
Rocket on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 6:32 PM
"What exactly does it take away from you as a Muslim when a non-Muslim practices his/her religion?"
To think that those who object to a secular Maldives is doing so because they believe something is taken away from Muslims when a non-Muslim practice his/her religion is utterly simplistic.
The dynamics of a secular state will be very complex. In fact, too complex to handle for a small nation like ours.
You think that some Maldivians can be Muslims, some can be atheists, some can be Jews, some Hindus, etc, etc and everything else would be the same. This is where the problem lies. You need to think more than jsut that.
Just think of the disruption of social harmony bruoght on by the multi-party system. This disruption would be peanuts compared to the turmoil that would be created if we are to be a secular state.
This is why I responded with "Koba massala akee?" when you said "non-Muslims in the Maldives may exist as physical flesh-and-bones entities, but if they value their lives, liberty and security, then they must adhere to the strict code of conformity and total silence."
maldives on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 6:39 PM
completely agree with yaamyn.
looking good to the public has always taken a front seat to freedom in maldives.
Most people wear burugaa not because they are religious, but because they love to percieved as pious, religous women… i bet 60% of women in maldives do it for this reason.
when a fellow maldivian speaks his mind about freedom of religion, everyone looks at that person like he's so full of shit ..and a "how could you!" sort of way…not necessarily giving much thought to what the dude's even saying they jump to judgement.
Also there is nothing free about Islam. there is no place for strong, free willed and independent women (i mean seriously we cant even own our own inheretence or get married without consent of a MAN)
Also Muslims like Fareed/Ilyas/Mullahs hate Jews and in doing so they become Nazis…. If u read a secondary school islam text book… page after page they talk bout how specifically Yahoodheen are our enemies.
Let me remind you muslim brothers and sisters…this is 2011… not 7th century Arabia… iam sure it made sense back then… but the rules dont apply anymore… just like we live in apartment houses with Air conditioning now and not in caves in some arab dessert…
The Mullah on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 7:23 PM
This is just for you. Many thanks. I commend you for your moral courage to have somewhat (I get a feeling there was a bit of grudge) accepted my comment even though it was a bit harsh. I hope you did not get me wrong. I do not mind criticism of any subject including religion and religious beliefs. Nor do I have a problem with any religion or atheism; everyone is free to believe whatever they want to believe. I can understand that all worldviews, religious or otherwise, are human constructs. Although some hold that religious worldviews are unscientific and indefensible while areligious worldviews are scientific and somewhat superior, they sometimes fail to see that the scientific methodology applicable in the building of secular worldviews has a lot of commonalities to the religious methodology and are not fool-proof. Perhaps there will be some other time to go into details and debate this. But I think it is imperative for all sides in this religious divide – the Maldivian believer and the Maldivian non-believer to learn to respect each other and draw the line between criticism and mockery. I think both sides have been guilty of this.
By the way your last post has some factual errors: the monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – do not teach that the world began 2000 years ago. Anyway, kind regards.
yaamyn on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 7:47 PM
It is an assumption you made – and is not based on any article or post of mine.
You will also be hard pressed to find a sentence I wrote that is "against belief or religion" in general.
If anything, I promote a more intellectual Islam that looks forward and embraces the Sciences – much like our ancestors did.
And I strongly criticize medieval thinking that is being perpetuated by the likes of IFM and Adhaalath thinking, that has already led Muslims into the dark ages.
As for your argument that Secularism would make society unstable – I disagree completely.
1) Repressing any section of the society – even the wahhabis – and preventing them from participating in it is never a good idea, as Maumoon proved to us. This is why Fareed has been thrust upon us in the first place.
2) You say multi-party democracy is chaotic. But how many of our citizens do you think would want to go back to not being free to voice an opinion?
Secularism only means one thing to me – no one can dictate a people in the name of religion. Not Adhaalath, not Gayoom, not Fareed. This is absolutely necessary for ideas and intellectualism to survive – and consequently, for democracy to survive
3) How can a self-proclaimed Islamic country deny non-Muslims the rights they've been explicitly granted by Allah? It doesn't make sense to me.
mohamed on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 8:13 PM
ehm… is questioning to better understand islam allowed?
does the question come with a possible "THIS IS SPARTAAA!!!" moment?
if there answer is flawed r we allowed to point it out?
or r we suppose to listen & believe what ever the ministry says without question?
is only priests.. i mean SHEIKHS allowed to debate among themselves what the common (lower class) people should believe?
Rocket on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 8:45 PM
yaamyn, it may be an assumption I made. My apologies again. My bad.
If you "prmote a more intellectual imslam," then why do i not see it?
May be something is wrong with me?
Or may be you have not portrayed what you promote in a clear and concise manner. Here on, i will of course try to see your views as the promotion of a more intellectual Islam.
All these days, i have been under a very wrong assumption, i guess.
As for your disagreement about secularism …
No worries. I will respect your views.
Homogenity in my mind, would be easier to manage than heterogenity. This includes homogenity of religion as well.
But suppose we are to be a secular nation. Then there would be some other issue over which a minority of our country will fight. There is no utopia anywhere. So there would be no end to the number of issues over which people can fight.
Even the western coutries have their issues. They may be allowed to practice their religion freely and express their views freely or do anything else. But their issues are no less. If there are no issues at home, people go international and fight for other causes. The guys that go after the Japanese whale hunters are a typical example that comes to my mind.
Its in the human nature to fight.
"How can a self-proclaimed Islamic country deny non-Muslims the rights they've been explicitly granted by Allah? It doesn't make sense to me."
Didn't you notice that there is a chicken and egg situation here?
Or perhaps an oxymoron?
If it is a 100 percent Islamic country, there should be no non-Muslims.
Then whose rights are you talking about?
Ahmed on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 9:24 PM
@rocket, anyone whose born in maldives and their mom and dad and entire ancestory is from maldives is maldivian.
So just coz someone decides not to be a muslim anymore coz he has other views on religion, doesnt mean he's not maldivian. He is still every bit maldivian, and he has every right a muslim maldivian have.
This is not a 100% muslim country,dear.never was, never will be… there is no such thing as 100%.Not all maldivians are muslim. There are homosexuals and alcohol lovers who dont follow islam. they speak dhivehi, they have dhivehi blood and they are dhivehi. They will always be dhivehi. they have every right like the rest of the maldivian citizens. infact its against human rights to kick ppl out of the country based on their religious beliefs. Its very stupid.
mohamed on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 10:29 PM
there is no 100%
people will have different opinions its inevitable its not religious unity we should be looking for its unity (peace & tolerance)
peasant on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 11:48 PM
"If it is a 100 percent Islamic country, there should be no non-Muslims.
Then whose rights are you talking about?"
The 100% clause should never have been enshrined in the constitution. Adhering to a religion requires faith, this makes some some citizens live in contravention to the constitution and they do not have a choice in that matter. One cannot believe just because one would like to.
Nazim the "apostate", who rather miraculously rediscovered his faith after his arrest is back in the fold of Islam? How stupid are we really?
Apart from the obvious intellectual acrobatics required to criminalize a belief (disbelief rather) you have the conundrum of proving the crime and enforcing the law. This negates the entire constitution.
As for the answer to your question- I believe it is the rights of the people who do not have the faith.
yaamyn on Tue, 20th Sep 2011 2:13 PM
What the previous comments said.
"100% Muslim" would indicate that there was some kind of survey or religious census carried out to arrive at it.
But to my knowledge, there hasn't ever been such a thing.
Islam does not allow any one to unilaterally declare someone else's faith, not even the Prophet.
Otherwise it would just too easy, wouldn't it? Our parliament could just as well pass a resolution declaring the whole world to be hereafter 100% Muslim.
Surely, if we do not officially recognize it, then it ceases to exist?
Also, we're also 100% self-sufficient, and perhaps Somalia should pass a law declaring everyone 100% well-fed. If anyone asks, you could always throw the rejoinder "What hunger are you talking about?"
Rocket on Tue, 20th Sep 2011 7:07 PM
To all of you i have one answer.
You cannot have the cake and eat it.
You cannot be a non-Muslim and a Maldivian. The minute you become a non-Muslim, you will be deprived of your nationality. Go anywhere you want. But you cannot be a Maldivian.
@ yaamyn
You are right. No one cam impose a religion on another person.
But, what you are talking about is our constitution. It does not say you cannot be a non-Mulsim. It only says you cannot be a Maldivian if you are a non-Muslim. There is a difference here. Declare yourself a non-Muslim and go live anywhere you want. No one will care to follow you.
yaamyn, I agree. No one has done any research to say we are 100 percent Muslims. But remind yourself that this calculation is not even required because there simply cannot be non-Muslims who are Maldivian. If you (I do not mean Yameen Rasheed) are a non-Muslim and you are living in Maldives, by law, you will not be counted as a Maldivian. There is no rocket science in this calculation. So why doubt the 100 percent as false?
@ Ahmed
You think "its against human rights to kick ppl out of the country based on their religious beliefs. Its very stupid."
Human rights are made by human beings.
So are the articles of the Maldivian constitution.
The question is which one is more important for us?
I would say our constitution because it was prepared by Maldivians in a Maldivian context for the purpose of governing Maldives.
The UN document on human rights, on the other hand was not prepared for Maldives alone.
mohamed on Tue, 20th Sep 2011 7:36 PM
great u solved the world hunger problem every country should declare if anyone is hungry they r not from this world
problem solved! ^_^
also no more sick people too!!!
yaamyn on Tue, 20th Sep 2011 7:41 PM
You are wrong.
Even the Maldivian government has officially argued that the constitution declares that no Maldivian can be deprived of citizenship "under any circumstance".
There is no exception to the clause that says this.
And furthermore, it would violate International laws, like Article 15 of the UDHR, that the Maldives has already acceded to without reservation.
This means that non-Muslims who were Maldivian under the old constitution continue to be Maldivian under the law.
The reason they cannot voice their rights is because of entirely different reasons – namely, that the courts fall back on Shariah, which may imaginably issue a death sentence for thought crimes.
yaamyn on Tue, 20th Sep 2011 7:56 PM
"The UN document on human rights, on the other hand was not prepared for Maldives alone."
You live in an imaginary world where the Maldives is a self-sufficient, sovereign nation that has no obligations to International law or community.
That is not true. As long as the Maldives continues to heavily rely on UN Aid and expertise, it is legally, not to mention ethically, bound by these documents.
And you tell us about having your cake and eating too! Rich!
Rocket on Tue, 20th Sep 2011 8:28 PM
"… no Maldivian can be deprived of citizenship "under any circumstance"."
In that case, I will have to read the constitution again before i argue any more on this.
"violate International laws, like Article 15 of the UDHR"
International laws?
Like Article 15 of UDHR?
So UDHR is a law?
I'm confused.
Rocket on Wed, 21st Sep 2011 9:48 AM
yaamyn, I know that you are trying to portray the UDHR document as something that we have to be LEGALLY bound to, not out of ignorance, but out of an irresistible desire to make your argument look strong. I will call this intellectual dishonesty.
If we are to do exctly what the UN says because we accept UN Aid and expertise, then we are being blackmailed. I don't think thats what the UN does.
I may be living in an imaginary world. But what you described is life on one extreme end of my world. On the other end, life is diametrically opposite to this. Where I normally live is somewhere in the middle. In the middle, people may or may not accept that UDHR is binding. Generally, there are gradations and variations of acceptance. Some articles can be embraced as a whole. Some require editing. Some people accept the whole thing without editing. Some argue that it requires changes to suit their way of life.
There are also people who strongly argue that "tyranny of the majority is not democracy" (not that I disagree to this). There are also people who feel that UDHR may be a document prepared by the majority of one such tyranny.
I think the solution is to accept that there cannot be one uniform that will fit everyone.
yaamyn on Wed, 21st Sep 2011 11:11 AM
Do read the constitution.
Also, I do not believe you're 'confused'. You're just avoiding the argument altogether.
I concede that it is not the law, but it is still a commitment. This is not 'blackmail'. What you're suggesting is exactly what you earlier referred to as eating the cake and having it too. It suggests that the UN and International community is somehow obliged to fund us, while violate International covenants and treaties.
The UDHR document was produced and accepted by a large number of countries – including Muslim nations.
As long as the Maldives has pretensions to be a 'democracy', then it might as well go the whole way.
You still haven't justified on what basis you wish to oppress minorities, and still claim to be right.
Such ideas are a violation of both democratic norms and Islam itself – and Maldives claims to be both. You could argue back that we don't even need to be a democracy or Islamic – and that it is entirely our choice. But you'd be wrong again.
We may be geographically isolated islands – but we're very much meshed into a lot of international commitments as long as we continue to survive largely on their Aid. It is sad that I have to bring up this argument, since you don't seem to consider human rights a concern at all.
Rocket on Wed, 21st Sep 2011 9:34 PM
yaamyn, I surely will read the constitution.
About having the cake and eating it …
I think everyone likes to do both.
The UN does not give us everything we ask for. And we are not obliged to do everything they ask from us. Its a mixture of both.
The UDHR document may be accepted by any number of countries. But that does not necessarily mean we should accept it. No two countries are alike. So what suits one may not suit the other. This is not so hard to understand.
I am not wishing to opress minorities. I am only claiming that there is no minority.
I agree we are meshed into a lot of international commitments and treaties. But I dont think we can let the international community dictate to us what may be best for us. The international community is not bothered about what may be best for the other. They are worried that they may not get the best deal.
What made you think I do not consider human rights a concern? I am saying that people are free to do what they want. But that they also have to respect laws and constitutional articles.
You talk of UDHR. When was this document prepared? Before or after the Maldivian constitution? Irrespective of the chonology, as a Maldivian, you are fisrt obliged to respect the Maldivan constitution. Then comes international stuff.


text:
We are a friendly club, dedicated to the Sphynx cat. We hope you enjoy our site and visit often, for news, updates and information about this exquisite breed of cat.
In 1990 under the wing of The Colour Rex Coated AOV Club, Jan Plumb and Angela Rushbrooke, who imported the first Sphynx into the UK. applied to the GCCF for the breed to be recognised, but this was refused as the Governing Council Executive felt the breed was not viable in a normal pet home and consequently were not allowed to put this amazing breed on exhibition any more. However this did not stop the breed from gaining popularity and in July 1991 THE SPHYNX CAT CLUB was formed, holding it's inaugural meeting after an Open Day at the home of Jan Plumb.
The Club has come a long way since then and has a membership of around 150 admirers of the breed. In July 2005, the Club was granted pre-affiliation to the GCCF, exactly fourteen years to the day, that the Club was formed. The Sphynx were once again allowed to be placed on exhibition at GCCF shows.
The Sphynx Cat Club holds an Open Day each year, produces a yearly magazine and has so far held three seminars on the Sphynx breed, the one held last year jointly with the newly formed Sphynx Cat Association who have also been granted pre-affiliation. The clubs work closely together for the good of the breed. Also in July 20005 a Sphynx Breed Group was put in place to revise the breed standard and lay down a breeding policy so the Clubs could go forward and apply, at last, for the bred to recognised. The Breed group thanks Julia May for sitting in on it's meetings and guiding it in the right directions. The Breed Group Chairman is Mr. John Hannson, a well respected Judge and the Secretary is Mrs. Hilary Dean, both of whom work tirelessly for the breed.
July 2006 was a very special day when Janice, Angela and the whole club membership achieved their dream, The GCCF granted the Sphynx breed preliminary recognition. The breed number has been set as 84.
Sphynx have been shown at FIFe and TICA shows for many years where they have gained championship status.
Join our Facebook page found here https://www.facebook.com/groups/602728436477215/691158977634160/?notif_t=group_comment_reply
Miss Elsie Hummerston Tel: 0208 5022763
Mrs. Jan Plumb Tel: 01202 475105 firstname.lastname@example.com
Mr Paul Reid Tel: 01489 email@example.com
England: Ms Nicola Simmons – Welfare and events co-ordinator
Scotland Mr. George Gow Tel. 0131 652 1895 firstname.lastname@example.com
Miss Elsie Hummerston Tel: 0208 5022763
Ann Hobson-Kelly please e-mail on email@example.com
Committee members
Claire Taylor
Nicola Simmons
Hilary Dean
Morris Dean
We are all available and happy to speak to you and give our support and advice in any way we can regarding the Sphynx cat breed.
Please been kind enough to contact before 9pm
Thank you

subset: commoncrawl


text:
So I've stumbled across Rogue Dead Guy Ale hear in the UK on base. I've tried several different batches to propagate the Pac Man yeast that's in the bottles. I honestly want to say that they've been pasteurized..which leads me into this question. Does anyone have any Pac Man slants available that would like to trade? I have on hand in slants Wyeast 2308, Saflager S-23, Safale S-33, White Labs Cry Havoc, Wyeast 1056, and an unknown strain from a German Hefeweizen Tap (produces excellent wheat beers). I can promise that these are pure strains and the yeasts are very happy in their slants! Any Takers?!
I can't trade, but I do know for certain that it is possible to harvest Pacman yeast from a bottle of Dead Guy, keep at it!
Pasterized beer doesnt have yeast in it,does it?
Where u at. This is my " house" strain.
The Dead Guy six pack is under suspicion of being filtered as there is very little to no sediment in the bottles. You will want to try with one of the Rogue 22oz bottles if possible, they are loaded with yeast on the bottom.
You can order a Pacman smack-pak from Wyeast. I have like 4 of them in the fridge where I work, I could ship you one if you want, the date on them is not the freshest, but they have been in a walkin cooler at a constant 34-35 degrees. I grabbed 10 of them since I was not sure if it was going to be around forever, my house strain as well, killer yeast, literally eats everything! PM me if you are interested..
[QUOTE="Woodbury419"] I'm in Lakenheath, UK (England), is this feasible? Nope. Check rebel brewer
For what its worth, I recently harvested successfully from a ceramic swing top bottle of Rogue "XS Imperial Stout" that I discovered hiding in the back of my beer closet. I stepped up a nice starter and pitched most into a test batch of beer last night (which is happily bubbling already) and froze the rest with a water/glycerine in 15ml vials. I'll check into shipping, but I suspect keeping it cold for the time it takes to get to the UK from the US may be a challenge. I had tried and failed a few times before with other Rogue beers. A couple of things that I think helped this time: -The bottle I harvested from had sat undisturbed and upright for >6mo, so there was a nicely settled layer on the bottom. -I poured the beer out into a pitcher (ok a pyrex measure, I'm a guy) in one pour before serving it. I've found that doing multiple pours brings more of the yeast up into suspension and leaves less to be harvested. -I used a little boiled and cooled water to swirl around in the bottom of the bottle to get all the yeast into a slurry and pitched into a ~150ml starter on a stir plate in a warmed cooler at 70F (my diy incubator). Cheers!


text: Info Search results 13 items matching your search terms. Filter the results. Item type Select All/None Collection Page Event File Folder Form Folder Image Link News Item Collection Person New items since Yesterday Last week Last month Ever Sort by relevance · date (newest first) · alphabetically CAR Experience Located in Research/Academics / Academic and Education Programs / COE and CAR Care Assistant Traineeship Description of the CA role and application for CA positions Located in For Faculty & Staff / Enhanced Care Training Programs Clinic Team 1 IMC QI Team 1 has been focused on improving communications both with patients and among clinic staff. They have tested and used teach back methods to facilitate improvements. Team 1 meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 8 - 8:45 am in the Trailer 47 conference area. Located in Quality Improvement / Quality Improvement Teams Clinician Tools Depression screening and assessment tools for providers Located in For Faculty & Staff / … / Programs / Depression Care Program COE Experience Located in Research/Academics / Academic and Education Programs / COE and CAR Depression Care Program The General Internal Medicine Clinic provides comprehensive health care services. Depression is a medical illness that significantly affects health, self-care, and management of chronic illnesses. The Clinic began screening all patients in March 2010. Our Depression Care Program tracks the progress of patients who screen positive. If you are a patient of the Clinic and have depression, your Provider will provide information about depression, discuss available treatments and develop an individualized treatment plan to help you. Located in For Faculty & Staff / Internal Medicine Clinic / Programs Diabetes Program All clinic patients with diabetes are present in the registry and followed by the Enhanced Care Diabetes Program Located in For Faculty & Staff / Internal Medicine Clinic / Programs General Medicine Quality Overview Our philosophy and approach to quality improvement. Located in Quality Improvement Monthly Quality Reports Reports on key measures for the EC Anticoagulation and Diabetes Programs, NCQA Heart Stroke, and Appointment Access. Located in Quality Improvement Patient Decision Quality Initiative To promote research on issues of risk communication, patient-provider communication, and shared decision making in health care settings. Located in Research/Academics / Research Program / Current Research and Research Programs Next 3 items » [1] 2


text: There will soon be a new face each morning on Awake on News 4. John Knicely joins Virginia Kerr, Matt Chambers and the gang on October 26th. In the mean time, we cornered John during his first week in the newsroom to learn a little more about where he has been and why that name sounds so familiar. (KMOV.com)


text:
Prayer Circles
Read Prayers. |
timpson 9/7/2007 13:20 |
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Bless Him all ye creatures here below! Bless Him above ye heavenly hosts! Bless Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Our pre-trial scheduled for this morning was cancelled! Praise be to God! Our attorney was called out of town so it will be rescheduled, buying us time to reason with Mr. and Mrs. Easter. Prayer Warriors, please continue your prayer vigil before the Lord to see these charges against my son totally dismissed. My son totally believes that not only does God have His hand on him, but he has been chosen for a higher purpose in serving God. Thank you for your prayers and your support�.we�ll keep you updated. GOD BLESS! |
timpson 2/26/2008 12:31 |
20080226 Update - My son's case scheduled to go before Judge Monday 12 May; he will decide whether to dismiss or refer to jury trial; pray for Solomon's wisdom to rest upon the judge; continue to intercede for the Lord to guide us all. |
Has problems James J 02/12/2008
My Uncle Dennis Worthington 02/12/2008
My marriage Kat Mounce 02/12/2008
A good friends mother, who has cancer everyone who needs prayer universal 02/12/2008
Pray for Michelle and Carlos N. 07/08/2008
"This prayer is to help us sell our home."
Pray for Donald H. 07/07/2008
"The love of my life has cancer."
Pray for Amanda B. 07/06/2008
"Please pray for my daughter and her unborn child."
Pray for Janice A. 07/05/2008
"One of my most favorite people in the whole world needs your prayers today. Please spread this and include Janice in your daily prayer."
Sign up to receive a daily feed of the prayer circles that need your prayers the most, delivered directly to your Beliefnet community profile. Sign up now! Not a member yet? Register here.


text:
Prayer Circles
Read Prayers. |
openess 9/8/2009 08:57 |
loving father please help this husband and wife to relax in your holy spirit |
wolfe 9/8/2009 10:37 |
Father, Bless this family with the eyes to see your path already made for them. Fill them with the Holy Spirit so that they will have the Faith to believe that you will never leave. Bless their marriage with strength and understanding and gentle love. Send your Angels of light to guide them to higher ground. Let them know they are not alone but that you love them and always have and always will. In Jesus's name we pray, Amen -Wolfe |
Has problems James J 02/12/2008
My Uncle Dennis Worthington 02/12/2008
My marriage Kat Mounce 02/12/2008
A good friends mother, who has cancer everyone who needs prayer universal 02/12/2008
Pray for Michelle and Carlos N. 07/08/2008
"This prayer is to help us sell our home."
Pray for Donald H. 07/07/2008
"The love of my life has cancer."
Pray for Amanda B. 07/06/2008
"Please pray for my daughter and her unborn child."
Pray for Janice A. 07/05/2008
"One of my most favorite people in the whole world needs your prayers today. Please spread this and include Janice in your daily prayer."
Sign up to receive a daily feed of the prayer circles that need your prayers the most, delivered directly to your Beliefnet community profile. Sign up now! Not a member yet? Register here.


text:
Mitsubishi unveils new Blu-ray players in Japan
Features range from mirror finishes to 500GB hard drives.
If you're tired of the boring facades on average Blu-ray players, the mirror finishes of the new Mitsubishi Electric recorders is guaranteed to get your attention. And pretty faces aside, the DVR-BZ100 and BZ200 also combine versatile DVD Blu-ray recording with hard drive capacities of 250GB and 500GB, respectively, according to Akihabara News. Another notable feature is their touch-screen remotes, which have color displays and flexible softkeys tailored for specific functions. But alas, this is another Japan-only release.
(Source: Crave Asia)


text:
(Promoted by Colorado Pols)
One of the Vote No 67 Campaign advertisements has been rejected by Hulu, the online streaming video service.
"According to our advertising bylaws, we are not able to accept 'ads that advocate a controversial political or other public position," wrote a Hulu ad representative to the Vote No on 67 Campaign.
"I was on my daily run when I was attacked, and beaten and raped," says "Amanda" in the rejected ad. "What I've been through is one of the many reasons I oppose Amendment 67. When I was at the hospital, I was offered emergency contraception. Amendment 67 could ban abortion and emergency contraception, even in cases of rape or incest. Of course, we all want to protect pregnant women, but Amendment 67 isn't the way."
Trouble is, this ad is factual, and Hulu has been running spots on numerous other political issues.
I contacted Hulu seeking an explanation for why this ad is unacceptable and will update this post when I hear back.
Amendment 67 is the "personhood" amendment on this year's election ballot.


text:
UK & World News
Man Arrested Over Diouf Racist Abuse Claims
A man has been arrested in connection with racist abuse hurled at Leeds striker El-Hadji Diouf by Millwall fans.
The 53-year-old man was arrested after Sky Sports News broadcast footage which showed some of the fans hurling insults at the Senegalese forward during a game at the Den in November.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the man, from Enfield in north London, had been remained in custody on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
Millwall Football Club said it was "appalled" by the footage and vowed to reopen an investigation into allegations of racial abuse, which initially emerged online.
The club has promised to ban any individuals for life if they are found guilty.
The footage appears to show fans hurling insults at Diouf during an npower Championship clash between the two clubs at the southeast London ground on November 18.
The Lions' chief executive, Andy Ambler, said an initial investigation was closed after Diouf said he heard no racist abuse aimed at him.
"Like all Millwall fans and football fans generally, we're appalled by the footage we've seen," he said.
He added: "Sadly racism exists in our society and certain individuals want to bring it into football grounds. It's down to us in football do to more.
The club's captain, Danny Shittu, released a statement on the club website reading: "I am deeply saddened by the documentary on Sky Sports showing racism by the minority at matches including at Millwall FC.
"As the current Millwall captain, racism is something I do not stand for or condone.
"I am currently in talks with the club about any further measures we can take in dealing with and eradicating racism at matches."


text:
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Her military training has made Taylor a rigid leader, a bit cold and unfeeling at times. She takes command of situations and focuses on the task at hand. As the leader of Wild Force before Cole, she wrote a Ranger rule book, which Cole quickly dismissed when he joined the team. At first, she resented Cole for taking her spot, but eventually accepted him as a good leade r.
After the final battle with Master Org, Taylor gave up her Ranger powers and returned to the air force, where she was looked up to as a legend by the younger members. She frequently meets her friend the Yellow Eagle in they sky.
Wings attached to her arms allow Taylor to fly like the Soaring Eagle when morphed into the Yellow Ranger.


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I've just finished reviewing two books from Canadian publishers: The Mitochondrial Curiosities of Marcels 1-19 by Jocelyn Brown and A Very Fine Line by Julie Johnston. The only thing they have in common is teen girl protagonists but otherwise these two could not be more different. And yet they reveal a bit of a growing trend I've seen lately, that the YA novelists taking chances seem to be located north of the border and the Canadians, who I was always taught were deadly dull and really just a bunch of wanna be Americans (I should note I was taught this in school and most certainly not at home) are writing some books that I doubt would even be published down here.
Lately we seem to be on a major kick of liking our YA fiction either of an obviously fantasy kind or otherwise very very predictably angsty. I know I'm being absurdly general here but I have been losing my mind with the similarity of YA fiction lately. It's not just vamps (who are still everywhere and still not scary) but that really, a lot of it is lost in a blur of my parents don't understand me/my friends don't understand me/I don't understand me/what shall become of me dramarama. And romance. Lots and lots and lots of pining on the part of girls and confusion on the part of boys. I know there is a ton of good stuff out there (I write about it every month after all) but different styles or plots or just different circumstance is not that easy to come by. That is why Cara Hedley's Twenty Miles stood out for me so much last month - female hockey players! Huzzah!
In the case of these two recent reads you have a historical novel about family secrets, cross dressing and clairvoyance from Julie Johnston and a contemporary novel about 15 year old crafter/blogger Dree who is convinced her father left her money before he died so she could pursue her crafting dreams in Toronto but to find it she also uncovers a family secret and makes more than a few impulsive decisions that result in a lot of trouble. In both novels the teens in question move from denial to acceptance about a whole host of things which is certainly traditional coming-of-age territory, but the paths they walk are unusual and that's why both books have been refreshing reads for me.
Mitochondrial Curiosities is from Coach House Books - like Twenty Miles - and further proof of why this small press is moving way up the list on my favorite publishers. A Very Fine Line is from Tundra Books which does great work on picture books as well and a company whose titles I've looked forward to for several years. (My review of Johnston's earlier historical Susanna's Quill, also from Tundra, can be found here. Call it Little House on the Prairie if Ma Ingalls became a writer to help support the family through some horrific conditions - it's based completely on a real woman and real family.)
The pubs provided copies of both of these books - A Very Fine Line will be formally reviewed in my February column next year (can you believe that?!) and Mitochondrial will likely be in the December winter break reading column.


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tidus if you get this I am your biggest fan ^^ ; I would be glad to help you , if you need anything. Hope I can help ^^Sponsored Links
A GoogleTranst game would be all best
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tidus if you get this I am your biggest fan ^^ ; I would be glad to help you , if you need anything. Hope I can help ^^Sponsored Links
A GoogleTranst game would be all best
Thanks for the kind warm wordsSponsored Links
Currently, my home-made translator is parsing 200kb text chunk, there's 2 more - one is around 20kb, other is near 5-7 kb.
In overall, I've translated nearly a 1 Mb of text!
It will be released soon (I hope, as I haven't tested it yet, but it should work). And maybe I'll release my program as well. Stay tuned.
Oh, and about the bug, thanks for info, I'll think I figured what caused this.
Last edited by Tidusnake666; 10-11-2011 at 05:24 PM
nicest !!
And I am like a fan of yours now ^^ other people look all 5 min on facebook ; I look this thread ^^
Today is a good day for Atelier-series fans! Similar to Disgaea 4 PS3 translation patch released earlier, Tidusnake666 on PS3 News has updated his work in progress and now shared a PS3 translation v0.1 of the Japanese version of Atelier Totori: The Alchemist of Arland 2.
Few thing to note before reading on:
- Translation was done with Microsoft Translator API based program, so sometimes it, frankly saying, doesn't make sense. But, story messages are natively (officially) English, although there're some padding problems, but they do make sense.
- Pretty much everything (skills, side-dialogues, locations, names, items, ingredients, even bestiary and much more) was parsed in translation, but approx.10% of text remained untranslated with original Japanese words. But I'm sure you can figure it out
- Voice acting will be in Japanese (cons of Japanese EBOOT)
- The game is fully untested, so there may be crashes, although I checked everything byte-by-byte.
- If you don't like it, do it better!
0. Obtain both JP (BLJM60241) and US (BLUS30735) version dumps of the game. Delete any game data on PS3 you have (you can leave your saves) We'll be using US version as a base.
1. Replace US folder "PS3_GAME\USRDIR\Res\Sound" with the equivalent Japanese one.
2. Replace US PARAM.SFO with Japanese one
3. Replace US EBOOT.BIN with patched Japanese one: Atelier Totori: The Alchemist of Arland 2 PS3 Translation v0.1 EBOOT (pass: PS3News.com)
4. Copy US version game on your ext./int. HDD, enjoy and play!
More PlayStation 3 News...
Last edited by Tidusnake666; 10-18-2011 at 05:33 AM Reason: Automerged Doublepost
you are the king your fan No.1
can't find BLJM60241 anywhere
Last edited by qqq111; 10-12-2011 at 04:30 PM Reason: Automerged Doublepost
I have now promoted this to the main page, and +Rep for the translation work Tidusnake666!


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Days Inn Mission Valley Qualcomm Stadium/ SDSU
Description provided by Days Inn Mission Valley Qualcomm Stadium/ SDSU
Days Inn and Suites Mission Valley, California is located just 1.5 miles from Qualcomm Stadium and San Diego State University SDSU.At the Days Inn and Suites experience the comfort and central location to Qualcomm Stadium home of the San Diego Chargers. Enjoy a comfortable suite with a Kitchen, Full size refrigerator, microwave, stove and dishwasher. Our property features a complimentary continental breakfast daily, outdoor swimming pool, spa and sundeck. For your convenience enjoy our complimentary wireless high speed internet, free parking and guest laundry. Days Inn and Suites Mission Valley/SDSU is less than 6 miles from two world class shopping centers with over 160 shops, theaters, and restaurants. You will be conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Old Town, San Diego Harbor, Mission Bay, Gas Lamp Quarter, San Diego International Airport, and the San Diego Convention Center and Town & Country Convention Center.
List of Amenities for Days Inn Mission Valley Qualcomm Stadium/ SDSU
· 24-hour front desk · Accessible parking · Air conditioning · Air conditioning · Alarm clock · Balcony/Lanai/Terrace · Business center · Coffee/Tea maker · Complimentary continental breakfast · Complimentary in-room coffee or tea · Data port · Elevators · Exercise gym · Express check-out · Exterior corridors · Family/oversized room · Free local calls · Free newspaper · High speed internet access · High speed internet connection · High speed internet connection · Ice machine · Indoor parking · Ironing board · Ironing board · Jacuzzi · Kitchenette · Kitchenette · Meeting rooms · Microwave · Non-smoking rooms (generic) · Outdoor parking · Outdoor pool · Parking · Photocopy center · Refrigerator · Remote control television · Security · Wakeup service |
Restaurant Information
Sycuan Casino Barona Casino Viejas Casino Golden Acorn Casino Dennys Chilis Brothers Family Restaurant Rubens Best Mexican Food Harrahs Casino NicolosisArea Attractions
Cabrillo National MonumentBirch Aquarium
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San Diego Zoo
Sea World
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Trolley Station
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Horton Plaza
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San Diego State University/SDSU
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iPay Stadium
Mission Beach
Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach
La Jolla Shores and Wind N Sea Beach
La Jolla Cove Beach
San Diego Trolley/Grantville
ARPT San Diego Intl ARPT
CAR Local Trolley Car
BUS Local Bus System
Miscellaneous Information provided by Days Inn Mission Valley Qualcomm Stadium/ SDSU
· American Dollars is the native currency.
· Check in time is 3:00 PM
· Check out time is 11:00 AM
· Opened in 1999
· 96 rooms.
· 0 suites.
· 3 floors.


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Birther Florida Rep. Cliff Stearns Also Wants to Sell National Parks (And is Accused of Bribery)
Rep. Cliff Stearns |
"We don't need more national parks in our country, we need to actually sell off some of our national parks," says Stearns, who, by the way, is also under investigation for bribery at the moment.
To be fair, Stearns -- who is also a big fan of the Santorum sweater vest -- doesn't specify to his Belleview audience which of our national treasures he'd sell off to the strip mining industry. Given that he lives in Florida, maybe he's actually checked out the Everglades once or twice and would spare the River of Grass from his plans.
Stearns national park privatization dreams may not be his biggest headache this week. He's also under attack in his home district from an opponent who claims Stearns supporters tried to bribe him to drop out of this year's Congressional race.
Jimmy Jett, the well-named clerk in Clay County, says that two of Stearns backers offered him cash and a job if he dropped out of a primary race.
"I'm sure diehard Cliff Stearns supporters are not going to believe it. I can't do anything about that," Jett tells the Gainesville Sun.
Jett tells the paper he's been working with the FBI; the agency doesn't confirm or deny whether it's looking into the matter. Stearns tells the Sun the allegations are "unfounded" and "contemptuous."
Kind of like Stearns stances on national parks and Obama's citizenship?
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
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According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, over 50 million Americans care for a loved one who is chronically ill, fragile from old age. If a person is caring for a spouse between the ages of 66 and 96, they are at a 63% higher risk of dying than people who are not caregivers. It is estimated that there is another 5.9 million families with a child with a severe disability, being taken care of at home.
Caregivers are at risk for self neglect, mental stress, physical exhaustion, no "me time" and burnout, which can lead to depression, anxiety and loneliness. Holidays are particularly difficult, but if you know someone who cares for a loved one, below are ten tips on how you can help throughout the year and make a difference in their lives.
1. Offer to stay with the family member, so they can make a hair appointment, grocery shop, or attend church. Even a 30 minute "respite" allows the caregiver to take a walk, shower, or have some alone time.
2. Tag team with a friend and one stay with the family member and the other take the caregiver to lunch or run errands. If the caregiver is reluctant to leave their family member, bring lunch to them.
3. Take a hot meal, or a frozen casserole that can be baked later. After someone dies, food appears out of no where. The living need to eat year round!
4. Call regularly, just to chat. Isolation and loneliness is common when a loved one becomes home-bound.
5. Help the caregiver maintain relationships, hobbies, and small pleasures. It is important that the caregiver has a life outside of caregiving. Give a magazine subscription, a book of inspiration, send a card, or email regularly.
6. Be a good listener. Most of the time, they are not seeking advice or answers, but only need to express their feelings.
7. Be ready to listen, as topics may include relationship issues, guilt, resentments, extreme sadness, or anger at God. Being supportive and non-judgmental by listening can usually get them past moments of despair.
8. If they begin to express feelings that "I can't do this anymore," strong feelings of hopelessness, or shows a decrease in coping skills, they may need to be guided toward professional help.
9. Recognize the difficulty of caregiving and acknowledge the hard work they are doing. Be encouraging and ask how you can help, or suggest they make a list of "things to do" and recruit friends to rake the yard, store summer patio furniture in the garage, or take them to appointments.
10. Research the condition or disorder that the family member has. This will give you a different level of understanding of the situation.
The lifestyle of a caregiver needs more attention and awareness from friends and relatives of the serious implications it can have on the family. The physical and emotional stress affects a person's overall well-being. Giving the caregiver permission to enjoy life at times, even though their loved one is not, is sometimes enough to get them through a rough time.
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Tall Boneset often competes directly with Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod) in disturbed areas, although it prefers slightly drier areas. The two plants appear similar to each other prior to bloom, although the former has darker leaves. This plant provides some white color to a fall landscape that is often dominated by forbs with yellow flowers and the brown color of dried-out grasses. This is the easiest boneset to grow in dry sunny areas. Some people may mistake this plant for a weed, which it is to some extent. Return
Hilty, J. Editor. 2013. Illinois Wildflowers. World Wide Web electronic publication. flowervisitors.info, version 06/2013.
See: Botanical Terminology and Line Drawings, Ecological Terminology, Website Description, Links to Other Websites, Reference Materials


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Magister's Terrace round-up
Follow the cut for a host of helpful articles on bosses, drops, videos, and scenery!
Filed under: Items, Tips, How-tos, Instances, Lore, Bosses, Guides, NPCs
Filed under: Items, Tips, How-tos, Instances, Lore, Bosses, Guides, NPCs
So with patch 2.4 coming on us soon, I was thinking about it, and I have to say that I can't remember the last time I was filled with this much anticipation over a patch. Aside from 1.8, which made Feral Druids viable, this might be my favorite patch. But why do I love it? Why can't I wait until the servers come up on patch day and we're allowed in?
Let me count the ways! Here's 7 relatively simple reasons that I am watching my computer like a hawk, waiting for 2.4 to make it live.
Filed under: Enchanting, Patches, Items, Analysis / Opinion, Odds and ends, Quests, NPCs, Mounts
Filed under: Druid, Paladin, Shaman, Analysis / Opinion, Hybrid Theory
Filed under: Tailoring, Items, Tips, Tricks, How-tos, Walkthroughs, Instances, Quests, Raiding
Yet another fun little tidbit slipped by unnoticed in the recent frenzy of 2.4 news, but no longer! Behold, a WoW Insider exclusive!
Okay, so it's not that special and I may have exaggerated the weight of this news item just a little, but I think most of you will be happy to know that the Magisters' Terrace drops a 20 slot bag: The Sun Touched Satchel. It is unique, but it seems to be a fairly common drop off of the trash inside of the instance. I don't have statistics and percentages for you but when I mentioned it in General chat, a fair number of people spoke up to say they had one as well. Judging entirely off of that, I assume it won't take you dozens and dozens of runs to get your own.
I'm sure this is a bit of a sting in the bum of Primal Mooncloth tailors when combined with the near-free 20 slot bags from Zul'Aman, but keep in mind that the bag is unique. I don't expect this will cause the market for 20 slotters to change much, if at all. Besides, I think everyone in WoW can agree that more bag space is a good thing, no matter the source.
Filed under: Tailoring, Patches, News items, Economy
Event | Date |
Love Is In the Air | 2/2 - 2/15 |
Blackrock Foundry Normal and Heroic open | 2/3 |
Darkmoon Faire | 2/8 - 2/15 |
Blackrock Foundry Mythic opens | 2/10 |
Lunar Festival | 2/16 - 3/2 |
Blackrock Foundry LFR wing 1 opens | 2/17 |
Blackrock Foundry LFR wing 2 opens | 2/24 |
Darkmoon Faire | 3/1 - 3/8 |
Blackrock Foundry LFR wing 3 opens | 3/10 |
Blackrock Foundry LFR wing 4 opens | 3/24 |
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I'm really late with this post: sorry, folks. You could have won a copy of BEAT TO A PULP, ROUND ONE, if I had been more on the ball. The Women of Mystery blog has a terrific interview of David Cranmer, editor of BEAT TO A PULP, ROUND ONE, and included in the interview was a chance to win a copy of the book. Unfortunately, entries closed Sunday, but I couldn't get around to reading the interview until today.
Still, a great interview of someone who has done a terrific job of keeping the spirit of pulp alive in the 21st century. I encourage you to go over and read it.
David has some kind words to say about my grandfather, whose story "The Strange Death of Ambrose Bierce," is included in the volumne. Thanks, David.


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Addresses the newest version of Photoshop from a photographer's perspective—helping users of previous versions of Photoshop make upgrade decisions and get up to speed with CS6.
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Half-baked crumbly bars
I think I'll start a section on this blog called the Sleepless Chronicles. I am finding that I like to wake up and think about brownies at 3:00 in the morning. Is this normal? Don't answer that. So here, my chocolate-loving friends, is my second installment of the Sleepless Chronicles, also aptly named Half-Baked Crumbly Bars. These were inspired by my favorite ice cream, Ben & Jerry's Half Baked, and also by my constant need to consume sugary, chocolatey treats. The "crumbly" part of the title comes from the fact that, well, they are a bit crumbly. I personally like the crumbliness because it makes me inclined to throw everything into a big bowl of ice cream! Or just into my mouth. Picture Cookie Monster.
Prepare a box of brownie mix according to the package directions (I used a 19.5-oz. box of chocolate fudge brownie mix) and set aside. You will only be using half of the brownies for this recipe, so serve the other half for dessert or crumble it up and throw it into some vanilla ice cream!
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, with a hand-held mixer, combine:
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons butter, softened
Stir in:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons milk
Carefully stir in a 12-oz. package of mini chocolate chips. Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and set aside (do not refrigerate).
Place 20 Oreo cookies in a food processor and process until coarsely chopped. Or, chop the old-fashioned way with a Ziploc bag and a spoon. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in 6 tablespoons of melted butter until the cookies are coated.
Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and add the Oreo mixture. Firmly press down with fingers until the crust is evenly distributed on the bottom of the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Coarsely chop half of the prepared brownies and add them to the cookie dough. With your hands, incorporate the brownie chunks into the cookie dough. Pour the mixture over top of the cooled Oreo crust and press down evenly with fingers.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
12-oz. package milk chocolate chips
4 tablespoons milk
Heat in the microwave for 60 seconds. Stir and return to microwave, heating and stirring in 15-second intervals, until mixture is smooth. If needed, add 1 additional tablespoon of milk.
Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the cookie dough-brownie mixture.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and cut into small squares.
And yes, my husband gave me dirty looks after making this one, too.