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Joined: 27 Mar 2003
Posts: 9930
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:43 am
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Saudi Arabia's Shia press for rights
By Anees al-Qudaihi
BBC Arabic Service
Underlying tensions between Sunni and Shia in the Middle East have escalated to full-scale crises in the past few years in countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, and, most recently, in Saudi Arabia.
Although they only represent 15% of the overall Saudi population of more than 25 million, Shia are the dominant population, according to the International Crisis Group, in key towns such as Qatif, Dammam, and al-Hasa, which are home to the largest oil fields and processing and refining facilities.
In February, clashes between Shia Muslims and the religious police in Madina, Islam's second holiest city, triggered a wave of unrest, resulting in the arrest of dozens of people.
Tensions were eased by King Abdullah's decision to release all the detainees but the situation remains volatile.
Many Shias in Saudi Arabia relate far more to fellow Shia in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Bahrain, than with fellow Saudis who follow the puritan Wahhabi school of Islam. Wahabbis often class the Shia as heretics, or even to have left the faith entirely.
And at a time when many Arab officials point to the predominantly Shia Iran as the most serious security threat they face, there is a general attitude in the Arabic media that suggests Saudi Shia are somehow led by or follow an Iranian agenda.
But Saudi Shias deny this and say they face unfair discrimination.
Accusations of discrimination are backed by many western governments, led by the United States, which repeatedly express their concerns about religious freedom in Saudi Arabia.
" Activity by the opposition both at home and abroad are clear indications of the need for change and for an end to deeply rooted grievances which the Shias have suffered "
Fouad Ibrahim Saudi opposition activist based in London
In 1913 King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud, founder of the kingdom, promised Shia safety and freedom of worship when their representatives swore allegiance to his government.
But Tawfik al-Saif, a Saudi political activist, told the BBC that he does not think the promises were honoured.
"There are lots of problems each of which has the potential to trigger unrest. However, the Saudi elite, both the Shia and Sunni, is determined to stop public disorder whether motivated by internal or external agents."
Mr Saif believes that only if the government introduces wide-reaching political and social reforms can long-term stability be achieved.
Shias want equal opportunities in government and the military as well as freedom of worship.
They want to be able to build their own mosques, have their civil courts granted more power and to print their own religious books.
Regional instability
The Shia of Saudi Arabia have not been able to avoid the effects of instability in the region.
In 1979, the leaders of Iran's Islamic revolution called for change across the Middle East.
The calls lead to Shia protests Qatif, and dozens of people were killed.
During the 1980s, sectarian tensions led many Saudi Shia to go into exile, mainly to Iran, Syria, the UK and the United States.
The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 which brought that country's majority Shias to power, resulted in calls for equality in many countries in the Gulf.
Shia liberals, including left-wing intellectuals, are a relatively small minority within their community and are far less organised than the Islamists.
Nevertheless, religious activists have combined with their liberal coreligionists, as well as Sufis, to call for more respect for human rights in Saudi Arabia.
In its report, entitled The Shia Question in Saudi Arabia, the International Crisis Group said that King Abdullah, widely believed to have been at the forefront of efforts to engage Shia and promote their integration, may now be in a position to effect greater change.
But the leaders of a newly established opposition movement, Khalas (Deliverance), say that during the past 15 years there have been plenty opportunities for the government to reform its policy towards the Shia but they have been found wanting.
Dr Fouad Ibrahim, a Saudi activist based in London, says the recent murmurings in the Eastern Province could be described as a manifestation of disappointment among Shias who have waited for promised reforms for so long.
"Activity by the opposition both at home and abroad are clear indications of the need for change and for an end to deeply rooted grievances which the Shias have suffered," Dr Ibrahim told BBC.
Dr Ibrahim says the Saudi government has failed to integrate the Shia with other minorities, including the Ismaili community in the South and Sufis in the Hijaz.
But Mr Saif believes that while the Shia want an end to discrimination they are committed to negotiating a settlement to their grievances.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2009/03/24 12:09:18 GMT
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Joined: 27 Mar 2003
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Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 10:27 am
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The article below highlights the drawbacks to the recent "religious defamation" resolution engineered by the Islamic states, which can go counter to the spirit of pluralism by potentially normatizing one interpretation by restricting criticism and nuance...
Religion and human rights
The meaning of freedom
Apr 2nd 2009
From The Economist print edition
Why freedom of speech must include the right to "defame" religions
Illustration by Peter Schrank
AT FIRST glance, the resolution on "religious defamation" adopted by the UN's Human Rights Council on March 26th, mainly at the behest of Islamic countries, reads like another piece of harmless verbiage churned out by a toothless international bureaucracy. What is wrong with saying, as the resolution does, that some Muslims faced prejudice in the aftermath of September 2001? But a closer look at the resolution's language, and the context in which it was adopted (with an unholy trio of Pakistan, Belarus and Venezuela acting as sponsors), makes clear that bigger issues are at stake.
The resolution says "defamation of religions" is a "serious affront to human dignity" which can "restrict the freedom" of those who are defamed, and may also lead to the incitement of violence. But there is an insidious blurring of categories here, which becomes plain when you compare this resolution with the more rigorous language of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948 in a spirit of revulsion over the evils of fascism. This asserts the right of human beings in ways that are now entrenched in the theory and (most of the time) the practice of liberal democracy. It upholds the right of people to live in freedom from persecution and arbitrary arrest; to hold any faith or none; to change religion; and to enjoy freedom of expression, which by any fair definition includes freedom to agree or disagree with the tenets of any religion.
In other words, it protects individuals—not religions, or any other set of beliefs. And this is a vital distinction. For it is not possible systematically to protect religions or their followers from offence without infringing the right of individuals.
What exactly is it the drafters of the council resolution are trying to outlaw? To judge from what happens in the countries that lobbied for the vote—like Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan—they use the word "defamation" to mean something close to the crime of blasphemy, which is in turn defined as voicing dissent from the official reading of Islam. In many of the 56 member states of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, which has led the drive to outlaw "defamation", both non-Muslims and Muslims who voice dissent (even in technical matters of Koranic interpretation) are often victims of just the sort of persecution the 1948 declaration sought to outlaw. That is a real human-rights problem. And in the spirit of fairness, laws against blasphemy that remain on the statute books of some Western countries should also be struck off; only real, not imaginary, incitement of violence should be outlawed.
Good manners, please; not censorship
In much of the Muslim world, the West's reaction to the attacks of September 2001, including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, has been misread as an attack on Islam itself. This is more than regrettable; it is dangerous. Western governments, and decent people everywhere, should try to ensure that the things they say do not entrench religious prejudice or incite acts of violence; being free to give offence does not mean you are wise to give offence. But no state, and certainly no body that calls itself a Human Rights Council, should trample on the right to free speech enshrined in the Universal Declaration. And in the end, given that all faiths have undergone persecution at some time, few people have more to gain from the protection of free speech than sincere religious believers.
The United States, with its tradition of combining strong religious beliefs and religious freedom, is well placed to make that case. Having taken a politically risky decision (see article) to re-engage with the Human Rights Council and seek election as one of its 47 members, America should now make the defence of real religious liberty one of its highest priorities.
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Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:06 am
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"Gardez votre identité pluraliste"
Farman in Mahajanga 23 Feb. 2003
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:21 am
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August 31, 2009
Memo From Cairo
Hints of Pluralism in Egyptian Religious Debates
By MICHAEL SLACKMAN
CAIRO — Writing in his weekly newspaper column, Gamal al-Banna said recently that God had created humans as fallible and therefore destined to sin. So even a scantily clad belly dancer, or for that matter a nude dancer, should not automatically be condemned as immoral, but should be judged by weighing that person's sins against her good deeds.
This view is provocative in Egypt's conservative society, where many argue that such thinking goes against the hard and fast rules of divine law. Within two hours of the article's posting last week on the Web site of Al Masry al Youm, readers had left more than 30 comments — none supporting his position.
"So a woman can dance at night and pray in the morning; this is duplicity and ignorance," wrote a reader who identified himself as Hany. "Fear God and do not preach impiety."
Still, Mr. Banna was pleased because at least his ideas were being circulated. Mr. Banna, who is 88 years old and is the brother of Hassan al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, has been preaching liberal Islamic views for decades.
But only now, he said, does he have the chance to be heard widely. It is not that a majority agrees with him; it is not that the tide is shifting to a more moderate interpretative view of religion; it is just that the rise of relatively independent media — like privately owned newspapers, satellite television channels and the Internet — has given him access to a broader audience.
And there is another reason: The most radical and least flexible thinkers no longer intimidate everyone with differing views into silence.
"Everything has its time," Mr. Banna said, seated in his dusty office crammed with bookshelves that stretch from floor to ceiling.
It is a testament to how little public debate there has been over the value of pluralism, or more specifically of the role of religion in society, that so many see the mere chance to provoke as progress. But now, more than any time in many years, there are people willing to risk challenging conventional thinking, said writers, academics and religious thinkers like Mr. Banna.
"There is a relative development, enough to at least be able to present a different opinion that confronts the oppressive religious current which prevails in politics and on the street, and which has made the state try to outbid the religious groups," said Gamal Asaad, a former member of Parliament and a Coptic intellectual.
It is difficult to say exactly why this is happening. Some of those who have begun to speak up say they are acting in spite of — and not with the encouragement of — the Egyptian government. Political analysts said that the government still tried to compete with the Muslim Brotherhood, a banned but tolerated Islamic movement, to present itself as the guardian of conservative Muslim values.
Several factors have changed the public debate and erased some of the fear associated with challenging conventional orthodoxy, political analysts, academics and social activists said. These include a disillusionment and growing rejection of the more radical Islamic ideology associated with Al Qaeda, they said. At the same time, President Obama's outreach to the Muslim world has quieted the accusation that the United States is at war with Islam, making it easier for liberal Muslims to promote more Western secular ideas, Egyptian political analysts said.
"It is not a strategic or transformational change, but it is a relative change," said Mr. Asaad, who emphasized that the dynamic was for Christians as well as Muslims in Egypt. "And the civil forces can unite to capitalize on this atmosphere and invest in it to raise it to become a more general atmosphere."
Two events this summer highlighted the new willingness of a minority to confront the majority — and the overwhelming response by a still conservative community.
In June, a writers' committee affiliated with the Ministry of Culture gave a prestigious award to Sayyid al-Qimni, a sharp critic of Islamic fundamentalism who in 2005 stopped writing, disavowed his own work and moved after receiving death threats for his writing.
Muhammad Salmawy, a committee member and president of the Egyptian Writers' Union, said he thought Mr. Qimni had been honored in part because "he represents the secular direction and discusses religion on an objective basis and is against the religious current."
What happened next followed a predictable path, but then veered. Islamic fundamentalists like Sheik Youssef al-Badri asked the government to revoke the award and moved to file a lawsuit against Mr. Qimni and the government.
"Salman Rushdie was less of a disaster than Sayyid al-Qimni," said Mr. Badri in a television appearance on O TV, an independent Egyptian satellite channel. "Salman Rushdie, everyone attacked him because he destroyed Islam overtly. But Sayyid al-Qimni is attacking Islam and destroying it tactfully, tastefully and politely."
But this time Mr. Qimni did not go into hiding. He appeared on the television show, sitting beside Sheik Badri as he defended himself.
A second development involved a religious minority, Bahais, who face discrimination in Egypt, where the only legally recognized faiths are Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Nine years ago the state stopped issuing identification records to Bahais unless they agreed to characterize themselves as members of one of the three recognized faiths. The documents are essential for access to all government services.
An independent group, The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, won a court order on behalf of the Bahais that forced the government to issue records leaving the religious identification blank. The first cards were issued this month. While the decision was aimed specifically at solving the problem faced by the Bahai community, the case tapped into the evolving debate, said the group's executive director, Hossam Bahgat.
"It is an unprecedented move to recognize that one can be Egyptian and not adhere to one of these three religions," Mr. Bahgat said. Still, he remains less than optimistic; most of the public reaction to the Bahais' legal victory was negative, Mr. Bahgat said.
"It is known that you are apostates," read one of many comments posted on Al Youm Al Sabei, an online newspaper.
But there has been at least a hint of diversity and debate in response to Mr. Banna's remarks on belly dancers. Hours after they were posted, some readers began, however tentatively, to come to his defense. "Take it easy on the man," an anonymous post said. "He did not issue a religious edict saying belly dancing is condoned. But he is saying that a person's deeds will be weighed out because God is just. Is anything wrong with that?"
Mona el-Naggar contributed reporting.
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Location: London
Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:41 am
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A practical and live example of global pluralism…this type is kinda very rare, I guess.
Check it out…I am sure it will, at least, make you smile if you are Urdu or Hindi speaker...
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Posts: 9930
Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 7:40 am
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Diversity in Muslim cultures discussed
LONDON, Oct 24 (APP): A leading scholar has spoken of common roots of Muslim and European cultures and in discussing examples of their dynamic interactions has debunked claims of "clash of civilisation" in the wake of 9/11 events.
Dr.Kathryn Spellman Poots, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at The Aga Khan University, London campus, spoke on the topic of 'Gender and Identity in Muslim Cultures: The interlacing of Europe and the Muslim World' at the Houses of Parliament on Friday evening.
The event was organised by Conservative Muslim Forum which is headed by Lord Altaf Sheikh.
Dr.Poots explored the diversity of gender identities, expectations and realities in Muslim cultures. She challenged stereotypical understandings of gender relations in Muslim societies and highlighted multiple and changing constructs of gender roles both historically and in contemporary contexts.
She looked at various ways that Muslim women and men have reproduced, transgressed and challenged gender hierarchies by engaging in scholarship, activism and the creative arts.
She drew parallel between conservatism of Iranian women and their Libyan counterparts for whom the Government has decreed military service as compulsory and the liberalism among the Turkish women.
Dr.Poots said the British Muslims enjoy many greater rights than their counterparts in other Muslim countries specially those of the Middle East. She praised the measures adopted by the British Red Cross Society to collect blood from donors on the occasion of 'Ashura', the tenth of Muharram rather than allow the mourners to indulge in self-flagellation as an act of penance to mark the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali.
Speaking on the occasion Lord Sheikh said the British Muslims have done very well in every walk of life in the UK and hold key positions in the financial and IT sectors.
However, he expressed his disappointment over lack of general interest on the part of the UK Muslim community to join Police or the Armed Forces and said the community leaders ought to encourage young people to join these two professions as this will further help to contribute positively towards the British society.
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Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:13 am
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Regressive step for pluralism in the Umma....
Saudi authorities close two more Shia mosques
Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:36:37 GMT
Font size :
The Ismaili Mosque in Khobar was closed by cement blocks.
The number of Shia mosques closed in Saudi Arabia has reached nine after authorities sealed shut two more mosques in the Kingdom's Eastern Province.
According to the Rasid News Network, security forces closed the only Ismaili mosque in Ras Tanura and have been preventing Shia citizens from performing daily prayers since last Friday.
The Shia mosque of Abqaiq was closed on the same day and some online sources reported the closure of another Shia mosque in Jubail.
Authorities also ordered all Shia mosques to be closed in the cities of Khobar, Dammam and Khafji last month and issued orders banning Shias from building mosques outside Najran and religious centers and cemeteries outside Qatif and Al-Hassa.
Shia Muslims, who comprise nearly one-fourth of the Saudi population, have long complained of being treated as second-class citizens in the Kingdom.
The Saudi government has been closing Shia mosques using various excuses, and has refused to issue building permits for the erection of new places of worship.
A recent report by the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) strongly lashed out at Saudi Arabia over its" systemic state discrimination" against Shia Muslims across the Kingdom, saying that the unfavorable treatment of Shia Muslims "extends from education and employment to the justice system."
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:17 pm
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The publication
500 Most Influential Muslims
contains information about 500 most infuential Muslims based upon the diverse socio/economic/cultural/political criteria of the Umma. MHI is one of them. It can be accessed at:
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Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 4:40 am
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Saturday, January 30, 2010 - A Glimpse of Islam in America
AIF will bring together representatives from different Islamic communities for a discussion about similarities, differences and how to work together
Event Flyer
Confirmed Panelists:
Melissa Robinson - American Islamic Fellowship, Independent
Dr. Saeed Raees - Sunni
Fereydoun Taslimi - Quranist
Melody Moezzi - Progressive/Liberal
Andreyah James - Nation of Islam
Jannah Godlas - Sufism
Dorrah Nensey - Ismaili
Invited Groups:
•Nation of Islam
1. To raise audience awareness (both Muslim and Non-Muslim) of some of the many different expressions of Islam in the United States.
2. To familiarize the audience with some unique characteristics of these expressions of American Islam.
3. To share unique ways these various facets enhance the greater Islamic community as well as the society at large.
4. To demonstrate tolerance, respect, understanding, cooperation and value in the discussion of differences of faith and practice as fellow seekers of God's Mercy and Grace.
5. To spiritually enrich the panelists and audience in the discussion of faith and help us strengthen our faith/ submission to God and to serve our communities in more compassionate and grace-filled ways.
February 2010
February 5 Discussion Meeting
Follow-up to A Glimpse of Islam in America Panel
Two Securities Building - 3500 Piedmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305 (map)
AIF will continue its dialogue from the January 30 Islamic Intrafaith Panel with a discussion about American Islam. The group will also look for ways to further the goals set during the panel discussion, which include raising awareness of different Islamic expressions in the United States, familiarizing people with some of the unique expressions of American Islam and sharing unique ways the various facets of American Islam can enrich both the greater Islamic community and society at large.
Refreshments Served.
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Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 8:08 am
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Thousands of Egyptian Muslims Show Up as "Human Shields" to Defend Coptic Christians From Terorism
Saturday 08 January 2011
by: Zaid Jilani | ThinkProgress | Report
On New Year's Day, a devastating terrorist bombing at a Coptic church in Egypt killed 21 people and injured 79 others. Although the identity of the culprits was not known, it was assumed that they were Muslim extremists, intent on targeting those they saw as heretics. Religious tensions immediately rose in the country, and angry Copts stormed streets, battled with police, and even vandalized a nearby mosque. The riots and heightened tensions between the Muslim and Coptic communities was likely what the terrorists wanted — to divide the Egyptian community and create sectarian strife between different religious groups.
Yet by Coptic Christmas Eve, which took place Thursday night in Egypt, things had changed completely. As Egyptian Copts attended mass at churches across the country, "thousands" of Muslims, including "the two sons of President Hosni Mubarak," joined them, acting as "human shields" to protect from terrorist attacks by extremists. The Muslims organized under the slogan "We either live together, or we die together," inspired by Mohamed El-Sawy, an Egyptian artist:
Egypt's majority Muslim population stuck to its word Thursday night. What had been a promise of solidarity to the weary Coptic community, was honoured, when thousands of Muslims showed up at Coptic Christmas eve mass services in churches around the country and at candle light vigils held outside. From the well-known to the unknown, Muslims had offered their bodies as "human shields" for last night's mass, making a pledge to collectively fight the threat of Islamic militants and towards an Egypt free from sectarian strife.
"We either live together, or we die together," was the sloganeering genius of Mohamed El-Sawy, a Muslim arts tycoon whose cultural centre distributed flyers at churches in Cairo Thursday night, and who has been credited with first floating the "human shield" idea. Among those shields were movie stars Adel Imam and Yousra, popular preacher Amr Khaled, the two sons of President Hosni Mubarak, and thousands of citizens who have said they consider the attack one on Egypt as a whole. "This is not about us and them," said Dalia Mustafa, a student who attended mass at Virgin Mary Church on Maraashly. "We are one. This was an attack on Egypt as a whole, and I am standing with the Copts because the only way things will change in this country is if we come together."
Al Jazeera English covered the attacks and reported from the site of one of the solidarity events where Muslims and Christians stood side by side, protesting discrimination against Copts and calling for an end to violence. Watch it:
It is a frequent complaint among opinion makers in the United States that the global Muslim community does not condemn and prevent terrorism. New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman has even said that Islam needs a civil war similar to the one the United States fought in order to deal with its extremists. But the truth is that moderate and progressive Muslims all over the world are battling extremism. Here in the United States, one-third of al-Qaeda related terror plots have been broken up thanks to intelligence provided by Muslim Americans. It is up to the press to report these positive stories and not exaggerate the sway that extremists hold over the global Muslim community.
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Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 2:10 am
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How do Muslims talk about their own diversity and deal with their internal differences? How did the perception arise that all Muslims are the same and why is it perpetuated? This Is Not A Reading Series presents an informed and engaging discussion between poet & spoken word artist Sheniz Janmohamed and author Zulfikar Hirji about how pluralism and diversity manifest themselves in Muslim contexts at the launch of Zulfikar's new book, Diversity and Pluralism In Islam: Historical and Contemporary Discourses Amongst Muslims. Sheniz will launch the evening with an awe-inspiring reading of selections from her book, Bleeding Light (also available for purchase at the event).
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Gladstone Hotel, Ball Room
1214 Queen Street West
Doors open at 7:00; Event starts at 7:30
Admission is $5.00 or FREE with a book purchase
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Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 4:12 pm
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By MOHAMMED AZHAR ALI KHAN
Canada remains a model of mutual respect
The Toronto District School Board of Canada and the news network CNN stood out this month for fairness and refused to jump on the Islamophobia wagon.
For North American Muslims, enjoying equal rights with fellow North Americans but harassed by malicious allegations, these actions reflect the decency of the Canadian and American people and offer them hope.
In the Walid Shoebat saga, CNN performed its journalistic duty faithfully. It investigated Shoebat who has been raking money, sometimes a half a million dollars a year, speaking and writing denouncing Islam and calling American Muslims a threat to the United States. He spoke even at US government institutions, basing his expertise on Islam and terrorism on being a former Muslim and terrorist. He was born in Beit Sahour, close to Bethlehem, to a Palestinian father and an American mother. He claims that he bombed Bank Leumi's former branch in Bethlehem and was jailed by Israelis before moving to the US. He said he converted to Christianity in 1993.
As CNN's Anderson Cooper stated in two reports, which included interviews with Shoebat, his claims are dubious. CNN found no evidence of the bombing of Bank Leumi's former branch in Bethlehem or of Shoebat being a former Palestinian terrorist or ever being in Israeli jails. His relatives in his village denied his having being an activist. Hopefully, Americans will now see Shoebat as a self-serving Islam basher whose words are not to be trusted.
In the Canadian case, the Muslims' freedom to worship was challenged.
For three years Muslim students of the Valley Park Middle School in Toronto have prayed on Friday noon in congregation. Canadian schools, universities, private offices and government institutions routinely make "reasonable accommodation" to meet the religious obligations of all Canadians. Sikhs, for example, are allowed to wear the kirpan. Prayer and/or meditation rooms are also provided at Canadian airports.
Suddenly, the Canadian Hindu Advocacy objected to the use of school premises for prayers. A Jewish Defense League spokesperson called for monitoring the prayers to ensure that the imam conducting such services doesn't preach intolerance. The president of Canadian Muslim Congress expressed concern that Ismailis and Ahmadis might not be invited to such prayers because they are not viewed as mainstream Muslims while another CMC official objected to girls praying in the back rows. CMC has said it might sue the school board. The International Campaign against Shariah Courts leader called the service a "political statement" by Muslims. A Canadian Council of Muslim Women official also called for monitoring the prayers.
Friday congregation prayers are obligatory on Muslims. All that the school did was to enable Muslim students to follow their faith. This is no more a political statement than are services at synagogues, churches or temples. As for "monitoring," media, students and politicians of different faiths often attend Muslim Friday prayers at mosques to listen, exchange views or to just meet Muslims. No Muslim objects.
There is no evidence that Ismaili or Ahmadi students at the Toronto school, if any, wanted to join the prayers and were refused. Ismailis pray at their own jamaatkhanas and their prayer services are reserved only for Ismailis. Ahmadis visit mainstream mosques for funeral services of friends. They never pray, however, behind Shiite or Sunni imams. They pray only behind an Ahmadi who owes allegiance to Ahmadi prophets and caliphs. Mainstream Muslims, Ismailis and Ahmadis maintain excellent relations in Canada. But they pray among their own and, like Canadians of other faiths, neither join nor invite others for prayers. As to the claim that women have to pray in the back rows, this argument could be used to ban Muslim prayers throughout Canada — and the practices of many other faiths.
Most Canadians cherish freedom and do not want agitators to sow divisions and acrimony. Christian groups, the Hindu Canadian Alliance, the World Sikh Organization and Jewish Community Council support the right of Muslims, and all other Canadians, to freedom of religion. In many cities Muslims prayed at churches, at their invitation, before their mosques were built.
The Toronto District School Board has stood firm and reiterated that it upholds the religious freedom of all students and will continue to provide them with reasonable accommodation without discrimination or favor. It said Muslim students will continue to pray as they wish.
So Canada remains a model of mutual respect despite occasional efforts to sow dissension. Muslims are grateful for this blessing but they and all Canadians have to remain vigilant to safeguard their freedom and harmony.
— Mohammed Azhar Ali Khan is a retired Canadian journalist, civil servant and refugee judge.
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Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 3:06 am
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October 3, 2011
Justice in Pakistan
There is a rare glimmer of hope from Pakistan. A court on Saturday found Malik Mumtaz Qadri guilty of the assassination of Salman Taseer, the courageous and outspoken governor of Pakistan's Punjab Province who was gunned down in January.
Mr. Taseer defended the rights of women and minorities. He pressed hard to repeal the country's outrageous blasphemy law that imposes a mandatory death sentence on anyone convicted of "insulting" Islam. Mr. Qadri, who was one of the governor's bodyguards, admitted to the killing and said it was justified because of what he called Mr. Taseer's "blasphemous" statements.
Mr. Qadri's sentence of death, like all such rulings, is barbaric. There is little doubt that Mr. Taseer's close ties to President Asif Ali Zardari and the ruling party gave the government extra incentive to bring the killer to trial.
But the fact that Judge Syed Pervez Ali Shah and the special prosecutor were willing to bring the case to a conclusion is a reminder that there are still people of courage in Pakistan. The government must protect them from retribution.
The reaction in Pakistan to the January killing was repugnant. Many people, including lawyers, cheered Mr. Qadri and showered him with rose petals at a court appearance while most of the country's political leaders remained silent. After Saturday's ruling, some of Mr. Qadri's supporters burned tires and denounced the sentence.
Mr. Qadri is expected to appeal his conviction, so the test for Pakistan's judicial system is far from over.
Pakistan's leaders, and all of its people, are facing an even more profound choice: Do they want a country in which the zealots like Mr. Qadri can intimidate and murder anyone who dares to disagree with them? Or do they want a country in which tolerance and justice can prevail. That was Salman Taseer's vision for Pakistan. It must not be forgotten.
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Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 4:58 am
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IIS Article
Pluralism and the Qur'an
Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi
This is an edited version of extracts from speeches delivered by Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi at Milad al-Nabi Celebrations held in Atlanta and San Francisco, USA, in 2007. It first appeared in The Ismaili, USA, 2008.
Dr. Shah-Kazemi opens this article with the narration of Prophet Muhammad's invitation to a group of Christians in 631 CE to perform their rites in his own mosque. This remarkable event was reported by Ibn Ishaq and others. As Dr Shah-Kazemi says "one observes here a perfect example of how disagreement on the plane of dogma can co-exist with deep respect on the superior plane of religious devotion". This is one of a series of acts of the Prophet which indicate the sanctity of religions which preceded Islam. Based on a reading of certain Qur'anic verses on the subjects of salvation, the Umma and religion, the author argues that "the essence of religion is immutable, only its forms vary". He goes on to state that "the universal message of the Qur'an invites the Muslim to manifest respect, tolerance and reverence for that same essence which resides at the core of all the revealed religions of mankind".
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Joined: 27 Mar 2003
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Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 8:58 am
Post subject:
In Saudi Arabia, a Resurgence of Sufism
In a sign of Tolerance, Salman al-Odah, left, the country's most popular puritanical cleric, accepted an invitation from Sufi cleric Abdallah Fadaaq, right, to attend a Sufi celebration. (Izzat Zeiny - Photo By Izzat Zeiny)
Network NewsX Profile
By Faiza Saleh Ambah
Special to The Washington Post
Tuesday, May 2, 2006
JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia -- A hush came over the crowd as the young man sitting cross-legged on the floor picked up the microphone and sang, a cappella, a poem about Islam's prophet Muhammad. His eyes shut tight, his head covered by an orange-and-white turban, he crooned with barely contained ardor of how the world rejoiced and lights filled the skies the day the prophet was born.
The men attending the mawlid -- a celebration of the birth and life of Muhammad -- sat on colorful rugs, rocking gently back and forth, while the women, on the upper floor watching via a large projection screen, passed around boxes of tissues and wiped tears from their eyes.
The centuries-old mawlid, a mainstay of the more spiritual and often mystic Sufi Islam, was until recently viewed as heretical and banned by Saudi Arabia's official religious establishment, the ultraconservative Wahhabis. But a new atmosphere of increased religious tolerance has spurred a resurgence of Sufism and brought the once-underground Sufis and their rituals out in the open.
Analysts and some Sufis partly credit reaction to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States for the atmosphere that has made the changes possible. When it was discovered that 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi, the kingdom's strict Wahhabi doctrine -- which had banned all other sects and schools of thought -- came under intense scrutiny from inside and outside the country. The newfound tolerance Sufis have come to enjoy is perhaps one of the most concrete outcomes of that shift.
"This is one of the blessings of September 11. It put the brakes on the [Wahhabi] practice of takfir , excommunicating everyone who didn't exactly follow their creed," said Sayed Habib Adnan, a 33-year-old Sufi teacher. The government "realized that maybe enforcing one religious belief over all others was not such a good idea."
When Adnan moved to Saudi Arabia from his native Yemen four years ago, Sufi gatherings were often clandestine, sometimes held in orchards outside the city, or in basements and without microphones, for fear of drawing attention. "I couldn't wear this," he said, pointing to his turban. "Or this," he said, pulling at his white cotton overcoat. "Or I would be branded a Sufi. You couldn't even say the word 'Sufi.' It was something underground, dangerous, like talking about drugs."
Sufis here say they are not a separate sect or followers of a separate religion, but adherents to a way of life based on the Muslim concept of ihsan . Muhammad explained ihsan to the angel Gabriel as "worshiping God as if you see Him. Because if you don't see Him, He sees you." Another Sufi characteristic is a strong belief in the power of blessings from the prophet, his close relatives and his companions.
Sufism had previously been predominant in Hejaz, the western region of Saudi Arabia, which includes Muhammad's birthplace, Mecca; Medina, where he is buried; and the Red Sea port city of Jiddah. Muslims prayed often at shrines where the prophet's daughter Fatima, his wife Khadija and his companions were buried. Mawlids were public affairs with entire cities decked out in lights, and parades and festivities commemorating the prophet's birthday and his ascension to Jerusalem.
When the al-Saud family that would later come to rule Saudi Arabia took over Hejaz in the 1920s, the Wahhabis banned mawlids as a form of heresy and destroyed the historic shrines of Khadija, Fatima and the prophet's companions, fearing they would lead to idolatry and polytheism.
Wahhabis, crucial allies in the Saud conquest of the disparate regions that became Saudi Arabia in 1932, were awarded control of religious affairs.
Discrimination against Sufis, among others, intensified after armed Wahhabi extremists took over Mecca's Grand Mosque in 1979, demanding that a more puritanical form of Islam be applied in the country. Though the government quelled the uprising and executed its leaders, authorities were shaken by the incident, and lest other Wahhabis defy them, they allowed them more rein.
Soon after, extremist clerics issued a religious edict, or fatwa, declaring Sufi's spiritual leader, Muhammad Alawi Malki, a nonbeliever. He was removed from his teaching position, banned from giving lessons at the Grand Mosque, where both his father and grandfather had taught, and interrogated by the religious police and the Interior Ministry. After Malki was later attacked by a throng of radicals incensed at his presence in the mosque, he could pray there only under armed guard.
Meanwhile, thousands of cassettes and booklets circulated calling Sufis "grave-lovers" and dangerous infidels who had to be stopped before they made a comeback. Their salons were raided, and those caught with Sufi literature were often arrested or jailed.
The tide finally turned in 2003, with the new atmosphere that took hold following the Sept. 11 attacks, when the future King Abdullah, then the crown prince, held a series of meetings to acknowledge the country's diverse sects and schools of thought. One of the guests was Sufi leader Malki. When he died the following year, Abdullah and the powerful defense and interior ministers attended his funeral. The rehabilitation of his legacy was almost complete.
"We were then upgraded from infidels, to people who are ignorant and practicing their religion wrong," said Wasif Kabli, a 59-year-old businessman.
But many Sufis complain that despite outward appearances, Wahhabis continue to destroy shrines in and around their holy places, their salons continue to be raided and their literature is still banned.
Wahhabis and Sufis view Islam from opposite directions. To Wahhabis, who emerged from the kingdom's stark, harsh desert, a believer's relationship can be only directly with God. To them, Sufis' celebrations of the prophet's life smack of idolatry, and supplications to him, his relatives and companions appear to replace or bypass the link with God.
Sufis answer that the prophet celebrated his own birthday by fasting on Mondays, that he himself offered to intervene with God on behalf of Muslims and that he could often be found in the evenings at the grave sites of his wives and companions.
Last month, on the occasion of the prophet's birthday, a crowd of more than 1,000 gathered to celebrate at a private residence. Sufi books, cassettes and DVDs were selling out in one corner of the large garden where the event was held. Adnan, the Sufi teacher, was one of four speakers who addressed the crowd. He asked: Why are we Sufis always on the defensive? "Nobody asks [soccer] fans for religious proof that sanctifies their gatherings at the stadium because of their devotion to their team," he said. "How come we are always asked for an explanation of our devotion to our beloved prophet?"
Muhammad Jastaniya, a 20-year-old economics major and part of a new wave of young Saudis who have embraced Sufism, said what drew him was the focus on God.
On a recent moonlit evening, Jastaniya sipped sugary mint tea with his friends on rugs spread on the rooftop of a Zawiya, or lodge where Sufis go to meditate, chant or sit in on lessons. The words 'God' and 'Muhammad' were written in green neon lights, and Islam's 99 names for God were stenciled in black paint around the wall. "To be a Sufi is to clear your heart of everything but God," he explained. "The Islam we were taught here is like a body without a soul. Sufism is the soul. It's not an alternative religion -- it can contain all Muslims."
That thought seems to be taking hold, even in faraway corners.
Salman al-Odah, the country's most popular puritanical cleric, who was jailed in the 1990s for opposing the presence of U.S. troops in the kingdom, accepted an invitation to visit Sufi cleric Abdallah Fadaaq's mawlid and lesson last week. The scene at Fadaaq's house was an obvious sign of conciliation.
Al-Odah sat with his hands neatly folded in his lap, wearing a red-and-white checkered headdress and clear wraparound glasses and sporting the short scraggly beard that indicates a conservative. Fadaaq, who at 39 is emerging as the new symbol of Hejazi Sufism, wore the white turban, the white overcoat and shawl typical of Sufis, wooden prayer beads resting on his lap. "It's true that there are differences between the way people practice their faith in this country, and this is an indication that people are using their minds and thinking, which is a good thing," Fadaaq said. "But what we should concentrate on are the expanses that bring us together, like the prophet. We must take advantage of what we have in common."
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Showing 1-96 of 279 items
Jun 1
Route 75 Garage Sale
Travel Highway 75 for great garage sales, yard sales, and rummage sales along the highway and in each of the villages. Plus shop at local stores including Rock Run Peddler, The Empty Attic, and Country Cheese. 40 miles along Route 75 in the villages of Dakota, Rock City, Davis, Durand, and Rockton. Maps available.
CITY: Dakota
Jul 21
Music Under the Stars
Enjoy music under the stars while the Freeport Concert Band performs at the Koenig Outdoor Performance Amphitheater in lovely Krape Park. Sunday nights: June 16, 23, 30,July: 7, 14, and 21.
CITY: Freeport
Jun 1
Route 75 Garage Sales
Travel Highway 75 for great garage sales, yard sales and rummage sales along the highway and in each of the villages. Plus, shop at local stores including Rock Run Peddler, The Empty Attic and County Cheese. Maps are available. See our website for more information.
CITY: Dakota
7 - 9
German Valley Days
This 39th annual hometown festival offers a car show, 5KRun/Walk, parade, stage entertainment, pig scramble, kiddie tractor pull, pork chop barbecue, pancake breakfast, water fights, inflatable rides, bingo, fireworks, contests, concession and more!
CITY: German Valley
Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary
Tour Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. Personally guided tours are available seven days a week year round for up to six people per tour, but all tours are by appointment. Animal lovers can learn about, pet, hold and feel some of the 350 rescued animals, comprised of 30 different species. All income supports the rescued animals. Critter Camp is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable, volunteer operated, no-kill facility that does not buy, breed, sell or exploit any animal.
CITY: German Valley
Krape Park
This beautiful Freeport park offers an antique carousel, waterfall, seasonal duck pond, miniature golf course, 18-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a quarter mile nature trail, paddle boats, canoes, fishing, hiking, biking, a performance amphitheater, gardens, picnic areas, shelters, playgrounds including "Kid's Kastle", and sledding in the winter. The Yellow Creek Adventure Golf Course (miniature golf) is open daily from Memorial Day thru Labor Day from Noon to Dusk. The Disc Golf Course is open during regular park hours and is free to play. The carousel is open prior to Memorial Day on weekends from Noon to Dusk and from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it is open daily from Noon to Dusk. Yellow Creek boat rentals, including the duck paddle boats or the larger swan boat, are available daily from Memorial Day thru Labor Day weekend from Noon to Dusk. Park attractions are open seasonally; call ahead to confirm availability of specific attractions.
CITY: Freeport
Oct 12
Meadows Mall Farmers Market
Enjoy this extensive farmers market offering a wide variety of vegtables, baked goods and more. Located in the Meadows Mall parking lot.
CITY: Freeport
Peaceful Pines
A charming cottage on situated on 19 acres, adjacent to Apple River Canyon State Park. Fishing, golf, shopping at your fingertips. Paradise for the birder, artist or author. Full kitchen, pet-friendly and quiet.
CITY: Apple River
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson - Stockton
Gateway to scenic Jo Daviess County. Affordable, clean, friendly and convenient. Complete breakfast, limited pet friendly. Near historic downtown Galena and Chestnut Mountain skiing. Nearby snowmobile trails, state parks, hunting/fishing.
CITY: Stockton
Blues, Beer and BBQ Festival
Annual Blues, Beer, and BDQ event at Freeport Art Museum. Sample a fine selecion of beer, live blues music and BBQ. 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Members: $20; Non Members: $23; At Door: $25.
CITY: Freeport
Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery
Sample fine red, white, rose and fruit wines as you enjoy the view of the vineyard from the deck or tasting room. Enjoy the delicious cheeses, snacks, and other local products which are featured. The Sweet and Savory Plates with the best local cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies and sweets are available every day. During the summer, you can "Get Out and Game" with yard darts, croquet, bocce ball or indoor games such as Wineopoly, Foodie Fight, Brain Tease, cribbage and more. Visit their website to learn about their many events or to schedule a party, meeting or wedding party.
CITY: Freeport
Winnebago County Fairgrounds
Home of Winnebago County Fair, plus Pec Thing--huge bi-annual flea market and antiques sale
CITY: Pecatonica
Canyon Log Enterprises/Carriage House
Experience log home living at Apple Canyon Lake. Great couple's getaway, one bedroom suite, full kitchen, all linens provided. Access to amenities, lake, golf, restaurant. Call for extended stay rates.
CITY: Apple River
Blackhawk War Monument
This monument is located on the site of Kellogg's Grove, an early settlement established in 1827 on a mail route between Peoria and Galena, and now on the National Register of Historic Places. It honors those killed in the Blackhawk War, including in the final Illinois Battle which occurred at this grove in June, 1832. Abraham Lincoln, a member of the Illinois militia, helped bury five of the slain men. The remaining soldiers were originally buried throughout the area at the spots at which they fell. Fifty years after the war, local farmers collected the remains and buried them in one enclosure on top of this hill overlooking the Yellow Creek Valley. The 34-foot high monument was dedicated in 1886.
CITY: Kent
Indian Springs Lodge Ltd.
This log cabin getaway is cradled by nature. Delighted guests fish from the pedal boat and canoe across the pond to the tepee. Star-gaze, listen to the woods' silence, be at peace.
CITY: Stockton
Lena Lions Park
Lions Park, at over 20 acres, features Splash Land Family Aquatic Center with a 180' waterslide, zero depth entry, many shade shelters, wet sand play area, water features and drop slide. The Splash Land Mini-Golf offers one of the nicest 18 hole miniature golf courses in the Midwest. It has over 275 plant varieties, 4000+ square feet of water areas, three waterfalls and challenges that the entire family will enjoy. The course is ADA compliant. Quench your thirst and your appetite at the Splash Land Food Court. Full restaurant offering sandwiches to soft serve and smoothies to salads - a true family food court. The park also offers picnic and playground areas, flower gardens, shelter house, a concession stand, volleyball and basketball courts, lighted ball diamond, batting cages and restrooms. A 110x110' ice rink is available in season.
CITY: Lena
Apple River Canyon Photography
Photographer Larry Backe specializes in families, pets and seniors. Commercial also available. Visit his studio and gallery. Portraits by appointment.
CITY: Apple River
German Valley Historical Museum
This newly refurbished museum features displays of memorabilia relating to the history of German Valley and the surrounding area, including items from the Ostfriesian area of Germany. A kitchen area, bedroom, dining room, parlor, military room, and children's playroom are furnished with items from the past, and a display room offers a variety of exhibits. A schoolroom contains items of interest from German Valley's Pleasant Prairie Academy and other area schools. Farm and other outdoor exhibits are featured in an outdoor facility. Special events and displays are featured throughout the year.
CITY: German Valley
26 - 27
Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad Steam Train Rides
All aboard as a 36-ton 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, including an antique red caboose reported to be the oldest in the state, and three passenger flatcars for a four-mile ride through farmlands and across a bridge 30 feet above Yellow Creek. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts. Browse for novelties in the Freight House Gift Shop. Visit the Silvercreek Museum filled with early Americana and featuring the 130-ton Cooper Corliss Steam Engine and its over 25-foot fly wheel. An ice cream social with sandwiches, chips, pie, cake and ice cream will be available at the museum. Train: Adults: $7; Children under 12: $3; Cab Rides: $15; Museum: Adults: $3, Children under 12: Free. 11 am - 4 pm.
CITY: Freeport
Winslow Village Park Campground
This scenic and unique camping area offers nine sites with electrical and water hookups. One dump station is available. A shelter house is also offered. Pets, recreatiional vehicles and campfires are allowed. Maximum length allowed is 30 feet and maximum stay is six days. Rates: water and electric: $5 per day; With air conditioning: $6 per day; Tent camping: $3 per day. Open: May 1 thru November 1.
CITY: Winslow
StockHolder's Saloon
Visit this vintage saloon filled with 'local color.' Coldest tap beer in town.
CITY: Apple River
Northwest Design
Glass studio nestled in the hills offers a shopping experience. Local glass artists at work using lampwork and fusing techniques.
CITY: Stockton
Cedarville Art Glass
Dan Edler, a nationally known artist, creates fine art glass and sculpture. Collectors have been acquiring his work for over 40 years. Visitors are welcome anytime or by appointment for large groups.
CITY: Cedarville
Cedarville Summer Celebration
Free hot dogs, chips, and pop provided by Village of Cedarville. Cake-n-roll, pillow bingo, games for kids, crafts and flea market.
CITY: Cedarville
Antiques at Hillwood Farms
Country and early New England furniture and accessories.
CITY: Pecatonica
Ink & Paper
Unique, fun gifts for all ages and occasions. Located in historic downtown Stockton, five blocks south of US Hwy 20.
CITY: Stockton
Rock Run Peddler
A quaint red cottage with a unique gathering of primitives, folk art, florals, and garden decor. Also seasonal garden to enjoy.
CITY: Rock City
2 - 4
44th Annual Threshing Show and Antique Display
This show features over 300 gas tractors, steam engines and horse-powered equipment, antique tractor pulls, and horse pulls, along with exhibitors showing threshing, sawmills, blacksmithing, weaving, spinning and chair caning. The shows special features this year will be Massy Tractors and Equipment, Gasoline Alley will feature Odd Ball & Out of the Ordinary engines. Browse the huge flea market and ride the steam train at the depot.
CITY: Freeport
Blue Orchid Gift Shop & Art Gallery
Local artists offer unique one of a kind gifts, including pottery, photography, paintings, gift cards, textiles, and jewelry.
CITY: Freeport
Orangeville Farmers Market
First Saturday in July through Second Saturday in October -- enjoy fresh produce, fresh baked goods, crafts and more provided by local farmers.
CITY: Orangeville
Victorian Veranda - Winnebago
This 1865 country house features five guest rooms, all with private baths, are located on the second floor and decorated in an individual style with unique & antique collectibles. Eclectic Victorian decor with wraparound porch, wicker furniture, porch swings, croquet, cards. Specialize in quilting and scrapbooking retreats, private parties, weddings and small meetings.
CITY: Winnebago
"Christmas on the North Side" Craft Show
This 11th annual craft show over 25 crafters offering primatives, jewelery, basket weaving, loom weaving, quilted items, florals, wreaths, painting and more.
CITY: Pearl City
Fran's Fantastic Antiques, Collectibles
Shop this unique inventory for antiques and collectibles including antique toys, furniture, linens, rugs, jewelry, books and more. The inventory is constantly changing, so stop and shop in the country.
CITY: Ridott
The Empty Attic
A quaint country store offering a quirky mix of old and new. Home decor, lighting, furniture, antiques and just loads of fun - little unique items. Affordable prices and great holiday items and weekly specials.
CITY: Rock City
6 - 7
8 Miles of Ag-tiques
This event begins on Highway 26 north of Orangeville. Each stop will feature different tractors including John Deere, Massey Harris, International Harvester, Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline, Allis Chalmers, and other old machinery from the Good Old Days. There will be food, craft shows, tractor drives on Saturday, lots of talk, and just lots of fun visiting with the guys and their toys...
CITY: Orangeville
Jane Addams Recreation Trail
This multi-use 15 mile recreational trail offers beautiful scenery and is highlighted by 21 decked bridges passing over and through wetlands, creeks, woods, prairies, geologic formations and farmland. The trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail that traverses Northern Illinois. Its crushed limestone surface may be used by hikers, bicyclist, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers. An additional two miles of paved trail to Highway 26 has been constructed at the southern end. The final two mile connection into historic downtown Freeport will soon be under construction. The Jane Addams Trail connects at the Wisconsin state-line with Badger Trail which extends to Madison, Wisconsin. It will also connect, in downtown Freeport, with the Pecatonica Prairie path currently under development between Freeport and Rockford. Access to the trail is available at the Wes Block Access, Freeport (exit off Highway 26 1/4 miles south of the Highway 20 intersection).
CITY: Freeport
1st Annual Mud Run
1st Annual Mud Run sponsored by assault and Abuse Services features a 5K run over obstables and through water and mud. Obstables are of varing difficulties and offers fun for the whole family.
CITY: Freeport
Kitchen Carvers
Visit this delightful kitchen store full of artisan-quality, handmade, wooden spoons, spatulas, bowls and other kitchen products all made on site.
CITY: Lena
Ghost Town Antiques
Country furniture, copper, brass, country accessories, woodenware, smalls, iron and tin. Appointment necessary.
CITY: Pecatonica
Artesian Well at Paradise Cove
Nestled along Indian Creek is a natural artesian well where thousands of gallons of pure water flow each day - as it has since 1927. A ten foot water wheel is turned continually by the flowing water. The sire, which is accessed by Stephenson County's only covered bridge, includes a waterfall, large flower beds and gazebo to enjoy while sipping the bubbling water
CITY: Winslow
Oakdale Nature Preserve
This Nature Preserve offers 133 acres of oak and hickory woodlands, restored prairies and shallow streams. Over four miles of winding trails are great for hiking, running, cross-country skiing, nature study and quiet reflection. Facilities, which are available to rent, include the Mogle Learning Center with meeting space for 20 people, a lodge with a kitchen and dining hall that can seat up to 80. The Oakdale Octagon Shelter has seating for up to 350 and a stage. Two picnic shelters as well as other picnic tables are available.
CITY: Freeport
58th Annual Ice Cream Social
Start your summer in traditional Freeport Style at the Stephenson County Museum's Annual gathering with food, ice cream and pie, musuem tours, and entertainment. Tour the historic arboretum while you enjoy the company of friends. 5 pm - 8 pm. Admission: $5.
CITY: Freeport
Lincoln/Douglas Debate Commemoration
Annual public ceremony with speakers, marking the 153rd anniversary of the historic, 1858 meeting of Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln in Freeport, Illinois.
CITY: Freeport
Freeport Farmers Market
All local products from certified organic to conventional fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, bedding plants, perennials, fresh flowers, loose leaf teas, and handmade bath and beauty products in a festive market atmosphere. The Freeport Farmers Market is in operation from May through October in the CVS parking lot on South Street in Freeport.
CITY: Freeport
Garnhart's Oliver Museum
Explore the largest Oliver Hart-Parr collection in the Midwest, including farm toys, advertising, and collectibles dating back to 1860, and real antique tractors and machinery. Bus and group tours are available, but should be scheduled in advance.
CITY: German Valley
Lena Water Tower
Built in 1896, the 100-foot-tall tower is believed to be one of only three in Illinois of similar construction, and has become the symbol of the Village of Lena.
CITY: Lena
5 - 6
Stockton Civil War Days-Battle Of Morseville
Step back in time with a Civil War reenactment and encampment. There will be a period fashion show, medical scenarios and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
CITY: Stockton
Huron Farm Market
This multi-seasonal shop offers a garden center in the spring, a summer produce market, and fall and Halloween items in the autumn. From April thru October, also enjoy a flea market every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
CITY: Eleroy
4 Seasons Bowling Center
This is a 40-lane bowling center with automatic scoring, Thunder Alley sound and light experience, which is open to the public. Jumping Joe's Sports Bar & Grill, Flip Pizza Restaurant, & full service banquet facilities are also offered.
CITY: Freeport
Butch's Antiques
American country antiques/primitives. Restoring of 18th and 19th century and new furniture. Refinishing, cabinet making, and fire and water damage restoration. Accepting Master Card and Visa.
CITY: Freeport
Evergreen Farm Inn
The house has been completely redecorated to reflect the earlier days of the 1900's. Many of the original antiques furnish the rooms. This picturesque "bed and breakfast" is located in a farming community.
CITY: Forreston
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park Campground
This undiscovered, comfortable, and family oriented campground in Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park offers 183 camping sites. Electrical hook-up is offered at 132 sites. Also available are 12 hydrants for water, a trailer dump station; flush toilets and showers are available from May 1 to October 31. An equestrian campground and trails are available from April 15 to November 15 - weather permitting. Pets and campfires are allowed. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Reservations seven days in advance of arrival my be made at www.reserveamerica.com. Rates: Electric Sites: $20 (Non Holiday Weekends) $30 (Holiday weekends - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day) Non Electric Sites: $10. Illinois residents 62 and over receive a $5 discount Monday thru Thursday.
CITY: Lena
Andrew's Mill Park
Picnic area, pond for fishing & ice skating with handicap accessible fishing pier, Gerald Strohecker natural area with native woodland, prairie and wetland.
CITY: Pearl City
Emerald Acres Campground
Open: May 1 thru October 15. This campground offers 46 sites with electrical and water hookups in additions to 70 permanent sites, as well as tent sites. Sewer hookups are offered when available. Also offered are two bath houses with flush toilets, showers, beach swimming, a restaurant, and playground area. Pets on a leash and campfires are allowed. Special amenities include fishing, and activities on holiday weekends. Visitors are invited to enjoy the summer at this special place. Electric and water site: $25; Ten sites: $20. Rates are for 2 adults and two children under 17. Additional day visitor is $3.00 or $5.00 for additional overnight visitor.
CITY: Pearl City
6 - 7
Lena Lions Fall Festival
This fall fest features carnival rides, games, food, a 5K run hosted by the Lena Park District, a parade on Saturday at noon, a pork chop BBQ, raffle drawings for a car and a 4 wheeler at 10 pm on Saturday, musical entertainment, an antique tractor display, firemen water fights and much more.
CITY: Lena
McArthurs Reclaimed Treasures Antiques
McArthurs specializes in reclaimed garden treasures and also has a wide variety of antiques, and collectibles on two floors. This wonderful shop is a must for lovers of garden antiques.
CITY: Lena
Lincoln The Debater Statue
This famous statue was designed by Leonard Crunelle of Chicago, and was presented to Freeport at the 71st anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas Debate on August 27, 1929, by local industrialist W. T. Rawleigh. It is located in Taylor Park.
CITY: Freeport
Lincoln Park
Enjoy this park offering a picnic area, playground, shelter and restroom facilities as well as access to the Pecatonica Prairie Path which is currently under construction. The Pecatonica River may also be accessed for boating and canoeing approximately 200 yards from the park.
CITY: Ridott
13 - 14
Gardens United Garden Walk
Some of the finest gardens in the Freeport area are opened for touring. The gardeners generously present their creative efforts for the pleasure of the public. Walk through the gardens and enjoy the colorful scenery. Plus a silent auction and a large variety of garden art items will be offered at one garden. Gardeners will be on site to answer questions and to talk about plants and their gardens. Master Gardeners will also be available to advise on garden questions. Gardens United benefits the Assault and Abuse Services of Stephenson County. Call for tickets and map, or drop by the Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center, 4596 US Route 20 East, Freeport) to purchase your ticket.
CITY: Freeport
26 - 27
Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum Ice Cream Social
All aboard the antique steam train as a 35 ton 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, including an antique red caboose, and two passenger flatcars for a four mile ride through farmlands and across a bridge 30 feet above Yellow Creek. Puschase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, and browse for novelties in the Freight House. Visit the Silver Creek Museum which offers 25 rooms of early Americana, Henney Motor Company vehicles, which were manufactured in Freeport, and the operating Cooper-Corliss engine, a giant 130 ton steam engine. Enjoy an ice cream social serving sandwiches, chips, pie, cake and ice cream.
CITY: Freeport
Memory Lane Retreat
Located in the serene countryside, this is the perfect location for a getaway with friends. The home has three bedrooms which accommodate up to nine, a fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and three bathrooms. There is a beautiful and spacious Great Room with natural light overlooking the pond and countryside which is a perfect spot for a group to enjoy scrapbooking, quilting, knitting, or just getting away. Rates: Week Day: $75 to $99 per person; Weekend: $99 to $125 per person.
CITY: Orangeville
Wetlands Preserve
57-acre wetlands preserve features wildflower, birds, and wildlife, which may be viewed from an observation deck.
CITY: Freeport
Soldiers Memorials
The Civil War Soldiers Monument, on the southwest corner of the Stephenson County Courthouse, is inscribed with the names of those soldiers from Stephenson County who lost their lives in the Civil War. On the southeast corner is the Stephenson County Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial, which is a bronze statue of a full-sized M-16 with a bayonet stuck in the ground and a helmet on top.
CITY: Freeport
Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum July 4th Celebration
All aboard the antique steam train as a 36 ton 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses and two passenger flat cars for a four mile ride through farmland and across a bridge 30 feet above Yellow Creek and view the fireworks in the night sky from the train. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts. Browse for novelties in the Freight House and visit the Silver Creek Museum which offers 25 rooms of early Americana, a display of antique machinery, Henney Motor Company vehicles which were manufactured in Freeport, and the operating Cooper-Corliss engine, a giant 130 ton steam engine. Sandwiches, drinks and deserts served at the Museum
CITY: Freeport
Zealous Art Studio
This exceptional art gallery features local artists - paintings, photography, ceramics, and woodworking. Also offered are children's art classes as well as pottery classes.
CITY: Freeport
Fever River Railroad
For model railroad aficionados -- and everyone else who ever enjoyed model trains -- this model railroad is something to see. The Fever River Railroad is a 120X24-foot HO scale model of a hypothetical railroad running from Duluth, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri. This fully operational model railroad has detailed scenery, rail yards, factories, and interchanges with many other railroads. The model railroad allows for the operation of multiple trains along railroad right-of-way that portrays typical towns along the Duluth to St. Louis route. The Fever River Railroad is an ongoing project with upgrades to the layout and scenery that provides an exciting model railroad experience. A collection of railroad memorabilia and pictures, many from the surrounding area, are on display throughout the facility. The Stephenson Society of Model Trainmen, who operate the railroad, host an open house twice a year, and visitors are welcome at other times by appointment.
CITY: Freeport
5 - 19
Train of Terror
All aboard the Train of Terror for a thrilling and chilling, four-mile ride with a variety of spooky scenes along the route. Buy tickets at the Silver Creek Depot and Freight House. Food and beverages are available. All Tickets: $8.00
CITY: Freeport
Lena KOA Kampground
Visit the KOA for a complete camping experience, including cottages, cabins and campsites, at this friendly, quiet, and relaxing rural setting. The five log cottages offer shower baths, kitchenettes, gas log fireplaces and air-conditioning. One cottage is wheelchair accessible. There are six cabins with heat and air-conditioning. The guest provides bedding and utensils, but has use of the KOA's Kamping Kitchen. There are ninety campsites that include full hookup, open grassy or wooded sites, and big rig long and level pull through sites with 50 AMP service. The recreation/game roon, heated pool with slide, bike rental, jumping pillow, playground, and sand volleyball will be a hit with the kids. Pets on a leash and campfires are allowed. Small county store with groceries and gift shop, RV supplies, and LP gas are also available. Open: April 1 thru November 1 (Limited winter facilities)
CITY: Lena
6 - 7
Massey Harris Illinois State Show 2013
In conjunction with "8 Miles of Ag-Tiques," this event is on Highway 26 at the junction of 26 and High Street in Orangeville. This State Show features Massey-Harris/Massey-Ferguson and related equipment and is the Illinois State Massey show for 2013.
CITY: Orangeville
Cruise Night
Join in an old-fashioned cruise through downtown Freeport. There will be live music , a food court offering a variety of tasty choices, and three contests: the Soundwerks and Tailor Made Autoworks Sound Off Contest, the Gary's Collision & Customs Muffler rapping Contest, and the Dan's Route 66 Service Burn Out Contest. There will be a lot filled with antique cars, Hot Rod Alley and two main parking lots for the classic cars, and cruising all night long. Reserved Parking: $12; Non-Reserved Parking: $10; Cruise Only: Free.
CITY: Freeport
Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum
All aboard, as a 36-ton, 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, including an antique red caboose reported to be the oldest in the state, for a four-mile ride through farmlands. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts, and browse the Freight House Gift Shop and Silvercreek Museum that's filled with early Americana.
CITY: Freeport
Cheese Market
This cheese shop features a wide variety of cheese, as well as local artisan cheese, sausages, Amish salsas, jams and local vegetables. Open: Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm; Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm; S: 9 am - 6 pm.
CITY: Freeport
Dec 1
Mighty Richland Players Theater: "Christmas Snow"
Another year of combined musical theater talents with cast members coming from Mighty Richland Players, Plum River Playhouse and Hanover Back Street Players. The whole family will delight in the humor and meaning of the holiday season. All performances are in dessert theater format. November 29, 30, December 1. Friday and Saturday: Doors Open: 7 pm; Show: 7:30 pm; Sunday: Doors Open: 1:30 pm; Show: 2:00 pm. Dessert Theater: $20
CITY: Orangeville
Pec Playhouse Theatre
Performances produced by people dedicated to proividing quality community theatre in an intimate, rustic venue.
CITY: Pecatonica
4 Season Bowling Center
40-lane center with automatic scoring. Jumpin' Joe's Sports Bar & Grill and full service banquet facilities are also offered.
CITY: Freeport
Art in the Park
Join us in Krape Park along with the Freeport Art Museum and the Freeport Park District as we welcome back Art in the Park. This fine arts festival celebrates the visual and performing arts of Illinois. Featured are dozens of fine art booths, performing artists, demonstrations of various art mediums and art activities for shildren. Food will be available.
CITY: Freeport
Lena Farmer's Market
Local farmers offer this seasonal farmers market with a variety of locally grown seasonal produce, fruit, and baked goods. Open every Saturday from 8 am - 11 am June thru September.
CITY: Lena
19 - 20
Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum Fall Harvest Demonstrations
All aboard as a 36-ton 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses for a four-mile ride through farmlands. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts, and browse the Freight House Gift Shop and Silvercreek Museum. Weather permitting, there will be fall harvest demonstrations with horses and tractors. The museum will feature sauerkraut, brats, hot dogs, chili and dessert.
CITY: Freeport
Lena Area Historical Museum
The Lena Historical Museum tells the history of Lena and the surrounding area, with galleries focusing on various historical topics. Highlights include a Civil War regimental flag and an extensive clothing collection. Also on the grounds are a summer kitchen, the first log schoolhouse built in Lena, an Illinois Central Railroad caboose, a general store, a recreated chapel, and a barn filled with antique vehicles and farm tools.
CITY: Lena
Woodbine Glass Museum and Gift Shop
Museum displays 4,000 pieces of hand-blown glass, including contemporary and antique work from many countries. Glass blowing video. Gift shop.
CITY: Stockton
Stockton Heritage Museum
Stockton Heritage Museum is a not-for-profit entity dedicated to the preservation and teaching of Stockton area history. Discover exhibits on the Chicago Great Western Railroad, model trains, history of Kraft Foods, and Stockton area history exhibits.
CITY: Stockton
Read Park
Read Park offers many recreational opportunities and is highlighted by the Read Park Family Aquatic Center, which includes a zero depth pool, water slides and play area, and by a state of the art 11,000 square foot skate park, SK8 Park. This scenic park also features baseball and softball diamonds, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, an outdoor lighted hockey and ice staking rink, concession stand, picnic areas, shelters, and playgrounds. The Morgan Memorial, a charming statue of two children surrounded by fountains, is a serene spot to enjoy. Park attractions are open seasonally; please call ahead to confirm availability of specific attractions and costs.
CITY: Freeport
Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum Labor Day Celebration
All aboard the antique steam train as a 36 ton 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, and two passenger flatcars for a four mile ride through farmlands and across a bridge 30 feet above Yellow Creek. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts. Browse for novelties in the Freight House and visit the Silvercreek Museum which offers 25 rooms of early Americana, a display of antique machinery, Henney Motor Company vehicles which were manufactured in Freeport, and the operating Cooper-Corliss engine, a giant 130 ton steam engine. The Silvercreek Museum will be serving sandwiches and deserts.
CITY: Freeport
2 - 3
Fever River Railroad Fall Open House
For model railroad aficionados-and everyone else who ever enjoyed model trains-this model railroad is something to see. The Fever River Railroad is a 103 by 24 foot HO scale model of a hypothetical railroad. The railroad intersects with models of "real" railroads, each of which can be operated independently-up to 20 trains can be operating at one time. Industries along the railroad right-of-way duplicate either actual facilities or are typically correct of the industries that would be found in the Upper Midwest. The scenery represents the geographical area as well. A collection of railroad memorabilia and pictures are on display.
CITY: Freeport
5 - 6
Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad Steam Train Rides, Silvercreek Museum Soup Supper
All aboard the antique steam train as a 36 ton 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, and two passenger flatcars for a four mile ride through farmlands and across a bridge 30 feet above Yellow Creek. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Deport, and browse for novelties in the Freight House. Visit the Silver Creek Museum which offers 25 rooms of early Americana. Enjoy homemade soup, sandwiches and deserts served at the Museum.
CITY: Freeport
Jane Addams Burial Site
Jane Addams, born and raised in Cedarville, was an internationally famous humanitarian and social work pioneer who founded Chicago's Hull House and won the Nobel Peace Prize. She is buried in this lovely old hillside cemetery.
CITY: Cedarville
Lindo Theater
This historic movie theater, built in 1922, features first-run movies presented in the latest 4K digital projection and sound on nine screens. Stadium seating, digital 3D and party room.
CITY: Freeport
Friends Forever Humane Society Dog Park
Take your dog to this special 10 acre fenced dog park with a pond (for dog swimming ony). The park also offers a separate fenced area for small dogs and a dog agility equipment area. Fee is $5.00 per dog per day.
CITY: Freeport
McConnell Area Historical Society & Museum
Items on display in this local town museum include a mill stone, ox yoke, McConnell telephone switchboard, and other items relating to the history of McConnell and Waddams Township. There is a large collection of family histories, obituaries, and genealogical materials. Special activities and exhibits are planned for each of the open dates.
CITY: McConnell
Winslow Historical Society Museum
Discover the history of Winslow. Featuring displays relating to discovery of cream cheese, which had its beginnings in Winslow and later made famous as Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Also see the history of Doc Carver's Wild West Show.
CITY: Winslow
Cedarville Historical Museum
This museum is located in an 1889 school building and features a permanent exhibit honoring Jane Addams, who was born and raised in Cedarville. Miss Addams was an internationally famous humanitarian and social work pioneer who founded Chicago's Hull House and won the Nobel Peace Prize. Museum exhibits include personal items and memorabilia from her life and the life of her family. There are also changing exhibits on topics of local historical interest and a research center and a research center.
CITY: Cedarville
Dakota Nature Trail
The Dakota Nature Trail for biking, hiking, and cross-county skiing links Dakota Park with the Dorothy Wirth Nature Area. The trail surface is crushed limestone and follows a former railroad right-of-way. The trail begins on Main Street in Dakota.
CITY: Dakota
Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre
Located on the campus of Highland Community College - features a variety of fine arts programming including vocal and music concerts, live theater, special performances, and the popular Summerset Theater Program, a community performing arts theater.
CITY: Freeport
Old River School Historic District
This residential district includes original Freeport and the city's first street, Monterey, and was later known as the "Gold Coast". Points of interest include Freeport's oldest house (built in 1838), the childhood home of famed Hollywood gossip columnist Louella Parsons, a monument honoring Freeport's founder, William "Tutty" Baker, and the Van Buren Bridge, built in 1885 of wrought iron.
CITY: Freeport
Silvercreek Museum
This museum, operated by the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club, which also operates the Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad, offers 20 rooms of early Americana. Exhibts include 500 pieces of crockery, dolls, a recreated schoolroom and kitchen, art exhibits, quilts, tools and agricultural equipment, and many other historical exhibits. Also on the grounds is a display of antique machinery and an exhibit of Henny Motor Company vehicles which were manufactured in Freeport. Plus visitors can view the Cooper-Corliss engine, a giant 130-ton steam engine with a 25 foot flywheel which originally operated a rolling mill in a zinc plant. Special exhibits and events are featured throughout the year.
CITY: Freeport
Uniquely Yours Quilt Shop
Enjoy this store offering over 6000 bolts of the finest quality 100% cotton quilting fabric, quilt books, patterns, supplies and classes. Original designs and patterns plus kits galore.
CITY: Freeport
Wall of Yarn
This small shop offers a wide variety of yarns, needles and accessories. Classes in knitting, crochet and weaving are also offered.
CITY: Freeport

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Oct 21, 2009 9:55 AM
Pod XT live ?? into Spider III
Like (0)
Hi all,,this is my first post, so i hope you can help...... I have bought a line 6 spider III. my question is can i use my pod xt live to switch banks on the Amp, using it more as a controller than, the pedal effects or is it possible to use both.... setting up a bank of four on the amp and controlling them from the pedal? or do i need to buy the FBV pedal....
Hope someone can help
THe POD XTL does not function as a "controller" for the Spider Series amplifier, so will you need to control the amp separately from the XTL (with an FBV controller). Many users will set the XTL output to "instrument" and go into the Spider, then set up a "clean" patch in the spider and control their tone from the XTL.
Please let us know if you need further assistance, or close out the ticket as "answered" if your situation has been resolved.
And with a POD HD500??? Is it possible ?
It's been a couple of days since we've heard from you. We're going to assume your question has been answered and close this thread. If you still have questions please feel free to open a new question with us and we will answer your questions accordingly. Thanks!
Stay in the mix and in the know.
Latest offers, special deals and insider updates.


text:
Watch Night services, a practice in African American churches, traditionally began in at the end of 1862, as Freedom's Eve, in anticipation of the Emancipation Proclamation outlawing slavery in the southern states as of Jan. 1, 1863. The tradition of gathering in church to bring in the new year, however, dates back to the 1700s.
According Snopes.com, Watch Night began in 1733 with the Moravians, a small Christian sect in what is now the Czech Republic. It was later picked up by the Methodist Church, and is referred to as "Covenant Renewal Services."
As in many churches, Christmas and coming new year are a reminder to the faithful to be vigilant, to be prepared for the coming of the Lord.
The following churches are among those with Watch Night services planned for Monday:
• New Generation Christian Fellowship, 1344 N. 9th St., Griffin, Watch Night celebration will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Guest speaker will be Dr. Tanda Joy Canion of Assembly of Truth Ministry, Atlanta. For transportation, call 770-228-5002.
• Northside Baptist Church, 210 Georgia Ave., Watch Night Service begins at 10 p.m. For more information, call Shiriquinta Silas, 770-227-5945.
• Eighth Street Baptist Church, 408 Palace St., Griffin, "Countdown to 2013" Watch Night Praise and Worship begins at 10 p.m.
• Bible Believers Cathedral 225 West Broadway St., Griffin, Watchnight 2012 service will be from 7 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to attend. "We are expecting a high time in God."


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North Wiltshire & Kennet sport from the Gazette and Herald
Get involved! Send photos, video, news & views. Text WILTS GAZETTE to 80360 or email us
Venus Williams out of Wimbledon
8:11pm Tuesday 18th June 2013
Five-time singles champion Venus Williams has pulled out of Wimbledon because of a back injury.
Villa complete Helenius move
3:02pm Tuesday 18th June 2013
Aston Villa have completed the signing of striker Nicklas Helenius from Aalborg.
New Baggies deal for Reid
10:17am Tuesday 18th June 2013
West Brom have confirmed defender Steven Reid has signed a new one-year contract with the club.
Ferdinands: We want to help
10:50am Thursday 25th October 2012
The Ferdinand brothers want to work with Kick it Out to make it more relevant.
More National Sport
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name


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Questions & Answers : Search Results
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Do you have to have a smart phone or computer to use this
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- Dec 4, 2012
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Can you get the app on your apple computer?
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- Nov 11, 2012
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Can this be used with any apple computer?
My daughter has desk top Apple but no other apple items. Would she be able to use the fuelband to its fullest?
- Mar 11, 2013
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Email us: firstname.lastname@example.com
1-DAY FOR THE SHOW: Madrid Fashion Week by Crazy Rouge Mar 1, 2013
BEULAH LONDON: Hosted by Amy Sacco Feb 14, 2013
SILJE VALLEVIK: Model Artist Feb 6, 2013
HELLO SPAIN by Alina Krasina Feb 6, 2013
STREET SCENE: Soho London Feb 4, 2013
SHIRLEY LEIGH-WOOD OAKES Birthday at 2&8 Feb 2, 2013
UPPER WEST & MADISONS: Launch Party Feb 1, 2013
SANDY LEDDIN: Photos by Daniela Glunz Jan 25, 2013
EAST END: ON THE RISE Jan 20, 2013
CORA DEITZ: Photos by Michael Church Jan 2, 2013
ROSSANO FERRETTI: Opens Luxurious Lifestyle Hairspa Feb 14, 2013
RIHANNA FOR RIVER ISLAND: London Fashion Week Feb 18, 2013
JOHN GALLIANO: Before Oscar De La Renta by Crazy Rouge Feb 18, 2013
A HOTEL LIFE with KRUG at ACME Mar 1, 2013
SERAFINA: POSH PIZZA & PASTA Feb 28, 2013
DOWNTOWN: Serafina After Party Feb 28, 2013
SERAFINA ALWAYS: New Location Launch Feb 28, 2013
MEGAN MOHR: Photos Provided by Caleb White Feb 28, 2013
PARKER DOT COM Launch Party: Dream Hotel Feb 23, 2013
PREMIER MODEL MANAGEMENT at The Rose Club Feb 23, 2013
BEAUTYCON at HOME HOUSE Feb 22, 2013
DOMINIC JONES at The Box Soho Feb 18, 2013
DAVID WERTHEIMER LONDON BIRTHDAY by Crazy Rouge Dec 25, 2012
WALTER BAKER: Holiday Party at PEPELA Dec 21, 2012
HELLO MILANO by Alina Krasina Dec 18, 2012
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The restoration and rehabitation of Crowley Museum and Nature Center's 190 acres has begun.
The historic Pine Level Trail and the majority of the pine flat woods have become dangerously overgrown and infested with invasive non-native foliage and is now a fire hazard not only to Crowley but to its natural inhabitants such as deer, bobcats and migratory bird species. By restoring the flat woods through controlled burns, underbrush clearing and the planting of healthy native plants, this practice will re-introduce many species of animals that have long since vacated the area.
During this process, Crowley will be minimizing its operating schedule for the safety of its visitors while the controlled burns and heavy equipment used for brush clearing are in operation. Beginning July 1 through Dec. 31, Crowley will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Crowley is currently seeking financial assistance to complete the project. Anyone interested in making a donation can do so at www.cmncfl.org/donate.htm.
For more information, call 322-1000.
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- May
22 Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance May Morning Express Networking Social - SCF "How SCF Supports Local Business"
7:30 am - 9:00 am - May
26 Tribute to Heroes Parade - Main St LWR
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - May
28 Braden River Soccer Club Try-outs
6:00 pm - May
29 LWRBA May Membership Lunch
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Ranch rallies against cancer
East County residents will rally to fight cancer Saturday, May 18, as the American Cancer Society hosts its annual Lakewood Ranch Relay for Life event at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA. -
Barista pours on fun for daughters
State Road 70 Starbucks barista and East County resident Cyndee Vanderford showed her daughters the world of lattes and mochas for Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day April 25. -
Troop plants Freedom's courtyard
Girls in Girl Scouts Junior Troop 181, at Freedom Elementary School, recently earned their Bronze Award by researching and planting the back of the school's courtyard.


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2013 Louisville Slugger TPS Xeno: FP13X Fastpitch
$299.99 |
With Free Shipping Both Ways |
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54 Product Reviews
Questions and Answers
Got a question about the 2013 Louisville Slugger TPS Xeno: FP13X Fastpitch? Ask our team of experts, and they will respond within 24 hours.
Ask A QuestionDon't you carry a 34" in a -10 or -9?
Our website is "real-time" and reflects our current inventory. We did carry the 34" model of the 2013 Louisville Slugger TPS Xeno: FP13X Fastpitch bat, but we do not expect to receive any other size options.
Do you have this bat in stock: Xeno 34/26?
This bat, the 2013 Louisville Slugger TPS Xeno: FP13X Fastpitch bat, is a -10 model. We do currently have the -8 TPS Xeno: FP13X8 available in the 34" 26 oz. model: http://www.justbats.com/product/2013-louisville-slugger-tps-xeno--fp13x8-fastpitch/16485/
I have the 2012 Louisville Slugger Xeno, 33" 23 oz. and when I shake it, it makes a rattle sound inside. The Endcap seems tight. Should I start looking for a new bat?
It seems like it has been damaged in some way. If it is still covered under the 12 month manufacture warranty I would call Louisville Slugger at 800-282-2287. If it has been longer then that then I would look into the new 2013 Louisville Slugger TPS Xeno: FP13X Fastpitch.
Product Description
New for 2013! Many of the best teams in college and high school softball were swinging the Louisville Slugger TPS Xeno this past year! That's because they learned the old fashioned way which bat was the hottest: through thousands of hours of practice and play. The dedication that Louisville Slugger put in to create the Xeno design really shines through in this year's model, and it all starts with S1iD Technology. This technology actually allows the barrel to be tuned to exceed the legal ball exit speed ratio. The catch is that a governor is placed inside that allows the barrel to flex to its MAXIMUM allowable performance from SWING 1. The Xeno is made from Louisville Slugger's innovative new LS 2X Composite, yet due to the S1iD technology, it needs ABSOLUTELY ZERO BREAK-IN! The Xeno features an iST design that gives this bat a solid connection between the barrel and handle. iST provides players a bat with a solid feel and HUGE sweetspot, while absorbing vibrations from mis-hit balls before they reach the hands. With a tacky synthetic grip a 7/8 inch handle, the Xeno will give players absolute control at the plate. If you are a fastpitch player looking for THE top-of-the-line bat this season, look no furthur than the TPS Xeno! Louisville Slugger: In a Class Above Any Other! The Xeno is approved by ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA and ISF. This bat comes with a Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty. Free Shipping!
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Moderator: George Lepre
Jan wrote:Hi
I search Informations of this mens:
Njaal Björkelid
Willy Gussen
Herbert Henze
Hans Last
Ernst Scheid
Axel Steen
Ewald Stock
Josef Westemeyer
Willi Wettstein
Jan wrote:Thanks
Can you help me. In which KP were following men?
SS Ustuf. Knut Agnar Aanonsen
SS Ustuf. Hâkon Sunberg
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Veteran CFL linebacker Rod Davis is heading back to Alberta, but this time he'll be wearing red and white, after signing with the Calgary Stampeders on Monday.
Davis spent the first three seasons of his CFL career with the Edmonton Eskimos before joining the Montreal Alouettes last year.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to be a Stampeder," said Davis. "It's a team I know very well from my days in Edmonton and all the games we played against Calgary. It's great to get a chance now to wear the red and white."
Davis is a four-year CFL veteran who recorded 35 tackles, four special-teams tackles, five sacks, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions in 16 games for the Alouettes in 2012.
For his career Davis has 184 tackles, 26 special-teams tackles, 10 sacks, and eight interceptions in 57 regular-season games. "With Rod having spent the majority of his career up the road in Edmonton, I am very familiar with his abilities," said Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel. "He's an excellent addition to our team and I look forward to seeing him perform in a Stampeders uniform."
Prior to coming to the CFL, Davis played three seasons in the National Football League and played a total of 40 games — 39 for the Minnesota Vikings and one for Carolina Panthers.
He has also played for the Philadelphia Soul in the Arena Football League. Prior to turning pro, Davis starred at Southern Mississippi and was twice a first-team all-Conference USA player.
The Stampeders also released import defensive lineman Anwar Stewart and import receiver/kick returner Jason Armstead.
Stewart joined the Stampeders as a free agent last October. In four games with the team last season he recorded nine tackles and four sacks. Stewart began his CFL career with Calgary in 2001 before spending the next 10 seasons with Montreal.
Armstead, a nine-year CFL veteran, signed with Calgary in September 2012.
Beneath every name, every scratch, every rivet... Eight original documentaries. 100 memorable stories. The Grey Cup, the CFL and Canada. Engraved on a Nation Website
How They Were Made:
The 13th Man | Stone Thrower | The Kid from La Puente | Playing A Dangerous Game | The Crash |
The Photograph | Western SwaggerThe Greatest Team That Never Won
Mike Hogan is joined by Chad Owens of the Toronto Argos to talk about his Professional MMA Debut!
ESPN analyst Jesse Palmer talks about how crazy NFL playoffs have been; Montreal Alouettes GM Jim Popp shares thoughts on Marc Trestman.
Toronto Argonauts Quarterback Ricky Ray joins Mike Hogan to talk about his off-season and the hiring of Marcus Brady as offensive coordinator.


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Slightly curvy shirred pocket capri pant
Stylish capri pant features pretty detailing such as mini floral print inside waistband and shirred cargo pockets. One pocket on leg with stitching details. 2 back patch pockets with flap and button. Small slit at bottom of leg.
- 98% cotton, 2% spandex
- Imported
- Machine wash in cold water, gentle cycle.
- Do not use chlorine bleach.
- Tumble dry at low temperature.
- Iron at low setting.
- Can be dry cleaned.


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Does anyone use these over a blender? Would you think it is healthier or more "natural?"
I would think the heat friction is probably the same. But it's the closest you can get to a mortar and pestle I guess. Like that's even necessary... but in these days sometimes you can very much benefit from such tools in such a fast paced lifestyle. As a transition tool at least.
Of course it wouldn't be so much for smoothies but more for soups or pastes.
This right here with a food mill would probably be great.
Phase 1 Energy Soups


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Klean Kanteen Girls Water Bottles
Good for you and the planet, our reusable, stainless steel water bottles come in a range of new patterns that pop.
- 2.75" diameter 7" high (not including the cap)
- 18 fluid-ounce capacity.
- Made of food-grade stainless steel.
- BPA-free.
- Personalization is available for an additional $7.00.
- Hand wash.
- Please allow 5-7 business days for delivery. Delivery estimate includes monogrammed and gift-wrapped items.