text:
A Muslim woman was racially abused in Bangor days after the Manchester Arena bombing.
The woman, originally from Kuwait, was shouted at with racial and distressing comments by a man as she walked on the city's high street.
She had been dressed in a full hijab and was "very distressed" by the verbal assault on May 22.
A month later the same woman was subject to a further verbal attack from the same man.
North Wales Police are investigating both incidents as hate crimes.
Investigating Officer PC Iwan Jones at Bangor said: "At about 11pm on Monday May 22 a woman aged in her early 30s was walking along Bangor High Street between Star Kebab and Shaheens when she was subjected to racial and distressing comments by a man.
"The lady, originally from Kuwait and dressed in full hijab was understandably very distressed particularly as his comments came in the immediate aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing and although no physical threat was made she felt very intimidated and quickly made her way home.
"Unfortunately a second incident involving the same woman and offender occurred between 9pm and 10pm on Wednesday June 21 when the woman who was walking along Beach Road, Bangor was shouted at by the same man and then followed from the football field to the nearby Texaco garage.
"The incidents were reported to staff at the garage who then informed police.
"Members of the public were also present in the garage at the time and I'm hoping they too can assist us identify the offender."
"We are supporting the victim through this very difficult time and for her"
The man is described as white and aged between 30 and 40 with scruffy dark coloured hair and wearing a black top and trousers and possibly carrying bags.
He was also seen to enter the Texaco garage.
"There can never be any excuse for hate crime in any shape or form and this criminality will not be tolerated," PC Iwan Jones added.
"More than ever in these uncertain times we want anyone who may be subjected to hate crime to feel confident in the belief that we'll take your reports seriously, protect you and make sure you get all the support you need.
"We are supporting the victim through this very difficult time and for her, and for her and the local communities sake we are determined to identify and arrest this man as soon as possible and so I'd appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious person or behaviour, or indeed knows who may be responsible to contact Police."
Anyone with information should contact North Wales Police and quote reference RC 1709 1994.


text:
Podcast Your Data is a regular podcast highlighting conversations with interesting figures in the data community.
Tableau Conference Europe 2018 is next week! Besides making last-minute preparations, David Pires finishes up talking to some fantastic people in the data community that you can meet at TC18Europe – Tristan Guillevin, Sarah Bartlett, Rebecca Roland, Simon Beaumont and Tableau's Sara Fernandes.
We hope to see you in London; stop by our booth and say "hello" to David and the rest of the InterWorks team. We love making new friends.
Subscribe to Podcast Your Data through iTunes, Stitcher, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcasting app.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Have you ever seen a Unicorn?
Have you ever seen a unicorn? Our lake has a very special guardian - a full size unicorn. She is able to be sat upon and she sits overlooking our lake. Our guests are able to sit and watch all the wildlife surrounding the lake and enoy the peace and tranquility of the quiet countryside adjacent to our yurt camp. Every year children and adults alike who have been staying at the yurt camp have enjoyed seeing her and she is a landmark and permanent fixture on our land. Unicorns like her apparently come to life over night and sprinkle fairy dust across the yurt camp - or so they say!!!!
Leave a Reply.
Liz Jeffery - owner of Hemsford Yurt camp


text:
Kathleen M. Millar
Reclaiming the Discarded
Other Publications
Contemporary Ethnography
What is at stake when writing about the lives of others? What political, ethical, and epistemological issues arise when representing distinct human experience? These questions shook the very foundation of anthropology, beginning in the 1980s, by scrutinizing its core methodology and form—the ethnography. Since then, anthropologists have continued to wrestle with these questions by experimenting with ethnography as a craft of research, a genre of writing, and a political force. This course examines this experimentation in ethnography by exploring a diverse set of recent, cutting-edge works. Our journey will take us from the forests of northern Paraguay where some of the last isolated indigenous bands flee encroaching bulldozers; to the high-powered offices of Wall Street bankers whose workplace culture both produces and legitimates economic crisis; and finally to a rehab clinic in northern New Mexico where heroin addicts grapple with an enduring history of material and cultural dispossession. Through our readings and discussions, we will consider both the formal properties of the texts as well as how their theoretical arguments contribute to current debates in anthropology. The overarching goal of the course is to develop a solid grasp of new trends in ethnographic research and an appreciation for the diverse ways ethnographers have produced innovative analytical works.
Proudly powered by
Reclaiming the Discarded
Other Publications


text:
At XTENSOS, our focus is on delivering real Value for our Customers.
Our team is made up of not only exceptionally-competent professionals but they are very experienced as well. Many of our associates have been delivering scalable global solutions, in various organisations, for over 20 years.
This team, of talented associates don't just bring theory but also many years of specific, practical, hands-on global experience, which our Customers find invaluable.
Many organisation build and grow their revenues based on maximising what they call Total Contract Value (TCV). They do this by focusing heavily on Sales, and associated sales activities, and this focus eventually shapes the culture of the organisation.
At XTENSOS, our focus is not to just sell. Instead our focus is on delivering real Value for our Customers. We will never sell a solution that the customer does not need and we will never put revenue generation ahead of our commitment to our values.
We are totally committed to building our business based on our own unique version of TCV:
Our experienced team of associates have been completing Customer Engagements, building Trust, Credibility & Value around the globe for over 20 years.
For more information and to see how we can help your business, just get in touch and we will be happy to start a conversation with you.


text:
4 Bags Premium American Ginseng Medium Long (4 oz.)
Safe Checkout
Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought
4 Bags Premium American Ginseng Medium Long (4 oz.), Total 1 LB
Premium Quality
How To Use Ginseng
Ginseng Tea Instruction: Add about 8-12 slices of ginseng root and any other ingredients to a cup. Pour hot water over the ginseng and steep for 8-10 minutes. You may allow the ginseng slice to steep for longer if you want a bolder flavor. Add additional hot water. You can make a total of two to three cups of ginseng tea. The ginseng root will get soft and may be eaten if desired.
Ginseng Soup Instruction: Add ginseng with other herbal ingredients and meat such as chicken or pork. Boil then simmer for 3 hours.*
Made In U.S.A
*Please note: these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This product cannot replace your doctor's prescription medicine.


text:
Export of Dogs and Cats to Taiwan
This page is part of the Guidance Document Repository (GDR).
Looking for related documents?
Search for related documents in the Guidance Document Repository
The requirements for the export of dogs and cats to Taiwan are available on the website of the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) of Taiwan. Please see the "Guidelines of Quarantine Requirements for Importing Dogs or Cats from countries considered infected with rabies into Taiwan" and Veterinary Certificate "BAPHIQ Form 002".
An import permit is needed to export a dog or cat to Taiwan. Please see the "Online Application System for Dog/Cat Import Permit" that is available on the BAPHIQ website above. A reservation shall also be made at a post-entry quarantine in Taiwan at least 20 days prior to shipment. Each animal will be quarantined on arrival for at least 21 days.
Online Application System for Dog/Cat Import Permit
A neutralization antibody titration test for rabies antibody performed at a laboratory designated by BAPHIQ is mandatory. The only North American laboratories available in their list (Attachment C) are the Rabies Laboratory of the Kansas State University and the Department of Defense Laboratory, Ft Sam Houston, Texas.
Once the importer has received his or her import permit, the Veterinary Health Certificate (BAPHIQ Form 002) must be completed by a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Canada before being presented to a CFIA official veterinarian to be endorsed. A fee is applicable for this service. Please note that there is no prescribed time between the clinical examination and travelling however it should not exceed 30 days.
- Date modified:


text:
Adams and Reese Jackson Office Partner in Charge Phil Buffington has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Madison County Business League.
The purpose of the Madison County Business League is to act in partnership with the Madison County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) to unite the public and private sectors, encouraging proper planning for future growth and development. The League achieves this mission by hosting educational and informational forums, symposiums and other events to bring these individuals together.
Topics addressed include healthcare, economic forecasting, education, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, among others. The League also host smaller events for the various committee members with senate and congressional staff members, MDOT officials, governor staffers, legislators, judiciary and other local and state elected/appointed officials.
Buffington has been practicing law since 1984 in transactions, and has extensive experience in representing financial institutions, including representation in regulatory matters, creditor bankruptcy, corporate, commercial law, mergers and acquisitions and securities law. He also has experience in insurance regulatory law, real estate and nonprofit and charitable organizations. In addition, he has experience in general commercial litigation, in particular mediation and arbitration, in state and federal courts and federal agencies.
In the legal arena, Buffington is a member of various sections within the American Bar Association, including the Banking Law Committee. He is also a member of the Business Law Section and Real Property Section of the Mississippi Bar Association. He is an adjunct professor at Mississippi College School of Law, and is a former President of the Mississippi College School of Law Alumni.
In the community, he is heavily involved with St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral, having served in various positions and on numerous committees, and has served on various nonprofit organizations boards. He is also a former board member of Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson, Inc.


text:
Motivation is an essential part of human living. Virtually on daily basis, people use the word "motivation" in one form or the other. For you to read this shows you also want to know more. Many books have also been written on this subject matter. Today, we are going to contribute to existing knowledge by looking at some different definitions of "motivation" by different authors. The aim is to gather different perspectives of motivation from the academic class.
Through this different definitions of "Motivation" by different authors, you will be shown the conceptions and perception of others about it. Additionally, it will widen your knowledge base on the subject and expose you to more definitions. It will also help to motivate you and show you different ways to apply the term "motivation" in your day-to-day living.
Also See: What Is Motivation? – Theories Of Motivation In Modern Organizations
Different Definitions Of "Motivation" By Different Authors
Below, you will get to read the different definitions of "motivation" by different authors.
- "Motivation is defined as the performance of an activity because it is perceived to be instrumental in achieving valued outcomes" (Teo, Lim, & Lai, 1999).
- "Motivation is defined as the power that triggers action that follows" (Cheng, & Cheng, 2012).
- Furthermore, "Motivation can be defined as everything that drives and sustains human behavior" (Gard, 2001).
- "Motivation may be defined as the degree to which individuals commit effort to achieve goals that they perceive as being meaningful and worthwhile"
- "Motivation can be defined as the desire to achieve some" goal (Hays, & Hill, 2001).
- Additionally, "Motivation is generally viewed as a process through which an individual's needs and desires are set in motion" (Rakes, & Dunn, 2010).
- "Motivation is the process whereby goal‐directed activity is instigated and sustained" (Pintrich, & Schunk, 1996).
Also See: How To Become A Motivational Public Speaker
Quote: "Motivation is generally considered to be an internal state that initiates and maintains goal directed behavior" (Mayer, 2011).
- "Motivation is defined as the inner urge that moves or prompts" (Resnick, 2007).
- In furtherance, "Motivation is self-focused" (Bowman, 2007).
- Also, "Motivation is what moves us to act" (McDonough, 2007).
- "Motivation is generally more internally or more extrinsically oriented" (Mata, Silva, Vieira, Carraça, Andrade, Coutinho, et al, 2009).
- "Motivation is the 'want-to' component of individuals' actions" (King, & Teo, 2012)
- In continuation, "Motivation is an inner drive" (Locke & Baum, 2006).
- "Motivation is level of effort" (Pew, 2007).
- "Motivation is dependent on 3 psychological processes: arousal, direction and intensity" (Curral, L., & Marques-Quinteiro, 2009).
Also See: Master The Most Powerful Motivational Quotes For Students
The above is some of the different definitions of "motivation" by different authors. It has been able to show us different applications of motivation. How you assess these information is your making. We would conclude by adding that "motivation is the inner desire to do what needs to be done even when you do not feel like doing that".
So, be motivated to achieve excellence this week and beyond. I am motivated. How about you?


text:
April has slipped into the history books and now it's time to gather 'round the maypole.' Hi there, it's Sam. Today is my favorite day of spring and not just because it's "May Day" which is celebrated in various northern hemisphere countries (U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Finland, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, and the Czech Republic). Today starts 'my' month. You see, I'm Mr. May in our hospital pet therapy calendar. Lots of nurses will be
swooning smiling when they flip over April and see this handsome dawg staring back at them. I'm feeling extra honored to be included as a center fold this year since the pet therapy peeps decided not to make a calendar for next year's fundraiser.
According to Wikipedia, "May Day has been a traditional day of festivities throughout the centuries, most associated with towns and villages celebrating springtime fertility (of the soil, livestock, and people) and revelry with village fetes and community gatherings." Originating in Roman times as a pagan celebration, modern May Day ceremonies in the U.S. vary from region to region and many unite both the holiday's "Green Root" (pagan) and "Red Root" (labor) traditions. Children often prepare small baskets filled with flowers and treats to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Whatever you do today, we hope you enjoy a beautiful day and a sweet wet nose from your favorite four-legged fur-iend.
Live, love, bark! 🐾


text:
Beauty Lifestyle Party
A Beauty Lifestyle Party is a small but most importantly private beauty presentation amongst friends for you.
Your little musing, wishes and desires take centre stage. And this magical party with surprises like information about filler injections, long-lasting beauty like Permanent Makeup Lifestyle Fashion etc., brings each woman a palpable step closer to at least one of her dreams.
Every Monday I invite 3-5 women to our party. Register for free now at email@example.com
We have champagne and finger food for you!
Nutzen Sie unser
oder kontaktieren Sie uns
Tel.: 06371/8384926
Mobil: 0151/55755497


text:
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership involving 28 countries that began after World War II to foster economic cooperation, with the idea that countries which trade together are more likely to avoid going to war with each other.
It has since grown to become a "single market" allowing goods and people to move around, basically as if the member states were one country. It has its own currency, the euro, which is used by 19 of the member countries, its own parliament and it now sets rules in a wide range of areas – including on the environment, transport, consumer rights and even things such as mobile phone charges.
It was the view that the EU was not supporting Britain's interests, particularly with respect to open borders for employment, concerns regarding migration and arguments that the economy was supporting poorer member states that saw the decision taken to hold the referendum.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron had pledged during the last general election to hold a referendum on the United Kingdom's (UK) continued membership of the EU. On Thursday 23 June 2016 the referendum was held with a turnout of 71.8 per cent, with more than 30 million people voting. It was the highest turnout in a UK-wide vote since the 1992 general election.
Two opposing sides, described as the Leave and Remain groups, argued their case. Leave won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent. England voted strongly for Brexit, by 53.4 per cent to 46.6 per cent, as did Wales, with Leave getting 52.5 per cent of the vote and Remain 47.5 per cent. Scotland and Northern Ireland both backed staying in the EU. Scotland backed Remain by 62 per cent to 38 per cent, while 55.8 per cent in Northern Ireland voted Remain and 44.2 per cent Leave.
For the UK to leave the EU it has to invoke an agreement called Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. The article has only been in force since late 2009 and it hasn't been tested yet, so no-one really knows how the Brexit process will work.
The UK Government needs to decide when to invoke this – that will then set in motion the formal legal process of withdrawing from the EU, and give the UK two years to negotiate its withdrawal.
EU law still stands in the UK until it ceases being a member – and that process could take some time. The UK will continue to abide by EU treaties and laws, but not take part in any decision-making, as it negotiates a withdrawal agreement and the terms of its relationship with the now 27 nation bloc.
The referendum result was the opposite of what polls had predicted, and has subsequently sparked heated debate and conjecture as to whether it was truly representative of what people wanted after the ramifications of the exit were realised. Calls for another referendum, seeking legal ways to block the exit and suggesting the vote should not be binding on the Parliament have been made in the immediate aftermath.
However, an examination of how the votes for Leave and Remain were cast, indicates that there have been clear class divisions opened, with areas facing economic hardship and concerns regarding immigration and health care provision through the UK's National Health System (NHS) strongly supporting the Leave campaign. Those areas such as South East England, Scotland and Ireland that view the economic benefits of continuing membership voted strongly to Remain.
The UK Independence Party (UKIP), which won the biggest voter swing in the May 2015 UK general election receiving nearly four million votes – almost 13 per cent of those cast, campaigned for Britain's exit from the EU. About half of Conservative MPs, including five cabinet ministers, several Labour MPs, and Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) were also in favour of leaving.
They argued Britain was being held back by the EU, which they said imposed too many rules on business and charged billions of pounds a year in membership fees for little in return. They also wanted Britain to take back full control of its borders and reduce the number of people coming to live and/or work within the UK.
One of the main principles of EU membership is "free movement", which means you don't need to get a visa to go and live in another EU country. The Leave campaign also objected to the idea of a "ever closer union" and what they see as moves towards the creation of a "United States of Europe".
UK Prime Minister David Cameron wanted Britain to stay in the EU. He sought an agreement with other EU leaders to change the terms of Britain's membership. Sixteen members of the PM's cabinet also backed staying in. The Conservative Party pledged to be neutral in the campaign – but the Labour Party, Scottish National Party (SNP), Wales' Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems were all in favour of staying in.
US President Barack Obama also wanted Britain to remain in the EU, as did other EU nations such as France and Germany.
Those campaigning for Britain to stay in the EU argued it gets a big boost from membership – it makes selling things to other EU countries easier and, they argued, the flow of immigrants, most of whom are young and keen to work, fuels economic growth and helps pay for public services.
They also said Britain's status in the world would be damaged by leaving and that the UK is more secure as part of the 28 nation club, rather than going it alone.
Big business, with a few exceptions, tended to be in favour of Britain staying in the EU because it makes it easier for them to move money, people and products around the world.
BT Chairman, Sir Mike Rake, a recent Confederation of British Industry (CBI) president, said there were "no credible alternatives" to staying in the EU. But others disagreed, such as JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford who said an EU exit would allow the UK to negotiate trade deals as our country "rather than being one of 28 nations".
Morgan Stanley sources told BBC business reporter Joe Lynam that it had started the process of moving about 2,000 staff based in London to either Dublin or Frankfurt. Ahead of the vote, the president of the investment bank, Colm Kelleher, told Bloomsberg that Brexit would be "the most consequential thing that we've ever seen since the war".
Brexit saw stock market turmoil internationally and a substantial fall in the pound to levels not seen since 1984. Uncertainty regarding how new trade deals will be negotiated, defence arrangements, additional costs associated with border control, changes required to some 40 parliamentary Acts and concerns about particular sectors of the economy such as financial services are dominating post-referendum discussions.
Brexit's effects on the international economy, warnings of other potential EU members who may also exit (the Netherlands is a particular candidate) and the stance the EU takes in negotiations (predicted to be tough) have the potential to create economic uncertainty not seen since 2007.
The implications for the UK and for the various political players in the referendum campaign have been swift:
UK Prime Minister David Cameron indicated he will resign, probably in September or October, so that someone who believed in the exit and who could presumably unite the Conservative Party could be elected leader and hence Prime Minister.
Former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who led the leave campaign, is considered the favourite for the job. But he has not declared his intentions, and there are already indications he could face a more serious challenge than was previously thought. A poll released by the Times of London newspaper has suggested that Mr Johnson could actually lose among the Tory rank and file in a match-up with Theresa May, who handles the country's domestic security as the Home Secretary of the UK. May has not declared her intentions, and endorsed the Remain campaign, saying that she believed Britain was safer within the EU. Some within the party have suggested she could be a compromise candidate who would bridge the warring factions.
A number of candidates are expected to nominate, including Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health who favoured Remain; Liam Fox, a former Secretary of State for Defence who enthusiastically campaigned for Leave; and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Stephen Crabb, considered a rising star in the party, though his advocacy for remain will likely hurt him among pro-Brexit members.
Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn has faced a revolt in the Labour Party, with some 12 shadow ministers resigning, and a vote of no confidence in his leadership being carried 172 to 40. He has so far refused to resign, and it has been suggested even if there is a leadership vote he may well survive with the support of rank and file Labour members and unions who supported the Leave campaign.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in the wake of the Leave result that it is "democratically unacceptable" that Scotland faces being taken out of the EU when it voted to Remain. She has indicated that a second independence referendum for the country (the first in 2016 narrowly failed) is "highly likely".
Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Martin McGuiness has stated the impact in Northern Ireland would be "very profound" and that the whole island of Ireland should now be able to vote on reunification. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers has ruled out the call from Sinn Féin for a border poll, saying the circumstances in which one would be called did not exist.
It is most likely that a snap general election will be held before the end of the year, although laws that had been enacted to have fixed term parliaments will need to be amended.
Many of the promises and claims that had been made during the referendum by the Leave campaign have seen their proponents now distancing themselves from such claims. This is particularly so with respect to the quantum of money given to the EU that will be redirected to the NHS; control of the UK borders; and the strength and sustainability of the economy.
The implications for Australia of the UK referendum are important in terms of our relationship with both the UK and EU, particularly with respect to trade and sources of foreign investment.
In November 2015 an agreement to begin negotiations in 2017 with the EU on a free trade agreement (FTA) was announced at the G20 summit in Turkey. Where these negotiations now go, and whether a separate FTA with the UK might be on the table, are considerations for the future.
The EU consistently shows up as one of Australia's main trading partners:
In 2014 the EU was Australia's largest source of foreign direct investment valued at $169.6 billion and Australian foreign direct investment in the EU was valued at $83.5 billion;
In 2015, the EU is Australia's third-largest trading partner after China and Japan;
The EU is Australia's largest services export market, valued at nearly $10 billion in 2014. Services account for 19.7 per cent of Australia's total trade in goods and services, and will be an important component of any FTA.
That said, 48 per cent of Australia's exports in services to the EU were via the UK; of the $169 billion in EU foreign direct investment, 51 per cent came from the UK; and of Australia's foreign direct investment into the EU, 66 per cent went to the UK.
However, given that only 2.7 per cent of Australian exports go to the UK and the Leave victory is unlikely to plunge Europe into an immediate recession (although the medium-term outlook may not be so positive), the main impact on Australia will be on financial markets and affect short-term confidence.
But the Australia-EU-UK relationship cannot be reduced to numbers alone. It also rests on values shared between like-minded powers.
Brexit represents the further fracturing of the West at a moment when that already weakening political identity is in relative decline compared to other regions of the world, notably Asia (or more specifically China).
EU-Australia relations rest on shared concerns, such as the fight against terrorism advanced through police collaboration and the sharing of passenger name records. The EU and Australia also collaborated to mitigate climate change at the Paris climate summit. And they work for further trade liberalisation in the World Trade Organization.
Brexit explained discusses the leave and remain campaigns, implications for business and the economy, political fallout and implications for Australia.


text:
Unique medieval programme in the Medieval Tavern
If you have any questions or queries, please contact us.Contact Form
Unique medieval programme in the Medieval Tavern
Middle ages, come and see for yourself!
From Tuesday till Saturday from 7pm till 10pm in the Medieval Tavern U Krále Brabantského.
Do not miss our new medieval programme in the Medieval Tavern! Come and enjoy our show performed by the fakir with his snake and be mesmerised by the breath-taking fire show and battles of heavy armoured worriers. Breath in the past and forget about the 21st century!
You will be entertained by swordsmen, dancers, beggars and live music all night long. For some gold coins, our innkeeper will serve you grilled meat and other medieval bites which you might want to wash down with some home brewed beer. Experience our MEDIEVAL PROGRAMME designed especially for you!
- table dancers, medieval music provided by a live band
- jugglers, swordsmen, fakirs and beggars
- medieval food specialities prepared over open fire, eaten with your bare hands
- shockingly authentic medieval atmosphere and mouthy service


text:
Terrorism is on the rise.
But as ISIS is being beaten back in the East, their operations have only increased in the West. 2016 saw a slew of Islamist atrocities throughout the Western world, from the murder of a priest in Normandy, to the Brussels bombings, to the axe-attack on a train in Wurzburg, to the truck massacre in Nice, to the bombings in New York and New Jersey. 2016's number of EU terrorist attacks surpassed 2015's (17), which itself surpassed 2014's (4) [1].
Furthermore, ISIS's goal to turn non-Muslims and Muslims against each other seems to be having some success; Muslims in the West are now discriminated against by employers [2] and risk various personal attacks such as having their veils ripped off in the streets [3], having eggs thrown at them [4], having their windscreens smashed [5] and their mosques defaced [6], being shot [7], and being beaten to death [8][9].
The Muslim-rights group Tell MAMA reported a 326 per cent rise in UK "Islamophobic" incidents in 2015, from 146 to 437 [10]. While concerns have been raised about Tell MAMA's methods, and their numbers cannot be independently verified, the Metropolitan Police concluded that only a fraction of anti-Muslim incidents were ever reported because they were now so commonplace that they had become normalized by victims as well as perpetrators [11].
Fears of Islam have now also begun to alter the West's political landscape, arguably playing a role in the UK's decision to leave the EU, and in the rise of Donald Trump as a serious presidential candidate. Across Europe, too, previously fringe far-right parties are now gaining momentum, from Front National in France to Jobbik in Hungary. In May, 2016, Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party of Austria came within a mere 31,000 votes of becoming Europe's first far-right head of state since 1945 [12].
Clearly, despite the headway in the military struggle against ISIS, their influence on the world is increasing. Non-Muslims fear being blown up, while Muslims fear being strung up. As a result, the terrorists are successfully doing what they set out to do: terrorizing. Ideas are their deadliest weapon, so we cannot rely on soldiers to stop them. We must address the reason jihadism exists, which is the same reason ISIS continues to inspire lone wolf attacks across the world and recruit new "martyrs" to replace the lost.
So, what is the cause of jihadism? What causes otherwise logical people to commit beheadings and suicide-bombings? Is it religion? Is it politics? Or is it something else?
Determined to find out, I spent a year in the town of Luton, which might just be the most concentrated source of Islamic extremists in the UK.
Through the simple power of obsession, I worked out why people become jihadists. I discovered that Islamic extremism is not simply a product of religion or politics, but of something more bizarre — a phantasmagoria of delusions that we have been unwittingly nurturing in our schools, newspapers, parliaments, and even in our homes.
Here is what happened.
Luton's history is rooted in the Industrial Age. Originally centered around hat-making, it became in 1905 home to Vauxhall, the largest car plant in the UK. In the 1970s, many people of Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent congregated to the Bury Park area to work at the plant. Vauxhall Luton closed in 2000, and since then, the mainly Muslim ex-employees have remained in Bury Park, opening their own businesses to keep afloat, and forming a largely self-sufficient, self-contained community [13]. Bury Park is now almost exclusively Muslim.
In recent times, Luton has gained infamy as a hotbed of extremism. It was a stronghold of both Omar Bakri's extremist group al-Muhajiroun and the hook-handed hate-preacher Abu Hamza. In 1999, Luton man Ghulem Hussein was convicted in Yemen of a bomb plot allegedly financed by Hamza. In 2001, locals Afzal Munir, Aftab Manzoor and Muhamed Omar were killed while fighting for the Taliban in Afghanistan. In 2004, locals Salahuddin Amin and Mohammed Qayyum Khan were implicated in a plot to detonate fertilizer bombs throughout the UK. A year later, the 7/7 bombers met in Luton before launching their attacks on London's transport network. In 2007, local Abdul Aziz Jalil was jailed for plotting to bomb Heathrow Airport and the London Underground. In 2009, Luton was the site of the abuse of British soldiers of the 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian regiment as they paraded upon their return from Iraq. The following year, Luton resident Taimour Abdulwahab al-Abdaly carried out a suicide bombing in Stockholm. In 2013, locals Zahid Iqbal, Mohammed Ahmed, Syed Hussain, and Umar Arshad were found guilty of planning to bomb a Territorial Army base by driving a remote-controlled car packed with explosives under its gate. In 2015, Abu Rahin Aziz stabbed a man in the head with a pen for insulting the prophet Muhammad, before skipping bail to join ISIS in Syria where he was killed in a drone strike. In April, Luton delivery driver Junead Khan was caught scouting locations for a planned beheading of US troops at a British airbase. Shortly after, a Luton Methodist church was revealed to be the site of a secret jihadist indoctrination program for 80 men and children, 72 of whom are still at large…
It is not only Islamic extremism that Luton has had to deal with. In response to the perceived Islamist infiltration of the town, the anti-Muslim group English Defence League (EDL) was founded. Both it and fellow group Britain First have organized rallies and "Christian patrols" in Luton.
Naturally, I was quite nervous about moving to the town. For the first few weeks after arriving, I just got on with my work (and began writing a book about Islamic extremism, which is pending). Occasionally, I ventured into Bury Park for the exotic food, and was relieved to find that, for the most concentrated source of jihadists in the UK, it was rather dull.
Bury Park's most distinctive feature is Luton Central Mosque, its minarets dominating the low skyline. From their loudspeakers, the call to prayer (adhan) can often be heard on the breeze. But even without the mosque, the area is visibly Islamic. There are schools, but they are almost all madrassahs. There are newsagents, but they periodically close for prayer. There are clothes shops, but the mannequins are all well-covered. There is a clothing bank, where local Muslims give garments and other goods which are then distributed among the poor. There is a travel agent who only arranges trips to Mecca. Around the corner, there is a police weapons-disposal bin, for locals to give up knives and more under amnesty. A little further, there is a church, its stained-glass windows intact and its vicar (a woman) smiling.
The one time that Luton lived up to its chaotic reputation was shortly after I'd moved here. I was passing through Bury Park on my way to see my new Muslim doctor when I glimpsed a commotion ahead. A group of white people — a rarity in the area — were shuffling along the pavement, holding up placards and crosses, while shouting. Muslims were gathered on the pavement, shouting back.
As I got closer, I realized I was witnessing a Britain First Christian patrol. These self-proclaimed soldiers of Yahweh were nothing like how they portray themselves in their YouTube videos; they were visibly terrified. I recall one protester, a young man with a shaved head, marching with swagger, doing his best to look strident, while strategically positioning his placard to hide his face from everyone. He almost tripped over.
The police were quick to intervene, and people were led their separate ways.
Since then, I've witnessed no more riots or protests. The main sources of tension are not in Bury Park, which is largely monocultural, but outside it. In the town square, one non-Muslim I recently spoke to was concerned that "Muslims keep to themselves" because "their book tells them they're not allowed to mingle with infidels." It is indeed rare to see Luton Muslims walking with non-Muslims, and some of this lack of integration may indeed have religious origins: observant Muslims typically avoid places where alcohol is served, or where people mingle freely with the opposite sex, or where sports are played in "immodest" clothing, so they might not get a chance to become part of Luton's social life.
Another local non-Muslim I approached was angry that Muslims were "forcing their ways on everyone else," pointing out a decision at the local Inspire Sports Village to segregate the swimming pool and impose a dress code in line with Sharia. The man claimed Muslims get special treatment here, at the expense of everyone else. He also believed violence was justified by the Qur'an. When asked why he didn't accept the common argument that "Islam is a religion of peace," he shrugged and said "That's what they say. But I've heard lying is allowed in their religion." He was referring to taqiyya — a special Islamic rule supposedly allowing Muslims to lie about their beliefs in certain situations, and which has been used by the far-right to paint Western Muslims as a fifth column.
I spoke to Dawood Masood, Head of Administration at the Al Hira Educational and Cultural Centre, and creator of the Not in My Name campaign, which seeks to distance moderate Muslims from jihadists. He was at first cagey, but after I reassured him I didn't work for the Daily Mail, he eased up and spoke freely. He said that people generally got on with each other in Luton, but there were sometimes tensions, especially when groups like Britain First came to town. He believed both non-Muslims and Muslims were in danger of being taken in by a narrative of hate, and part of his work was to prevent this. As such, he is active on social media, and in the streets with leaflets, trying to show young Muslims that terrorism is haram (forbidden). He also organizes open days for non-Muslims to learn about Islam, and interfaith community activities in which Muslims come together with Christians and Jews to celebrate what they have in common. He said that it was difficult to get his vision of a peaceful and tolerant Islam into the spotlight, because the media were only interested in selling papers, so they would rather show beheadings by ISIS.
He may have had a point: A study conducted by the Cardiff School of Journalism found that nearly two-thirds of all themes of news articles about Muslims involved:
"[E]ither terrorism (some 36 per cent of stories); religious issues such as Sharia Law, highlighting cultural differences between British Muslims and others (22 per cent); or Muslim extremism…These stories all portrayed Muslims as a source of trouble. By contrast only 5 per cent of stories were based on problems facing British Muslims." [14]
Masood said that the media's constant conflation of Muslims with terror was what spawned groups like Britain First and the EDL. When I asked Masood what he thought was the main cause of Islamic extremism, he said it was alienation and disenfranchisement among today's youths.
Around Bury park, there are signs of alienation and disenfranchisement. Although the council has funded anti-extremism initiatives at Luton Central Mosque and other religious centers, the infrastructure itself appears to have received little investment. The grass is overgrown in places, the roads are cracked, and there is often more litter than usual, including objects like car seats.
The police presence in Bury Park also seems to be sparse, at least ostensibly. Bedfordshire Police operate a policy known as Faith Watch, whereby community liaison officers work with faith leaders to encourage civilian reporting of crimes among local Muslims. This scheme appears to be conducted in the stead of open police patrols, which are notably rarer than patrols in other parts of Luton. It would seem that local authorities are afraid of appearing too oppressive or heavy-handed, which may be shrewd foresight.
Even so, the failure by authorities to invest or intervene in Muslim quarters can lead to problems, as evidenced by a recent report suggesting electoral fraud has gone ignored in some Muslim communities due to political correctness [15]. But could the lack of government investment also be to blame for terrorism? Could disaffection among Muslims in places like Bury Park lead them to seek enfranchisement elsewhere?
Inevitably, some social misfits are attracted to ISIS for the sense of belonging it offers. As barbaric as the group is, their claim to be an unbreakable ummah (sacred community) unbound by race, location or class (as long as you're male) has a certain familial appeal to those who might not feel they fit in their home countries.
Except, ISIS doesn't just appeal to loners, vagrants and outcasts. The Islamists I once knew at university, and with whom I often debated, were not poor, or forsaken, or socially immobile — they were middle-class, well-to-do university students with rich social lives (I saw them at every bar and night-club).
This fact is not just anecdotal; while researching his book Understanding Terror Networks, Marc Sageman found that the majority of active jihadists (between two-thirds and three-quarters) were middle-class, well-educated professionals within stable social circles [16]. This finding has been confirmed by numerous studies conducted since, most thoroughly in Alan B. Krueger's recent book, What Makes a Terrorist: Economics and the Roots of Terrorism. Clearly, if Islamic extremism is appealing to the well-fed, well-read, and well-cared, then it isn't solely an issue of alienation or deprivation. There has to be some kind of intellectual appeal to it.
I decided to begin my investigation in the obvious place; with the claims by local Britain First supporters that terrorism is justified by Islam.
In my inquiry into Islam, I began with the central text, the Qur'an (the version I used can be found at Quran.com). From my six-month study of The Qur'an, I identified the book's central themes as discipline, harmony, and compassion. It has many verses that preach such things, such as this one:
"And the slaves of the Most Beneficent (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness." (Qur'an 25:63)
And this one:
"And they [the righteous] give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'" (Qur'an 76:8–9)
For most Muslims, the Qur'an's authority is matched only by one other source: the example of the life of Muhammad, known as the Sunnah.
The Sunnah is articulated primarily from the ahadith (singular: hadith), or hagiographies of Muhammad, each of which is carefully graded by Islamic scholars on the reliability of its chain of transmission. I will quote only from those ahadith that are generally regarded as sahih (trustworthy) or hasan (generally sound). The translation of the ahadith I used can be found at Sunnah.com, unless stated otherwise.
When one reads through these ahadith, it becomes clear that there are things to admire in Muhammad's story. He went from lowly merchant to ruler of his own empire in a matter of years. He also had some ethical standards that were remarkably progressive for his time. For instance, he was anti-racism:
"O people, your Lord is one and your father Adam is one. There is no virtue of an Arab over a foreigner nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin nor black skin over white skin, except by righteousness." (Musnad Ahmad bin Hambal 6:22978)
On this issue, he practised what he preached, freeing the ridiculed black slave Bilal ibn Rabah and making him his muezzin (chief prayer-caller) — a revolutionary act at the time.
Muhammad was apparently also a great believer in generosity. As he preaches in a hadith:
"When you make broth, add more water and give some to your neighbour." (Sunan ibn Majah 4:29:3362)
So, both the Qur'an and the Sunnah, the two sources of earthly authority for Muslims, preach peace and compassion to all.
Except, sometimes they also preach death:
"And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (Qur'an 9:5)
This passage, part of the infamous "Sword Verse," seems to be calling for the deaths of polytheists, and though the second sentence has been used by some Muslims to mitigate the severity of the first, it really only changes the verse's meaning from "slaughter the infidels" to "slaughter the infidels unless they convert to Islam."
Furthermore, some of the Qur'an's verses seem to sanction the taking of sex-slaves from among prisoners of war:
"O Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation and those your right hand possesses from what Allah has returned to you [of captives]…" (33:50)
Muhammad lived by this philosophy, when, for example, he took sex-slaves from the conquered Banu Qurayza tribe, including the Israelite Rayhana bint Zayd, who was forced to make love to Muhammad as her family was executed. She was one of the lucky ones; a leader of Rayhana's old tribe, Kinana ibn al-Rabi, was tortured by having his eyes put out and a fire kindled on his chest so he would reveal his tribe's treasure to Muhammad. The prophet then had him beheaded, and took his widow as a sex-slave [17].
So, when Muhammad went to war, he was very different from the one who professed unconditional compassion. And, even when not at war, he prescribed punishments that are at odds with general notions of mercy and compassion, like stoning:
"If a man happens to meet in a town a virgin pledged to be married and he sleeps with her, you shall take both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death — the young woman because she was in a town and did not scream for help, and the man because he violated another man's wife."
Except, the passage I just quoted is not from the Qur'an; it's from the Bible (New International Version), specifically Deuteronomy 22:23–27.
And here are the Old Testament's rules of engagement:
"When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labour and shall work for you. If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city. When the LORD your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it. As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves." (Deuteronomy 20:10–15)
The Biblical God, Yahweh, also sanctions slavery:
"Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property. You can bequeath them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly." (Leviticus 25:44–46)
Deuteronomy, a particularly bloody book of the Bible, also has rules that suggest the writers had bad personal experiences:
"If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity." (Deuteronomy 25:11–12)
Furthermore, if we are going to talk about the wartime atrocities committed by Muhammad, we cannot ignore the savageness perpetrated by the biblical prophets. Moses, for instance, instigated the mass-butchery of the Midianite males and the enslavement of their women and children, while David enslaved and massacred tribes like the Moabites, and even arranged the death of an ally (Uriah) whose wife (Bathsheba) he took a liking to.
A recent study by Tom Anderson, using special textual analysis software that he created, concluded that the Old Testament contained more than twice the number of violent passages as the Qur'an [18]. Although it didn't account for the relative sizes of the books, it will be clear to anyone who examines both texts that the violent verses in the Old Testament are often more brutal even than those in the Qur'an (they were, after all, written over a millennium earlier).
So, if the Old Testament has verses as barbaric as any in the Qur'an, and if Moses butchered captives and took sex-slaves just like Muhammad, why do Christian or Jewish extremists not make the headlines? Why, when we see reports of terrorism, sex-slavery, and honour killings, do we immediately think of Islam?
We sometimes hear of Christian extremism: abortion clinic bombings in the US, various atrocities committed by Africa's Lord's Resistance Army or India's National Liberation Front of Tripura. Furthermore, Tony Blair's and George W Bush's Christianity may have informed their decision to invade Iraq [19][20].
In addition to the occasional Jesus-loving terrorist, we also sometimes hear of Jewish extremists, such as the Zionist demagogue Meir Ettinger, who tried to bring about an Arab genocide, and the Israeli terrorist Amiram Ben-Uliel who perpetrated the Duma arson attack.
Historically, both Jews and Christians have shed just as much blood for their faith as Muslims. But Judaeo-Christian extremism is gradually vanishing from the civilised world. Islamist atrocities are on the rise.
Perhaps the difference originates in the fact that the Qur'an, unlike the Bible, clearly states that warriors get preferential treatment:
"So let those fight in the cause of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. And he who fights in the cause of Allah and is killed or achieves victory — We will bestow upon him a great reward." (4:74)
This great reward is described in the ahadith as entry to Firdaws, a paradise within paradise, a kind of celestial VIP lounge:
"'There is also another act by which Allah will elevate the position of a (pious believing) slave in Jannah to a grade one hundred degrees higher. And the distance between any two grades is equal to the distance between heaven and earth.' He asked the Messenger of Allah what it was and he replied, 'Jihad in the way of Allah; Jihad in the way of Allah.'" (Muslim 12:1301)
Even though "Jihad" in this context refers explicitly to violent warfare, and not a spiritual inner struggle (as will be made clear to anyone who reads the whole passage), I still had trouble believing offers of paradise were a sufficient explanation for the inordinate number of Islamic terrorists. After all, the Norse Eddas tell of fallen warriors entering Valhalla or Folkvangr, the Viking paradises, where they will feast on the finest boar and beer alongside voluptuous Valkyrie forever. But we don't see many Nordic suicide bombers. (Islam may be far more popular than Norse paganism, but Odin's word is not objectively less credible than Allah's.)
I also wondered why jihadists ignored the verses that stated they had to be compassionate to non-Muslims in order to reach paradise, such as this one:
"The Prophet said, 'Whoever kills a mu'aahid (a non-Muslim living under Muslim rule) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its smell is perceived from a distance of forty years.'" (Bukhari 4:53:391)
And, this one:
"The Prophet said: 'Spread peace between yourselves. By the one in whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you are merciful to others.' They said, 'O Messenger of Allah, all of us are merciful.' The Prophet said, 'Verily, it is not only mercy between yourselves, but rather it is mercy for everyone.'" (Sunan al-Kubrā lil-Nasā'ī 5760)
One argument that I heard from one EDL member was that the violence in the Qur'an is far more radicalizing than the violence in the Bible because it is interpreted using a different set of rules that leads to validation of warfare.
Let's see if there is any truth to this.
Anyone who flicks through the Bible or Qur'an will see that they're filled with contradictions. This is not a controversial point: religious scholars will be the first to admit it. In fact, much of their work involves trying to resolve the contradictions. The most common tool by which they do this is known as abrogation.
The concept of abrogation is something most Christians will be familiar with. According to Biblical exegesis, different periods are given for God to apply different laws. These periods are known as "dispensations." A clear example can be found in the New Testament's abrogation of the older Mosaic covenant, as summed up in Hebrews 8:13:
"In that he saith, a new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."
The general rule in all three Abrahamic faiths is that later passages abrogate earlier ones. Thus, the relatively peaceful New Testament abrogates much of the more violent Old Testament, and it gives Christians one reason not to murder their children for talking back (as Deuteronomy 21:18–21 commands).
As with Christianity, abrogation is also essential to understanding the Qur'an:
"We do not abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten except [unless] We bring forth [one] better than it or similar to it." (2:106)
Now, here lies what critics of Islam might regard as a central problem of Islamic scriptural violence: the Qur'an differs from the Bible in that it becomes chronologically more violent, not less, as Muhammad goes from a meek merchant in Mecca to a mighty warlord in Medina.
The notorious Sword Verse (9:5), which calls for death to the unbelievers, is also among the last verses chronologically. Noted hadith compiler al-Tabari claims Muhammad received this revelation in the year 631, a year before his death [21]. Al-Tabari's claim is backed up by another approved scholar, al-Bukhari, who states that surah (chapter) 9 was the last revealed to Muhammad [22].
So, unlike the Bible, the Qur'an's violent verses are newer than its peaceful verses, and thus take precedence. Or do they?
The rule of naskh, which stipulates that newer Qur'an verses abrogate older ones, is an invention of medieval scholarship, reaching its peak popularity at the hands of the 14th Century scholar ibn Kathir, who wrote at a time when Islam was at war with Christendom.
Thus, naskh would be valid only to those who hold to a medieval version of Islam, such as Wahhabism — the sect followed by ISIS, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and others — which seeks to return Islam back to the "purity" of the 7th Century, when it was untouched by worldly innovation.
Most Islamic terrorists are Wahhabis, but most Islamic scholars are not. And there are plenty of ways scholars have construed the Qur'an's violent verses besides the medieval interpretation offered by the extremists.
One liberal reading goes like this: abrogation does not exist in the way we understand it. Instead, it is determined by context. The violence perpetrated by Muhammad was necessary because in his medieval desert environment it was kill or be killed — resources were low, danger was everywhere, communities were constantly on either the offensive or defensive — and to survive, they had to be ruthless. Muhammad was bound by the brutal exigencies of his time, just as he was (mostly) bound by gravity, because although he was a paragon of men, he was still only a man. He conquered in self-defence. He took concubines because he was a product of his time. He made mistakes, for us to learn from. And with the onset of a relatively modern, peaceful age, the ruthlessness with which he established his religion is no longer necessary — Muhammad today would be a benevolent peacekeeper, not a wrathful warlord — and one would be free to practice Islam's central creed of order and harmony without any need for brutality.
Thus, the Qur'an's warlike verses are descriptive, not prescriptive — they serve to illustrate the world in which Muhammad existed, not the world as it should be. The rules Allah gave Muhammad were exclusively for medieval desert warfare under a very specific set of circumstances, and the peaceful, compassionate verses are for all other times. This view generally falls under the umbrella of "Islamic modernism," and it was the one taught and studied by most Muslims I spoke with in Luton, including at Luton Central Mosque.
But is this just cherry-picking? Should we not just take the Qur'an's words at face-value, like the Wahhabis? After all, how nuanced can the sentence "Kill the disbelievers wherever you find them" really be?
Quite nuanced, it turns out. As I researched deeper and deeper into Qur'anic exegesis (tafsir), I found my head hurting. The Qur'an, like the Bible, is an immensely complicated book. It is not read like a normal text; instead, every sentence is analysed and cross-checked and interpreted around a wider context constructed from analysis and cross-checking of companion works. The concepts of hadith-grading and abrogation are just the tip of the iceberg; the Qur'an has a surface message (zahir) and a cyphered message (batin); each of its passages also have to be considered mukhamat (having one clear meaning) or mutashabihat (having many meanings); and this is before we even get into the deeper exegesis of working out what those meanings are, and how they interact with each other and the ahadith.
It took Muslim scholars years, even decades, of Qur'an and hadith study to gain any real understanding of Islam, and even then they were often in debate with one another. It didn't seem plausible that the terrorists had grappled with such nuances and complexities.
Masood told me that the vast majority of Luton's young Muslims had almost no knowledge of the Qur'an, and it was these people who were most likely to become extremists, because they were more susceptible to ill-informed, superficial readings of the Qur'an's apparent justifications for violence — readings that made them seem clearer-cut than they actually are.
Masood's statement was confirmed by leaked ISIS files, which show that 70% of new recruits had next to no knowledge of the Qur'an let alone the ahadith [23].
It seemed that although some tenets of Islam could be interpreted to justify violence, they alone could not account for radicalisation. Rather, deeper knowledge of Islam seemed to be linked to less violence, not more.
And, after all, if it really was as simple as the Qur'an justifying terrorism, why were only a fraction of the world's one and a half billion Muslims terrorists? And why were some young people drawn to Wahhabism in spite of the general scholarly consensus that regarded it as simplistic and outmoded?
There had to be something else besides theology that was attracting young Muslims to Wahhabism. I wondered if it was political.
Earlier in my stay in Luton, I encountered an activist dressed in traditional Islamic attire, handing out leaflets. The leaflets apparently showed the mutilated child-victims of a drone strike. They were entitled, "This is democracy."
I asked the activist what he thought about ISIS. He shrugged and said, "I don't know them personally." I asked him if he agreed with their aims and actions. He prevaricated, and when I pointed this out, his breathing became stertorous, like a furnace bellows.
He then employed the fallacy of relative privation: "What about what the West did in Iraq and Afghanistan, what about dropping bombs on babies — isn't that terrorism? What about what the Zionists are doing in Palestine, how come we never hear about that? The West are the true terrorists. It was the West that spread terrorism everywhere."
Every sentence the man said was factually incorrect. Except the last one.
V — PROPHET AND REVENUE, or, BEWARE SHEIKHS BEARING GIFTS
I once knew a man who told me, "it won't be guns or bombs that defeat the terrorists, but ordinary shopping." In his view, Islamic extremism will end when late capitalism has saturated the Middle East, and people are perpetually distracted by shiny things. He may well be right. But it should be noted that shopping also played a significant role in the spread of modern jihadism.
Wahhabism is named after the 18th century preacher Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, who eked out an existence among the barren and sun-baked wastes of Najd in Saudi Arabia, where life was short and brutal. Given the region's inhospitability, the creed didn't initially spread far.
But Wahhab was extremely fortunate in his friendships. He first formed an alliance with ibn Saud, the conqueror of Arabia and head of the House of Saud, and convinced him to help spread his puritanical religion. Saud agreed and, in line with Wahhab's violent ideology, his forces swept the desert, butchering rival tribes and taking sex-slaves, until he had much of Arabia in an iron grip.
In the 1940s, the US paid the House of Saud hundreds of billions to access its oil. The Saudis spent much of this money to further Wahhabism, by printing books and pamphlets, creating propaganda campaigns, offering scholarships for the right academics, and building hundreds of Islamic universities and mosques. This "Petro-Islam," as it came to be called, spread Wahhabi ideas across the Middle East and South Asia.
At the onset of the Cold War, US policy-makers decided that the Wahhabi ideology could be exploited to serve their ends. In 1954 the US began an aid program to Pakistan, at the expense of India, whom it regarded as too cosy with the Soviet Union. It poured billions of dollars into the development of Pakistan's military, hoping to create a bulwark against South Asian socialism. Decades later, the Pakistani military had become so powerful it staged a coup, and General Zia-ul-Haq became its dictator.
Zia initiated a reactionary Islamic reform of Pakistan, in which liberal elements were purged and puritanism was enforced. He gave many seats in his government to members of Jaamat e-Islami, a Wahhabi Islamist organisation that would later participate in the Bangladesh genocide and spread its poisonous ideology across South Asia.
US policy-makers came to see Zia as a useful asset in the fight against the Soviets. Under Operation Cyclone, the Reagan administration funnelled $3 billion dollars through the Pakistani ISI to the Afghan Mujahideen, a jihadist group fighting against Soviet occupation in Afghanistan. Further funds came from the US's other Wahhabi ally, Saudi Arabia. The investment paid off; thousands of new Jihadis joined the war from across the Middle East and North Africa. Among the holy warriors lauded for heroism in Western papers was a man named Osama bin Laden.
In time, the US got what it wanted; the old liberal and socialist movements of the Middle East had been purged into obscurity, the puritanical thugs had annihilated the secular intellectuals, and total power now resided with reactionary Islamist governments.
There was of course a price; the religious fervour stoked by the US, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia didn't end with the war. The Mujahideen fractured into hundreds of lethal shards — including the Taliban, al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the Haqqani Network. These groups needed a new enemy, and they quickly found it, in their biggest patrons.
And that was when the bombings began.
One would think this Frankensteinian lesson would've sobered both Western and Eastern governments out of support for jihadist proxies. But, it hasn't.
In 2011, Hillary Clinton oversaw the armament and funding of al-Qaeda-linked jihadist groups in Libya in an attempt to oust then-ruler, Muammar Gaddafi [24]. And within the last few years, the US has directly or indirectly supplied jihadists fighting against Iran's secular satrap, Bashar al-Assad, in Syria [25]. Furthermore, the US and UK are now providing materiel and support to Saudi Arabia and its jihadist proxies so that they can better slaughter the pro-democracy Shi'ite Houthis in Yemen [26].
Recently, the West has found yet another authoritarian Islamist ally in Erdogan's Turkey. In August 2016, the US effectively retracted support for secular democratic YPG and SDF Kurdish forces fighting ISIS in Jarablus and Manbij, so that it could get behind Turkish forces and their jihadist proxies such as Ahrar al-Sham, Jaysh al-Islam, and al-Zenki. These groups are hostile to secular democracy, and are known to have committed atrocities such as beheading children, but are not designated as terrorists by the US [27][28].
So, clearly, the US and its allies have done much, and are still doing much, to propagate jihadism. But are they, as the Bury Park activist told me, actually responsible for terrorism?
Firstly, no one can ever be responsible for terrorism except for terrorists. To say otherwise is to deny certain human beings agency; to effectively see them as unable to make their own decisions. This is a typical fallacy of the left — seeing brown people as not being able to reach the same standards of responsibility as whites — and is so common that it has even been given a name: the "soft bigotry of low expectations."
Fortunately, blaming terrorism on Western foreign policy is not only bigoted, but also false. Jihadism has existed long before the West's interference in Muslim affairs, from Muhammad's massacre of the Banu Qurayza, to the bloody atrocities committed by the Moors, Mughals, Barbary pirates, and Durrani Empire — all of whom claimed to be acting in accordance with their religion. Even after the West had taken an interest in Muslim countries, it played no role in the 1915 Armenian genocide or the 1971 Bangladesh genocide, both of which involved ruling Muslims slaughtering and defiling their non-Muslim subjects, drawing apparent justification from the Qur'an.
ISIS, in its propaganda magazine Dabiq, claims that Western foreign policy, while a source of anger, is not the main reason for its hatred of the West:
"The fact is, even if you were to stop bombing us, imprisoning us, torturing us, vilifying us, and usurping our lands, we would continue to hate you because our primary reason for hating you will not cease to exist until you embrace Islam." [29]
Jihadists may not be fond of Western democracy, or the laissez-faire capitalism that fattened them, but it's not why they fight.
So what is the real reason?
This is the first part of Gurwinder Bhogal's report. His second part, coming soon to Areo, contains the conclusions of his research and begins as thus:
From my research thus far I had concluded that jihadism was not strictly social, political, or religious, but was influenced by each of these factors. The social explanation didn't explain why so many jihadists came from stable families and well-to-do backgrounds. The political explanation didn't explain the prevalence of Islamic extremism prior to Western interference in the Middle East, including at times of relative peace and prosperity. The religious explanation was also lacking; almost all Muslims are peaceful. Sure, the Qur'an and Muhammad can both be construed to be violent, but so can the Bible and most of its prophets. And Islam is far too diverse, complex and nuanced to be owned by the literalists, both Wahhabi and far-right — neither of whom have the patience to understand exegesis.
I tried to work out the fourth element, some kind of connective tissue for the different explanations…
[1] Europol. "European Union Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2016," pp 10, 22.
[2] Roger Dobson. "British Muslims face worst job discrimination of any minority group, according to research." The Independent, 2014. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/british-muslims-face-worst-job-discrimination-of-any-minority-group-9893211.html
[3] Paul Wright. "Islamophobia in Britain: Muslim woman 'has veil ripped off in racist attack' outside London university." International Business Times, 2016. http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/islamophobia-britain-muslim-woman-has-veil-ripped-off-racist-attack-outside-london-university-1548063
[4] Lisa Fernandez. "Instagram Post Shows Woman With Hijab Egged, San Leandro Police Investigating." NBC Bay Area, 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Instagram-Post-Shows-Woman-With-Hijab-Egged-San-Leandro-Police-Investigating-386674061.html
[5] Barney Davis, Ben Morgan. "Brexit hate crimes: Muslim assaulted with crowbar while driving in Leyton." Evening Standard, 2016. http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/muslim-attacked-with-crowbar-while-driving-in-alleged-post-brexit-hate-crime-a3284446.html
[6] Rachel Revesz. "Nice attacks: Rhode Island mosque vandalized and windows smashed in 'hate crime' following France deaths." The Independent, 2016. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/nice-attacks-rhode-island-mosque-vandalism-windows-smashed-potential-hate-crime-cair-a7139321.html
[7] Mukhtar Ibrahim. "Victim: Shooter made disparaging remarks about Muslims before opening fire." MPR News, 2016. http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/06/30/university-area-victim-says-shooter-made-disparaging-remarks-about-muslims
[8] Anon. "Drunken racist yob who beat Muslim grandfather, 81, to death as he walked to morning prayers is found guilty of murder." Daily Mail, 2016. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3462652/Drunken-racist-yob-beat-Muslim-grandfather-81-death-walked-morning-prayers-guilty-murder.html
[9] Bethania Palma Markus. "Muslim man beaten to death with shovel by construction worker he hired: police." Raw Story, 2016. http://www.rawstory.com/2016/02/muslim-man-beaten-to-death-with-shovel-by-construction-worker-he-hired-police/
[10] Harriet Sherwood. "Incidents of anti-Muslim abuse up by 326% in 2015, says Tell MAMA." The Guardian, 2016. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/29/incidents-of-anti-muslim-abuse-up-by-326-in-2015-says-tell-mama
[11] Vicky Kielinger & Susan Paterson. "Hate Crimes against London's Muslim Communities: An analysis of incidents recorded by the Metropolitan Police Service 2005–2012," p9. Metropolitan Police, 2013. http://www.report-it.org.uk/files/hate_crime_against_london_highres_print_final.pdf
[12] The Economist Data Team. "The Rise of the Far Right in Europe." The Economist, 2016. http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2016/05/daily-chart-18
[13] Sarfraz Manzoor. "Greetings from Bury Park: Race, Religion and Rock 'n' Roll." Bloomsbury, 2007.
[14] Peter Osborne & James Jones. "Muslims Under Siege: Alienating Vulnerable Communities," p19. Cardiff School of Journalism, 2008.
[15] Peter Dominiczak. "Election fraud allowed to take place in Muslim communities because of 'political correctness," report warns." Daily Telegraph, 2016. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/11/election-fraud-allowed-to-take-place-in-muslim-communities-becau/
[16] Mark Sageman. "Understanding Terror Networks," pp 73–75. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2004.
[17] Ibn Ishaq. "Biography of Muhammad." The Internet Archive, circa 750 CE (original), 2016 (retrieved). http://web.archive.org/web/20040625103910/http://www.hraic.org/hadith/ibn_ishaq.html
[18] Tom H. C. Anderson. "Text analysis answers: Is the Qur'an really more violent than the Bible?" Odintext.com, 2016. http://odintext.com/blog/textanalysisbible2of3/
[19] Jonathan Wynne-Jones. "Tony Blair believed God wanted him to go to war to fight evil, claims his mentor." Daily Telegraph, 2009. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/5373525/Tony-Blair-believed-God-wanted-him-to-go-to-war-to-fight-evil-claims-his-mentor.html
[20] Ewen MacAskill. "George Bush: 'God told me to end the tyranny in Iraq.'" The Guardian, 2005. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/oct/07/iraq.usa
[21] Michael Fishbein (translator), al-Tabari (original). "The History of al-Tabari, Vol. 8 — The Victory of Islam: Muhammad at Medina A.D.," pp. 160–87. SUNY Press, 1997.
[22] Al-Bukhari (compiler). Sahih al-Bukhari, 6:60:129. http://www.sunnah.com/bukhari
[23] Aya Batrawy, Paisley Dodds & Lori Hinnant. "'Islam for Dummies': IS recruits have poor grasp of faith." Associated Press, 2016. http://bigstory.ap.org/article/9f94ff7f1e294118956b049a51548b33/islamic-state-gets-know-nothing-recruits-and-rejoices
[24] Jeffrey Scott Shapiro. "Secret Benghazi report reveals Hillary's Libya war push armed al Qaeda-tied terrorists." Washington Times, 2015. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/feb/1/hillary-clinton-libya-war-push-armed-benghazi-rebe/
[25] David E. Sanger. "Rebel Arms Flow Is Said to Benefit Jihadists in Syria." New York Times, 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/15/world/middleeast/jihadists-receiving-most-arms-sent-to-syrian-rebels.html?_r=0
[26] Finian Cunningham. "West's Proxy Jihadist Terror Network Uncovered in Yemen." Strategic Culture, 2015. http://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2015/09/19/wests-proxy-jihadist-terror-network-uncovered-in-yemen.html
[27] Yusra Ahmed (translator). "Ahrar al-Sham, Zenki say will not take part in 'North Army'." Zaman Al Wasl, 2016.https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/15874.html
[28] Anon. "US-backed militants' beheading of Syrian kid stirs outrage." Press TV, 2016. http://www.presstv.com/DetailFr/2016/07/20/476121/Syria-Aleppo-terrorists
[29] Anon. Dabiq, issue 15, p33. ISIS, 2016.


text:
1200 Intrepid
Philadelphia, USA
- Architects
- BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group
- Location
- Philadelphia, USA
- Year
- 2016 Program
9,250 m2
Project type
Liberty Property Trust
Environetics, In-Posse, LRSLA, Pennoni, Re:Vision
Partners in Charge
Bjarke Ingels, Thomas Christoffersen, Beat Schenk
Project Leaders
Sören Grünert (Concept), David Brown (Schematic & DD), Brandon Cook (CD), Michelle Stromsta (CA)
Annette Miller, Aran Coakley, Armen Menendian, Douglass Alligood, Natalie Kwee, Peter Lee, Taylor Hewett, Terry Lallak, Thomas Fagan, Thea Sofie Gassenholm
1200 Intrepid is a LEED Gold office building shaped by the encounter between Robert Stern's master plan of rectangular city blocks and James Corner's iconic, circular Central Green Park.
The building's double curved, pre-cast concrete façade bows inwards to create a generous urban canopy that responds to the 'shock wave' of the park's circular running track, activity pods and planting vignettes - rippling outwards like rings in water to invade the building's footprint. Shaped by the city grid, the cornice and remaining elevations return to the orthogonal design of the Navy Yard's master plan, forming the building's double curve and melding the neighbourhood's two dominant forms.
Referencing the Navy Yard's maritime history while providing much needed natural light, a functioning periscope penetrates the core of the building, projecting views of the Navy Yard basin into the center of the elevator lobby. Visitors and employees can admire the mothballed ships sitting in the adjacent docks while embracing Central Green Park - connecting the building and its inhabitants to their surroundings.
Related Projects
Amy Hau to Helm Noguchi Museum
1 day ago
From UCLA to USC
2 days ago
Toyo Ito Archive Heads to CCA
2 days ago
Reinterpreting Glazed Ceramics in Amsterdam
3 days ago
Engaging with Reinier de Graaf's Reality
4 days ago


text:
Qty : 1
Choosing a dog collar is not an easy task. It often happens that you face the problem what to choose high quality or interesting design? This Designer Leather Collar combines both premium quality and style. It is made of dog safe materials, and contains no toxic substances. Besides, it is very comfortable for wearing thanks to the soft leather material. The distinctive feature of the Collar its amazing design. Be sure, wearing it, your American Bulldog will look like emperor with magnificent necklace on his neck. Don't hesitate to get this Decorated Leather Collar! It is a reasonable choice at affordable price!
The main features of this Leather American Bulldog Collar:
Intended use of this Leather American Bulldog Collar:
Available sizes:
Available colors:
Please be advised that:
Read the additional information about this Leather American Bulldog Collar:
Pay attention to the material the Collar is made of. Specially selected top quality full grain genuine leather is used for creation of this item. Nonartificial materials can't substitute solid natural leather. It will always remain popular among dog owners.
The Collar is equipped with durable steel nickel plated hardware. You will be able to adjust the Collar easily and without many problems with the help of solid metal buckle. All the fittings as well as decorations are rust and corrosion resistant, so be sure they will keep their silver-like shine for many years.
This Collar looks stylish and extraordinary. It is decorated with nickel plates which are reliably secured with rivets. The plates will hold for years and will not spoil the beautiful look of this product.
* 1-5 business days on average once the order is shipped (not including holidays and weekends)** 3-5 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends)
* 9-20 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends)
** 3-7 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends)
You can return all items (except close-outs and custom made products) within 21 days after delivery. Please, contact us before you send item/items back to receive a return/exchange authorization number.
Wait a minute!
You can take this promo code for a realy good deal


text:
Check out the latest filming locations for Footloose on Set-Jetter.com!
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Footloose (1984)
Posted by Robert at 12:35 AM 3 comments:
Labels: filming locations, Footloose, Kevin Bacon, Utah
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Silent Night, Deadly Night series
Check out the whole new location series for Silent Night, Deadly Night at Set-Jetter.com!
Posted by Robert at 10:31 AM 1 comment:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Minimal and Elegant, the hallmark of a gentlemen, this Citizen Quartz watch seemlessly blends into all occasion giving the wearer a profound attention. Features a two tone stainless steel case and bracelet, the watch also boosts a beautiful silver dial with gold plated hour markers and a Date display. Citizen Quartz watches are powered by high precision Quartz movement which is Made in Japan, they are extremely reliable and have very low maintence to give you accurate timekeeping effortlessly.
|Case Material
|Stainless Steel with Two-Tone Gold Plating
|Strap Material
|Stainless Steel Strap with Two-Tone Gold Plating
|Case Size
|Water Resistance
|5 bar
|Glass Material
|Mineral Glass
|Clasp Type
|Fold Over Clasp with Push Button
|Quartz Movement
|1 Year International Warranty


text:
Support NZ Locally Owned Pet Stores : FREE shipping for orders over $65 (T/C's)
Need help?
Follow Us
This item is special order only which means we may not carry stock in our store. If you order this for delivery we will deliver the product from the supplier. If you want to pick this up from our Tauranga store we will need to order this in and contact you when it arrives. This usually takes 1-3 days.
Suitable for Aqua One Nautilus 2700/2700UVC canister filters


text:
2016 Georgia Code
Title 51 - Torts
Chapter 4 - Wrongful Death
§ 51-4-2. Persons entitled to bring action for wrongful death of spouse or parent; survival of action; release of wrongdoer; disposition of recovery; exemption of recovery from liability for decedent's debts; recovery not barred by child's being born out of wedlock
(a) The surviving spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, a child or children, either minor or sui juris, may recover for the homicide of the spouse or parent the full value of the life of the decedent, as shown by the evidence.
(b) (1) If an action for wrongful death is brought by a surviving spouse under subsection (a) of this Code section and the surviving spouse dies pending the action, the action shall survive to the child or children of the decedent.
(2) If an action for wrongful death is brought by a child or children under subsection (a) of this Code section and one of the children dies pending the action, the action shall survive to the surviving child or children.
(c) The surviving spouse may release the alleged wrongdoer without the concurrence of the child or children or any representative thereof and without any order of court, provided that such spouse shall hold the consideration for such release subject to subsection (d) of this Code section.
(d) (1) Any amount recovered under subsection (a) of this Code section shall be equally divided, share and share alike, among the surviving spouse and the children per capita, and the descendants of children shall take per stirpes, provided that any such recovery to which a minor child is entitled and which equals less than $15,000.00 shall be held by the natural guardian of the child, who shall hold and use such money for the benefit of the child and shall be accountable for same; and any such recovery to which a minor child is entitled and which equals $15,000.00 or more shall be held by a guardian of the property of such child.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, the surviving spouse shall receive no less than one-third of such recovery as such spouse's share.
(e) No recovery had under subsection (a) of this Code section shall be subject to any debt or liability of the decedent.
(f) In actions for recovery under this Code section, the fact that a child has been born out of wedlock shall be no bar to recovery.
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.


text:
Pieces of a Dream emerged out of Philadelphia's music scene in 1976. Keyboardist James Lloyd, drummer Curtis Harmon and former bassist Cedric Napoleon, were (and still are) managed by the drummer's father and uncle, Danny and Bill Harmon, respectively. The group based their name on Pieces of Dreams, a cover tune by Stanley Turrentine that the group performed.
Pieces of a Dream first started playing throughout the Tri-State area, and were soon featured on Temple University's pioneering jazz radio station, WRTI-FM. Long before the "Young Lions" era of Wynton Marsalis, Lloyd and Harmon were swinging so hard as teenagers that the great Count Basie once proclaimed them "a tough act to follow." But it was another jazz legend, the late Grover Washington Jr., the sax man who made Philadelphia his home, who helped Pieces of a Dream become the internationally known stars they are today.
After quickly becoming popular around Philadelphia, the trio landed a spot as the house band for a local television show called City Lights. Their experience widened as they played backup on the broadcasts to a wide variety of artists, and that's where Washington first heard them. One day while the teenagers were playing at the Bijou (where Grover had recorded his Live at the Bijou album), he sat in with them to play "Mr. Magic." Soon Washington announced that he was starting a production company and that Pieces of a Dream would be his first act. Lloyd was only a senior in high school when his first record came out.
From 1981 to 1984, Pieces of a Dream built their reputation with three albums on Elektra that would come to define the musical essence of the smooth jazz radio explosion: Pieces of a Dream, We Are One and Imagine This. Those seminal records yielded some of their earliest hits, including "Warm Weather," "Mount Airy Groove" and "Fo Fi Fo." Soon after completing Joyride, their last effort for Elektra, Pieces of a Dream moved to EMI/Blue Note and went on to record seven more albums. During this period, the group amicably parted ways with long time friend Cedric Napoleon.
In 2001, Pieces of a Dream signed with Heads Up International and celebrated their 25th anniversary with what was undoubtedly their best album in years, Acquainted with the Night. The group's silver anniversary release featured guitarist Ronny Jordan, vocalist Maysa Leak, and saxophonists Gerald Albright and Kenny Blake. Highlights included compositions from Albright and Michael Bearden, along with remakes of "Mahogany" and "Upside Down." Acquainted with the Night generated two top-five singles on R&R's NAC chart. The follow up album Love's Silhouette also scored top radio chart positioning and Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart top 10 status. Their April 2004 release, No Assembly Required, is sure to be another hit album in their long and illustrious career.
One of their former singers Norwood Young is now a cast member on the E! Cable channel's TV show High Maintenance 90210.
Addition - May 9,2009
Formed: 1975 in Philadelphia, PA
Styles: Crossover Jazz, Urban, Smooth Jazz
Group Members: Curtis Harmon, Ron Kerber, James K. Lloyd, Cedric A. Napoleon
Comprised of bassist Cedric Napoleon, drummer Curtis Harmon, and keyboardist James Lloyd, Pieces of a Dream were founded in 1975 in Philadelphia when the principal members were all teenagers. Originally somewhat jazz-oriented, Pieces of a Dream have mostly emphasized R&B, although they usually include a few jazz numbers in their performances. Grover Washington, Jr. produced their first three albums (all for Elektra during 1981-1983); they have since recorded for Manhattan and Blue Note. Saxophonist Ron Kerber became a member in the 1990s, preceding the four varied releases that appeared throughout the decade. A collection appeared at the turn of the century, but the band proved to still be going strong with 2001's Acquainted with the Night and 2002's Love's Silhouette. No Assembly Required was released in 2004 on Cleveland's Heads Up label, followed by 2006's Pillow Talk, also on Heads Up. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


text:
What fonts are used on this site, for text and mathematics. It looks like Computer Modern, but it seems less "thin" and "spindly" than usual, which I like. Maybe someone fattened up the shapes, or the hinting is very good, or something ?
There was another question asking the same thing, and the answer was "Georgia", but I don't know if that refers to the text font, the math font, or both.


text:
100% Altec Fidlock MTB Helmet
Code: HP-80033-006
100% Altec Fidlock MTB Helmet
Whether it's hard-charging trails or hammering hills, the 100% ALTEC is the rider's choice for an incredibly lightweight, ventilated and protective trail helmet. Featuring the Smartshock® Rotational Protection, the ALTEC's patented Smartshock® elastomers begin defusing rotational crash energy immediately upon impact.
- Smartshock® Rotational Protective System (14 point).
- Multi-Density EPS foam injection molded with polycarbonate in size specific molds (XS/S, S/M and L/XL).
- Massive airflow with an impressive 15 ventilation ports.
- Expanded coverage while still lightweight.
- Integrated sunglass storage system.
- Multi-point adjustable visor designed for maximum vision and goggle stowage.
- Washable, moisture-wicking anti-microbial liner.
- Adjustable ratcheting fi tment system.
- Fidlock SNAP magnetic buckle (NEW for 2021).


text:
Triathlon contender Peter Kerr has his sights set to take out the win at the 2015 Noosa triathlon and plans to compete in a half Ironman distance race in the future.
The elite competitor has conquered many international and national Olympic-distance triathlons and now wants to try his hand at an Ironman 70.3.
"I'm now looking to make the follow-on that tends to happen in triathlon racing," Kerr said.
"I'm basically just looking at racing well and my sights next year will probably be on the world champs in Mooloolaba."
Kerr won the 2012 Noosa triathlon and is hoping to do it again this year.
"I feel the numbers are quite good, the body feels quite good and I'm in a nice happy place."
"I'm relaxed and confident going in which is normally a good sign for a good race," Kerr said.
Kerr is coming back from a successful overseas stint where he took out the win in the 2015 London Triathlon.
The Noosa Triathlon is an important race for Kerr and is the event he always seems to come back to, with this year being the seventh time as a competitor.
"What I love most is the place really. I've had success there and I've also had the bad races as well but I've always been really happy to get there and race," Kerr said.
"It's a really great atmosphere… and just a general happiness that comes from being in Noosa."


text:
March window
26 February 2016
Our new spring window display at our RUST Yarmouth shop...
I found these victorian paper butterflies which I thought could be attached to wires and look like they were flying. Then I had the idea to make birds out of paper flying out of an old book too!
We have had the book for ages, it is from 1760s and is all about Dorset, it came from a market somewhere I don't remember.
Nao helped by making these fantastic birds nests out of moss and twigs, the eggs are cadburys mini eggs ; )
What I like about this display is that I don't have to water it or anything! ...
We are currently open weekends only, 12-5pm, but please check our website on the day if you are traveling there as we may have to close the shop at short notice. I hope to upload some new items to our online shop soon. All updates via our Rust instagram/facebook and blog.
More past window displays here.
9 comments
your window is beautiful.... it has a feel of new beginnings about it, so delicate and full of movement.... a joy!ReplyDelete
What a wonderful blog you have created, I've just discovered it today and am cram reading! I love your outlook on life and your style. xxReplyDelete
I love, LOVE your store displays very much! Can you tell me what you attached the wire to? (as a base?) Are the wires stuck into the open book? or...?? I'm an art teacher and would love to recreate a spring still life in a similar fashion... my students are de-constructing books for an upcoming project... :)ReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
In 2015, Wizard World Chicago put on quite the show. That's never any surprise, really. The appearances they have been able to get ranges from good to super. Whether it's Chicago-raised Michael Shannon in advance of the anticipated "Man of Steel" in 2013 or Kevin Smith multiple years in a row back in the day, Wizard Entertainment always makes a grand spectacle in the Second City.
In 2015, "Avengers" star and Oscar-nominee Jeremy Renner attended for his fans in photo ops and autograph sessions. Legendary actor Burt Reynolds of "Smoky and the Bandit" fame was also on hand to greet generations of fans. Wizard World mainstay and "Walking Dead" star Norman Reedus visited with throngs of his fanbase, both of the hit AMC TV series and his cult film "Boondock Saints." "Arrow" star Stephen Amell, Tobin Bell of the "Saw" film franchise and WWE Superstar The Undertaker were among the remaining notables of the lengthy list of stars. And let's not forget the creative cosplay engineers, as I've come to call them. Why? because their niche ability to dress in the most detailed ways possible. There were plenty of mainstream, well-known takes on characters (Harley Quinn seemed to be the most popular choice, given the recent release of the first "Suicide Squad" trailer) but some several off-beat ones, too (Barf from "Spaceballs" and Tyrone Biggums from "Chappelle's Show" were especially different and cultish, and I loved them both). I love having photographer William Unhock snap pics of them–we're among the many who do it. Besides the stars, finding the unique ones is a favorite activity of mine at Wizard World. Check out plenty of the cosplay captures and shots of stars below!
Wizard Entertainment was even able to nab screenings of a couple forthcoming TV pilots. Fox's "Scream Queens" from "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy was a boatload of fun, most especially because it showcased Jamie Lee Curtis in a genre that made her an early icon and she only has re-embraced recently (not to say she wasn't appreciative–I think she is). You could say "Scream Queens" is "American Horror Story Lite," given it being on network TV. But there's plenty of morbid macabre to shake at the censors. And Curtis seemed to be having a blast. The pilot was a little slow start but quickly picked up when she arrived on scene. I have not been able to catch up beyond that, though, so don't count this as a full season review, folks.
The same for the other pilot 2015's Chicago Comic-Con screened for fans. CBS' "Supergirl" was a bit slower-paced than "Queens," but the show was sold to me on one insurmountable reason: lead Melissa Benoist. Her 10-minutes of screentime in the fantastic "Whiplash" left an indelible mark on me. Super sweet, incredibly adorable and beautiful beyond words. As Superman's cousin Kara, Benoist is charming to a fault, and it is impossible to surrender to that alluring quality she exudes. And it is that charm that got me to watch another episode (after mere mortal watched its series debut on CBS a few months alter). Still off on pacing and structure, but that loveliness of Benoist remained. It is the foundation of the show. Like "Queens," this is not a full season opinion of "Supergirl," more a quick take on the pilot. Moving it to the CW to pair with their stable of DC Universe series seems like an absolute perfect change.
Photos by William Unhock
Leave a Reply.


text:
Subtotal: $0.00
BFC31536 The Year of the Rat 2020
This design can be used as a book cover if you make a book of the other designs, or the top of a wall hanging or anywhere you want to recognize the New Year of the Rat.
1 Design in 3 sizes. MLJ
- $3.00
All of our machine embroidery designs will come in any or all of the following hoop sizes: (You will receive links to download the size(s) you purchased and all formats available)
Small for 4 x 4 inch hoop, Medium for 5 x 7 inch hoop, Large for 6 x 10 inch hoop, and Jumbo 8 x 12 inch hoop.
Each design description above will state the sizes the design comes in: S, M, L, J standing for Small, Medium, Large and Jumbo. These will be written SML, meaning Small, Medium and Large, or perhaps MLJ, meaning Medium Large and Jumbo, or even SMLJ meaning the design comes in all four hoop sizes
Formats Available:ART4, DST, EXP, HUS, JEF, JEF+(inside JEF download) PES, VIP, VP3(inside VIP download) XXX
If your format is not listed email us.


text:
Game controls: You can play in this card game only with your PC/MAC computer mouse; Left click - to activate any game's button; Left click - to draw cards; in the game Menu you can switch off/on music and sound fx. Skip tutorial - if you don't want wait.
Add game to your site, blog.
Embed Code:
Description, walkthrough, how to play in this game:Good Old Poker - online poker game, wild wild west theme. Funny card game - really time killer. You can play in this poker game for hours and forget about everything. Simple rules - everyone who already played in poker with your friends may skip tutorials. Before you will start the game - select your player character. Every character has his own specification. Here we are - make your bet and start earn money! (Control keys of this game you can see above)
Game Rating: 5.00/ 5 (100.00%) 1 vote
Need something special? Search on the site 1ONLINEPLAY.com: