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Prosecution of Wilders a Great Opportunity for Exposing Islam
02 Feb, 2009
- Prosecuting Geert Wilders, member of the Dutch Parliament, is a welcome opportunity to expose fascist Islam and radical Muslims. Wilders and his lawyers do not need to go far away to fetch crystal clear evidence that Islam, i.e. the Koran and Hadeeth, incite to violence and hatred, and radical Muslims are behind numerous crimes against humanity.
A summary of quotations from the Koran which clearly incite to hatred and violence can be found here.
There is an abundance of fatwas (religious edicts) by Muslim authorities inciting to genocide and suicide attacks against Christians and Jews. All these fatwas are based on the Koran and Hadeeth.
Ali Gom'a, the grand mufti of Egypt, the highest Muslim religious authority in the world, supports murdering non-Muslims. In the daily Al Ahram (April 7, 2008), he says, "Muslims must kill non-believers wherever they are unless they convert to Islam." He also compares non-Muslims to apes and pigs, not only the Jews.
Muhammad Sayyid Al Tantawi, president of Al Azhar University also approves of killing and maiming Christians, Jews, and other infidels. He added, "This is not my personal view. This what the Shari'a Law says, the law of Allah, the only valid law on the earth."
Yousef Al Qaradhawi, the spiritual leader of the fundamentalist organization, the Muslim Brothers, urged on Al Jazeera TV (Jan. 9, 2009) Muslims to kill the Jews, not only in Israel but also worldwide. He added, "No peace can be made between us (Muslims) and the non-believers. This what our holy book says. This what Allah says."
Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Bin Mohammed al Sheikh said on Iqra' TV channel, "Killing producers who show women unveiled is legal."
The Saudi Sheikh Saleh Al-Lehadan, head of the Supreme Judiciary Council, told Al Watan daily, (March 25, 2008) "After getting rid of the Jews in our Arab land, we must turn to the Christians. They have three options: either they convert to Islam, or leave, or pay Jizia (protection taxes). Further, there is not such a thing as Shiites, Sufis, etc. There are only Sunnis. All these sects must renounce their pagan beliefs and return to Sunna, the right path of Islam."
Most recently, demonstrators in Berlin and Munich, and elsewhere in Germany, raised banners reading, "Hamas! Hamas! Jews to the gas." The police did not arrest any one of them and nobody filed a court case against them for inciting to murder, which according to German law is punishable.
German apologists like Claudia Roth and Cem Ozdemir (a Muslim of a Turkish decent), chairpersons of the German Green Party, said in a press conference in Berlin (January 20, 2009), "Wilders' film "Fitna" has contributed to worsening our relations with the Muslims around the globe. Geert Wilders is hurting the feelings of Muslims."
I said in the conference, "This is not true. I know many Muslims who approve of Wilders' critique of Islam. They do not feel offended. Only fascist Muslims feel so." Roth and Ozdemir ignored my remark.
The truth of the matter is Fitna is simply reflecting how radical Muslims think and act, inspired and encouraged by the Koran.
Wilders' comparison of the Koran to Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf and describing it as a fascist book is not inappropriate. Hitler referred to the Jews as "rats and vermin" and the Koran and fascist Muslims call the Jews "The descendants of apes and pigs."
It is not Wilders who should be prosecuted, but people like Gom's, Al Qaradhawi and their peers. They must be brought to justice before the International Tribunal. Inciting to genocide is an egregious crime.
Many Westerners are intimidated by fascist Muslims and that is what the latter want to achieve at the end of the day. Ahmed Marcouch, a prominent member of the Dutch Labor Party, of Moroccan descent, asked in 2008 an Amsterdam court to bring Muslim fascists to the Netherlands and prosecute them. His petition was turned down.
Marcouch told ARD, German TV (December 19, 2008), "Not only many Westerners approve of Fitna, but also many decent Muslims like me, but they dare not say that openly. Fascist Islam is a virus that is not only infecting Western societies, but also Muslim societies. This virus must be exposed and dealt with by all means."
Wilders is simply warning the West and moderate Muslims that fascist Islam is a devastating threat to humanity. This virus was born in the Arabian Peninsula and is spreading across the world.
Wilders' prosecution is a defining point in the clash between fascist Muslims and the rest of the world. Regardless whether he is convicted or not, he must be thanked for his courage. He is simply disseminating the truth about a violent and hate-inciting "religion." His message is very clear: "Westerners, wake up before it is too late."
Zaghlul Al Najjar rejoices in the rise and spread of Islam across the globe. He writes in the Egyptian daily Al Ahram (November 14, 2008), "Islam now is everywhere. Gorgeous mosques are build everywhere in the heart of Europe, in Rome and Cologne. The number of Muslims all over the world is also rising. More than 20 million Muslims live now in Europe. Alone in Germany there are 3.5. Demographers estimate that the majority of citizens in Germany will be Muslims in the year 2050. Two decades ago very few women wore the Hijab (headscarf). Now you can see them everywhere. Sooner or later, Islam will be in control of the whole world. This time, we don't need to fight the infidel West with our troops as we did at the gates of Vienna. This time we'll infiltrate the West and convert it to Islam, willy-nilly."
Tarek Ramadan visited the Islamic Center in Bilelefeld, Germany (May 21, 2008) and gave a speech. Before he began his speech, he asked if there were any journalists in audience. As the answer was negative, he said, "OK, now I feel free to say what I really want." Ramadan is well-known for telling his infidel audience something and his Muslim audience another thing.
Ramadan said, "My brothers and sisters, we must exploit the so-called democracy and freedom of speech here in the West to reach our goals. Our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and the Koran teach us that we must use every conceivable means and opportunity to defeat the enemies of Allah. Tell the infidels in public, we respect your laws and your constitutions, which we Muslims believe that these are as worthless as the paper they are written on. The only law we must respect and apply is the Shari's."
Ramadan added, "The Germans claim that they want to integrate you in their society. We tell them we are going to integrate them in our Umma (Muslim world) after converting them to Islam."
If Wilders wins his case, it will not be only his own triumph, but also one for all peace-loving people all over the world.
If Wilders loses then fascist Muslims have managed to silence
Islam's critics and consequently a "Dutch court has imported Saudi
blasphemy norms to Europe," as the Wall Street Journal put it.
Dr. Sami Alrabaa, an ex-Muslim, is a sociology professor and an Arab/Muslim culture specialist. Before moving to Germany he taught at Kuwait University, King Saud University, and Michigan State University.


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Home > Denominations and Religions
Several religious groups teach as fundamental doctrine that Peter was the first earthly head and Chief Shepherd (pastor) of the church, and modern church leaders are his successors. Others claim that the Papacy is the foundation of the church. Consider this quotation:
In this study we want to see what the Bible says about this doctrine. If it is true, as important as it is, we will surely find it in the Bible.
We have no personal ill-will toward any, nor do we want to misrepresent anyone. But we do urge people to seek for truth with an open mind. "Put your own selves to the test, whether you are in the faith; prove yourselves" (2 Corinthians 13:5). To do this we must "study the Scriptures every day to see whether these things are so" (Acts 17:11). No one should fear to examine his beliefs according to the Bible.
(Note: all Scripture quotations will be from the St. Joseph New Catholic Edition of the Holy Bible - Confraternity Edition. All other quotations are from officially recognized Roman Catholic sources.)
Obviously Peter could be Pope only if Jesus authorized the existence of that office. So let us consider what Jesus' word says.
The Bible specifically names several offices in the church and describes the work and qualifications of those who hold that office.
| Eph. 4:11; Matt. 10:2-4;
Luke 6:13-16
| Acts 1:21-26;
2 Cor. 12:11,12
| Eph. 3:3-5;
Acts 10:39-41
|Elders or Bishops
| Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23;
Eph. 4:11
|1 Tim. 3:1-7;
Titus 1:5-9
| Acts 20:28;
1 Peter 5:1-3
|Phil. 1:1
|1 Tim. 3:8-13
|Acts 6:1-6
The Bible contains several passages where the office of Pope ought to be mentioned, if it existed. Ephesians 4:11,12 and 1 Corinthians 12:28 list various officers and workers in the church, but the office of Pope is not mentioned. Why not?
Paul wrote several letters to and from Rome, naming many people there (Rom. 16; Col. 4:7-14; 2 Tim. 4:9-22; Philem. 23,24). If Peter was Pope in Rome, surely Paul would have mentioned him. But Paul mentions neither Peter nor anyone else as being Pope.
Who can imagine someone today writing official letters to or from the church in Rome, listing the officers of the Catholic Church, giving all this information about the work and qualifications of lesser officers, but never mentioning the Pope? If the office of Pope was established by Jesus, why does the New Testament fail to mention it?
The Pope is believed to be the head of the church, but note:
Ephesians 1:22,23 - Jesus is head over all things to the church (cf. Col. 1:18). What is there left for a Pope to be head of?
Ephesians 5:22-24 - A husband is head of his wife as Jesus is head of the church. But for a wife to submit to two husbands is adultery (Rom. 7:2,3). So for the church to submit to two heads (Jesus and the Pope) would be spiritual adultery.
Matthew 28:18-20 - Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth. He is the one lawgiver (James 4:12). To claim that the Pope may issue religious laws is to deny the unique power of Jesus.
The Bible plainly states that Jesus is Head of the church. He is the one Lord in the one body (church). There cannot be two Lords any more than there could be two Gods (Eph. 4:4-6). Bishops (even from Rome) are forbidden to lord it over the flock (1 Peter 5:1-3).
"The primacy of St. Peter was ... an essential part of Christ's church, the rock on which it was built ... The House of God will always need its foundation" (The Question Box, Bertrand Conway, 1929 Edition, pp. 153,154).
Hence, the authority of Popes is said to be the foundation of the Catholic Church. But the Bible says:
1 Corinthians 3:11 - There can be no foundation other than Jesus.
1 Peter. 2:3-8 - Peter himself taught that Jesus is the chief cornerstone on which the church is built. [Cf. Acts 4:10-12.]
Matthew 16:13-18 - This passage is often used to try to prove Peter is the foundation of the church (Catechism, p. 56; Question Box, p. 146). But the passages already studied prove that Jesus, not Peter or the Pope, is the foundation of the church. Matthew 16. actually confirms this truth.
The context (v13,15,16) is not discussing who Peter is nor what his position is, but who Jesus is and what His position is. The passage does not exalt Peter; it exalts Jesus. Jesus does not confess Peter; Peter confesses Jesus.
The verse is not saying Peter is the rock on which the church is built, but rather it contrasts Peter's name (Greek PETROS, masculine - a piece of rock) to the rock on which the church would be built (Greek PETRA, feminine - a solid ledge of rock).
Jesus often compared Himself to inanimate objects - a temple (John 2:18-22), a door (John 10:7), a vine (John 15:1-11). Here He compares Himself to a rock, a name often used for Deity in the Old Testament (Psa. 31:3; 71:3; 89:26ff; 18:2f,32f).
The foundation of the church is not Peter. It is the truth that Peter had just confessed - that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God (v16). This is confirmed by the context and by other Scriptures. To say Peter is the foundation would be to put a man in the place of Deity!
Consider some great sins in the life of Peter.
* Immediately after talking about the foundation of the church, Christ rebuked Peter saying: "Get behind me, satan, thou art a scandal to me; for thou dost not mind the things of God, but those of men" (Matthew 16:21-23).
* Peter denied Jesus 3 times, even with curses and swearing (Matthew 26:69-75).
* Jesus rebuked Peter's lack of faith (Matthew 14:22-31).
* Peter was hypocritical and disobeyed the gospel (Galatians 2:11ff).
Now consider sins in the lives of Catholic Popes.
The following facts have been gleaned from the Catholic Dictionary and the Catholic Encyclopedia (at www.newadvent.org/cathen/).
* At least 4 Popes are admitted to have had illegitimate children.
* At least 5 Popes were sons of priests, including at least one (maybe two) Popes who were sons of other Popes! (Some of these priests may have been married but left their families to become priests.)
* At least 6 Popes were excommunicated or condemned as heretics, including one Pope who was excommunicated twice and two Popes who excommunicated one another!
Who can believe that Christ's church is founded on an office occupied by such men as these? Imagine Jesus' church supposedly going through long periods of time in which nobody really knows who was the real head of the church! How much better to accept the plain Bible teaching that the church is founded on the sinless, Divine Son of God!
"The Vatican Council defines as an article of faith that ... Christ 'conferred upon Peter alone the jurisdiction of Chief Pastor [shepherd] and Ruler over all the flock'" (Question Box, p. 147).
John 10:11,14 - Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We should not follow strangers (v1,5,8-13; cf. Ezek. 34:23; 37:24; Psa. 23).
1 Peter 5:4 - Peter himself spoke of the Prince Shepherd (the footnote in the Catholic Bible says, "the Greek reads, 'the chief Shepherd'"). This Shepherd will come to reward the faithful, clearly referring to Jesus' second coming (2 Tim. 4:8; Apoc. 2:10; 22:12; Matt. 25:31-46; etc.)
Hebrews 13:20 - Jesus is the Great Shepherd.
The Catholic Bible says Jesus is the Chief or Great Shepherd, but the Catholic council declared, as an article of faith, that this position belongs to "Peter alone"!
Some say this proves Peter was the Chief Shepherd (Question Box, pp. 147,148; Catechism, p. 56).
But all the apostles were told to feed the sheep in the sense of teaching them (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15,16) and caring for them (2 Cor. 11:28). Bishops were also told to feed the flock (1 Pet. 5:1-3; Acts 20:28). Are all these other people Popes too?
Jesus' statement was not intended to exalt Peter to authority over the other apostles, but simply to restore him to the apostleship from which he had fallen. Peter had denied Jesus three times (John 18:15-18,25-27). So Jesus had him confess his love three times, and then restored him to the responsibility that all the apostles would share.
There is no passage, here or elsewhere, which calls Peter the Chief Shepherd or which states He has authority over the other apostles.
The basic error of the doctrine of Papal authority is that it exalts man to the place of God. God said that His Divine Son is head, foundation, and chief shepherd for the church. No mere man is ever given such positions. To exalt a man to these positions is blasphemous.
Since there is no evidence that the office of Pope even existed in the early church, obviously neither Peter nor anyone else could hold the office. But let us confirm our conclusions by looking at the Bible teaching specifically about Peter to see if he acted like a Pope.
But notice what God says:
Why would apostles need guidance from a Pope if they were guided directly by the Spirit? Paul expressly stated that his teaching was not based on anything learned from man but on direct revelation from Jesus - Galatians 1:11,12,16,17; 2:6-9,11-14.
Some claim that Jesus, in Matthew 16:19, gave exclusively to Peter the power to bind and loose, but Matthew 18:18 shows that others also had the same power.
John 20:22,23 - All apostles had power to forgive or retain sins, but only as guided by the Holy Spirit. No apostle could originate laws but could only reveal the laws God made. They did this by revealing and preaching the gospel. If men obey, their sins are forgiven; if not, their sins are retained - Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:36-41; etc.
The gospel was the "keys" or authority by which apostles opened the door for men to enter the church. Peter was the first to preach to Jews (Acts 2) and to Gentiles (Acts 10), but all apostles had authority to preach the gospel. No passage anywhere says the other apostles submitted to Peter's authority.
All apostles were ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). If Peter had authority over all apostles, Paul would have been behind him, but Paul denies this.
There is no proof Peter had authority over other apostles, but much proof shows the others had all that Peter had.
Matthew 8:14 - Jesus healed the mother of Peter's wife.
1 Corinthians 9:5 - Peter (Cephas) continued to have a wife (woman) after the church began. The footnote in the St. Joseph New Catholic Edition of the Bible adds, "There is no question of a right to marry. The Apostles had that right...." This expressly included Peter.
1 Peter 5:1-3 - Peter was an elder or bishop, and bishops were married (Titus 1:5,6; 1 Timothy 3:2). The footnote on 1 Tim. 3:2 in the St. Joseph New Catholic Edition says: "...priestly celibacy as a law is of later ecclesiastical institution." In other words, Peter and all first-century bishops had the right to be married. The law against such marriages was made by the Catholic church after the Bible was complete.
Hebrews 13:4; 1 Timothy 4:1-3 - Marriage is honorable for all people. That includes apostles and all church officials. To teach that certain people may not marry is a doctrine of apostasy.
The Catholic doctrine of celibacy would eliminate from serving as Pope the very man they say was the first Pope! The doctrine of celibacy is expressly stated in the Scriptures to be heresy.
Acts 10:25,26 - Peter forbade Cornelius to worship him or to bow before him. Peter's reason was that he was a man. Are not modern Popes men too? Why should modern Popes accept that which Peter refused?
The Bible never allows anyone to bow to any man as an act of honor for his religious office (Matt. 4:10; Apoc. 22:8,9). Yet modern Popes allow and expect this.
Peter is never called "Pope," "Chief Pastor," "Prince of the Apostles," "Head of the Church," "Ruler of the Church," "Supreme Pontiff," etc. He was called simply an apostle and servant (1 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1) and fellow-presbyter (1 Peter 5:1).
Some argue that Peter avoided these titles because he was humble and modest. But if he was the first Pope, why don't modern Popes imitate his humility and modesty?! The fact is that Peter refused such titles because Jesus forbade it.
Matthew 23:9 expressly forbids calling any man "father" as a title of religious honor. Yet the word "Pope" originally meant "Father" (Catholic Dictionary, p. 667). Modern popes and priests wear the very title that Jesus forbade!
Clearly, if the apostle Peter were alive today, he would never be accepted as Pope. Yet Catholics claim he was their very first Pope!
Those who claim Peter was Pope are responsible to prove their claim is valid. We have already examined their use of Matt. 16:18 and John 21:15ff. Now consider some other passages they cite:
Some actually claim this proves Peter was Pope (Question Box, p. 147). But other people besides Peter strengthened or confirmed brethren (Acts 18:23; 14:21f; 15:32,41). Were these people all Popes too?
Jesus prayed for other apostles and disciples besides Peter (John 17:9,11,15,20). Did that make them all Popes?
The next verses in Luke 22 (v33,34) show that Jesus did not pray for Peter to exalt him as Pope, but for just the opposite reason. Jesus knew Peter was about to deny Him!
This includes the choosing of Matthias (Acts 1:15-26), preaching on Pentecost (Acts 2), healing a lame man (Acts 3,4), the death of Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5), preaching to the first Gentiles (Acts 10), etc. Some claim this proves he was Pope (Question Box, p. 148).
But Paul was at least as dominant in Acts 13-28 as Peter was in Acts 1-12. Was Paul Pope too?
Peter was truly an important man, just as Paul was. In all groups some people are more outspoken than others, and this was surely Peter's case. But none of these passages say or imply he was Pope or head of the church. The fact a man is able to speak well does not prove he has authority over others.
It is claimed that he spoke first and he settled the issue (Question Box, pp. 148, 152).
However, Paul and Barnabas were sent to the meeting to speak to the apostles and presbyters (v2) - no distinctions were made among the apostles. If Peter was the head, why doesn't it say they went to confer with "the Pope, the apostles, and the presbyters"?
Peter did not speak first. There had been long debate before he spoke (v7). And his speech did not settle the issue. People kept silent after he spoke only so they could listen to other speakers (v12)! The final course of action was suggested by James (v13,19ff). And the whole procedure was directed by the Holy Spirit (v28), which led all apostles as we have already shown.
But in the following lists, he is not named first: Gal. 2:9; 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:22; John 1:44. Does this prove the people listed before Peter had authority over him? Being first in a list does not prove one is a Pope.
The lists where Peter is named first clearly state the office to which he was appointed - like other men, he was chosen to be an apostle (Luke 6:13-16; Matt. 10:2ff). If Peter was chosen to the office of Pope, why is this never stated anywhere?
But Jesus gave a special name to James and John (Mark 3:16,17). And God gave special names to Abraham and Sarah (Gen. 17:5,15), Jacob (Gen. 32:28f), and others. Were all these people Popes too?
Be honest now. Isn't this weak and flimsy evidence on which to base such a major doctrine? The Bible clearly identifies the work and position in the church of Jesus, apostles, bishops, etc. If the office of Pope is really the foundation of the church, why don't we have clear Scriptural evidence for it?
Both we and Catholics deny that Paul was ever a Pope, but if we used the kind of reasoning that is used to "prove" Peter to be Pope, we could make a better case that Paul was Pope.
* Paul was not married (1 Corinthians 7).
* Acts talks about Paul more than about Peter.
* Paul rebuked Peter (Galatians 2:11-14); nowhere in Scripture did Peter rebuke Paul.
* Paul cared for all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:28).
* Paul was not behind any apostle (2 Corinthians 11:5; 12:11). Peter never made such a claim for himself.
* Paul wrote 3/4 of the New Testament books. Peter wrote only 2 little ones.
* Peter cited Paul's letters as authority (2 Peter 3:15,16), but Paul never cited Peter's letters as authority.
* Scripture expressly tells us Paul was in Rome, but never says Peter was there.
* Paul's labors exceeded those of other apostles (2 Corinthians 11:23).
Now if, despite all these facts, we properly conclude that Paul was not a Pope, then surely we can see that the evidence offered for Peter as Pope is equally unconvincing.
The Catholic Church tries to prove it is the true church by tracing a succession of Popes back to Peter. It is claimed that Peter was the chief apostle and that Popes are his successors as head of the church. However, we have shown that Jesus' church had no office of Pope, nor did Peter serve as Pope. Further, we have quoted Catholic books that admit there were times when no one knows who was Pope, so how can they know the succession? There can be no valid succession of Popes.
But let us confirm this conclusion by considering other Bible teaching specifically regarding the issue of succession. Note that God warns about false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Apoc. 2:2). Are modern Popes true apostles or false apostles?
Surely such a major doctrine must be taught in the Bible, but where is it? Those who believe it must prove it, but they cannot.
Question Box defends the doctrine on pp. 153-156. But the only proof given is a statement from the Vatican Council, followed by three pages of quotations from uninspired men. There is not one reference to any Bible passage! Why not? Because the doctrine is not in the Bible.
Apostles had to be eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ.
Peter and all apostles were eyewitnesses (Acts 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 10:39-41; 1 Cor. 15:4-8).
Acts 1:21,22 - The replacement of Judas is the only Bible case in which an apostle was replaced. The replacement had to be an eyewitness.
Paul was an eyewitness (1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:8; Acts 22:14,15; 26:16). He was a witness "last of all" and "out of due time" (Jesus' appeared to him exceptionally late).
Serving as an eyewitness was part of the calling of an apostle. Have all Popes seen Christ? If they have, then Paul was not last of all and was not exceptional. But if Popes have not seen Christ, then they do not have the qualifications required to succeed the apostles!
Apostles did miracles to confirm their apostleship.
Peter and other apostles raised the dead and instantly, totally healed all kinds of diseases (Acts 3:1-10; 9:32-42; 5:12-16; 13:6-12).
2 Corinthians 12:12 - These were the "signs of an apostle." Their miracles proved they were from God (Mark 16:20; Acts 14:3; Hebrews 2:3,4; John 4:48; etc.). Do modern Popes do these signs? If not, why accept them as successors of Peter?
Apostles could impart miraculous powers to others.
Acts 8:14-19; 19:1-7; Romans 1:8-11 - Peter and other apostles bestowed miraculous gifts by laying their hands on others. This is the only sense in which apostles passed power on to others. But those who received gifts in this way (such as Philip) did not become apostles and could not, in turn, pass the power on to others. Only Paul and the original apostles had this power (Acts 8:5-18).
Hence, apostles could impart spiritual gifts, but they had no successors who could do likewise, and nothing else about their position was imparted to others. Apostles lived on earth only one generation!
Do modern Popes impart miraculous powers to others? If not, how could they become successors of Peter or the apostles, and how could they make other people successors?
Apostles taught by direct guidance of the Spirit.
Peter and other apostles had this power (Matthew 10:19,20; John 16:13; Ephesians 3:3-5; 1 Corinthians 14:37).
Jude 3 - By this power they delivered the true faith to God's people once. It was not to be repeatedly delivered, just as Christ was not to be repeatedly sacrificed (cf. Heb. 9:26,28; 10:10; 7:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:18). All truth was delivered in the first century and recorded in the Scriptures (John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:3; Acts 20:20,27; 2 Tim. 3:16,17).
When the delivery of the truth was complete ("perfect"), the gifts of direct revelation ceased - 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 (cf. James 1:25). No one today is directly guided by the Holy Spirit as apostles were, hence no one can be a true successor of the apostles.
Though the Catholic church claims that Popes are successors of Peter and the apostles, yet they openly admit the following:
It is argued that these powers are not essential to the office of Pope. But read again the passages cited above and you will see that these powers were essential to the office of apostles. If Popes do not have these powers, how can they be successors of the apostles?
Modern Popes cannot be successors of apostles because they are not eyewitnesses of Christ, they do not possess miraculous powers, they cannot impart such powers to others, and they are not directly guided by the Spirit. They possess none of the unique qualifications of apostles!
How then does a man become Pope today? He is chosen by a body of men called Cardinals. Yet the Catholic Dictionary admits: "For a long time there was no such thing as a cardinal bishop..." It claims the first such men were named in 304 AD. Finally, a council in 1059 AD "decreed that Popes should henceforth be elected on the judgment of the six cardinal bishops..." (p. 118).
The Catholic Church claims that the succession of Popes is a chain that connects the modern church to the first-century church. But Popes were unknown in the Bible, Peter was not a Pope, modern Popes have none of the essential qualifications of the apostles they are supposed to succeed, and it is admitted that there are times at which no one knows who was Pope. Furthermore, the men who select the Pope were unknown in the Bible and in history for centuries after the church began. And the modern means of selecting Popes was not determined until a millennium after the church began! The whole "chain" is missing! And this is the evidence used to prove that the Catholic Church is the true church!
The duties of apostles were accomplished for all time by the original apostles. The work of apostles does not need to continue on earth.
The apostles wrote what the Spirit revealed to them (1 Cor. 14:37; Eph. 3:3-5; 2 Pet. 3:15,16; etc.).
These writings completely reveal all good works, everything we need to know to please God (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:3; John 16:13; Acts 20:20,27).
The miracles of the first century, recorded in the Bible, confirm that the message was from God (John 20:30,31; 1 Cor. 15:4-8; note John 8:17,18; Matt. 18:16).
The Scriptures can be understood by all who study diligently with an open mind (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Mark 7:14; Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 14:33; Eph. 3:3-5).
God now preserves the Scriptures for all generations (1 Peter 1:22-25; 2 John 2; 2 Peter 1:12-15; 3:1).
People displease God when they follow teachings that differ from the gospel (Gal. 1:8,9; 2 John 9-11).
The apostles' work on earth was completed in the first century and was recorded in the Bible, just like the work of Jesus was. We do not need successors to the apostles living on earth today for the same reasons that we do not need successors to Jesus living on earth today. The work of the apostles is now accomplished by the Scriptures they wrote.
We have seen that the Catholic succession is a "chain" which is missing essentially all its links. Consider also the following points:
2 Timothy 4:2-4 - People would turn away from truth and would turn aside to fables.
1 Timothy 4:1-3 - They would depart from the faith and would require people to abstain from marriage and from certain kinds of foods. Catholicism has practiced both of these false doctrines.
Acts 20:28-30 - Bishops would teach error and lead people astray (Matt. 15:14; 7:15-23; Gal. 1:6-10; 2 John 9-11).
Note: If the bishops went into error, tracing a succession of them would not identify the true church! Yet in this study, we have identified several major points on which the Catholic hierarchy teaches error.
God has preserved the gospel as the seed by which the church is reproduced (1 Peter 1:22-25; Luke 8:11). This seed produces today just what it did in the first century (Galatians 6:7). People who obey it are born again into God's true family, the church (Acts 2:38,47; Galatians 3:26,27; Romans 1:16).
But when people persist in following doctrines different from the gospel, they go into apostasy. To determine whether a religious group is the true church of Christ, we must compare its doctrine and practice to the New Testament (Acts 17:11; Matthew 7:15- 23; Galatians 1:8,9; 2 John 9-11). If it has gone into apostasy, it cannot be Jesus' church.
We seek to help, not hurt, all who read this material. We urge you to study the Scriptures for yourself to see if these things are so (Acts 17:11). If you find you have been in error, please contact those who gave you this booklet. They will gladly help you find Jesus' true church.
Copyright 1998,David E. Pratte; gospelway.com
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Scripture quotations are generally from the New King James Version (NKJV), copyright 1982, 1988 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. used by permission. All rights reserved.

subset: commoncrawl


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The pink Himalayan salt has a myriad of healthy medicinal properties, being rich in 84 minerals and trace elements.
It can be used as a replacement of the processed table salt, as a bath soak or body scrub, or as pink Himalayan salt lamps. Yet, you might not know that you can use it as a salt inhaler and enjoy its numerous health benefits!
These salt inhalers have small Himalayan salt rocks at the bottom, and when you inhale, the natural moisture of the air helps absorb the salt particles into the lungs.
This is highly beneficial in the case of colds, congestion, allergies, and asthma. The method is completely safe and natural, and thus causes no side-effects.
These are the benefits of salt inhalers:
- Protect against Harmful Organisms
Himalayan salt protects against numerous dangerous organism, and due to the high extent of minerals and natural elements, it boosts the immune system and offers potent antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties.
- Detoxification
The air we breathe is full of chemical pollutants, smog, smoke, dust, and pet dander, and the lungs are exposed to constant stress due to air pollution. The use of such a Himalayan salt inhaler detoxifies the lungs and the air around you.
- Soothe Sinus issues
Salt inhalation therapy strengthens the respiratory system, and the inhalation of pure, ionized air in salt mines treats respiratory issues, and even general irritation due to smoking and air pollution.
- Mucus Buildup prevention
Pink Himalayan salt cleanses the body of the mucus deposits from toxins in the air. These inhalers will relieve congestion and eliminate mucus buildup.
- Improve sleep
Salt inhalers soothe a nighttime cough and snoring by reducing mucous build up and congestion, and help you breathe easily and get the needed rest.
This is how to use them:
You should avoid plastic inhalers, but put the Himalayan rocks in a ceramic one. Then, put the mouthpiece in the mouth, and start breathing slowly and deeply through the mouth, and exhaling through the nose.
This is a dry therapy, so do not add water. Deep breathing will bring the small salt ions to the lungs, and they will bypass the nasal filtering system and go directly to the lungs.
They will be easily absorbed in the lungs and brought into the bloodstream, where they will soothe the inflammation and pain due to various reasons, like respiratory issues, such as pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis.
The following video provides additional information:
Source: www.davidwolfe.com
Other included sources linked in David Wolfe's article:
The Hearty Soul
Global Healing Center
Dr. Axe
Holistic Health Herbalist
The Salt Spot
The Salt Mystery
Salt Therapy
Sea Salt Health


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Monkey in the Middle
Just off the "outrage" over the film Innocence of Muslims, the
There is no end to Muslim outrage. In fact this is a deliberately orchestrated action to force the West to remove their right of Free Speech.
The rioting was ignited over a photo uploaded to the social networking site by a Buddhist man from the area that allegedly defamed the Qur'an, according to district administrator Joinul Bari.
Some 25,000 Muslims stormed a Buddhist hamlet in Ramu, torching centuries-old temples.
Once ablaze, the mob swept into villages outside the town, chanting "Allah is Great!," leaving a trail of devastating in its wake. One witness told a reporter that 11 wooden temples were looted and destroyed, including two that were 300 years old. Shops were similarly attacked. In all, 15 Buddhist villages were attacked, and more than 100 homes were looted and damaged.
Extremist Muslim violence worldwide resulted in some 40 deaths barely a month ago when an obscure, amateur anti-Islam video produced in the United States raised the ire of followers after a trailer of the film was translated into Arabic and posted to the Internet. The trailer, which was broadcast on Egyptian television, led to worldwide violence. It was also used as the excuse for an Al Qaeda-linked terror attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya that left a U.S. Ambassador and three American diplomats dead.
There is only one outcome that can be done to stop these riots. More pictures, more movies, more outrage. Let these idiots riot all they want. Our freedoms are too important to give up. Let us offend these left overs from the Stone Age every day, hundreds of times a day.


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Our Verdict
FeX for Facebook is a simple iPhone utility which enables Facebook users to sync some data between their Facebook account and their iPhone. FeX, which stands for The Friend Exchange, is a convenient way to transfer data about your Facebook friends back to your iPhone's contacts.
The $2 app from CocoaMotion allows you to sync two pieces of data—and just two—between Facebook and your contacts list—birthdays and profile pictures. Why only two pieces of data? FeX is prohibited from syncing other data, such as phone numbers and e-mail addresses, by the Facebook's terms of service agreement.
Anyone looking for a quick one-step tool to sync their Facebook friends with their iPhone contacts will find FeX useful. After you give FeX permission to access your Facebook account, FeX scans your list of Facebook friends, automatically matching anyone whose name also appears in your iPhone's contacts. The program displays a tiny thumbnail of your friend's default Facebook photo along with tiny icons to indicate which data the program will sync back to your iPhone. Some users have not listed their birthday and FeX shows you this by leaving the space next to their photo blank.
When I first tried FeX, the program recognized 51 of my Facebook friends and their corresponding iPhone contact cards immediately. The automated process of scanning and matching took about a minute. FeX checks for name-to-name matches so the program was unable to recognize friends that use nicknames or middle names. Still, FeX was able to match all but two or three of my contacts—an impressive number.
Each time you launch FeX, the program scans your Facebook friends list for new additions. You can quickly review the existing matches—or remove any if need to—by tapping the matches tab at the bottom of the screen. You can also quickly add a new contact entry for any of your Facebook friends from this screen as well. FeX also offers a birthday timeline for all of your contacts and friends on a birthdays tab. The timeline is similar to the list available on the Facebook website.
FeX is a simple utility but a useful one for anyone looking to migrate select data from their Facebook account to their iPhone. Though the program is somewhat limited by the Facebook terms of service, FeX is still an easy way to add information with minimal effort.
FeX is compatible with any iPhone or iPod touch running the iPhone 2.2 software update.
[Brendan Wilhide is a frequent contributor to Macworld.com. He writes about sports on Twitter and validates athlete Twitter accounts at his Web site .]


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Thank you GFL, SH and Sheldan!
*** gavin
Dratzo! We return to report that much continues to happen on your world. Those in charge of bringing in the changes are preparing for the long-anticipated moment when this grand change will be given the celestial green light. Until that point, these sacred secret allies are finishing up any pertinent details that remain outstanding, under the watchful eyes of both our liaison personnel and Agartha's. The dark cabalists are also preparing --in their own way-- for the inevitable; They know full-well that their vast tapestry of deception is shortly to be unveiled. One aspect is the fiction being spread around the world that some form of economic 'recovery' is underway. To the contrary, what is being kept closely under wraps is the truth of the monumental extent of the hidden debt that really exists, and which ensures the demise of the present system. This massive liability cannot be ignored for much longer. We have therefore asked that the new financial system be in place and able to take over at a moment's notice, and this has been done. Some last-minute details cannot be completed until Heaven gives us the go-ahead to begin the changes in government and the accompanying new financial system.
Our sacred allies are now equipped with various instruments of legal leverage, enabling them to effectively force the dark to desist and depart. And yet, in an effort to bolster their cover story that "all is normal," some of your cabal leaders have hinted at constructive financial changes being proposed. Despite being fully aware of the extreme fragility of the immediate future, they persist in maintaining their fiction of "business as usual." However, this vaudeville performance will end once the date chosen by the Light arrives. As we await this sacred time, the dark is still able to "run" the governmental system that has brought war to your nations so many times in the past. Rest assured that we are monitoring all such attempts presently being pursued by the Western powers. We continually remind the dark that we will forestall any large-scale conflagration from breaking out anywhere on the planet, especially the many trigger-points in the Middle East. Included in this are the various rogue nations sponsored by the dark, which are making efforts to destabilize your world. Our diplomatic corps is constantly making unannounced visits to those governments who obey the manipulative dictates of the cabal.
Maintaining a degree of stability on your world prior to the official Announcements is another of our current activities. We know that the time for a formal Disclosure is getting near, and that your world must face the fact that major Earth changes have a scheduled time-slot. These are some of the reasons why the dark must soon be replaced with new governance which makes Disclosure a major policy objective, and this we intend to ensure. As you LightWorkers know and unfortunately to the cost of all the people on your world, your present governments are ruled by special interests that are unwilling to sanction a full and formal Disclosure of our benevolent presence and indeed, this has been a major obstacle for us since the start of this mission in the early 1990s. Now we are at the point where those selected to legally replace top-level personnel in your controlled regimes can do so. In short, the time for the long-awaited massive changes is fast approaching. Our liaison personnel are preparing the Announcements that will change your world and open the door for us to officially address you, thus beginning the countdown to First Contact!
The moment when we make our Announcements about First Contact and Full Consciousness is the key to this entire mission. We have waited patiently for Heaven to instruct us to begin the formal direct contact with you. At that time, we are going to introduce to you your cousins, the Agarthans of Inner Earth, and to your Ascended Masters of the Spirit World. We will also begin the wide-ranging teachings concerning your true origins and history. When your individual Federation mentors land on your shores, you will start being prepared for your return to Full Consciousness. As we have often told you, all this is ready to go. All that is needed is the right conditions on Earth and a formal Disclosure by your new governments. We know from our medical teams assessing your global consciousness levels that you are more than ready for our various Announcements, and once the prosperity funds kick in releasing you from your debt-slavery... the rest of the mission will go like clockwork. Another aspect that is more than ready to go is Gaia, who wishes to start the reconfiguration of Her surface world. Then it will be time to create Her brilliant new and pristine reality.
Namaste! We are your Ascended Masters! Dear Ones, the blessed treasury of Heaven is preparing to distribute its immense wealth to you! Long ago, we began a program to create a series of world trusts which were eventually to release their treasure to you, the world's Lightworkers. The planned schedule for this was abruptly halted about 11 years ago when the dark sprang its evil scheme upon you, known as 9/11. These dark ones then proceeded with their global domination agenda by rolling out their fabricated wars in the Middle East and the Himalayas. Part of their infamous plot included the accumulation of a vast debt and the theft and misuse of some of the largess with which our good works had provided them. What they did not anticipate was that the sheer outrageousness of their greedy schemes would furnish us with the means to toss them legally into the dustbin of history, which is what we are now doing. Our sacred associates have drawn up accords with most nations of the world which pledge to end the onerous tyranny of the dark.
This process, dear Hearts, has taken longer than we desired. Nevertheless, that sacred moment has now arrived, and many exciting events are to happen. We are busy planning with our associates the final, divine thrust that is to stop the cabal in their tracks and allow us to propel them toward their just desserts. They will be replaced by persons who are well-prepared to execute the schedule of bold plans that will produce a new economic system and new governance; In short, a new societal support system that is geared to producing the new You. This fully conscious individual will be able to apply their talents to transform Gaia by reuniting her surface and Inner Earth realms. You will also be able to graciously greet your spiritual and space cohorts, and be capable of joining them to create your new star-nation. It is indeed to be a wonderful, mind-expanding adventure!
Heaven has often talked to us about the grand mission that has been bequeathed to you. It involves the fact that this galaxy has been held hostage to a dark coalition called the Anchara Continuum since time immemorial. Its abysmal plan for total galactic dominion has only recently been abandoned, due to the Continuum's decision to join the Light and sign the Treaty of Anchara nearly two decades ago. This present moment on your planet is to witness the last remaining remnant of this dark objective (your total subjugation) being laid to rest. It is your destiny to come into a new state of Beingness and take up a variety of sacred obligations, among which is to complete the transformation of the formerly dark star-nations into the Light. In this, you will be provided with numerous advisors who will assist us all to complete this noble undertaking successfully. We welcome this and look forward to aiding all of you in your return to Full Consciousness.
Today, we explained more of what is happening around you. Many sacred individuals and their associated groups are coming together to create a new global society that will establish freedom, honor your full sovereignty, and ensure a humongous, universal prosperity! This time will transform you and allow you to manifest a most glorious future! Know, dear Ones, that the countless Supply and never-ending Prosperity of Heaven are indeed Yours! So Be It! Selamat Gajun! Selamat Ja! (Sirian for Be One! and Be in Joy!)
by GFL, SH and Sheldan Nidle.


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So only recently did I find out that T-Pain is a Muslim. I guess I didn't know this before because I would turn off the radio when I heard a T-Pain song. I guess I just can't stand autotune. I guess I also am not a fan of the new rap music that has emerged over the past few years. Besides a few exceptions, I guess you can say I'm stuck in the 90's, with my extensive catalogue, and repeated listening sessions of Wu-tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, Boot Camp Clik, among other notable 90's solo acts and cliques.
T-Pain's openness about his religious persuasion did get me thinking about which rappers are and are not Muslims. Not that it matters what religion my favourite rappers might be, but it's just a point of interest, especially when I read on various sites about how Islam has contributed nothing to Western culture, or when people claim every rapper and his mother is Muslim. So I decided to write something that combines the two topics.
As long as I've been aware of rap music, I've been aware of the influence of Islam on the genre. From the wearing of kufi's, to the usage of peace for salutations, to the usage of Nation of Islam terminology in the lyrics. It's always been there, and pretty evident. Take a look at the inside cover of I Am… by Nas, with his quotation of Surah al-Nas on the inside of the booklet; a full acknowledgment of the double-meaning of his name; both a short form for his first name, Nasir, as well as the meaning of the Surah, which means "Mankind". Nas makes no qualms about his rap to be a medium for people around the world to relate to, and though he's not a Muslim, he has a sympathetic lyrics and style towards Islam.
Curse the day of they birth confused/who's to be praised?/The mighty dollar -- or almighty Allah' – Nas - Ghetto Prisoners (I Am...)
Put it on her ring finger cocked the glock/ and started prayin/ to Muhammad and Allah, the most beneficial... – Nas – Undying Love (I Am...)
Listen to the introductory track on Diddy aka P. Diddy aka Puff Daddy's only good album, No Way Out, where he says a prayer over the recitation of the Azhan in the background. Clearly an acknowledgement and reflection of Islam on the culture of rappers who inhabit the hip hop genre.
There's plenty examples within the lyrics of rappers themselves, much of the time, the rappers themselves aren't even Muslim, but clearly show an affinity for Islamic teachings and principles. A few examples of lyrics that relate to Islam, or acknowledge Islamic scripture include:
Aiyo, I'll die for the prophets and I'll die for the Lord
On the battlefield, wounded badly, holding a sword
With no questions asked, I already know, it's all for the cause
Just laying me facing the East, when I'm under the floor – Ghostface Killah – I'll Die For You (The Big Doe Rehab)
The voice of racism preaching the gospel is devilish
A fake church called the prophet Muhammad a terrorist
Forgetting God is not a religion, but a spiritual bond
And Jesus is the most quoted prophet in the Qu'ran – Immortal Technique – The 4th Branch (Revolutionary Vol. 2)
Passin judgment, you niggaz second-guessin Beans
Cause you don't eat swine don't make you Amin
Dog you know a couple suras, out the Qur'an
I guess you all on your din and I ain't on mine – Beanie Sigel - This Can't Be Life (The Dynasty: Roc La Familia)
So, clearly there is openness about Islam in rap music, whether picked up by the general masses or not, there are plenty of popular rappers of past and present who are openly practicing Muslims. I've compiled a list of the 10 Most Successful Muslim rappers, using their records sold as the sole criteria. I've also provided some quotes from the rappers' themselves, in regards to their view on Islam, and how it affects them and their careers.
Real Name
Che Smith
Blue Collar (2006)
Total Albums Sold
~ 0.02 million
Rhymefest, probably best known for his ghostwriting for Kanye West, including the hit single, Jesus Walks, was first introduced to Islam through member of the Vice Lords gang. The gangmember took him to the mosque where he was told to listen to the Imam speak, "I heard the imam speak, and it made me cry," the rapper says. "He was speaking of community and brotherhood and love, and I saw men all around me who had their boys with them. I saw these men in this holy place, with their shoes off, prostrated before God. I said, 'That's the kind of father I want to be.' "
Now he shares a house in Indianapolis with his mother, who has been clean (from crack-cocaine) for years; a teenage sister; and his young son from a brief marriage, Solomon. Rhymefest worked countless jobs to support them, eventually becoming a teacher and youth counselor. He could have easily written an entire album about his close proximity to the gang life where he grew up.
"Discovering God was my way out," he says. "You know why some rappers glorify drug dealing? They don't tell the whole story. They don't talk about the lives destroyed by it. The children left at home who eat paint chips off the wall, that go to school hungry. They aren't telling the whole story, and I hate that."
Rhymefest has also spoken out about rappers who hide behind God to help them sell records. On his blog on SOHH.com, he says, "Even rappers are jumping in on the "use God as a shield" act. Or is it really an act? It doesn't seem as though rappers are concerned with appealing to that religious audience yet one of DMX's last singles was "Lord Give Me A Sign." Yes, this thing reaches further than any specific denomination, when even Lupe Fiasco proudly proclaims his Muslim faith as part of the reason for his unique outlook on music and culture. Don't get it twisted, in no way am I dissing any artist who announces their faith in their music and lifestyle. For even I use my co-authoring of "Jesus Walks" as part of the advertisement for Rhymefest as an artist. And like Lupe, I have publicly embraced my Islamic faith. Although, I personally have a difficult time calling myself a Muslim (one who submits his will to God) because I'm still striving to totally submit myself to God. So let's make this clear, sum it up and ask the questions"
"(I'm) not talking about partial submission to God or using God's name as a marketing tool. (I'm) talking about totally submitting our lives to the idea of a power greater than record sales, saving face in lieu of criticism or even our own physical lives."
Upcoming Albums
El Che (2009)
Real Name
Leslie Pridgen
State Property
State Property Soundtrack (2002)
The Chain Gang Vol. 2 (2003)
Philadelphia Freeway (2003)
Free at Last (2007)
Total Albums Sold
0.8 million+
Freeway has always been very open about his belief in Islam. He's even been to Mecca and Medina for Umrah. "For a month. I stayed in Medina for two weeks and I went to Mecca for two weeks. I went there with some brothers from the masjid that I go to in Philadelphia. I did the Umrah."
Freeway almost gave up rapping during his Umrah, "When I went over there, I fell in with a lot of the scholars and students of Islam. The whole time I was trying to be a rapper I didn't know it was against the religion. 'Cause all the time you're rapping and writing, you can be studying and the fans listening to the music could be studying. When I put the album out some of 'em was really hard on me and told me to leave it alone. Some other brothers were a little more lenient with me saying I could ease my way out."
About reconciling the idea that he can't be a rapper and be a good Muslim, Freeway explains, "God gave us a will. Mankind, we've got a will. We've got a choice to either do something or not do something. There's a lot of things people do that are not right. I was selling drugs and I still was praying, doing what I was supposed to do. At least I'm doing something where I'm not killing nobody. I'm making an honest living and I don't gotta worry about the cops on my back or nothin' like that. Eventually, I want to get myself together and live like a Muslim is supposed to live. But right now I'm doing what I've gotta do. When I pray, I ask God for forgiveness."
And finally, about being a good Muslim, he says, "I don't know man. I just try to be good and do as much as I can. I pray five times a day. These are things I used to not do. In the beginning, I was Muslim, but I was smoking and running around like crazy. I've cut a lot of stuff out and there's still a lot of work to do. But I feel like I'm on the right path. I eventually wanna raise my family and do the right thing. But [hip-hop] is my passion. There's a lot of people doing things they're not supposed to do. Like a Muslim working in a supermarket and selling pork. I might take a drink here or there, but I'm trying to get that down. I used to smoke [weed] every five minutes and I clipped it. I just got up like, 'I can't die like this because if I'm high and not doing the right thing, I know I'm going straight to hell.'"
Upcoming Albums
Real Name
Wasalu Muhammad Jaco
Food & Liquor (2006)
The Cool (2007)
Total Albums Sold
1.0 million+
Lupe broke out on the scene back in 2005, with his 1st & 15th Mixtape Series. He converted the success from his mixtapes into albums, with the critically acclaimed albums, Food & Liquor, and The Cool. The first album won him a grammy nomination, while the second cemented him as one of the best lyrical and conceptual rappers of today.
About how Islam has influenced his first album's title, Food & Liquor, he says, "…To me, it's good and bad. I don't drink alcohol 'cause of the Muslim side of me, so I never drank alcohol before and I never smoked weed. So, alcohol was always a bad thing to me. I always seen what it did to people. All my friends who'd be alcoholics, I always seen what it did to people, and it was always ****ed up! Niggas would get drunk, crash their car into a wall. Niggas would get drunk, start a fight. Niggas would get drunk, have a shootout. All types of wild shit. There was always a bad connotation with alcohol to me. Yet, food is good, you know? You eat food, you grow, you live. So what I started seeing in the 'hood, niggas would get their money and they would go get alcohol or a fifth before they would get some food. You got niggas who get drunk before they would even eat, and then it's to the point they get so drunk that they can't eat, they're throwing up. So there was always that balance between the good and the bad, and I think it made up me. Because I'm not a hundred percent straight Muslim-conscious-nigga, you know? I did my thing, running around or whatever. So, I always thought that was a part of me: I have some food in me, and I'm also capable of having some liquor in me. It gets explained on the album so that people can really digest it and understand it."
Lupe Fiasco has never shied away from his Islamic beliefs, so when asked about criticism he might receive for being an openly Muslim rapper, he had this to say, "…as a Muslim you just supposed to advise. You not posed to criticize. You speak your peace and you keep it moving. Like, mostly I catch Muslims who come up to me who can't relate to their father or can't relate to a different struggle and be like yo I'm glad-thank you, thank you Aki for doing Muhammad Walks, which is a song I did on my first mixtape, you know, to Jesus Walks and flipped it and made it a lil bit more universal and talked about Islam. And like, people-Muslims, young Muslim kids and stuff like that-was walking up like "yo thank you for doing that record yo".
Upcoming Albums
LupE.N.D. (2009)
Real Name
Dante Terrell Smith
Black Star (1998)
Black on Both Sides (1999)
The New Danger (2004)
Tru3 Magic (2006)
Total Albums Sold
1.0 million+
Raised by his mother in Brooklyn, across the river from his father's home in New Jersey, Mos didn't receive a formal introduction to Islam until adolescence. "I got my first exposure to Islam when I was 13," says Mos. "My dad taught me how to make wudhu."
It wasn't for another six years, when he was 19, that he took his shahada, the Muslim declaration of faith. He'd gotten there by reading and personal reflection and after getting to know other Muslim rappers, like Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Q-Tip of the group A Tribe Called Quest.
Since then, Islam has been the cornerstone of Mos' life and of his socially and spiritually themed music. "You're not gonna get through life without being worshipful or devoted to something," says Mos. "You're either devoted to your job, or to your desires. So the best way to spend your life is to try to be devoted to prayer, to Allah."
He also has two younger brothers, Abdul Rahman (a.k.a. "Gold Medal Man", who is Mos' full-time DJ) and Anwar Superstar, and a younger sister, Ces (Casey) Smith, who are also converts to Islam.
Tackling a broad swath of issues that include water rights, African American self-esteem, and the destiny of humankind, Mos enlightens the listener as well as entertains. Taking on such issues, he says, is an Islamic mandate. "If Islam's sole interest is the welfare of mankind, then Islam is the strongest advocate of human rights anywhere on Earth," says Mos.
"Islam has taught me to bless words directed to the public," says Mos Def. "That gives them spiritual wings. And Insha' Allah, God will accept my efforts."
Upcoming Albums
The Ecstatic (2009)
Real Name
Dwight Grant
State Property
State Property Soundtrack (2002)
The Chain Gang Vol. 2 (2003)
The Truth (2000)
The Reason (2001)
The B. Coming (2005)
The Solution (2007)
Total Albums Sold
1.6 million+
A number of Beanie Sigel's songs deal with his Sunni Muslim faith, and the conflict between the conduct expected of a Muslim and the maintenance of a gangsta lifestyle. His on-record relationship to religion has been complex. Sometimes he berates those who would lecture him for not being observant enough, as on "This Can't Be Life"; at others he expresses anxiety and looks to God for mercy, such as on "Judgment Day" from The Solution and several songs on The B. Coming, such as "Lord Have Mercy" and "I Can't Go On This Way". On the latter he says, I pray Allah, forgive me for my actions / 'Cause I spit gangsta, think Muslim and act kafir.
The song "Mom Praying" from The Reason, a collaboration with Scarface, finds each man talking about faith and filial loyalty in his own way, with Beanie acknowledging that his mother and grandmother are kuffar (unbelievers), but proclaiming his undying love for them regardless.
Some of his other songs maintain the downbeat, ruminative tone of his religious songs, without necessarily touching on religious angst, namely "Feel It In The Air", the first single from The B. Coming and one of his most acclaimed songs.
Upcoming Albums
Real Name
Mutah Wassin Shabazz Beale
Still I Rise (with Tupac Shakur) (1999)
Ride Wit Us or Collide Wit Us (2000)
Novakane (2001)
Neva Surrenda (2002)
Outlaw 4 Life: 2005 A.P. (2005)
Can't Sell Dope Forever (with Dead Prez) (2006)
We Want In (2008)
Bangin' on the System (with Dead Prez) (2008)
Napoleon Presents Tha Bonaparz (Unreleased) (2001)
Have Mercy (Unreleased) (2005)
Napoleon Presents The Loyalty Fam (2005)
Total Albums Sold
3.2 million+
Mutah Wassin Shabazz Beale -- better known to the music industry as Napoleon from The Outlawz -- has left the rap game, along with the lifestyle it can promote, and is now a practicing Muslim, glorifying only God.
At the tender age of 3 Mutah witnessed his parents' murder, later saw one of his brothers commit suicide, and has seen numerous other friends killed to street violence, including 2Pac and fellow Outlaw member Kadafi.
While his parents were Muslim converts, after their death Mutah was raised by his Christian grandmother. Like many young people today who see music as one of the few way out of the streets, Mutah chose rap as a career path, and moved to California with childhood friend Kadafi. Together they formed part of The Outlawz. He got what he aspired for -- fame, money, houses, celebrities and parties. But Napoleon was still unsatisfied with life. It was only when he took some time out to study religion and found contentment within Islam and its beliefs that he realized what had been missing.
Today, Napolean is a devout Muslim who gives speeches as a motivational speaker for the youth.
About his converting, in an interview from a few years back, he says, "He started inviting me to the masjid [mosque] and giving me literature and that's how I started to come closer to Islam."
"It wasn't until I became a Muslim and learnt more about the religion and know who my Lord is -- that's when I started feeling tranquility and that feeling of no contentment slowly but surely went away."
About why he left the music industry, he says "I think as far as Islamically, it cannot be a good thing. The reason why is that musical instruments is what's not permissible in Islam. So to try and spread Islam with musical instruments would be innovating, it'd be starting something new in the religion. There's a reason why the Prophet Muhammad told us to stay away from instruments -- even non-Muslims. I was reading the other day, there were some doctors and psychologists who did a research on music, and they said they don't listen to music and they don't allow their kids to listen to music. They agreed that music had an effect on them, both mentally and physically, sometimes without you knowing. Even to the point that certain musical sounds can make your heart skip a beat, some can raise your blood pressure, and some can even lead to a heart attack. Then you got the people who might argue that some musical sounds can make you calm and this and that, but in Islam, nothing should have an effect over us more than the word of God, which is the Quran. So, I try to stay away from that."
Upcoming Albums
Real Name
Kamaal Ibn John Fareed
A Tribe Called Quest
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990)
The Low End Theory (1991)
Revised Quest for the Seasoned Traveller (1992)
Midnight Marauders (1993)
Beats, Rhymes and Life (1996)
The Love Movement (1998)
Amplified (1999)
Kamaal the Abstract (2002)
The Renaissance (2008)
Total Albums Sold
4.6 million+
Q-Tip became interested in Islam after enlisting the Nation of Islam and Afrikaa Bambaataa for protection after a physical altercation with Wreckx-n-Effect, another rap group, over a line spit by fellow A Tribe Called Quest member, Phife. He then converted to Islam in the mid-1990s and changed his name to Kamaal Ibn John Fareed.
In a September 27, 2001 interview with Le Monde, Q-tip had this to say about how Islam and Hip Hop complement each other spiritually, "Hip-hop deals with words and wordplay. And when you deal with something that is eloquent, you tend to get swept away by it. Hip-hop deals with the lowest form of the part of the ego, the lowest part of the psyche. It deals with more of the animalistic environment of the human being, in the sense that it allows [animalistic actions] to continue. Whereas in al-Islam, it deals with how to suppress it. Islam is about curbing your animalistic way and things of that nature." And then criticizing the Five Percenters, he adds: "With the Five Percent, it may speak about it, but it writes everything off. That you can do anything you want 'cause you're a God..."
Upcoming Albums
Real Name
Trevor George Smith, Jr.
Leaders of the New School
A Future Without A Past (1991)
T.I.M.E. (The Inner Mind's Eye) (1993)
Flipmode Squad
The Imperial (1998)
The Coming (1996)
When Disaster Strikes (1997)
E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front (1998)
Anarchy (2000)
Genesis (2001)
It Ain't Safe No More (2002)
The Big Bang (2006)
Total Albums Sold
6 million+
Busta Rhymes has dabbled in 5%er and the Nation of Islam, but recently clips on the internet have emerged in which he has publicized his belief in Orthodox Islam.
As a Muslim, Busta Rhymes has stated that Islam grounds him, and keep him "in tune with his spirit, and in tuine with your reality, as far as life is concerned…and definitely being in tune with your family."
Real Name
Dennis Coles
Wu-tang Clan
Enter the Wu (36 Chambers) (1993)
Wu-tang Forever (1997)
Iron Flag (2000)
The W (2001)
8 Diagrams (2007)
Ironman (1996)
Supreme Clientele (2000)
Bulletproof Wallets (2001)
The Pretty Toney Album (2004)
Put It On The Line (with Trife Da God) (2005)
Fishscale (2006)
More Fish (2006)
The Big Doe Rehab (2007)
Total Albums Sold
6.2 million+
An original member of the Wu-tang Clan, Ghostface Killah has often used language in his lyrics that would make you believe his beliefs fell in line with the Five Percent Nation, like his Clan-mates. In recent years, however, Ghostface Killah has decided to publicize his affiliation with Sunni Islam. In an interview with AllHipHop.com, Ghostface had this to say about his perceived affiliation with the 5%ers, "…I study Islam. I'm not a part of the Five Percent Nation. I always respected what the brothers spoke about, but I was never apart of it. I respect the lessons and all that. I agreed with a lot of their ideology."
When asked about whether what he practices in his personal life carries over into his videos, which have more often than not, contained scantily clad women, Ghostface had the following to say,
'Well, Islam for me means Peace and Submission, so I submit to the will of Allah. At the same time, I know we are in a time where things have changed. I ain't gonna front, I've had babies by ladies that weren't Muslim, but in my household they had to follow a certain amount of laws about being very clean and no pork in my house and knowing how to raise my kids. When you do videos, that's just TV. That's an illusion at the end of the day. So, I'm not saying that every girl gotta be Muslim. In these days and times, a lot of people are not even dealing with that unless I stay in the mosque all day and catch a woman with her face covered up. Not to say, I don't want a women like that - somebody that has respect for herself, that's one of the best [qualities] you can ever have in a woman. The videos and all that stuff are just like make up."
Upcoming Albums
Ghostdeini the Great (2009)
Real Name
O'Shea Jackson
N.W.A. and the Posse (1987)
Straight Outta Compton (1988)
100 Miles and Runnin' (1990)
Niggaz4life (1991)
Westside Connection
Bow Down (1996)
Terrorist Threats (2003)
Amerikka's Most Wanted (1990)
Kill At Will EP (1990)
Death Certificate (1991)
The Predator (1992)
Lethal Injection (1993)
War & Peace Vol. 1: The War Disc (1998)
War & Peace Vol. 2: The Peace Disc (2000)
Laugh Now, Cry Later (2006)
Raw Footage (2008)
Total Albums Sold
13 million+
You might know Ice Cube from his days as one of the main members of N.W.A., the group that sprung gangster rap on the masses with their street, yet politically charged lyrics. Ice Cube continued the tone of the gangster rapper with a social conscience throughout his career, and has even had that persona transpire into a successful movie career.
In an interview that touched on the confusion of whether he was an Orthodox Muslim or an involved member of the Nation of Islam, as he first projected on his 1992 album, The Predator, he responded with the following, "Ah, when you say involved with the Nation, it's tricky. I never was in the Nation of Islam... I mean, what I call myself is a natural Muslim, 'cause it's just me and God. You know, going to the mosque, the ritual and the tradition, it's just not in me to do. So I don't do it."
On how religion impacts his moral outlook and conscience, however, he said, "It's all helped to shape me; half of my life Christian and the other half of my life Muslim. I realized in looking at both of them that ultimately when you know right from wrong you don't need either of them to know how to live right. A lot of people really need a lot of religion in their life. I'm not knocking them for that at all because you gotta do what's right for you. I'm not a person who needs a lot of that to stay on the right path, know how to respect people, and respect, believe and fear in God. So I don't put a lot into religion"
Upcoming Albums


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Pearl Type : Freshwater
Pearl Size : 9.5-10mm
Pearl Shape : Near Round
Pearl Colour : Black Body Colour, Metallic Copper Blue Green Overtone
Overall Pearl Quality : AA
Earrings Colour : Silver
Earrings Size (Approx.) : 28 mm (L) x 9.5 mm (W)
Article Code : ss105-061021
Freshwater Pearls are best known for their pastel natural colours, unique overtones and an incredibly wide variety of shapes and sizes. The character of Freshwater Pearls is unparalleled, also loved for their affordability and durability, making them a great choice for anyone new to pearls and even established collectors!
Our curated collection of pearl earrings will add a timeless touch of luxury with versatility, for every taste, age, style, and occasion!
Whether you are looking for an always elegant pair of classic Pearl Stud Earrings as the perfect everyday piece for work and leisure, or you want to effortlessly glam it up with a pair of pearl earrings coupled with a brilliant touch of sparkle.
(i) Despite every effort to provide accurate images of each product's colour and design, the true colours of the actual product received may vary due to photographic lighting sources and/or different device screen settings.
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text:
WIP Wednesday #18
Still working on:
MHC Drunk Love quilt - I'm going to start basting this one today and gett ready to quilt it for FNSI this Friday. If you didn't see the flimsy finish on Monday, here's another snap. And for the record, I still haven't decided how exactly I'm going to quilt it!
Single Girl quilt - All the curves are done! And even better than that, the blocks are done! Now all I have to do is finish the assembly of the quilt top. I laid all the blocks out in my living room to see how it would look, and I'm really excited to get this one put together. There's still a glimmer of hope that I might finish this for my wedding anniversary in 10 days. A very tiny glimmer, but a glimmer all the same...
Make Mine Modern mini-quilt - I've finished my sketch and math and am starting some piecing on this one finally.
Project Modern - As soon as I wrap up my MHC quilt, I hope to get this one started. Time is most certainly not on my side here, so we'll have to see how this works out. If I don't wind up getting to this one in time, I hope to turn it into a quilt along later this year, because the design I drew up would be awesome in a monochromatic layout or in something super colorful, so stay tuned.
Birdie Stitches - Once again, no progress yet.
Supernova QAL with Freshly Pieced - I'm super excited about this quilt-along, I just adore Lee's design for this one! I've picked out some fabrics and made some stacks for this one, and I'm positively ready to go.
Spiderweb {Sew} Beautiful Quilt - I got my first two quilt blocks from the awesome girls of the {Sew} Beautiful Bee, and I'm excited to start sashing these blocks and putting this quilt together.
WIP Wednesday #18 Recap:
Finished: 0
Last week's total: 5
New: 2
This week's total: 7
Curious to see what everyone else is working on this week? Hop on over to Lee's linky at Freshly Pieced to see the latest WIPs around the quilting bloggy world :)
25 comments:
- AnonymousMarch 16, 2011 at 7:11 AM
Wow- so many quilts in progress and they all look awesome! I love the colors in your drunk love blanket. Wonderful work! Have a happy Wednesday!ReplyDelete
Are you doing the mini quilt in purple and gray like the drawing? I have been day-dreaming about that colour combo!ReplyDelete
Wow, everything looks so great! You are a machine getting all those single girl blocks done! They look fantastic. I love what you've got in mind for MMM, very creative. And I'm curious to see what everyone comes up with for Supernova. I can't make up my mind at all. Your spiderwebs look fantastic too, that will be fun to see everything come together.ReplyDelete
I love your blog header and whole blog design. How did you achieve it? Thanks.ReplyDelete
Wow! I cannot wait to see your MHC quilt all quilted, the snapshot looks stunning, that is one lucky girl! Seeing all those single girl quilts is really making me want to jump in on the fun...My MQG is headed on a shop hop soon, I'll need to keep my eye open for some new fabrics for it! Great WIPs!!ReplyDelete
Ooooh, I really like the Drunk Love and Spiderweb projects! And you're flying along on your single girl - go, girl!!ReplyDelete
Wow!! everything looks great..love the spiderweb..single girl...they all look amazing...ReplyDelete
Everything looks great! I can't believe how quickly you're getting through the Single Girl quilt, it looks great.ReplyDelete
your wip lists always make feel like i can do so much more! you are quite the busy girl and goods you come up with are amazing!ReplyDelete
Awesome! Your Supernova fabrics look wonderful! I still need to figure mine out.ReplyDelete
Wow! I am looking forward to see your quilt from the sketch, it should be great!ReplyDelete
I can't believe how much you get done every week! It's quite impressive ;-)ReplyDelete
I really love how your Drunk Love quilt is turning out. Your girl is going to love it. I think straight line quilting would be nice or the criss-cross long lines. I'm not really sure that that's called, but it would go along with the drunk part! Can't wait to see it all finished up.
Awesome quilts! I am very impressed and love the drunk love quilt very much. You did good!ReplyDelete
Love that drunk love quilt!! Lots of great stuff, as usual!!ReplyDelete
I love the concept of Project Modern! I also feel your pain about not having time, I have one of those projects myselfReplyDelete
Wow, now I really feel like a commitment-phobic slacker! I need to focus on one thing at a time and get something accomplished!ReplyDelete
BTW, this will probably sound like the dorkiest question, but what is a "flimsy"??
All your projects look amazing! Every single one of them! I'm just a wee bit jealous :)ReplyDelete
Hello Elisabeth! Ooh you have so many beautiful projects going on! I love those pin-colourful blocks and the 'stars' and everything!!!ReplyDelete
I hope you have time enough till your anniversary! xxx Teje
Oh man I love all your projects! Super-congrats on the Single Girl progress. The irony of a "single girl" quilt being for an anniversary is making me giggle a wee bit.ReplyDelete
Good call on the AMH for the spiderweb blocks - they are aMAZing.
You go girl! :) Lots of pretty stuff going on!ReplyDelete
Love your MMM mini! That's going to be great. And excellent job on the SG!!! You are rocking it now. Are you seriously going to quilt this thing on your home machine? A king-size quilt??? You will be my quilting hero if you do that. : )ReplyDelete
Thanks for linking up, as always.
I like your sketch. It looks like a bookshelf to me. :)ReplyDelete
Just can't pick a favorite here, they're all so yummy! What an awesome collection of wip's!ReplyDelete
Wow! You have been really busy. All of your projects are beautiful, I don't think I could pick a favorite! Although that Single Girl is amazing! Happy WIP Wednesday!ReplyDelete
Elizabeth, I stumbled across your blog today. Love the spiderweb blocks! I read your featured post on GenX Quilters and it was great. Such a cute robot quilt. I felt the same way about sewing on binding until I found a great tutorial. I'd love it if you would check out my post with the link. Have a great weekend!ReplyDelete
Thank you for leaving a comment for me! I appreciate each and every one of them and try to respond when time allows. Your comments totally brighten my day :)


text: Grappa is an Italian brandy distilled from the pomace left over after wine production (known as Marc in France). It is made by distilling the skins, pulp, seeds and stems that result from winemaking after the grapes have been pressed. Initially grappa was created as a way of recycling the remainder of the grapes, but since then this style of brandy has become very popular. There are numerous styles of grappa, which can be bottled young or unaged, aromatised, and even aged in a variety of different woods including ashwood, plumwood and oak. Any grape type may be used to make grappa, and there are many different "single grape varietal" grappas.


text:
|Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet
|Image gallery (3)
Page 1 of 1
A unique Lexus full hybrid LS 600h L Landaulet featuring a one-piece, transparent polycarbonate roof will serve as the official Royal Wedding car on the occasion of the marriage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to Ms. Charlene Wittstock on Saturday 2nd July 2011.
Equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive, Prince Albert's LS 600h L offers all the performance and comfort expected from a Lexus flagship, and generates significantly lower CO2, NOx and particulate emissions than any comparable car.
'Lexus is very proud to present this exceptional full hybrid vehicle to H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince of Monaco', said Andy Pfeiffenberger, Vice President of Lexus Europe. 'Our commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility at Lexus matches well with His Serene Highness' keen interest in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.'
The state-of-the-art conversion was undertaken by renowned Belgian coachbuilders Carat Duchatelet in close collaboration with Lexus engineers based in Brussels. It took over 2000 hours to complete. The fundamental objective of the project was to ensure that the finished car maintained the levels of quality and technological sophistication inherent in every Lexus, whilst preserving all the performance, safety and dynamic attributes of the original LS 600h L.
'We have 40 years experience in making armoured and extended vehicles for Heads of State, Royal Families and VVIPs around the world', explained Benoit CeuLe Mans, Executive Director Corporate Development, Carat Duchatelet. 'However, this will be a milestone project for us. It is the first time we are publicly associated to such a prestigious project and memorable event.'
The conversion process began with extensive computer-aided design calculations, simulations and 3-D modelling. The reinforcement of the bodyshell required extensive applications of the very latest in honeycomb structures, Kevlar and carbon fibre technology, in order to maintain the vehicle's chassis stiffness and torsional rigidity following the removal of the roof and pillars.
Parts fabricated from composites require very high temperatures for curing. These components were literally 'cooked' onto the bare chassis in a specially prepared oven. As a result, much of the vehicle first had to be completely dismantled, involving the stripping out of some 20,000 mechanical parts, electronic components and interior features and upholstery. Re-assembly occurred under the close supervision of the Lexus engineering team, to ensure consistency with the original vehicle specifications and performance.
Painting and polishing was a key phase before re-assembly. The Royal Wedding LS 600h L is finished in a particularly elegant Midnight Blue livery, which was applied manually using several coats of a bespoke, environmentally-friendly water-based paint.
The transparent roof was a challenge both in its design, as a large single piece with no reinforcements and no pillars, and in its manufacturing, for which Lexus sought the cooperation of a supplier specialising in similar elements for the aerospace industry. The demountable roof has been built in France by one of the world's leading transparent component-production companies. This highly specialised company mainly supplies complex components of an exceptionally high specification such as helicopter windshields and jet fighter canopies.
The roof is a single, lightweight polycarbonate shell, just 8 mm thick and weighing only 26 kg. Fixed to the body of the Lexus through two intermediary parts, it will allow perfect visibility from both inside and outside the vehicle.
Before production of the transparent roof itself, a template in honeycomb structure and carbon fibre was used to validate shape, structural integrity and a perfect fit to the body of the vehicle within tolerances of less than 1 mm. With the design complete, the extreme precision of production was carried out by robotic tools, which machined the final canopy in a completely automated process.
The final conversion stage of this unique LS 600h L, re-assembly and finishing, involved a team of 10 people in conjunction with Lexus engineers, working full time for over two weeks to ensure that every aspect of the vehicle meets the highest levels of quality and sophistication.
On the day of the wedding, the Landaulet LS 600h L will be used by the royal couple to tour the Principality after the ceremony. The tour will bring them from the Palace on the Rocher down to the harbour, and then along Boulevard Albert I up to the Sainte-Devote Church where, as is the tradition, the princess will leave her bridal bouquet to the waiting Monegasques. For most of this tour, the vehicle will operate in full zero-emission mode, driving under electric-motor power alone, hereby reaffirming Lexus Hybrid Drive's environmental credentials.
With the end of the celebrations, the unique Lexus Landaulet will be displayed first at the Media Centre and subsequently at the Oceanographic Museum, where visitors will be able to view a remarkable reminder of an exceptional occasion.
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text:
Christmas is over. Chances are you still have your tree up, but sooner or later you're going to have to get rid of it. Sure you could unceremoniously toss its naked corpse into the street, but you could also turn it into a crazy rocket. Then again, you probably shouldn't, but if you did it might go something like this.
Did Elon Musk Regret Buying Twitter? | Walter Isaacson Interview
Witness the launch of the XMS Mistletoe, big brother to the original Christmas Rocketree. You wouldn't want to be anywhere near where this Yuletide spear lands, or where it takes off, or anywhere near it really, but damned if it isn't cool. What do you say we replace all the New Year's Eve Giant-Ball stuff with an army of Christmas tree rockets? No? Yeah, that's probably for the best. [RocketChristmasTree]


text:
8 Top Hairstylists to Cut Your Hair Before You Die
If money were no object, these are the top hairstylists you'd want to cut your hair. From innovative cutting techniques to ultra-luxurious salons, find out what makes each one such a stand-out
When Tim Burton got his hair cut by Edward Tricomi, he was inspired to write the movie "Edward Scissorhands" -- and if you've seen the flick, you're familiar with the way Edward Tricomi cuts hair: It's a one-of-a-kind experience with lightening-fast blades and hair flying everywhere. "I like to cut hair when it's dry," he says. "I think of what I do as sketching a haircut. And I am constantly fixing and changing my art form." He applies his technique to everything from pixies to long layers with equally impressive results.
Warren Tricomi salons are located in New York, Connecticut, California, and Florida, but the man himself can usually be found at the Plaza Hotel location in Manhattan.
SEE NEXT PAGE: Oribe
Older comments
No thanks, too much
by EricaC123 Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 01:15PM Report as inappropriate
Sooooooooo pricy.
by anna_cookie_hwang Monday, October 15, 2012 at 04:00PM Report as inappropriate
What a disappointment. Only celebrities and the wealthy can afford $400-$600 for a haircut!! This is a terrible article which should never have appeared on TB. It is completely inappropriate for your audience.
by CaroleVonAllten Friday, October 12, 2012 at 12:54PM Report as inappropriate
Wow! I should went to school to be a beautician.
by shell1375 Friday, October 12, 2012 at 12:18PM Report as inappropriate
Fekkai never disappoints me. Verrrry pricey but so worth it. That's my go to guy. Always has been. Always will be. I have put a great deal of faith in others, and always go back. No contest.
by robyne00 Monday, October 8, 2012 at 04:52PM Report as inappropriate
I agree with another reviewer that the HAIRSTYLES to try before you die would be more helpful and interesting for most readers. I don't plan on ever paying $600+ for a haircut.
by HeathRene Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 04:47PM Report as inappropriate
i was disapointed in this because i misread it. I was hoping for hairSTYLES to try before you die, not stylists. I'll never pay that much for a haircut.
by Sohee Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 12:49PM Report as inappropriate
No can do way out of my price range
by debbie_strickland Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 08:13PM Report as inappropriate
They may be considered the "best" in their field, but there's no way I'd be able to afford any of them. Plus, I'd rather buy myself some new clothes or something else.
by MHolland6 Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 02:51PM Report as inappropriate
Okay, I think we all agree none of us can take part of our mortgage payment and use it for a haircut. Here's an idea, why doesn't Total Beauty have a contest where some of us could win a haircut with one of these "stylists to the stars?!?!?!"
by Cheryl5752 Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 12:27AM Report as inappropriate


text:
Funding and Award Opportunities
The group for sharing Media Development funding and awards opportunities
The group for sharing Media Development funding and awards opportunities
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|Award Opportunities - Media Development
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|Soros Foundation/Open Society Grant - The 2014 Audience Engagement Grant Program
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The case tracker gives you a way to track progress on your projects and assign cases to yourself and others.


text:
Gregory H. Botz, MD, FCCM
Professor of Critical Care Medicine
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Adjunct Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology
Stanford University School of Medicine
Gregory H. Botz, MD, FCCM, is a professor in the Department of Critical Care at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. He received his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. He completed an internship in internal medicine at Huntington Memorial Hospital and then completed a residency in anesthesiology and a fellowship in critical care medicine at Stanford University in California. He also completed a medical simulation fellowship at Stanford with Dr. David Gaba and the Laboratory for Human Performance in Healthcare. Dr. Botz is board-certified in anesthesiology and critical care medicine. He is a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine.
Dr. Botz joined the Department of Critical Care at MD Anderson in 1998. He was previously on the faculty at the Duke University Medical Center, and Stanford University School of Medicine. He has served as medical director of the Intensive Care Unit, the Transfer Center, the Acute Care Training Center and the Medical Emergency Rapid Intervention Team. He is a member of the Air Medical Physician Association. As a clinician-educator, Dr. Botz serves as regional faculty for the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care training programs, and he is a national consultant for the Society of Critical Care training programs. He has served as a senior editor for the American Board of Anesthesiology Joint Council on Anesthesiology Examinations and program director for the Critical Care Anesthesiology Fellowship program at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.
Dr. Botz is a 2004 graduate of the Intermountain Healthcare Advanced Training Program in Health Care Delivery Improvement. He is a member of the steering committee and faculty for the Clinical Safety and Effectiveness training program. He has served as the University of Texas Chancellor's Health Fellow in Quality of Care and Patient Safety, and is a Charter Fellow in Clinical Safety and Effectiveness in the University of Texas System.