Shoot UK teacher, say protesters (great public relations)

Please see my comments after the BBC article.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7121025.stm




Shoot UK teacher, say protesters

Thousands of people have marched in the Sudanese capital Khartoum to call for UK teacher Gillian Gibbons to be shot.
Mrs Gibbons, 54, from Liverpool, was jailed by a court on Thursday after allowing children in her class to name a teddy bear Muhammad.

She was sentenced to 15 days for insulting religion, and she will then be deported.

The Foreign Office was in contact with Sudan's government overnight and is due to repeat demands for her release.

'Kill her'

The marchers took to the streets after Friday prayers to denounce the sentence as too lenient.

The protesters gathered in Martyrs Square, outside the presidential palace in the capital, many of them carrying knives and sticks.

Marchers chanted "Shame, shame on the UK", "No tolerance - execution" and "Kill her, kill her by firing squad".

Hundreds of riot police were deployed but they did not break up the demonstration.

The Foreign Office said it was seeking more details about the protest.

'Strongest terms'

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been in touch with Mrs Gibbons' family for a second time, speaking to a close relative of the teacher.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband has expressed "in the strongest terms" the UK's concern at her detention.

The Sudanese ambassador, Omer Siddig, was called back to the Foreign Office to explain the decision.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said he could not "see any justification" for the sentence, calling it an "absurdly disproportionate response" to a "minor cultural faux pas".

The Federation of Student Islamic Societies (Fosis), which represents more than 90,000 Muslim students in the UK and Ireland, said it was "deeply concerned" at what was a "gravely disproportionate" verdict.

The federation's president, Ali Alhadithi, said: "What we have here is a case of cultural misunderstandings, and the delicacies of the matter demonstrate that it was not the intention of Gillian Gibbons to imply any offence against Islam or Muslims.

"We hope that the Sudanese authorities will take immediate action to secure a safe release for Gillian Gibbons."

In September, Mrs Gibbons allowed her class of primary school pupils to name the teddy bear Muhammad as part of a study of animals and their habitats.

The court heard that she was arrested on Sunday after another member of staff at Unity High School complained to the Ministry of Education.

My thoughts:

-There have been many good serious articles written on this story, including one from Zaftig in my links. I thought I would approach this from a satirical perspective.

-A guest satirical writer on BBC 5 Live mentioned today that this incident was 'great public relations' for Islam. Now, it was pointed out on the same radio station earlier that most British Muslims disagreed with the school teacher's sentence. Personally, when I lived in England (99-01) I had positive interaction with Muslims, and would occasionally visit a Muslim acquaintance that owned a burger and chips shop for a meal and talk, which included polite religious dialogue on the differences in religious philosophy between Christianity and Islam. In fact, he gave my friend and I free dinner one night, as we showed him respect unlike many in the community. The interaction with this man was a good learning experience. However, with this type of action by the officials in Sudan it comes across as trying to make an example of an English woman that made a social mistake in ignorance. I do not pretend to know the motives of the authorities, but the episode strikes me as being childish and bitter. Rather than doing the common sense thing and let the teacher away with a warning, the authorities make a big deal about it, and are setting themselves up for public ridicule in the Western world.

-A BBC 5 Live reporter suggested today that the protesting crowd may have been somewhat staged. So, the crowd calling for the teacher's execution may have been influenced by the government to protest in public. One wonders why the economy of countries like the Sudan are not world class! Good idea, let's have adult men take part of the day off work to protest a 54 year old British school teacher and a teddy bear. Perhaps a compromise can be made and the teddy bear can be executed. If the teddy bear is publicly burned at the stake, or beheaded some of the officials and protesters will feel better, and can put in a full days work on Monday. It is good see that the authorities have a fantastic grasp on what is important in reality.

-Revelation 13:15 comes to mind. It comments that the second beast gives the breath of life to the image of the first beast, that it may speak and cause as many that do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. Mounce writes that the second beast is given the power to animate the first beast. Mounce (1990: 261). The second beast enforces worship of the first beast. Mounce (1990: 261). Biblically and theologically, it is possible...just possible, that the animated beast could be a teddy bear?

MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1990) The Book of Revelation, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

http://thekingpin68.blogspot.com/2007/12/theological-credibility.html

Evolution: 21st Century style

Within my latest article on thekingpin68, I briefly discuss science and naturalism, and so I thought I would 'sort of' stay with a similar theme with this article.;) No, I do not eat a lot of burgers, or look like the last guy in the first drawing.

http://thekingpin68.blogspot.com/2007/11/empirical-theology-and-methodology.html

Gossip

Los Angeles

I present this post, and publish the short article below for two notable reasons, and the ordering does not necessarily reflect importance. I shall leave the importance judgement up to the reader.

One, Fabio is somewhat of an amusing satirical figure, and this is a satirical site.

Two, this type of article is an example of the gossip/news/garbage that has been dominating the press in much of the English speaking, Western world the last several years. What does the Bible state about gossip?

According to the Nelson's Three-In-One Bible Reference. Here is a definition.

Gossip-idle talk or rumours about others.

Selected verses that I examined from the New American Standard Bible that were listed in the Nelson text.

Leviticus 19:16 warns against slandering others, and that one is not to act against the life of a neighbour.

Proverbs 20:19 explains that a person that slanders gives away secrets, and therefore one should not associate with a gossip.

Romans 1:29 lists gossips as among those with a depraved mind (1:28).

2 Corinthians 12:20 lists gossip as something that Paul does not want to find when he visits Corinth.

Nelson's Three-In-One Bible Reference, Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

My thoughts are that this type of journalism below will continue within the entertainment news sections, and will carry over at times into the main news presentation, as has been the case with Hilton, Spears and others. I am not against entertainment taking its place beside news, sports, and weather in the overall news presentation, but I would like to see gossip terminated and more time put towards presenting intellectual reviews and discussions of films, television series and so on.

Would Fabio beat Clooney with his hair?

Comments?

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/original/article_212113796.shtml

Tittle-Tattle Too™
you do it, we tell, too bad

Published: Nov 8, 2007 Email This Print Share Related Send A Tip

George Clooney, Fabio Face-Off Over Face-Shots
by Staff

George Clooney and romance icon Fabio stunned diners at Hollywood's swanky Madeo restaurant on Friday (02Nov07), when they exchanged fighting words over a photo session.

Actor Fabio was dining with friends when one stood to take photos close to a table Clooney was sharing with his girlfriend Sarah Larson.

According to America's In Touch Weekly magazine, Clooney thought the photographer was trying to take shots of him and asked her to stop - a request which annoyed his fellow diner.

The magazine reports Fabio went over to Clooney's table to explain, but the conversation became heated, and the long-haired actor was overheard telling the Ocean's Eleven star, "I thought you were a nice guy. Stop being a diva!"

The encounter prompted angry Clooney to stand up and approach Fabio. An eyewitness tells In Touch, "The waiters broke it up before it got out of hand.

"George looked annoyed... George was drinking but he wasn't drunk."

Clooney reportedly skipped the rest of his meal, asked for his bill and left. Fabio's manager has refused to comment about the incident, but says, "George is lucky he didn't end up in the Er (emergency room)."

Fabio and Clooney weren't the only celebrities dining at the restaurant on the night of the scuffle - Dame Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci were also guests of Madeo. (c) WENN



A Farewell to Kings (1977). One of my favourite Rush songs, and it seemingly deals with aspects of the problem of evil from a secular perspective. There are some good thoughts in these lyrics, although there is no ultimate solution to the problem of evil without God's intervention. This is a rare track that features both complex classical (intro) and electric guitar soloing.

Lyrics

When they turn the pages of history
When these days have passed long ago
Will they read of us with sadness
For the seeds that we let grow
We turned our gaze
From the castles in the distance
Eyes cast down
On the path of least resistance

Cities full of hatred
Fear and lies
Withered hearts
And cruel, tormented eyes
Scheming demons
Dressed in kingly guise
Beating down the multitude
And scoffing at the wise

The hypocrites are slandering
The sacred halls of truth
Ancient nobles showering
Their bitterness on youth
Cant we find
The minds that made us strong
Cant we learn
To feel whats right and wrong

Cities full of hatred
Fear and lies
Withered hearts
And cruel, tormented eyes
Scheming demons
Dressed in kingly guise
Beating down the multitude
And scoffing at the wise
Cant we raise our eyes
And make a start
Cant we find the minds
To lead us closer to the heart

http://kingpinned.blogspot.com/2007/11/captain-marvel-1-2008.html

http://thekingpin68.blogspot.com/2007/11/problem-of-evil-defence-vs-theodicy.html

Religious album covers III

Greetings. The first post on this topic received quite a bit of feedback, the second some as well. If you find these funny and/or worth discussing, please comment. Cheers.


Here is an explanation from:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0391104/plotsummary

"Baptists at Our Barbecue" is the comedic story of the small town of Longwinded, USA, a divided, feuding town of 262 Mormons and 262 Baptists. It's also a love story, about one man who will try anything to end the ridiculous feud, bring the town together, and keep the peace-loving girl of his dreams from leaving town. Written by Anonymous

Okay, this would be taking blog related Christianity and Mormonism debates too far! I am all for friendly debate concerning faith and philosophy, but do not favour the use of violence. Thankfully, things have been relatively calm concerning my blogs so far.;)


I am not sure this is a religious album, but where I found it, it was listed as such. Hey Barry, if a business manager, or record company executive told you to name your album 'I eat kids', I suggest you find new representation. Or perhaps Mike Tyson is your representative...

http://kjkolb.tripod.com/homepage/miketysonquotes.html

On Lennox Lewis

"Lennox Lewis, I'm coming for you man. My style is impetuous. My defense is impregnable, and I'm just ferocious. I want your heart. I want to eat his children. Praise be to Allah!"


It is great that you love the Lord, and I will give you the benefit of the doubt, but why set yourself up for satirical ridicule from critics, Kenny? Christian marketing should try and avoid being labelled silly.


Felix looks like he will cane anyone that requests the wrong song! Man, someone did not do a very good marketing job with this album. Perhaps it should read Felix A Lorenz Jr will punish you upon request.

http://thekingpin68.blogspot.com/2007/11/fatalism.html

Busted unlike Beckham

The Vancouver Whitecaps General Manager stated in a short speech to the crowd that the Whitecaps used to have the city in 'the palm of their hand' in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Thanks to my generous friend Zombie, we went to the soccer friendly Wednesday night. Our mutual friend and blog commenter, Chucky came along as well. The game between the Vancouver Whitecaps (United Soccer Leagues) and Los Angeles Galaxy (Major League Soccer) finished in a 0-0 draw. Unfortunately, the game did not feature many offensive opportunities and the Whitecaps missed a penalty kick. My reasoning is that with the new outdoor stadium the Whitecaps are planning to build, they wish to upgrade leagues and join the MLS. With a crowd of 48,000 Wednesday night, the Whitecaps did very well.

Zombie and I left Maple Ridge at 5:30 pm and it took us 1 hour 45 minutes to arrive at BC Place Stadium. The rush hour commute to Vancouver is getting worse. My previous rush hour commute to Vancouver two weeks ago also took 1 hour 45 minutes. Back in the 1990s when I worked in Vancouver in the summer, the Rush hour commute was about 1 hour 15 minutes. I reason that more freeway needs to be built, as one does not come out to Maple Ridge. I think that a freeway could be build without doing major environmental or ecological damage, but I do not claim to have read a study. An alternative is to have full-time rapid transit come out to Maple Ridge. I have heard nothing about a freeway or full-time rapid transit coming out to Maple Ridge. As a Christian, I absolutely do not want to see the development of all underdeveloped land, but on the other hand, this area needs to seriously deal with its traffic problems.

Zombie, Chucky and I had some good laughs at the game and there was a couple of people busted. First, there was a 'streaker' on the field during the match. This is unfortunately common in soccer, and I think I have seen it a couple of times in England as well, and once at a NHL game here. No one wanted to tackle this nude guy, and I cannot blame them. Eventually a woman security guard knocked him over and others jumped him. Second, after the game, a guy tried to get on the field and was hit a few times in the back of the head by a police officer (it looked like) as the law breaker was on the ground face down.

The Whitecaps did a very good job with the artificial turf and set up, but the game was way over-hyped in the media. The match was sold as world-class soccer and neither the MLS or USL is world-class or tier one. Tier one soccer/football is the premier national teams in the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championship, and the South American Championship. With club teams, tier one is the premier clubs in the UEFA Champions League, England, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, Netherlands and a few other clubs from European and South American countries. It is unlikely due to the popularity of other sports in North America, and the use of many of the best athletes, that soccer will ever be a tier one sport in North America. At best, there may be a team or two that is eventually tier one through the use of purchasing the contracts of elite players, primarily from Europe and South America.

As for Beckham, I really respected his work ethic when I saw him play several times in Manchester, for Manchester United (2000-2001).

http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/news_story/?ID=222410&hubname=

Beckham draws big crowd in Vancouver

The Canadian Press

11/8/2007 12:39:14 AM

VANCOUVER - He didn't weave any of his magic on the pitch, but David Beckham still cast a spell over a huge crowd Wednesday night.

Beckham didn't score. He didn't feather any pretty passes or launch one of his trademark bending kicks, but he still held the attention of 48,172 fans who watched his L.A. Galaxy play to a 0-0 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps in a friendly at B.C. Place Stadium.

''It's a shame there wasn't any goals but we enjoyed the game,'' the former England captain said after the match. ''We came at each other but couldn't break each other. It was a great crowd out there and I hope they enjoyed it.''

Limited to just five Major League Soccer games this season due to injuries, Beckham surprised himself by playing over 72 minutes against the Whitecaps.

''I was meant to play only half the game but I felt stronger and stronger as the first half went on and wanted to play a little longer,'' he said. ''Then it was time for me to come off and give other players a chance to have a run around.''

When he left the game, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder waved and applauded the crowd as he walked off the pitch. The minute he was gone, many people began streaming to the exits.

The game itself may have been bland but the night supplied other forms of excitement.

The match was delayed briefly in the second half when a man leaped on the pitch, stripped off his clothes, and ran naked around the field.

The antics brought a roar from the crowd. Beckham was shown on television laughing with one of his teammates.

''I've seen it before,'' Beckham chuckled afterwards. ''We've had it a few times in Europe. You try and run the other way.''

There also was a cheer when a man proposed to his girlfriend on the big TV screen.

Despite the distractions there was no doubt everyone came to see Beckham.

The crowd cheered each time he touched the ball. Cameras flashed in the stands every time he took a corner kick.

There was a buzz of excitement near the end of the first half when Beckham lined up for one of his patented free kicks. He sent a long ball into the box that was harmlessly knocked away.

Whitecap midfielder Martin Nash said sometimes he had to remind himself not to be a spectator.
''He's got an amazing touch and great feel for the ball and great vision,'' said Nash, the younger brother of Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash. ''It's nice to see it in action.

''He has small movements to make himself available and get space. He wasn't on fire with his passing today, he's still coming back off injury, but he did some great things.''

Beckham, one of the most recognizable sports stars on the planet, signed a five-year, US$32-million contract with the Galaxy and was introduced by the team in July. By signing the former England captain, the MLS hoped to raised soccer's profile in North America.

The 32-year-old scored one goal before being sidelined with a knee injury for seven weeks. Beckham had the crowd cheering midway through the opening half when he dribbled the ball down the middle of the field. The sprint ended with him being sent head-over-heels by a sliding tackle from Vancouver's Lyle Martin.

Beckham was seen reaching back for his hamstring for several minutes after the hard landing. He also bent over to stretch his legs, but continued to play.

Beckham was impressed by the Whitecaps determination.

''We knew they were going to come at us,'' he said. ''We knew they had a few players that were pretty dangerous and they passes the ball around well. They played well tonight.''

After the game Beckham hobbled off the pitch. He said his ankle was stiff but other than that he felt fine.

''I'm still trying to get my fitness back,'' said Beckham, who wore a blue suit with a poppy in the lapel when he spoke to reporters. ''It's my second game in four days. My fitness will pick up in the next few games as well.''

Bob Lenarduzzi, the Whitecaps president, was a cross between relieved and thrilled after the game.

''It went almost as well as can be expected,'' he said. ''It would have been nice to get a goal (but) I was pleased we came out and tired to take the game to them.''

Lenarduzzi won't say how much it cost to bring Beckham and the Galaxy to Vancouver.

''It's a significant amount,'' he said. ''They are getting a significant amount and we're still doing OK.''

B.C. Place, usually the home for B.C. Lions CFL games, had a festive atmosphere. A huge Canadian flag hung over the boards at one end. One person waved an English flag. Fans came decked out in jerseys of their favourite soccer teams.

At half time Steve Nash, the two-time NBA MVP who grew up in Victoria, gave a taped announcement on the big TV screening wishing the Whitecaps good luck.

''It was a great atmosphere and it was great so many people came out and watched the game,'' said Beckham. ''There was a streaker and other things.''

http://thekingpin68.blogspot.com/2007/11/vitreous-floaters-and-phd-updates.html

Facebook quotes #2 post Halloween edition

(photo from Richard Cross)

Richard's website:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_richard_x/





Written Halloween night:

Tonight is Halloween, but I have no costume and have not worn one since I was about 12 years old. Perhaps since I am a muscular 5 foot 10 and 235 pounds and look like a doorman, I am scary enough that I could walk around town with no shirt on, carrying my martial arts work out club, for my 'costume'. After church on some Sundays I play board and video games with friends. As I mentioned in a previous article, they have three very cute little girls and when I tease the children and tell them I am a 'big monster', the oldest very nice little girl, says 'no you are a handsome man', but the middle feisty child agrees that I am a monster...and 'too fat to have a baby'.:)

Tonight, I could also attempt to dress up like some of my friends by shaving the majority of the hair off the top of my head, or I could dress up as one of the Buff twins by covering myself with Crisco and carrying a dumbbell around town. Okay, I am not a huge Halloween fan, but I can see how it could be fun.

I listen to BBC Radio Five radio on the internet occasionally. I have heard two funny comments recently which I shall paraphrase. One concerns fired Tottenham Hotspurs manager Martin Jol. The commentator stated that it was a shame that the stout Jol was fired as it was so close to Christmas and the season to be jolly. Also an older cricket analyst was complaining about one of the representatives of England's cricket team. This older man stated that this player did not smile and always walked around as if he had piles.

I am not a Star Wars fan (but like the movies), but a friend on Facebook asked me to accept the Star Wars: Jedi vs. Sith application, and so for a potential satirical laugh, I accepted. My goal was to see if I could rise to the level of Jedi Master with minimal Star Wars knowledge, in other words by deducing the answer to questions. I have succeeded in reaching the level of Jedi Master, which is one level behind the highest level of Grand Master. I also decided to write my own Star Wars question without knowing much about Star Wars, and this was also done for a satirical laugh. The reports/responses to my question provided me with a laugh! Facebook is good for dialoguing with people, but also has a lot of fluff.

Question	Answer	Wrong Answers	Reports	Options
Which villain has Christopher Lee not played in a film?	Jack the Ripper	Saruman Count Dooku Count Dracula	10	Edit Delete
Reports pertinence: this isnt a chirstopher lee trivia game.... pertinence: nothing to do with star wars.. pertinence: This question isn't about star wars, its about an actor from star wars. It'd be like asking what Mark Hammil's favorite type of ketchup is. pertinence: not really to do with star wars now is it? pertinence: Really? pertinence: This questions is about a specific actor's career, not Star Wars at all. pertinence: nothing to do with Star Wars pertinence: this question is about his other work.. I personally dont care because I got it right, but just saying for the other people on the book that is face. pertinence: This is not a Star Wars Question, this is a Christopher Lee question. There is very minimal Star Wars reference here, and the answer requires knowledge outside of Star Wars Trivia. pertinence: Having one answer be a star wars character does not make this a star wars question

German water trap

http://thekingpin68.blogspot.com/2007/11/theology-and-religion.html