Friday 27 July 2012

Olympic Values


London 2012 is upon us. Already the there have been some soccer tournaments and the official opening ceremony will be held later today. I love the city of London and when I was there over a month ago, the preparations for the Olympics (and the Jubilee) were evident everywhere. Good luck London!

Let us remind ourselves of the Olympic (and Paralympic) values which could be applied to us all in everyday life:

The Olympic Values:

  • Respect – fair play; knowing one’s own limits; and taking care of one’s health and the environment
  • Excellence – how to give the best of oneself, on the field of play or in life; taking part; and progressing according to one’s own objectives
  • Friendship – how, through sport, to understand each other despite any differences

The Paralympic Values:

  • Determination – the drive and motivation to overcome both physical and mental barriers in order to achieve your goals
  • Courage – having the self-belief and confidence to overcome adversity and face difficulty
  • Equality – showing respect and humility towards all those around you in the spirit of fair play
  • Inspiration – to be motivated by the achievements and actions of others and to be a positive example to others

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Letter to Blair Inc.


We seem to thrive on fear and this is especially true of what many 'westerners' think when it comes to what the Islamic world represents. Whilst the Islamic world has certainly had a past cultural glory when it made contributions to the arts, mathematics and sciences, even with this, there's the historical record of western prejudice against Muslims (see Orientalism). So whether one's opinions originate from a historic Christian set of values or a modern liberal or politically Eurocentric set of values, there is likely to be some point of difference/conflict with a given view in Islam. Adding to that the fear mongering, as in the interview here, and the type of responses that it provokes invariably there is a lack of a balanced and thoughtful judgement when it comes to Muslim-Christian (read 'western') relations.

In this interview with The Telegraph, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair continues to peddle the same old fear with his opinions on 'militant Islam'. I am not going to deny the marginalisation and subsequent radicalisation of Muslims and nor do I excuse it. It is wrong in fact - but one needs to consider the historical relationships of the east and the west to understand why differing sides are often caught up in conflict. A deep misunderstanding and fear continues to inform the way Islam is perceived and both the west and the Muslim world need to self-reflect to consider how their own actions affect the other. I will say however, for there to be a meaningful dialogue that the major need for self reflection vis-à-vis the other should come from 'Christian' west, who must come to terms with their own historical bias and personal animosity.

This might have nothing to do with how he feels, but Tony Blair is a 'new' Catholic and without doubt, a career politician. He knows how to draw attention to the fears/thoughts of middle England and exploit them for his own purposes. I wonder, if many readers of commentators on The Telegraph interview realised that Tony Blair's sister-in-law, Lauren Booth, is in fact, a Muslim? (She spent time in Iran). Mr Blair, himself is now, a somewhat lacklustre international figure. He has, by all accounts, been a low-impact UN peace envoy to the middle east and all indications are that he has profited healthily from this 'unpaid' position. 

Just goes to show, that with a little manipulation, the old forms of hatred and bigotry surface in order to wage contemporary political battles.

Image Credits: ShaneBertou

Saturday 21 July 2012

روژه مبارک

په دی روژې مبارک مياشت باندي ټولو ته ډیره دعا  
Ramadan Mubarak to all.

تور خان

Thursday 19 July 2012

A Pastoral View

Of late, a complete day of sunshine that has not been interrupted by the rain has been something of a rarity. I share, therefore some snaps that I took along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal when the sun shone beautifully and my world was at peace. Tranquil, idyllic and reminiscent of that pastoral view of Yorkshire that the county is known for.





 
Shot on my Samsung Galaxy S at Apperley Bridge.

Monday 9 July 2012

Purple Rain


 "Purple Rain"
(Prince)

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted to one time see you laughing
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain

Purple rain Purple rain
Purple rain Purple rain
Purple rain Purple rain

I only wanted to see you bathing in the purple rain

I never wanted to be your weekend lover
I only wanted to be some kind of friend
Baby I could never steal you from another
It's such a shame our friendship had to end

Purple rain Purple rain
Purple rain Purple rain
Purple rain Purple rain

I only wanted to see you underneath the purple rain

Honey I know I know I know times are changing
It's time we all reach out for something new
That means you too
You say you want a leader
But you can't seem to make up your mind
I think you better close it
And let me guide you to the purple rain

Purple rain Purple rain
Purple rain Purple rain

If you know what I'm singing about up here
C'mon raise your hand

Purple rain Purple rain

I only want to see you only want to see you
Purple rain

(SOLOS)

Woo Woo Woo Woo .....

Saturday 7 July 2012

Bright Eyes

So why would I dedicate a post to two Netherland Dwarf Rabbits? I'm not sure, tell the truth, but the pictures here warm the heart. If I think about my reasons further, then perhaps, it's a case of having been there once before. I also owe this one to my daughter who carries the badge for the next generation in the family who have taken up animal care whilst young.


 
Meet Camembert and Harrod.
Taken using my Samsung Galaxy S.
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