Living Legend - Brian Haw

Attended a Lord's and MP's event for Islam Online. Couldn't pass up the chance to hop across the road and meet a real legend could I?

Book review: The Damned United

Review

Swamp things, mudslinging and dirty football

Ahead of the Swamp World Cup Emdad Rahman talks mud football with Stewart Miller

Dirrrty football! We’re not talking Ruud gullit here, nor Christina Aguilera. Forget the Azurri, the Argies, Brazil or England. We’re about to explore a game involving a spherical object, miles away from cathedrals such as Camp Nou, the Maracana and the Rose Bowl, in a world where the world champions are… Finland. What we see is a game that is far, far away from the paparazzi, playboy prima donnas, crazed fans, and multi million pound sponsorship deals. Hold onto your trolleys as we are about to get down and dirty.

The brainchild of Finnish skiers, who needed a strenuous workout during summer the months in order to keep themselves in primetime condition. The skiers decided to approach Jyrki Vaananen, a well known events organiser, to ask him to make Swamp Soccer an event and in 1997 Swamp Soccer was born. The inaugural tournament had 13 teams. Five years later it had become a world championship event with 260 teams. The event is now one of the biggest football tournaments on the planet.

Swamp Soccer, having started as a local event has expanded into an international event and the following year, Swamp Soccer had become so popular that the organisers decided to hold a 1999 European Championships where 69 teams took part. By the year 2000 Swamp Soccer popularity had increased so much that they organised the first ever Swamp Soccer World Championships.Since then, more than 200 teams from all over the world play yearly over 500 matches in a muddy struggle for the swamp soccer world trophy.It is a tough sport, but it is also great fun. Teams can compete in several categories, from those who take it very seriously to those who just want to have a laugh and perhaps dress up in funny disguises for the occasion. Mixed male-female teams are welcome, as well as soccer teams with mixed nationalities. Swamp Soccer rules are very similar to traditional soccer's.
It has been calculated that players sweat over 20,000 litres during the tournament. Of course, no Finnish sweating event would be complete without a Finnish Sauna. A special-made Sauna is open throughout the games for all players and fans. The Sauna is more than 35 metres long and is equipped with six wood-heated sauna stoves -another world record!.

Hyrynsalmi is now the global centrepiece for this sport and every summer, the northern Finnish town of becomes the world capital of Swamp Soccer. Since 1998 Swamp Soccer has become more and more popular, both in Finland and abroad. In the last few years Swamp Soccer (also known as ‘extreme’ soccer) has increasingly become a global game. Tournaments now occur in Russia, holland, Braazeel, Sweden, Iceland …. and now the UK!

Stewart Miller, the founder of the UK tournament, met Swamp Baron Jyrki Vaananen in Iceland in 2004. They got talking about football in a bar while the Icelandic wind and rain continued to blow outside. A few hours later a partnership was born, and both individuals have been working together since that initial meeting to make Swamp Soccer UK a success.

“Swamp Soccer was only launched last year in the UK” said Stewart. It is very popular in northern hemisphere countries and it’s popularity is growing fast in Scotland and the rest of the UK!”

Swamp Soccer is now a very popular fun tournament, played in a sportsmanlike manner. The rules are similar to regular football, except that there are 3 types of teams, each having their own league: all male teams; all female teams; and mixed teams. Each team consists of 6 players (1 goalkeeper & 5 outfield players). The number of substitutes (and substitutions made during any match) is unlimited. Each half is 12 minutes, with no offside rule. Throw-ins, corner kicks, free kicks, and penalties are taken by using the hands to drop the ball onto a chosen foot. There are no Stuart Pearce piledrivers, David Beckham exocets, or Roberto Carlos benders as all free kicks are indirect. “All matches have referees” said Stewart – “though because the emphasis is on fun - they are not SFA qualified referees.”

I asked whether there was interest in the sport from Scottish football teams.

“Professional footballers are not covered by their insurance policies/teams to play Swamp Soccer. Someone may get hurt you know!

“Swamp Soccer is popular for teambuilding programmes, although at present we only play it once a year in our annual tournament. This helps to keep the magic associated with this unusual sport.”

Stewart, a native of the Scottish seaside holiday town of Dunoon felt that he needed initiatives to attract more visitors to his community; “It used to be a popular holiday destination for Scots, but they now fly on budget airlines to places like Spain, etc, and the seaside resort adds to that holiday feeling. Teams have to cross the sea by a ferry to reach here - that helps to create a holiday ambience.”

Dunoon is located in Argyll, approximately 25 miles west of Glasgow International Airport. It is an attractive seaside town, based on a peninsula, with a population of about 10,000 people. It can be reached by a 20 minute ferry from the Scottish mainland (Gourock), or it is possible to drive via a very scenic road. The road journey takes about 1.5 hours from Glasgow Airport.Swamp soccer is a great leveller. It is the only form of football where Jimmy fivebellies can make Christiano Ronaldo look an absolute novice. In terms of future plans Stewart hopes to make the UK tournament the biggest in the world and Stewart is more than optimistic; “Dunoon is hosting the world championships next year; and we are going to take this opportunity to introduce the sport to the world.

“The interest for the forthcoming Swamp Soccer UK tournament has been amazing. 2007 promises to be an international event with teams coming from Scotland, England, Ireland, Finland, Germany, Belgium and Iceland.”

The second annual Swamp Soccer UK Championships will take place on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th June 2007. Once again, it will be held at Hunters Quay Holiday Village, in the Scottish seaside holiday town of Dunoon.

www.swampsoccer.co.uk

More marathon pics

Beware the wolves: Wescot Credit Services

Wescot Credit Services have been making my life a misery for a number of months now. They are supposedly contacting me to collect debts on behalf of my previous mobile phone line provider 02. I was paying by debit and have absoloutely no debts. This has been repeatedly corroborated by 02, who inform me that they are baffled by the tactics of Wescot.

I have just spoken to a customer service rep called Shane who has confirmed again.

Despite this, Wescot have passed the matter to bailiffs. a little searching proved useful as I discovered the true extent these parasites go to to rip off hardworking and honest people. The boots on the other foot now and I beyond being pissed off...

Read the gushing praises of ecstatically satisfied punters below...

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

Exhibit D

Exhibit E

Exhibit F

www.wescot.co.uk

Norwich youngsters move on up

By Emdad Rahman

UK anti racism group Kick It Out is facilitating a forum for young people at Carrow Road, the home of Norwich City Football Club tomorrow (24 April 2007) under the theme of 'Moving On Up'.

Norwich City Captain, Adam Drury, and the Canaries Nigerian born midfielder, Dickson Etuhu, will join Norwich legend Jeremy Goss (pictured scoring that magic goal against Klinsmann's Bayern), in a panel discussion. The forum will involve around 150 young people from 10 schools in Norfolk and explore issues relating to race, the importance of community and will aim to raise the aspirations of the youngsters taking part.

Local race equality expert Sean White, from the Norfolk Race Equality Council, will also join the panel.

Alison Vaughan, Kick It Out's Campaigns Manager, said:

“We have been working with Norwich City Football Club, the fans and communities in the area for a number of years to promote a message celebrating diversity in Norfolk.

"The event at Carrow Road will highlight how the appeal of football can be channelled to bring young people from different communities together, explore wider issues of inequality and discrimination, and use role models in the game to pass on practical advice that apply to all walks of life."

Joe Ferrari, Head of Media at Norwich City, added:

“We are both pleased and proud to be hosting this Moving On Up event with Kick It Out and hope it goes some way to underline our commitment to using football to promote positive messages."

London Marathon 2007 pics

A very very satisfactory day. I met Ian (The Moose) Abrahams from Talksport on the way and shook his hand. Very good of Moose to run with the common folk! A big up to the delightful Trish from Guernsey. We finished the race together after geeing each other up through the pain barrier over the last part of the course. An Asthma attack on the 17th really worried me. On mile 21 I just got fed up and started eating and drinking at will. A lucozade, water, fruit, biscuits and a cheese sandwich. Honestly, it was a full lunch and a very funny one at that. Finished the race, said goodbye to Trish and headed off to Stepney Green with Hussain for a well earned Doner kebab with extra chips, salad and a cheeseburger... mmmm....

Emdad's London Marathon 2007 Diary: Final Day - I've done it!

Picture say's it all really. Second pic is brilliant isn't it, all courtesy of my pals Nic & Sandy. Great photographer isn't he? Helped to no end by having an absolute Adonis to focus on (George Clooney, eat your heart out - I bet you haven't runa a marathon either)... Do I have a story for this year??? Will update readers with more great pics and full story tomorrow...

A big marathon gee up from Sasha

This is from my gorgeous and delightful niece Sasha, daughter of my colleague Shelly. What a boost. That's all the energy and kick up the backside I need. Believe me, I now feel like Haile Gebrselassie , Paul Tergat and Khalid Khannouchi all rolled into one. Thanks sweety!

London Marathon 2007 Diary: Day 23

Just wanted to show the world what a world beating three time marathon runner eats less than 48 hours prior to the big day.

What a disgrace! And before you call me Gazza I'd like to say that I would be proud of such a comparison with a genius who bought pleasure to millions.

Believe me, it won't end in tears as when it comes to rocketheels moi, as I'm going to hit the glory trail (Am I delusional? - Must be the drugs) and blaze my way through to victory on Sunday... Sadly, this may be my last training entry for this year. Hope it's been good reading. I'll update readers on the result on Sunday, with hopefully a pic or too.

Truthfully speaking, I'm a little nervous as I've worked out at least ten people; Susan, Eddie, Saidi, Maureen, Kosta, Barry, Jo, Hussain, Claire, Christine and Saira who will be strategically placed on diferent areas. Just a sauna today for an hour. Antibiotics are done and dusted, yet the chesty cough remains. Still got the trusty inhaler, although I've just bought natural bees honey paste with kalonji (nigella) seeds. Here goes.

The History of Islam in Africa

A two day course delivered by Dr Abdullah Hakim Quick:

A thought provoking two day lecture that traces the existence of monotheism in Africa from it's earliest times. Dr Quick follows the spread of Islam from the coming of last Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to the present day focussing on the life and times of the great scholar and reviver Shk Uthman Dan Fodio. This course is critical for all interested in truly understanding the Islamic phenomena on this phenomenal continent.

Details:

Sat 5th – Sun 6th May 2007 10 am to 5 pm ( LONDON )

Venue: Birkbeck, Univeristy of London , Malet Street , Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7HX (nearest tube station Euston Square or Russell Square )

LUNCH & REFRESHMENT PROVIDED ON BOTH DAYS

Tickets: £25 (£20 if book on line) - paypal facility is used at www.islamiccourses.
www.islamiccourses.com

info@islamiccourses.com

Happy Birthday to Lina

Top birthday party & a great time had by all. These ugly mugs belong to the workforce.

Football Tournament Kick-starts Community Engagement

Aspiring football teams took part in a Safer Neighbourhood Tournament at the weekend in a bid to net the £1,000 prize.

More than 5,000 people flocked to Victoria Park to watch the tournament – and catch a glimpse of the famous FA Cup - with another 500 turning out for the final the following day at Mile End Stadium. In a tight tussle, Beaumont FC beat Bromley FC 1-0 to take the top prize – with runners up Bromley scooping £350.

The Safer Neighbourhood Tournament on the 15 and 16 April was organised by Tower Hamlets Council’s Community Safety Service, the Metropolitan Police and partners at Canary Wharf.

Thirty two teams took part from across the community in the fast-paced tournament including a police team.

Tower Hamlets Council’s Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener Councillor Abdal Ullah said: “I initiated the event with Beaumont Athletic Football Club and Stepney Football Club and it was great to see so many people support the event and so many quality teams taking part.

“The aim of the tournament was to get people together from across the community and engage together with the police. Football is a great game and encourages teamwork and a lot of passion. Everyone really enjoyed the tournament, it was fantastic weather and a brilliant atmosphere.”

HELP!

I believe I am the victim of stalking by a dark and deadly force(s). Came into school this afternoon to find this on my Mac. A gruesome reminder of Jim Carrey's obsession in The Number 21.

Henriques Street

Not a big deal as I grew up and spent thirty years of my life just around the corner.

Henriques Street, formerly known as Berner Street, is a narrow street off Commercial Road in the East End of London. Its modest appearance belies a rather interesting history.

On the night of 30 September 1888, prostitute Elizabeth Stride was found dead in Dutfield's Yard off Berner Street. Though the body was not mutilated, the murder is usually attributed to Jack the Ripper, as her body was found the same night as that of Catherine Eddowes, only a few blocks away. It is thought the killer may have been interrupted before mutilating Stride, thus causing him to seek out another victim in a quieter location. A postcard received by the police the next day, before the newspapers carried the story, mentioned a "double event", thus linking the Stride killing to the Ripper.

Camden Market Baby!

Took a browse through Camden Market on Monday whilst attending a meeting there. I'm not well travelled by any means but this place is awesome. I'm definitely going back sometime soon!

London Marathon 2007 Diary: Day 22

I am sorry to say this but I have to confess that I'm a full blown druggie, as my pic taken this afternoon proves. I forgot to mention that since my day 2o 22 miler I've been laid off with the Mother of all chest infections. Never have I felt so bad. Been on antibiotics since last Friday. Also taking paracetamol, Soothers, Lockets, Cough mixture, Ginger tea, Twinnings and boiled water. This morning after morning prayers I started whistling like a kettle and out of frustration, grabbed and took two puffs of my son's asthma pump. Job done. Haven't fully recovered, but am feeling a lot better. Going to the sauna at launch helped. Apart from that I have spent all week doing toning weights, stretches, 20 minutes of rowing, stepping or cross training. Wonder if all the chemicals in my bloodstream could result in a negative urine sample!!!!!!!!!!!!!

London Marathon 2007 Diary: DAY 21

Picked up my number 51790 and running time chip from the Marathon Expo at the Excel Centre yesterday. Took forever to get there due to traffic for the West Ham V Chelsea game. Exciting times. This period for me is like the run up to FA Cup Final day, and the visit to the Expo is equivalent to the measuring up of the cup final suits.

Year 7's at Mile End Climbing Wall

Arranged by my good friend Shah Qureishi, a schools transition worker who does a great, oft unrecognised service for school children. A great time had by all, including yours truly, who jumped on the bandwagon.

UK Respect party leader raises issue of ethnic minority representation

Last Tuesday, Respect councillor and opposition leader Abjol Miah dropped a bombshell on what would otherwise have been the coronation of the new Tower Hamlets chief executive Martin Smith. Councillor Miah used the full council meeting which was called to confirm Smith’s appointment to argue that senior management salaries were far too high and, more than that, that it was a shame that the members of other parties on the council had passed up the opportunity to appoint a member of the British Minority Ethnic community to the chief executive’s post. He went on to say that he looked forward nonetheless to working with Martin Smith to combat the acute poverty which scars Tower Hamlets and to increase BME representation at all levels in the council.

The full text of his speech in the council meeting follows:

"I look forward to working with the new Chief Executive Martin Smith to make this borough a better place for its citizens and particularly those who are less well off. This is a borough with huge problems. Almost half our children are officially living in poverty according to Save the Children, 12,000 families are overcrowded according to Shelter and average income in the borough is just £15,000. And all this in the shadow of Canary Wharf and the City of London.

"It's in this context that we in the Respect Party have criticised the very high levels of remuneration received by senior council officers and by the chief executive in particular. Not only does this cost the council taxpayer a very large annual sum of money that could be used to boost services, it makes it much harder to develop the spirit of collective endeavour in the council workforce and the trust the council needs from the community beyond.

"More than that, I must express my acute disappointment that my fellow councillors on the selection panel from the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative parties rejected the opportunity to appoint someone from the British Minority Ethnic community as chief executive in this borough which has such a high proportion of BME people resident within its borders.

"It is a very well known fact that there is acute under-representation of the BME community in the senior echelons of the council. There is no argument that we could not have appointed a BME candidate because there was no-one suitably qualified. We had on the final selection list highly qualified and dynamic BME candidates who could have acted as a breath of fresh air on the culture that has grown up inside this council at senior levels. The BME candidates were there but my fellow councillors on the selection panel chose to stick with what they knew and were familiar with.

"I hope that Martin Smith will pursue a strategy of ensuring that BME representation, based on merit of course, does increase at senior management level in this council because the current under-representation cannot be allowed to continue."

Obituary: Professor Muhammad Mohar Ali

Professor Muhammad Mohar Ali was born in Khulna in Bengal, he was a scholar of Seerah and Hadith who had subsequently served at both the Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh and the Islamic University in Madinah for for two decades, before moving to England.

Unassuming and always able to make time for others, he was known for being a practical person. A proficient carpenter, he was always in the service of his family and the local community. Professor Ali made several important contributions in the fields of Islamic history and the spread of Islam outside the Arab world in 2000 in appreciation of his four-volume work: 'A History of the Muslims of Bengal.'

His work provided an incisive new dimension to the way Muslims view contemporary issues and their historical contexts. In particular, he distinguished himself with his clear exposition of Orientalism and missionary activity, making Quranic Arabic more accessible to English speakers, and his four-volume classic titled A History of the Muslims of Bengal (1985), regarded as one of the most reliable sources on the effects of Islam on the political and cultural life of the region. Other important works he has authored include: The Quran and the Orientalists (2004); Pre-Islamic Arabia and its Socio-Religious Condition (2002); A Word for Word Meaning of the Quran (2003); Sirat Al-Nabi and the Orientalists (1997); The Bengali Reaction to Christian Missionary Activities, 1833-1857 (1965).

Important works he authored include: The Quran and the Orientalists (2004); Pre-Islamic Arabia and its Socio-Religious Condition (2002); A Word for Word Meaning of the Quran (2003); Sirat Al-Nabi and the Orientalists (1997); The Bengali Reaction to Christian Missionary Activities, 1833-1857 (1965).

He died after a long struggle with cancer and is survived by his wife, three sons and over a dozen grandchildren. The funeral prayers were held after last Friday's Jumuah prayers at the East London Mosque, London and the Professor was subsequently laid to rest at the Gardens of Peace Cemetery, Hainault, Essex. Abu Muntasir, his son, has requested anyone who may have known Dr. M. Mohar Ali to kindly forgive him any offence he may have caused with his words or deeds. He also begs all who may read or hear of his departing to ask Allah Almighty to show him mercy and grant him complete forgiveness, even if this is done with a single line of du’a, in any language.

Gloriously failing the Tebbit test

By Emdad Rahman

Baljeet Ghale, the first ethnic minority president of the National Union of Teachers, believes that ordering schools to teach “British values” merely incites racism.

During the NUT’s annual conference in Harrogate last week, she said that plans to put Britishness on the curriculum risked encouraging the "shadow of racism."

Conference Professor Gus John said attempts to teach British values would be "fatuous", whilst further claiming that all schools must assume that they are institutionally racist.

More...

Please read and leave a comment...

Ghale fails Tebbit test

Emdad Rahman
Baljeet Ghale, the first ethnic minority president of the National Union of Teachers, believes that ordering schools to teach “British values” merely incites racism. During the NUT’s annual conference in Harrogate she said that plans to put Britishness on the curriculum risked encouraging the "shadow of racism." Conference Professor Gus John said attempts to teach British values would be "fatuous", whilst further claiming that all schools must assume that they are institutionally racist.

Ghale pointed out during her conference speech; ‘Education Secretary Alan Johnson had described the "values we hold very dear in Britain" as "free speech, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law." Aren’t these values commonly shared by just about every nation on earth?

Once upon a time cool Britannia was a buzzword. A Brit oozed class in every sense of the word; the dress sense, poise, manners and sheer class through clever marketing and PR, a legacy still prevalent all around the globe. Years ago I remember flicking through a mainstream British newspaper and spotting a larger than normal animation depicting Mohamed Al-Fayed as a trembling dog being put to the task then home Secretary Jack Straw, who had refused to grant him British nationality. Despite his status as a giant in the world of commerce and enterprise, the caricature perfectly portrayed the degrading lengths Al Fayed was prepared to go to in his pursuit of seeking acknowledgement and acceptance into British public life. This, remember is a man who has spent the best years of his life serving the interests of the UK. Through his investments he has contributed heavily to the government tax coffers and employed countless citizens of this great country. A man who for years was seemingly obsessed with Britishness, wearing a kilt for a photo shoot and emulating the lives of the elite and upper classes at every opportunity, Al Fayed had failed to convince the powers that be that he was a credit to the UK, though criminals and vagabonds have been accepted with open arms and prospered. Events since the death of Diana mean that the hunt for the Holy Grail will forever remain just that, a quest. Al Fayed embodied Britishness.

I didn’t have the opportunity to study beyond school so I only have a core number of teachers who I can aspire to. Baljeet Ghale was my English teacher and along with my head of history I’d like to say that she has tremendously been significant in influencing my future. My best assignment in English was about Racism in Sport and I got to study about Brian Close of Yorkshire cricket club and his derogatory comments regarding Asians representing Yorkshire. My love for the subject, nurtured and honed by the brilliant Ghale ensured I achieved top marks. Baljeet Ghale did for English what Ruud Gullit did for sexy football.

Yet the first black President of the NUT is in the line of fire for having the temerity to claim that Britishness lessons are racist. Have I missed something here because I really need someone to educate me on exactly what British values are. Would I be unpatriotic for claiming that more than general consensus around the world see being British as a means of getting pissed up to the nines in a far away land, mooning at a coach full of senior citizens, vomiting in the backstreets of a foreign nation, and after leaving a foreign cell, bitching about not having caviar after being squeezed in to a 2x2 cell with an inmate called Martha. To top it all off this inexcusable behaviour is nothing to do with the individual, and everything to do with the booze.

We live in a society where one refers to a fellow human as ‘fuckawallah’ and ‘Poppadum’ on national and international TV. Should we be surprised then, when confused citizens of the world use reality TV and Faliraki yobs as reliable yardsticks when measuring British manners and values.

In a democracy it’s impossible to disagree when Ghale says that the British should not hold the stranglehold on tolerance and free speech. In light of failures galore, both home and abroad, should it not be more important to look into what the British can and are offering the rest of the ‘uncultured’ world. For the sake of enlightenment, can someone please define British values, as the far right racist British National Party are also claiming to representing true British values. Is it being, proud, white and not surrendering to the IRA? Maybe it is time I took a test.
the government thinks that a meaningless certificate will make an honest/ upright / God fearing (Delete as appropriate) citizen of all ethnic settlers and visitors to the UK. White English colleagues I have spoken to have been baffled by the governments ‘ absolute nonsense’ stance on Ghale’s comments and yet some old timers have bravely replied; “When in Rome…”, an opinion which could also be reversed.?The government needs to take a stance on the real issues at home involving crime, education, poverty, child poverty and unemployment. We still have the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Europe. The teaching of Britishness is the example of the failed parent, who years later adopts a child in the hope of redemption and putting things right second time round. Go out on the town at night and it is almost an acceptable feature of a night out, to witness foul language, drunken brawls and anti social behaviour. I agree with the mindset calling for the promotion and teaching of human rights, equality, freedom of expression, democracy without the added tag of "Britishness". The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 states: ‘Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

I have to agree with Ghale all the way and as she profoundly sized up; "If the current government was marked with an Ofsted grading it would be given a notice to improve.” The government and media are focussed their own biased version of British ideals, values being from those of the individuals it is hoping to integrate. I sometimes feel a hypocrite for telling my students to be model citizens when the appalling reality is an altogether different matter. It is not unpatriotic to oppose Britishness tests. There’s a fine line here and this is about forcefully projecting your will over another. In a democracy this is deplorable. Also the values of being a resident of the UK is not in any way restricted or monopolised by the Briitish. These are values of all major civilisations and must be encouraged and promoted as such.

Poem: Athens 2007

A re football legions in for another treat
T he stadia of Europe heave, ho, shudder and greet
H uyton gets ready to unleash its forces
E nd the reign of pretenders, no time for discourses
N ew recruits will ensure the Reds supreme reign
S urely not the champions of Europe again?

(c) - Emdad Rahman - 10.04.07
www.footballpoets.org

Poem: Schole in the hole

The most timid individual you could ever hope to meet
With limelight shunning Scholesey it's always discreet
But on the battlefield, in the Ginger ninja's pursuit of glory
Wayward tackles are parcel of his glorious life story
Whether it's a failed uppercut, bite, elbow, stamp or knuckle
You can count on Scholesy's tackling prowess provoking many a chuckle

(c)- Emdad Rahman - 10.04.07
www.footballpoets.org

The need for a Muslim hero

By Emdad Rahman

Who is a real hero? It is often a person respected for possessing certain characteristics he/she is blessed with. Admiration for the hero could stem from an act of immense bravery. Followers of Islam around the world are yearning to proudly showcase a Muslim identity many feel is constantly under fire. What the majority of Muslims really want to do is share Islam's culture and identity with the world.

Read full article. Please leave a comment...

Poem - Who will weep for Muhammad?

Young Muhammad, a twelve year old, his life ahead of him
Blasted into eternity, at the hand of a sniper’s whim
‘Shoot not’ screamed Jamal as they took refuge from the crossfire
Even the angels weep for Muhammad sing the palestinian choir
‘For the love of God protect me Baba’, who can forget this utterance
For young angelic Muhammad there was to be no second chance
Immortalised by the great wonder of modern technology
Millions worldwide still await an impending apology
The camera shutter whirs, click, click, could he have fled?
Moments later a fatal bullet, Muhammad is dead
Physically yes, but alive in my heart
I couldn’t say goodbye Muhammad, you were too quick to depart

In memory of Muhammad Al Durrah
(c) - Emdad Rahman

Stop press: Game, set and match as Marathon man Emdad gets ready to run London

Journalist Emdad Rahman will run his third consecutive London Marathon on 22nd April 2007.

"I have been training steadily, but may have overdone training in the last few weeks" said a breathless Emdad. "Ideally I am not at the weight I was aiming for but I've passed 22 miles, aso I'm going to relax and conserve energy until the big day."

Emdad is running to raise money for Amani Foundation, an organisation working with women and children in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. In the last few years he has also run to raise money for schools, research into Microvillius Atrophy, funds for a Christmas party and a womens domestic violence helpline.

"Emdad is a key member of Amani Foundation, an organisation that relies on the goodwill of those involved " said Chief Executive Ashuk Hussain JP. "This is typical of the level of committment we work towards at Amani Foundation.

"On behalf of all members and service users I would like to wish him the best of luck for the big day. We are very proud of him."

Tower Hamlets Councillor Rofique Ahmed; Chair of the Olympic Development Committee said; " Emdad has overcome many barriers in his pursuit to putting back something positive into the community. He is an excellent role model for young and old and on behalf of Tower Hamlets Council I wish him tremendous success."

Emdad is still seeking sponsors to fund his projects. To donate, please email amani.foundation@gmail.com or call 07949 432 480.

Cheques or postal orders (payable to Amani Foundation) can be sent to Kamruz Zaman, Project Co-ordinator, Amani Foundation, 56/60 Nelson Street, London E1.

Mahi B. Chowdhury - A rising star

This is my favourite Bangladeshi politician. I've met Mahi twice and he's bowled me over. I for one am a big fan.

Mahi Badruddoza Chowdhury is a Bangladeshi politician and a member of the Jatiyo Sangshad or Bangladesh Parliament. He is the son of former Bangladeshi President A.Q.M. Badruddoza Chowdhury.

Political Career

Mahi Chowdhury was first elected to parliament in the 2001 parliamentary elections from Munshiganj District in central Bangladesh as a candidate on Bangladesh Nationalist Party ticket.

On June 21, 2001, his father Badruddoza Chowdhury resigned after being threatened with impeachment and removal from office by the BNP-led parliament under the charge of disrespecting BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. Mahi Chowdhury resigned from parliament and the BNP on March 10, 2004. He subsequently joined the Bikalpa Dhara-Bangladesh - (BDB) a political party founded by Badruddoza Chowdhury.

This resignation left a void in the Munshiganj-1 district, and the BNP-led government was determined to ensure that they retained the seat. A by-election was held on June 6, 2004. Despite considerable opposition from the BNP, Mahi Chowdhury managed to win the elections and enter parliament as an opposition member from the BDB party.

London Marathon 2007: Day 20

22 miles today. Was experiencing breathing problems and had a restless night yesterday so was in 2 minds about running. However Saturday is usually my early morning 15 miler and I missed that (Did I make it up!). Absolutely shattered. Finished at Chrisp Street Market (Enforced). Luckily Mok (Remember him???) was on hand to pick me up and bring me home. What a hero!!! Missus thinks I went for a quick one before hooking up with Mok who dropped me home. Funny thing is I'm doing ok now. Stretching my calfs Million Dollar baby style as I type.

Unidentified hovering object spotted in Ilford

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Stinky trainers? Is this some kind of charm to ward off evil spirits? I spotted this in Ilford on Tuesday. Although as one blogger pointed out - if you live with someone who has toxic feet, that's probably the best place, although I think the environment is being harmed, so more green taxes for the guilty party are in order. Answers on a postcard please. Absolutely no prizes for correct entries...