Monday, February 28, 2011

Battle of Cable Street


On 4th October 1936, people in the East End of London stopped Oswald Mosley and his British Union of Fascists marching through Cable Street, in Stepney, then a mainly Jewish area. A slogan from the Spanish Civil War, a popular anti-fascist cause of the time, was widely used: They Shall Not Pass - No Pasaran!

The Battle of Cable Street Mural was created by artist Dave Binnington.

He began his research in 1976 and set up a small studio in the basement of St George's Town Hall with the Basement Project Community Arts Workshop. Inspired by the location of the west wall of the old Town Hall, he decided to create an image that would commemorate the famous occasion when, on 4 October 1936, the people of the East End prevented Sir Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists from marching through Cable Street in Stepney, then mainly a Jewish area.

Binnington, who had studied the murals of Siquieros and Rivera, conducted intense historical research. He looked at books, films and photographs of the Battle and worked much of what he found into the design: the dramatic uniforms of the BUF, the eggs, milk bottles, tools and the contents of chamber-pots coming from the upper windows, the mounted police 'cossacks' with long weighted clubs surging through the crowd, the use of marbles and ball bearings against the police horses, the overturned lorry, the chairs and mattresses of the barricade and the police autogyro flying overhead. Binnington interviewed and drew many local characters, including them in the design to show that this famous victory was won by the people of the East End of London.

The work was well advanced when, in 1980, fascists climbed the scaffolding and daubed the mural with the words 'British Nationalism not Communism - Rights for Whites. Stop the Race War' in six foot high letters. The bottom two thirds of the painting was ruined. Binnington had spent more than two years up on the scaffold, he felt completely unsupported, and retired. Another artist, Paul Buffer, became involved in the project and brought in Desmond Rochford and Ray Walker to complete the mural. There were modifications to the original design and interpretation, and the work was finally completed in October 1982.

The mural immediately attracted more fascist vandalism. Green paint was thrown across it. This was removed and repainted by Ray Walker. Later, black and white paint bombs in plastic bags were thrown, causing considerable damage that was eventually repaired in 1985 at a cost of £8,000. Vandalism continued and in June 1993 a roller was used to smear paint across the bottom half of the picture and the initials of the British National Party were left as a calling card. The repainting cost £18,000, raised by a public appeal and from Tower Hamlets Council. A special varnish was applied so that any future attacks could be easily cleaned off. The mural stands as a powerful symbolic reminder of anti-fascism in the East End. 'They shall not pass!'

Today the BNP is not a problem. The residents are now mostly Muslim and stand accused by the progressives of being extremists, separatists and homophobes.

www.battleofcablestreet.co.uk

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Hammered: West Ham 3-1 Liverpool

Reds all out for three points
Hammers notched the opener
Thunder erupts at the Boleyn
Fireworks from Scottie Parker

Upson rock solid at the rear
Reds lost at the Bazaar
Hitzelsperger added spark
Two nil at half time by Ba

One back by old boy Johnson
Suarez turned the screw
Coup De Grace by Carlton
Glory for the Claret and Blue

27.02.11

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Aziz weds Ayesha

Happy wedding day greetings to Aziz & Ayesha. Aziz is a super person and all round good egg. A hard worker, polite, with tremendous ethics and spirits.

I have a lot of time for this guy and wish him the very best.

The pic is with family members from the pre wedding party.

Lunch with Hamza

There you see a mighty fine spread. Those sandwiches are worth an arm and leg. I should know, I mugged the poor kid by scoffing them in record time.

Got to go - I have to finish the Brownies & Madeira now...

Student vandalism

Believe it or not, this is from the wall of an adult educational college.

Good to see educational standards are still very much on the up...

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Revenge of the Examiner

Left this note strategically as I left the classroom for a break or something. I could feel the Vultures getting ready to pounce...

I returned with a smirk on my face. The students also looked pretty red-faced. Can't blame them.

Thinking they were getting a sneak preview of their marks they were greeted with this legend.

I'm going to use the same trick on the girls later...

Friday, February 25, 2011

Dirk Kuyt V Sparta Prague (Europ League) A fans eye view

Knock Kuyt - Liverpool 1-0 Sparta Prague

(1-0 aggregate win for Liverpool)

Another sojourn to Anfield
With Khairul, Shelim and Taj
All determined to witness
King Kenny's men on the charge

Repka led the mission to frustrate
Beckoned an extra time spinner
Meireles with a pinpoint corner
Kuyt heading in the winner

Big guns watched from the stands
Amidst the victory chime
Sad not to meet Jane Foley
Hope there's better luck next time

24.02.11

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Super Carl the Anfield Steward

Big Carl is one of my favourite stewards. With the help of Bootle Jan I mustered the courage to ask for a photo. Carl obliged right away.

A thoroughly nice man and an integral part of what makes Liverpool the greatest team in the world.

Carl's my personal minder for Sparta Prague. He said: "I bet you wish you were photographing with Pepe Reina."


There is no way I was going to disagree.

Europa League: Liverpool V Sparta Prague

Meet my new pal...

The Liverpool Echo

The oldest newspaper in Liverpool...

GMF pays tribute to Kop goalscoring legend

CLICK here for full article...

Monday, February 21, 2011

Lunch

To a Newham parking fine I resorted to a half term drive by munch. Made by Rahima.

Half term fry up...

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Fairy cakes by Anisa

These delights have just been prepared from scratch by Anisa. And guess who was the lucky taster? Yes, you guessed right and tagging along with me was Hamza. 

A definite thumbs up to Inspector for showing there's more to her than just beating up hardened criminals :) Roy Slater watch out!

Anyway, see you guys later - I have been ordered to finish the whole plate or risk bring thrown into the slammer...

Saturday, February 19, 2011

From HSBC Bank London

FROM THE DESK OF DIRECTOR GENERAL,
H.S.B.C BANK LONDON,
HSBC Holdings plc
8 Canada Square


ATTENTION:Dear Beneficiary.

BEING A BENEFICIARY TO THE SAID FUND, THE MANAGEMENT OF HSBC BANK LONDON
WHICH TO EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS FOR THE DELAY OF YOUR FUND TO BE
TRANSFRED. WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR YOUR BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS IN ORDER TO
TRANSFER  YOUR SAID FUND INTO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT WHICH IS (Ј7.5M).

THIS REPUTABLE BANK IS STILL GIVING YOU THE GRACE OF 5 WORKING DAYS TO
PROVIDE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS IN ORDER  NOT TO  CANCEL  YOUR FILE.
AND YOUR TRANSACTION WITH THIS BANK NOT TO  BE TERMINATED WHILE YOUR FUND
WILL BE TRANSFER BACK INTO OUR BANK TREASURRY ACCOUNT & THE MINISTRY OF
ECONOMIC WILL MAKE THE ACCOUNT BE AN  UNCLAIM FUND.

ACCORDING TO THE CONSTITUTION GUIDING THIS REPUTABLE BANK IT IS VERY
IMPORTANT YOU TO SEND YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION. SO THAT IT CAN BE
AUTHORISE BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THIS COUNTRY.AS SOON AS YOU SEND YOUR
ACCOUNT DETAILS TO THIS BANK,YOUR FUND WILL BE TRANSFRED INTO YOUR BANK
ACCOUNT WITHIN 72 HOURS.

HURRY UP AND SEND THE SEND THE ACCOUNT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

WE WISH TO BRING TO YOUR NOTICE THAT THIS IS A WELL REPUTABLE BANK
THROUGOUT THE WHOLE UNIVERSE AND NOT ORDINARY ORGANISATION.

WE HAVE BEEN IN SERVICES FOR MANY YEARS AND WE ALWAYS SATISFY EVERY OF OUR
CUSTOMERS ALL OVER THE WORLD WHICH PROMPT THEM TO PATRONIZE US TILL DATE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE BANKING CONSTITUTIONS OF 1992 WHICH AS AMENDED
IN THE YEAR 2001 TILL DATE, THEREIN AN ARTICLE 7 SUB-SECTION 2(i-ix)
3(i-xv) OF THE AFOREMENTIONED SUBJECT MATTER FOR SUCH FOREIGN TRANSACTION.
THE BANK WILLS ABANDONE YOUR TRANSACTION AND YOUR TRANSACTION WITH THIS
REPUTABLE BANK WILL BE TERMINATED.

FINALY, THIS DOCUMENTS SHOULD REMAIN THE OFFICIAL RESERVATION OF THE BANK
HENCEFORTH IT MUST NOT BE DUPLICATED OR DISPLAY IN ANY FORM WHAT SO EVER.

ACT SWIFTLY AND ACCORDINGLY.

THANKS FOR ANTICIPATING.

ACCOUNT DEPT/FOREIGN REMITTANCE DEPT.

HSBC BANK LONDON.


Saturday wedding

I accepted an invite to the wedding reception of the daughter of Spitalfields Wards Labour Chair Mosabbir Ali with the son of ex Tower Hamlets Mayor Salim Ullah.

The event was a simple but splendid affair. The catering by Pride of Asia was flawless, the company superb and general arrangements and timekeeping of the event was spot on.

Both Messrs Ullah and Ali were in top form, attending to each guest and there was even an appearance from Lutfur Rahman, the Mayor of Tower Hamlets.

Congratulations to the married couple.

Have Liverpool found the new John Barnes?


http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/have-liverpool-found-the-new-john-barnes-

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Healthy snacking

It makes up for the three plates of rice and curry I had at my compadres house today at lunch...

You don't say!!!


A sign in Tower Hamlets :)

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Muslim Standard Time – How to Cure the Chronic Disease

Taha Ghayyur

by ProductiveMuslim

"Oh my God. I am running late, again! Well, it's all good. No one is going to be there on time anyway."

How many times have you heard this and similar phrases in the Muslim community? Perhaps you are guilty of uttering them yourself as a habit.

Sadly, starting off late, arriving late, and delaying our programs has become a norm for many of us.

It's gotten so bad that we no longer even feel guilty about arriving late to a class, function, meeting, Jumah prayer or appointment. Many don't even bother to apologize. We fail to realize how much time and resources of others we waste due to our own insensitivity and indifference.

I remember arriving at a wedding last summer about two hours late (due to a pre-planned legitimate reason), only to find over half the wedding hall full of non-Muslim guests still waiting for the bride and groom and their families to arrive. The most heartrending scene was of a group of non-Muslim friends laying on the ground asleep. It turned out they were out-of-town guests who had arrived a couple of hours prior to the "official' start time.

Of course the blame goes both to the organizers of the events and the attendees. It's easy to criticize the organizers, but we have to do our part of making the program or meeting professional. It begins with arriving on time and respecting everyone else's time.

As Muslims, every time we arrive late we lose respect in the sight of others. Imam al-Ghazali, in his commentary to a Hadith describing the characteristics of hypocrites, states that the trait "when he makes a promise, he never fufills it" includes specially those who consistently say 'In-sha-Allah' and arrive late.

I know of a great contemporary Muslim scholar who, when he used to enter a conference, meeting, or dinner, the audience or members would match and reset their watches to the minute he was supposed to arrive at because he was reputed to be strict with time-management.

What can you and your family do and how can you prepare to arrive on time at any event:

Get the directions to where you are going in advance. The common excuse for arriving late we often present is "got lost" or "I didn't have correct directions."
Arrange your ride at least two days in advance. Call around and find out who can give you a ride. Always have a backup plan for rides. "I didn't get a ride" is one excuse given, to which I ask: did you ask around early enough? Don't wait for others to offer you a ride.

Start getting ready at least 30-45 min. before leaving home. Don't run into the shower, squeeze in three Rak'at of Maghrib, or iron your clothes just three minutes before you are supposed to step out!
Have a realistic estimate of travel time. If you know it takes 25 minutes to get to a place, you have to leave your home at least 35 minutes before arrival time.

Consider weather and traffic conditions. Listen to the local news or watch the weather report before getting behind the wheel.

The 10-minute Rule works! No matter what the occasion, always aim to get to the destination 10 minutes ahead of time. This allows you to accommodate any last-minute uncertainties: "Oh, I forgot my wallet at home," "Man, I have to pick Brother x on the way," "Oops! I have to pray my 'Asr before I get to…" Etc.
If it helps you, set your personal watch, cellphone or car time five minutes ahead.

"Well it's a typical Muslim party or conference! There is no way they will start on time!" Well, guess what, if we ALL adopt this attitude, no one would ever arrive on time and let the program start on time. We have to change this thinking and make a point to arrive on time. Being people of principle, we must remain consistent in all circumstances.

Be honest! Be honest to yourself and others. If you know you are going to be late to a party or Halaqa, clearly set that expectation with your host, coordinator or meeting leader. What does it take to drop a message or call to let the other person know that you will be 10 to 15 minutes late (whether it's due to expected or unexpected reasons).

Don't succumb to the "In-sha-Allah Syndrome." Use In-sha-Allah only when you know you mean it.

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Leader

"A good leader is not necessarily the most popular person in their business, but the best ones are liked because they are respected for their clarity and vision" - Lord Alan Sugar

I believe it is vitally important to learn leadership skills by watching other leaders, and this is a proven historical technique. 

For this to be a success it is essential to adopt competent role models from whom we can adopt best practises from. 

During the journey of life we will be posing ourselves several questions; who do we follow, learn and model ourselves on the path to becoming an effective community leader?

I agree with Marshall Goldsmith's suggestion that a learning opportunity exists in studying the person who previously held your position of leadership. 

Even if you have stepped into the shoes of an unsuccessful predecessor, there is plenty to learn and ample insight to be gained. After all, the best community leaders forge connections with indiviuals from diverse perspectives and backgrounds. 

"Above all, in order to gain respect, you need to be true to yourself. There is no point in trying to be brutal if it's not in your nature; there is no point in trying to be suave and sophisticated if it doesn't come naturally" - Lord Alan Sugar

Torres song

I can't believe the singing at Craven Cottage: "Fernando Torres - Chelsea's number 9..."

Nothing like being original eh? ;)

Blooming Debden...

Blooming Debden...

Afsar Khan: Multicultural hero

Khan, 40, was featured in The Times last week. He runs Michael's Chinese Restaurant on Commercial Road, in London's East End.

Ronaldo (Luiz Nazario de Lima)

Brazil’s prolific boy wonder
Flagged by Jairzinho
Muller’s record was shattered
By the lad from Ribeiro

Greatest showman in the world
Samba flicks and tricks to the full
Grace of a refined ballerina
Weight and power of a stomping bull

At Camp Nou with Sir Bobby
Robson nurtured Ronaldo
Starring for both Milan giants
At Real a Galactico

Said, "I can't take it any more"
15 at the World Cup
“Plan a move but can’t execute”
“The time is certainly up”"

Millennium World Cup spree
Ron’s greatest endeavour
Plundering 8 Far East goals
In Japan and Korea

Eindhoven from Cruzeiro
Dazzling 18 year career
Three times La Copa Mundial
And Fifa player of the year

Treasure the memories
Swansong against Ghana
Hang the boots and keepy uppy
On the golden Copacabana

Number 7
© Emdad Rahman
http://www.football-poems.com/

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Latics hold Anfield: Liverpool 1-1 Wigan

Kenny planned to dominate
Latics though came to war
Ditched contain and capitalise
Not more than a score draw

Suarez mean and brutish
Yet another Raul volley
Twice thwarted by woodwork
Meireles' form is no folly

Thigh injury for Stevie G
Reds sought a fifth straight win
Heart from Martinez' Wigan
Steve Gohouri prodded in 

12.02.11

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Leadership

Emdad Rahman

It's a process of influence
The best of traits
"Creating a way for people"
Alan Keith states 

Autocrat, free reign or toxic
We expect much of a leader
Presence, poise, magnetism
Strong as Philippine Cedar

“Leaders aren't born, they are made"
Vince Lombardi didn't shirk
"Made just like anything else, 
"Through sheer and very hard work"

13.02.11

(c) Emdad Rahman
Community Leadership Residential - Debden

Friday, February 11, 2011

Demolition of Bengal House

Goliath falls at last - the Foreman told me it was a very tough building to knock down. Cutting out the bad weather winter stoppage, it's taken 30 weeks to knock down Bengal House.

The Foreman also told me that the construction company had a camera installed, taking a picture every five seconds. It'll show the building going down very quickly. Um going to ask for copies.

Blooming Tower Hamlets

Love this on Sidney Street - possibly by Andrew. This came to my attention a few weeks back when my car broke down and I push parked it opposite this.

Regenerating the Ocean

Notice there's no Bengal House in the background - just crisp and clear skyline.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Sony PSP customer services

Just spent part of my lunch talking to Matt at UK Sony.

The key to the daily grind is adding a dash of personality to the service one provides.

Matt followed procedure, nothing less, nothing more.

The difference was his tone, manners, knowledge and grace. His execution was flawless and he made me feel valued. I haven't felt this good talking to customer services since last summer when I rang round Liverpool institutions - the conduct and mannerisms of Liverpudlians was a total joy, especially as I'd never witnessed such courtesy in London.

Well done Matt. You're a credit to Sony and at the least they should promote you and bonus you for this.

Keep up the great work and have a great week.

Monday, February 07, 2011

Little & Large will work wonders for Liverpool


Full article - http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/little-and-large-will-work-wonders-for-liverpool

Auburn & Wills...

Just traipsed down to Aubin & Wills, Shoreditch during my lunch break.

The poor lambs have closed for lunch l (13:15pm).

A Gorilla from the Aubin shop hurtled towards me; "can I help, where are you going?" he shrilled.

Not sure why he was bounding at me so fast, I nearly decked the idiot.

Thankfully I resisted the urge and reflex.

These people sadly think that anyone who doesn't walk, talk or look like them doesn't or can't appreciate art. That is indeed sad. I'm still going back after work though.

Sunday, February 06, 2011

Judas fleeced: Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool




So Torres at the bridge
Departed with no good reason
Stevie Clarke the biggest cheer
Maxi with the miss of the season

Goal attempt threatened Pepe
Foiled by a sliding Carra
Innocent elbow to the nose
Hatchet job from Agger

Cech berates Ivanovich
Judas subbed on the hour
Blue ecstasy to agony
Off for an early shower


Tempo upped by Kenny's men
Fans called for Suarez
Gerrard flicks from the right
Winner from Meireles

Good luck with the hefty loot
Red double over the Blue
Enjoy your stint at the 'big club'
I say Fernando who?

06.02.11

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Saturday, February 05, 2011

Kensington to Kensington

Emdad Rahman
 
"Leave Liverpool??" I blurted
When Torres thought to ditch
Swapping heritage for riches
Yacht trips with Abramovich

Kensington in London
Where the other half live
Kensington in Liverpool
Deemed much less attractive

Residents of Fairfield 
Treats with free broadband
For Europe's most deprived
Prescot Road and a brass band

West to Westminster
Royal Borough for Chelsea 
East to Hammersmith
Richest location in Blighty

Child poverty is endemic
Life expectancy less than Peru
Rocking the streets of Kenny
Edge Hill not for Bono's crew

Abodes of the upperclass
Queen Vic sipped Chablis
Walked Sir Isaac Newton
Sir Thomas Moore's spree

Elliott, Secret Millionaire 
Natasha the Atomic Kitten 
Shack's frontman Mick Head
Thommo, son of Kensington

Albertopolis and Kings Road
Never played second fiddle
London's elite go Harrods
Kenny makes do with Lidl

Quam Bonum in Unum Habitare
'How good it is to dwell in unity'
Harvey Nics and Peter Jones 
Or Brompton Oratory

Home of Notting Hill Carnival 
Royal Hospital, Saatchi Gallery
Long walk up the Portobello
To join footballs aristocracy

Yet one step is still elusive
Quest to join the Royalty
Blue may be the colour
Reds have all the history

Eighteen leagues, seven FA 
Seven League Cups, three Uefa
Five European Cuppas
They let us keep it forever 

Unity, pride, success
Billions it'll cost to dethrone
Adoration all over the globe
In that you'll always walk alone

Inspired by Dave Kirby

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Marital Woes for Muslims in the West - Marriage - Family - OnIslam.net

Marital Woes for Muslims in the West - Marriage - Family - OnIslam.net

Mia Hamm

By Naseemah & Ishrat

She was born in Selma
Not far from Alabama

Mia Hamm’s the name
The greatest in the game

In Japan she's Miss Hamburger
She rarely made a blunder

Scored goals like a Gale
More than any male or female

USA were on the way up
With Hamm they won the World Cup

Naseemah & Ishrat are participants of Amani Foundations Creative Writing Programme