TOWIE stars swap Essex for London

Billi Mucklow and Cara Kilbey, stars of the hit TV show The Only Way is Essex have today announced that they will be running the 2012 Virgin London Marathon in support of Samaritans.

The TV stars are putting their glamorous lifestyle on hold as they swap their stilettos for sneakers, joining thousands of people in running this year’s Virgin London Marathon, on Sunday 22 April.

Together, Billi and Cara are hoping to raise an impressive £10,000 for Samaritans, the charity that supports anyone feeling down, unhappy, anxious and struggling to cope.

The girls are planning a number of fundraising events to help them reach their target, supporters can find out more on their Twitter and Facebook pages.

Cara said: “We know how important a service like Samaritans is, my mum has experienced depression and our friends Frankie and Joey Essex lost their mother to suicide. We want people to realise that it is ok to talk about their problems, and if they feel they cant talk to family or friends, Samaritans is there round the clock.”

Billi said: “Cara and I are taking our training really seriously, we’ve been going for runs in-between filming for TOWIE and we want to make all our supporters proud. We are urging all our fans to dig-deep, sponsor us and help raise vital funds for Samaritans!”

To help Cara and Billi reach their huge fundraising target, please sponsor them by visiting their Virgin Money Giving page: www.virginmoneygiving.com/BilliandCara

Emirates Stadium Tour

Experience the new Emirates Stadium Tour - Hear it from Heroes. See it for yourself

Emdad Rahman: Arsenal Football Club has launched a new tour which enables supporters to take a self-guided visit behind the scenes at the state-of-the-art Emirates Stadium. The UK’s first self-guided stadium tour is available in English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese.

With 2012 providing a multitude of reasons for tourists to visit the capital, the Club is looking to reach out to domestic and international visitors as well as Arsenal fans in order to increase stadium tour visits.

Having moved from a guided to self-guided tour, the Club can offer an increased capacity meaning visitors can buy a pass and choose which day and time to arrive or simply pay on arrival at the stadium. A simplified e-ticketing system also includes a gift voucher option. Operating seven days a week (apart from matchdays) the tours are flexible in length, between 55 and 90 minutes.

Let Robin van Persie, Jack Wilshere and a host of Arsenal stars share their match-day experiences with you as you explore behind-the-scenes at Arsenal with new audio tour. Hear from the boss as you take your place in the changing room, listen to the roar of the crowd as you walk down the tunnel, explore our museum and test your Arsenal knowledge against one of our Arsenal experts. Plus much more.

We visited the Emirates recently and were taken on a very grand tour led by glittering Arsenal legend Charlie George. It was a toss up between George and Perry Groves, and we chose the man who scored that fantastic winner in the 1971 FA Cup final against Liverpool.

Apart from being tour guide, Charlie spoke about his thoughts on the current team, his playing days and news from the inner sanctum of Arsenal Football Club. His pitching, delivery and banter was second to none and kept us all thoroughly entertained throughout the hour.

The Arsenal legend stressed the importance of keeping healthy. He said: “Get your kids out on a bit of green with a ball. The benefits are endless. Football’s a simple game, it’s the greatest sport in the world.”
Halfway through the tour my youngest let slip that I was a Liverpool fan. Naturally, George had to be on his guard. After all we also had a Jimmy Greaves on the guest list too.

We saw the buried time capsule, visited the directors lounge, strolled through the players tunnel and posed pitchside. I also grimaced at a framed picture of Michael Thomas’ unforgettable goal at Anfield in 1989.
Lucky participants also received a personalised signed photo of the Legend and a limited edition Legends Tour gift.

The Arsenal Legends currently taking tours include:

1971 FA Cup hero Charlie George
Arsenal centurion and Double winner John Radford
1979 FA Cup hero Sammy Nelson
1970 European Fairs Cup final goal hero Eddie Kelly
1987 League Cup winning captain, Kenny Sansom
Ccult hero and 1989 League winner, Perry Groves
Plus Legendary right back, Lee Dixon.

The Arsenal Museum

Both self-guided and Legend tours includes a trip to the spectacular, interactive Arsenal Museum which includes exclusive exhibits including Michael Thomas' boots from Anfield '89, Charlie George's 1971 FA Cup final shirt and Alan Smith's shirt from 1994's European Cup Winners Cup Final.

The self-guided stadium tour is available in English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and is developed in association with imagineear, leaders in building and delivering outstanding audio and multimedia tours for cultural clients worldwide, the tour provides a glimpse behind the scenes with audio-visual handsets displaying action clips and interviews. Apart from captain and Dutch international Robin van Persie and England international Jack Wilshere, Arsène Wenger offers exclusive match day insights while tour hosts en route offer additional insights and Arsenal expertise.

Arsenal's head of marketing, Charles Allen said: “The new-look audio stadium tours will really help us to engage with so many more supporters and visitors to London outside matchdays, at a time when interest in the Premier League and capital is increasing thanks to the Queen’s Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. The revised tours are part of continued work to make the stadium more of a destination with various initiatives, including fan stories around the stadium and the Spirit of Highbury image of players and managers who appeared at our old Highbury home. We have more plans for the future and it is all designed to bring this fantastic club to life.”

Tours run from 10am until 5pm, seven days a week (except matchdays). Self-guided tour passes are priced £9 for under-16s and £17.50 adults including access to the Arsenal Museum. Legend Tours guided by former Arsenal stars including Charlie George, Perry Groves and Lee Dixon are priced £18 for under-16s and £35 adults. Family entry for two adults and two under-16s is priced £42. Visit www.arsenal.com/tours for further information.

For further information on Arsenal Stadium Tours please contact:
Katie Baldwin, Arsenal Communications Department
020 7704 4010
email communications@arsenal.co.uk

Lighting up Loftus Road

Queens Park Rangers Stadium Tour

Emdad Rahman: You can now follow in the footsteps of Stan Bowles, Rodney Marsh and other QPR legends, as you limber up in the dressing room, stroll down the players’ tunnel and stand at the edge of the pitch, soaking up the atmosphere of the famous Loftus Road Stadium. This stadium tour of Queens Park Rangers FC gives all fans the chance to go behind the scenes at one of the most historic football clubs in London.

Loftus Road is the smallest stadium in the Premier League and has a capacity of around 18,500. The four stands are called the Loftus Road End (often shortened to The Loft), Ellerslie Road Stand, South Africa Road Stand and the School End, which is used by away supporters and accommodates only 3400 travelling fans. The stadium was shared between QPR and neighbours Fulham between 2002 and 2004, whilst Craven Cottage was being reconstructed.

The home of Queens Park Rangers was the first venue to hold non England games, playing host to Australia and Jamaica over the years. The stadium was built in 1904, but QPR moved there in 1917. During the 30s and early 60s QPR moved to the local White City Stadium, but returned to Loftus Road each time soon after.

Loftus Road has a spot reserved in boxing history. It played host to Barry McGuigan’s successful 1985 fight against Eusebio Pedroza to become WBA world featherweight boxing champion.

With the conversion to all seater stadia the capacity of the stadium was reduced from a peak of 35,000. Loftus Road's highest recorded attendance of 35,353 was in a game against Leeds United on 27 April 1974. The largest recorded attendance since conversion to all seater was also against Leeds United on 7 May 2011. The attendance was 18,234.

Our entourage was able to sit in the director’s box, executive lounge, and keep Joey Barton’s changing room seating area warm for his next visit. The club can improve this part of the tour by ensuring that players shirts are up where they sit. There was also a quick visit to Mark Hughes’ office and a tour of the players’ interview and media rooms.  Lakshmi Mittal’s executive lounge cost a mere £500.000 to renovate and is reserved for close friends and family on match days.

The most impressive view of the stadium and any games is from the press seating area.

Some great names have graced the turf at Loftus Road. Players of the calibre of Les Ferdinand, Ray Wilkins, Paul Parker, Stan Bowles, man mountain Darren Peacock, Rodney Marsh, Clive Walker, Andy Impey and Adel Taarabt. Then there’s hell raiser Mark Dennis who after elbowing Ossie Ardiles and receiving an 8 match ban, drove the late David Bulstrode to write to the FA promising to terminate his employment if any more incidents like that happened again.

Described by Ray Wilkins as being “as versatile as an egg,” older fans have also had the pleasure of watching Ned Zelic for a handful of games too.

All in all, a visit to Loftus Road is thoroughly recommended for QPR and non QPR fans. Club staff and personnel are very friendly. There’s absolutely no rush and visitors can savour and enjoy each aspect of the tour.

What's included on the tour:

Access to the dressing room
Stroll down the players’ tunnel
Access to the dug out
Visit to the Director’s and Executive boxes
Access to the Press conference room

Loftus Road Stadium
South Africa Road

London

W12 7PA

Tel No. 08444 777 007
Fax No. 020 8740 2505

Stan Bowles – The Demon footballer

In the Indy there’s talk of Alan Hudson

Nonpareil Frank Worthington

Stan Bowles the snake charmer

All with less caps than Carlton Palmer

Always one to go in headfirst

Bad boy from Northern Collyhurst

Loftus Road when the winter was harsh

Took the number ten from Rodney Marsh

Toppled the F.A Cup off its perch

Stan defied behavioural research

“Bets” rumours were wide of the mark

Still an Invasion at Roker Park

Brush with Clough and a cruel break up

No final of the European Cup

All of five caps under Alf Ramsey,

Joe Mercer and Donald Revie

"If Stan could pass a betting shop like he can pass a football,

“He would be all right" was Ernie Tagg’s catcall

Allure of the horses caused much strife

So Tagg gave Bowles' wages to his wife

Number 7

© Emdad Rahman

www.football-poems.com

In homage to the clubs greatest player

The Gerrard final

The Gerrard final

League Cup Final 2012
Cardiff 2-2 Liverpool - Liverpool win 3-2 on penalties

Minute and fifty on the clock
Johnson smashes the Wembley post
Gerrard drives on Kenny's flock
It's time to banish that white suited ghost

Battling Bluebirds go on the attack
Mason slots one past Pepe Reina
Liverbird shrieks and the Reds fight back
Through Skrtel the gritty campaigner

Full time beckons an extra time fight
Heaton beaten by a knock Kuyt
Mackay's men’s spirit never loses sight
Turner forcing a tense shoot out

Stevie G misses, Adam into orbit
Cousins Gerrard they're both well hard
Miller and Gestafe fail with the wit
And tears for Anthony Gerrard

Ends a triumphant and memorable day

Gerry Marsden tops the cabaret

Liverpool don't do finals, but hey

They’ll all be joyous on Wembley Way

26.02.12

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Main pic: PA

Osmani Trust - Complex and Interlocking Needs Seminar

No Human Liberation Without Women's Liberation

NARI DIGANTA presents:

International Women’s Day 2012

Venue: Brady Arts Centre, Hanbury Street London E1

Date and Time: Sunday 4th March 2012, 5 – 9pm

Seminar: Sufia Kamal and Jahanara Imam: Women Who Inspire a Nation

Networking and refreshments

Painting and essay competition for children. Theme: The Woman Who Inspires Me.

Cultural show presented by Udichi/Soytten Sen School and artists.

You and your family are cordially invited.

For further information please ring on 07958037798 or email to naridiganta@gmail.com

Curry Chefs of Brick Lane

Went to see this today. In 2010 and 2011, East End culture blog www.spitalfieldslife.com published a series of portraits of the curry chefs of Brick Lane, telling the stories of these award-winning chefs accompanied with vibrant images by the prolific street photographer Jeremy Freedman.

And the result is a distinguished body of portraiture, recording some of leading culinary personalities of the Bengali community in Brick Lane.

This exhibition is a celebration of these proud chefs - "working away like those engineers below deck on the great steam ships of old, they are the unseen and unsung heroes of Brick Lane’s Curry Mile."  These are the previously unseen faces and untold stories that reveal the personal narratives of Spitalfields’ Bengali residents.

The Brick Lane chefs and restaurants featured in the exhibition will put their usual friendly rivalry aside for the exhibition’s opening night on Thursday 23 February where they will present guests with their signature dishes.

Brick Lane Chefs and Restaurants Featured in the Exhibition:

Abdul Tahid, Chef, Papadoms

Daras Miya, Head Chef, Cinnamon

Dayem Ahmed, Kitchen porter of six months standing and aspiring chef,The Shampan

Mr Muhammed Hussiad, Chef, The Shampan

Shaiz Uddin, Head Chef and Monul Uddin, Tandoori Chef, Masala

Jamal Uddin, Chef, Bengal Cuisine

Mohammed Salik, Head Chef, Eastern Eye Balti House

Abdul Forhad, Chef, Monsoon

Zulen Achmed, Chef, Saffron

Nurul Alam, Chef, Preem

Rana Miah, Brick Lane’s longest serving Curry Chef, Kholilur Rahman, Chef, Mizanur Khan, Chef, Aladin

Syed Jahan Mir, Chef, Chillies

The above participating restaurants will be offering people who pick up a leaflet at the exhibition 15% of their food bill for the duration of the exhibition.

The exhibition’s photographs are featured in the forthcoming book, Spitalfields Life written by the Gentle Author, published by Saltyard Books, an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton on 1st March.

Photographer Jeremy Freedman’s ancestors were also immigrants, coming to Spitalfields from Holland in the eighteenth century. His great-great-great-great grandfather was one of the founders of Sandys Row Synagogue in 1854. And today Spitalfields Life and Rich Mix present this exhibition as a celebration of this unique neighbourhood at the heart of London.

The Curry Chefs of Brick Lane is produced with the gracious support of Rich Mix who have paid a percentage of the costs of creating the show as a gesture of goodwill to the local community.

The Steve McManaman final

By Emdad Rahman 

Original article - In 1995, Steve McManaman entered Wembley folklore.

The Bootle born Liverpool star, one of England's greatest exports, churned out a breathtaking man of the match performance to clinch a record fifth League Cup win for his hometown club.

Liverpool had not won a trophy for three years. It was the longest trophyless stretch since the early 1970s. Liverpool’s opponents that day were Bruce Rioch’s Bolton Wanderers.

Rioch’s men had a formidable reputation as one of the best teams outside the top flight. They were favourites to be promoted to the top flight, which they achieved by the end of the season.

The Trotters had a strong spine and were a very difficult team to beat. Evertonian Alan Stubbs stingily marshalled the rearguard, whilst soon to be Liverpool star Jason McAteer and Alan Thompson provided the tigerish cut and thrust in midfield. Old timer John McGinley provided the goals up front.

Bolton were not overawed by the encounter, especially after having knocked both Merseyside giants out of the FA Cup the previous year.

Assisted by John Barnes, 23-year-old McManaman waltzed through the opponent’s backline before beating Keith Branagan with a composed finish.

On 68 minutes Shaggy received a pass from Jamie Redknapp on the left side of midfield. Immediately the wiry winger cut in, beating two defenders before caressing the ball into the goal for 2-0.

Thompson’s left foot threatened, and whilst there was a lot of huff and puff from McAteer Liverpool closed the game to secure Roy Evans first trophy as Liverpool manager. With Ian Rush lifting the silverware the win has become Liverpool’s last visit to Wembley.

Macca was named man of the match and trudged off with a winner’s medal, the Alan Hardaker trophy and loud claps from the gallery ringing in his ears.

The performance was hailed as a masterclass and there were comparisons made with the wizard of the dribble. The late Sir Stanley Mathews selected McManaman as his man of the match and proclaimed: "He reminds me of me when

"I was playing... I wish there were more dribblers like him."

Macca went on to enjoy an illustrious career. He was singled out by Dutchman Louis Van Gaal and during an interview at Euro 2000 Pele said: "Four year's ago when England were the hosts, McManaman was one of the players who impressed me most in the tournament.

"He had great pace and skill and wasn't afraid to take defenders on and beat them. I love to see that in a player, and so do the fans."

Having graced arenas such as the Santiago Bernabeu, the ex-Real Madrid star spoke to Click Liverpool this week: "It's vitally important for a big team like Liverpool with its huge history to get into the final.

"It's great for the fans to be back at Wembley and great for Kenny in the 13 months since he took over to reach a final without a shadow of a doubt.

"I don't think it's necessarily an obsession. At the beginning of every season there's only three tournaments to play for and sometimes the league, because of people's spending power now, is beyond some teams so really the cup competitions are important for people to go and win.

"The fact that Liverpool have got there and are doing so well in the FA Cup I think speaks volumes.

"It shows that they're on the right track and gives all the fans a lift because the last couple of years have not been as successful as they have been before."

"When you're young and you start going to football matches, the dream is of your team getting to Wembley. I was lucky I went numerous times with my father and I adored it," he added.

"To reach it as a player, win, and give the fans a trophy that they all deserve is everything. Being there as a fan and as a player is incredibly fulfilling and I know it's a huge, huge occasion.

"Hopefully Liverpool will go on and win it and make it the perfect day."

Deputy Speaker Rajib requests support for local cause

Councillor Rajib Ahmed, Deputy Speaker, London Borough of Tower Hamlets has written personally to ask readers to support efforts to raise money for a very good cause by sponsoring a 5k run:

On 3 March 1943, a crowd rushed to find refuge in the temporary air-raid shelter of Bethnal Green tube station, on hearing anti-aircraft rockets nearby in Victoria Park. As the crowd surged forward, over 300 people were crushed in the stairwell, killing 173 people and leaving over 90 injured. It was the worst civilian disaster of World War II and left a deep scar in the community.

The Stairway to Heaven Memorial Trust has been raising funds to bring a permanent memorial to the site, to honour those whose lives were devastated by the tragedy. 69 years to the day, Tower Hamlets councillors from all political parties will be uniting to take part in a sponsored 5k run in Victoria Park, hoping to raise at least £5,000 for the memorial.Please donate all you can to support this important cause – and feel free to join in the run or come along to cheer us across the finishing line! The run will start at 2pm on Saturday 3 March 2012.

Donate at: www.justgiving.com/TowerHamletsCouncillors

For more information about the Stairway to Heaven Memorial Trust visit: 

www.stairwaytoheavenmemorial.org

Ahmedullah's Bolivian diaries

Emdad Rahman: Muhammed Ahmedullah recently visited La Paz in Bolivia.  I’ve known this gentleman for many years and am a huge admirer of the initiatives that he has led on over the years.

During his short visit the hugely creative British Bangladshi cooked Bangladeshi food fare for the Aymara Indigenous people. “I took a Bangladeshi Saree and Punjabi as gifts for a newly married indigenous couple to promote friendship between Bangladesh and the long suffering native peoples of the Americas” he added. 

Back in the UK, Ahmedullah, the secretary of the Brick Lane Circle is renowned for leading on facilitating hugely creative and educational projects.

This is part of his contribution to celebrate 40 years of Bangladesh's independence. 

Ahmedullah added: “I was very well received and touched by the affection and love shown by the locals. This was the first time they had met a Bangladeshi and theitr warmth knew no bounds. 

75th ANNIVERSARY OF GUERNICA

26 April 1937. The Nazi Luftwaffe backed Franco's fascists with the first ever carpet bombing of an undefended civilian target, Guernica. This atrocity horrified the world and helped to shift public opinion behind the Spanish Republican cause, though shamefully not that of the British Government, which stuck steadfastly to its 'non-intervention' line.  

George Steer's eyewitness account in The Times described what he saw as  'without mercy, with system', words that remain tragically pertinent  to the bloody legacy of carpet bombing in conflicts ever since.

Philosophy Football's anniversary T-shirt, reflecting Picasso's famous painting, bears witness to Guernica and is available from here.

http://www.philosophyfootball.com

Osmani Centre Grand Opening

Over 400 guests attended the official opening of the Osmani Centre.

Special guests who attended the ceremony included:

-         Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman

-          Former Lord Mayor of the City of London and a patron of Osmani Trust, Alderman Sir Michael Bear

-          BBC’s Junior Apprentice 2011 winner, Zara Brownless

-          England (Women’s) Footballer Alex Scott

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman unveiled the plaque and cut the ribbon to officially open the new Centre, located in the heart of London’s East End.

The Osmani Centre is a partnership development between Osmani Trust and Tower Hamlets Council. The Local Authority contributed the sum of £4.4 million towards the development of the new centre. Osmani Trust raised the remaining difference of £500,000 from various fundraising activities, sponsorship, trusts and grant making foundations.

Guests toured the new building to see and experience for themselves the new facilities and services the brand new Osmani Centre has to offer. They were also treated to a musical performance by members of the Amaal Girls Project, Shanon (who had also previously auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent) and Naomi.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman in his inauguration speech praised the work of Osmani Trust and expressed his commitment “to building more Centres like the Osmani Centre, because this is an investment in our future; because young people are our future.”

Alderman Sir Michael Bear expressed his continued support for Osmani Trust. He said: “As Lord Mayor I have done many speeches, but one of the highlights has been coming here last year to show my support for the building of the new Osmani Centre. Now I am proud to be talking to you standing here in this wonderful new building. I was there at the beginning and I am here as you embark upon your future”.

Secretary of Osmani Trust, Sati Abdur Rahman, reminded everyone of the journey of Osmani Trust (previously Brick Lane Youth Development Association and Elite Youth) and what the Opening Celebration of the Osmani Centre means. Reminiscing about the past and being optimistic about the future, he mentioned: “We have come a long way from the days of the portacabin in the Chicksand  Estate and still have much work to do to assist the betterment of our youth and the community at large and we wanted to reflect this in our opening celebrations.”

The grand opening celebrations continued with a series of events spread over five days showcasing the various services that will be offered from the Osmani Centre.

Meeting Charlie George at the Emirates

Arsenal legend Charlie George has just been told by my 7 year old that I'm a Liverpool fan. 

We participated on the legends tour today and Charlie was absolutely brilliant! Even my eldest who is a Chelsea nut couldn't stop talking about his refreshing nature, affability and entertaining gags.

There's a reason why this gentleman is a legend. And just to show that there's no hard feelings below is footage of THAT FA Cup final goal against Liverpool. 

Premiership guns cost Ivory Coast - African Nations Cup Final 2012

Zambia 0 Ivory Coast 0
(Zambia win 8-7 on pens)

Chipolopolo remembered the eighteen
Elephants big guns then turned to toast
Drogba, Toure, and Gervinho
Missing from the spot for Ivory Coast

Musonda left the field in tears
Underdogs Zambia were just too hot
Goalless in Gabon on ninety
After Drogba missed from the spot

Art of war by Sunzu
Stoppila seals it for Zambia
Herve Renard lights Libreville
His men crowned kings of Africa

12.02.12

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Hajj: journey to the heart of Islam

26 January – 15 April 2012

Hajj: journey to the heart of Islam will be the first major exhibition dedicated to the Hajj; the pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is central to the Muslim faith.  The exhibition will examine the significance of the Hajj as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, exploring its importance for Muslims and looking at how this spiritual journey has evolved throughout history. It will bring together a wealth of objects from a number of different collections including important historic pieces as well as new contemporary art works which reveal the enduring impact of Hajj across the globe and across the centuries. The exhibition which has been organised in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Public Library Riyadh will examine three key strands: the pilgrim’s journey with an emphasis on the major routes used across time (from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East); the Hajj today, its associated rituals and what the experience means to the pilgrim; and Mecca, the destination of Hajj, its origins and importance.

It is laid down in the Qur’an that it is a sacred duty for Muslims everywhere, if they are able, to make the journey to Mecca at least once in their lives. This pilgrimage takes place during the last month of the Islamic year, known as Dhu’l Hijja. At the heart of the sanctuary at Mecca lies the Ka’ba, the cube-shaped building that Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. It was in Mecca that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations in the early 7th century. Therefore the city has long been viewed as a spiritual centre and the heart of Islam. The rituals involved with Hajj have remained unchanged since its beginning, and it continues to be a powerful religious undertaking which draws Muslims together from all over the world, irrespective of nationality or sect. .

A wide variety of objects will be lent to the exhibition. Loans include significant material from Saudi Arabia including a seetanah which covers the door of the Ka’ba as well as other historic and contemporary artefacts from key museums in the Kingdom. Other objects have come from major public and private collections in the UK and around the world, among them the British Library and the Khalili Family Trust. Together these objects will evoke and document the long and perilous journey associated with the pilgrimage, gifts offered to the sanctuary as acts of devotion and the souvenirs that are brought back from Hajj. They include archaeological material, manuscripts, textiles, historic photographs and contemporary art. The Hajj has a deep emotional and spiritual significance for Muslims, and continues to inspire a wide range of personal, literary and artistic responses, many of which will be explored throughout the exhibition.

This exhibition concludes the British Museum’s series of three exhibitions focused on spiritual journeys.

In partnership with King Abdulaziz Public Library, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

HSBC Amanah has supported the exhibition’s international reach outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Opening hours 10.00-17.30 Saturday to Thursday, 10.00-20.30 Fridays. The exhibition runs between 26 January – 15 April 2012

Admission charge £12, children under 16 and Members free plus a range of concessions including group rates. Tickets are available to book through the box office by calling 020 7323 8181 or online at  www.britishmuseum.org/hajj.

Today's Origami

Moth butterfly...

Another entry for the Turner Prize

Courtesy of yours truly...

Red alert!

Manchester United 2-1 liverpool

Refusal to shake hands

Fracas before the half time tea

Smelling salts for Fergie’s men

Two in two minutes from Rooney

Hooking the ball past De Gea

El Pistolero lobbed a brick

Jonny Evans and then Rio

Failed to cut out a free-kick

Manchester remains in top spot

Red is the silhouette

Blood and thunder in abundance

This isn’t over just yet

11.02.12

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

S-purrs stalemate on Suarez return

Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham

The gaffer missed his take off

Couldn’t make it to watch his men play

No sign too of Harry's dog Rosie
So the Anfield cat stepped into the fray

Golden child Suarez returned

Red star man missed a sitter

Jay Spearing did go close

Brad Friedel hasn’t been fitter

For Liverpool another home draw

Bale continued to bombard

Echoes of Dave Mackay

As Parker man marked Gerrard

06.02.12

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Fox news report on Man Utd & Liverpool

Just saw this and had a little chuckle. Good to see those seasoned sports hacks at Fox really keeping on top of the scores...

Today's Origami

Cute cat...

Manchester United v Liverpool:

Pre-match stats

By Emdad Rahman

Original article: As Liverpool and Manchester United prepare for yet another heavyweight showdown at Old Trafford, Kenny Dalglish has insisted that all involved should concentrate solely on footballing matters.

Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez will go head to head for the first time since their previous head to head led to an eight-match ban for the Liverpool hitman.

Old Trafford will be nothing short than a boiling cauldron attached to a very short fuse, and with the eyes of the football world focussed on the encounter it is essential that professionalism and respect is maintained at all times.

Suarez, who made his comeback against Tottenham at Anfield last Monday is sure to receive a hostile reception at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney added fuel to the fire after tweeting that he felt El Pistolero should have been sent off for his tackle on Scott Parker during that game.

With the grand football tradition between the two most successful clubs in England, it is hoped that one the blue paper is lit then football will take over. Fans and neutrals expect nothing less from professionals who are paid king’s ransoms as wages.

Dalglish has also stated that Suarez will shake Evra’s hand, along with the rest of his teammates.

Liverpool are buoyed by their dramatic FA Cup win, whilst the Red Devils showed their mettle after clawing back a three goal deficit to share

The spoils at Stamford Bridge last Sunday. Though the draw against rivals Chelsea was an awesome statement of intent, the fact that Chelsea netted three before a reaction from United will weigh heavily on the minds of the Anfield coaching staff.

Tom Cleverley is set for a return to the first team and this will be the young schemer’s first outing since October.Sir Alex said at his Friday press conference: "Tom's training well. We were disappointed the Chelsea Reserves game was called off on Monday.

"The plan was for him to stay over with us [after last Sunday's first-team game at Stamford Bridge] and play in the game on the Monday. That was called off. But he's trained very well and he'll be involved tomorrow."

Paul Pogba may get to sit on the bench but the game is too soon for Nani. Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher and Michael Owen remain on the treatment table, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could miss out again due to injury.

Sir Alex added: "There’s not much change on the injury front for us.

"I think Smalling could be available, but all the rest is as it was last Sunday.

"Phil Jones got a knock against Manchester City, which he never quite recovered from. He'll be fit for next week. He'll be fit for the Ajax game."

Speaking to liverpoolfc.tv Kenny Dalglish said: "Everyone involved, including the media, the supporters and both teams have a responsibility to ensure this weekend is remembered as a cracking game of football between two very good sides, rather than for anything else.

"I thought everyone involved in the FA Cup tie at Anfield played their part in making sure that the match was played in the right way, so let's make sure that happens again this weekend."

A handshake must end this. It’s time for football to make the headlines again.

Pre-match stats:

- Steven Gerrard has netted three goals in his last three Old Trafford visits.

- Liverpool’s highest Old Trafford score is a 5-2 win in 1936.

- In 1936, Fred Howe became the last Liverpool player to score a hat trick at Old Trafford.

- 16 goals have been scored in the last four meetings.

- 27 goals have been fired in during the last eight league games.

- A home win would take United back to the top of the table for the first time since October.

- Steven Gerrard’s goal in the earlier league fixture at Anfield was the 1,200th Liverpool goal in the Premier League.

- Both teams have shared one goalless draw in 39 Premier League games.

- There have been winners in the last 11 fixtures between the two giants - United have won seven and Liverpool four.

- Kenny Dalglish’s managerial record for this clash reads: won four, lost three, drawn seven.

Beautiful Bangladesh

2012 League Cup Final queue outside Anfield

This was sent to me by my mate Bootle Jan who's one of the lucky few to get a ticket.

Exclusive interview with Fernando Torres

Emdad Rahman: It's been so cold recently that even Jodie Marsh has covered her midriff.

Enjoyed a moment of good fortune as I met Fernando Torres (pictured) in my hometown yesterday.

Torres' form at Stamford bridge has been sub zero and there are whispers surfacing that he pines for a soaking in the rain of Spain.

Icebound El Nino was numb with disappointment after seeing his beloved Chelski lose a three goal home lead against the 12 men of Manchester United.

Spitting out his glacier mint, the stiffened Torres offered me a chilly account of the game. He coldly complained about the influence of one of the oldest players on the pitch - Howard Webb. "Paul Scholes wasn't bad either," I helpfully added.

I've been told that there's more chance of hell freezing over than the Spanish hitman ever receiving anything less than a frosty reception from Liverpool fans.

Provoking a snowstorm of views, I recommended Didi Hamann's new autobiography to the refrigerated ex striker. I also put Nando on the spot asked if amongst the burning embers he harboured any warm feelings towards the Liverpool fans who used to adore him.

Typically, he froze.

Red all over the land - Issue 170

The real voice of the fans. Latest issue out now.

I have a few write ups in there including a Gary Ablett tribute.

http://redallovertheland.com/

Tower Hamlets Life

Thames Walk at dusk...

Tower Hamlets Life

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