Saturday, August 27, 2011
A Cool Video for Hari Raya
Selamat Hari Raya or Eid Mubarak to all our readers out there wherever you are, whoever you are. Sorry for any offence caused. God bless you!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
The Words of the Wise
Sometimes all it takes is just to listen, broaden your mind, think, look at yourself, look at your surroundings and know that you are the one that would make a difference.
These are the words of the wise.
These are the words of the wise.
The Native American Ten Commandments
- The Earth is our Mother; Care for her.
- Honor all your relations.
- Open your heart and soul to the Great Spirit.
- All life is sacred; treat all beings with respect.
- Take from the Earth what is needed and nothing more.
- Do what needs to be done for the good of all.
- Give constant thanks to the Great Spirit for each new day.
- Speak the truth; but only of the good in others.
- Follow the rhythms of nature; rise and retire with the sun.
- Enjoy life's journey, but leave no tracks.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Disappeared in Syria
Dear friends,
Muntaha's sixteen year old son was abducted from a peaceful democracy protest by Syrian security forces. She has spent the last eight weeks scouring the country for her child -- braving warnings from the Syrian regime that her other son would also be "disappeared" if she continued with her search. Our urgent action now can help her son and the thousands of other disappeared Syrians.
Since March, almost 3000 people have been taken by regime forces and disappeared into secret jails. The international community has spoken out, but done little to stop this attack -- but India, Brazil and South Africa have close ties to Syria and could push for an international human rights delegation to find the missingand reunite families with their loved ones.
Our massive global membership can force key leaders to act now, pressuring Syria to allow an international delegation to investigate the thousands of disappeared. Sign the petition -- it is being delivered by high profile media outlets around the world including the Times of India, the Guardian, CNN, and Der Spiegel:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
India, Brazil and South Africa dragged their heels on a Security Council resolution that would have allowed for strong international action on Syria. Still, they remain committed to democracy and peace and have called for an end to the brutality of Assad's regime. We can hold them to account for their actions and demand they use their close Syrian ties to protect the democracy activists. An international human rights delegation could effectively reunite Syrian families and end the terror of disappearances for good.
The international media has already stepped in to help with our call. Today, major newspapers are launching massive interactive web tools that tell the stories of disappeared people like Muntaha's son, explain the political crisis in Syria and link to our petition for urgent action. These newspapers not only reach readers around the globe, but also reach opinion makers, world leaders and decision makers directly. Our campaign makes this all possible!
When democracy protests rocked the Arab world, Avaaz sprung into action and, with thousands of donations from around the world, we broke a media blackout in the Middle East -- supporting protesters across Syria and Yemen. Since then, our network of citizen journalists has generated almost 20% of all TV coverage out of Syria and our work with the emerging democracy movements has helped build a real alternative to the dictators that refuse to step down. But brutal regimes are still clinging to power and the courageous activists need our help now. Sign the petition to find Syria's disappeared and forward to everyone:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
Egypt and Tunisia showed that people power can win against oppression. Our global community has supported these democracy revolutions, helped broadcast the stories of the brave activists and the violence against them, and forced our governments to action. Now if we act together we can help find Yazan and the thousands of other stolen Syrians and see the dawn of a peaceful, democratic nation in Syria.
With hope and determination,
Stephanie, Sam, Wissam, Maria Paz, Rewan, Benjamin, Pascal and the whole Avaaz team
More information:
Syrian protesters seized at rate of one every hour, say activists (Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
International activism comes to the rescue to find missing Syrians (Al Arabiya)
http://english.alarabiya.net/
Almost 3,000 Syrians listed as ‘disappeared’ (Financial Times)
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/
Protesters killed amid huge Syria protests (Al Jazeera)
http://english.aljazeera.net/
Videos Appear to Show Violence in Syria (New York Times)
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.
Syria protests to intensify during Ramadan-activists (AlertNet)
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/
In Syria-Qatar rift, a 'shrewdly calculated divorce' (France24)
http://www.france24.com/en/
 Muntaha's sixteen-year-old son was abducted by Syrian security forces two months ago-- one of 3000 Syrian "disappeared". India, Brazil and South Africa have close ties to Syria and could push for an international human rights delegation to find the missing, but they won't act without global pressure. Help find Muntaha's son:  |
Since March, almost 3000 people have been taken by regime forces and disappeared into secret jails. The international community has spoken out, but done little to stop this attack -- but India, Brazil and South Africa have close ties to Syria and could push for an international human rights delegation to find the missingand reunite families with their loved ones.
Our massive global membership can force key leaders to act now, pressuring Syria to allow an international delegation to investigate the thousands of disappeared. Sign the petition -- it is being delivered by high profile media outlets around the world including the Times of India, the Guardian, CNN, and Der Spiegel:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
India, Brazil and South Africa dragged their heels on a Security Council resolution that would have allowed for strong international action on Syria. Still, they remain committed to democracy and peace and have called for an end to the brutality of Assad's regime. We can hold them to account for their actions and demand they use their close Syrian ties to protect the democracy activists. An international human rights delegation could effectively reunite Syrian families and end the terror of disappearances for good.
The international media has already stepped in to help with our call. Today, major newspapers are launching massive interactive web tools that tell the stories of disappeared people like Muntaha's son, explain the political crisis in Syria and link to our petition for urgent action. These newspapers not only reach readers around the globe, but also reach opinion makers, world leaders and decision makers directly. Our campaign makes this all possible!
When democracy protests rocked the Arab world, Avaaz sprung into action and, with thousands of donations from around the world, we broke a media blackout in the Middle East -- supporting protesters across Syria and Yemen. Since then, our network of citizen journalists has generated almost 20% of all TV coverage out of Syria and our work with the emerging democracy movements has helped build a real alternative to the dictators that refuse to step down. But brutal regimes are still clinging to power and the courageous activists need our help now. Sign the petition to find Syria's disappeared and forward to everyone:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
Egypt and Tunisia showed that people power can win against oppression. Our global community has supported these democracy revolutions, helped broadcast the stories of the brave activists and the violence against them, and forced our governments to action. Now if we act together we can help find Yazan and the thousands of other stolen Syrians and see the dawn of a peaceful, democratic nation in Syria.
With hope and determination,
Stephanie, Sam, Wissam, Maria Paz, Rewan, Benjamin, Pascal and the whole Avaaz team
More information:
Syrian protesters seized at rate of one every hour, say activists (Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
International activism comes to the rescue to find missing Syrians (Al Arabiya)
http://english.alarabiya.net/
Almost 3,000 Syrians listed as ‘disappeared’ (Financial Times)
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/
Protesters killed amid huge Syria protests (Al Jazeera)
http://english.aljazeera.net/
Videos Appear to Show Violence in Syria (New York Times)
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.
Syria protests to intensify during Ramadan-activists (AlertNet)
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/
In Syria-Qatar rift, a 'shrewdly calculated divorce' (France24)
http://www.france24.com/en/
Help Somalia
Dear friends,
Right now, more than 2000 people are dying every day in Somalia, in a famine that threatens to starve eleven million people to death. Drought has brought this region to its knees, but the food crisis is really fueled by a complete breakdown in governance and international diplomacy, and we can put an end to it.
The famine-hit area is governed by Al-Shabaab, an Islamist regime that is linked to terrorist groups. The isolation and conflict between Al-Shabaab, other local leaders, and the international community has kept out much of the aid and trade that could end the famine. But a few key countries, including the United Arab Emirates, still trade with Al-Shabaab -- they have an opportunity to broker a deal with the regime and break the stalemate that threatens the survival of millions.
We cannot let the politics of the war on terror claim any more innocent lives. It's time for the international community and Al-Shabaab to come to an agreement to immediately get food to the suffering Somali people.The UN Security Council is meeting in a few days -- let's demand that they take immediate action to support key Arab nations in an effort to open talks with Al-Shabaab on cooperating to end the famine and seize this chance for a long-term political solution:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
Somalia's government was destroyed in 2006 by a US-backed invasion which feared Islamic extremism. But the tactic backfired. Since then, even more radical groups like Al-Shabaab took over and brutalized most of Somalia, and the international community has propped up a corrupt government whose control is limited to parts of the capital. The policies of isolation, invasion and pressure in the war on terror have not helped anyone, and now thousands of Somalis are dying every day. It's time for a new approach.
The US has already stepped up to tackle the crisis, relaxing anti-terrorism laws that blocked aid from reaching the Somali people in Al-Shabaab's region. Meanwhile, there are growing cracks within insurgent groups, and some leaders are willing to let aid in. But it is not enough to break the wall that surrounds those hardest hit by famine. Only bold international diplomacy can engage with all key parties to ensure that relief safely reaches the hundreds of thousands of desperate families.
One of Al-Shabaab's largest sources of income comes from cutting down acacia trees for charcoal, which they illegally export primarily to the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries. These nations could now leverage their economic ties to Al-Shabaab to play a crucial diplomatic role and guarantee humanitarian access to famine-stricken areas.
We urgently need a new direction for Somalia -- let's appeal to the UN Security Council to support key Gulf countries to lead mediation efforts to ensure that Somalis dying behind Al-Shabaab's lines are able to access life-saving food and health care for themselves and their starving children. Sign now and forward widely:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
Together, Avaaz members have ensured crucial aid was delivered in Burma, Haiti and Pakistan after natural disasters, saving thousands of lives. Now, as the world watches heartbreaking images of dying children in shock and horror, we can urge key countries to show the leadership the Somali people urgently need -- let's stand together now and help end the tragedy in Somalia.
With hope and determination,
Luis, Stephanie, Maria Paz, Emma, Ricken, Giulia, Iain and the whole Avaaz team
SOURCES
Somalia (New York Times)
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/
Famine weakens and divides Al-Shabaab militants (France24)
http://www.france24.com/en/
A famine in Somalia, and a chronic political failure on humanitarian aid (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
US urges global action on Horn of Africa famine (AFP)
http://www.google.com/
Horn of Africa: From one drought to another (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
Somalia: Focus on the Charcoal Trade (SomaliaWatch.org)
http://www.somaliawatch.org/
 More than 2000 people are dying every day in Somalia, in a famine that threatens to starve more than eleven million people to death. Conflict between Somalia's Al-Shabaab regime and world leaders has kept out aid that could end the famine. But a few key countries have the power to broker a deal to stop the suffering. Sign the urgent petition for a humanitarian truce and forward to everyone: |
The famine-hit area is governed by Al-Shabaab, an Islamist regime that is linked to terrorist groups. The isolation and conflict between Al-Shabaab, other local leaders, and the international community has kept out much of the aid and trade that could end the famine. But a few key countries, including the United Arab Emirates, still trade with Al-Shabaab -- they have an opportunity to broker a deal with the regime and break the stalemate that threatens the survival of millions.
We cannot let the politics of the war on terror claim any more innocent lives. It's time for the international community and Al-Shabaab to come to an agreement to immediately get food to the suffering Somali people.The UN Security Council is meeting in a few days -- let's demand that they take immediate action to support key Arab nations in an effort to open talks with Al-Shabaab on cooperating to end the famine and seize this chance for a long-term political solution:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
Somalia's government was destroyed in 2006 by a US-backed invasion which feared Islamic extremism. But the tactic backfired. Since then, even more radical groups like Al-Shabaab took over and brutalized most of Somalia, and the international community has propped up a corrupt government whose control is limited to parts of the capital. The policies of isolation, invasion and pressure in the war on terror have not helped anyone, and now thousands of Somalis are dying every day. It's time for a new approach.
The US has already stepped up to tackle the crisis, relaxing anti-terrorism laws that blocked aid from reaching the Somali people in Al-Shabaab's region. Meanwhile, there are growing cracks within insurgent groups, and some leaders are willing to let aid in. But it is not enough to break the wall that surrounds those hardest hit by famine. Only bold international diplomacy can engage with all key parties to ensure that relief safely reaches the hundreds of thousands of desperate families.
One of Al-Shabaab's largest sources of income comes from cutting down acacia trees for charcoal, which they illegally export primarily to the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries. These nations could now leverage their economic ties to Al-Shabaab to play a crucial diplomatic role and guarantee humanitarian access to famine-stricken areas.
We urgently need a new direction for Somalia -- let's appeal to the UN Security Council to support key Gulf countries to lead mediation efforts to ensure that Somalis dying behind Al-Shabaab's lines are able to access life-saving food and health care for themselves and their starving children. Sign now and forward widely:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/
Together, Avaaz members have ensured crucial aid was delivered in Burma, Haiti and Pakistan after natural disasters, saving thousands of lives. Now, as the world watches heartbreaking images of dying children in shock and horror, we can urge key countries to show the leadership the Somali people urgently need -- let's stand together now and help end the tragedy in Somalia.
With hope and determination,
Luis, Stephanie, Maria Paz, Emma, Ricken, Giulia, Iain and the whole Avaaz team
SOURCES
Somalia (New York Times)
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/
Famine weakens and divides Al-Shabaab militants (France24)
http://www.france24.com/en/
A famine in Somalia, and a chronic political failure on humanitarian aid (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
US urges global action on Horn of Africa famine (AFP)
http://www.google.com/
Horn of Africa: From one drought to another (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
Somalia: Focus on the Charcoal Trade (SomaliaWatch.org)
http://www.somaliawatch.org/
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Golden Path
The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something that we do not understand.
I must not fear,
Fear is the mind killer,
Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration,
I will face my fear,
I will permit it to pass over me,
And through me,
When the fear is gone, there will be nothing,
Only I will remain.
The corruption of religion is the first plague of the perversion of faith. Knowledge is not something you learn by what you're told. Knowledge is something that you gain when you take the effort to find the truth. We are sleepers who need to be awaken.
The corruption of religion is the first plague of the perversion of faith. Knowledge is not something you learn by what you're told. Knowledge is something that you gain when you take the effort to find the truth. We are sleepers who need to be awaken.
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