Raskhol Khan, Muslim Rap Singer from New York

According to Khan Raskhol he is a Muslim rapper, not sing a rap song about Muslims.
Music and religion often go hand in hand. Various traditions of many religions incorporate songs and prayers to attract followers of all ages and beliefs. Type this kind of participatory crowd helped create a spiritual experience.

Often, American popular music contrary to the beliefs of religious believers. But for an American rapper, combine both worlds into a tool to bridge the beliefs, cultures and erase stereotypes.

Where else besides the heart of New York we can find a Muslim-American rap singer, Ireland and Iran?

"I tried to channel the cultures that I had inherited," said Cyrus McGoldrick who has a stage name Raskol Khan.

"Raskol Khan is a character that is very similar to me and everyone else: as a young man in town who tries to do the right thing, but against himself and against the authority."

Students at Columbia University, Raskol Khan was a devout Muslim who prayed five times a day.


"I always say that I do not sing about Muslim rap, but I was a Muslim rapper, because I am very proud to be Muslim in America. City of New York is the center berpadunya various cultures. So that way, we can have plenty of room for us - plenty of room for Muslims - to live and interact, "said Raskol.

"I tried to show through my music that we're all human. We all want much the same thing.

For a Muslim - for everyone with different beliefs - it is important to show that the decisions we are clearly referring to what is right and wrong.

The concepts and principles that, if combined in the music, along with people; it is to unite rather than divide. People can see someone who is known as a Muslim; a proud American citizen, "said Raskol again.
Beyond the busy singing or learning to study the Middle East, Asia and Africa, this singer from Rhode Island use their spare time to share to society by way of teaching reading and writing in a program called Community Impact.

According Raskol, "Expertises will help many people in the future. All the expertise that I can use to be forwarded to them ... it is equally beneficial.

If I can make khidupan means to help others and engage in society, it is perfect for me. "

Sounds Muslims that one has learned a lesson that the universal nature of being tolerant of our fellow human beings. (Source VOA News)

God Hates Lady Gaga

At least according to the Westboro Baptist Church. In case you haven't heard of these wackjobs, they're a small church from Kansas led by Fred Phelps, who not only believe that God hates gays (nothing new there) but also that U.S. soliders are being killed in Iraq because of American's acceptance of homosexuality. They regularly protest the funerals of soliders with signs saying God hate fags and God hates America.

Anyways, now the Phelps clan is bringing their special brand of fanaticism to Lady Gaga.

The Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps, announced on Wednesday that they would picket Lady Gaga's Jan. 7 St. Louis show on account of her "seducing a generation," reports PopEater."Even as she gives lip service to 'liberating' her young fans, Lady Gaga brings them into slavery to their own corruption, teaching them to glory in their shame. She hates you," said the Rev. Fred Phelps in a written statement.

I highly doubt that anyone with half a brain in their head will listen to anything these fools have to say, and the show will probably sell-out because of the protests.

P.S. I'm pretty sure God doesn't hate Gaga and grooves to "Just Dance" like the rest of us:)

Religious Leaders Speak Out Against Anti-Gay Uganda Law

Several Anglican church leaders have spoken out against the extreme anti-gay legislation in Uganda, which would sentence gays to death or life imprisonment for committing "aggravated homosexuality.

Archbishop of York John Sentamu - who along with the archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, is one of the global fellowship's most senior priests - condemned the anti-gay law now being considered by the East African nation's parliament.

"I'm opposed to the death sentence. I'm also not happy when you describe people in the kind of language you find in this ... bill," he told BBC radio.

Although Sentamu seemed to suggest he was the first to attack the proposed law, Williams has also spoken out against it, telling The Daily Telegraph earlier this month that it was "shocking in its severity."

"Apart from invoking the death penalty, it makes pastoral care impossible - it seeks to turn pastors into informers," he told the paper in an interview published Dec. 12.

Homosexuality has been an explosive and divisive topic for the church, leading to splits in the United States Episcopal Church over the issue. African churches have been leading the charge in a backlash against blessings of gay unions and the ordination of gay clergy, such as the 2003 ordination of Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni will not try to block the bill, his spokesman Tamale Mirundi said Thursday, although he did say the president would attempt to convince his National Resistance Movement Party, which has a majority in parliament, to not support it.

"President Museveni cannot block the anti-gays bill," Mirundi said, saying that if he did so "he will have become a dictator."

Mirundi added that Museveni does not support homosexuality but thinks the bill goes too far.

"He believes that we should not have an extreme position," he said. "We have to consider the position of our foreign partners. For them they don't mind about homosexuality in their countries but here many people don't accept it."

Hunting for Gold in Ballarat

After enjoying the charm of Twelve Apostles, we were invited to hunt for gold in Ballarat, a small town about 75 minutes drive inland from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

When he arrived at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, as if we returned to the atmosphere of 19th century life. To liven the tempo first, not only with buildings, Ballarat residents voluntarily participate with the fashion show of the past. Complete with all supporting accessories.

Sovereign Hill which opened since 1970 is a living museum to depict the life of the community during the gold rush in 1851. The museum is built on an area of 25 hectares of former gold mine that long.

Each visitor is given a map provided at the entrance. Since the number of Indonesian citizens who visit here, the manager also provides a map in the Indonesian language.

The atmosphere of 19th century directly felt when we entered the museum's life. The main street is still made of dirt. On the right and left of the road there are many shops, banks, post offices, schools, and other buildings in the style of 19th century architecture.

We walked toward the creek, Red Hill. Here we are invited to washing gold with improvised equipment. At that time there were about ten people who try his fortune in gold.

Then, a guide demonstrating how to pan gold. First he used a shovel to take the material from the riverbed. Material was put into a rather wide plate made of iron. He then shook the plate and ... "See this is the seed of gold," he said, showing a bright spot yellowish to us.

Then, he gave me a plate and fill it with material taken from the riverbed. I then tried as he did. Until all the material on my plate that bounced out, I did not find any gold ore. In fact, some tourists next to me had a lot of yelling for finding ore on his plate. Yes ... for this one I am not an expert.

After the gold content, we headed to Red Hill mine. Here we were invited to see how the gold in the bowels of the earth. I could feel how hard the life of the miners at that time.

Best Women's Dress 2009

Best Clothing 2009 - British Model, Alex Chung, was awarded as the best dressed women of 2009 version of Vogue magazine.

Alexa, now turned into an MTV VJ obtain the title because he was considered a success mixing and matching styles conservative forces "schoolboy" who tend to be preppy.

Alexa's mix of style trend for 2009.

Mother country is not out to be a fashionable icon.
Two first ladies Michelle Obama (USA) and Carla Bruni (France) managed to work in the style of dress sense of formality state.
The following 20 women who are considered to have the best dress sense according to Vogue magazine fashion critics:


1. Alexa Chung - Presenter
2. Audrey Tatou - Actress
3. Sarah Jessica Parker - Actress
4. Cheryl Cole - Singer / judges X Factor
5. Danii Minouge - Singer / judges X Factor
6. Emma Watson - Actress
7. Sienna Miller - Actress
8. Diane Kruger - Actress
9. Freida Pinto - Actress
10. Kate Moss - model
11. Lady Gaga - Singer
12. Lily Donaldson - Model
13. Leighton Meester - Actress
14. Michelle Obama - First Lady of the United States
15. Angelina Jolie - Actress
16. Georgia May Jagger - Model
17. Anna Friel - Actress
18. Olivia Palermo - Star reality show in the U.S.
19. Carla Bruni Sarkozy - First Lady of France
20.Beth Ditto - Singer

Same Sex Marriage Legalized in Mexico City

I may have to run for the border(5 points for whoever can name that reference:). Mexico City has legalized both gay marriage and adoption for gay couples, making it the first city in Latin America to do so.

By E. EDUARDO CASTILLO (AP) – 1 day ago
MEXICO CITY — Mexico City lawmakers on Monday made the city the first in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, a change that will give homosexual couples more rights, including allowing them to adopt children.

The bill passed the capital's local assembly 39-20 to the cheers of supporters who yelled: "Yes, we could! Yes, we could!"

Leftist Mayor Marcelo Ebrard of the Democratic Revolution Party was widely expected to sign the measure into law.

Mexico City's left-led assembly has made several decisions unpopular elsewhere in this deeply Roman Catholic country, including legalizing abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. That decision sparked a backlash, with the majority of Mexico's other 32 states enacting legislation declaring life begins at conception.

The conservative Nation Action Party of President Felipe Calderon has vowed to challenge the gay marriage law in the courts. However, homosexuality is increasingly accepted in Mexico, with gay couples openly holding hands in parts of the capital and the annual gay pride parade drawing tens of thousands.

The bill calls for changing the definition of marriage in the city's civil code. Marriage is currently defined as the union of a man and a woman. The new definition will be "the free uniting of two people."

The change would allow same-sex couples to adopt children, apply for bank loans together, inherit wealth and be included in the insurance policies of their spouse, rights they were denied under civil unions allowed in the city.

"We are so happy," said Temistocles Villanueva, a 23-year-old film student who celebrated by passionately kissing his boyfriend outside the city's assembly.

Only seven countries allow gay marriages: Canada, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium. U.S. states that permit same-sex marriage are Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

Argentina's capital became the first Latin American city to legalize same-sex civil unions in 2002 for gay and lesbian couples. Four other Argentine cities later did the same, and as did Mexico City in 2007 and some Mexican and Brazilian states. Uruguay alone has legalized civil unions nationwide.

Buenos Aires lawmakers introduced a bill for legalizing gay marriage in the national Congress in October but it has stalled without a vote, and officials in the South American city have blocked same-sex wedding because of conflicting judicial rulings.

Many people in Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America remain opposed to gay marriage, and the dominant Roman Catholic Church has announced its opposition.

"They have given Mexicans the most bitter Christmas," said Armando Martinez, the president of the College of Catholic Attorneys. "They are permitting adoption (by gay couples) and in one stroke of the pen have erased the term 'mother' and 'father.'"

City lawmaker Victor Romo, a member of the mayor's leftist party, called it a historic day.
"For centuries unjust laws banned marriage between blacks and whites or Indians and Europeans," he said. "Today all barriers have disappeared."

Christmas, This is the Top 10 Places in the World Compulsory Visited

Christmas has become a global holiday, regardless of religion or location. Top travel guide Lonely Planet makes ranking 10th best place to enjoy the Christmas holidays.

1. Bethlehem in the West Bank:

Commercialism is now increasingly displacing the true meaning of Christmas. So to return to the roots of Christmas, no one can beat the pilgrimage to the birthplace of Jesus. Manger Square (Court Manger) in the Old City, Bethlehem, on Christmas Eve was filled with Christmas trees. And top celebrations can be found at the midnight mass at St. Catherine Church, just as the bell rang at 24.00.


2. Santa Claus Village, Finland:

If not satisfied with the number of Santa Claus at the mall, arose and flew to the Arctic circle in Finland. St. Nicholas aka Santa Claus is an honorary citizen in this village of Santa Claus. Although located in snowy regions, in the interior of deer-inhabited forest, but even more tourists interested in visiting this village. Not far from the village, there are also amusement park of Santa Park. Rather expensive to visit this place, but you are guaranteed satisfaction.

3. New York, United States:

Quite a few films that show the splendor of New York at Christmas time (example: Home Alone 2). Christmas lights everywhere, hopefully there is little snow fell, then you can see the glitter of the biggest Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center that has been installed from the beginning of December, ice-skating around a Christmas tree, then shopping at fancy stores in New York . And at the end of the show was performing "The Nutcracker" by the New York City Ballet.

4. Bondi beach, Australia:

The opposite of all the cliches of Christmas in the northern part of the world, on this beach you will not find snow or Christmas lights. December 25 this beach will be filled by a backpacker, and shaken by the DJ and band performances. This is the place to wash the eyes.

5. Midnight Mass, Vatican, Italy:

Certainly the center of the Catholic Church will celebrate Christmas with a large scale. Vatican City includes the spiritual appeal in general, but when the atmosphere is thicker Christmas again. The smell of roasted chestnuts sweet peas in the streets and the whole city was filled with presepi (nativity scene). Places must stop off: the Court of St.. Peter, Piazza Navona, and the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli on the Capitoline Hill. The Vatican is where the most interesting of pilgrims. Midnight Christmas Mass at the Basilica of St. Peter, or at noon on December 25, the events unforgettable.

6. Dublin, Ireland:

Catholics in Ireland to celebrate Christmas with a sense of humor. The most interesting event is the swimming pool on the morning of December 25, in the salt water pool 12 yards. Before Christmas the streets of Dublin is always crowded, there are 12 Day Christmas Markets in Docklands, mime performances, Christmas lights, ice-skating, and its bazaars and perayayaan in Temple Bar. Do not forget also the singing of Christmas (Christmas Carol) in the Cathedral of St.. Patrick.

7. Nuremberg, Germany:

Do not buy Christmas presents at the mall forever or mall, try visiting Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market), the Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg. Here the tent about 180 stalls offering toys, knick-knacks, candles, gingerbread, and candy for the visitors. Looking around you can enjoy bratwurst (sausage typical of Germany) and grape juice mixed with warm or rempahan spices like cinnamon, cloves, or ginger. After dusk, and all the Christmas lights were lit, it turned like a fairy tale. This is where the most romantic Christmas shopping.

8. Zurich, Switzerland:

Known for its chocolate, mountains, and snow, Switzerland is also suitable for the Christmas holidays, especially in the city of Zurich, because of the many Christmas markets (even in the train station), and also tour the city with a Christmas theme. Jug Christmas tree 'singing' in Werdmuhleplatz, the choir on stage triangles arranged to look like a Christmas tree, complete with shades of green and lights-kelipnya.

9. Tokyo, Japan:

Christmas in Tokyo is always bright, but not religious nuances. Japanese tradition is more excited to celebrate the New Year than Christmas, but this is the way non-Christian people try to celebrate Christmas. Should be recognized spirits, with all the amazing lights and decorations. But unfortunately Christmas in Japan is not a holiday, so there is little anti-climax. Festive Christmas Eve celebration, and celebrations like Valentine, for this occasion young couples express love. Christmas traditions in Japan is to cook fried chicken, then followed by tart with cream and strawberries.

10. San Juan, Puerto Rico:

The island is small but profound personality. Puerto Rico to celebrate Christmas without snow, with the rhythm of salsa and roast pork. Celebrations took place from mid December to alert the Three Kings on January 6. Since mid-December the churches in Puerto Rico show Christmas songs in every Mass, and groups of singers aka Christmas Caroler Christmas also came from house to house to spread the joy. Peak celebration is on Christmas Eve, at midnight mass. Stop also at City Hall, the Plaza de Armas to see the Christmas decorations and also to the court of Paseo de la Princesa.