"Bring Him Home"

The show stopping song in Les Miserables, sung by Jean Valjean as he carries Marius to safety after the battle of the barricades, is a plea to God that He allow Marius to go "home."  Valjean knows of the love his adopted daughter, Cosette, and Marius share, and so pleads with God to let them be together.  And Valjean does all that he can to make that happen.  Bahrain has been singing this song lately.

Firdaous Abdulla, a 29 year old cold store worker, was found unconscious by his roommates after he fell down the stairs in their apartment.  They rushed him to the hospital where he received treatment for head injuries, but he has not recovered consciousness.  He has been in coma for three weeks.

Support began to pour in when a volunteer from the Kerala Muslim Cultual Centre learned of his case.  The organization began fundraising efforts for Abdulla, in an effort to help him return to his native Bani Jamra.  Abdulla came to Bahrain to work to be able to support his wife and daughter, who remain in Bani Jamra.

As Bahrain seeks to help "bring him home," more help is required.  They are waiting for the doctors to give the consent and say he is strong enough to make the journey.  But they also need more money so he can get home and continue his care.  Bahrain is doing all it can, coming together as a people, to help someone survive his personal "battle of the barricade."

To make a donation, call 39071368.

To read entire article, please visit Gulf Daily News.
 

Disco Queen Dies

The music world has lost another diva, and the karaoke bars have lost one of the most influential artists of all time.  Donna Summer, the queen of disco music, has lost her battle against lung cancer.

A true musical talent, Summer entertained thousands throughout the years, ranging from genres of musical theatre to reggae to rock.  But she made her biggest print in the disco era.  If you have ever been to a lip sync contest or a karaoke bar, you have probably heard, or even performed, one or more of her songs.  One of Summer's most popular hits, "She Works Hard for the Money" is just as popular now as it was back when first released.  It continues to be an anthemn for working women.  Her song, "Last Dance," is a staple in many parties.  You can say that it's not a party without Donna!

The five-time Grammy winner was 63 years old, passing in  Florida.  The disease that eventually claimed her life is the leading killer among all cancers.

Our prayers go out to Donna Summer's family, and thanks for her influential life and courageous fight.

Stand Up Against the Bully

Iran has stepped on some toes, and those toes are not happy with it!  Bahrain and other Arab nations are in the middle of trying to work out an agreement that would provide protection both politically and militarily to the countries of the GCC Union.  The talks have been sparked by Iran's growing threat in the Middle East.  Iran has been vocal of its disapproval regarding the union of some Arab states, specifically citing Bahrain and saying that the kingdom should listen to its people rather than unite with Saudi Arabia. The Iranian Prime Minister has even gone far enough to say, "If Bahrain is supposed to be integrated into another country, it should be Iran and not Saudi Arabia."  Iran is trying to tell Bahrain that if they are going to "join a gang," they must join the "Iranian gang" or none at all.  Iran has tried to turn this situation into the old school yard conflict - join my gang or you'll be sorry.
But Bahrain is loyal.  Loyal to their culture and heritage; loyal to their people; loyal to their "schoolmates" of the GCC.  A media advisor to His Highness, King Hamad, tweeted that a union would materialize soon between the Arab states.  Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are committed.  The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have some reservations.  Oman is the least enthusiastic about the proposal.

Bahrain has also issued a formal protest against Iran on the grounds of, "a gross violation of their sovereignty.  “These statements represent a flagrant interference in the internal affairs of the kingdom, and gross violation of its sovereignty and independence, (and they) constitute completely unacceptable conduct,” the ministry said in a statement carried by Bahrain’s official BNA news agency late on Tuesday.
Bahrain is going to protect its people.  The GCC Union will help them do that.  And Iran will disapprove.  The future will tell us their reaction, but one thing is for sure.  Bahrain is not going to be pushed around by this bully.

To read entire article, please visit Arab News.

American Idol

For over ten years, America has watched and listened to aspiring music stars.  They have seen dreams broken and dreams made.  They have seen incredible talent, and ridiculous nonsense.  They have seen the  "favorite win" and then the "underdog" pull off a victory.  Judges have come and gone.  But there are a few things that remain the same.
"Yo dog" is still the favorite phrase of last remaining original judge, Randy Jackson.  Ryan Seacrest still wears thin Dick Tracy ties.  As the show comes to an end, it is worth watching because of the talent.
With just one week to go, America will once again choose its "idol."  The people of this country will determine who gets a chance at stardom, to follow in the footsteps of Carrie Underwood.  They decide who comes close to breaking through like Katherine McPhee (but remember, "close" only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades).
There are three still standing, and singing.  Philip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, and Joshua Ledet have proven the favorite for the audience this year.  With one going home this week, two will be one step closer to achieving the ultimate title.

It's America's choice.  Who will be the next American Idol?

Special Girl Scout Day

The kingdom of Bahrain had a special day, marking the 100th year of the foundation of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.  To mark the event, more than 1500 girls and guides joined together for a day of fun and learning.


The organization helps girls develop skills that will help them in their lives.  Some of the most important principles and skills they learn are teamwork and friendship.  This ceremonial day allowed them to practice both as they made new friends with other girl guides and scouts from different troops and schools, and learned how to work with them to accomplish tasks.

The association serves over 10 million girls in 145 different countries.


To read entire article please visit Gulf Daily News.

Heroes Never Die

In the classic movie, The Sandlot, Benny Rodriguez has a dream where the legendary Babe Ruth comes to him to help him solve a problem.  Before he left, Ruth said, "Remember kid, there are heroes and there are legends.  Heroes get remembered, but legends never die..."
Soon, a hero is about to become a legend.

Over forty years ago, Rose Mary Brown married Army Spec. Leslie Sabo, Jr.  He received permission to return home for his wedding, and to spend the night with his new bride.  The next day he returned to training.  After training, Sabo returned to his new bride, and they spent a month of love and married life together.  After that month, Army Spec. Leslie Sabo left Rose Mary and reported to Vietnam to fight in the war.  They would never see each other again.

"The Soldier" (as he was referred to by platoon mates when he wore a red bandanna) was killed as he saved the lives of his fellow soldiers, rushing into enemy fire to stop their attack with a grenade.  His heroics silenced the enemy guns, but also took Sabo's life.

Forty years later, widowed Rose Mary Sabo Brown will receive the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama, as Army Spec. Leslie Sabo, Jr is recognized and thanked by his country for his act of heroism and sacrifice.

Rose Mary says that she has never stopped thinking about her husband, his love of life, and the wonderful month they were together.

A hero is being remembered for his sacrifice.  But a legend is being born. 

 

To read entire article, please visit CNN.

Get Back to Islam

For several years, people have been talking about Islam, the dominant religion of Arab nations.  The Quran, just like the Christian Bible, has been read by thousands, and has probably even more interpretations of scripture passage.  This individual interpretation is where trouble begins.
The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs met recently to discuss the troubles of their religion and what they could do to unite the people under Islamic principles.  National unity and a loving society were stressed, calling upon all people to live their Islamic beliefs, morals, and values, and not to tear one another apart.
The Council warned against following those that preached sectarianism, and pleaded with them to not drag the people through division.  Division will only breed contention, which threatens the unity, strength, culture and heritage of the Islam people.
They also warned against those who taught sectarianism and led protests for their own personal gain.
At the end of the meeting, The Council prayed for its people and their security, peace, and stability.

To read entire article, please visit International Islamic News Agency.

Big Step in Defense

The United States has once again begun to sell arms to Bahrain.  Though regarded inappropriate and dangerous and unpopular move by some, this points to progression.  This act points to things getting better in Bahrain for its people, things getting better in the Bahrain-US relationship.
Would the United States give weapons to countries that seek to harm and kill their people?  Or would the US give weapons to people that seek to use them to usurp power for tyrranical purposes?  I sure hope not.  That's why this is such a positive sign.  The Bahraini police have received a lot of criticism for the way certain events have been handled lately.  Some say it was because of power, fear, or other emotions.  Because of that, the US hasn't sold arms to Bahrain for a period of time.  But that has now been lifted, obviously with careful restriction and vigilance on the side of the United States.  Bahrain will not be able to buy weapons that can be used against protestors' strongholds.
But since they are selling them some help, it tells Bahrain, and the world, that the US trusts them.  The relationship between these two countries is well known by many for its importance.  The US have a very important and strategic naval fleet there, protecting the Strait of Hormuz and keeping a close eye in Iran.  There is a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.  There is so much riding on this relationship, and this good faith gesture from the United States will surely be received in good faith by Bahrain, who will no doubt honor the restrictions and show the world that they care about their people.

To read entire article, please visit Bloomberg.