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.