Updated: 1/9/10
Canadian Boat to Gaza to break siege, overcome "aid traps"
Canada's Disturbing "Solution" to Alleged Extremism
As rosy and good-hearted as this all sounds, the very idea of a theology-based “de-radicalization” program is problematic. The worldview that underscored this “ideological detox” program is congruent with the tiresome post-9/11 tendency to put extremism at the centre of any potentially substantial discussion.
I Was Wrong, We Do Need A "Muslim Youth De-Radicalization" Program!
These past two years have been particularly weird. I've been spending a lot of time trying to counter something that I thought common sense could address alone, but many are holding on for dear life. Perhaps, it's because the proponents of such a program were right all along?
Raptors - Too Much Hype, Too Little Defense
I think this team will be lucky if it wins 30 games. I guess the Raptors had to sell tickets which explains all the unnecessary hype for unproven talent.
Batman Arkham Asylum (XBox 360) (will be posted soon)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in the best physical shape possible? Know all forms of martial arts? To swing from gargoyle to gargoyle, take out the enemy one by one, hide in the shadows and basically be nothing like George Clooney as Batman? Well, if you want to be the Christian Bale Batman, there's no reason why you shouldn't play this game.
NBA Elite 10 - Why No One Should Believe EA Sports (will be posted soon)
While the game is not even out yet, if history teaches us anything, those who are ancipating something innovative that actually transfers well from theory to practice with EA Sports' latest NBA licensed title should prepare for some serious disappoinment. The only thing they may get right is Kevin Durant on the cover.
The Habitual Line-Stepping Salafis - Do They Really Exist?
While the theological differences are definitely there ... for me, it is the social aspect ... drawn out from the religious interpretation of "Salafi's", that stands out the most. From the ad hominem's, illogical run arounds, invasiveness, ability to redefine what "gossip" is, ability take things out of context and their seemingly innate ability to read into people's souls.
All of us have come across individuals who are extremely difficult to reason with. They often have trouble being empathetic due to the Logical Fallacies that muddles their ability to relate with others.
The Importance of Context - Intellectual Hackery and the Rise of 'Fried Chicken' in Saudi Arabia
It would not surprise me at all that many of the proponents of such a campaign (to deny the existence of "Wahhabism") are trying to divert attention from the inconvenient truth: that certain beliefs held by them are along the same line of thinking as the perspectives that have come to inform Saudi’s version of “Shariah Law”.
Music, the Evils of Hip Hop & Muslim
Scholars Who Overstep Their Authority
If you think music or hip hop is impermissable, that's fine, but judge people on fair terms. If you oppose on a moral and theological level, say so. Don't make stuff up just so you can win the argument. Base it on actual facts on the ground or else it just sounds foolish. You're talking about a genre with a massive scholarly history behind it, not an episode of Degrassi High.
Relief efforts are only being conducted when circumstances are suitable, and the full scope of the damage is not yet known. Sadly, neither the Pakistani government nor the international community has responded effectively.
There is much to criticize here: from the alarmist rhetoric that echoes the writings of Daniel Pipes, Bernard Lewis and Mark Steyn to Fatah's monolithic and monochromatic portrayal of all forms of political Islam throughout history.
Local man Scott Gentries told reporters Wednesday that his deliberately limited grasp of Islamic history and culture was still more than sufficient to shape his views of the entire Muslim world.