Update on my earlier post about Whole Foods

I posted earlier today about Whole Foods caving in to bigots. Turns out that the article was wrong. Whole Foods has said via their Twitter account that the promotion is still on and it has not been cancelled. They do point out the mistake of one of their regions.

Hi everyone.....we'd like to address the many comments coming in regarding the promotion of halal products for the celebration of Ramadan. We are still carrying and promoting halal products for those that are celebrating Ramadan this month. We never sent a communication from our headquarters requesting stores take down signs or remove parts from this promotion. We have 12 different operating regions and unfortunately, one region reacted by sending out directions to promote halal and not specifically Ramadan after some negative online comments.We're extremely excited about offering halal products products for our shoppers and we stand behind them AND our promotion of them.

The company posted that on their twitter account earlier through several tweets.
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Islamophobia a.k.a bigotry continues to run wild

Just wanted to share two stories of bigotry I've come across today.

Islam Billboards on New Jersey Turnpike Stir Controversy: MyFoxNY.com

So our Fox affiliate takes one bigot, interviews him and tries to turn this into a "news" story. Similar billboards have been up on the New Jersey Turnpike for months if not years. I'm sure I've seen billboards for Churches as well.

You can find out more about "Why Islam?" by going to their website or calling 877-WHY-ISLAM

In similar news Whole Foods has caved in to bigots as well.

UPDATE: Whole Foods has said via their Twitter account that the promotion is still on and it has not been cancelled. They do point out the mistake of one of their regions.

Hi everyone.....we'd like to address the many comments coming in regarding the promotion of halal products for the celebration of Ramadan. We are still carrying and promoting halal products for those that are celebrating Ramadan this month. We never sent a communication from our headquarters requesting stores take down signs or remove parts from this promotion. We have 12 different operating regions and unfortunately, one region reacted by sending out directions to promote halal and not specifically Ramadan after some negative online comments.We're extremely excited about offering halal products products for our shoppers and we stand behind them AND our promotion of them.

The company posted that on their twitter account earlier through several tweets.
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Chris Kluwe/Donovan McNabb negotiations

It is not often that I write something about a punter.

Actually it is not often that anyone writes anything about a punter. I saw this on ESPN a few days ago but just haven't had the chance to share this until now. By now you are aware that the Vikings got McNabb to be their quarterback for the upcoming season. You are probably also aware that McNabb has worn the #5 his entire career. #5 on the Vikings was already assigned to punter Chris Kluwe. How did they resolve the matter? Just take a look.



Normally these kind of negotiations lead to someone getting a Rolex, a ton of cash, beer, a vacation or something those lines.

The Jeff Feagles ones are somewhat funny as well.

Last year (2004), he sold No. 10 to rookie Eli Manning in exchange for an all-expenses-paid vacation on the Gulf of Mexico.

"The whole family is flying in, we rented a car, rented a house for a week and we'll be relaxing on the beach," Feagles said. "And we're all going to be wearing No. 10 jerseys. I'm actually going to get Eli's address and send him a postcard from there."

But his good-luck tale doesn't stop there.

After fleecing Manning, Feagles switched to No. 17 to commemorate his 17th professional season. But this year the Giants signed free agent Plaxico Burress on March 17 - and the former Pittsburgh receiver had to have the number. Turned out Feagles was happy to commemorate his 18th season - for the right price.

"I bought a new house in Arizona and I'm redoing it. ... So there you have it," he said. "This year it's for an outdoor kitchen."

By the way you follow Kluwe on twitter @chriswarcraft
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This date in 1974 Richard Nixon resigned

On this date in 1974 Richard Nixon resigned as President in the aftermath of the Watergate Scandal.



You can find a transcript of the speech here.

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Sports story to follow today

This week in golf started off as being all about Tiger Woods but he ended up dropping out of contention in a hurry but coming into the final round of the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, 19 year old rising star from Japan Ryo Ishikawa is just one stroke behind the leader.

Why should the casual fan or even someone who doesn't like golf care? Earlier this year Ishikawa announced that he would be donating all of his prize money from 2011 to help relief efforts in Japan in the aftermath of the Tsunami from earlier this year. According to ESPN he has earned $247,636 so far on the PGA Tour this season. He is not a member of the PGA Tour and a win here would also help him earn a spot there. The winner here will get $1.4 million which will obviously go a long way towards helping relief efforts in Japan. A win here for Ishikawa would also make him the youngest winner on the PGA Tour since 1911.

By the way, Rory McIlroy is also in contention here.

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TLC's "All-American Muslim" is probably bad news for Muslims

This fall TLC is bringing "All-American Muslim" to its airwaves.

What does TLC say about the show?

What’s it like to be Muslim in America? TLC answers that question with “All-American Muslim,” a powerful new series premiering in November 2011 that delves deep inside the rarely seen world of Muslim Americans to uncover unique insight into this little known -- and often misunderstood -- community. “All-American Muslim” brings audiences inside Dearborn, Michigan, a mid-sized industrial city that is also home to the largest mosque in the United States. Following the daily lives of five Muslim American families, each episode offers an intimate look at their customs and celebrations, as well as the misconceptions, conflicts and differences they face outside — and within — their own community.

Without having watched a minute of it I can say this show most likely is very bad news for Muslims in America. The show will do very little (if anything at all) to help educate people on what Islam or Muslims are all about. More then likely the show will will play out like other so called "reality" shows that are just garbage television.

Access Hollywood recently spoke with one of the couples on the show.



According to the Washington Post,

The new series is being produced by Shed Media, the indie production house known for such compassionate docu series as “”Freaky Eaters” -- about people addicted to tartar sauce, maple syrup, french fries and such -- cat-fight shows like “Basketball Wives,” “Real Housewives of New York City,” and “Football Wives.”

Actually show might be even worse then what I was first predicting. The same article goes on to quote an executive from TLC by the name of Amy Winter,

Through these families and their diverse experiences, we will explore how they blend their values and traditions with everyday life in America, providing insight into their culture with care and compassion.

Somehow I highly doubt that. Just take at TLC's current lineup of shows. What on that list gives anyone an indication that this show will actually be a good thing? Heck, take a look at the production comany's website. What on that list inspires you? These are the clowns behind shows like Basketball Wives, The Real Housewives of New York City and Freaky Eaters.

According to Shed Media US (the company that is producing the show) the preview clip includes a woman who admits to drinking. According to Entertainment Weekly one of the characters is a woman with tattoos. Still think the show is a good idea?

TLC can claim whatever they want but this show represents a made for TV version of Islam and Muslims and  in no way represents REAL American Muslims although a bigot like Debbie Schlussel not being a fan of one of the characters can only be a good sign right?

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VIDEO: Gabrielle Gifford's return to Congress

The last week in Washington D.C has given us moments that have gone from bad to worse.

The debt ceiling "debate" has been terrible and the resulting bill is nothing to write home about either. There was however a good story in D.C today. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords returned to the floor of the House of the Representatives to cast a vote on the Debt Ceiling bill less then 7 months after surviving an assassination attempt. What a story this has been over the course of this year. How did they manage to keep it a secret that she had flown in and was in the building?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Obama's statement to mark the start of Ramadan

Barack Obama's statement to mark the start of Ramadan was posted earlier today on WhiteHouse.gov. In it he mentions that he will once again be hosting an Iftar at the White House like he did last year. I will ask the same question I asked last year, how do I get an invite? You can read the full statement below.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

August 01, 2011

Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan

As Ramadan begins, Michelle and I would like to send our best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world.  Ramadan is a festive time that is anticipated for months by Muslims everywhere.  Families and communities share the happiness of gathering together for iftar and prayers. Bazaars light up the night in many cities from Rabat to Jakarta.  And here in the United States, Muslim Americans share Ramadan traditions with their neighbors, fellow students, and co-workers. 

For so many Muslims around the world, Ramadan is also a time of deep reflection and sacrifice. As in other faiths, fasting is used to increase spirituality, discipline, and consciousness of God's mercy.  It is also a reminder of the importance of reaching out to those less fortunate.  The heartbreaking accounts of lost lives and the images of families and children in Somalia and the Horn of Africa struggling to survive remind us of our common humanity and compel us to act.  Now is the time for nations and peoples to come together to avert an even worse catastrophe by offering support and assistance to on-going relief efforts.

Times like this remind us of the lesson of all great faiths, including Islam -- that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  In that spirit, I wish Muslims around the world a blessed month, and I look forward to again hosting an iftar dinner here at the White House.  Ramadan Kareem.

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Ramadan Mubarak

Just wanted to say Ramadan Mubarak to all. I'll also use this space to link to a great blog entry from my cousin Saad wrote over at "Chill Yo Islam Yo" last year on charity. Non-Muslims should read it as well.

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Justin Verlander has ANOTHER no hitter going through 7

Is it just me or does it seem like Justin Verlander flirts with a no-hitter every other start? He has one going against my Los Angeles Angels through 7 today. Keep in mind that he already has two career no-hitters. Anyone know what the shortest time frame is between a team getting a no-hitter and then being no-hit themselves? Ervin Santana of the Angels just got one last Wednesday.

MLB.com will have live coverage of the 8th and the 9th (if it gets that far). You can watch the video below.



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Debt Ceiling and the West Wing

As the Debt Ceiling drama plays out I thought now would be a good moment to share a scene from the West Wing.


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Ervin Santana gets a no-hitter

Congratulations to Ervin Santana on picking up a no-hitter today against the Cleveland Indians.

This was the first official no-hitter for the Angels since 1990 although they did pitch 8 no-hit innings against the Dodgers in 2008 in a 1-0 loss at Dodger Stadium.
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Yet another blown call in baseball

It has happened again.

Once again a terrible call from an umpire is taking the spotlight away from what was otherwise a very good game. The Atlanta Braves defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in 19 innings when home plate umpire Jerry Meals blew a call. It appeared as though the tag from Pirates catcher Michael McKenry got Julio Lugo out by 6 feet but for some reason or another Meals called him same. Watch the video and the photo for yourself and decide.

After the game Meals explained his call to reporters.

"I saw the tag, but he looked like he oled him and I called him safe for that, I looked at the replays and it appeared he might have got him on the shin area. I'm guessing he might have got him, but when I was out there when it happened I didn't see a tag.I just saw the glove sweep up. I didn't see the glove hit his leg."

I still don't understand the people who oppose instant replay because they like the "human element." Just get the call right. That is all it should be about. It is a shame that a game where the two bullpens combined for 26 shutout innings will be remembered for the blown call.
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MSNBC is not calling Norway massacre terrorism

I've been out of the house for a few hours and just got online to catch up on the news.

I was just reading this story on MSNBC.com about the Oslo attacks and shockingly (or is it?) not once do they use the terms terror,terrorist or terrorism. What's up with that? Can someone explain that to these people that it is possible for terrorists to be Caucasian and Christian.  I honestly wouldn't be surprised if the American "news" channels have moved on to other stories tomorrow since they can't tie this to Al-Qaeda like they tried for most of today.

This is hardly the first time MSNBC has done something like this. I mentioned the same thing last year when they didn't label the suicide bomber who struck the IRS building in Austin, Texas a terrorist.
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Terror in Oslo and the American Media

As this story in Oslo, Norway develops the American media is getting exposed again.

Instead of covering the bombings and shooting non-stop we are instead getting coverage of Lindsey Lohan. Pathetic. All day long all American media outlets have been reporting that today is a National Holiday in Norway. That part is not true according to my cousin from Norway. Most people there just happen to have large parts of July off.

Is it too much to ask to have a little fact checking.
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NASA lands final Shuttle

Earlier this morning the Space Shuttle Program came to an end.

Atlantis landed around 6 AM Eastern this morning. If you missed the landing here are a couple of videos courtesy of NASA.





A great question was just asked at the NASA press conference. Do you think we will appreciate what the Space Shuttle did or it will go the way of Mercury and Gemini which have been somewhat forgotten as Apollo gets the recognition. Will the Shuttle get overshadowed by whatever comes next? As amazing a vehicle as the Space Shuttle is I have a feeling we will look back and respect it more looking back at it. It certainly was way ahead of its time. I honestly don't believe we will see a spacecraft with its capabilities in my lifetime or that of my kids.

When do you think NASA will send astronauts into space again? Will we ever go back to the moon? When will we get to Mars?

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The V Foundation for Cancer Research

Tonight ESPN presents the ESPY's.

Of course the ESPY's are always the perfect time to share one of the greatest speeches ever made. There aren't many that have been that powerful and still draw tears each and every time you watch it like the one from North Carolina State Head Basketball Coach Jim Valvano at the 1993 ESPYs. If for some reason you haven't yet seen it, you should stop what you are doing and go watch it now. Even if you have watched it in the past it really is one of those moments that will never get old.



A transcript of the speech is available here.

ESPN does a great job promoting the work of "The V Foundation for Cancer Research" and has been a huge part in helping raise $100 million for Cancer research. You can donate online through their website.

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