Did Germany Do The Right Thing By Shutting Down This Mosque ? BERLIN -- A small Hamburg mosque once frequented by Sept. 11 attackers was shut down and searched Monday because German authorities believed the prayer house was again being used as a meeting point for Islamic radicals. The Taiba mosque was closed and the cultural association that runs it was banned, officials in the northern German city of Hamburg said. "We have closed the mosque because it was a recruiting and meeting point for Islamic radicals who wanted to participate in so-called jihad or holy war," said Frank Reschreiter, a spokesman for the Hamburg state interior ministry. He said 20 police officers were searching the building and had confiscated material, including several computers. He said he had no information about any arrests. The homes of leading members of the cultural association were also searched and the groups assets were confiscated, Hamburgs state government said in a statement. The prayer house, until two years ago known as the al-Quds mosque, was a meeting and recruiting point years ago for some of the Sept. 11 attackers before they moved to the United States, authorities say. Sept. 11 ringleader Mohamed Atta as well as attackers Marwan al-Shehhi and Ziad Jarrah had studied in Hamburg and frequented the al-Quds mosque. Reschreiter said the mosque had been under observation by local intelligence officers for "quite a long time" and this was the first time it had been closed. The local interior ministry said about 45 supporters of jihad live in the Hamburg area and around 200 people regularly attend Friday prayers at the Taiba mosque. The groups home page on the Web had been taken down by Monday and it was not possible to reach any members directly. A 2009 report by the Hamburg branch of Germanys domestic intelligence agency said the mosque had again become the "center of attraction for the jihad scene" in the northern port city. The current imam is Mamoun Darkazanli, who was questioned following the 2001 attacks after it emerged that he moved in some of the same circles as the hijackers. Darkazanli, a dual citizen of Germany and Syria, denied any links to Osama bin Laden or the attacks. In October 2004, he was arrested in Hamburg on a Spanish warrant accusing him of involvement with al-Qaida and alleging that he was a bin Laden financier. His extradition was blocked by Germanys high court and he was eventually released. In 2006, German prosecutors closed their own investigation of him, saying there was insufficient evidence to show that Darkazanli supported al-Qaida. "He is a hate preacher," the head of the Hamburg anti-terror department, Lothar Bergmann, said at a news conference, the German news agency DAPD reported. Manfred Murck, the deputy head of the domestic intelligence agencys local branch, called him an "elder statesman of jihad." The Hamburg interior ministry said a group of 11 militants who had traveled to military training camps in Uzbekistan in March 2009 was formed at Taiba mosque. It said Monday that "the training courses, sermons and seminars by the association as well texts published on the groups home page not only violate the constitution but also radicalize listeners and readers." Most of the groups members were either German converts, of Middle Eastern origin or from the Caucasus region. "A very important factor for the radicalization of the group members was certainly their joint visits to the mosque," the intelligence report stated. It appears that one man from the group joined the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, a terrorist organization in Central Asia, the report said. My questions" Does Religious Freedom here in the US give any religion the right to preach murder ? Where do you draw the line between their right to do this and your right to be protected ? And yes I am aware of the history of the Christian Crusades sigh... damn fingers, correction please: The header question should read Give not Gives
Answer: Of course the government has a right to seize assets used in a criminal case. This type of raid is no different than raiding the Jeffers Mormon compound for child molesting or for that matter the Waco compound for gun violations and suspicions of child abuse. You cant hide criminal actions under religion.
Category: Travel Attractions; Date: 2010-08-09
Im planning on traveling to Niagara Falls Canada.?
What is the closest amtrak station to the Niagara Falls attractions?Aldershot, ON AST Grimsby, ON GMS or Niagara Falls, ON NFS or Oakville, ON OKL or St. Catharines, ON SCA or Oakville, ON OKL
Answer: Niagara Falls, ON NFS The main tourist area is about a 45 - 60 minute walk from there.
Category: Travel Attractions; Date: 2010-08-08
Questions about Seaworld and Aquatica in Orlando??
Hey everyone So this message goes out to all of those people that have been to Seaworld and/or Aquatica. I will be travelling with my family, and we have some questions about a few of the attractions. 1 In Aquatica, does the Dolphin Plunge the slide with the dolphins swimming overtop of you go upside down? 2 In Seaworld, does the Journey to Atlantis ride go upside down? 3 In Seaworld, at the Sharks Underwater Grill, what is the minimum and maximum amount you will pay for food? What other restaraunts there would you reccommend? 4 At Aquatica, how frequently do the waves in the wavepools come, and roughly how big are they? We are travelling with both younger children and teenagers, so we need to know about all this stuff Also, how long is the drive from Orlando to Tampa Bay? Busch Gardens to be exact Best answer gets 4 stars PLUS amazing feedback : Court 3
Answer: 1 I havent been to Aquatica, but how would a waterslide go upside down? 2 No. I just went on Journey to Atlantis a couple of months ago. Its pretty mild as far as rides go. My dad will ride it, and he wont go anywhere near the big stuff. The Kraken and Manta---well, different story. Lots of upside-down there. Your teens will be in heaven. 3 Frankly, Ive never had much good luck with food at Sea World. Its hard to find a restaurant thats not crowded, maybe its just me. I got the dining plan last time and regretted it, the restaurants that accept it are REALLY crowded. You may want to see what those are and avoid the %^$ out of em. I usually stick to snacks. Theres a menu below to Sharks Underwater Grill. According to the blog also below you can visit the bar without having to make reservations or eat, but if you have kids, that obviously may not be possible. 4 Dunno on this one. According to the website, theres 2 wave pools, so Id bet one has bigger surf and one is more for people who dont want to get wiped out. 5 The drive is between 1 and 1 1/2 hours, depending on how fast you drive, and if theres any traffic. Its pretty much a straight shot down I-4, and Busch Gardens isnt far off the interstate IIRC. I love Sea World. Its great for kids. Those stingrays are a little creepy though, especially if you feed them. : Have fun
Category: Travel Attractions; Date: 2010-08-06
How can I improve chapter 3 of my novel?
Chapter 3 - The Sound of Music When Aria woke up, she could hear the chime of bells from a nearby church. It was noon and she was hungry. She quickly brushed her teeth, tidied up her hair, got dressed, and dashed downstairs to the dining room. By the time she had finished and stepped out of the hotel, a carriage was already waiting outside for her. She took Johanns hand, which heaved her up onto the horse-drawn vehicle. The reins snapped and the horses trotted away. In the afternoon, Aria and Johann visited a variety of attractions in Vienna: the went to the Vienna State Opera House, visited the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Natural History as well as the Naturhistorisches Museum of Art History. They dined in a fancy restaurant, then took a stroll in the Stadtpark. "Aria, what is one thing you love?" asked Johann. "You never seem to smile. Are you troubled? Is everything all right?" "No ... I ... everything is fine," said Aria. "... Well, I do love music." "So do I" exclaimed Johann. "May I request you to sing me a song, Aria?" "Well, what would you like to hear?" "How about The Sound of Music? I bet youve seen the movie, right? Everyone has seen the movie" "Of course ... as you wish." The hills are alive with the sound of music With songs they have sung for a thousand years The hills fill my heart with the sound of music My heart wants to sing every song it hears My heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds that rise from the lake to the trees My heart wants to sigh like a chime that flies from a church on a breeze To laugh like a brook when it trips and falls over stones on its way To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray I go to the hills when my heart is lonely I know I will hear what Ive heard before My heart will be blessed with the sound of music And Ill sing once more "That was beautiful, Aria" Aria blushed - she had never been complimented on her singing. "... Johann ... do you sing?" "Well of course I sing Everyone sings Isnt that right? Now, what sond do you have in mind?" "Lets see ..." Aria looked around and noticed some flowers. "How about Edelweiss?" "One moment, please." Johann dashed back and disappeared in a flash, generating a small gale that caused Arias dress to dance in the wind. Before Aria completed the thought Where is he going and when will he be back? Johann dashed back with a guitar. He stopped himself just in time, or else he would have knocked Aria over. The young lady blushed again and took a few faces backward: if he or she had leaned forward a bit, they would have kissed. "Sorry about that. I dont like to be kept waiting so I dont like to keep others waiting." He pulled out his guitar and began to play and sing: Edelweiss, edelweiss, every morning you greet me small and white, clean and bright, you look happy to meet me blossom of snow may you bloom and grow, bloom and grow forever edelweiss, edelweiss, bless my home-land forever "Aria, why are you crying?" "That was ... even better than ... I think you should have auditioned to play the Captains part." Aria whiped her tears. She had never heard a man sing live, especially not in front of her alone. As the afternoon ended, Aria and Johann watched the sunset from a hill. "Say, Aria, where are you from and where are you going?" Aria explained what had happened and told him she wasnt sure where to go from here. "Would you like to travel to Italy? Ive heard that all roads lead to Rome." "Yes, I would like to visit Rome ... Will you ..." "Of course, Aria, I cant let a pretty girl like yourself wander about by herself, could I? Its a dangerous world out there. Who knows what kinds of people youll run into. I know you should never ask a woman her age, but how old are you, Aria?" "Im 16 years old." Johann You wait little girl On an empty stage For fate to turn the light on Your life little girl is an empty page that men will want to write on Aria To write on Johann You are 16 going on 17 Baby its time to think Better beware Be canny and careful Baby youre on the brink You are 16 going on 17 Fellows will fall in line Eager young lads And grueways and cads Will offer you fruit and wine Totally unprepared are you To face a world of men Timid and shy and scared are you Of things beyond your ken You need someone Older and wiser Telling you what to do I am 17 going on 18 Ill take care of you Aria I am 16 going on 17 I know that im naive Fellows I meet may tell me Im sweet And willingly I believe I am 16 goi
Answer: I think its written pretty well. You have small errors though; just typos or punctuation. In paragraph three, I think you meant to write, "they," but you wrote "the" by mistake. You also have a lot of "...". Other than that, I think youre set. I like it and the name Aria. ^_^ I see your Trowa Barton now, by the way. Im still banking on Duo Maxwell--DeathScythe
Category: Travel Attractions; Date: 2010-08-06
Going on a trip through Ohio/Chicago, what should I go see?
Im going to be traveling through Ohio from Kentucky. Ill be going up through Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland then west through Fort Wayne to Chicago. From Chicago Ill be going back south through Indianapolis back to Kentucky I was just wondering if there were any fun attractions/events etc that I should stop and see along the way. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks so much
Answer: Youve got to see the Cloud Gate sculpture while in Chicago, most popularly known as "The Bean". Its a rounded, reflective piece about the size of a small house in which the surrounding skyline, you and everyone else can be seen clearly, although somewhat distorted. Its one of the main attractions in Millennium Park, just east of "The Loop". Other fun things to do or see in the city include: Buckingham Fountain Navy Pier Art Institute Sears Tower Chicago Cultural Center Architectural Tour by boat Shopping on the Magnificent Mile Lunch or dinner at Pizzeria Uno or Due Any of a number of weekend neighborhood festivals or art fairs Check the Explore Chicago website for more: http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do.html
Category: Travel Attractions; Date: 2010-08-04
Any must stop places in Ohio/Chicago?
Im going to be traveling through Ohio from Kentucky. Ill be going up through Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland then west through Fort Wayne to Chicago. From Chicago Ill be going back south through Indianapolis back to Kentucky I was just wondering if there were any fun attractions/events etc that I should stop and see along the way. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks so much
Answer: Along the way...Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana. You might also want to check out South Bend to see the campus of Notre Dame. It is nice. As for what to see in Chicago, there are a bunch of great museums to see. I would recommend an architecture tour. You should visit the Willis Tower used to be the Sears Tower. Shopping on the Mag Mile is something you might want to do. You could also head up to Gurnee to go to Six Flags. For food, check out Portillos, The Signature Room at the 95th, some pizza Ginos, Lous or Girodanos and head into Chinatown be careful...the area around Chinatown is not the greatest.
Category: Travel Attractions; Date: 2010-08-03
what is your favorite travel in peru?
Inca jungle:Activities Peru, Rafting and Trekking Company is owned and operated by two locally born and raised guides: Luis Lucho Vizcarra Manzaneda , and his younger brother Frank. While rafting is their number one passion, as natives of the Cusco area, they are extremely proud of their heritage and South Americas premier tourist attraction, MachuPicchu and the Inca Jungle. Both have guided extensively on the famed Inca Trail - and can also take you to Machu Pichu on trails less travelled, as the Incas had many roads leading there. They would have to be two of the most knowledgeable, articulate and passionate guides operating from Cusco; in fact Frank completed his degree in tourism at the local University in Cusco, specializing in the history of the area. r their clients the highest standards in the industry, something Activities Peru Rafting and Tours company emulates and tries to surpass. The US experience has been invaluable in working with such skilled boatmen including the US National Rafting Team, and guides from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as working on what is also considered one of the three most difficult commercial runs in the country; Gore Canyon of the upper Colorado River.inca jungleTimberline Tours brings some of the best guides from around the World to offer their clients the highest standards in the industry, something Activities Peru Rafting and Tours company emulates and tries to surpass. The US experience has been invaluable in working with such skilled boatmen including the US National Rafting Team, and guides from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as working on what is also considered one of the three most difficult commercial runs in the country; Gore Canyon of the upper Colorado River.inca jungle The opportunity to work in the US, was also the opportunity to outfit the company with the best and newest equipment - from rafts to paddles, helmets to p.f.d.slifejackets, paddle splash-jackets to wetsuits and booties - it is all the latest and best gear that can be found in the USA.inca jungle http://www.incajungle.net/
Answer: I prefer the mountains.
Category: Travel Attractions; Date: 2010-08-03
I am traveling to Cancun this week, single guy, 28.?
Hello I am traveling to Cancun soon, staying at the Ritz. I am a 28 year old guy, single. I am planning to visit the tourist attractions but OF COURSE also partying. I am staying 5 nights. Any advice would be great So far on my list I have Tulum, Xcaret, Playa Tortuga and for partying spots City, Coco Bongo Daddy Os. Also, I am debating whether to buy the xcaret and tulum tickets online, would I find cheaper prices once I get there? any tips to save money would be great. Thanks
Answer: Besides xcaret, tulum and the party spots I also have two more things you cant miss XLPLOR Is located right in the middle of the heart of the riviera maya This one of a kind park features four thrilling activities to be enjoyed as many times as you like. You can drive an amphibious vehicle along spectacular jungle paths and down underground tunnels. Then, paddle a raft through breathtaking grottoes where impressive rock formations contrast with the crystal clear waters of the underground river. Next, you can fly high above the treetops on 11 amazing zip-lines and swim through caverns covered in stalactites and stalagmites. IT REALLY IS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE you can look it up right here: http://www.cancun.com/Tours/xplor/ Another great but cultural and very interesting tour would be the chichen-itza listed as one of the 7 wonder of the world Chichen Itza is the capital of ancient Maya empire, its majestic building dates back to 435 and 455, and it is geographically located in the middle of spectacular natural environs in the Yucatan Peninsula. YOU HAVE TO GO IT REALLY IS INCREDIBLE Itll definitely cheaper if you buy the tickets online I promise, I live here in Cancun and Ive experienced this so many times You can buy them right here: http://www.cancun.com/Cancun/Tours/ GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN
Category: Travel Attractions; Date: 2010-08-03
I might be meeting an online friend of 2 years soon Im nervous. What do I do?
I might. Still not a for sure thing yet, but I guess Im getting a bit ahead of myself because I want to be prepared if it turns out that we will meet. I think Ive got all the safety precautions down, not sure, but I think, and were meeting in a public place. Hes bringing a friend because hes coming down here for a trip, and hes fine with me bringing someone but I dont have anyone to bring yet. So basically, he was already coming to my state, but I kinda tagged along and said I wanted to go where he was going because I havent traveled in a while its only a few hours from where I live, its a tourist attraction, and at the same time, I thought it would be nice to meet him. But Im nervous and I dont know what to do. With us the "friendship" has always been clean and respectful. Nothing relationship-like or even possibility of it. But I DO know that he is attractive, and I cant ignore it. I feel like Im going to get nervous...and Im a very impulsive person, Im afraid Im going to do something suggestive if I feel comfortable with him, and if we turn out to have chemistry in real life. I dont want to seem desperate or lose my self-respect. Im trying to keep this as JUST a hang out, but Im afraid we either will not like each other at all, or like each other TOO much. I think it might be the latter. I dont want to do anything stupid that Ill regret. At first I thought maybe going wouldnt be a good idea...but I realized that things could go okay and it could be a fun trip and vacation if I have self control. As you can probably tell Im SOO lost, what do I do????
Answer: Id suggest that you dont place too high of expectations on how things are going to turn out. Try to be as cool as possible and also go into it with the attitude that hey if it works it works, if it doesnt it doesnt. Youve never met this person so it seems rather naive to think too far ahead or even too think too much on this. Be cool and just let things happen naturally is what Im trying to say.
Category: Travel Attractions; Date: 2010-08-01
Do I sound like a horrible person?
I am pretty sure I have an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder of sexual misconduct. I have always prided myself on being a good, ethical guy, and then this hit me at age 27. I feel a sensitivity primarily in my crotch, but it can shoot to anywhere in my body. It seems that all I have to do is think of a area in my body, and the sensitivity will travel there. The sensitivity may cause me to make a slight move. The sensitivity is not sexual. I am not a pedophile or a pervert. When it comes to my attraction, I am very much plain and vanilla. But the thought of my body coming in contact with another person while there is this tingling sensitivty in that area disturbs me. Especially if the person were a child. This has only happened in scenarios in my mind, and not in reality. Should I just lock myself up? Should I commit suicide? Please only give me only mature, honest answers
Answer: You should see a doctor. on the bright side . you dont have aids,herpes,dangerous virus, no legs,not blind, not retarded, you have a face, body and legs and you are able to eat and talk and type on the computer, so basically your problem is nothing at all. just live life as it is and live until you die old and your gift for not killing yourself will be heaven and a cured body. 1st go get a bible and 2nd see a doctor
Category: Travel Attractions; Date: 2010-08-01
