Ancient Jewish scrolls found in north Afghanistan

Ancient Jewish scrolls found in north Afghanistan - A cache of ancient Jewish scrolls from northern Afghanistan that has only recently come to light is creating a storm among scholars who say the landmark find could reveal an undiscovered side of medieval Jewry.

The 150 or so documents, dated from the 11th century, were found in Afghanistan's Samangan province and most likely smuggled out -- a sorry but common fate for the impoverished and war-torn country's antiquities.

Israeli emeritus professor Shaul Shaked, who has examined some of the poems, commercial records and judicial agreements that make up the treasure, said while the existence of ancient Afghan Jewry is known, their culture was still a mystery.

"Here, for the first time, we see evidence and we can actually study the writings of this Jewish community. It's very exciting," Shaked told Reuters by telephone from Israel, where he teaches at the Comparative Religion and Iranian Studies department at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The hoard is currently being kept by private antique dealers in London, who have been producing a trickle of new documents over the past two years, which is when Shaked believes they were found and pirated out of Afghanistan in a clandestine operation.

It is likely they belonged to Jewish merchants on the Silk Road running across Central Asia, said T. Michael Law, a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow at Oxford University's Center for Hebrew and Jewish Studies.

"They might have been left there by merchants travelling along the way, but they could also come from another nearby area and deposited for a reason we do not yet understand," Law said.

"SOLD ELSEWHERE FOR TEN TIMES MORE"

Cultural authorities in Kabul had mixed reactions to the find, which scholars say is without a doubt from Afghanistan, arguing that the Judeo-Persian language used on the scrolls is similar to other Afghan Jewish manuscripts.

National Archives director Sakhi Muneer outright denied the find was Afghan, arguing that he would have seen it, but an advisor in the Culture Ministry said it "cannot be confirmed but it is entirely possible."

"A lot of old documents and sculptures are not brought to us but are sold elsewhere for ten times the price," said advisor Jalal Norani, explaining that excavators and ordinary people who stumble across finds sell them to middlemen who then auction them off in Iran, Pakistan and Europe.

"Unfortunately, we cannot stop this," Norani said. The Culture Ministry, he said, pays on average $1,500 for a recovered antique item. The Hebrew University's Shaked estimated the Jewish documents' worth at several million dollars.

Thirty years of war and conflict have severely hindered both the collecting and preserving of Afghanistan's antiquities, and the Culture Ministry said endemic corruption and poverty meant many new discoveries do not even reach them.

Interpol and U.S. officials have also traced looted Afghan antiquities to funding insurgent activities.

In today's climate of uncertainty, the National Archives in Kabul keep the bulk of its enormous collection of documents -- some dating to the fifth century -- under lock and key to prevent stealing.

Instead reproductions of gold-framed Pashto poems and early Korans scribed on deer skin, or vellum, are displayed for the public under the ornate ceilings of the Archives, which were the nineteenth century offices of Afghan King Habibullah Khan.

"I am sure Afghanistan, like any country, would like to control their antiquities... But on the other hand, with this kind of interest and importance, as a scholar I can't say that I would avoid studying them," said Shaked of the Jewish find. ( Reuters )

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New billboard depicts Virgin Mary holding a pregnancy test

New billboard depicts Virgin Mary holding a pregnancy test - A controversial new billboard shows the Virgin Mary holding a pregnancy test with a "positive" reading.

The billboard, called "Mary is in the pink," was purchased by the St. Matthews-in-the-City Church in Auckland, New Zealand. The church says the billboard featuring the revered religious figure aimed to "avoid the sentimental [and] trite" and "spark thought and conversation." It bears no text.

This billboard is only the latest in a string of provocative, holiday-themed billboards for the church, according to local TV station 3 News. In 2009, they ran another Christmas billboard featuring Mary and Joseph in bed with the tagline, "Poor Joseph, God was a hard act to follow."

Controversial billboard shows the Virgin Mary with a home pregnancy test

Vicar Glynn Cardy said that this year St. Matthews wanted to focus on what it was like for a real mother with a real child. "It's about a real pregnancy, a real mother and a real child. It's about real anxiety, courage and hope."

On the church's website, St. Matthews says the lack of text on the billboard is intended to provoke thought: "We hope to do so with an image and no words. We invite you to wonder what your caption might be."

The billboard will stay up until Christmas Day. ( yahoo.com )

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Man charged with trying to assassinate Obama 'believed he was Jesus on mission from God'

Man charged with trying to assassinate Obama 'believed he was Jesus on mission from God' - Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez arrested at hotel in Pennsylvania - He thinks that 'God gave him a mission to attack the White House' - 'He hates the president, hates Washington and hates society', say police -Assault rifle recovered from his car was a Romanian Cugir SA, FBI reveal - Also found: An aluminum baseball bat, brass knuckles and a sales receipt for purchases made at a WalMart four hours before the shooting - Mr and Mrs Obama were not in White House at the time as they were en route to the APEC summit in Hawaii

The suspected gunman who opened fire on the White House was charged Thursday with attempting to assassinate the President of the United States or his staff.

Idaho man Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez, 21, was arrested at a Pennsylvania hotel after he shot an assault rifle at the White House believing that he was Jesus and President Barack Obama was the Antichrist, according to court documents and those who knew him.

At one point, he even suggested to an acquaintance the president was planning to implant computer tracking chips into children. Meanwhile, details have emerged about further items found in Ortega's car, which included a baseball bat and brass knuckles.

Danger zone: Police call in the bomb squad after a bag was found at the Hampton Inn, Indiana, where Ortega was arrested Wednesday

At his first appearance in court in Pennsylvania Thursday, Ortega sat quietly, his hands free but his feet shackled.

He said only, 'Yes, ma'am' when he was asked if he understood that he would be going back to Washington to face the charge.

Ortega is accused of firing nine rounds from an AK47 at the White House Friday night, cracking one one window close to the President's bedroom.

Police said that Ortega had become 'obsessed' with Obama and that God had given him a personal mission to attack the White House.

'He hates the president, he hates Washington, he hates society,' another official told the Washington Post.

Gunfire was heard between the White House and the Washington Monument on Friday evening. An abandoned car with an assault rifle with a scope and nine spent shell casings were later discovered by police inside.

The FBI have revealed the semi-automatic assault rifle was a Romanian Cugir SA.

Probe: A bomb disposal officer looks closely at personal belongings of Ortega-Hernandez that were found outside the hotel

Police swoop on the hotel after a member of the public recognised Ortega-Hernandez as the man wanted in connection with the White House shooting

Witnesses say Ortega owned that type of gun in Idaho and claim it went missing a couple of weeks ago when Ortega left.

According to the criminal complaint, police also recovered three loaded magazines and several boxes of cartridges from the car.

They also seized an aluminum baseball bat, brass knuckles and a sales receipt for purchases made at a WalMart in Fairfax, Virginia, just four-and-a-half-hours before the shooting.

Police believe that the gunman opened fire across a lawn from half a mile away around 9:30pm then ran off.

When the White House was checked Tuesday, a bullet was found to have smashed through a window.

Suspect: Police captured 21-year-old Oscar Ramiro Ortega, who has a lengthy criminal record in eastern Idaho, after a manhunt

It was only stopped from going inside the White House by the bulletproof glass interior layer behind it. A second round was found outside.

Authorities are investigating Ortega's mental health and say there are indications he believed his attack on the White House was part of a 'personal mission from God', according to a law enforcement official.

A U.S. Park Police bulletin said he was 'unstable with violent tendencies'.

Mr and Mrs Obama were not in the White House at the time, instead en route to the APEC summit in Hawaii over the weekend.

The White House has not said whether the Obamas' daughters, Sasha and Malia, were there at the time or commented on the shooting.

The window damaged is in front of the so-called Yellow Oval Room, according to the White House website.

The room is in the middle of the family's living quarters on the floor that includes the president's bedroom and the Lincoln Bedroom.

Ortega's mother has said he has no history of mental illness, though when authorities were looking for him they reported he did have 'mental health issues.'

In Idaho Falls, where Ortega is from, a computer consultant told The Associated Press that the two met July 8th after Ortega asked for help editing a 30-minute infomercial.

Monte McCall said that during the meeting at Ortega's family's Mexican restaurant, Ortega pulled out worn sheets of yellow paper with handwritten notes and started to talk about his predictions that the world would end in 2012.

'He said, `Well, you know the president is getting ready to make an announcement that they're going to put GPS chips in all the children, so they're safe,'' Mr McCall recalled of Ortega.

'... And then he said, `That's just what the Antichrist is going to do to mark everybody.''

Safe and well... 10,000 miles away: Obama gives a speech to troops at RAAF Base Darwin in Australia today

Close contact: Obama shakes hands with Australian troops and U.S. Marines at the military base

Kimberly Allen, the mother of Ortega's former fiancee, said he had been well-mannered and kind in the four years she had known him. But he recently began making statements to her daughter that were out of character, including that he believed he was Jesus.

Ms Allen said the family was worried when he went to Utah recently, where he said he had business, and didn't come back. Ortega's family reported him missing October 31st.

The Secret Service said Ortega had been in Washington for weeks before opening fire, coming back and forth to the Washington Mall.

Ms Allen said they were flabbergasted to hear he was wanted in Washington.

'I believe that the boy needs help,' said Ms Allen, of Shelley, Idaho.

Agents said he is unpredictable and were extremely worried what he might do next.

They were also unsure if he is capable of launching a more sophisticated attack.

U.S. Park Police have in addition claimed he had a ‘direction of interest’ towards the President or the White House.

Ortega was questioned by police on Friday morning, before the shootings, just across the Potomac River from Washington in Arlington, Va. Police said they stopped him after a report of suspicious behavior, but let him go after photographing him because they had no reason to make an arrest.

Ortega has an arrest record in three states but has not been linked to any radical organizations, U.S. Park Police have said.

Law enforcement personnel investigate the south side exterior of the White House where a bullet was lodged in the window

The White House has a second layer of bulletproof glass which prevented the AK47 rounds from getting inside the building

Shots fired: At least two bullets made their way onto White House grounds. One was found lodged in a window

His criminal record ranges from domestic violence, drug charges, and assaulting a police officer.

U.S. Park Police said that before the shooting Ortega had been spending time with the Occupy D.C. protesters.

Police were called by his western Pennsylvania hotel after a desk clerk there recognized him and called police, leading to his arrest.

The Secret Service, Park Police, FBI, and Washington police had thought he was still in the area at the time.

Meanwhile, the President was busy meeting U.S. Marines and Australian troops at RAAF Base Darwin in Australia.

Signaling a determination to counter a rising China, President Barack Obama vowed Thursday to expand U.S. influence in the Asia-Pacific region and 'project power and deter threats to peace' in that part of the world even as he reduces defense spending and winds down two wars.

'The United States is a Pacific power, and we are here to stay,' he declared in a speech to the Australian Parliament, sending an unmistakable message to Beijing. ( dailymail.co.uk )

If convicted, Ortega faces up to life in prison.

READ MORE - Man charged with trying to assassinate Obama 'believed he was Jesus on mission from God'

Love what nature has provided

Love what nature has provided - We eat food to provide us with energy, to keep the body — physically and mentally — fit and healthy. Too much of one type of food or bad food can change your journey in life to a different destination: ill health, stress, even premature aging and diseases. “We are what we eat,” as they say. Nature has provided pure food and drink in abundance: "There in are fruits, date palms, producing sheathed fruit stalks." "And also corn with its leaves and stalk for fodder and sweet scented plants" (Al Quran, 55:11-12)

We eat food to provide us with energy, to keep the body — physically and mentally – fit and healthy. Too much of one type of food or bad food can change your journey in life to a different destination: ill health, stress, even premature aging and diseases. “We are what we eat,” as they say. Nature has provided pure food and drink in abundance:

"There in are fruits, date palms, producing sheathed fruit stalks."

"And also corn with its leaves and stalk for fodder and sweet scented plants" (Al Quran, 55:11-12)

Nature has not only given us various kinds of foods to pick and choose according to our fancies, but every fruit, vegetable or grain is full of goodness, packed with natural sources of energy, minerals and essential oils. Choosing a well balanced diet with a holistic approach is a key to healthy well-being for the whole family. Sadly, so much commercially produced food is available, and when hunger strikes, it is the first to be picked up. Attractively presented confectionery and rich pastry based desserts filled with cream make your eyes light up with delight. Often, these have a high content of sugar, butter or margarine.

An unbalanced diet, lacking in essential oils and minerals, reduces energy levels and leads to tiredness and disease. Then it begins to show on your skin, teeth, gums and hair. If left unchecked, such a diet can lead to major health issues such as obesity and heart problems and even certain cancers.

The power of natural ingredients, fruit, and vegetables is amazing. Research has shown that daily intake of these will enhance our body and mind with health and vigor. It is significant to add at least five pieces of different fruits and five small portions of vegetables to your daily diet. You will notice the wonders it does to your body in general. There are several foods high in nutritional value; however, there are few that are very beneficial to our health. They are known as "superfoods."

Apples: We have all heard the old saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." This saying still applies. Over 7,000 varieties of apples are grown throughout the world in colorful shades of yellow, red and green. They are full of antioxidants, especially vitamin C for healthy skin and gums. Half an apple a day will be of much benefit. Apples also contain a form of fiber called pectin, which can help to lower blood cholesterol. They help to improve diabetics’ control of blood sugar levels.

Apricots, those beautifully golden-orange colored fruit that display the beginning of summer, are full of beta-carotene, fiber and an abundant supply of vitamin A and C. They are an excellent source of potassium and antioxidants. Nutrients in apricots are useful for the function of heart and promote good vision. Its vitamin A content can reduce the risk of developing cataracts. They are a useful source of fiber and prevent constipation.

Bananas are loved by one and all. They are a bit higher in energy than other fruits; their calories come from carbohydrates. A banana is a good way to refuel your body when hungry or tired, but one a day is sufficient. Bananas are packed with potassium that lowers blood pressure. Its content of vitamin B6 helps the skin and hair to be healthier, and balances your hormone level.

Honeydew or cantaloupe melons have valuable nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. They are also free of fat and cholesterol. As they are high in water content, it is very rewarding to have them at sahoor time. It is believed to quench your thirst and is comparatively low in calories. From the time of its origin in Middle East, melons have always been enjoyed for their sweet, juicy flavor. Their popularity spread to Europe and the United States when Christopher Columbus transported some melon seeds.

Broccoli: Not only does it contain antioxidants including vitamin C, it is a good source of folic acid, which is believed to prevent heart disease. The good news is the lutein in broccoli can delay the progression of age-related molecular degeneration (AMD), which can affect people over 60 and cause impaired vision. Moreover, broccoli contains specific anti-cancer properties. About two small florets, either in salad or lightly cooked, can count toward your daily veggie portion.

Apart from fruits and veggies, nature has provided us with essential oils.

Fish has good minerals and protein, and salmon is highly recommended. It contains quality protein, vitamins, minerals along with omega 3 fats that reduce blood clotting and inflammation. Inflammations are believed to be a main cause of many diseases; studies have shown that eating fish rich in omega 3 oils can help reduce the risk of heart attacks. Omega 3 fats also help to prevent depression and dementia. Therefore, on your shopping trip, instead of red meat go for fish. It will truly enhance your grey cells, as it is a “brain food."

We need to add some essential oils to healthy food for taste and texture. Olive oil gets the super star, as it contains monounsaturated fat and signals the green light for our most prized organ: The heart. It lowers bad cholesterol levels and increases the good levels. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants. But watch out for calories; a little oil is all that is required.

No diet is complete without an enjoyable drink. Smoothies can be made with seasonal fruit or vegetables. A couple of drinks are outstanding: The well-loved cup of tea, and yogurt drink.

Tea is a popular drink worldwide. Tea, whether black or green, is a rich source of the antioxidants called catechins. Research suggests that antioxidants guard the artery walls against damage that can be caused to the heart. The caffeine content is useful for stimulating alertness, mood enhancement and motivation. One cup a day seems to offer all of this, plus it cheers a dull soul.

Yogurt can be made into a delicious drink garnished with nuts or fruit and it is an easily digested source of calcium. It is a milk substitute for people who suffer from milk allergies. For generations, yogurt has been credited for several therapeutic benefits, as it contains friendly bacteria, which promote the health of the large intestine.

Not all commercially produced foods are bad. Take bread, for example; it can be added to every meal. Bread that contains seeds and whole grains has a low GI (Glycemic Index), which can protect against heart diseases and help with weight control. Wholegrain and seeded bread is full of fiber that keeps the stomach working efficiently. Seeded bread has essential fatty acids – studies reveal that three to four slices of soya and linseed bread a day can relieve those hot flushes for some women. Nonetheless, manufacturers should make sure that salt content is low, and white bread should be avoided.

Baked beans are another powerful source of protein. Although some of us may not relish them, they are high in fiber, iron and calcium. They include the ful medames dish, popular throughout the Middle East. Britons have also loved baked beans for generations. They contain carbohydrates with a low GI. The tomato sauce in the baked beans has antioxidants that can prevent heart disease and prostate cancer.

All nuts are generally full of essential oils, minerals, and fiber. Research indicates a handful of nuts three to four times a week will help reduce heart problems and is a satisfying snack when hungry. Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium that can protect against cancer, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

When we were children, mother often said "Eat a carrot, dear, it will brighten your eyes." Today, studies reveal that fruits are also essential foods for maintaining good sight, and to protect against different forms of vision damaging conditions.

In actual terms, about five small servings of fruit each day are well worth the effort and will pay off in the long run. It is as simple as chopping a few banana pieces into your morning cereal or tossing a few cubes of juicy mango or pineapple in a smoothie. Slice an apple over your salad, top off with a cup of yogurt and a few grapes, apricots and berries, and sit down with the family munching away. Inshallah, this selection of super foods will lead to a healthier lifestyle. You have now hit the target! ( arabnews.com )

READ MORE - Love what nature has provided

Hot Women Don't Want to Pay for Dinner

Hot Women Don't Want to Pay for Dinner - It's a down economy. Men would rather go dutch on a date. Guys, I have bad news. The more attractive your date is (yes!), the less likely she's going to help cover the dinner bill (d'oh!).

A British study — naturally — reveals that hot women don't think they should have to pay on a date.

Less attractive women are more willing to chip in. Why?

Pretty girls put all that time and effort into looking good and figure they bring more to the table at dinner.

"The intriguing finding comes from a study of 416 men and women who were asked to rate themselves for attractiveness, ahead of going on a series of hypothetical dates." Ah, they rated themselves on their looks. So a woman whom you and I might consider so-so, but who thinks of herself as the next Heidi Klum, will have the confidence to say, "You are one lucky dude to be with me," and order another lemon drop. On your dime. Meantime, a drop-dead gorgeous gal who can't stand the sight of herself in the mirror will just be glad you're talking to her.

Robert Kohlhuber

Men in the study agreed that they would be more willing to pay the total bill for a good-looking date, though men who considered themselves handsome were less inclined to do so. Perfect. Barbie and Ken deserve each other.

Who should really pay on a date? The article consulted etiquette experts who say the person who requested the date must cover the cost.

I have a different question. If an attractive woman expects a man to pay for dinner, what does the man expect in return? Ah, my friends, they didn't cover that in the survey, but I think we know the answer.

Which leads me to another shocking headline: Sex Can Kill You. Or at least give you a coronary. Tufts researchers found that sudden bursts of activity — like sex — make it 2.7 times more likely someone will have a heart attack. Exactly how did they monitor and measure that?? Still, frazzled housewives now have a better excuse for bowing out for the night than coming down with a headache.

However, take heart. Your chances of avoiding a heart attack during sex improve if you get regular exercise. Here's one unusual way to do that. I don't mean to cast the first stone, but... pole dancing for Jesus? ( cnbc.com )

READ MORE - Hot Women Don't Want to Pay for Dinner

Florida pastor oversees Quran burning

Florida pastor oversees Quran burning - The controversial Florida pastor who halted plans to burn a Quran on the 9/11 anniversary last year oversaw the burning of the Islamic holy book on Sunday after it was found "guilty" during a "trial" at his church.

"We had a court process," said Pastor Terry Jones, who acted as judge, in a phone interview. "We tried to set it up as fair as possible, which you can imagine, of course, is very difficult."

Jones said about 30 people attended the mock trial at his Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville.

Jones considered the "International Judge the Quran Day" to be a fairer way of addressing the Islamic holy book, and denied breaking earlier promises not to burn a Quran.

If the jury had reached a different conclusion, Jones said he would have issued an apology for his accusations that the Quran promotes violence.

"We still don't feel that we broke our word — that was in relationship to International Burn a Quran Day," he said, referring to his previous plan to burn a pile of Qurans on the 9/11 anniversary to protest plans for an Islamic community center near Ground Zero. "We would not establish another International Burn a Quran Day."

Last year's aborted event provoked criticism from U.S. religious leaders, violent protests abroad and pressure from President Obama and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates before Jones called it off.

After a six-hour trial on Sunday that featured a Christian convert from Islam as a prosecuting attorney and a Dallas imam as a defense lawyer, a jury of 12 church members and volunteers made the judgment, Jones said.

He said the punishment — burning the book after it had been soaked in kerosene for an hour — was determined from four choices on his organization's Facebook page. He said "several hundred" were polled and voted for burning over shredding, drowning and facing a firing squad.

Jones considered the burning — which was conducted by another pastor since Jones was serving as the judge — a one-time event.

"That is not our intention, to run around America burning Qurans," he said.

Jones has launched a new organization, Stand Up America, and plans to protest the Quran, Shariah law and "radical Islam," and has scheduled an April event in front of an Islamic center in Dearborn, Mich.

Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, declined to comment at length about Jones' trial.

"Terry Jones had his 15 minutes of fame and we're not going to help him get another few minutes," he said. ( usatoday.com )

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