Arab-American from Michigan crowned Miss USA after near-stumble in gown competition

Arab-American from Michigan crowned 2010 Miss USA

LAS VEGAS – Rima Fakih knew she had won the 2010 Miss USA title when she saw the look on Donald Trump’s face: It was the same one she’d seen him flash at the winners of “The Apprentice.”
The 24-year-old Lebanese immigrant – Miss Michigan USA to the judges – … Original article on : Arab-American from Michigan crowned Miss USA after near-stumble in gown competition.

Portugal becomes 6th European country to allow gay marriage after president’s OK

Portugal’s president ratifies gay marriage law

LISBON, Portugal – Portugal’s conservative president announced Monday he is reluctantly ratifying a law allowing gay marriage, making the predominantly Catholic country the sixth in Europe to let same-sex couples wed.
President Anibal Cavaco Silva said he would not veto the bill because majority liberal lawmakers would only overturn his decision. …. Source article  : Portugal becomes 6th European country to allow gay marriage after president’s OK.

Vatican rejects appeals by 10 closed Boston-area churches, including 3 in vigil for years

Vatican rejects appeals by closed Boston churches

BOSTON – The leader of an advocacy group for Roman Catholic parishes says the Vatican has rejected final appeals by 10 parishes that were closed by the Archdiocese of Boston.
Three of the 10 churches have had sit-ins going on round-the-clock for more than five years.
Peter Borre, co-chairman of the [..] Read the original article: here.

Khurshid to represent India at Islamic economic forum

NEW DELHI – Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will represent India at a global business forum in Malaysia beginning Tuesday that aims to create economic bridges between the Muslim and non-Muslim world.

The sixth World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), being held in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, is being organised by the World Islamic Economic Forum …. Read the original article  : here.

Myanmar gifts giant Buddha statue to Mumbai pagoda

MUMBAI – A giant marble statue of Lord Buddha, standing 21 feet tall, has been gifted by the Myanmar government to the Global Vipassana Foundation Pagoda, a foundation official said Monday.

The statue of Lord Buddha weighs a whopping 60 tonnes and is carved from a single piece of marble, the official told IANS here.
Created … Read more : Myanmar gifts giant Buddha statue to Mumbai pagoda.

Synagogue torched in Germany

BERLIN – An historic synagogue in the western German city of Worms was targeted by arsonists early Monday, police said.

Police spokesman Klaus Weinmann said that the building, which was first built in the 11th century, was doused with a flammable liquid in several places and set alight.
There were no injuries and little damage was …. Source article  : Synagogue torched in Germany.

Advani says Muslims fare better in Gujarat

NEW DELHI – Muslims fare better in Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s Gujarat, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani said Monday, citing Justice Rajinder Sachar’s report on minorities.

“In setting up the Sachar committee, the government had its own objectives. But going through the comparative statistics compiled by the committee, I feel Gujarat should be grateful …. Original source  : Advani says Muslims fare better in Gujarat.