In debate over how close is too close for NY mosque, questions loom about where ground zero is

Ground zero’s boundaries evolve in mosque debate

NEW YORK – The furor over how close is too close to ground zero for a planned Islamic center and mosque has raised a simple question nine years after Sept. 11: Where exactly is ground zero?
The lines marking the site of the 2001 terror attacks change depending on which …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Haryana regularises 105 shrines

CHANDIGARH – More than 100 shrines built mostly illegally over the years in Haryana’s Gurgaon district are set to get the legal sanction, an official spokesman said Thursday.

The decision was taken after Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary Naresh Gulati reviewed the status of such shrines near roads in Harayana, especially in Gurgaon, adjoining Delhi.
The … Read : Haryana regularises 105 shrines.

Mass begins Mother Teresa’s birth centenary celebrations

KOLKATA – A two-hour holy mass attended by around 1,000 nuns, priests and commoners at the Missionaries of Charity global headquarters here formally began Mother Teresa’s birth centenary celebrations Thursday.

The Mass, which started at 6.30 a.m. at Mother House, was led by Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, the Archbishop of Ranchi, and concelebrated … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mass begins Mother Teresa’s birth centenary celebrations.

Muslim taxi driver slashed in attack blamed on interfaith group volunteer to visit NYC mayor

Slashed Muslim taxi driver to visit NYC mayor

NEW YORK – A Muslim taxi driver slashed in an attack blamed on an interfaith group volunteer is going to New York City Hall to meet the mayor.
Cabbie Ahmed Sharif says college student Michael Enright hailed his cab Tuesday and asked if he’s Muslim. He says when he …. Read the original article  : here.

Nepal prays for Mother Teresa

KATHMANDU – There were no film festivals, exhibitions or special trains named after her. But the sisters at the Missionaries of Charity in Nepal remembered their founder, India’s “saint of the gutter” Mother Teresa, by holding a special mass for her and prayers.

“In Kolkata, everyone knows of Mother Teresa and her house,” said Sister Brigitamann … Original article on : Nepal prays for Mother Teresa.

Pope sends blessings on Mother Teresa’s birth centenary

KOLKATA – Describing Mother Teresa as an “exemplary model of Christian virtue”, Pope Benedict XVI has urged everyone to draw constantly from her spirituality and example in the service of the poor and the sick.

Sending his blessings from the Vatican on the occasion of Mother Teresa’s birth centenary celebrations beginning Thursday, the Pope said he … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pope sends blessings on Mother Teresa’s birth centenary.

Sen. Kennedy’s family marks anniversary of his death with Mass, renaming of health center

Family marks anniversary of Sen. Kennedy’s death
BOSTON – Sen. Edward Kennedy’s family marked the anniversary of his death in Massachusetts with a Mass and the renaming of a community health center in his honor Wednesday.
Family members including Kennedy’s widow, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, attended a memorial Mass at Our Lady of Victory … Read more >>>.

Catholic Church says it helped son of Cuban revolutionary hero win permission to travel to US

Church helps son of ex-Cuban leader leave for US

HAVANA – The Roman Catholic Church said Wednesday it has intervened again on behalf of a political dissident, this time helping the ailing son of one of Cuba’s top revolutionary heroes go to the United States for medical treatment.
Juan Almeida Garcia is the son of Juan Almeida … Read : Catholic Church says it helped son of Cuban revolutionary hero win permission to travel to US.

Mosque developer claims classic NYC background, has modest real estate holdings

Mosque developer claims a classic NYC background

NEW YORK – Eight years ago, Sharif El-Gamal was just another ambitious striver from Brooklyn, casting about for career leads and dreaming of a grander future in real estate.
A handful of modest deals later, he’s sitting on one of the most politically charged projects in recent city history: a … Read more >>>.

NY mosque developer claims classic NYC background, has modest real estate holdings

NY mosque developer claims classic NYC background

NEW YORK – Eight years ago, Sharif El-Gamal was just another ambitious striver from Brooklyn, casting about for career leads and dreaming of a grander future in real estate.
A handful of modest deals later, he’s sitting on one of the most politically charged projects in recent city history: a … Read more >>.

NY mosque developer is quietly involved in a 2nd mosque project farther north in city

NY mosque developer pursues 2nd mosque project

NEW YORK – The New York City real estate developer behind the proposed Islamic Center near ground zero has also been involved in raising money for a second mosque in Harlem.
Sharif El-Gamal has participated in fundraising appeals by the Tidjani Islamic Community of New York, a congregation founded by …. Source  : NY mosque developer is quietly involved in a 2nd mosque project farther north in city.

LB Manti Te’o a long way from home, blends beliefs, leadership to command Irish defense

LB Te’o feels at home with Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Manti Te’o left the beautiful vistas, the sand and the ocean of his native Hawaii for a long journey to Indiana, where he’s found peace and a new home as the leader of Notre Dame’s defense.
As a Mormon, there is much more …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : LB Manti Te’o a long way from home, blends beliefs, leadership to command Irish defense.

9/11 families, others rally in support of Islamic center and mosque near NYC’s ground zero

9/11 families, others rally in favor of NYC mosque
NEW YORK – The planned mosque and Islamic center blocks from ground zero got a new boost Wednesday from a coalition of supporters that includes families of Sept. 11 victims.
New York Neighbors for American Values rallied for the first time at a municipal … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 9/11 families, others rally in support of Islamic center and mosque near NYC’s ground zero.

Susan Boyle to sing ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ for Pope Benedict XVI in Scotland during British tour

Susan Boyle to sing for the pope during UK tour

LONDON – British singing sensation Susan Boyle said Wednesday she feels humbled and honored by the opportunity to sing for Pope Benedict XVI during his tour of Britain.
The unlikely pop star who shot to global fame after she sang on the TV show “Britain’s Got Talent” … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Susan Boyle to sing ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ for Pope Benedict XVI in Scotland during British tour.

Apologise for anti-Christian remarks: Yeddyurappa tells legislator

BANGALORE – Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa Wednesday said he had directed his party legislator Prahlad Remani to apologise for his anti-Christian statements on Independence Day.

“If he does not tender an apology to the Christian community for his statements, action will be taken against him,” Yeddyurappa told reporters in Belgaum, around 500 km from here. … Read more »»».

Burqa not to be forced on girl students in Bangladesh

DHAKA – Bangladesh government Wednesday asked the educational institutes in the country not to force Muslim girl students to wear veils or religious attire.

Education Secretary Sayed Ataur Rahman also directed the institute authorities not to restrain women students from participating in sports and cultural activities.
The direction comes after a high court ruling last Sunday … Read more : Burqa not to be forced on girl students in Bangladesh.

Russell Simmons displays spiritual symbols supporting mosque in his NYC apartment windows

Simmons offers window into thoughts on NYC mosque

NEW YORK – Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons has put high-visibility support behind a proposed cultural center and mosque near ground zero, using the windows of his top-floor apartment across the street from the site where the World Trade Center stood to display a call for coexistence, loving one’s … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Russell Simmons displays spiritual symbols supporting mosque in his NYC apartment windows.

History in shadows: Exhibition in Turkey tells of Muslim world’s contributions to science

1001 Inventions: Science in Muslim lands
ISTANBUL – For generations, the lore of “One Thousand and One Nights” helped shape Western notions about Muslim culture. The collection of tales described an exotic world of harems and flying carpets, Sinbad and monsters, Aladdin and the jinn, Ali Baba and the 40 thieves.

Now an exhibition about innovation in …. Read the original article  : History in shadows: Exhibition in Turkey tells of Muslim world’s contributions to science.