'Fatwa’ condemns al-Qaeda terrorism

A leading Muslim scholar with a large following in Britain on Tuesday issued a fatwa — or Islamic religious ruling — condemning global terrorism and suicide bombings in a “direct challenge to al-Qaeda’s violent ideology.” Pakistan-born Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, the founder of the global Minhaj-ul-Quran movement, made his formal proclamation of a fatwa, or religious edict, at a news conference in London.

The 600-page fatwa says that “suicide bombings and attacks against civilian targets are not only condemned by Islam, but render the perpetrators totally out of the fold of Islam, in other words, to be unbelievers.” Mr. Qadri described the al-Qaeda movement as an “old evil with a new name” and said he believed that the overwhelming majority of young Muslims in Britain had not yet been radicalized and would “think again” on reading his proclamation.

Haiti With 'Earthquake Weapon'

The United States apparently possesses an "earthquake weapon" that set off the catastrophic quake in Haiti and killed 200,000 innocents. Don't believe it's true? Just ask Hugo Chavez. Citing an alleged report from Russia's Northern Fleet, the Venezuelan strongman's state mouthpiece ViVe TV shot out a press release saying the 7.0 magnitude Haiti quake was caused by a U.S. test of an experimental shockwave system that can also create "weather anomalies to cause floods, droughts and hurricanes." He's a megalomanic psychopath, what more would you expect!

Publicans furious over Good Friday rugby match

Furious publicans will be hit in the pocket after a high-profile clash between Ireland's biggest rugby rivals was scheduled to take place on Good Friday. The Magners' league rugby clash between Munster and Leinster will be held in Thomond Park stadium in Limerick on April 2, it was confirmed last night. Those attending the game will be able to buy alcohol at the new stadium. But publicans in the city will not be in a position to garner any business from the 26,000 people expected to attend the match. The fixture is a sell-out. Heaven forbid that the rugby union has to get permission of the local pubs to hold provincial match. What next??? What a joke!!!

The Germans are at it again, this time snorting...

German police detained a nightclub reveller they caught trying to snort amphetamines off the top of their unmarked patrol car. The 26-year-old began lining up the powdered drugs on the roof of the car in a disco car park, when the two police officers surprised him, a Nuremberg police spokesman said on Tuesday. The man had no idea the normal looking vehicle belonged to the police, and it was coincidence that the officers – who were walking by their parked car – discovered him just as he was about to take the drugs. “He's got horrible luck,” said Bert Rauenbusch, police spokesman in the southern German city.

German man caught robbing same bank twice in 24 hours

A German robber held up the same bank in Hamburg twice within 24 hours just a week after being released from jail -- for the same crime. A police spokesperson said on Friday the 50-year-old man went into a savings bank in the centre of the northern port city and flashed a pistol, saying: "I was here yesterday, and I want money again today!" The repeat offender made off with €450 ($600) but with the help of video surveillance cameras, police were able to detain him three hours later. They said he had been in jail for robbing banks in Hamburg in 2002 and 2004. Look we all know about recidivism, repeat offenders and lightning striking in the same place, but this is ridiculous!

Marie Osmond's Son Dies

There is tragedy all around the world. Not only are we reeling from devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chile but I heard on the radio this morning that Marie Osmond's adopted son Michael died over the weekend and appears to have committed suicide. I also read that this young man suffered badly from depression. Depression is so debilitating and so hard to cure. I have family and friends who suffer from it so this and have a small number of people that I love who have wanted to commit suicide and took steps to do so. A good friend who was once my supervisor took his life in Auckland, New Zealand about 15 years ago and this has always left a sadness in me. I wish I could have done more to help him, he was such a good man. My heart goes out to all those who suffer from this terrible illness and my thoughts are especially with the Osmond family at this time.

Chile Battles Lawlessness, Desperation After Massive Earthquake

Chilean authorities are struggling to maintain order, distribute supplies, and rescue survivors after Saturday's powerful earthquake that killed more than 700 people and damaged or destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes and buildings. President Michelle Bachelet is attempting to rally her nation in the face of tragedy and devastation, while appealing to the international community for assistance. Shock and grief have given way to desperation and lawlessness in some areas hardest-hit by the 8.8-magnitude earthquake. Many looters made off with food and basic supplies. Others saw an opportunity for large-scale theft, carrying away home appliances on their backs. My heart goes out to the Chilean people as I had a very fine friend from Santiago that I used to flat with in Sydney. I hope he and his family is well. This quake became even more personal as my daughter, who lives on a Pacific island atoll with her husband and children, were evacuated from their home at 6a.m. due to a possible tsunami bearing down on them. I am am truly thankful that nothing happened.