Teletopez

Islam does not require women to wear hijab. And the aspects in which women are given less rights are not exactly concepts of Islam that I believe need to evolve. Hijab does not put any restriction on women caring for themselves and making their own decisions. Besides, Muslims choose to follow Islam because they are willing to agree with its principles, no? If you mean without a single witness or trial, I believe Islam is very strict on having verification before responding to anything in life, which would include a case like this.

I think Cervelli saw your wishes for him to be DFA'd, Kyle. 4-4 with a runner thrown out.

1) I'm a huge fan of both the Thames and Kearns pickups. 2) Pena has had his struggles this month, so if another utility infielder can put up big numbers, it makes Girardi's work easier through these injuries. 3) Another incredible season he's having in the minors. But through all the roster shuffling, I don't know if the Yankees want to make the necessary room for him this season. 4) I was hyped for Logan, especially with Coke departing. I anticipated his overpowering fastball, but even though he's hit over 95 only a couple times, he has still earned a key spot in the 'pen with Marte out. 5) Hopefully, Pettitte's health continues to be in good standing and he still has his dominating stuff. For the time being, Nova may earn some more starts if he puts up impressive numbers. Moseley has been doing quite a job as well. Vazquez may come back into the rotation strong like he did last time. Girardi has decisions to make about Hughes' innings and trying to get A.J. back on track at least a little bit. 6) Montero's ability behind the plate isn't necessarily a boost, though, is it?

I didn't get a chance to finish this post last night, but the answer to your question is in it: What's more important than this mosque project succeeding is the true concept of Islam settling into the minds of everyone who incorrectly associates it with certain elements of today's world. A few people disagree with establishing this religious center where it is. Person A's belief is that this is not correct on the planners' parts, as it may bring back unwanted memories into the minds of victims, regardless of whether they interpret Islam correctly. Person B believes something along the lines of Muslims not deserving a religious center so close to Ground Zero/this is another threat to the city, etc. I don't completely agree with Person A because I think that, since we are discussing "reality" in this topic (and here's your answer), the reality is that the Muslims should not have to deal with any of the problems left behind by those who associated themselves with Islam. I see the reasoning behind those offended, but I do not truly understand that reasoning. Meanwhile, person B is whose beliefs are more important to change, in my opinion. In the end, I disagree with both of these groups that are opposed to this project. But my greater concern is the misconceptions of Islam that, in the big picture, affect, along with this religious center's plans, plenty of other parts of Muslims' lives and the Muslim world.

Phils won on three hits today (three runs scored). Eduardo Nunez hit his first major league HR and went 3-4 with 4 RBI's. Allowing 9 runs on back-to-back days may not be the best news, but it's good to see that our offense stepped up.

It most definitely is clear. It's just that people who target this verse and associate it with today's terrorism often neglect the last few words of the translation. As you would imagine, that causes a bit of a problem. Jizya is a tax that applies to Islamic states. Hence, I don't believe that verse pertains to what you were trying to add to the discussion.

I think someone quoted Daisy Khan as saying that they planned to open it up on 9/11/11. I don't know if she was misquoted or if that was somewhere in their plans. Either way, it isn't a slap in the face, if you consider what the intentions of the planners would be behind opening it up on that date. What the heads of the project have in mind (assuming the opening date rumor is true) is that ten years later, terrorism is on the losing end, Islam is no longer associated with such deeds, and those whose lives were lost being caught in the middle of this conflict are remembered. It shouldn't be viewed as a slap in the face.

That analogy is terribly incorrect. Number one, a statue has the sole purpose of celebrating or glorifying. The religious center's primary purpose goes well beyond celebration of anything. And what makes you believe that this is an act of attention? $100M is not being spent to receive attention. Number two, there is a direct connection between Hitler and the Holocaust. If there is anyone out there that thinks there is a direct connection between a mosque or religious center and the 9/11 attacks, shame on them. I think the easiest way for me to bring my point across is this. People need to stop labeling those terrorists as Muslims. It's not only that the mindsets of the terrorists do not agree with what Muslims believe. They oppose what Islam teaches. Why, then, should anyone even be bringing the 9/11 attacks into this? I don't even want to bring religious freedom into this. Because in the end, the construction plan may end up winning simply because the opposition will reluctantly step down, accepting the 1st Amendment, while still showing hatred. Forget religious freedom for a moment and consider this: do you really that think Muslims (as in those who act according to what Islam teaches, since that needs to be specified) were and are celebrating what happened on September 11, 2001? Or were they expressing the same sorrow as those opposing this project? A fraction of followers either misinterpreted what Islam is about or tried finding a way to use Islam to justify their unacceptable actions. Is that a legitimate reason to come in the paths of those who correctly interpret the belief system?

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Two 10-1 leads blown on the same day. San Francisco rallied to an 11-10 lead before surrendering a game-tying single. Reds-Giants tied at 11 in the 11th.

Major momentum shift in Colorado. 10-1 deficit turns into a 12-10 Rockies victory. If the same story doesn't happen in Anaheim, the Yankees have a chance to take a 1 game lead on the Rays in the AL East again.

I pity Phillies nation... http://i37.tinypic.com/snp5zm.jpg Michael Bourn Called Safe Even after the Ryan Zimmerman incident a few days ago, Scott Barry doesn't learn anything and throws out Howard.

Good to have you back, man. It's only a matter of time before our activity rockets up again (ha, Rockets).

Johnny D is staying in Detroit. Boston fans are going to deliver a different level of boos the next time he goes to Fenway, I suppose?

Apparently, the no-trade clause may or may not be able to block the Tigers from handing him over to Boston. It depends on the wording of the contract.

Johnny Damon has been claimed by an unidentified team. Possibly Boston, New York, San Francisco, among other clubs. Edit: It's Boston, but the no-trade clause causes problems. Just to block the Yankees and Rays, I'm guessing?

When Teixeira was intentionally walked, I called a Cano grand slam (then again, a bunch of others probably did as well since A-Rod has GS'd twice this year after a Tex IBB). When the first pitch to Cano was on the way, I knew that was a pitch he could crush, and he ended up driving it into the seats.

So we got rid of CD-R, who clearly did not want to be here, for a second rounder, and Lee, who was depressed when he was traded here and "relieved" when he was traded away, for someone who does want to be here.

That may be true. I just think that considering how desperate Melo is to leave a pretty good situation in Denver, he won't be too picky about the new situation he's entering, especially with the Nets moving to Brooklyn. The deal would include draft picks, cash, plus significant talent from our youth. This is the third time I'm saying it, but if reports say Harris and Lopez might not be untouchable, you know the deal would extend beyond Favors and Williams.

Only thing is I wouldn't expect the Nuggets to take Outlaw's contract.

What deal are you referring to? I haven't heard of any specific package being offered. I've just heard names that are bound to be included should this deal go down. Favors would be sent along with other pieces. As I said, with the reports that Lopez might not be untouchable, I get the idea that we will end up having to give up more than what Carmelo is worth.

We may very well have the best offer, but I'm not in favor of trading for Anthony. That would lead us to having to give up Favors or T-Will. Favors could develop into one of the league's top PF's a few years down the road. And I feel that the value of Williams, with his ability to play the 1, 2, or 3, court vision, and athleticism, is going to be underestimated if he is dealt. For some ridiculous reason, Lopez may no longer be untouchable according to reports. That makes me think that whatever we would be offering, it would be giving up too much, which sounds crazy when you hear that Anthony is being sent in return. But we'd be giving up at least one potential all-star, maybe even two alongside draft picks and cash. All this to bring over a SF when we've already signed Outlaw to an expensive five-year deal, while Damion James may start contributing right off the bat, being that he's possibly the most NBA-ready rookie. If Anthony were a FA, it's a different story. But to be on the losing end of a deal in which the player you receive fills an already stacked position?

Which players are untouchable on the Nets right now? If you were offering a deal for Anthony, who would you include in the package? Which do you find more appealing? The Prudential Center or the Barclays Center, simply based on design rather than location? Favorite Nets newcomer this offseason? Favorite Yankee newcomer from this past trade deadline (Berkman, Kearns, or Wood)?

I would be more concerned about Harris' unexpected performances last year if we had a better coach, if he were healthy, if the rest of the team were more productive, if he didn't prove his all-star ability the year before, etc. It was a long season, and as a fan, you can get tired of the losses and switch the channel, but the players are still on the court even after the arena that already started with 6,000 seats empty is nearly cleared out. It takes a big mental hit on you when all you're playing for is the number of ping-pong balls in a lottery machine with a good part of the season remaining.