Wooooow I looofee it ....really lofe it....this is just what I was hoping for. Prolific strikers and great teams left and Im just hoping that this is going to be well worth it for us Gooners and ofcouse the rest of the English teams. Manchester and Chalsea are in for areal ride this time. Someone is bound to dance the samba UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE STANDINGS Group A Team P W D L F A Pts Monaco 6 4 0 2 10 4 12 Liverpool 6 3 1 2 6 3 10 Olympiakos 6 3 1 2 5 5 10 Deportivo La Coruna 6 0 2 4 0 9 2 Group B Team P W D L F A Pts Bayer Leverkusen 6 3 2 1 13 7 11 Real Madrid 6 3 2 1 11 8 11 Dynamo Kiev 6 3 1 2 11 8 10 Roma 6 0 1 5 4 16 1 Group C Team P W D L F A Pts Juventus 1`6 5 1 0 6 1 16 Bayern Munich 6 4 0 2 12 5 12 Ajax 6 1 1 4 6 10 4 Maccabi Tel-Aviv 6 1 1 4 4 12 4 Group D Team P W D L F A Pts Lyon 6 4 1 1 17 8 13 Manchester United 6 3 2 1 14 9 11 Fenerbahce 6 3 0 3 11 13 9 Sparta Prague 6 0 1 5 2 13 1 Group E Team P W D L F A Pts Arsenal 6 2 4 0 11 6 10 PSV Eindhoven 6 3 1 2 6 7 10 Panathinaikos 6 2 3 1 11 8 9 Rosenborg 6 0 2 4 6 13 2 Group F Team P W D L F A Pts AC Milan 6 4 1 1 10 3 13 Barcelona 6 3 1 2 9 6 10 Shakhtar Donetsk 6 2 0 4 5 9 6 Celtic 6 1 2 3 4 10 5 Group G Team P W D L F A Pts Inter Milan 6 4 2 0 14 3 14 Werder Bremen 6 4 1 1 12 6 13 Valencia 6 2 1 3 6 10 7 Anderlecht 6 0 0 6 4 17 0 Group H Team P W D L F A Pts Chelsea 6 4 1 1 10 3 13 Porto 6 2 2 2 4 6 8 CSKA Moscow 6 2 1 3 5 5 7 PSG 6 1 2 3 3 8 5 NOTES * Teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. * The top two teams from each group qualify for the second round. * If two or more sides finish level on points, the positions will be decided thus: i) Higher number of points obtained in the group matches played between the teams in question. ii) Superior goal difference in the group matches played between the teams in question. iii) Higher number of goals scored away from home in the group matches played between the teams in question. iv) Superior goal difference from ALL group matches. v) Higher number of goals scored. vi) Coefficient points accumulated by the club in question, as well as its association, over the previous five seasons.

Globalisation is not such aterrible thing as long as the policies of that country make sure the play field is fair and that the people of that country gain as much if not more as the multinationals. The problems arises when there is acorrupt government that doesnt care about what these multinationals do in their own backyard. I believe that Arabs are gaining all the way from this globalisation because these huge multinationals have made it possible for this place to become avery powerful trading region and ameeting point for alot of businesses and business people. The only awful thing is that people in developing countries actually come to believe that the western way of life (centre around advertising and consumption) is actually better than their old way of life. With the kind of leaders we got back in the third world wouldnt it be better being aglobal village than afew sponging away on the richess of the country as is happening in many parts of Africa.

Subxanallah What is it with Somalis and moaning about others for not doing anything. Well in my humble opinion Arabs have done alot of Muslims good regardless of what others say. Their help reaches helpless kids through Islamic charities worldwide. They build schools that help generations of kids who would have otherwise been without education and hospitals that treat millions of patients and not to forget mosques used by more muslims than one can count. Now some people here dont think that that does amount to anything. Well you are mistaken and it would be prudent of lot to acknowledge what they have done and the millions they have helped albeit it being very little in your minds. If you look at Somalis alone, there are not many countries who have assisted somalis in their quest for better lifestyle and businesses than middle east countries in general and especially UAE. The best Somali businesses today are in places like Dubai and the only point of travel and contact for many somalis is from UAE to their war torn country. Thousands of kids have grown and educated by Arab funds and their parents given job to acountry less people and recognising their pasports despite others not doing so and most of all the Arabs always respects the Somali way of life and treated them better than many foreigners. Nifty I would have you know that equal opportunity is just aface saver rather than it really working. It is away for companies to find out who is who and what quota they have to accomodate rather than they wanting to do it out of good faith. Far too many people out there are well qualified but to date cant find adecent job that they are qualified in.

Viking we are muslims but we do not even love each other and we certainly dont help ourselves and neither do we use Islam as a point of reference. Otherwise we wouldnt be in the trouble that we are in. Certainly your point of view is right and your heart and intentions are honourable but on the ground its a different ball game. We should appreciate the little help that comes through to the needy ones and we should also learn to do our bit and help the poor in our own way rather than expect wealth passed over to apeople who cant help themselves albeit having plenty of resources. The fact that if we dont induldge and help ourselves then we cant expect help from one part of the muslim community however rich. As for Durfur....who is causing all this misery to these people other than fellow muslims aka Sudan Gov. In Somalia we cant blame anyone other than fellow brothers who happen to be muslims themselves. The rootcause must be noted too b4 expecting handouts

Caveman its not only the Oils and natural resources that are working for them. I reckon they have now changed their strategy to attracting tourists and Im sure alot of people wouldnt mind taking holidays to them places even when the oils have dried. After all they have the tallest building in the world that alone would generate money. OG thanks....every society has their good and bad points and we can all prevail on negativities. There should be abalanced argument about every topic...

Pretty skyscrapers I heard another is being built in Taipe and china .... Brother Viking Arabs do help their fellow muslims through building schools, mosques and funding many projects. Back in Africa, many mosques and schools have been built on Arab wealth and infact alot of the Somali exports like livestocks have been bought by Arabs. So lets not just blame. Besides these huge projects have come about as aresult of the good business environment created by the sheikhdoms. Multi-nationals have contributed alot to the success of the UAE because of its tax policies especially Dubai. On the other hand what do we as Somalis do other than be critics. Somalia has plenty of resources how come it aint doing so well? Forget doing anything for others..what do we do for ourselves. Nadaaa.....So kudos to the brothers for their sucesses

Brilliant game....end to end stuff....Goooners made mistakes by losing two girls but then again we have been having problems from set pieces lately. However Chalsea was almost taught afootballing lesson esp. since the mid-field was run by non other than the lil boys who kept the likes of Lampard and Makalele quite. Not abad show though it would have been much better had we taken the three points.

Salafi making insinuations about peoples beliefs isnt something that is tolerated in here. You would be advised to behave accordingly and not attack and hijack peoples topics with your shallow remarks. Discuss the topic or walk away. You should know that slander is unislamic and pointing the finger isnt a mans strong point.

North - that sure was one hell of athird goal by Gerard.....absolute screamer of agoal....I tell you I was watching the game and I almost fell off the chair... thats how good it was.

well what can I say you the DarkAngel.... By the way I wasnt talking of questions rather induldging and that could also be in a form or preaching evil not necessarilly asking question for even the Prophet was told to seek knowledge.

According to Islam, man has not come into existence on his own and neither is he a product of natural forces that had somehow, by pure chance, combined to produce life. On the contrary, man is a creation of an All Wise, and a Most Merciful Creator. God gave man life and with that also gave man the freedom and the authority to do good or to indulge into evil. This authority and this freedom was given to man for the basic purpose of testing him, as to how he uses his authority and freedom. As a part of this test, God also gave man the basic knowledge of 'good' and 'bad' at the time of his inception. Thus, according to Islam, every individual has been bestowed a clear standard of judgment of 'good' and 'evil' by God. The Qur'an, in Surah Al-Shams (91: 7 - 10) has presented this knowledge of the human soul as an evidence of the fact that soon, man shall indeed face separate consequences of his 'good' and 'bad' deeds. The Qur'an says: The human soul - the way He molded it and inspired it with knowledge of its evil and its good - bears witness to the fact that indeed he, who cleanses it [of all impiety] shall be successful while he, who corrupts it shall face doom.

Fupi short' Kavu ‘Dry Vizuri ‘Well’ Sasa ‘Now’ Hujambo ‘Hello’ Jana ‘Yesterday’ Watu ‘People’ Yeye ‘He or she’ Huyu ‘this one, this person’ Unaenda wapi? ‘Where are you going’? Baba Hajambo? ‘Is your father well? Utakuja lini? ‘When will you come?’ Nakupenda ‘Love you’ Nipe ‘Give’ Jambo ‘Hello’ Kwaheri Goodbye

Just a quick recommendation if I may please. This is abook you might want to add to your readers list as I thought it was agood read. Hari Kunzru's novel The Impressionist "a mixed-race man's picaresque journey from end-of-the-Raj era India to the rightwing Oxford of the 1930s, then to Africa, and his struggle to define himself in the face of bewilderingly varied prejudices and arbitrary rules."

Bitter pill for Totti to swallow On the night we flew and ended up the top of the table. The Gooners are back and last night we showed a glimpse of both the future and a team that is getting back to form.

No wonder we seem malnourished in most cases and pretty weak looking. Perhaps it’s because of theses relationships that a lot of the brothers and sisters look unproportional . Alhamdulilah got many cousins and pretty ones at that Mashallaah, but I wouldn’t dare even think of the idea as it can sometimes turn into a nightmare scenario and cause a lot of heartache within what would have otherwise been a closely knit family.

Thought since many not know alot abou thte culture, thought this would provide an alternative view.. Culture of Somalia Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description Somali History The origins of the Somalis and their time of entry into present-day Somalia has been debated, with Somalis claiming descent from Arabian families who settled on the coast 1,000 years ago, and historians tracing the origins to pre-15th century. By the 12th century, the ancestors of some of the clan familes were already established in their present territories, while others moved southward through the 19th century. The borders of Somalia were set at the end of the 19th century and a great number of Somalis were left out by the border placement, leaving them in eastern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. It is estimated that nortern Somalis began converting to Islam around the 10th century. Clan System and Marriage There are approximately 6.5 million people in Somalia and the Somalis constitute 95% of the population of people living on the Horn of Africa. The Somali society is organized into clan families, which range from 100,000 to over one million in size. The six large clans are: ***** , Issaq, ****** , *** , Digil, and Rahanwayan. There are also a number of smaller clan groups. Each of the large clan families is divided into lineage units, typically ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 members. It is possible for Somalis to know how they are related simply by giving their name and clan membership. Since dating does not exist in Somalia, arranged marriages are common. In the case of arranged marriages, brides are usually much younger than the grooms. Marriage to a cousin from the mothers side of the family (of a different lineage) is traditionally favored to strengthen family alliance, but this practice is not as common as earlier. Virginity is valued in women prior to marriage. In addition, divorce is legal in Somalia. Language Except for a few communities along the southern Somali coast where Swahili (a Bantu language) and Arabic dialects are spoken, Somali nationals (including persons of non-Somali origin) speak one of several Somali dialects. Somali belongs to a set of languages called lowland Eastern Cushitic spoken by peoples living in Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Kenya. Eastern Cushitic is one section of the Cushitic language family, which in turn is part of the great Afro-Asiatic stock. Of the Somali dialects, the most widely used is Common Somali, a term applied to several subdialects, the speakers of which can understand each other easily. Common Somali is spoken in most of Somalia and in adjacent territories (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti), and is used by broadcasting stations in Somalia and in Somali-language broadcasts originating outside the country. Coastal Somali is spoken on the Banaadir Coast (from Cadale to south of Baraawe) and its immediate hinterland. Central Somali is spoken in the interriverine area, chiefly by members of the ********* clan-family. Speakers of Common and Coastal Somali can understand each other after a few weeks of close contact, speakers of Common and Central Somali only after a few months. Facility with language is highly valued in Somali society; the capability of a suitor, a warrior, or a political or religious leader is judged in part by his verbal adroitness. In such a society, oral poetry becomes an art, and one's ability to compose verse in one or more of its several forms enhances one's status. Speakers in political or religious assemblies and litigants in courts traditionally were expected to use poetry or poetic proverbs. Even everyday talk tended to have a terse, vivid, poetic style, characterized by carefully chosen words, condensed meaning, and alliteration. Until the establishment of the Somali script in January 1973, there were two languages of government--English and Italian. In the prerevolutionary era, English became dominant in the school system and in government, which caused some conflict between elites from northern and southern Somalia. However, the overarching issue was the development of a socioeconomic stratum based on mastery of a foreign language. The relatively small proportion of Somalis (less than 10 percent) with a grasp of such a language--preferably English--had access to government positions and the few managerial or technical jobs in modern private enterprises. Such persons became increasingly isolated from their nonliterate Somali-speaking brethren, but because the secondary schools and most government posts were in urban areas the socioeconomic and linguistic distinction was in large part a rural-urban one. To some extent, it was also a north-south distinction because those educated in the Italian system and even in Italian universities found it increasingly difficult to reach senior government levels. Even before the 1969 revolution, Somalis had become aware of social stratification and the growing distance, based on language and literacy differences, between ordinary Somalis and those in government. The 1972 decision to designate an official Somali script and require its use in government demolished the language barrier and an important obstacle to rapid literacy growth. In the years following the institution of the Somali script, Somali officials were required to learn the script and attempts were made to inculcate mass literacy--in 1973 among urban and rural sedentary Somalis, and in 1974-75 among nomads. Although a few texts existed in the new script before 1973, in most cases new books were prepared presenting the government's perspective on Somali history and development. Somali scholars also succeeded in developing a vocabulary to deal with a range of subjects from mathematics and physics to administration and ideology. By the late 1970s, sufficient Somali materials were available to permit the language to be the medium of instruction at all school levels below the university. Arabic was taught to all students, beginning at the elementary level and continuing into the secondary phase. Because Italians dominated the senior faculty at the national university in the late 1970s, Italian remained in wide use. By the late 1980s, Somali was the language of instruction at the university as well. Religion Almost all Somalis are Sunni Muslims; Islam is the principal faith. Though traces of pre-Islamic traditional religion exist in Somalia, Islam is extremely important to the Somali sense of national identity. Many of the Somali social norms come from their religion. For example, men shake hands only with men, and women shake hands with women. Many Somali women cover their heads and bodies with a hijab when they are in public. In addition, Somalis abstain from pork, shellfish, gambling, alcohol, and receiving or paying any form of interest. Muslims generally congregate on Friday afternoons for a sermon and group prayer. Accordance with these prohibitions depends on each individuals level of orthodoxy. Miscellaneous Topics on Somali Culture Did you know that it is polite to leave a little bit of food on your plate when eating at a Somali house? This tells your Somali host that you have been given enough food. If you were to clean your plate that would indicate that you are still hungry. Most Somalis don't take this rule so seriously, but it is certainly not impolite to leave a few bites on your plate. Traditionally, the main meal of the day is eaten at lunchtime and Somali people usually begin their day with a flat bread called Anjeero, liver, toast, cereal or porridge made of millet or cornmeal. Lunch can be a mix of rice or noodles with meat and sauce. Later in the day a lighter meal is served which includes beans, muffo (patties made of oats or corn), or a salad with more Anjeero. Islam and poetry have been described as the twin pillars of Somali culture. Most Somalis are Sunni Muslims and Islam is vitally important to the Somali sense of national identity. Most Somalis don't belong to specific mosque or sect and can pray in any mosque they find. Celebrations come in the form of religious festivities, two of the most important being Eid al Adha and Eid al Fitr which marks the end of the fasting month. Families get dressed up to visit one another. If they can afford it, money is donated to the poor. Other holidays include June 26, which celebrates the north's Independence, and July 1, which celebrates the unification of the North and South In a nomadic culture, where one's possessions are frequently moved, there is little reason for the plastic arts to be highly developed. Somalis embellish and decorate their woven and wooden milk jugs and their wooden headrests, and traditional dance is important, though mainly as a form of courtship among young people. Somalis believe strongly in independence, democracy, egalitarianism, and individualism Saving face is very important to them, so indirectness and humour are often used in conversation. Somalis deeply value the family with the strength of family ties providing a safety net in times of need.

Looks like there is achance for every Farax to find happiness somewhere in this wide world as long as eating and living asemi-different lifestyle is concerned. I have acouple of my buddies who have done this and they seem happy. So guys there are other choices and willing ones at that too. So what do you reckon? Order here More Eastern Looked for somali Mail orders but couldnt find any....

S - I would say charity begins at home. Hope we learn about what we are like and what the deen instructs us to do. If we are on the right path then there wouldnt be any problem. Charisma - Im hoping that this topic will stimulate ameaningful debate and will allow us to see what many of us are like in real life and how we conduct ourselves. OG - Thanks lovely for your wonderful input. It is hilarious at the same time pretty much an insight into the differences between culture and Islamic deen. I thought the the sheikh was more of acomedian in his approach to the topic. Im sure it would make many who listen to him laugh at the same understand the differences. Thank you feeri mooosh. Whilst discussing this, Im not suggesting we abandoned what makes us what we are (being Somalis). Alot of what we follow isnt so bad but at the same time we have to realise that alot more causes heartache amongst our people. ie Qabiil and clan war lines and stance. We should balance the good in the culture with the deen since we happen to already follow the deen and are moslems. Hey OG can you find more audios

Well aint that nice.......I would add this to it .... Is she not cause for love and hate! Is she not what either prolongs ones life Is she not the cause for an early grave! Is she not abitter pill made easy to swallow! Ofcouse it may not fit in with the love....but stuff that love is made of... Allaa wilku jacayl baa diilay..

I concur with Che....a nightmare scenario in the making unless ofcouse the sheep wake up and smell the grass

I concur with Che....a nightmare scenario in the making unless ofcouse the sheep wake up and smell the grass

I concur with Che....a nightmare scenario in the making unless ofcouse the sheep wake up and smell the grass

Simply I would say your mom is pretty smart and ofcouse your input is worthy this discussion as different opinion and view points are what a debate is all about. Its the difference in opinions that makes it pretty much spicy and get us talking and thinking. J11- True to acertain extent and boy is it aslow vehicle too

The paradox of our Time by George Carlin The paradox of our time in history is that:- we have taller building but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less. we buy more but enjoy less. we have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgement; more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. we drink too much, smoke too much, spend recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pary seldom!. we have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. we talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. we've learned how to make a living, but not a life, we've added years to life not life to years. we've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. we conquered outer spce but not inner space. we've done larger things, but not better things. we've cleaned up the air,but polluted the soul. we've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. we write more, but learn less. we plan more, but accomplish less. we've learned to rush, but not to wait. we build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less, and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion. big men and small character; steep profits and shallow relationships. These are they days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposal diapers, throw-away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet, to kill. It is time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom, A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person sooon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember to say i love you, to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all meant it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for some day that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Interesting how we tend to use religion only when it suits us like for example when you are ill, disabled in some way or in a crisis. It’s true that we tend to group all Somalis in one group of culturally biased people but I would bet that almost 80% are. A simple example is the differences in political opinions and how even sheikhs become political when they should be teaching people who to be good and ofcouse love each other as human beings. You would find a wadaad who condemns others while he is far too busy going around marrying daughters of religious families by preaching how its wajiib to marry and be good to your husband and we talking 4 wives here when he cant afford to even maintain them. Simply sis I do disagree with you whole heartedly. Reason being the Somali culture is nowhere near the Islamic way of life. We tend to treat people according to their color clan and possibly region. We are racists by nature and anything that we don’t understand is basically bad even if we got no idea what or why. As Moslems we have to be able to tolerate and live in peace. When it comes to the seduction game all one needs is to know what your clan is to either include you or exclude you from anything happening in terms of relationships. Most people are grouped along the lines of Clans when they should be grouped in terms of interest and ideals. Check the politics section. It says more about us and what we strive for even when educated. ...