TheBlindJournalist: Honour of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings Be Upon Him) in light of the Paris shootings

Following on from the recent events in Paris I have decided to write this post. I am merely a blogger sharing my opinion on goings on. I have no authority or knowledge to state facts or take sides.

 

 However, what I will say is whosoever attempts to mock the Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings Be Upon Him) should always expect outcry from the Muslims.

Above I have purposely used the word "attempts" because this is all that can be done. It is IMPOSSIBLE to mock the Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings Be Upon Him) He is the Best of Creation.

 

What the world needs to realise is that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings Be Upon Him) is more valuable to Muslims than their own lives. Whosoever tries to devalue, mock or belittle the Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings Be Upon Him( is openly upsetting and angering the 1.7 billion Muslims in the world. 

 

Just as it is a crime to be anti-Semitic and to do treason to the Royal Family in the UK, it should also be a crime to be blasphemous towards the Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings Be Upon Him) aswell as all other Prophets.

 

The hashtag KillAllMuslims #KillAllMuslims made me laugh because this is people's utter narrow mindedness thinking that those whom kill innocent human beings are Muslims. Also it isn't possible to kill all Muslims because Allah States that The Day Of Judgement will only come when there is nobody left reciting Allah's name on this earth. 

 

People get upset when individuals talk badly about the Royal Family or about the Holocaust as it is hurtful to Royalists or the Jews. In the same way openly mocking the Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings Be Upon Him) is going to get a reaction but yet there is no international law against this.

Until a law comes into place which makes this a crime there will remain individuals who take it upon themselves to act. 

 

Nevertheless Islam is a religion of peace and strongly forbids the killing of innocent human beings  

 

Once again. I am a mere individual stating my opinion. Allah & His Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings Be Upon Him) know best. 

 

I advise you to watch this video below and also sign the petition proceeding it. 

 

Thank you for reading.

 

Video:

 

 

 

Petition:

We want to know the boundaries and limits to the term "Freedom of Speech" in the UK.

When Jews are ridiculed, it is Anti-Semitism. When ethnic minorities are targeted, it is racism. When Islam is defamed, it is "Freedom of Speech"

We call on the British Government to draw the lines for us, what is acceptable, what is not?

We want a common law for ALL.

We want to detach ourselves from these never-ending Double-standards.

It is the least we can do.

 

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/73584

 

We need 100,000 signatures for it to go further.  

 

TheBlindJournalist: Living With Retinitis Pigmentosa Documentary

TheBlindJournalist: Space Camp

“One small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind.”

These were the famous words Neil Armstrong said when he stepped onto the moon. That leap is simply now a flight to America.

To go to space is a dream many people have. But with the many years of vigorous training and commitment involved, along with the financial setbacks, this dream cannot be a reality.

However, a space camp which has been running in Huntsville, Alabama for the past 32 years aims to give this very opportunity to aspiring astronauts.

The camp was set up by Dr. Wernher von Braun in 1982. The opportunity allows individuals to experience the real-life jobs of astronauts through simulators. The camp which runs for 49 weeks out of the year aims to teach attendees the preparations astronauts make before going into space and undertake various roles over the duration of the camp. Roles include manning mission control, constructing and launching your own rocket, designing your own space patch and climbing the simulated Mars climbing wall.

Although the camp was originally designed for young children to improve their Maths and Science skills as well as improve on their teamwork; it also has camps for adults and families.

Andrew Rechenberg, Senior Systems Engineer at Sherman Financial Group, who attended the adult space camp said:

“Adult Space Academy was one of the most rewarding things I have done for myself in my adult life.  Most people I've spoken to about it have said something to the effect of "I always wanted to go to Space Camp as a kid."  After they say those words I tell them about my experiences and make sure they know that they can still go as an adult.

It actually FELT like I was a kid again.”

There are also camps especially for those who are blind\visually impaired or have other special needs.

Dan Oates, who is the coordinator for Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students Said in an interview over email:

“As a result of Dr. Wernher Von Braun touring the U. S. Space & Rocket Centre in 1982.  He saw a need for children to attend a camp, similar to soccer camp, band camp, etc., where they could learn about science. This is why he created the camp.”

To date Space Camp has had over 650,000 graduates with 6 of those graduates actually going on to become astronauts.

Jennifer Linchy, who attended the camp in October, said:

“Ever since I was a child and I saw the movie "Space Camp" it was my dream to go and it initiated my interest in the sky above. I gave up on my dream to go to space when I was older but the Adult Space Camp allowed me to make my lifelong dream a reality. I am now moonstruck and I am counting the days until I can return again”.

Dan Oates, furthered:

“Space Camp is not for amateurs.  While there are many independent companies looking at flying civilians into space, the industry isn’t ready to take that step yet. For interested individuals who wish to go on camp. Simply go to http://www.spacecamp.com and register.”

Brian Simmons, from Illinois, who also attended said:

“I've always had an interest in space and Adult Space Camp brought together a group of sixteen people like me and taught us about teamwork, leadership and most importantly, building friendships”.

To go on the Adult Space Academy camp for three days it would cost $500, and for 4 days it is $600. The camp is open to anyone from any country but a good level of English is needed to fully participate in the program.

Extended Comments

Jennifer Linchy furthered:

“Last year I liked Space Camp's Facebook page. They posted about their adult programs and I had commented that it was on my bucket list and I dreamed of going”.

Andrew Rechenberg furthered:

“Living on the Space Camp campus makes you experience the same wonder and awe you felt when you thought about being an astronaut as a child. That feeling alone is worth the price of admission.

If you can take 3-5 days away from your "regular" life, you won't regret spending them like an astronaut at Adult Space Academy”.

listen to ‘TheBlindJournalist: Space Camp Story Teaser ’ on audioBoom

TheBlindJournalist: Inventor of Vimto To Be Remembered

The cordial, Vimto is a much loved drink across the world. But did you know the inventor was from Blackburn? John Noel Nichols is to be remembered by a plaque which will be placed outside his house on Adelaide Terrace. 

In this post you will find an audio interview with Ray Smith from Blackburn Local History Society and a Piece To Camera from myself outside the house of John Noel Nichols.

Work Experience

The joys of working life – well I say work but it was work experience. There were many and I aim in this post to define what they were.

 

At University we are educated about the theory and practice of journalism, in a variety of different contexts, through modules. This is done to prepare us for working life and to mould us into employable individuals, with the relevant skills needed to be professional journalists. Even though we are given assignments which make us put into practice what we have learnt. I found that until you find yourself in a real working life environment, you don’t appreciate the value of what you learn. On the other hand however, it is only until you are ‘in the field’ that you truly learn, regardless of how many assignments you do.  

 

I shadowed various industry professionals and also was on placement at BBC Radio Lancashire. The beauty of this placement was I got treated as a fellow member of the team and I was given tasks to do for the programmes that would air on the radio. Although this may seem a daunting task, it is actually the best way to learn. I was sent out to conduct vox pops that would air on the drive-time show, be a reporter and interview Steven Burke MBE, who won a gold medal at the Olympics for cycling, and also produce a package on Asian carers. As well as partaking in production meetings and sharing ideas for programmes and stories.

 

The shadowing was arranged partyly through myself but mainly by Deborah Robinson, UCLan Senior Broadcast Journalism Lecturer. I was offered the work placement by John Clayton following on from a careers event at UCLan. All these opportunities were perfect for my Work Placement module, JN3048. The best part of the placement for me was not only producing the work but working with professional journalists and listening to my work going out live on the radio. The skills which I gained from working with professional journalists and working for a highly acclaimed radio station cannot be taught in a classroom.  

 

There is an old saying which states “Actions speak louder than words.” Going on work experience showed me this because regardless of how many hours you spend in a library or classroom. Only when you are putting theory in to practice you will truly learn.

 

Note: Nothing will prepare you for the 8am starts though!

TheBlindJournalist: Asian Carer Interview

Listen to my interview with Shenaz Ibrahim, a business woman from Darwen, who has chosen to care for her elderly mum at home on top of looking after her husband, children and business. Find out why by hitting play. Produced for BBC Radio Lancashire.

listen to ‘TheBlindJournalist: Asian Carer Package’ on Audioboo

TheBlindJournalist: Dom Smith Interview

A big house, lots of money, family, love? I pondered to myself trying to answer the million dollar question; what is the key to happiness?

Hoping to unlock the answer I went and interviewed Dominic Smith, who has been voted one of the happiest men in the UK.

It isn’t hard to realise why Dom Smith, a disabled 27-year-old from York, has been awarded this title. As soon as I saw him I was greeted with a heart-warming smile and firm hand shake.

I sit down with Dom, over a nice cup of tea, and ask him:

Q: What is your official job title and how long have you been doing that job? 

I am the editor and publisher of Soundsphere magazine and Soundspheremag.com. I am also the co-founder of Disabled Entrepreneurs and The Creative Condition. 

Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters? 

I have one sister, and four step-sisters and one step-brother.

Q; How did you become one of the happiest men in the UK - were you nominated?

I'm still not sure how that happened. I got a tweet saying I was in the Independent on Sunday as part of their 2013 Happy List. It was awesome. I guess someone researched me, and the stuff that I do! It's a great feeling.

Q: When you look at yourself in the mirror, do you see yourself as one of the happiest men in the UK?

Most days. Some days more than others I do feel that way, but whenever I feel sad, I think about all the inspirational people who are out there and all of my awesome family and friends. Also, the fact that I have a very cool job helps!

Q: What does it take to be one of the happiest men in the UK?

I would say, at the core: Determination. Drive. Social skills, or the ability to just talk to people and be nice. The ability to chill out. Always making sure you treat everyone with respect, because then you get it back. Finding a way to be useful to others is also important. Soundsphere and Disabled Entrepreneurs are huge tools for people to use for promotion and support, and having the ability to do that makes me very happy. 

Q: Why do you think you are one of the happiest men in the UK?

Because I'm probably the luckiest person I know.

Q: Do you feel your upbringing or family life is one of the reasons you are so happy?

Absolutely. I had the greatest support from family and friends growing up. I am eternally grateful to everyone that helped me get to where I am. All of my family are really cool.

Q: For some people money, women, or chocolate makes them happy. What puts a smile on your face?

All of those things make me happy too! I'd say mostly, putting a smile on other people's faces. Knowing I've helped a band or entrepreneur do something, or I've helped someone get a cool job with a reference. I'm constantly meeting awesome people that keep me motivated and inspired to keep going.

Q: On the flip side; what makes you sad or angers you?

Escalators. I hate them.

Q: What advice would you give to all those people who always complain that they aren't happy with their life?

I think it's down to circumstance. I've met people who haven't had the support I had growing up, who have done some wonderful things in their lives, and inspired others. I think it's important to understand that not everybody can be happy all the time, I'm not!

I think that it's important to celebrate the smallest things in life, and a lot of those small things can happen throughout a day; being able to get up, having a good conversation with a friend, seeing someone you haven't seen in an age, eating a particularly great food, going to a gig, helping someone at work. Everyone has the potential to do immense good in this world. Not for fame, or money necessarily. And, while your happiness or good deeds may not impact the world, they'll have a great impact on the others around you. I think by doing as many good things as possible, it attracts and brings happiness to you. 

Q: What is your outlook on life?

Don't worry be happy.

Q: Do you have any role models or inspirational figures that motivate you?

Shane Bratby (Disabled Entrepreneurs) for his strength of character, Mike Cooper (The Creative Condition) for his determination. My dad for his drive, my mum for her patience, and my sister for her patience.

In terms of celebrity? Marilyn Manson for not giving a f*** about trends or appearance in music and art when I was growing up. Also, every Paralympic athlete ever. There are loads! The human race and its potential is astounding, most of the time.

Q: To smile it costs nothing but why do you think people don't smile often enough?

Because they don't drink enough tea. Also, they don't appreciate the little things, and are always going after stressful stuff! Everyone's always running about, not just in work (which is fine because there are deadlines...), but in every day life, nobody ever stops to appreciate what they have, and the opportunities that are right there. It's not about the stuff you don't have – the job, the car, the fame. Everybody you meet, from people on the streets, to producers, artists and whoever can create a new exciting opportunity for you. If you have nothing. Then go find something, and someone that can support you, and help you to have something. People will help, and they'll be happy because of it. Support others, and help others to be happy, and you'll be happy too. The more you do that, the more people will help you, and the more support you'll get from more people. That's just my opinion, though!

Q: How do you deal with pressure or stress?

I drink tea. Lots of tea. And chat to friends.

Q: Can you describe yourself in one word?

Chaotic.

After another firm handshake and heart-warming smile I thank Dom and end the interview.

A big house, lots of money, family, love? Well actually its all of these things and more. But tea is the key.