Censored by Laurie

I feel its the Caliphate to which you refer to the idea of global denomination. The Caliphate is a unified, political Islamic state, the last one being the Ottoman Empire which came to an end in the early 20th century and has remained abolished by Muslim leader ship since 1924. Many traditionalist Muslim organizations have sought to re-institute the Caliphate with a leader known as a Caliphe who has governing and economic say so over all Muslim lands under the Caliphate. It is not an agressive colonialism of Islam. If this is not to what you're refering, please find me Koranic passages which abdicate unprovoked violence and global denomination...full passages, not single verses such as Surah 9:5 which have been repeatedly mis-used.

Western occupation of the Middle East...Muslims tried the global expansionist agenda in the 10th and 11th centuries and found, like so many, it doesn't work. There is no interst of any Muslim to convert the entire world to Islam. "Fight and slay the pagens wherever you find them" Surah9:5 Verses 1-4 of Surah 9 refer to the Pagens as with whom Muslims had made treaties and alliances with, and then had those alliances defied and broken by the Pagens...essentially it was a declaration of war. The following verse: "If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah. and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge." Surah 9:6 this is the most common passage from the Koran that has been taken out of context...there are a few others if this wasn't the quote you were refering to. see above for you infidels response. As for Israel...how exactly was that nation formed? I'll just cut and paste a part of a message I sent to Plumm a few weeks ago when we got off on a similar topic: A good starting point to fully understand this conflict is the formation of the state of Israel in 1948. 1200 years of religious conflict were brought to a head when a Jewish community was carved into an all Muslim region with very little attempt at diplomacy...lands of spititual importance were simply taken from Islamic states...Palestinians have been without a country since '49...any sort of Arab/Israeli conflict America blindly sides with Israel...we look at the car bombs exploding in Israel as acts of terrorism, yet completly ignore the missles and rockets flying ito Lebanesse schools or Syrian Mosques. I feel my overall point is that your ire shouldn't be directed at Islam. The conflicts and wars we are currently mirred in are the result of years of political mismanagement and diplomatic ignorance on both sides of the issue. Paint me in whatever light you feel fit...I am not anti-American for my sentiment, nor am I pro Al-Queda...and I don't believe that attempting to understand the motives for why certain groups act in the ways they do make me as such. I am pro peace and anti war as I feel and hope most of you are.

THANK YOU!!!!

Lets not confuse an act of political defiance with one of religious motivations...nor would I call it routine. The act is grotesque and the majority of Muslims in Iraq and neighboring countries were outraged. Al Queda is a political organization whose membership happen to be Muslim. They're goal is to end Western occupation and establish a strong, unified Muslim state as is outlined in the Koran. Their goals are reasonable...they're means in achieving those goals are saddistic, counter-productive and hypocritical to their religious views.

I'm not sure Im following your logic on the Big East split. Are you suggesting that the Big East cut ties with their non-football schools because that would never happen. The Big East is a basketball conference and Georgetown, St. Johns and Villanova are founding members and not going anywhere.

Why is everybody so quick to lock threads down on here...even if they're off topic? If you don't want to be a part of the discussion as its developing...don't be a part of it...but threads that lead off topic still draw interesting conversation, I understand thats not what the forum is for but there are plenty of threads dedicated to hats if thats what you'd rather discuss. 1. Every single reference, talking point or joke involving the death penalty involves Texas. Now, despite my above statement, I don't want to get this discussion going towards the death penalty, but I just feel if it is used it ought be used a little less liberally (word play is fun)...and you may want to check out the cost evaluation either way...may surprise you. 2. Good. Lets get our law school up and running and use UNT graduated lawyers to go after him. 3. The statement simply shows an intolerance for other faiths, and you expect from a political leader a bit more tact and at the very least public acceptance of other beliefs.

In a very deep SBC East, Middle Tennesse will be competitive...however they are the poster boy for the "year away" label. The Blue Raiders will have one senior in Adam Vogelsburg, assuming the shooting guard plans to come back to the team after a year lay-off. If not, the Middle Tennessee roster will be led by seven juniors and a handful of talented underclassmen. Coach Kermit Davis has brought some respectability to the MTSU program, however his teams have stalled out in the SBC semi-finals the past 3 seasons. Davis may be given a pass this year, however 08-09 may be his hot seat season. Projected Starters: PG. Kevin Kanaskie 6'2" 182 Jr.SG. Adam Vogelsburg 6'4" 180 Sr. / Calvin O'Neil 6'4" 190 Jr.SF. Demetrius Green 6'4" 190 Jr.PF. Desmond Yates 6'7" 220 Soph.C. Uriah Hethington 6'9" 215 Jr.Frontcourt: Gone from Murfreesboro are stalwart posts Kyle Young (6'10" 220) and Tim Blue (6'9" 220). Both were solid players, however both saw their production decrease last season as Kermit Davis moved to a more up-tempo style. Desmond Yates (6'7" 220 Soph.) excelled in his freshman season. While the athletic forward averaged 10.9 points per game, foul trouble limited what could've been a monster debut season. Yates fouled out of 5 contests last season and his best games, including a 23 point performance against Arkansas State, were those where he avoided cheap personals. A year of maturity should help. Perhaps Yates' greatest upside is his ability to shoot free throws, shooting 73% for the season, including a 15-16 shooting display against New Orleans. Highly anticipated is Uriah Hethington's (6'9" 215 Jr.) arrival in Murfreesboro. The JUCO transfer lefty post has a 36-inch vertical and should thrive in a fast paced attack. Hethington's arrival will push returnee Theryn Hudson (6'10" 235) into a reserve role. Hudson is the strongest member of the Blue Raiders and will be counted on to be a defensive cog. Hudson managed solid numbers last season (5.9ppg, 3.6rpg) however he doesn't fit well into the system Davis is implementing and will have to increase his mobility to increase his minutes. Deno Hair (6'9' 200 Soph.) should see an expanded role once Hudson's minutes decrease. Hair is an athletic, long armed forward whose contribution was minimal last season (1.9ppg, .9rpg), but the former Alabama Mr. Basketball may be asked to look for his offense more this season. JUCO transfer Dexter Powell (6'5" 200) and freshman Josh Sain (6'5" 190) will see time in smaller line-ups while Kevin Dodd (6'9" 205 Fr.) is expected to redshirt.Backcourt: Adam Vogelsburg's (6'4" 180 Sr.) return would be a huge boost, however the Raiders are by no means lost without the sharpshooter. Vogelsburg sat out almost all of last season after leading the team in scoring during the 05-06 season (12.4ppg) complaining of burn out. Vogelsburg's departure last season allowed Kevin Kanaskie (6'2" 182 Jr.) to develop into one of the best guards in a guard rich conference. Kanaskie led the Raiders in scoring (12.2ppg), is MTSU's leading returning rebounder (3.8rpg) and led the Sun Belt in assists (5.8apg). Kanaskie thrives in an up-tempo style, has a high basketball IQ and will push for first team all SBC recognition in 07-08. Whatever Vogelsburg decides, much will be expected from Demetrius Green (6'4" 190 Jr.). Green sat out last season after transferring from Daytona Beach CC where he earned JUCO All-America honors. Green is touted as a well rounded wing who will take scoring pressure off of Kanaskie. Juniors Calvin O'Neil (6'4" 190) and Nigel Johnson (6'2" 185) split time in the starting line-up last season and one or both may be counted on heavily to increase their productivity if Vogelsburg doesn't return. O'Neil is the most likely to start at the 2, but he needs to become more consistent; dropping 21 on Troy and 17 on Ul-Lafayette, yet scoring two or fewer seven times. Johnson was steadier, but is counted on to back up Kanaskie at the point. Darren Avery (6'3" 200 Soph.) is a strong wing who will be looking to improve upon an under-impressive freshman campaign (2.3ppg, 1.0rpg). Recruits Broderick Gilchrist (6'0" 180) and Antwann Boyd (6'2" 190) are talented guards, but will have tough competition in front of them in a crowded backcourt. Summary: Vogelsburg's return is important, but by no means a season make-or-breaker, and while it would be nice to have a senior on the roster, its tough to say how much senior leadership a guy who left the team for season and a half could provide. Kevin Kanaskie was asked to do a lot last season, and while he responded well, help is always nice. Winning the Sun Belt West this season is unlikely this year for Kermit Davis; anything short of that goal next season may cost him his job. Davis has a roster full of talented, young players and should be focused on developing chemistry and perfecting a new system this season. MTSU may finish just out of the East basement this year, with or without Vogelsburg, however look for them to be a favorite in 08-09.

Where are you seeing he bashed Governor Good Hair? Being critical of a political leader isn't exactly bashing him/her...I know little of how the law school bill was killed, but SE's if mis-informed belief that the bill was killed because of unpopular riders being atached is very feasible and happens all of the time, especially in state legislatures. Now...if you would like to bash Governor Perry...these topics are so much more usable than the UNT law school issue: overuse of the death penaltyTXU bribes and ignoring environmental concerns"If you live your life and don't confess your sins to God Almighty through the authority of Christ and His blood, I'm going to say this very plainly, you're going straight to hell with a nonstop ticket." appealing to his Jewish, Muslim and agnostic constiuency"Adios...mofo"-Gov. Rick Perry

Seems UNT had 380,000 reasons to name the HOF after "TD" Parks

Florida International has tenativly added 2 members to their 2007 recruiting class, and both come from the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference, from which FIU has add many players in recent years, including 07 recruit Badara N'Diaye: Nestor Colmenares 6'7" 210 PF Indian Hills CCSadell Ayala 6'3" 205 SG/SF Iowa Western CCColmenares is an Ivan Almonte clone, an active, undersized power forward who gets many of his points on offensive putbacks. He averaged 14 points and an ICCAC leading 7 rebounds per contest last season and will have 3 years of eligibility remaining. Ayala is a 2,3 combo who averaged 12 points, 6 boards and 3 assists last season. The only thing that may hold back the Colmenares signing is FIU's APR...which may cut 2 scholarships from the Panther basketball program. If Colmenares does come to Miami he could be a huge piece for the Panthers next season. His arrival would allow Alex Galindo to slide over to the 3, his natural position. Even if Colmenares' scoring is minimal, Galindo's would increase exponetially by moving to the wing...and would improve FIU's depth with either Chris Fuller or Kenneth White becoming a dangerous 6th man.

Hot Carl. Then get him drafted by Cleveland. He'll be throwing Cleveland Steamers to Rocky Shocker in no time...and the Browns just seem like the natural fit.

By our nationally recognized, traditional and long standing uniforms of course.

3-d talon? would we have to pass out paper red and blue glasses...that could be a tradition

Florida St.GeorgiaOhio StateClemsonNC StatePurdueseems kinda big time to me

Does this mean some / most /all of UNO's recruits are jumping ship?

I just give Tiffani the Wasian the pin for my debit card and tell her to just take as much as she wants...few give me happy pants the way she does

Who is this guy...our last coach probably couldn't make these claims. Welcome to the Mean Green family...we're small and close knit at the moment but we're spreading our seed across the country in hopes of expanding. As for the Denton scene: Get in on a friday night, grab some great food from El Guapo's, Sweetwater or Loophole...then, since your already near or on the square, just stay there and drink til 2...Hailey's and Dan's Silverleaf will be your live music venues (both are about a block off the square) so check their schedules...Hailey's also has about 50 or so beers on tap...after the show head to Loophole and/or Hooligans...or if you're after a drunk 20 year old sorority girl...head to Atticus. Wake up the next day about noon...thank the now hungover 20 year old soroity girl, say youll call and that it meant a lot ect...go to New York Sub Way on University for the best sandwich in town, but only get a small b/c you'll have plenty of food options at tailgating. Head up to Fouts between one and two...I'm sure you'll have plenty of invites. Drink cold Shiner, Lone Star and if you meet up with some classy folk, Ziegenboch (hmmmmmmm) and some great food until about 6...pack up...head on in, 3 hours of Papa Todd running up the score...then off to Fry St. Tavern is probably the place you'll run into the most UNT fans from the game...but take the time to enjoy Lucky Lou's and Riprocks...probably the best plan is to hit them up first, enjoy a couple beers on their patios...then head to Tavern and let UNT_92 get you drunk...don't tip him though...he does it for the love of the job

Man, I love the pride sticker...I hope Papa Todd adds the look...maybe the Flying Worm.

Are we running on the EA sport premise that the 2007 college football season is represented by NCAA 08? Just curious as you parallel Reality 06 and 07 representing the 2005, 2006 seasons. Just feel it may get a little confussing to this guy...although so might actual human interaction so your direct email may be entirely over his head. Aside from that minor concern...I love it.

I think the OU game is the "surprise they hung around for 4 quarters and lost by 10" game...the SMU game is the "last year wasn't a fluke, Phil Bennett is about to go find a coordinator job" game...the Navy game is the "turned the corner and the offense is starting to click" game and next year winning our first "money game" will be the "statement game."

I feel we're getting back to where we were as a conference in the mid to late 90s and early part of the 00s. In 1995 WKU was an 8 seed and beat Michigan in the NCAA tourney. In 2002 WKU was a 9 seed and lost to Stanford. In between we had 11, 12 and 13 seeded teams. Last year UNT was a 15. The drop is due in large part to WKU not building off of its success and consistantly competing for the SBC title. In 2001 - 2002 we were in equal company with conferences like the West Coast, Missouri Valley and Horizon...Gonzaga, Creighton and Butler seperated themselves as the elite teams of their conference...as did WKU. The difference is that Gonzaga, Creighton and Butler have maintained their program...WKU hasn't been to a tourney since 2003...and since these conferences are getting multiple bids every year. In terms of basketball respectability nationally, the SBC has 4 recognizable programs: South Alabama, WKU, UL-Lafayette and New Orleans...USA's collapse last season hurt the Sun Belt greatly. The D-1 transfer recruiting philosophy is relativly new for the Sun Belt...and will continue for the next 3-5 years. The reason its increased in past years is the new age restrictions on the NBA draft. Most elite basketball programs will have very few seniors in the coming years...the top 15-25 high school kids who used to go straight in to the NBA draft will now go to your UNC's, Kansas's UT's and UCLA's of the basketball world, stay one season and leave and these programs will see a never ending revolving door of players. Those moderate recruits pulled in by these schools..the 3 star guy who sees little action his first two seasons, biding his time and hoping to make an impact as a senior will have a smaller window of opportunity to show what he can do in lew of Kevin Durant like players being brought in and playing in front of him. These are talented players leaving for conferences like the SBC. I feel soon enough these moderate recruits will say "f UT...I want to go to UNT and play all four years...or atleast 3...I don't want to go somewhere, sit a bench for 2 years only to realize I'm never going to play here." Best case scenerio to get a second bid some time soon: One SBC school, lets say WKU, dominates the Belt this coming year...beats their SEC or ACC opponents...plays a school like UNT in the SBC tourney and losses a double OT thriller...UNT goes with the auto bid and WKU gets an at-large.

I can't wait to get the game and run a halfback dive right on third and 18...somethings never get old.

It is a shame about Little...for USA and the Sun Belt as a whole. That makes two of the best big men in the conference gone with eligibility remaining (Isaac Wells). We should be getting closer to an at-large bid this year so losing players of this quality hurts conference respectability

Fair enough...lets just copy Amon Carter sans the upper deck (for now) and keep my grassy knoll opposite the athletic center...also I'd prefer the seating go more vertically than most places, like an English soccer stadium.