Business, economic development - the unofficial Chamber of Commerce

What’s your life like? Tony Yayo’s is real. G-Unit’s
incarcerated scarface, who’s bounced in and out of federal
penitentiaries during 50 Cent’s ascension to the top of the
pops, is real, like milk. And his debut album, undoubtedly the
most long coming and anticipated release from G-Unit, Thoughts
Of A Predicate Felon, bleeds this reality. “My album is all fact
no fiction,” says the 26 year-old Yayo, “Everything on there is
things I’ve done or seen—as a matter of fact, most of the album
was written in jail and that’s why the aggressive records are so
hard.” Replete with brooding, violent beats, courtesy of
super-producers like Dr. Dre, Eminem and Havoc of Mobb Deep, and
vicious punch lines, Thoughts promises to be G-Unit’s most
street release. “I been with 50 since day one, so I’ve studied
the way that he makes records,” he says, “So I know you gotta
make the club records and the records for girls, but I also know
that what makes G-Unit G-Unit is we make the best street records
in the industry.”

And no one is better equipped to feed the street than Yayo.
Since a young pup, he let the gun buck, and it was this reckless
abandon that attracted a teenaged 50 Cent to him back when they
ran the Southside of Queens. All it took was a chance encounter
on a Jamaica corner for the two to see their likeness in one
another. “50, he could see in me that I live, and we both rapped
too, so it was just a natural friendship,” says Yayo, who
idolized rap legends like Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap, “So we
started working together on the street and then when he started
taking rap more seriously he took me along too ‘cause he knew I
was nice.”

During the mid-nineties while 50 made inroads to the industry,
working with Jam Master Jay and then the Trackmasters, Yayo got
his rep up on the battle circuit bringing it to other Queens
rappers like local stars, the Lost Boyz.. “I was taking
everybody out back then,” he remembers. But just when 50 was
about make his leap to stardom he was gunned down with the
infamous 9 slugs. But the two, now joined by young boy Lloyd
Banks, turned the seeming tragedy to triumph. “As soon as 50
recovered we went to work on the mixtapes,” says Yayo who
loyally played his position despite the seemingly insurmountable
opposition against them, “and that’s when he created G-Unit.”
The trio went to war with the industry that was afraid to touch
them and recorded “Bad News”, Yayo’s first official vocal
appearance, and then went to work on 50 Cent Is The Future,
which secured Fif his fortuitous Shady/Aftermath deal. Yayo
stood out on the early mixtapes due to his unbridled energy and
laugh out loud punchlines, which anchored the nimble wordplay of
Banks and sing-songy fluidness of 50.

But during the summer of 2002, just when all the pieces were
coming into place, Yayo caught a gun charge in his Queens
neighborhood. Yayo threw caution to the wind and refused to turn
himself in, instead recording countless verses for G-Unit
mixtapes, as well as hitting the road with 50 on his fall tour.
He was able to fully establish himself as a primary member of
G-Unit, make a guest appearance on 50’s 11X platinum debut Get
Rich Or Die Tryin’, and develop close relationships with Eminem
and Dr. Dre. But, as he knew it would, Yayo’s charge caught up
with him in December of ’02 when 50’s entourage was detained by
the NYPD outside of the Copa Cabana nightclub.

“Doing that bid wasn’t easy, ‘cause I knew how crazy it was
getting on the outside,” says Yayo. He did his time and by early
2004 Yayo was back in society and ready to record.

“I have the most love for Banks and Buck, because they held
their albums so that they could make sure that I got a verse on
them,” he says, “I only got the one bonus cut off on the G-Unit
album and they knew it was important for me to get out there to
get the buzz going again.” In addition, Yayo made stellar guest
appearances on The Game’s triple platinum debut as well as 50’s
already 5 times platinum The Massacre. All the while, trapped
under ankle restraint parole, he crafted his album with the help
of G-Unit co-founder and executive producer Sha $XL, who fed him
strictly the hottest beats.

The result is a prototypical G-Unit album, with magnificent,
universal beats, and a balanced mix of records for b-boys,
d-boys and the ladies. “I’ve spent so long working with 50 at
this point that I’ve more or less learned how to make great
records, ‘cause he’s a master,” he says. And records like “So
Seductive,” which Yayo actually conceived and wrote on his own
before 50 added on his contribution, exemplify his dexterous
understanding of songwriting. “I did that record before 50 did
“Candy Shop” and that’s the reason that he said ‘so seductive’
at the beginning, ‘cause he thought my record was so crazy.” In
addition to the crossover smash, the album has street bangers
like “Homicide”, the Domingo produced murder rap which Yayo uses
to kick off the LP, and the clever “Tattle Teller,” an ode to
history’s most infamous snitches, as well slick ballads for that
special lady, like “I’m Curious” and “Project Princess”, which
showcase Yayo’s ability to step out of the street and into the
bedroom with comfort and ease, featuring R&B quartet Jagged Edge
and crooner Joe.

Thought of A Predicate Felon is a balanced and well-rounded LP,
if ever there was one. It clearly stands as a testament to Tony
Yayo’s versatility, and his ability to stand on his own
artistically. Though he receives helping hands from friends like
50 and Eminem, as well as Banks, Buck and Obie Trice (who,
incidentally, delivers an incredible verse on “Drama Setter”,
along side Yayo and Em) it is Yayo who shines throughout the
album with his playful punchlines (“Steven Segal, I used to love
his karate / But even he snitched on Peter Gotti”) and unmatched
charisma. Tony Yayo can’t be stopped. He’s been patiently
waiting, polishing his skills and preparing for fame and fortune
for so long that it is doubtful anything can slow his roll. Real
recognizes real, and Tony Yayo is the real talk of New York.
Braaa-ttttt!

Tony Yayo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Silver Spring, Maryland-November 15, 2004-A very special evening at the AFI Theater for the premier of the feature film Postmark Paradise, took place earlier this year. The film stared Russian actress/singer Natalia Nazarova as a Russian mail order bride tricked into coming to America.

The executive producer of the film, Elliot Grysen and the writer Dan Slider, were present to interact with the audience after the screening. Many people came to private screening, including over 100 mail order brides from Russia and their American husbands. Movie buffs and Russian immigrants alike had an ideal opportunity to interact with the producers and offer their input on the film. The positive feedback was that the film gave an accurate portrayal of a mail order bride in a strange new world. The character portrayed by Nazarova, Viktoria, is a witty and charming individual that becomes a spirited, uplifting presence in a small community. One bride commented, “She does not play the victim, she is what many Russian people are really like.”

Natasha Spivak, President of Encounters International, who founded the Premiere Russian Mail Order Bride Service in the U.S., was also present to give her feedback. Postmark was the real thing to her and all of the brides.

As Postmark Paradise continues to gather momentum and garner critical acclaim worldwide, the name Natalia Nazarova becomes synonymous with the true American presence of Russian mail order brides. After viewing the film and witnessing the success of the premier, mail order bride takes on an entirely different meaning. This event served as a landmark in the young actress’s career and it surely will be the beginning of a long and successful stay in films.

For additional information concerning production of the film, please contact Ellliot Grysen
at (800) 727-1470.

You may also visit:
www.NataliaNazarova.com
www.PostmarkParadise.com
www.encount.com
www.vanguardcinema.com

###

The game of backgammon is one that will come as a set, usually
not that expensive, but if you really want to enjoy the game of
backgammon you will need backgammon supplies that are more to
your personal liking, and more to fit your gaming needs.

Some of the various types of backgammon supplies out there
include:

A flat surface - a table where you can enjoy the backgammon game
without the interference of others. Some people enjoy a sturdy
card table but there are many types of octagon tables, which
make you feel as if you are really focused on the game, and that
the backgammon game is the center of attention. The Internet is
a great place to find your needs as to the above.

A board - while you can purchase the simple board game with
complete supplies, customizing your experience is one well
worthwhile. A large board one that shows points and rules, or
such has become all the rage as backgammon players want to see
more and experience more during their playing time.

Dice cups - you do have choices in the cups you use during your
game. From dice cups that have the backgammon look, to the cups
that are personalized or that have the unique feel and look of
the casino, backgammon dice cups are a growing gift for gamers.
Leather, plastic or glass cups are available for the backgammon
dice throwers.

Backgammon checkers - the checkers or pieces that are used by
those who love the game of backgammon can be large, small,
glass, gold or colored. The world of backgammon is one that can
personalized for your gaming experience and if you want to truly
customize your backgammon game, find a type of backgammon
checker that fits your own personality for a great time.

Dice - all types of dice are out in the world for backgammon
use. From the casino style flashy dice, to the plastic, gold,
weighted, or fancy dice you can choose from, there is sure to be
a type of dice out there for everyone. Personalize your game of
backgammon by using a dice that excites you and that makes you
want to roll more often!

For all occasions, from birthdays to holidays, backgammon gifts,
and accessories make wonderful gifts. Gifts for the gamer
include all those that are listed above, but in addition, you
might want to check out carrying case leather or hardbound for
those special gifts you want to give. Backgammon games make a
great gift for anyone because this is such a special game that
everyone of all ages can play and have so much fun.

© backgammonholygrail.com

Have you ever watched a TV magic special and wondered, “How is
that possible?” have you ever been curious as to how the top
magicians accomplish some of their most extraordinary feats?

Soon you won’t be wondering; you’ll be trying them out for
yourself!

Let’s start with one of the oldest tricks in the book, but one
of the best and most vividly compelling - levitation!

Levitation

Since you’re interested in magic and illusion I’m going to bet
you’ve heard of levitation before. Perhaps you’ve even seen a
magician perform this incredible trick and wondered, “How the
heck is he doing that?!” Well, hold onto your hat, because
you’re about to learn how.

First off, what is levitation? We all know what it looks like -
the act of floating off or above the ground. It’s sort of like
flying. All the great magicians try to perfect this trick
because it’s one of the most simply visually arresting illusions
in existence. And it’s actually not that hard to do….

We practical magicians know that there is some trickery involved
in levitation as a performance. However, there are those who
believe in the real phenomenon of levitation as a form of
psychokinesis, or the ability to move objects just with the
power of the mind. The only people said to be able to perform
levitation in reality are the spiritual elite, or those
possessed by spiritual forces, like shamans, people in trances,
or those possessed by a devil.

Now I don’t know anyone who’s actually seen a REAL levitation
outside a magic performance, so take this for what you will….

I mean, you can sit on the floor and meditate and wait to “lift
off,” but unless you’re really in possession of some special
supernatural forces I don’t think you’re going to have too much
luck!

What I am here to show you is how to perform the trick of
levitation, to give your audience the impression that you are
floating, or else causing some other object to float.

Levitation as a magic illusion has recently been practiced in
the public sphere by such magic superstars as David Blaine and
David Copperfield. Copperfield even performed a spectacular
stunt in which he appeared to float over the Grand Canyon!!

All smoke and mirrors? TV special effects? Not exactly…

This article was extracted from the book ‘Discover The Magic
Trick Secrets You’re Not Supposed To Know’. To find out more
please visit www.DiscoverMagicTricks
.com

Perhaps, optical illusion and magic are no different from each
other for both share the same effects: they amaze and fascinate
and deceive the human eye.

A suspecting audience will lose the chance of catching the trick
if you are perfectly endowed with sleight of hand skill and
interest.

Your eyes can be deceived both by magician’s hand dexterity and
apparent psychological persuasion (patter). The apparent patter
of a magician combined with quicksilver hand skill is a perfect
match to a dubious crowd.

Practical Optical Illusions

Optical illusions can be carried out in front of a large or
medium size audience or can be performed using pictures
especially if you have no immediate contact with the person you
are trying to communicate with.

Pictures that visibly change their color or physically modifies
along the way to keeping a long stare at them or by following
simple rules or instruction helps you baffle your friends and
amaze them of your ingenuity.

Optical Illusion is Magic

Magic is based on optical illusion because it involves the use
of deceitful tricks that tends to help you perform the
unnatural. Some of the most famous illusionists of time like
Harry Houdini perform magic using a technique called Pepper’s
Ghost.

In Pepper’s Ghost illusory technique, the use of glass fibers
are perfectly positioned to create a hologram figure of the
object you are trying to hide. Special effects and the use of
black background are also critical to the performance of
technique.

In the late 1800s, Harry Houdini first performed his major magic
trick in front of a large audience by making an elephant
disappear and making if appear again according to his own
willing.

Since then, a lot of his contemporaries began making use of this
type of strategy until it was patented in the late 1860.

Magic is a type of Illusion

You can hardly separate magic from optical illusion because the
one is characteristic of the other. Magic involves the use of
tricks that involve the quick hand and the use of colors and
objects that seem to block the actual image of the main subject.

Specific productions (magic types) are achieved which shadows
the image of the main object being given attention to.

For example, a glass of water that is apparently empty is
actually lined with a clear material while the inside is stuff
with material which you may show to your audience as a product
of your magic (coins flowing from an empty bottle) when taken
out.

If you’re on a first date and you’re trying to figure out what Mr. or Ms. Potentially Right thinks about you, look downward.

Not there, silly.

“The key to a man’s heart isn’t his stomach. It’s his feet,” says Lisa Daily, author of “Stop Getting Dumped!” (Subtitle: “All You Need to Know to Make Men Fall Madly in Love With You and Marry ‘The One’ in 3 Years or Less.”)

As it turns out, the foot rule also applies to women.

“Watch the feet of the person you’re attracted to,” she tips AdamandDrew.com. “People who are attracted to each other subconsciously try to ‘line up’ with the other person. Where the toes point, the heart follows.”

When you take the Sherlock Holmes approach to reading your date, trying to sleuth out whether he/she thinks you’re hot (or not), body language is the smoking gun, my dear Watson.

“Even if we’ve got our game faces on, the body doesn’t lie,” Daily says.

In fact, studies reveal that only 7% of our communication is verbal, according to Mari Smith, a relationship coach based in San Diego, California. The other 93% is nonverbal.

Tips & Clues

Men send out the following tips when they’re interested in you, according to Daily and Smith:

- Smiling.
- Extended eye contact.
- Grooming behaviors (straightening their ties, pulling up their socks).
- Upright stance or posture.
- Standing with their chests thrust outward and shoulders back (think of a giant preening peacock).
- Ego-driven comments about their successes in life (jobs, cash, their cars).

“He may have one hand in his pocket, with his thumb sticking out, or tuck his thumbs in his belt,” Smith adds.

As for the so-called “fairer” sex, look for the following nonverbal cues from a woman:

- Extended eye contact and smiling (just like men).
- Leaning inward or toward you.
- Exposing her neck, hands or palms.
- Flipping her hair (with her hands or a twist of the head) or twirling it playfully.
- Crossing and uncrossing her legs.
- Fondling cylindrical objects like the stem of a wine glass, straw, pen or cigarette. (Paging Dr. Freud…)

“Houston, We Have a Problem”

“For both sexes, there are also signs that things are not going well,” says Daily, who notes that distasteful dates, traumatic breakups and consequent crisis periods often call for “a few Nora Ephron movies and two tubes of frozen cookie dough eaten right out of the package.”

Look for speech patterns that are wildly out of sync. “He’s a slow talker, while she’s a thousand-words-a-minute,” she says.

Defensive body language—arms crossed in front of the chest or hands subconsciously protecting the groin area.

Someone who keeps looking over your shoulder while you speak.

“When someone is not interested in you, they will typically point their body and feet away from you and position themselves at a greater distance,” Smith adds.

Saying Goodnight…or Saying Goodbye?

As your date winds down, other cues foreshadow your relationship’s future.

“If you give your date a hug on the doorstep and he or she pats you on the back, it’s a sign of discomfort,” Daily says. “The more uncomfortable your date feels, the bigger the pat. The other obvious, not-so-great sign is going in for the doorstep kiss—and getting a handshake instead.” (Ouch!)

Positive signals are much easier to read: a concrete invitation for a second date, with firm plans—not just “let’s do this again” or “I’ll call you sometime,” Daily says.

The Flirt Factor

Flirting with your date—and being on the receiving end—meets Sherlock’s criteria for irrefutable evidence that your lovely evening may evolve into a bona fide relationship.

Daily takes it one step further, asserting that flirting is “absolutely necessary.”

“Flirting is how we communicate our interest—and how we connect emotionally before we connect physically,” she says. “Generally, flirting is harmless, but it can sometimes be interpreted incorrectly by the ‘flirtee.’ The key is to pay attention to the tone of the flirtation and wait to see how the flirter responds if you try to take it up a notch. If she backs down, she was probably just flirting for fun. If she escalates the flirting in turn, she’s communicating interest.”

“Use attitude, voice and body synchronization to make others feel like they have a special rapport with you,” advises Nicholas Boothman, a communication specialist and author of “ How to Make Someone Love You Forever in 90 Minutes or Less.” He encourages those he counsels to learn to “access—and rev up—your sex appeal, without going over the top.”

Translation?

Create chemistry by mirroring your partner’s physical presence and verbal behavior.

“When you synchronize your overall body language, your tone, the speed and volume of your voice, and even the type of words you use—as well as your attitude—people feel safe, familiar and trusting with you,” he tells AdamandDrew.com.

Smith believes women have the edge—and a lot more fun—when it comes to flirting. (Sorry, guys…)

“Playful, lighthearted behavior is really the domain of women,” she says, “and typically men love it and gravitate toward the woman who looks the most fun. It certainly pays to familiarize yourself with all of the signs of attraction so you know how and when to communicate interest—and make sure you’re sending the right message!”

About the author:

Adam and Drew’s Dating Tips has a large variety of free articles that have been written by consulting ‘experts’ in the dating, flirting and relationship fields. Find out more at http://www.adamanddrew.com

WALDORFWORLDWIDE GOOD CHARLOTTE GOOD CHARLOTTE, THE BOOK
MOTIVATION PROCLAMATION EAST COAST ANTHEM THANK YOU MOM MY
BROTHER’S PLACE THE YOUNG AND HOPELESS LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH
AND THE FAMOUS PIRATES!

WALDORFWORLDWIDE The twin brothers that make up the core of Good
Charlotte were born on March 11, 1979 in the
“middle-of-nowhere-suburbs”, Waldorf, Maryland. The brothers,
Joel and Benji Madden were turned on to music by their older
brother, Josh. Their influences started with bands like Rancid,
Minor Threat, the Cure and the Smiths. Benji started learning to
play the guitar at 16 while Joel developed his vocal talent.

GOOD CHARLOTTE After their bassist, Paul guitarist Billy joined
the twins, Good Charlotte took their name from a children’s book
and played their first gig in a neighbor’s basement for an
audience of 20. Benji recalls, “We only played our own song so
we weren’t good enough to learn anyone else’s songs!”

GOOD CHARLOTTE, THE BOOK That children’s book they took their
name from has a similar theme to what they have come to
represent, it’s about a young girl that gets picked on by other
kids because she is different. These guys know what it is to be
outcasts.

MOTIVATION PROCLAMATION The brothers dedicated themselves to
their music, although they had almost no money for equipment and
no connections in the industry. They cut their first demo, wrote
their own bio, and began mailing packages off to a list of
record companies obtained from a magazine. “I wrote this letter
saying, we’re Good Charlotte and if you sign us now it will be a
lot cheaper than if you wait!” recalls Benji. “Our ignorance was
kind of a blessing. We couldn’t be discouraged by knowing too
much about how the business really works.”

EAST COAST ANTHEM When the twins graduated high school in 1997,
their mom presented them with two open airline tickets to
California as a graduation present. “Some of our favorite bands
like Green Day had started out at this East Bay club called 924
Gilman Street. So when we graduated, that summer we made a
pilgrimage to visit the club. We’d never even been on a plane
before, but we have an aunt in Berkeley who let us crash with
her.” This gave the band a whole new kind of outlook when they
returned home to the east coast.

THANK YOU MOM While living in Annapolis, Maryland, the band won
a local contest, and their song “Can’t Go On” was included on a
sample CD of local area talent. This helped them attract the
attention of a manager, and Lit offered a supporting slot on a
series of sold-out East Coast dates. “We had no money, no
transportation, and no way to do the gigs. Our mom was living in
like a shed on a neighbor’s property, and the only thing she
really owned was a mini-van. She said, you guys take the
mini-van to play the shows and I’ll catch rides or walk to work.
That just shows you how she’s been there for us the whole time.”
“Thank You Mom” is a hidden track on their first album, about a
minute after the last listed song, “Change”. The song is a rich
acoustic tune and shows where these “I’m so punky” rockers’
hearts really are.

MY BROTHER’S PLACE Despite their spiked hair and pierced
exterior, “Good Charlotte” is a poppy-slightly-emo-punk sound
that is clearly distinct from the rest of their peers and the
fans have taken notice. You’ll most likely never mistake them
for anyone else. Their recent hit album, “The Young and the
Hopeless” is a prime example of their punkrock-independent
attitude.

THE YOUNG AND HOPELESS Honesty is the thread that runs through
every song on The Young and Hopeless and binds Good Charlotte to
their devoted fans. “I don’t think we’re better than any other
band,” says Benji, “although I do think we’re more sincere, more
real, than some of them. We want to be judged for what we’re
really doing, not put in a genre with a bunch of other bands
with which we have nothing in common.”

LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND THE FAMOUS “We have a lot more to say
than some of the bands we’re compared with, and I hope people
will hear it on this album. The kids that we were, five years
ago just want to give those kids something to help them through
the day.” “Our goals right now as a band are to make the music
we want to make, and give our fans what they have given us -
positivity, dedication, loyalty, hope, truth, and a place to
belong. we really just feel like the luckiest guys in the world,
cause after all we just fans too.”

- Joel Madden

Movie and record producers alike are saying file-sharing
networks that permit its users the ability to make copies from
other network member’s computers are infringing on the copyright
laws and costing billions of dollars in lost revenue.

The recording industry claims to have lost 25% of it’s revenues
since computer, so called thieves, have been using peer-to-peer
file-sharing networks to obtain free music downloads.

The two latest file-sharing companies to be targeted by these
copyright lawsuits are Grokster Ltd, known for its Grokster
file-sharing software and StreamCast Networks Inc. from which
the Morpheus free music downloading software is distributed.

Unlike Napster, Grokster and Morpheus put a spin on the popular
file-sharing phenomenon. Instead of indexing the shared files
like Napster did, these file-sharing products enables it’s
network members to build their own indexes – thus allowing
others within the network to download free music and movie files.

While some musicians are protesting they are being cheated by
these illegal free music downloads – others are speaking out
backing how music, movies, pictures and copy are being shared
over the Internet.

Some music lovers actually use the file-sharing networks to
check out an artists latest release before paying up to $18 for
a CD that may only have one good song on it. You still will have
those that will never make a purchase and continue to take
advantage of the free music download networks.

Many file-sharing network users have said that using these
networks is good for the music industry. File-sharing can bring
listeners to smaller, independent bands that they may not
otherwise hear on radio or in the mainstream.

With the likes of Apple’s iTunes store many have turned their
backs on file-sharing networks paying 99 cents per song – Apple
claims to sell more than 1 millions songs everyday. Although
iTunes is limited still, thus giving file sharing networks a
void to fill the unlimited access to music and movies that may
otherwise not be able from iTunes.

In late 2003 record companies started suing individuals that
were downloading free music. With file-sharing networks like
Grokster and Morpheus it will be much harder for the recording
industry to track down files that are uploaded by individual
users.

With the Supreme Court now involved they are expected to make
some type of ruling in June 2005 on what if any action should be
taken against the makers of file-sharing network software.

The wrong decision could discourage the future development of
products like the iPod or other file-sharing software programs
that could be used for legal purposes.

Since Grokster and Morpheus do not monitor or have any knowledge
of who or what is being downloaded, a federal judge in Los
Angeles and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the
copyright infringement charges against both these file-sharing
networks.

Based on the 1984 ruling of the Supreme Court that stated the
use of Sony Betamax, which allowed users to make copies at home
of copyrighted TV programs, was legal.

The recording industries angle last week was that the approach
companies like Grokster and Morpheus are making by advertising
their software will provide access to free copies of copyrighted
materials should allow them to be sued and shut down.

While the jury may be out on this one for sometime – file
sharing networks and free music downloads will continue with
most users not really worrying about getting sued, since most do
not download free music in excess of a few files per month.

Copyright 2005 - Tim Somers, 3G Enterprises, LLC

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Special care is taken to explain the background of the game and the playing rules to Backgammon novices. This includes how to start with ‘play’ money and how to graduate to real money. Experienced players enjoy the most advanced tournament system found anywhere online, with an unlimited choice of events. Sit & Go tournaments (with a predefined number of registered players) are very popular because they are easy to play and win. Buy-ins range from a minimum of $5 (with a $1 entry fee) to a maximum of $200 (with a $15 entry fee). Event tournaments have a wider audience and can include a ‘Play for Fun’ Tournament option. All games are played in a realistic, graphically-enriched environment, supported by
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About the Author

None

THE ROUNDNESS OF THE EARTH
He has created the Heavens and the Earth for Truth. He wraps the night up in the day, and wraps the day up in the night. (The Qur’an, 39:5)

In the Qur’an, the words used for describing the universe are quite remarkable. The Arabic word that is translated as “to wrap” in the above verse is “takwir”. In English, it means “to make one thing lap over another, folded up as a garment that is laid away”. (For instance, in Arabic dictionaries this word is used for the action of wrapping one thing around another, in the way that a turban is put on.)
The information given in the verse about the day and the night wrapping each other up includes accurate information about the shape of the world. This can be true only if the earth is round. This means that in the Qur’an, which was revealed in the 7th century, the roundness of the world was hinted at.
It should be remembered, however, that the understanding of astronomy of the time perceived the world differently. It was then thought that the world was a flat plane and all scientific calculations and explanations were based on this belief. The verses of the Qur’an, however, include information that we have learned only in the past century. Since the Qur’an is God’s word, the most correct words were used in it when it comes to describing the universe.

THE PROTECTED ROOF
In the Qur’an, God calls our attention to a very interesting attribute of the sky:
We made the sky a preserved and protected roof yet still they turn away from Our Signs.. (The Qur’an, 21:32)
This attribute of the sky has been proved by scientific research carried out in the 20th century.
The atmosphere surrounding the earth serves crucial functions for the continuity of life. While destroying many meteors big and small as they approach the earth, it prevents them from falling to earth and harming living things.
In addition, the atmosphere filters the light rays coming from space that are harmful to living things. Interestingly, the atmosphere lets only harmless and useful rays– visible light, near ultraviolet light, and radio waves pass through. All of this radiation is vital for life. Near ultraviolet rays, which are only partially let in by the atmosphere, are very important for the photosynthesis of plants and for the survival of all living beings. The majority of the intense ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun are filtered out by the ozone layer of the atmosphere and only a limited–and essential–part of the ultraviolet spectrum reaches the Earth.
The protective function of the atmosphere does not end here. The atmosphere also protects the earth from the freezing cold of the space, which is about minus 270oC.
It is not only the atmosphere that protects the Earth from harmful effects. In addition to the atmosphere, the Van Allen Belt, a layer caused by the magnetic field of the Earth, also serves as a shield against the harmful radiation that threatens our planet. This radiation, which is constantly emitted by the Sun and other stars, is deadly to living things. If the Van Allen belt did not exist, the massive outbursts of energy called solar flares that frequently occur in the Sun would destroy all life on Earth.
Dr. Hugh Ross has this to say on the importance of Van Allen Belts to our lives:

In fact, the Earth has the highest density of any of the planets in our Solar System. This large nickel-iron core is responsible for our large magnetic field. This magnetic field produces the Van-Allen radiation shield, which protects the Earth from radiation bombardment. If this shield were not present, life would not be possible on the Earth. The only other rocky planet to have any magnetic field is Mercury - but its field strength is 100 times less than the Earth’s. Even Venus, our sister planet, has no magnetic field. The Van-Allen radiation shield is a design unique to the Earth.1

The energy transmitted in just one of these bursts detected in recent years was calculated to be equivalent to 100 billion atomic bombs similar to the one dropped on Hiroshima. Fifty-eight hours after the burst, it was observed that the magnetic needles of compasses displayed unusual movement and 250 kilometers above the earth’s atmosphere, the temperature suddenly increased to 2,500o C.
In short, a perfect system is at work high above the Earth. It surrounds our world and protects it against external threats. Scientists only learned about it recently, yet centuries ago, God informed us in the Qur’an of the world’s atmosphere functioning as a protective shield

The author, who writes under the pen-name HARUN YAHYA, was born in Ankara in 1956. He studied arts at Istanbul’s Mimar Sinan University and philosophy at Istanbul University. Since the 1980s, the author has published many books on political, faith-related and scientific issues. http://www.harunyahya.com