Archive for July 4th, 2009

TV Show Aims To Convert Non-Believers

A new Turkish television game show will bring together a Christian priest, a Muslim imam, a rabbi and a Buddhist monk with the aim of converting 10 atheists.

A successful convert will win a pilgrimage to a holy site of their chosen religion (the Vatican for Christians, Mecca for Muslims, Jerusalem for Jews and Tibet for Buddhists).

The show has been controversial however, with Muslim leaders showing their disapproval and the Religious Affairs Directorate refusing to provide an imam for the show.

“Doing something like this for the sake of ratings is disrespectful to all religions. Religion should not be a subject for entertainment programs,” High Board of Religious Affairs Chairman Hamza Aktan told state news agency Anatolian after news of the planned show emerged.

The Turkish television station opposes this view stating, “We are giving the biggest prize in the world, the gift of belief in God.”

Is the game show acting in an unethical and immoral manor just to gain views, or is it providing a genuine opportunity for non-believers to find God and enrich their lives? You decide.

20p coins selling for £7000

An error by the Royal Mint in Cardiff, Wales, has lead to tens of thousands of 20p coins being produced and released without a date on. The rare coins being sold for over £7000 on ebay – more than 35,000 times their face value.

The problem occurred after all the coins from the 1p through to the £1 were redesigned last year. The Mint does not know how many undated coins were released into circulation, but estimates range between 50,000 and 200,000.

One pub customer is now celebrating after being handed one of the undated coins in his change. Lloyd Hefferman, 38, was enjoying a summer drink with his friends at a pub in Peterborough, Cambs, when bar staff handed him the coin. Having already received offers for the coin of up to £500, he has decided he won’t be selling it yet.

So, if you’re in the UK, make sure you look out for these undated gems…they could make you very rich.

What Do You Really Know About 4th July?

On July 4th 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress and has since been celebrated with fireworks, parades and barbecues across the country, but what do you really know about the Fourth of July?

• Betsy Ross, Philadelphia, PA sewed the first American Flag in June 1776 for George Washington.
• Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. where the Liberty Bell was rung after the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.



• In 1778, General George Washington marked July 4 with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute.
• 50 years to the day after the approval of the Declaration of Independence, which they both had a hand in drafting, former presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams die on the same say.
• In 1938, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday.
• Eleven nationwide places have “independence” in their name, Including Independence, Missouri, and Independence, Minnesota.
• There’s a one-in-four chance your hotdog has come from Iowa as well as a one-in-six chance your beef on the backyard grill came from Texas.
• Last year, the U.S. imported $193 million worth of fireworks from China and $3.4 million worth of American flags.
• On July 4, 1916, four immigrants are said to have argued amongst themselves as to who was the most patriotic. They decided to settle it by having a hot dog eating competition. This, would later spark the famous “Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest” which is held annually on 4th July at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. In 2006, over 30,000 spectators attended the event, and an additional 1.5 million households watched it live on ESPN.

How will you be celebrating today? Do you have any special traditions?

Well, whatever you’re doing, have a great Independence Day!

Bear Mugs Man For Sandwich

On Friday 26th June 2009 Henry Rouwendel from Vernon, New Jersey told police that he was first person to be attacked by a bear in the town for 25 years.  Mr Rouwendel claimed he was packing his car when he was attacked from behind and knocked to the ground. 

What was astonishing about this attack was that the furry assailant was not looking to maul Mr Rouwendel in a frenzied attack.  Amazingly the bear was more interested in his fine Italian sandwich.

The bear was seen making his getaway with the bread, salami and meats from the sandwich after having discarded the lettuce, tomatoes and onions.

The Environmental Protection Department are looking for a delinquent bear with a liking for Italian food.

Have you ever had your dinner stolen by a stoat, robbed by a rabbit or pilfered by a puffin?  If so, be sure to tell us about it.