EVENT: March for democracy this weekend

This coming weekend, British Muslims in the UK are aiming to fly the flag for secular democracy in a move to distance themselves from Islamic extremism. A group by the name of British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD) is aiming to unite a number of religious and non-religious groups in a march to stake a claim for democracy. The protest will be held at Piccadilly Circus from 1pm. This counter-demonstration will highlights how British Muslims are united against the extreme views of certain Muslim groups and how the multi-cultural and multi-faith democratic society we live in is a prized asset and needs to be preserved. The demonstration has been supported in the media with various Muslim figures writing in National newspapers. Have a read of MCB's media secretary Inayat Bungawala writing in the Guardian last week explaining why MCB is supporting the idea of this march. Similarly, Shaaz Mahboob from the BMSD later in the week also stressed the importance of Muslims and non-Muslims uniting in their march for freedom. More information can be found at www.seculardemocracy.org and on the event facebook page.

The counter-demonstration is, most crucially, a direct response from British Muslims to Islam4UK's call for Shariah law in the UK. The radical Islamic group led by controversial cleric Anjem Choudary will be holding a march in Central London on the same day demanding the full implementation of Shariah law in Britain. 'March for Sharia' gets underway at 1pm from the Houses of Parliament before heading to Downing Street and ending in Trafalgar Sq. The man at the centre of it all is well known for playing a prominent role in the now disbanded Al-Muhajioroun. You may also remember him for orchestrating the protest in Luton against British soldiers. Choudary, a regular in the media sees himself as a prominent voice for the Muslim community in the UK. However, this couldn't be further from the truth as Muslims in the UK either don't know of him, or if they do, they disagree with his extreme views. Despite this, he continues to put forward his case for the implementation of Shariah law and in doing so, is taking advantage of his democratic right to freedom of speech. For further information about the march, click HERE.

umaronline.com

CONCERT: London Dreams, Salman Khan and Asin concert cancelled!

The promotional concert for the upcoming Bollywood movie 'London Dreams' featuring Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Asin has now been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. The concert was due to take place on Wednesday 28th October 2009 at the Excel arena in London. Umaronline.com would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

OFFER: Students can now get Windows 7 upgrade for only £30

Students in the UK can now upgrade their laptops and PC's to the Windows 7 operating system in a superb Microsoft giveaway. Windows 7 is the successor to the much-maligned and criticised Windows Vista and every review suggests the new operating system is a winner. Students in the UK can now bag themselves an upgrade to Windows 7 for only £30. You must have a valid university e-mail address to take advantage of this amazing offer. For more information click here or go to http://www.microsoft.com/uk/education/studentoffer/

POLITICS: Conservative Party Chairman Eric Pickles is chief guest at GenEVA launch party

Conservative Party Chairman and experienced MP Eric Pickles was the chief guest at the launch event of GenEVA, held at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) on Monday evening. The event was organised by Conservative Future activists Coun. Clare Victoria Hilley, Steven William George and Peter Cuthbertson. GenEVA (General Election Voluntary Agency) is a Conservative party election campaign being directed from the heart of CCHQ. Every Monday evening, members of the Conservative party are being encouraged to come in and telephone canvass on behalf of PPC's in selected marginal seats across the country. Mr. Pickles was delighted by the hard work being put in young Conservatives, describing their passion as 'proper activism'. After a tribute to all those involved in the campaign, the party Chairman took questions from the 60 odd Conservatives who had made their way over to CCHQ. He also announced that he would take the most active canvasser (from now until December) to his favorite Curry restaurant. A meal with the Party Chairman? Now that's quite an incentive to start clocking up those minutes.

Umaronline.com brings you exclusive coverage from the GenEVA launch event including the speech of and Q&A session with Conservative Party Chairman Eric Pickles MP. For independent journalism and commentary on news, sports and entertainment, keep visiting www.umaronline.com.

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NUPSA Freshers Dinner 2009 : Unity of Pakistani students in the UK is crucial, Pakistani High Commissioner in the UK Mr. Wajid Shams-ul-Hassan

The unity of Pakistani students in the UK under NUPSA, National Union of Pakistani Students and Alumni is crucial, according to Pakistani High Commissioner in the UK, Mr Wajid Shams-ul-Hassan. In a exclusive interview, Mr Sham-ul-Hassan told umaronline.com that Pakistani students in the UK are doing a 'great job by putting the correct picture across' following on from the arrests of Pakistani students in the UK in connection with terrorism. He lamented the fact that senior Pakistanis are divided into different sects and communities and stressed the importance of rising above these barriers. Appreciating the role played by Pakistani students in the UK in helping the victims of Swat and the major earthquake in 2005, he said he was confident that the youth are doing very well and sure that they will continue to help the country in this tough time.

The High Commissioner was the chief guest at NUPSA's Freshers Dinner 2009 which took place at the Pakistan High Commission in Knightsbridge, London. The event was attended by around 250 young Pakistanis from Universities and colleges across the UK which are affiliated with NUPSA. Also in attendence was Mr. Dominic Scott OBE, CEO UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and Mrs. Zarina Wajid Shams-ul-Hassan, the wife of the High Commissioner and chairperson of APWA.

NUPSA, an umbrella organisation aims to promote the welfare of Pakistani students across the country and liaises closely with the Pakistan High Commission. For futher information about NUPSA and how it can can help you, feel free to browse the website, www.nupsa.org.

As always, an umaronline.com camera was around the corner and once again, we can bring you exclusive coverage of the NUPSA Freshers dinner. Here are some photos from the wonderful evening, along with video highlights which include the interview with the High Commissioner Mr. Wajid Shams-ul-Hassan. For independent journalism and comment on news, sports and entertainment, keep reading www.umaronline.com

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RESEARCH: London underground commuter survey

Do you regularly travel on the London underground? If so, I would like you to complete a short research project survey being carried out by umaronline.com. The survey contains 5 multiple choice questions about your travel on the tube. No personal details are required and all the results will be used for research purposes. If you have any further question, please do not hesitate to contact me - info@umaronline.com

Thank for for your time.

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If you can cannot see the survey above, click HERE to be re-directed to it.

Thank you!

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BOXING: Post fight reaction - Froch v Dirrell - who won?

On the umaronline.com twitter Big Fight LIVE, Froch lost 117-111 (BBC Sport)

So, Carl Froch stole a split decision victory to retain his WBC super-middleweight title against American Andre Dirrell in Nottingham Arena last night, but how did you score the Cobra's debut in the Super Six? There seems to be a split in opinion as to who came out on top with most people having Dirrell as the clear winner due to his slick skills, sharp reflexes and accurate punching. On the umaronline.com twitter feed last night, I felt Froch was a very lucky man to still be the WBC champion after losing out 117-110 to the pacy American. So, how did you score it? and why? In the post-fight poll, I'm asking, what was the outcome of Froch v Dirrell for you? was it Froch, was it Dirrell or did you have it as a draw? Vote now and feel free to comment. Results will be announced on Monday evening.

BOXING: Big Fight LIVE - Froch v Dirrell

Froch v Dirrell promises to be a cracker (BBC Sport)

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Nottingham's Carl 'the cobra' Froch puts his WBC super-middleweight title on the line against American Andre Dirrell. The fight takes place at the Nottingham Arena at around 2am and Umar Online will provide exclusive commentary and reaction from Nottingham on twitter @ www.twitter.com/umaronline. This is Froch's first bout in the much publicised Super Six series, a boxing tournament between 6 of the biggest names in Middleweight division.

UPDATE: Thank you to all of those who voted. The results of the poll asking, what will be the outcome of Carl Froch v Andre Dirrell? are now in. The poll has now closed and here are the results. 70% (26 votes) of you reckon Froch will win by stoppage. For the full breakdown, click on the graphic below. It is now approaching 2am and we're getting closer to Froch v Dirrell. Follow the action on twitter now!

SportScene announcement - Merger

From now on, www.sportscene.tk is no longer active and further comment on sports will be now on the unified umaronline.com @ www.umaronline.com. All the previous posts from SportScene have been imported into umaronline.com.

Thank You.

HAPPY DIWALI from Umar Online

Umar Online would like to wish Happy Diwali to all those celebrating and a prosperous new year ahead. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

POLITICS: Boris Johnson on the underground with...

On the day Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, announced a rise in fares on public transport within London, I couldn't help but chuckle at a snapshot taken from the BBC's report on the story which can be found HERE. 13 seconds in, Boris and a man get out of the train and the towering presence of the big man and contrast in height is quite amusing. I'm asking, who is the man to the left of Boris and why is he so happy? (considering Boris doesn't look to pleased). Drop me your answers by commenting on the post, getting in touch via the contact page or sending an e-mail to info@umaronline.com. The first correct answer will be rewarded. I promise.

Who is the man to the left of Boris? (photo: BBC News)

VIDEO: From model to billboard in under 60 seconds, followed by a parody!

A video that will make you think. The Dove Evolution commercial highlights how the showbiz world can be so fake at times. A little bit of make-up and use of photoshop can give you the model look and features that so many crave. Have a look and after doing so, whilst you are thinking deeply about the issue, kill off the thought-process with a superbly made parody. Enjoy!

THE REAL THING!



THE PARODY!

VIDEO: Funniest TV Advert?

Fight for kisses, Wilkinson Sword advertisement. In case you haven't seen this before, its one of he funniest TV advertisements out there. Check it out! As always, comments are welcome. You can also draw my attention to any other funny adverts you particularly like, drop me an e-mail at umaronlinetv@gmail.com

QM: Best Law lecturer at QMUL? vote now!

Over the last few years, me and my colleagues at Queen Mary, University of London have been legally trained in some of the core law modules on the LLB course. As a result, in two years, 7 of the 8 compulsory modules have be taught with Jurisprudence being taught in the current year. The modules include Criminal Law, Contract Law, Public Law/Admin Law, Property Law, Equity and Trusts, Tort Law and EU Law. During the teaching, we have also come across some of the finest law lecturers in the world who have enlightened us with their legal knowledge. However, from them all, there must be one outstanding teacher who you saw as the best lecturer at QM.

This is an exclusive poll asking Law students at QM to vote for their best Law lecturer. Was it the equity genius Prof. Alastair Hudson or the inspirational Tort queen Rachael Mulheron. Early indications are that those two are likely to claim top spot over the rest. The results will certainly be interesting. The poll officially closes on Saturday 10th October at 6pm UK time.

EDIT: Deadline extended. Poll now closes on Saturday 17th October at 6pm UK Time. Get voting!

NOTE: The poll is not based on seminar tutors in each module but only on the lecturers. If you want to vote for someone not on the list, please select other and enter their name.

Umar Online Official Statement

Dear readers,

As you may have noticed, videos on the Umar Online YouTube account are no longer playable. This is because of a copyright claim by a private party which has led YouTube to suspend the account. As always, Umar Online strives to deliver groundbreaking exclusives for its audience and the administrator is committed in his belief that there been no wrongdoing. Whilst Umar Online is working to resolve the issue, it has become difficult to upload new exclusive content on the website. As soon as the issues are resolved, Umar Online will be back with more exclusives. Thank you for your understanding.

Umar.