How to celebrate Eid 2016 in the UK as the countdown to the annual Muslim festival commences

LUX Style Check | Eid 2016 | Episode 11

Tuesday 5 July marks the final day of Ramadan 2016, when Muslim followers around the world will begin the countdown to "breaking the fast", better known as Eid al-fitr.

There are almost three million Muslims in the UK, and since midnight on Monday June 6, they"ve been observing the spiritual month of Ramadan - a 30-day fast which sees worshippers partake in extra prayers in the name of Allah.

On Wednesday 6 July, the first morning of Eid, worshippers will gather in local mosques or open-air locations for special prayers called Salat al-Eid, before eating their first daylight meal in a month.

Their prayers will thank Allah for the strength, the will and the endurance he"s offered to them during Ramadan, and will be followed by the exchange of gifts, food and family prayers.

This year, a host of cities around the UK will be marking the joyous festival with celebrations, including fireworks, delicious foods and Arabic arts - with a London event hosted by Mayor Sadiq Khan in Trafalgar Square on 9 July.

Here"s our pick of the best events in Britain to celebrate Eid, to discover more about Ramadam itself, click here.

1. Trafalgar Square, London

Mayor Sadiq Khan will host this year"s Eid celebrations in Trafalgar Square on 9 July, and the event - which is free to attend - will include a variety of special activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Highlights include a food festival where you can sample a host of delicious cuisines from across the world. You can also enjoy live music and watch exclusive performances throughout the day.

Other highlights for children include face-painting, henna, calligraphy, story-telling and art exhibitions.

Date: Saturday 09 July 2016

Time: 12am to 6pm

Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN

Tickets: No ticket required

2. Brent Cross, London Traditional sweets "Kahk" are prepared, as part of celebrations Eid al-Fitr festivities in Cairo

On Saturday 16 July, Brent Cross Shopping Centre will treat children and family to an entire day of storytelling to celebrate Eid - with humorous fables told by a renowned theatre group.

There will also be henna artists, fun craft activities designed to encourage children to think about their community, face painting, sweet treats and calligraphy workshops.

Date: Saturday 16 July 2016

Time: 9-5pm

Venue: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Hendon, London, NW4 3FP

Tickets: No ticket required

3. Small Heath Park, Birmingham

Celebrate Eid will take place in Small Heath Park, Coventry Road, Birmingham, on Wednesday July 6. The event is also being called Eid in the Park.

With more than 60,000 people attending, this is one of the biggest Eid events in the UK and Europe. You can read all about the Birmingham event here.

Date: Tuesday and Wednesday, 5-6 July 2016

Time: 8-6pm

Venue: Small Heath Park, 569 Coventry Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0EF

Tickets: No ticket required

4. Eid in the Park, Blackburn

The Eid in the Park Blackburn committee is back with its mission to unite the communities of Blackburn and the surrounding areas for three days this July.

On day one - Eid Al-Fitr itself, brothers, sisters and children will gather for Eid prayer in the park. The following weekend is reserved for the family fun festival, with activities, food and music to entertain the public.

Date: Saturday and Sunday 9-10 July 2016

Time: 9-5pm

Venue: Witton Country Park, Preston Old Road, Blackburn BB2 2TP

Tickets: No ticket required

5. Eid Festival Manchester - Old Trafford

Taking place at Old Trafford itself, Manchester has left no stone unturned this Eid, with an exciting line-up of stalls, entertainment, funfair rides and "tantalising food" on the cards at its very own Eid Festival, Manchester event.

Date: Saturday and Sunday 9-10 July 2016

Time: 9-5pm

Venue: Old Trafford Football Stadium, Car Park W3

Tickets: No ticket required

6. Bradford Eid Festival 2016 Devout Muslims undertake extra prayers as a means to grow closer to Allah during Ramadam

On 9-10 July, Bradford will host the North"s largest Eid festival at Bradford Moor Park, with the aim to bring the community together in celebration of Eid. Entertainment will include henna artists, face painting, bazaars, a fairground and food court.

Date: Saturday and Sunday 9-10 July 2016

Time: 9-5pm

Venue: Bradford Moor Park Killinghall Road BD3 7JD

Tickets: No ticket required

Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/best-places-celebrate-eid-2016-8346221

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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Celebrates July 4th With Baywatch Motion Poster

President Obama marks July 4th, sings Happy Birthday to daughter Malia

Today, as the United States of America is celebrating Independence Day, DwayneThe Rock Johnson wished everyone a happyFourth of July with a new, patriotic motion-poster for his Baywatch movie, which doesn"t arrive in theaters until next year.

The poster features the main cast: (from left to right) Kelly Rohrbach as C. J. Parker, Alexandra Daddario as Summer Quinn, Jon Bass as Ronnie, Dwayne Johnson as Mitch Buchannon, Priyanka Chopra as Victoria Leeds, Ilfenesh Hadera as Stephanie Holden, and Zac Efron as Matt Brody.

With the exception of Chopra, who is reportedly playing the film"s villain, the rest of the cast is wearing their red and blue lifeguard uniforms/swimwear. Also of note: The Rock is holding a blue sparkler and wearing an Uncle Sam top hat, Bass -- the chubby English comedian -- is partaking in the July Fourth tradition of stuffing his face with a hotdog, and Efron has an American flag painted on his muscular chest.

BAYWATCH follows devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon (Johnson) as he butts heads with a brash new recruit (Efron).Together, they uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay.

Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief) is directing the film from a screenplay most recently written by Damian Shannon & Mark Swift and Barry Schwartz. Beau Flynn (San Andreas, Hercules), Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Up In the Air), and Michael Berk, Doug Schwartz (Soul Surfer) & Greg Bonann, creators of the iconic Baywatch television series, are producing. The executive producers are Michele Berk (Bandits, Kill the Sparrows),Louise Rosner (The Big Short, The Hunger Games franchise), Tom Pollock (Up In The Air, Oold School),and Ali Bell (Hitchcock). Eli Roth is a co-producer.

The film starsDwayneThe Rock Johnson (Central Intelligence, San Andreas, Fast & Furious franchise) and Zac Efron (Neighbors, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates). Joining Johnson and Efron are Alexandra Daddario (San Andreas, True Detective), Priyanka Chopra (Quantico),Jon Bass (Big Time in Hollywood, FL, The Newsroom), Kelly Rohrbach (Caf Society),Ilfenesh Hadera (Billions), and Hannibal Buress (Daddy"s Home, Neighbors).

Baywatch will be released on May 19, 2017.

Source: http://comicbook.com/2016/07/04/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-celebrates-july-4th-with-baywatch-motion/

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No. 1 pick Ben Simmons makes Summer League debut (Jul 4, 2016)

Ben Simmons Full SL Highlights 2016.07.04 vs Celtics - 10 Pts, 8 Rebs, 5 Assists in NBA DEBUT!

A look at some of the highlights from the five games on the schedule Monday at the Orlando Summer League and Utah Jazz Summer League:

NO. 1 DEBUT

No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons made his NBA debut in Salt Lake City. He finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists in just under 24 minutes of play. He left the game in the fourth quarter with the help of two teammates after cramps in both calves forced him off the floor. Simmons said he just needs to drink more fluids and thought not having played 5 on 5 in about four months contributed. Previously, Simmons showed the vision and playmaking ability in his 6-foot-10, 240-pound frame that has placed superstar expectations on his shoulders.

HIGH-FLYING BROWN

No 3 overall pick Jaylen Brown also made his debut as the Celtics faced the 76ers. He and Simmons started the game matched up against each other. Whereas Simmons" vision immediately stood out, Brown"s raw athleticism was evident. He finished with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists in the Celtics" 102-94 victory. He shot 2 for 7 from the field, but knocked down 11 of 17 free throw attempts as he regularly attacked the rim despite the presences of one or more defenders.

ORLANDO HIGHS

Mavericks guard Vander Blue and Thunder gurad Semaj Christon tied as the high scorers of the day in Orlando with 23 apiece. Christon shot 4 for 15 from the floor, but was 14 for 18 from the free throw line. Blue was 7 for 13 with a pair of triples. Christon"s six assists also led all players in Orlando on Monday.

SALT LAKE CITY HIGHS

Spurs second-year forward Kyle Anderson had the line of the night in Salt Lake City with a session-high 25 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three assists. Jazz second-year forward Trey Lyles had the lone double-double of the two games with 13 points and 12 rebounds. He shot just 4 for 14 from the field, though.

IN THE D

The Pistons improved to 2-0 with a 73-68 win over the Magic Blue team. It wasn"t the same type of 32-point victory that came against the Knicks, but Lorenzo Brown led the way with 19 points. Second-year player Stanley Johnson shot just 2-for-14 from the field and finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and one assist.

CELTIC PRIDE

Boston was the lone team to crack 100 points in any of the five games Monday. That was helped with five different players scoring in double figures. Terry Rozier scored a game-high 18 and second-year guard R.J. Hunter added 17. Brown scored 16 while Malcolm Miller added 14 and Ben Bentil chipped in 11.

QUOTABLE

""He sees everything,"" 76ers Summer League coach Billy Lange said of Ben Simmons. ""One time we asked him why he didn"t throw a lob. He said, `I"m just not used to throwing it with guys that can catch it." We said, well get used to it. We"ve got guys that will go up there and get it.

""He sees a lot. He sees lot.""

TUESDAY"S MATCHUPS

The Magic Blue team faces the Heat in Orlando while the Clippers play the Knicks and the Pistons take on the Pacers. In Salt Lake City, The 76ers tip off against the Spurs and the Celtics play the Jazz.

Source: http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/no-1-pick-ben-simmons-makes-summer-league-debut-070416

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Pau Gasol signs a 2 year deal with the Spurs

Pau Gasol 40 pts 11 rebs 3 blks vs France 17.09.2015

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The 2 time NBA champion forward is agreeing to a contract with San Antonio.

It"s all but official, Pau Gasol is coming to San Antonio to play for the Spurs.

Whileit"s uncertain whether he will be playing with Tim Duncan or not, Gasol is a talented big man who passes, rebounds and scores. For the second straight summer,PATFO have signed an All Star forward.

We will have plenty of analysis of his fit with the team, but in the meanwhile, might as well say hello to your new Spur.

Source: http://www.poundingtherock.com/2016/7/4/12094186/pau-gasol-signs-a-2-year-deal-with-the-spurs

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Happy Fourth of July 2016: Best locations to watch fireworks

Happy 4th of July

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. --Fireworks will light up the sky on Monday in celebration of the Fourth of July.

Here"s a guide to the best local spots on Staten Island to catch a fireworks show.

STATEN ISLAND YANKEES

After the Staten Island Yankees vs. Hudson Valley Renegades game at 7 p.m., there will be a post-game fireworks display.

The Staten Island Yankees play at Richmond County Bank Ballpark, located at 75 Richmond Terrace in St. George. Tickets are $5 to $35 atTicketMaster.

MACY"S FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW

In celebration of the its 40th anniversary, Macy"s Fourth of July Fireworks Show will be the biggest fireworks display to date since the millennium show in 2000.

The fireworks will launch from barges on the East River startingat9:25p.m. on Monday.

Best local spots to watch:

Alice Austen House and Buono Beach, Rosebank

The serene museum grounds givesthis spot gives a clear view of the Manhattan skyline.

The elevated grass areas allow viewers a chance to lay down blankets and enjoy the show with friends and family

The Postcards 9/11 Memorial, St. George

The memorial is located at the St. George Esplanade and is the closest location to Manhattan.

Although the area surrounding the memorial is small and blocked off by construction, the Manhattan skyline comes in clear view, complete with benches to sit and relax while watching the fireworks display.

The Gateway National Recreational Area, Fort Wadsworth

With plenty of parking and spots to set up camp, Fort Wadsworth provides a great view of the Macy"s fireworksshow.

Near the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, St. George

Just before the Richmond County Bank Ballpark, and beyond the ferry"s terminal is a location where viewers can watch fireworks.

Near Lyons Pool, Stapleton

Outside the Lyons Pool sits an elevated overpass that is sure to impress display-goers looking to catch a view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the fireworks show.

Arthur Von Briesen Park, Fort Wadsworth

The Arthur Von Briesen Park, located adjacent to Fort Wadsworth on Bay Street, leadsviewers up a short hill to reach a view perfect to watch fireworks.

CONEY ISLAND"S FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR

Coney Island will host its thirdannual July 4th Fireworks Spectacular that will launch off the beach near Steeplechase Pier. The show is scheduled to start at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Best local spots to watch

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Board Walk, South Beach

The boardwalk sits parallel to the launch site in Coney Island and is long enough to provide enough space for display-goers to catch the show.

Free parking is available at various lots along Father Capodanno Boulevard.

The Gateway National Recreational Area, Fort Wadsworth

Fort Wadsworth provides views for not just the Macy"s fireworks display, but also for Coney Island"s display.

Source: http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/07/fourth_of_july_2016_best_spots.html

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NBA Free Agency Day 3 Rumors: Pau Gasol Update, Tyler Johnson, Rajon Rondo, Latest Signings And More

Tyler Johnson Highlights [HD] Almost Famous Part I

NBA free agency is here, and there havealready been several moves in the first two days. With the cap rising, players are landing lucrative deals, especially compared to previous seasons. Many big names have already signed, although Kevin Durant has yet to make his decision.The rumor mill is buzzing with potentialcontracts, and we"re here to get you caught up on what"s happened thus far.Here are all the latest NBA rumorsand news you need to know.

If you"re looking for a full list of all the contract signings, scroll to the bottom of this post.

Pau Gasol About To Get PaidGasol is one of the more well-known free agents left and according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, he"s about to get a hefty contract.

The market for Pau Gasol appears to be around $18-22 million/year. Raptors, Bulls, Blazers, Wolves, Spurs among the teams in discussions with him, per sources. Not clear yet if he"ll wait until Durant decides.

If Gasol doesn"t wait until Durant decides, that could hurt the Spurs. San Antonio likely wouldn"t have enough cap space to add both Gasol and Durant. The Raptors were a bit of a late entry into the race. The Trail Blazers might have offered Gasol a two-year, $40 million deal.

Kings Out On Rondo?It seems the Kings won"t be brining back Rajon Rondo to be their point guard next season.

Collison is facing domestic violence charges, so the Kings need to get a quality backup in the event he winds up in jail or suspended by the NBA. It"s unclear who they are targeting. The three most likely landing spots before the draft seemed like the Knicks, Nets and Kings. But all three have landed a new point guard or moved on. Where Rondo plays next year is a major question mark and he might not be starting.

Nets Offer Tyler Johnson Offer SheetThe Brooklyn Nets have offered Heat guard Tyler Johnson a four-year, $50 million contract. The structure of the contract is a classic poison pill.

Johnson can sign that offer sheet as soon as July 7th. The Heat will then have three days to match. The structure of that deal will give the Heat pause, even though they"d said they plan to match.

Warriors Hire Mike BrownIt"s not a free agency move, but the Warriors have hired their replacement for Luke Walton. It"s Mike Brown, and more on his hiring can be found here.

Latest contract agreementsThough no deal can be officially signed until July 7th, several deals have already been agreed upon. Below, we have every deal signed so far, with the source linked as well.

Arron Afflalo - 2 years, $25 million with Kings (Source)Cole Aldrich - 3 years, $22 million with Timberwolves (Source)Ryan Anderson - 4 years, $80 million with Rockets (Source)Darrell Arthur - 3 years, $23 million with Nuggets (Source)D.J. Augustin - 4 years, $29 million withMagic(Source)Jerryd Bayless - 3 years, $27 million with 76ers (Source)Nicolas Batum - 5 years, $120 million withHornets(Source)Kent Bazemore - 4 years, $70 million with Hawks (Source)Bradley Beal - 5 years, $128 million with Wizards (Source)Bismack Biyombo - 4 years, $72 millionwith Magic (Source)Trevor Booker - 2 years, $18 million with Nets (Source)Jordan Clarkson - 4 years, $50 million withLakers(Source)Mike Conley - 5 years, $153 million with Grizzlies (Source)Matthew Dellavedova - 4 years, $38million with Bucks (Source) (Cavs can match, aren"t expected to)Luol Deng - 4 years, $72 million with Lakers (Source)DeMar DeRozan - 5 years, $139 million withRaptors(Source)Andre Drummond - 5 years, $130 million withPistons(Source)Jared Dudley - 3 years, $30 million with Suns (Source)James Ennis - 2 years, $6 million with Grizzlies (Source)Evan Fournier - 5 years, $85 million with Magic (Source)Jeff Green - 1 year, $15 million with Magic (Source)Eric Gordon - 4 years, $53 million with Rockets (Source)Justin Hamilton - 2 years, $6 million with Nets (Source)Solomon Hill - 4 years, $48 million with Pelicans (Source)Al Horford - 4 years, $113 million with Celtics (Source)Dwight Howard - 3 years, $70.5 million with Hawks (Source)Al Jefferson - 3 years, $30 million with Pacers (Source)Joe Johnson - 2 years, $22 million with Jazz (Source)Tyler Johnson - 4 years, $50 million with Nets (Source) (Heat can match, unclear if they will)Wesley Johnson - 3 years, $18 million with Clippers (Source)Courtney Lee - 4years, $50 million with Knicks (Source)Jon Leuer - 4 years, $42 million with Pistons (Source)Jeremy Lin - 3 years, $36 million with Nets (Source)Ian Mahinmi - 4 years, $64 million with Wizards (Source)E"Twaun Moore - 4 years, $34 million with Pelicans (Source)Timofey Mozgov - 4 years, $64 million withLakers(Source)Andrew Nicholson - 4 years, $26 million with Wizards (Source)Joakim Noah - 4 years, $72 million with Knicks (Source)Chandler Parsons - 4 years, $94million with Grizzlies (Source)Austin Rivers - 3 years, $35.7 million with Clippers (Source)Ish Smith - 3 years, $18 million withPistons(Source)Mizra Teletovic - 3 years, $30 million with Bucks (Source)Anthony Tolliver - 2 years, $16 million with Kings (Source)Evan Turner - 4 years, $70million with Trail Blazers (Source)Hassan Whiteside - 4 years, $98 million withHeat(Source)Marvin Williams - 4 years, $54.5 million with Hornets (Source)

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Related Topics: NBA Free Agency News, Tyler Johnson, NBA Rumors Roundup, Pau Gasol, NBA Free Agency, NBA Free Agency Rumors, NBA Rumors, 2016 NBA Free Agency, Rajon Rondo

Source: http://www.chatsports.com/nba/a/nba-free-agency-day-3-rumors-pau-gasol-tyler-johnson-rajon-rondo-latest-signings-more-29829

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FOURTH OF JULY QUOTES

Happy 4th of July 2016: Greetings, Quotes and Messages to Share on Whatsapp & Facebook

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. Elmer Davis

Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have. Harry Emerson Fosdick

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. Thomas Paine

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. Erma Bombeck

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die. Dwight D. Eisenhower

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. Franklin D. Roosevelt

A statistician made a few calculations and discovered that since the birth of our nation more lives had been lost in celebrating independence than in winning it. Curtis Billings

He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself. Thomas Paine

The American Revolution was a beginning, not a consummation. Woodrow Wilson

Let freedom never perish in your hands. Joseph Addison

This, then, is the state of the union: free and restless, growing and full of hope. So it was in the beginning. So it shall always be, while G*d is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith. Lyndon B. Johnson

For what avail the plough or sail, or land or life, if freedom fail? Ralph Waldo Emerson

That which distinguishes this day from all others is that then both orators and artillerymen shoot blank cartridges. John Burroughs, Journal

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Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNH2S1yKmlbgFF_lzB092dCXVZkWnw&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ei=r516V9g2wpbcAaCXu-gB&url=https://limaohio.com/opinion/editorials/190295/fourth-of-july-quotes

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