Once a plane...

The house uses parts of a decommissioned Boeing 747. Costing less than $50,000 the reclaimed plane has been dismantled and transported to the site, where almost all of the parts have been reused as a way of being economical. Prefabricated parts were also utilized to minimize onsite construction costs.

An engine cowling here is used as a fire pit.

Besides the extensive use of reclaimed materials, the Wing House also employs solar power, radiant heating, natural ventilation and high performance heat mirror glazing. With views of the Malibu mountains, the Pacific Ocean and the islands in the distance, the 747 Wing House is a sight to behold. Located on a ridge, evening views of the home at sunset recall the same sort of view that one would see while flying in a plane as the sun goes down.

YSL on using black models...

Ahmad Ibn Hanbal & The Baker

Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, may Allah Ta'ala be pleased with him, was once traveling and needed to stay somewhere overnight. When he went to the mosque, the guard (not recognizing Imam Ahmed) denied him entrance. Imam Ahmed insisted on his right, yet he was refused. Frustrated, Imam Ahmed resolved to spend the night on the mosque's front porch/yard. The guard became furious and dragged him away, despite his old age and frailty.

A baker, whose shop was nearby, watched this scene and took pity on Ibn Hanbal and offered the great scholar food and a place to sleep. He watched as the baker mixed and kneaded the dough, tended the fire, and pulled hot loves from the oven, all the while uttering remembrances of Allah and istighfar (asking for Allah's forgiveness). Finally, Ibn Hanbal asked the pious baker what inspired him so. The baker responded it had become like second nature saying he did as he did in thanks to Allah who had answered all his prayers. All save one.

When Ibn Hanbal asked what that unanswered prayer was, the baker responded: "To see the famed Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal." At this, tears came to Ibn Hanbal's eyes and he told the baker, "I am Ahmed ibn Hanbal!". He then went on to add, "By Allah! I was thrown from the mosque to meet you."

Source: Al Jumuah, Vol 22, Issue 12, Page 33

The Dark Knight Rises (IGN)

Ah recycled art, how I love thee...

London artist Nick Gentry creates floppy disk paintings and art from the obsolete technology of society. As part of a generation that grew up surrounded by floppy disks, VHS tapes, polaroids and cassettes, he is inspired by the sociological impact of a new internet culture.

"The paintings are made from recycled media. The life and personality of these objects are a big part of each artwork. I try to use objects that have come to the end of their useful life before looking for new materials."

"His portraits use a combination of obsolete media formats, making a comment on waste culture, life cycles and identity. Using old disks as a canvas, these artefacts are combined to create photo-fits and identities that may draw connections to the personal information that is then forever locked down underneath the paint.

This has led to an exploration of the ways in which humankind is integrating with technology. As it reaches a tipping point, this new movement is becoming increasingly apparent as a cultural and social transition of our time. Will humans be forever compatible with our own technology?"

NICK GENTRY

The Throne

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Allah! There is no God but He,

the Living, the Self-subsisting, the Eternal.

No slumber can seize Him, nor sleep.

All things in heaven and earth are His.

Who could intercede in His presence without His permission?

He knows what appears in front of and behind His creatures.

Nor can they encompass any knowledge of Him except what he wills.

His throne extends over the heavens and the earth,

and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them,

for He is the Highest and Most Exalted.

- Quran (2:255)