You may indeed not be jealous of anyone famous, PE. I was speaking about people in a general way, and you may be an exception.

I'm glad to hear you are not tarring all Muslims with the same brush.

One reporter chose to quote (probably misquote) Yusuf, most likely out of context, in order to sell copy (which is why the press exists). Are reporters generally scrupulously fair? Or are they out to get a scoop which will attract attention?

Give that some consideration and consider the possibility that you are being a little unfair toward Mr Yusuf Islam. I see nothing in his personal history to suggest that he would have been in favour of assassinating an author over a book he wrote. Matter of fact, it's damn silly to think so.

Being not much of a fan of Cat Stevens back then in the 70's, as I said before, I only went to one of his shows...I'd say around 1973. It was at Massey Hall in Toronto. Well, I was impressed. He did a superb performance. I was the one who was jealous, I can tell you....particularly of his guitar work. It made me feel like hanging my own guitar up or selling it. He was one hell of a fine performer, whether or not one liked his particular style of songwriting. I took him a bit more seriously after that, although I didn't listen to his stuff all that much.

With the passage of many years I have become less picky and judgemental than I was at age 25. I now appreciate the craftsmanship that went into his melodies and guitar parts and singing...very, very good quality work indeed. That is a smart and creative man there, and one capable of doing more than just superficial thinking.