The Crisis of ISIS

Some rather stupid comments on this video, but the video itself is a must-watch. 

I had a rather brief, but sad, discussion with a lady who works with Perfection Personified. We were pretty much in agreement, main point being that if children grow up in war-zones, it can damage their psyche and worldview to unimaginable depths. 

 I realize that if you haven't lived in the Middle East you cannot wrap your head around how complex the situation really is. 

From the outside, looking in, I suppose it seems to people that ISIS is supported by Mozlemz worldwide, when actually, it's the opposite. The outrage, the anti-Isis fatwas, air-strikes against ISIS, and so on, are obviously not being reported on most news channels.

 Pretty much every country has spoken out about this new and strange group that's risen up--that includes KSA, UAE, Turkey, etc. 

Some illogical, misleading, and inflammatory remarks are being posted on the internet in favour of ISIS, but these are from uneducated, frustrated little twerps, keen to draw in losers. Possibly under multiple catfish accounts (judging by the reasoning). 

http://lettertobaghdadi.com/
Signed by 126 of the prominent Sunni scholars (deliberately ambiguous wording on news channels would have you believe Sunnis support ISIS)

Genius-tique

Being obsessed with the artistic aspect of anything, I can do things, dans un 'jiffy' as vous say, without realizing what I did/why I did it. It's like cooking an excellent supper while taking swigs of champagne, and waking up from a drunken stupor not remembering anything you did. Intuition sans awareness. 

I love videos that note all the little practical techniques.

 Mathias Alan's videos get down to every precise detail, like exactly what brushes are best for merging crease colours with liner, what camouflage palette to use, what cream colour bases layer best, etc.

Especially interesting, to me, is how he maximizes a few colours. 

One thing you learn from painting, is that using a gajillion paints in an amateurish attempt to achieve a simple effect results in mud, whereas one or two colours will do, if used properly. 

 That he explains the sequence of things (mascara afore lower liner = using the wet dark smudges from mascara mistakes to thy advantage) makes it useful, too. 

 I have learned a ton from watching these videos, and they're not dull and drawn-out.

If I were ever to cook...

Off Topic Again

Credits: kimk (i don't know who created it)

Refresh by Ruth Tal

Ruth Tal, living advertisement for healthy eating

Refresh (by Ruth Tal and Jennifer Houston) is a vegan cookbook that doesn't suck. (Link to purchase).
This is a book to gift to people one cares about, along with a juicer and a lifetime pre-paid gift card for all the organic food ever [I WISH].

This isn't exactly a proper review...more of a nutshell review.

Refresh makes for an introduction to delicious and healthful dining.
The recipes come straight from Toronto's popular FRESH restaurant, and give you a wide variety of dishes, from energizing espresso drinks, to veggie burgers that don't suck.

Obviously, results might be too tangy or mild, depending on how addled one's tastebuds may be from boiling hot coffee over the years.
Therefore, we turn to...discretion or the spice rack! Duh. Deutsche mark. For example, her Thai peanut sauce for her Buddha Rice Bowl, was too overpowering for us, as written. So je toned down the lime juice next time.
(I theenk zat in general, these recipes err on the side of tangy zestfulness, so balancing out the smaller quantities, with 'earthy' herbs/spices works for me).

Her recipes for juices and smoothies are wonderful--there is something for every need and taste. You know... energy, illness/general weakness, lollipop-cravers, PMS.
[That she manages to make wheatgrass not-so-nayyystay is something I have to take her word for, as I just haven't made the effort to find frozen wheatgrass. Once someone gifted it to me, and that was enough to turn me off POUR LA VIE.]

I've accumulated about 4 weeks worth of meals, from this cookbook, and they've registered as big hits in my household. Not just with yours turly, but EVEN avec...ze Others (z'uzzers).
 That it passed the Picky Eater test, 2 people with opposing taste (baby who LIVES for fruit and veggies, his dad doesn't), is testament that it's not all in my head, this really is a superb resource.

Occasionally I did change her recipes around once I got the hang of them.

Modifications were necessary to:

1. Up the calorie ante (for baby's benefit).
2. Bulk it up for the habitually carnivorous man. (avocado/meat/mushroom-it up)
3. Stretch em out for several meals.

I really recommend this as a tantalizing peek into the healthful way of life. After this, our family became addicted and so I sought out a couple of other health-conscious curkburks, reviews of which may or may not be coming up.

Times of Israel deleted this

Bad for public image to out the way Zionists really think, eh... but I have the 'cache'/google archive of it copy-pasted here...lots of BS and the standard lies woven in there but w/ever...maybe he really believes them, although I don't believe he can possibly gloss over past massacres with these excuses, so it's probs intentional:

When Genocide is Permissible, by Yochanan Gordon
--
Judging by the numbers of casualties on both sides in this almost one-month old war one would be led to the conclusion that Israel has resorted to disproportionate means in fighting a far less- capable enemy. That is as far as what meets the eye. But, it’s now obvious that the US and the UN are completely out of touch with the nature of this foe and are therefore not qualified to dictate or enforce the rules of this war – because when it comes to terror there is much more than meets the eye.
I wasn’t aware of this, but it seems that the nature of warfare has undergone a major shift over the years. Where wars were usually waged to defeat the opposing side, today it seems – and judging by the number of foul calls it would indicate – that today’s wars are fought to a draw. I mean, whoever heard of a timeout in war? An NBA Basketball game allows six timeouts for each team during the course of a game, but last I checked this is a war! We are at war with an enemy whose charter calls for the annihilation of our people. Nothing, then, can be considered disproportionate when we are fighting for our very right to live.
The sad reality is that Israel gets it, but its hands are being tied by world leaders who over the past six years have insisted they are such good friends with the Jewish state, that they know more regarding its interests than even they do. But there’s going to have to come a time where Israel feels threatened enough where it has no other choice but to defy international warnings – because this is life or death.
Most of the reports coming from Gazan officials and leaders since the start of this operation have been either largely exaggerated or patently false. The truth is, it’s not their fault, falsehood and deceit is part of the very fabric of who they are and that will never change. Still however, despite their propensity to lie, when your enemy tells you that they are bent on your destruction you believe them. Similarly, when Khaled Meshal declares that no physical damage to Gaza will dampen their morale or weaken their resolve – they have to be believed. Our sage Gedalia the son of Achikam was given intelligence that Yishmael Ben Nesanyah was plotting to kill him. However, in his piety or rather naiveté Gedalia dismissed the report as a random act of gossip and paid no attention to it. To this day, the day following Rosh Hashana is commemorated as a fast day in the memory of Gedalia who was killed in cold blood on the second day of Rosh Hashana during the meal. They say the definition of insanity is repeating the same mistakes over and over. History is there to teach us lessons and the lesson here is that when your enemy swears to destroy you – you take him seriously.
Hamas has stated forthrightly that it idealizes death as much as Israel celebrates life. What other way then is there to deal with an enemy of this nature other than obliterate them completely?
News anchors such as those from CNN, BBC and Al-Jazeera have not missed an opportunity to point out the majority of innocent civilians who have lost their lives as a result of this war. But anyone who lives with rocket launchers installed or terror tunnels burrowed in or around the vicinity of their home cannot be considered an innocent civilian. If you’ll counter, that Hamas has been seen abusing civilians who have attempted to leave their homes in response to Israeli warnings to leave – well then, your beginning to come to terms with the nature of this enemy which should automatically cause the rules of standard warfare to be suspended.
Everyone agrees that Israel has the right to defend itself as well as the right to exercise that right. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has declared it, Obama and Kerry have clearly stated that no one could be expected to sit idle as thousands of rockets rain down on the heads of its citizens, placing them in clear and present danger. It seems then that the only point of contention is regarding the measure of punishment meted out in this situation.
I will conclude with a question for all the humanitarians out there. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clearly stated at the outset of this incursion that his objective is to restore a sustainable quiet for the citizens of Israel. We have already established that it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the safety and security of its people. If political leaders and military experts determine that the only way to achieve its goal of sustaining quiet is through genocide is it then permissible to achieve those responsible goals?


The thesis that the danger of genocide was hanging over us in June 1967 and that Israel was fighting for its existence, was only bluff, which was born and developed after the war.
-Matityahu Peled, general

Israeli Sniper Killed Another Protestor (West Bank)

http://countercurrentnews.com/2014/07/anonymous-hacktivist-shot-in-the-face-by-israeli-sniper/

Ceasefires

I had to write this, I know I resolve to stay away from the topic, but I feel I have to.

I don't know if anyone follows charities on facebook, but according to ones that I follow, IDF keeps up a barrage of bullets during ceasefires.

Salem Shamaly 

That's how this man was killed. Here is an eyewitness account:

Shajiya - There was a ceasefire today for 3 hours - so some of us internationals went to the area which i refer to as the 'Death Zone' - Shajiya, we went to see if we could help with the masses of injured amongst the rubble.

The Death Zone is unlike any destruction I have seen in my life - there is no place left without bombing, shelling or sniper shots. Total devastation.

We reached and there was a beautiful brother who was looking for his family. Doing our job, we made the decision collectively to help find the brothers family amongst the annihilation.

Unfortunately, the danger starts, there is constant bombing very very very close by, drones literally above our heads and sniper shooting. We are ducking and diving, and weaving in and out of the rubble and destruction.

We have so much to worry about - 1- to find this brothers family, 2- to not get struck on the head by falling debris from the tops of buildings/houses, 3 - to ensure our safety from the Israeli Occupational Forces.

This is not a joke, this is what happened. I was there and I was in the middle of it along with the five other members including the brother who lost his family.

We were pretty much in the line of fire. However, this was not expected as we were under the impression that we had a ceasefire window to go and do our work and come back safely.

There was cover as we were walking but then, there was a clear opening....and we heard the first shot towards us. It missed us, but it split the group.

I was on the far side with Mohammed and the brother. And on the opposite side, there was Joe, Charlie and Fred. The brother was slightly near the opening and there was a second shot @ 15.27 and he fell to the ground.

Nobody could help him, he was in two arms reach, and we could not go to him as the Israelis were shooting and there is no doubt in my mind that the rest of us would have died if we did try to go to him.

We could not even give him something to hold on to, we were just surrounded by rubble and cables that possibly were live. The mind was not at its most clearest of points right then.

Then there was a third shot at him, and a fourth that missed him. The second shot to the brother was what killed him. Yet, they shot him again. Four shots in total.

Our dear brother - dead, inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon. The #IsraeliOccupational Forces murdered him. And what for?

Why, during a ceasefire were attacks being carried out against the Palestinian people?

I hear Charlie say '' find something anything...'' and Mohammed and I shouted 'he is already dead''.

There were four shots in total, miss, hit, hit, miss. Shrapnel flying everywhere.

THEY MURDERED OUR BROTHER.

We are all witnesses to this murder of an ordinary human being, a beautiful brother, who was merely looking for his family. He must have been about 20 years old., with piercing light eyes We still do not know his name but we are trying our best to find out.

My last words to him were 'slow down brother slow down' - but he wanted his family. He wanted his lost family, and the Israelis killed him for that.

Who are the murderers here?

The ceasefires exist only for a false sense of security, only for 'good publicity' for IDF, etc. Plus more people come out, into the open, easy targets!

 This is not normally covered by mainstream media but it is evident in the brief videoclips of reporters dashing for cover, made during said 'ceasefire,' as you hear shelling in the background--of course IDF would respond 'that must be HAMASSSS' ---right.
Then when Palestinians retaliate in any way, IDF can puff out their chests and declare it OVER BECAUSE HAMAS  BROKE IT OMGGGGG YAY MORE KILLING!!! JUSTIFIED!!
-break a plate-
You lost all moral credibility when you declared war on the Palestinian population, prior to Hamas, k?

Today I read this from Ayman Mohyeldin:

It maybe short lived but in the early hours of Friday's 72-hour ceasefire, there was enough time for kids and fisherman to flock to the sea. They were unaware that 4 Palestinians were killed in the south of Gaza while they played and swam. Shortly after the killing of 4 Palestinians, Israeli media reported there was a heavy exchange of gunfire in Rafah.

And this from Rina A:

CEASEFIRE BROKEN BY THE‪#‎ISRAELI‬.OCCUPATIONAL FORCES - Six killed and 20 injured in Rafah 

So once more...

As for IDF claims that they bombed a UN shelter because it contained weapons, please to watch this video if you really believe those arse-buckets.

Every Israeli missile is a war crime.

I was accused by another idiotic person online, of 'spreading misinformation'....for supporting Palestine... then when I mentioned that, if she wanted, I could mention names, cite specific events with dates, put up articles, videos--you know what she did? She edited all her posts and replaced her accusations with 'whoops wrong spot' so nobody would see!

Lastly I want to mention that Is. has a history of creating fake propaganda in favour of Palestinians, then 'outing' it in one swoop--as if to say --see! it's all LIES! WE'RE THE RIGHT SIDE COME JOIN US AS WE SHOOT THIS MAN IN THE FOOT, AND THAT PREGNANT LADY TOO! -- you'll notice the same people are silent in the face of actual incriminating info~.

Therefore rather than falling for any of this, just stick to facts and ignore everything else. 

Berenice Marlohe Copy-Cat

For the past week I have been trying out an interesting style of makeup. It's similar to my usual overdone-aunty style, just more exaggerated.

The basic pattern I follow is here, on this extraordinary blog, which is so interesting! She has an artist's eye for detail and luckily the writer's ability to explain it.
For instance, she explains contouring methods in depth. Honestly I didn't realize how versatile the taupe colour can be, till I came across her blog.

Today, inspired by this same actress (Berenice Marlohe from the James Bond film Skyfall)--she has a penchant for unique, beautiful eye makeup!--I decided to copy this 'statement liner' design.

Please excuse the terrible quality of these screenshots, this laptop is a doddering ole thing.

Gah, I hate my hyperpigmentation! Nothing covers it!
For skin, I tried out my sample of YSL Touche Eclat Foundation, which is too light, then Cover FX CC cream to try to darken it...and Lise watier concealer.
 And Maybelline Timeless Toffee long-lasting lipstick was blended on as a cream blush. And Rimmel cherry kiss lipliner softened with lip-balm.

Anyway for the eyes this is:
1. Too Faced Natural eyes palette (the topmost trio of colours) --> these are great but require a primer, which I left out today. --> used the same shades on the brows too.
2. Marcelle Kajal/Kohl in waterline (it has no irritating ingredients)
3. Guerlain liquid liner (very fine and precise and easy to clean up)
4. Fyrinnae Witchy Woodland Creatures (a sparkling cool-brown/taupe) along the bottom lashes after the Too Faced dark brown
5. Wet n Wild Panther (basic black) to try and darken it to the level she had...to no avail...

It was a different kind of makeup, kind of villainous and intense. It would make a good base for heavy or unique (like Shu-style) false lashes, I think. It'd JUST balance them out enough that they wouldn't be TOO comical.

The earrings I wore...it's a fabulous design

Yay! Back to makkup shakkup gupshup... tomorrow I'll write about some awesome books I've been reading and we shall dance, we shall dance, we shall dance. We meaning me and my band of imaginary readers...Father Dougal, Petunia Merryweather, Pompeii Reigns Supreme, and Aunt Jemima.

I told a disgusting excuse for a human being that....

1. the article she was using to claim that Hamas was launching rockets on its own, was totally biased as the source of the 'information' was...dun dun dun...IDF. That's like Paul Bernardo being treated as a bystanding witness for himself, in court, and claiming it was someone else. 

In order for the analogy to be perfect,

that is like Paul Bernardo claiming that his victim stabbed herself repeatedly while attempting to stab him.

2. There were plenty of articles and evidence in the past about IDF's usage of this practice (using Palestinians as 'shields')...no evidence for the reverse being true.

3. Eyewitness accounts inc. medics, journalists, that rockets were IDF's and IDF was targeting children (yet again) ---

link

Her response? 'They  must be Hamas!' 

2nd response? "They want to perpetuate terrorist ideology and another Holocaust!"

Why would they want to do that...they're literally risking their lives to provide news coverage, or humanitarian aid, or medical help.

Why would that justify or excuse killing children?? 

I told an Israeli woman that Israel has broken 77 UN resolutions prior to this conflict, that they have a history of breaking ceasefires and claiming 'the opponent did it!' (ceasefires are purely for show for IDF), etc. 

Her response? 

'UN sanctions are CREATED to be broken! Their phrasing and such.' 

2nd response?

'all the countries like to turn on Israel, such as Muslim nations like Pakistan and Lebanon! It's not Israel's fault!'

Her response to the mounting Palestinian death toll?

'Every nation makes mistakes.'

'The present map of Palestine was drawn by the British mandate. The Jewish people have another map which our youth and adults should strive to fulfill -- from the Nile to the Euphrates.' -David Ben Gurion

Is it any wonder that PM Net.'s psychiatrist committed suicide? This is the type of insanity and wilful blindness she was dealing with. This is Zionism. 

 ..

A Fun Watch

Probably the least boring makeup video out there.

Among Many, Many Articles I've Read

http://www.btselem.org/testimonies/20140721_gaza_wissam_shuheibar
http://www.vox.com/2014/7/28/5945235/one-reason-congress-is-so-pro-israel-fundraising

Rina Andolini's latest status is heart-breaking to read:

"‪#‎gazaunderattack‬ British Academy of languages - Tal el Hawa - they targeted the ground floor - this is where I used to teach conversational english... fuel is low, food is gonna run out, we have water problems/shortages everywhere, low on meds and medical facilities...we are gonna run out of all the things that are basic things to mankind in the times we are in...."

I had a hilarious (if it weren't so sad) exchange with a pro-Zionist on a forum.

 It was classic denial and defamation, accusing journalists/doctors/humanitarians on the field, who testified IDF is conducting attacks that they claim H. is/no human shields by Hamas/etc, as stemming from 'wanting another Holocaust'--just at the prospect of actual eyewitness testimony and photo evidence proving her wrong.

Not gonna bother with these people anymore. Just as bad as any other terrorist ideology (yes--I said it).

They choose to be blind and pay lip service to a bloodthirsty regime, they choose to ignore mountains and mountains of evidence that Israel is STILL conducting a mass genocide with Hamas for scapegoat--their choice.

Like I say time and time again, history proves that Jews were living in Palestine just fine before Zionists came along.

Herzl wanted all of Arabia to be cleared eventually, of 'snakes and their spawn' (aka Arabs)...well, he's getting his wish.

On the Day of Judgement, these people can face God, and see how they feel.

 I'm through with trying to make anyone see reason. Just going to do my best to spread awareness, aim for peace in my daily life, and reach out to as the humanitarian causes as I can.
The main thing I care for is basic human decency.
No banner, no secret agenda, no underlying motives, unlike Zionists or anti-this/anti-that, anti-Shias/anti-Sunnis or KKK or whatever.


I don't get why Zionists always accuse anyone who calls 'em out as 'terrorists.' Or 'Holocaust seekers' ---


WTF. You can't bare your soul and be like, 'LOOK THIS IS ME! Do you see any vaguely evil/psychopathic intent here?'

When you seek only truth, and speak the truth, and your intentions aren't to hurt anyone, you don't have reason to fear anyone's ridiculous accusations. People who don't even know me...

When you're willing to call out yourself if you were at fault, and even testify against yourself, then why would you be insincere to other people? Durrr.

I'm sure liars develop a protective shell of arrogance and eventually this keeps them from being able to distinguish right/wrong, truth/lies. It follows that arrogance begets cowardice, humility doesn't.

Eid Mubarak from IDF

Following fast on the heels of the previous post, IDF murdered 10 children on the playground.. Bombed that hospital again too. Thanks IDF.

IDF tells BBC it was a 'misfiring Hamas rocket'--why do eyewitnesses say differently?
You really gonna believe IDF given their gajillion crimes in the past, recorded by video and photography both??
YOU REALLY GOING TO PRETEND TO GIVE AN UNBIASED REPORT OF A MASSACRE, AN ONGOING CONFLICT OF EPIC PROPORTIONS, WHILE CITING THE INSTIGATORS AS YOUR 'SOURCE'??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Do people not see through this? Is the world really that dumb?!??!

Picture from today- EID MUBARAK PALESTINIANS, LOVE ISRAEL

I read a post by military insider (supports Israel too) on IDF tactics--they murder their own soldiers and tell the family HAMAS KILLED HIM--masters of duplicity. Link

Picture from yesterday, at that hospital--I wonder whether this little girl survived??

They also get a kick out of it because at any time they can use the 'Hamas' card. I wonder what they were doing before Hamas? What card were they using then? Or did those massacres go unnoticed by pro-Zionists?

Ayman Mohyeldin covers it all, photos, videos, and confirmed it was IDF. Enter the smearing by pro-Zionists. Their arguments are quite hilarious if it wasn't so serious, their implications and bold statements (following in the pathological Zionist mindset): e.g. "you just want another Holocaust"! (excuse me? what's happening right now then??) "are you some kind of anti-Semite?" (my husband had a good retort for this!) " israel must kill each and every one of them, they will grow up to be terroristS otherwise" (riiiiight...cuz you killed their friends, family, and parents, destroyed their homes, dropped phosphorus and radioactive bombs on them, what else?)

I read this post from Dr. Bassel Abu Warda -he is among several doctors, tweeting live, as IDF attacked, who witnessed the atrocity -
ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME IDF says: Al-Shifa Hospital and Al-Shati Camp were struck by failed rocket attacks launched by Hamas !

Similar thoughts earlier from him:
Israel admits attacking a UN shelter but denies that people died there How does that work? More than 15 Gazan died that day

Those who are working on the field, journalists like Mr. Mohy., surgeons, humanitarians, activists--I am following their posts closely, and they all confirmed that these attacks were done by IDF. Furthermore, a majority are rejecting the 'human shields' claim with scathing vehemence.
But that's not objective. Truth isn't, because Israel was founded on lies (the old 'nobody lives on this land' fib) and continues to run on it.

We live in a world of duplicity, where the victims are portrayed as perpetrators, where people perform astonishing mental gymnastics to justify oppressors.
 Power and money speaks to the heartless, nothing more.

Eid

Eid Mubarak to Powa, who reads this when she's taking a break from being a super-genius-research-scientist-person. And to all my imaginary readers too! (Apart from Father Dougal, who is currently tending to his flock aka 'the barbarian...horde!' Bunch of rowdy pre-schoolers.)

We woke up to rain and saturated greenery & purdiness outside--the pond in particular, a marvel to behold.

I got (myself) a Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette! Huzzah!
And littlest got a book about a lion who likes to chirp along with 'perky parrots.'
Ole Man Jiggy Wiggy got some LUSH.

And these pictures of Palestinians celebrating Eid made my morning. Uncrushed spirit.

They were pounded with 40 airstrikes (and counting) from The Unfettered Goons BUT WHATEVS YO, EID!

Pics courtesy of Rina Andolini who wrote:

We managed to hand out 20 food parcels courtesy of an Al-Fatiha Global brother. Many families displaced from Shaji'ya, living in Gaza city with no food, no clothes, no mattresses to sleep on, no nothing. They evacuated their homes and their lives and left with nothing. They have nowhere to go back to as their homes are destroyed. Shaja'iya is destroyed.

Of course, whatever we do, it is not enough. But we will do all we can to help as much as we can in shaa Allah.

Many families do not feel comfortable with having pictures taken, and this is something I respect highly. I am here to help and not make a circus out of things.

Those who felt comfortable with it, I did take pictures with their permission.

The parcels consisted of rice, oil, olive oil, cheese, macarona, tomato paste, luncheon, fool, tea, fortified with minerals milk powder, mixed lentils, chicken stock, tuna, jam, dilute mix drink, sugar, and cleaning products.

As Maya Angelou wrote:

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise 

I rise. 

DIY Makeup Remover

In a spray bottle, mix
1/2 cup rosewater 
3 tablespoons witch hazel
3 tablespoons cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil or sweet almond oil
1/2 tspn castor oil 
---
Shake before use.
Spray on and allow to sit for a few seconds for the makeup to 'break down.'

Wipe off film with a warm microfibre cloth (available everywhere that sells Kit-Kat and tabloid mags), for a boost of exfoliation/deep cleaning, without irritation.
---
I can't wait to try out this recipe for cleansing balm.

This is an excellent resource for DIY recipes ranging from actual, edible meals, to makeup, skincare, and dressmaking!

 Beauty-wise, she has many original recipes, and makes recreations of cult products like LUSH's Dream Cream, several Josie Maran argan oil products, and even Benefit High Beam! 

Said everything I want to say

"To the Zionist trolls who continue bringing up their top four most absurd arguments to justify these latest atrocities:

1) "Hamas fired 1,394 rockets at Israel!"

How many rockets, missiles, tank shells, cluster bombs, white phosphorous bombs, bullets, cannons and grenades has Israel unleashed on the Palestinians? It's a sad situation and only reflective of the evident bias when you can count to the 3rd decimal point the number of Hamas projectiles but be completely clueless about Israel's arsenal.

2) "Israel is defending itself. What would you do if someone was firing rockets at your country?!"

A: If I occupied a people, placed a crippling trade and economic embargo on them, placed them under siege, humiliated them daily via military and police checkpoints, controlled their water and electricity, constructed apartheid "Jewish-only roads", shot their children, bombed their schools, mosques and businsses, illegally seized their lands, destroyed their crops, demolished their homes, threw thousands of them in dungeons and treated them like sub-humans and they fired rockets at me - I would probably stop doing all of the above.

Secondly, Israel has been mass murdering the Palestinians for over 60 years - long before any rockets were fired and long before Hamas was even in existence. So this is nothing but a fallacy designed to deflect the reality of the situation and mislead others. Finally, Israel's indiscriminate use of heavy weaponry in civilian areas is a war crime, not self defense.

3) "This is Hamas's fault, they use human shields. Israel doesn't target civilians!"

A: Excuse me, when you launch an unbridled, indiscriminate attack from warships, fighter jets, tanks, artillery and helicopters on a CIVILIAN AREA - what do you expect to find there - breakdancing hobbits? When you attack civilian areas, you kill civilians. It's not Advanced Chinese Mathematics.

Gaza is the most densley populated place on earth. It's an open air prison. So when Israel fires into these areas it is going to kill and maim people every time.

Secondly, according to the Israeli Human Rights group, Beit Selem which tracks both Israel and Palestinian deaths, dozens of children as young as 4 years old were killed with gunshot wounds to the HEAD AND CHEST. Not to mention the videos coming through showing snipers killing rescuers. Bombing ambulances and hospitals also has to be the most cowardly thing a military could do. So I'm afraid this "doesn't target civilians" statement doesn't hold up the facts.

4) "Israel is the most moral and humane army in the world. Who else calls/texts people and drops leaflets warning them to evacuate before a pending attack?"

I love this one.

"Please be notified in 5 minutes, we are going to destroy your home."

In other words, Israel publicly announces to thousands of civilians their full intent to perpetrate yet another war crime and you're asking us to somehow acknowledge this as some type of humane gesture? The gall.

How about a rapist or murderer "notify" their victims by sending them text messages/leaflets that they're coming shortly to rape and murder them - does it make it any less perverse? If this is the level of desperation Zionists and their sympathisers have stooped to, then it's little wonder public opinion is God willing, starting to turn against them.

As for "evacuating"...

Have you seen a map of Gaza? If so, could you please explain to me where the Palestinians are supposed to "evacuate" to? To the north and east, they are blocked by Israeli walls and military checkpoints. To the south is Egypt's closed crossing thanks to Israel's slave, Sissy. To the west is the Mediterranean Sea. So what do they do, swim for it and hope they can make it to Cyprus or Turkey before Israel "defends itself" again and machine guns them all in the water?

Go to a UN shelter? Wait, they tried that already TWICE - once in Qana, Lebanon and once in Gaza a few years ago and Israel "defended itself" by bombing the shelters massacring a total of 352 civilians. Add to this, Israel's naval and air forces who have killed thousands of people are constantly patrolling the areas. They are surrounded from every imaginable direction and you sit from the comfort of your sofa sipping $8 coffee then froth at the mouth demanding they evacuate.

Have a nice day. "

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-government-tortures-children-by-keeping-them-in-cages-human-rights-group-says-9032826.html

Distractions distractions

Lately my dreams consist of an amalgamation of the massacres in Syria, and Gaza, with a little of Iraq thrown in for good measure, videos/articles/books manifesting into gruesome, graphic nightmares.

The creepiest part of these dreams, are the bits that flash to Vurld Leaduhs, gathered 'round the Round Table and plotting out the next assault in sterile, precise terms--unfettered by sympathetic, human consideration. Unaccountable, unstoppable. Then there's me, impotent, inexplicably connected to it all.

Others I've confided to, have told me the exact same thing: they've mentioned dreams of dying families, people suffocated in the rubble of shattered buildings, a kid waking up to find herself an orphan. Bits and pieces of the news we've read, the pictures we've seen, the history we know. Strange, isn't it, that people of all ages, are just as in tune to this madness, and just as affected?

When you wake up, the nightmare taints what would have otherwise been an ordinary day. Routine hangs around like unwanted dead-weight.  Like moths' carcasses, hanging in a spider's web, long-devoured, with only the wings remaining.

 I feel so much is unnecessary trash, if it was shaken off, I'd find the answer. Some way to help, just a little. I asked so many people whether there was a way just to get Egypt to open its borders, stop sending back or stealing from aid, etc. Petitions? Rallies? Letters? What? I mean what more can you do??!?

So as catharsis, perhaps en route to summat constructive, I'm writing this out. That's how I used to think things out when I was younger, writing and a walk.

I don't feel anger, at all, just a deep urgency to H.E.L.P. 

Meanwhile...

Janis Mackey Frayer @janisctv

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This is Shejaiyya in eastern #Gaza. Pounded all night until a short truce so Palestinian medics could remove bodies. 

7:45 AM - 20 Jul 2014

Janis Mackey Frayer @janisctv

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What we saw: wholesale destruction, women running, headless man. Here, a medic calls out for survivors. #Gaza

7:51 AM - 20 Jul 2014

I won't post more graphic pictures because it won't help anyone. 

Follow Rina Andolini on twitter or facebook if you want to read first-hand accounts and see pictures. She recounts how IDF kept up a barrage of bullets, shooting during the ceasefire.

Muslim world? I don't know if I believe in any kind of 'Muslim ummah' anymore.

In Kashmir, police opened fire (tear gas, baton striking, gunfire) on Kashmiris showing solidarity for Gaza in a protest. They turned round and killed a young boy who was not even taking part, as part of 'collective punishment.'

In Egypt, tear gas released on all the pro-Gaza supporters who also called for opening the borders to allow medical and food aid to get to Palestinians.

In Jordan, arrests for every protestor.

etc.

Poem

Any sane person can see that the 'warning calls' are sadistic, psychological torture inflicted just before an attack from which there is no escape.

 Pro-Israelis, blinded as they are by frenzied patriotism and a racist ideology, hold this up as an example of Israel's humane war strategy.

Please see Mohammad Zeyara on fb for pictures of the carnage...dead children, streets running with blood. An army against civilians.
 If the civilian fights back, which in the sane world we would call defense, he is held up as 'proof' of terrorism running rampant, needing to be extinguished.

 Who would justify this? 
Where did we get to the point that we would sympathize with the oppressors?


Running Orders
by Lena Khalaf Tuffaha

"They call us now.
Before they drop the bombs.
The phone rings
and someone who knows my first name
calls and says in perfect Arabic
“This is David.”
And in my stupor of sonic booms and glass shattering symphonies
still smashing around in my head
I think “Do I know any Davids in Gaza?”
They call us now to say
Run.
You have 58 seconds from the end of this message.
Your house is next.
They think of it as some kind of
war time courtesy.
It doesn’t matter that
there is nowhere to run to.
It means nothing that the borders are closed
and your papers are worthless
and mark you only for a life sentence
in this prison by the sea
and the alleyways are narrow
and there are more human lives
packed one against the other
more than any other place on earth
Just run.
We aren’t trying to kill you.
It doesn’t matter that
you can’t call us back to tell us
the people we claim to want aren’t in your house
that there’s no one here
except you and your children
who were cheering for Argentina
sharing the last loaf of bread for this week
counting candles left in case the power goes out.
It doesn’t matter that you have children.
You live in the wrong place
and now is your chance to run
to nowhere.
It doesn’t matter
that 58 seconds isn’t long enough
to find your wedding album
or your son’s favorite blanket
or your daughter’s almost completed college application
or your shoes
or to gather everyone in the house.
It doesn’t matter what you had planned.
It doesn’t matter who you are
Prove you’re human.
Prove you stand on two legs.
Run.”

Zionist translation guide.