Good for Cherie Blair and "On Not Being a Sausage"
I was looking for a report on the interview with Cherie Blair just aired on the BBC, which opened my eyes and those of many others to the plight of widows (and their children) around the world, and found this instead, on the On Not Being a Sausage blog:
Has the World Gone Mad? Redux
15 days in jail for the schoolteacher who allowed her young pupils to name a teddybear Mohammed, and now there are calls for her execution...
6 months in jail, 40 lashes or a fine if convicted...
...has the world gone mad?
Published 11.28.07 on the BBC News website:
A British teacher has been charged in Sudan with insulting religion, inciting hatred and showing contempt for religious beliefs.
Published 11.28.07 on the BBC News website:
 Colleagues of Gillian Gibbons said she made an "innocent mistake" |
The Foreign Office has confirmed that charges have been laid against Gillian Gibbons, 54, from Liverpool.
She was arrested in Khartoum after allowing her class of primary school pupils to name a teddy bear Muhammad.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband has said he will summon the Sudanese ambassador "as a matter of urgency".
In a statement, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was "surprised and disappointed" at the charges.
A spokesman said the first step was to "understand the rationale behind the charge", something which would be discussed by Mr Miliband and the ambassador as soon as possible.
"We will consider our response in the light of that," he added.
Lawyers say Mrs Gibbons faces six months in jail, 40 lashes or a fine if convicted.
read the rest hereHome Fashion From Moschino
All fashionistas will gonna love this post! That's for sure. Moschino has fashioned some creative decor pieces for the home that include: boot lamp, bag lamps and bustier lamps.
According to Elle.com, the fashion world recognizes Moschino for its tongue-in-chic style that pushes the limits, and now the whimsical label has taken its vision to the home. Without straying too far from its iconic wit, Moschino's new line of lamps copies the garments that inspired them. In true-to-life dimensions, the dress, bag, bustier and boot lamps are now available for special order.
Dress up your home with these decors. Extend the fashion to your home sweet home...
Source
According to Elle.com, the fashion world recognizes Moschino for its tongue-in-chic style that pushes the limits, and now the whimsical label has taken its vision to the home. Without straying too far from its iconic wit, Moschino's new line of lamps copies the garments that inspired them. In true-to-life dimensions, the dress, bag, bustier and boot lamps are now available for special order.
Dress up your home with these decors. Extend the fashion to your home sweet home...
Source
Winter/Fall's Dazzling Colors
Here's the guide on how to wear multiple brights, balance hot hues with neutrals and put everyone else in the shade!
Reflections inspired by the Saudi rape case
New York Times Op-Ed Columnist
The Case for Illegal Mingling
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
Published: November 25, 2007
The Case for Illegal Mingling
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
Published: November 25, 2007
"Two hundred lashes for a woman who was raped, under any circumstances in even the most traditional country, is barbaric — period. But what also keeps tripping off my tongue is this phrase 'illegal mingling.' It seems to me that if the Middle East could use more of anything these days it is more mingling — if not between the sexes then at least between the sects."
This one gets worse and worse
Saudi government: Rape victim had illegal affair
CNN Story Highlights- Officials: Woman and her companion were discovered in a "compromising situation"
- Officials: Victim and her companion caused the crime to take place
- Woman convicted of violating law by not having a male guardian with her
- Court more than doubled woman's original sentence of 90 lashes to 200
Putting things in perspective: if Sharia law had been applied in the US when Son of Sam was killing people in lover's lanes, any surviving victims who were not married to each other would have been flogged and jailed for violating the law against "illegal mingling." In fact, Son of Sam might have been viewed as something of a vigilante hero...
This one's closer to home...
...although Brazil's a big country. This horrific incident took place in the northern state of Pará.
Rape case adds to Brazil jail notoriety
Rape case adds to Brazil jail notoriety
By Gary Duffy BBC News, Sao Paulo |
 Brazilian jails have a long history of violence and overcrowding |
It sometimes seems that there is little left to say about prisons and the system of detention in Brazil that still has the capacity to shock.
Even so, the report that a young woman, possibly as young as 15, was left to share a cell in a police station with around 20 men and is said to have been repeatedly sexually abused, does stand out for its sheer horror.
The fact that police officers involved then started to dispute her age, as if it mattered whether she was 15 or 20, does say something about the inability to grasp the scale of what had been done. (my emphasis)
The girl does not appear to have been helped by the involvement in the case of women officials at various levels.
Read the rest of the article here
See also: Brazil shock at woman's jail rape
BBC: Saudis Back Rape Victim Sentence
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have defended a judicial sentence of 200 lashes for a rape victim.
The justice ministry said in a statement that the sentence was justified because the woman was in a car with an unrelated man.
The case has aroused controversy at home and condemnation abroad.
US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton said the sentence was an outrage and urged President Bush to put pressure on Saudi King Abdullah.
The 19-year-old, who has not been named, was travelling in a car with a male friend last year, when the car was attacked by a gang of seven men who raped both of them.
"I urge President Bush to call on King Abdullah to cancel the ruling and drop all charges against this woman
Hillary Clinton
She has become known as the "Qatif girl", a reference to the largely Shia town which she comes from.
Four of the men were convicted of kidnapping - but the court also sentenced the woman and her friend to receive 90 lashes each for the crime of "illegal mingling".
Last week the court increased the woman's sentence to 200 lashes and six months in prison.
It also banned her lawyer from the courtroom and took away his licence.
Read the rest (and weep) here
Katherine Heigl for Nautica
Katherine Heigl, who plays Dr. Isobel “Izzie” Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy has signed on to be the new face of Nautica’s My Voyage perfume. The actress has already filmed the sea-faring photo shoot on a yacht off the coast of Long Beach, California for the campaign. Heigl sports a new hairstyle in the campaign, but is said to be quite pleased with her new look. “I so want to cut my hair this way. I think it’s so chic! I’ve had long hair for so long.” Nautica’s My Voyage For Her is said to be inspired by the ocean’s strength and serenity and was developed by perfumer Ellen Molner.
12th Annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
We’ve already seen them get off a plane and get a Hollywood star. Now, we get to see them in their most useful and awesome form: wearing lingerie on the 12th Annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show held at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood last week. The show won’t be aired until December 4th, thanks to The Superficial for sharing these pretty photos.
Old news
Most news stories follow the inverted pyramid structure, which I prefer to call the "ice-cream-cone" hierarchy - fresh, tasty news at the top, old, stale news at the bottom. Well, here's the "old news" at the very end of a recent CNN article on the woman who was gang raped in Saudi Arabia and sentenced to 200 lashes:
Women are subject to numerous restrictions in Saudi Arabia, including a strict dress code, a prohibition against driving and the need for a man's permission to travel or have surgery. Women are also not allowed to testify in court unless it is about a private matter that was not observed by a man, and they are not allowed to vote.
The Saudi government recently has taken some steps toward bettering the situation of women in the kingdom, including the establishment earlier this year of special courts to handle domestic abuse cases, adoption of a new labor law that addresses working women's rights, and creation of a human rights commission (my emphasis).
Maureen Dowd is finally getting it (not to dis Dowd - I'm a big fan)
NY Times Op-Ed Columnist
Should Hillary Pretend to Be a Flight Attendant?
By MAUREEN DOWD
Published: November 14, 2007
Stories have been popping up that suggest that evolution is moving forward in a circuitous route.
Should Hillary Pretend to Be a Flight Attendant?
By MAUREEN DOWD
Published: November 14, 2007
Stories have been popping up that suggest that evolution is moving forward in a circuitous route.
Gang-raped and sentenced to 200 lashes (plus jail time)
If you think rape victims are violated all over again when they go to the police and take their attackers to court, consider the fate of this woman, who had the bad luck to be gang-raped while "violating laws on segregation of the sexes" in Saudi Arabia:
VS Angels Recieved Their Stars
Last November 13, the Victoria’s Angels got their honorary Award of Excellence star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at the entry to the Kodak Theater. The star was presented by the Mayor of Hollywood, Johnny Grant, to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary.
On Thursday, the Angels begin taping the “Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” at the Kodak that will be aired on December 4th on CBS.
Holiday Fashion: Tie Neck Blouse
So you're up on the latest trends but aren't sure how to pull it all together? Don't worry, we're on the same boat. Watch out for the "holiday fashion" series. This one is for a start....
This season's ultra-feminine tie neck blouse is the perfect foil for menswear-inspired trousers, vests and blazers, as well as pencil skirts.
Keep your blouse from looking dowdy by pairing it with stylish pieces that fit perfectly. Show a little skin above the tie if possible. For example you can pair this soft yellow blouse with pinstripe wool trousers and purple flats. A silver handbag and purple cocktail ring complete the look.
Fashion With a Twist - Ecstasy of Gold
It's true! For centuries, gold has been used in culinary creations across the world for its aesthetic qualities, its symbolic power and sometimes for its alleged magical properties.
DeLafée created unique and epicurean products adorned with 24 karat edible gold: beautiful, unforgettable and highly symbolic luxury gifts to express love, passion or success. But wait! They can be perfect accessories too, right?
Go for the gold...
Gold Chocolate
DeLafée's gold chocolate combines two of the most luscious and sensual pleasures in the world: the finest Swiss chocolate and 24 karat edible gold. Shinning like little stars on the chocolate pralinés, they are a universal symbol of success, beauty and eternity.
Gold Lollipop
DeLafée presents the finest strawberry flavored lollipop with 24 karat edible gold. For the princess who has everything this gold lollipop is a decadent indulgence and a suggestive accessory.
Gold Sparkling Wine
DeLafée's Golden Bubbles is a Swiss sparkling wine Rosé Brut with 24 karat edible gold. It will add unforgettable magic and luxury to your events.
Gold Cigars
DeLafée presents the finest hand-rolled Dominican cigar wrapped in 24 karat gold leaf. It offers a smooth smoke with character.
Gourmet Gold
DeLafée's 24 karat edible gold flakes shine like little stars on your culinary creations. Edible gold is totally safe when ingested and is famous for its non-allergenic properties.
DeLafée created unique and epicurean products adorned with 24 karat edible gold: beautiful, unforgettable and highly symbolic luxury gifts to express love, passion or success. But wait! They can be perfect accessories too, right?
Go for the gold...
Gold Chocolate
DeLafée's gold chocolate combines two of the most luscious and sensual pleasures in the world: the finest Swiss chocolate and 24 karat edible gold. Shinning like little stars on the chocolate pralinés, they are a universal symbol of success, beauty and eternity.
Gold Lollipop
DeLafée presents the finest strawberry flavored lollipop with 24 karat edible gold. For the princess who has everything this gold lollipop is a decadent indulgence and a suggestive accessory.
Gold Sparkling Wine
DeLafée's Golden Bubbles is a Swiss sparkling wine Rosé Brut with 24 karat edible gold. It will add unforgettable magic and luxury to your events.
Gold Cigars
DeLafée presents the finest hand-rolled Dominican cigar wrapped in 24 karat gold leaf. It offers a smooth smoke with character.
Gourmet Gold
DeLafée's 24 karat edible gold flakes shine like little stars on your culinary creations. Edible gold is totally safe when ingested and is famous for its non-allergenic properties.
VS Angels Arrival @ LA International Airport
Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Selita Ebanks, Alessandra Ambrosio and other Victoria's Secret angels flew on a Virgin America flight from New York to Los Angeles last November 12. This is for the upcoming Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre on November 15, 2007.The show will be televised on CBS on December 4.
During the show, people can also catch the performance of the recently reunited British group, Spice Girls : Victoria Beckham, Mel C, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Mel B. The group will also pose in Victoria’s Secret lingerie pre-performance and will be selling their new album exclusively through Victoria’s Secret stores.
Photo Sources: 1, 2
2007 Haute Chocolate Couture Collection
I love chocolates! I can't imagine a life without them. So to all chocoholics out their, take a chip and enjoy this chocolatey post.
The 2007 Haute Chocolate Couture Collection in New York City showed off with a lot of chocolaty fashion on the ramp. The display kicked off the 10th Annual International Chocolate Show in the Big Apple. Models walked down the catwalk in shirts made of dark chocolate, white chocolate, chocolate squares, and chocolate chip. Indeed, there was something to suit everyone's taste.
"It's actually amazing. It's not everyday that you get to wear something like this, so I'm really, really excited about it. It's a first time experience to be wearing cookies," said Ashley Moss, Model.
The chocolate show also coincides with the ongoing 'Chocolate Week' in New York City.
Here are some yummy photos from the show:
For more infos regarding the show
The 2007 Haute Chocolate Couture Collection in New York City showed off with a lot of chocolaty fashion on the ramp. The display kicked off the 10th Annual International Chocolate Show in the Big Apple. Models walked down the catwalk in shirts made of dark chocolate, white chocolate, chocolate squares, and chocolate chip. Indeed, there was something to suit everyone's taste.
"It's actually amazing. It's not everyday that you get to wear something like this, so I'm really, really excited about it. It's a first time experience to be wearing cookies," said Ashley Moss, Model.
The chocolate show also coincides with the ongoing 'Chocolate Week' in New York City.
Here are some yummy photos from the show:
For more infos regarding the show