BBC's One Block in Harlem

Although it starts off with a questionable introduction about the subject matter: "Harlem: It means ghetto, political activism, impoverished despair" it is worth hearing my former master's thesis advisor, scholarly mentor, the late Manning Marable's analysis of the historic meaning of Harlem in the black imaginary.

"Harlem was a school for civic education"-Manning Marable

Part 1:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/mobile/documentaries/2011/02/110202_one_block_harlem_tx_1.shtml

Part 2:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/mobile/documentaries/2011/02/110208_one_block_in_harlem_tx_2.shtml

On Spirituality & Religion

Although it can be problematic to see the two as isolated binaries, I once had a friend brilliantly characterize the difference between spirituality and religion:

Spirituality is an experience with the Divine

Religion is an explanation of that experience.

My new job

Sometimes there is an upside to flight delays.



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Location:Propeller Ct,,États-Unis

Old world beauty solutions

at "Old World" prices, aka "I get all my beauty secrets/tips from my younger sister 10 years my junior." And I wanted to share my natural beauty product discovery with my online family: using Rose Water sold at Middle Eastern markets as a post-face wash toner. High end brands like Kiehl's will try to market the low-cost natural remedies as skincare delicacies by adding pretty packaging and rose petals in order to justify boosting the price. This one from Kiehl's sells for $16 (ignore the link polyvore forcibly added as part of me using the website image for the product). But...

Kiehl's Rosewater Facial Freshener and Toner - Toners -... (clipped to polyvore.com)

You can get the same version from Sadaf at either your local market's "ethnic food" section, a Middle Eastern grocery store or your mama and baba's food cabinet for $2.50 (obviously the last option would be even less).

West LA Farmer's Market

Yesterday's Farmer's Market I scored the deals thanks to my Arab-dar and liberal use of the Arabic. A Tunisian vendor gave me the below six items at more than half off!



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Location:Mississippi Ave,Los Angeles,États-Unis

UPDATE on Family in Latakia

I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, duaas and concerns from friends and folks from the worldwide brotherhood and sisterhood I have not yet met. The latest word is that my family in Latakia seems to be safe. They have quarantined themselves in their apartment---that being the safest retreat from continuous round of shelling from the outside. I have also been told that there are electrical and water shortages. Apparently CNN is reporting that the Syrian regime, sounding too much like a Tom Cruise suspense fantasy flick, is declaring a "Mission Complete" in Latakia.


This is a photo I snapped last year of the newly built Rotana resort hotel on Latakia's invitingly warm waters. May beauty and calm befall the residents.

Please Pray for Latakia

My mother's family in Latakia continues to endure the daily terror of the Assad regime. A few days ago, the Syrian navy shelled this city. I have no idea how my family there is doing. In the meantime, please join me in praying for them and their fellow country folks' safety. Maybe even contemplate calling your representatives and find out the US government's strategy, policy and position on responding to the regime's reprehensible violent response to demonstrators and protesters. Below are photos of the seaside city I took almost a year ago to date as my siblings, mother and I visited her family in Latakia.













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