Monday Work Wear {Accessories}

Last week I mentioned I've gone on a shopping hiatus until the (rapidly approaching!) wedding. It's terrible to admit but after only two months I'm already bored with my closet. That is why I'm getting on the accessorize bandwagon. It's the quickest and simplest way to make something old new again and Apartment 34's newest sponsor, Stella & Dot has exactly what I need.

I've decided I'm going to rely on the jacket this spring. It gives me the versatility my closet really needs right now. Adding a perfect accessory or two would provide so many options all in one.

photos by tommy ton via style.com, necklaces all from stella & dot

Switch things up with a different tank, a layered T-shirt, or a classic button up and great necklace. Looks for days. Check out Stella & Dot if your wardrobe needs a little pick me up. Just be sure to tell them Apartment 34 sent you.

Happy Monday!

Malays urged not to marry Westerners


From: OngBak3
subject: Malays urged not to marry Westerners
Malays urged not to marry Westerners

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Information Minister Rais Yatim said young
Malays, including artists, should think 'thousands of times' before
marrying Westerners as only three in 10 such marriages were
successful.

Failed marriages were especially evident when Malays married
Westerners, he said, while those who married other Malaysians who
converted to Islam have stable marriages, he was quoted as saying by
Utusan Malaysia newspaper.

Datuk Seri Rais was responding to a question on speculation that the
marriage of popular Malaysian actress Maya Karin to a British teacher
is on the rocks after just 18 months
-----------------------------------------
From: "Lim PE"
only three in 10 such marriages were successful.

Because western spouses must convert & practise islam, yet
can't get PR, these are very high*pressures on them. Unlike
locals, westerners can return to their countries easily, so can
end their marriages here to escape these * ( caused by govnmnt
). Some of these malays esp women emigrate with their
husbands, then how does govnmnt know of their marriages'
success ?

Sexual satisfaction is very important to a marriage.
Most divorce in Singapore are caused by extra-marital
sex... The wives, with a big cock at home, do not
seek sex outside their marriage. In this sense, what
Simoni said.... is true.

From: baldeagle
However, the Malay girls who marry Ang Moh, thinking
they have gigantic cocks, may have found out the truth.
Hence the divorce.
Ang Moh are like Chinese,... some have big ones and
some have tinny ones.
The size of the cock is like the ears, a big size man
can have small ears, and a small size man can have
long and large ears. This is nature.

Malay girls are stupid to think that Ang Moh make good
husband. They are NOT.

From: Zanzibar
The problem lies with one eating of halal only food and one eating of
everything.

And, in addition, it is also the culture which is different of each
other, like one speaking only english and one doesn't understand much
of the english.

In some cases, it is the educational perspectiveness levels of each
others that are not the same.

Thier acquired knowledge gap is vastly apart of each other, and hence
living and working together much harder longer to achieve and attain.

The expectations of these are also different in that attained skills
and levels that are acquired at different communciation versions of
skills and levels in their growing up years in their own country.

The assimilation level of each other is thus not communicated at the
same speed of reasoning skills and the levels of understandings..

Indonesia's Siti Qomariyah And Wahyudi Ponco in sex scandal


Newsgroups: soc.culture.singapore, soc.culture.malaysia, soc.culture.indonesia, soc.culture.filipino
Subject: Indonesia's Siti Qomariyah And Wahyudi Ponco in sex scandal

Leaked naughty photos of Pekalongan regency head Siti
Qomariyah, together with a man who is allegedly to be her deputy,
Wahyudi Ponco, making love in a hotel. The leaked photos of the Regent
and Vice Regent of Pekalongan, Central Java are hotly being circulated
on the Internet from some Facebook account under the name of Qomariah
Ponco.

Watch nu-de photos here: http://indonesianscandals.blogspot.com/

Malay extremist groups wary of 1Malaysia model

Newsgroups: soc.culture.singapore, soc.culture.malaysia
From: OngBak3
Subject: Malay extremist groups wary of 1Malaysia model

By G. Manimaran
Bahasa Malaysia Editor

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 - Worries about an impending “overly liberal” New
Economic Model has prompted nearly 80 Malay groups to form the Malay
Consultative Council (MPM) to push the government to maintain
affirmative action for the country’s dominant race.

A Malay leader revealed that the MPM wants the Umno-led Barisan
Nasional government to maintain a “guided” New Economic Policy (NEP)
that protects the Malays and Bumiputras, saying the community was
worried about moves to abolish subsidies and other forms of aid.

“We don’t want an economic model that is overly free or overly
liberal... we want a model that can lead the interests of the Malays,”
the leader told The Malaysian Insider on condition of anonymity after
attending the MPM launch in the Sultan Sulaiman Club yesterday.

The Malaysian Insider understands that the MPM is disappointed with
the government for not having comprehensive discussions with Malay
groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) about the New
Economic Model (NEM), to be launched next month in line with Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1 Malaysia concept and global
economic trends.

There were also several Malay NGO leaders who felt the current
problems are due to a weak government that was meeting the demands of
other races in the economic sector. Najib had freed 27 economic sub-
sectors from mandatory Bumiputra participation last year and also
reduced quotas for Bumiputra equity in initial public share offers.

The MPM felt that Malay political leaders themselves are sidelining
Malay interests, the leader said without identifying these
politicians.

It is understood that while MPM was formed to defend and protect Malay
rights and Islam, it will initially focus on the economy.

Among the prime movers in MPM are Perkasa, ex-Umno lawmakers council
Mubarak, Peninsula Malay Students Confederation (GPMS), Malay
Professional Thinkers Association and Cuepacs.

The MPM will organise a round-table conference for its members on Mar
7 to discuss the future economic direction of the Malays and an
introduction to the NEM which Najib had promised would lead to higher
income based on innovation and creativity.

“Yesterday’s meeting was focused on protecting Malay interest in the
economy, we don’t want the Malays to continue being sidelined by open
economic policies.

“To ensure that the NEM has affirmative approaches to help the Malays
and Bumiputras because we hear this element is missing in the new
model ... this was the emphasis by the NGOs supporting the MPM,” he
added.

The leader said a majority of NGOs in the MPM had disclosed that
Malays and Bumiputras feel their position was threatened as the
country’s economy is still being controlled by minority groups.

Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali yesterday said MPM’s role is to
protect and be the frontline against quarters that continuously try to
undermine the rights, privileges and economy of the Malays, position
of Islam and Malay Rulers in the country.

He said the MPM will play its role as a pressure group to the
government to ensure it does not stray from the core principles in the
Federal Constitution, particularly Article 153 that protects the
Malays.

Earlier this month when opening the 1 Malaysia Economic Conference,
the prime minister had asked local industries to accept changes that
are occurring without expecting much protection from the government.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, is battling to reduce deficits
and steer the economy out of the recession.

He announced last week that the country’s economy grew 4.5 per cent in
the fourth quarter of 2009 with overall growth shrinking 1.7 per cent
against earlier gloomier estimates of 3 per cent.

However, the Najib administration is also battling to keep the economy
afloat as foreign direct investments continue to fall.

International Trade and Industry deputy minister Datuk Mukhriz
Mahathir promised last week that the NEM would make appropriate
concessions for the Bumiputras in line with previous policies,
including the NEP.

He admitted to have received visits from NGOs representing various
industries and sectors who had expressed worry that the NEM would be
too open and reduce opportunities for Bumiputera entrepreneurs and
businessmen.

Mukhriz said that the government would give the appropriate
consideration for all quarters in its policies.

Paris Beer Ads to be Banned in Brazil?


Paris Hilton Beer Ads Declared Too Sensual For Brazil

Paris Hilton’s Devassa beer ads are declared too sexual for Brazil. Paris Hilton was tapped to be spokesperson for Devassa beer (translation: naughty) and filmed a minute-long commercial where she dances with a beer and a sexy Brazilian man watches. Now, we are not fans of Paris Hilton’s raunchy attempts for attention, but this is tame. Very tame. Paris shows more skin on a daily basis.

Not according to a spokesperson for the country’s Secretariat for Women’s Affairs, however, who wants the ad off the air:

“It’s an ad that devalues women – in particular, blond women. The problem with the ad isn’t a lack of clothing, but its sensual nature,” Eduardo Correia said. “A woman in a bikini on a beach isn’t necessarily sensual; it depends on the context.”

Check out the video below. What do you think?

Britney in flawless shape


Singer and controversial celebrity Britney Spears has a new job: model and spokeswoman for all-American shoe line Candies. And for it, the former Princess of Pop is looking better than ever. Taking into account how great Britney used to look ten years ago, that’s one serious compliment.

Showing a perfectly shaped body and flawless long, muscular legs, the mother of two is living proof that exercise does a body good. After reportedly spending six to eight hours a day at the gym, Britney is back to her pre-motherhood weight and shape. And, despite the shoes she’s wearing in these ads being the last thing any hot blooded human will look at, there’s no doubt Candies shoe sales will go through the roof. After all, sex sells, and as these photos prove, Britney Spears is the new definition of sexy.

Britney in flawless shape


Singer and controversial celebrity Britney Spears has a new job: model and spokeswoman for all-American shoe line Candies. And for it, the former Princess of Pop is looking better than ever. Taking into account how great Britney used to look ten years ago, that’s one serious compliment.

Showing a perfectly shaped body and flawless long, muscular legs, the mother of two is living proof that exercise does a body good. After reportedly spending six to eight hours a day at the gym, Britney is back to her pre-motherhood weight and shape. And, despite the shoes she’s wearing in these ads being the last thing any hot blooded human will look at, there’s no doubt Candies shoe sales will go through the roof. After all, sex sells, and as these photos prove, Britney Spears is the new definition of sexy.

Kim Selling Vanilla Cupcakes


Kim Kardashian now has her very own cupcake mix. After making a few million dollars selling her diet pills, it’s a paradox that she’s now trying to sell us something to make us fat, but who knows, may be she’s trying to target that small percentage of the population that needs to gain some weight. But really, who cares what Kimmy is selling us? The important thing here is that she’s showing her big cupcakes in these photos. Wait, make that “her big poundcakes”.

The dark haired socialite showed up at the Famous Cupcakes building in Beverly Hills this past Friday accompanied by her mom, and the two posed for the paparazzi before going inside for the official unveiling of “The Kim Kardashian Vanilla Cupcake”. Kim Kardashian has some of the best boobs in Hollywood nowadays and she was proud to show them wrapped in a gray and black dress at the launching of her vanilla powder for the Famous Cupcakes brand. Lucky for us, her dress was extremely fitted and showed every curve of her body. Unlucky for her, she couldn’t eat cupcakes or her dress would’ve un-stitched itself.

Lindsay showing plenty of cleavages



Here’s good ol’ Lindsay Lohan showing off her fantastic cleavage for the Sun UK, and looking drop dead sexy while doing so. Ok, you guys can probably tell by now that I don’t share your views on Lohan; I think the girl is freaking hot from head to toe, and she’s even hotter when she shows off her plentiful cleavage, which I just happen to think is some of the best cleavage in the known galaxy. So yeah, Lohan is hot, and this cleavage popping photoshoot is proof. So stop denying it, and honestly, let’s face it; all of you out there have been secretly drooling over Lohan this whole time. More pictures after the jump, enjoy!

Megan Fox is talented


Well, at least to Mickey Rourke she is. Here’s what Mickey had to say about working with the hottest celebrity babe on the planet:

“People say bad stuff about her and how she can’t act, but they only say that because she’s beautiful,” the actor told the New York Daily News. “She’s the most talented actress I’ve worked with. When she cries in a scene, I get emotional.”

And who the hell are we to argue with Mickey Rourke? I mean, the guy’s the man. Forget about The Wrestler and all that recent crap; have you guys seen Angel Heart or Barfly? This guy knows his $#!!. So if Mickey Rourke says that Megan fox is a fantastic actress and the most talented actress he has ever worked with, then she is. She’s also the sexiest woman on the planet, and I would say absolutely anything just to please her, but that’s beside the point. Have a good weekend boys and girls!

Megan Fox is talented


Well, at least to Mickey Rourke she is. Here’s what Mickey had to say about working with the hottest celebrity babe on the planet:

“People say bad stuff about her and how she can’t act, but they only say that because she’s beautiful,” the actor told the New York Daily News. “She’s the most talented actress I’ve worked with. When she cries in a scene, I get emotional.”

And who the hell are we to argue with Mickey Rourke? I mean, the guy’s the man. Forget about The Wrestler and all that recent crap; have you guys seen Angel Heart or Barfly? This guy knows his $#!!. So if Mickey Rourke says that Megan fox is a fantastic actress and the most talented actress he has ever worked with, then she is. She’s also the sexiest woman on the planet, and I would say absolutely anything just to please her, but that’s beside the point. Have a good weekend boys and girls!

Tyranny of the M’sian bureaucracy

From: Politikus
Subject: Tyranny of the M’sian bureaucracy

WRITTEN BY DR LIM TECK GHEE
FRIDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 2010

During the last few days we have had two clear examples of how
tyrannical and vicious the Malaysian bureaucracy can be, and how
unyielding it is to any reform measures or initiatives. This Mr Hyde
side of the Malaysian bureaucracy is not the usual dark side that the
Malaysian public is familiar with – one associated with inefficiency,
laziness, poor service, abuse of power or corruption.

It is one that is part and parcel of the hidden racially-charged
context of our institutions and it smacks of the ideology of Malay
dominance – or even Malay supremacy – that the civil service has come
to personify. This is the dark side that is generally kept away from
public scrutiny and accountability, not only because it runs against
the grain of what a modern, progressive and representative civil
service is, but also because it is regarded as politically incorrect
to discuss or analyze it.

The first example appeared just two weeks ago when a courageous
whistleblower, Dr Selvaa Vathany, a doctor from the Orang Asli
Affairs Department (JHEOA) Hospital, Gombak made startling claims of
rampant malpractice, misappropriation of resources and other
wrongdoings by the hospital staff and associated agencies of
government dealing with the Orang Asli.

Dr Selvaa is not your ordinary whistleblower. Providing details on
the importance of healthcare and medical assistance for the Orang Asli
– their children are 15 times more likely to die from malnourishment
compared to other children – she revealed that for entire communities
“essentials given out are limited to one to two bottles of cooking
oil, six to eight tins of canned food, two packets of 400g Milo, 15 to
20 small packets of milk powder, 10 to 20 diapers, two bottles of
detergent and 10 to 20 pairs of slippers, per visit. These are
distributed at random …. If the villagers are lucky, distribution
could be as frequent as once in every two to three months”.

She noted that “a tin of infant milk is divided into six small packets
with 15 to 20 packets distributed to a village of between 250 to 500
people”.

All of this is strong circumstantial evidence that resources meant for
Orang Asli communities are hijacked, possibly by the very people
entrusted with the responsibility of distributing them to these
vulnerable groups.

In her press conference, she also pointed to an institutional defect
in which individuals without medical training and incapable of
following Health Ministry protocols and standards were made hospital
administrators and were appointed from the Rural and Regional
Development Ministry.

Most tellingly, she pointed to an extensive cover-up of the scandal
with little or no follow-up to the complaints made to the Prime
Minister’s Department, Rural and Regional Development Ministry, Health
Ministry, Chief Secretary, Public Service Department and Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The only follow-up that has taken place appears to have been the
thuggish and unacceptable response of the team from the Rural and
Regional Development Ministry who “questioned the complaint… made by
the Orang Asli in an unprofessional manner”, and threatened and
attempted to intimidate them.

For her professionalism and integrity in speaking out on behalf of a
marginalized and impoverished community, Dr Selvaa is now being
transferred to Kedah where presumably she will be left to rot and to
rue her courageous challenge of the status quo.

Outsiders controlling the Orang Asli

The second example also relates to the Orang Asli and it concerns the
response of the Orang Asli Affairs Department to the demand for
increased representation at the management level in government
agencies formed to handle Orang Asli affairs.

According to the group raising these concerns, the JHEOA is staffed by
over-80 percent non-Orang Asli, resulting in decisions not favourable
to their needs and the marginalization of Orang Asli voices in
important policies that affect their livelihoods.

This is not the first time that such concerns have been raised. During
the past 50 years we have had a constant stream of written petitions,
memoranda, press statements, expert reports and academic work that
have drawn attention to the way in which the government has violated
the basic rights of the Orang Asli and analyzed how the JHEOA and
associated government agencies have been the main instruments for
control and repression of the community.

In response, the Government has simply ignored them or opted for
delaying tactics.

In this particular instance, in typical foot-dragging response, the
department’s Director-General Mohd Sani Mistram said that the group
should have gone through the “proper channels” to air their grievances
and that it was an “internal matter” between the Orang Asli and the
department.

Both these cases – the punishment meted out to a whistleblower and the
cold shoulder treatment of legitimate Orang Asli grievances –
epitomize how dangerous it is for our democratic system to remain
silent or passive in the face of an increasingly out of touch and
unrepresentative civil service. They are the tip of the iceberg of
many unexposed and undisclosed abuses that needs to be put in the
spotlight of public scrutiny.

At the end of the day, the most effective public scrutiny that can
realistically have an immediate impact on these cases of rogue
individuals and agencies of the civil service that are throttling the
Orang Asli is that coming from Malay intelligentsia and Malay civil
society.

Indeed, some Malay colleagues have shown goodwill in helping the Orang
Asli to correct some of the “historical injustices” that have been
perpetrated on the original inhabitants of the Peninsula. It could
make a difference if Malay leaders are willing to take up the case of
Dr Selvaa and stop her victimization by the Ministry of Rural and
Regional Development.

At the same time, more Malaysians of conscience need to step up to the
plate if the Orang Asli community is to regain their rightful place in
the country.

Lady Gaga screws her outfit again

Here's Lady GaGa in London last night and screw her outfit. Check out the look on her bodyguard's face in each shot. There's a man who went straight home, told his daughter he loved her, then bought ten ponies and a Lamborghini just to make sure she got the message. Because she's two.

Hong Kong girl taunts ex-boyfriend with enlarged breasts


DivaAsia.com
A video of a Hong Kong girl (left) showing off her new C cup breasts became popular recently.

In the video, she taunts her ex-boyfriend who had dumped her.

Bitter over the breakup that had occurred three months ago, she decides to show off her newly enlarged breasts to her ex-boyfriend who used to complain that they were "AA cups and too small".

The ex-boyfriend is said to have dumped her because of her small breasts.

The Hong Kong girl sputters vulgarities in the video, complaining that her ex-boyfriend had started to treat her differently once they got together.

She proceeds to unzip her grey jacket, revealing her C cup breasts.

"Now, take a good look, I have a C cup! Don't you regret dumping me now?" she said in cantonese angrily.

She mocked her ex-boyfriend saying: "Look at them, they are Cs! You don't even have a C on your school certificate."

"You can never say that I am small again," she added.

In another incident, a guy posts a photograph of his girlfriend (right) and claimed he is considering a break-up because her breasts are too small and are "practically not much different from an airport."

He degrades her further by saying, "I simply feel like I am touching a man."

Happy {Playful} Weekend & the Winner Is...

My dears, did this week fly by for you as quickly as it did for me?? I don't understand how we're not only at the end of a week but the end of February! Eek! I'm going to do my very best to slow down and enjoy a patch of free time this weekend.


photo via here

But before I do that I get to announce the lucky winner of the t.ruffles notecard giveaway. And the winner is...Megan of Lovely Happenings! Email me at apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com to claim your prize.

Congratulations again to Megan. And thanks to the fabulous t.ruffles ladies mary and karey. You can check out their etsy shop for more sweetness here.

Happy weekend luvies. Till Monday.

*E

I've Got a Crush

On black and white,




Happy Friday luvies!

Loving Some Luxury

I don't think I've mentioned yet, but since the wedding is just around the corner I've gone on a shopping hiatus - exceptions only being wedding related essentials. For two months it'd been going really well....but now I feel my resolve weakening. 

In attempt to resist the urge, I'm tiding myself over by lusting after some luscious labels - from afar of course. 




A touch of luxury never hurt anyone though, right?

Speaking of luxurious, check out my guest post on the lush and lovely blog Bright, Bold & Beautiful. You'll find a bounty of fabulousness there!

3 Muslim women caned

From: Masturbating Myself
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 04:09:40 -0800 (PST)
Local: Sun, Feb 28 2010 8:09 pm
Subject: 3 Muslim women caned - they deserve to have such ancient laws for themselves

Today, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Majlis Agama Islam
Selangor, MAIS) had lodged police reports against The Star and Sisters
in Islam for moronic accusations.

Part of the reports was because of The Star’s Managing Editor, P.
Gunasegaram’s writing in his column Question Time titled Persuasion,
not compulsion.

The Star has since apologised (to whom we do not know, for the people
have never asked for it) and taken down the article.

We are reproducing the article in full here to let readers make up
their mind whether the police reports are justified.

We want readers to decide: did P. Gunasegaram do any wrong?

Because we certainly do not think so. Leave your thoughts in the
comments.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

When federal laws unambiguously prohibit whipping or caning of women,
religious laws must not be allowed to do the opposite.

ONE of the small things that I am grateful for is that I cannot be
legally whipped or caned for any offence any more. Yes, there are
criminal penalties which can specify whipping, but not for those over
50, I am told. Sometimes being old(er) is an advantage.

The other reason that I won’t be legally whipped is that I am not a
Muslim and therefore my personal behaviour is not subject to syariah
courts, which can hold me liable for offences such as drinking alcohol
and have me caned.

For me and for millions of Malaysians of all races and religions, Feb
9, 2010, was a sad, black day in the history of our country. On that
day, three women were caned legally for the first time ever in this
country. They, all Muslims, were caned for engaging in illicit sex, an
offence under syariah law, it was announced.

It is shocking that such sentences are being meted out for such
offences. While religious laws may allow for such sentences, it is
possible for judges to mete out lower sentences, especially when such
“offences” are of a very personal nature and harm no one else.

When there are loopholes in religious laws which allow such punishment
out of all proportion to the “crime” committed, and which go against
the sensibilities of most Malaysians, then it is incumbent upon the
Government of the day to use the legislature to do the needful.
Otherwise it abdicates its responsibility.

Illicit sex means sex out of wedlock and if we are all not hypocrites,
we will admit that it happens all the time, among both Muslims and non-
Muslims. To prescribe caning for such an offence is something that
most Malaysians are likely to consider just too much.

It also opens the door for caning for more minor offences in the eyes
of religious officials, such as drinking alcohol. In fact one Muslim
woman, who has refused to appeal her case, is currently awaiting a
caning sentence to be carried out after she was found guilty of
drinking alcohol.

That case attracted international attention and made it to the front
page of two international financial dailies – The Wall Street Journal
and The Financial Times – on the same day last year. The current case,
announced on Wednesday, is already beginning to attract world
attention.

With three women already having been caned for illicit sex, the way
has been paved for more caning of women in the future. That will not
endear Malaysia to Malaysians, let alone foreigners who are inevitably
going to equate us with the Taliban. And who can blame them?

And are we going to go further down the slippery road and cane women
for dressing immodestly too, as has been done in some countries?

There are already indications that Malays, especially women, are
migrating and leaving their homeland, not because they don’t have
opportunities here but because as Muslims, their personal freedom is
restricted – and there is danger that it will be curtailed even more.

Yes, it has been said the three women did not suffer any cuts or
bruises following the caning but that is scant consolation to those
who have to undergo such humiliating punishment on top of the
intrusion into their personal affairs.

As if the caning was not bad enough, alarmingly they spent months in
prison. One of them is still serving her jail sentence and will be
released only in June.

All three were found guilty of committing illicit sex by the Federal
Territory Syariah High Court, which issued the caning order between
December last year and last month. Perplexingly, they were not made
public at that point of time. The public had no idea of the caning
before it was done.

Also, it was not clear if the women had exercised their full rights
under syariah law by appealing the court’s decision.

These are behaviours which should not be treated as if they were
criminal offences; but they have been. The offenders have not only
been caned but also jailed, which is rather harsh punishment for
something which did not harm anyone else and was done in privacy and
behind closed doors.

This is clear indication that there are laws in our statute books –
both syariah as well as civil – which are outdated and need to be
revised in keeping with the times and the recognition that individuals
have personal rights.

Personal behaviour between consenting adults that do no physical harm
to them and to others should not be legislated. This is in keeping
with the development of personal rights throughout the world, and
anything that takes away these rights is a step backwards.

Religion is open to interpretation, man interprets it and man can –
and does – make mistakes.

Even if religious rules are flouted, we should have a system which
does not mete out punishment for offences, and focus instead on
rehabilitation and counselling. That will be in keeping with the
universal tenet that there is no compulsion when it comes to religion.

Custodial and punitive sentences by religious courts should be limited
via statutes because personal behaviour of adults is often involved
and there is no hurt or harm to any others arising from such
behaviour.

Religion is about persuasion not compulsion, about faith not
certainty, and that is the way we should keep it. Otherwise, bigotry
is going to get in the way and we won’t be following the tenets of
religion but of those who choose to interpret it the way they want to.

We have all seen what happens when religion – no matter what religion
– is carried to extremes and hijacked by bigots. We don’t want public
flogging, we don’t want arms chopped off, we don’t want people to be
stoned to death, and we don’t want people to be burned at the stake.

We have already moved way past that. Let’s not allow a small number of
religious bigots to take us back into the dark ages. And for that, we
all need to stand up and speak up when our individual rights are
trampled upon.

Managing editor P. Gunasegaram is appalled by the number of sins
committed in the name of God.

Anwar loses appeal to obtain key evidence

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 25, 2010): Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today lost in his final bid to obtain key documents in his sodomy trial after the Federal Court rejected his application to review its earlier decision.

Federal Court judges Datuk Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin, Datuk Wira Ghazali Mohd Yusoff and Datuk Heliliah Mohd Yusof delivered an unanimous decision after hearing submission from Anwar's lawyer, Karpal Singh and Solicitor-General II Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden.

Zulkefli said Anwar's case was unsuitable for review because issues raised by Anwar in the review application were duly considered and dealt with by the previous panel of the Federal Court.

"Issues raised by the appellant (Anwar) were issues duly considered and dealt with, in the judgement (of the Federal Court decision)," said Zulkefli.

Anwar had filed an application to review the Federal Court's decision on Jan 29, 2010, which dismissed his appeal to obtain the key documents.

In 2009, High Court judge Datuk Zabidin Mohd Diah allowed Anwar's application to obtain certain materials and documents in preparation of his defence. Prosecution then appealed to the Court of Appeal, which overturned the High Court decision.

Anwar is charged with sodomising Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, his former personal aide, at Desa Damansara Condominium, Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara, between 3.01pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.

Kim looking good from above


Here’s the bodacious (that’s right, bodacious!) Kim Kardashian strutting her stuff in West Hollywood and busting out her mondo cleavage. Yes, I totally dig Kim Kardashian… much to your disapproval I’m sure. I even dig her when she isn’t showing off her rollercoaster booty. Thankfully though, whenever she isn’t dropping my jaw with her super booty, I can always count on her to unleash her just as super cleavage, which you can clearly see in these somewhat high altitude shots. Enjoy! Errr, or at least try to enjoy them.

A Sweet Giveaway

Maybe it's leftover sentiment from Valentine's Day or the fact that I'm exactly two months out from our wedding, but my heart is a ball full of mush these days. That's why I’m so excited about today's giveaway from the t.ruffle girls.

The t.ruffle girls are all about sweetness, so I'm particularly giddy to gift two note card sets to one lucky sweetheart. Each set is a trio of four-by-six delights, sitting prettily on velvet matte cardstock and accompanied by three envelopes all in white. and while our little cards love to travel, they're also thrilled to hang out on walls and inspiration boards. 

Leave a comment for your chance to win. A name will be selected at Random at noon on Friday, February 26. Be sure to visit the t.ruffles shoppe for your very own take-away treats. and stop by the sweeterie, where they make candy for your soul. Twice daily!

Kim - loves Salad?

Wedding Wednesday {Honeymooning}

With only two months of wedding planning to go it's easy to get sucked into the minutia. But one can't forget I've got a honeymoon to plan too! Well, my honey is actually planning it, but there are still wardrobe choices to be made.

When the Lauren Moffatt spring line landed in my inbox I was so thrilled to discover they may have taken care it for me!



via lauren moffatt

Add a mango margarita to any one of these looks and call me good to go.

PS stop by later for a great giveaway for the honey in your life!

I'm Loving...

A killer DIY before and after.




I need to uncover my latent flea market gene because this is too awesome!

Breath of Open Air

Kitchens with open shelving get me every time and these may be some of the best examples I've spotted yet.





Gorgeous flooring, apron sinks, amazing lighting options and subway tile aren't half bad either. If any of these kitchens were mine I'd never leave it again!

Monday Work Wear {My Spring Uniform}

I know fall looks have been strutting down runways in every nook and cranny in New York, but nearly 60 degree, sunshiny weather in Seattle has me so over winter wear. I've fully moved on to brighter days and the Spring 2010 collection from Built by Wendy has exactly what I need.

In fact, I don't think I'll need to look anywhere else! They have my favorite color palette. 



Adorable shorts,


Perfect pops of color,


And fabulous weekend wear.


Need I say more? Now this is one-stop shopping at its best. Done and done!