Ponder...

Wow, the last time I actually posted something was in January. It's amazing how time goes by so fast. Last week seems like a few days ago and last month seems like only a few weekes ago (which technicially it is). Since then, how have I changed? Well, I know I've learnt how to manage time better (a little less procrastinating, ha). I've learnt that sometimes you can't care too much about something and have to let things/events run their course. However, lately I've paid more attention to what it means to be a Muslim. I don't know if I've said this before, but I am a Muslim. I wear the scarf and try to practice my faith as best as I can. And then I saw this:

I found this image on a friend's tumblr. She was responding to another person who expressed their opinion that the woman on the right is forced and oppressed into covering herself. She answered it pretty well, and I'd just like to give my two cents on this image.

Firstly, yes, it might be true that women in certain countries are legally required to wear the niqab (covering of the whole body). It is those government's interpretation of Islam which results in women having to cover themselves. However, in the large majority of the world, it is the woman's choice to cover up. And by doing so, they are actually liberating themselves from trying to accomplish the expectations which society imposes upon women (especially young women). The woman on the left, who would be objectified by men and other women, would try to keep up with what is expected by her (mostly a focus on outward appearances), conscious or subconsciously (a great job on behalf of the media *sarcasm*). No, I'm not blaming her or viewing her as weak. It's what her culture is, you can say in a way. On the other hand is the woman on the right, although a prejudice could be formed by others regarding her appearance, she would not be objectified, but rather seen as a woman. Seriously, I don't know anyone who would say she's a 'hot babe' or a 'fit bird', because her physical beauty/appearance cannot be seen. To properly judge her, one would need to approach her (I'm aware that people would be wary), speak to her and know her.

Haha, I'm not brainwashed. I know this is a bit confrontational. But this image is popping up everywhere in t-land, and its seriously bothering me that people are forming judgements without seeing both sides. Duh, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but as members of society who have access to information (hello Internet), an unbiased as possible (no one can really be free of bias, can they?) view should be formed.


I'm really rambling now and I'm super tired.

If anyone still reads this blog, or comes across this, I'm very interested to know what you think, and why regarding the image posted :)

Pencilcase!

I made my own pencilcase. It's the third time I've made one.
I LOVE MAKING PENCILCASES!

Here is the link to the instructable I made for this pencilcase.

Hola! *random update including Dobby*

Bejeezles, I am neglecting this blog. I want to blog in dot-point form.

• Well, so far, the weather's been tres horrible because it's been very muggy and rainy for the past three days. Only today there seemed to be a bit of sunshine.

• Meh, what do I say here....

• I've been reading Pride & Prejudice a while now, for school. But prior to reading, I watched the movie (2005 version). The mother, Mrs. Bennett seems to remind me of I mothers. Desi means someone who is of Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi/maybe Sri Lankan descent. Anyways, Desi mothers on a genreal want their daughters to be married before the age of 25 (there are exceptions). Mrs. Bennett's matching making was just simply hilarious to me (although she did have good intentions)

• The floods in Queensland are receiving a lot of coverage (like, maybe 50%, yeah, I'm exaggeration, but it is a lot, especially on Channel Nine).

• The floods in Queensland are giving me thoughts about Judgement Day.

• My coursework for the final year of school is freaking me out fantastically. 

• I've got a giveaway on my book blog until 31/01/11, international and you don't need to be a follower of any blog *hello passerby!* Heyah iz da lynk

• I am listening to HP7. It's taken me six weeks to get upto the part where Harry, Ron and Hermione break into Gringgots.

• When I read HP& the first time (when it was released) I didn't cry/feel too sad about Dobby. Dunno WHAT I was reading (probably skimming through to get to the end, haha). But when I listened to it, I was sad and a wee bit teary.

As anyone can see, my life is quite event less and boring.  Here are two gifs in honour of Dobby (gifs are great, I just discovered what they're called). from what Dobby was, a house elf, to what Dobby is, a free house elf.

Longevity

I've just finished reading a novel about living forever. Basically, it's set in the future, where a drug that can stop aging exists. People don't die and don't get diseases. But the thing is, that children cannot be born.

In the book, if you've chosen to take the drug, Longevity, you cannot have children. However, those people who Opt Out, can have little kiddies. "A life for a life" is how it's put. And for those children who are born, illegally, they're called Surplus. Unwanted, and a burden on Earth, with its dwindling resources and overpopulation. Surpluses are kept in an Oliver Twist-esque orphanage. Doing chores, fed the bare minimum and being beaten.

Then there's the government. They know your state of health from your ID card. You are told what to buy for dinner, so that you can 'stay healthy'.They can come into your house in the dark of the night and take you away.

In other aspects, people don't marry or have many close relations. Why? Because people have lived for so long that they've become bored of seeing the same faces, such as their husband or wife, or even their children. People are nosy with each other and it's a luxury to have chocolate. Also, for some odd reason, there's no mention of religion and celebrations. Perhaps the people have lived for so long that they're beyond the need for spirituality and social gatherings.

It's scary to think of the world as a place where no one dies. Old HAS to be replaced with new. Everyone feels a sense of foreboding when the topic of death comes up. It's normal and human. I believe in heaven, and that this life is actually temporary. Others believe that no heaven or hell exists, whilst others believe in reincarnation. Do these give us a comfort of a certain degree? I think so.

Science is discoveries and explanations. Logical first, with the issues of ethics secondary. Isn't the aim of biological sciences to extend human life?

It would be mind blowingly messed up if a world such as that created by Gemma Malley came into existence.

The trilogy which has inspired this post is called The Declaration, written by Gemma Malley.

Update + award thang for blawg

For those who've read Kiki Strike and The Eternal Ones, I've done an interview with Kirsten Miller (le gasp! Can't belive it myself either!). Clickity click here.

Who has seen the show My Life As Liz? Well, it mind-boggles me 'cause it's scripted reality. But seriously, how much is it is and isn't scripted. Hmmmmm. Anyways, here is my favourite part from the two whole episodes I've seen (only 30 seconds, involves music). It's quite funny because my favourite part is actually the very first scene from the show.

CHERUB-ians, I'm still waiting to read the FINAL book in the series, called Shadow Wave. Aaaaaagggghhhh!

The lovely Golden Eagle has awarded me with a blog award. I'm very surprised because I don't even blog that often anymore.

Anyhoo, I'd like to pass on this blog award to:
To Keep Your Insanity (cool posts about things the blogger's have noticed in general)
Irregular Kiki's new blog (recipes and stuff that takes IK fancy)
Bloggedy Blog Blog (random posts about Dr. Who and his potato shaped head, music, life and hilarious memes)
All my wonders... (posts about religion, oneself and meaningful reflections)
My Girl Friday (book reviews, movie reviews, pretty pictures)
The Blog (hasn't posted in a while. Where are you TB?)
Montana Irregulars (cool/weird reportings, similar to Ananka's Diary)
and the person who gave it to me The Golden Eagle

I know it's meant to be 15 bloggers/blogs, lah-de-dah but the majority of book blogs I follow are book blogs. And since this blog is a personal blog, I'd like to pass it on to non-book blogs. The bloggers behind these blogs are also awesome and I actively read them.

Vous avez un bon week-end mes amies! Hahaha je suis  mon Francais.