#is just as important as your celebration of Palestinian culture and resistance

[the-hot-zone]

hi i just read ur poem abt love and the meanings of each word and i almost cried. usually poems don’t do it for me and i find them boring and sometimes the writers just try too hard to get across their point (no offense to any poem writers it’s just not my cup of tea ❤️) but the way you wrote abt love and finding it in everyday things really struck a cord in me. not to mention ur wording and phrasing which just adds to whole vibe of it. anyways this was one of the few poems that i feel like i can read over and over again because of how good it is and how much thought and feeling was put into it without being overbearing. much love and keep finding love in the small things ❤️❤️❤️

Hello anon, you are incredibly kind. I hope you are well.

That poem is now very old (by my standards), but your appreciation of it allows me to look kindly back on it. Here are some recommendations for you, if you are interested, of poems that have been in my mind as of late:

>Watching my Friend Pretend Her Heart Isn’t Breaking by Rosemerry Trommer

>How to Write a Poem in a Time of War by Joy Harjo

>Running Orders by Lena Khalaf Tuffaha

>Marie Howe's For Three Days

>My Father by Ollie Schminsky:

>First Writing Since by Suheir Hammad

>Moving towards Home by June Jordan

>"Who Remembers the Armenians?" by Najwan Darwish

And, if you are interested perhaps in why poets make the choices they do, I suggest the book Why Poetry by Matthew Zapruder. It has been influential on my style as a poet.

Most of all, I hope that you, too, can continue to find love in the small things. Much love, anon. Be well.

[nereidprinc3ss]

aubrey plaza is a zionist. all i had to google was “aubrey plaza zionist”; i understand they were being very rude about it but please attempt to educate yourself next time. ❤️

hi, I'm writing this on my laptop because I couldn't focus on my phone so please excuse if the capitalization is weird or inconsistent, and fair warning this is going to be very rambly and not incredibly eloquent. but we are for real going to talk about this now

i do not consider Aubrey plaza relevant to what is going on in Gaza. i do not consider knowing every single actor's uninformed takes on a genocide as being useful or important. a lot of these celebrities don't even have a high school diploma and can't conceive of an issue they cant pay their way out of, so I don't go to them for their politics or their ethics. she is utterly irrelevant to Gaza and she is utterly irrelevant to me politically speaking. I called her hot. that has absolutely no bearing on my values and I sincerely resent the idea that calling a celebrity hot suddenly means you are responsible for knowing everything about them and you are endorsing all of their idiotic takes. I absolutely would not consider knowing Aubrey plaza's take on a two state solution as being self-education because it literally could not mean less. I know my opinions, I know where I stand, and she does not factor in.

if we want to talk about educating ourselves, lets talk about following journalistic sources on the ground in Gaza, lets talk about reading books (a good read is the hundred year's war on Palestine by Rashid khalidi), lets talk about donating. I'm not going to sit here and pretend to be the most educated person in the world, or that I have the authority to make declarative statements about Palestine, but I sincerely hope people do not consider paying close attention to American celebrity culture as being activism or self-education. what is going on in Gaza is more than any of us can conceive of and I think its really strange to water it down and make it about celebrities. if this were an Aubrey plaza stan blog, these messages would receive a very different response, but as it stands, I am not an Aubrey plaza stan, never claimed to be, and spoke about her one time. I am glad to know that we have fundamentally opposing views, and if I were in any way supporting her that would stop with this information. but I'm not and never was. what I will not do is call her hot again because Zionism is NOT sexy! and I agree that we should not be uplifting celebrities who are known zionists. but if your activism only goes as far as knowing what actors and actresses have the wrong opinions, that's not enough and it's not activism.

i hope this doesn't come across as too defensive. I acknowledge that this is not the most productive use of anyone's time. I'm probably making it too much about myself but it has really been odd to be accused of being a Zionist because I said one thing about a celebrity when that is so unaligned with my values. I'm aware that is such a first world issue--me whining because I don't like how I'm being perceived on the Internet, but I think it bothers me because this is so far from being an issue about Aubrey plaza and I find it upsetting that the most flagrant and vehement pushback i've ever gotten on this account has been about one comment I made about a celebrity because that's all people know about the genocide in Gaza. that's not activism and it is not useful or helpful to the people being rounded up and exterminated.

tumblr is not the number one place to be educating yourself, but I will link to a website that is a really good starting place to learn more about the issue. its true that if you don't have an expendable income, being informed and educated is the best tool of resistance you have to help the palestinian people. and that doesn't mean just skimming and reblogging whatever comes across your dash, it means seeking out information and making a concerted effort to learn. I would really really recommend this website as a starting point if you don't know much, it's not overwhelming and it's very informative.

i haven't talked about it at length here because sometimes I think an issue warrants its own dedicated space, not to be mixed in with smut and fanfic and my day to day ramblings, but I am capable of being wrong and sometimes there's not a clear right or wrong thing to do. I apologize if I handled anything poorly but I assure you that my goal is always to be doing the right thing. still, I am not an authority, and I don't become an authority just because I have a small following. I don't think everyone with a few thousand followers on Tumblr is qualified to be talking about this because most of us are not educators and are not well informed enough ourselves to be trying to educate anyone else, but it's entirely possible I haven't been clear enough about where I stand. this is just a criminal minds blog, but the girl who is typing on her silly little Chromebook in her silly little bedroom right now is always pro decolonization. I do not wish to associate with Zionists, on my blog or in my personal life.

and let me reiterate I'm not an authority, I don't know everything, and I don't claim to. but you also don't know anything about me beyond this blog, which is so incredibly far removed from any real world issues. I truly hope Tumblr is not the place where any of us are doing most of our activism and talking about Palestine.

anyways I wrote this over the course of like two hours and will probably come back and edit it a lot so please do not take any of this as being like set in stone, some of it is reactionary and some of it is more level headed and well thought out, but I hope it makes enough sense and that I got my point across effectively and in a way that is not harmful

[multiplicity-positivity]

Here’s some positivity for Palestinian systems!

Systems live and thrive all over the world, and Palestine is no different! Whether you live in Palestine or are a diaspora Palestinian, we want to remind you that you are loved, and are so worthy of compassion and support. This post is for Palestinian systems everywhere!

❤️ Shoutout to Palestinian systems whose plurality is inherently connected to their spirituality or religious beliefs!

🖤 Shoutout to traumagenic Palestinians whose systems formed due to displacement, war, violence, or generational trauma!

🤍 Shoutout to Palestinian systems who are proud of their culture and heritage!

💚 Shoutout to diaspora Palestinian systems who long to one day return to their homeland!

❤️ Shoutout to Palestinian systems who work together to take care of themselves, their family, and their friends!

🖤 Shoutout to Palestinian systems who are activists or part of the resistance against occupation!

🤍 Shoutout to Palestinians who purposefully created their systems for any reason!

💚 Shoutout to diaspora Palestinians who are trying to reconnect with their culture in big or small ways!

❤️ Shoutout to Palestinian systems who work to preserve Palestinian traditions, folk art, literature, and ways of life!

🖤 Shoutout to Palestinian systems who educate others about their nation and how to be a good ally to Palestinians everywhere!

🤍 Shoutout to Palestinian systems who are often tired, exhausted, scared, nervous, or dismayed!

💚 Shoutout to Palestinians who find ways to celebrate life and experience joy every day!

It is our goal to center and uplift marginalized voices with this blog. We have always and will always support Palestinians and their Right to Return! Please know that your life and the lives of every member of your system have value. You are important, loved, and a vital part of this community just the way you are! We are so very grateful for your presence in our spaces, and we want to do whatever we can to uplift your voices!

Please try to treat yourself with patience and gentle kindness. We hope there are many good things in store for you and your system in your future! Until then, know that we’re rooting for you and we are wishing you the very best in all that you do. Take care of yourself and your system to the best of your ability, and have a wonderful day!

For non-Palestinians, we will link some resources below the cut where you can learn more about Palestine and current efforts to fight back against colonization of their homes and land. Please educate yourself in order to stand up for Palestinians however you can!

[esshetic]

GEMINI SEASON: Jigsaw Pieces

Gemini season bounds in, bright-eyed and with a mischievous glint, and boy, will we be having a good time in our personal lives or within our intimate selves.

The energy of Gemini is like battery being recharged, which makes the pursuits we have been doing get a boost of energy and jubilation.

Not Like The Other Astrologers.

I have been contemplating what place Astrology and spirituality/wellness have in my life going forward. Truth be told, I have been doing really well without it. I don’t know if I have needed these tools; maybe I just needed the confidence in myself and to focus on developing a strong sense of self through my actions, trials, tribulations, and life experiences. You know when the sun comes out and we stop being depressed? This is also where some of you may find yourself, too—considering what life you want to live and what things, coping mechanisms, tools, and comforts are slowly losing their importance and value in your life as you outgrow them.

Puzzle Pieces Don't Fit

The piece of the puzzle was fitted in wrong and needs to be removed to allow other pieces to come together. Social justice upheaval and change is becoming more and more a focus how can we be in community with each other, help and lift others, the me me self of capitalism is getting put in a trash bag and thrown out. I am seeing power to the people, and the fall of celebrity culture in the West due to the consistent exposure of corrupt people causing harm. The war in the Middle East takes a surprising turn, and the powers, or perceived powers, shift toward those who are continuing to fight for the Palestinian people who are resisting the genocide and removal from their homeland.

For months, many of us have watched powerless, detached, desensitised, and numb, but are we growing collectively towards overthrowing the big bad wolves that have dominated and controlled our societies for as long as we and our ancestors can remember?

There is a force that tips the table over, shakes it down, and the result of this is not as expected, which shifts our collective perception of ‘power,’ force, and control.

Let's see what Gemini season is presenting to the signs.

Gemini, Happy Birthday!!! It's your season finally!! (as you roll your eyes at me). You are not Leo or Virgo or Scorpio who feel superior when their season rolls around. For you, I see you more focused on a mission, a side quest, a secretive task, putting the clues and pieces together. This has been going on for a while—since Capricorn season, I believe. This is where your focus is. You are trying not to draw attention to yourself through your Birthday Season, and you won’t rest until this quest has been completed.

Cancer, how are you feeling? Jubilant? Jupiter, you're benefactor, is opening you up through Gemini Season. Let go of wearing black and embrace colour in your wardrobe. Bejewel your life, adorn yourself in gold and glitter. You are being inspired to glow up a bit for Summer.

Leo, the sun, your ruler, is hanging out in your 11th house of community and connection. You're not feeling like a social butterfly or looking to make superficial connections just for the summer. Leo is in mourning. You finally feel safe to let go and cry out grief from the past that has been frozen in time. You are feeling more reclusive than extroverted, and that is fine for now.

Virgo, the sun is visiting your 10th house of career, and I am seeing career victory, achievement, or recognition. This can play out externally, but I am seeing this internally. You may have achieved a personal career goal you set for yourself, even completing a study or project that feels satisfactory. You may have completed your degree and got the grades you wanted.

Libra, the sun is in your 9th house. I am seeing a theme of partnerships and romantic relationships for you. I see you getting into a new relationship with an existing person who may have been breadcrumbing you, or vice versa, with both of you being indecisive about what you want. This time around, you will reconnect, but for how long?

Scorpio, the sun will be in your 8th house, your traditional space and home. This is a time of friction for you. The sun will be illuminating a part of your soul that you wish to remain hidden. You don’t like being exposed; however, you will be exposed here with this transit, and it's not under a controlled perception as you would prefer. The sun in Gemini is allowing others to view you with their own eyes and not the eyes you want others to see you in, and it's too late to spin the narrative. You have to relinquish control.

Sagittarius, the sun is transiting your 7th house this Gemini season. It's about you, you, you. Even though the sun is in your place of others and partnerships, I see this as a time for you to take control of your life and your destiny. This season has you looking to broaden your horizons and make future plans—not just the big plans, but also the smaller plans like holiday plans or buying a bike or car. Future fun stuff.

Capricorn, the sun is transiting your 6th house—work, work, work. All things work, which is very Cap. We are exploring your boundary issues with the work you do. Being people-focused and facing, how much access are you allowing people to have? You can say no as many times as you say yes. Does working all the time really make you happy? Are you afraid to switch off and not be in control?

Aquarius, the sun is transiting your 5th house through Gemini season. This should feel like fun—summertime, festivals, dress-ups. I am seeing huge metallic butterfly wings and silver lipstick in a space-themed party. This time, let your inner child be free and play. Do what they want to do. Be the freak. Things may be a little serious around you, but don’t buy into it.

Pisces, the sun is in your 4th house this Gemini season. I am seeing this like a plant getting the sunlight and nourishment it needs to grow and fill up the pot, growing taller and bigger. This is you unknowingly pouring back into an area of your life that was squeezed, causing an imbalance. The 4th house means to me self-nurturing or allowing others to nurture you (I don't believe you can do that). The focused attention on your home life is doing you the world of good. Stop running forward or chasing—less action, more being lazy.

Aries, the sun will be in your 3rd house, the traditional ruler of the house. I am seeing much ado about nothing for you with this transit. Like a bamboo tree swaying in the wind is you're temperament and experience of the season. You are looking for peace and silence in every moment and yearn to carve it out in your days. You are tuning out the chaos, drama, and unhappiness of those around you, forgiving yourself and others, and actually learning to collaborate instead of oppose others. This is where I feel the harmony arising as you are learning to commune with people more easily.

Taurus, the sun will be in your 2nd house, giving a beautiful sunset for Gemini Season for you. I know how much you like to rest and do nothing, be in your hammock and watch the skies turn from pink to purple. Gemini season will inspire you to paint a portrait with the colors, with a creative boost and an artistic rejuvenation of a once-favorite hobby.

[neerajsharmasd]

Embracing Elegance: The Essence of Modern Arabic Clothing

In the realm of fashion, the allure of Arabic clothing transcends borders, captivating audiences with its timeless elegance, and rich cultural heritage. From flowing abayas to intricately embroidered thobes, Modern Arabic Clothing embodies a unique fusion of tradition and contemporary style. At tshirteestore, we celebrate this rich tapestry of fashion, offering a curated collection that pays homage to the legacy of Arabic attire while embracing the spirit of innovation and sophistication.

Modern Arabic clothing is a testament to the enduring legacy of centuries-old traditions, infused with a modern twist that reflects the dynamic evolution of fashion. At tshirteestore, we understand the importance of preserving these cultural roots while adapting to the demands of the modern world. Our collection features a diverse range of garments, each meticulously crafted to strike the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

From chic abayas embellished with intricate lace detailing to tailored thobes adorned with subtle geometric patterns, our collection caters to the diverse tastes and preferences of our clientele. Whether you're seeking a statement piece for a special occasion or everyday attire that exudes effortless elegance, tshirteestore has you covered.

But modern Arabic clothing is more than just a fashion statement – it's a celebration of identity and heritage. Each garment tells a story, weaving together threads of tradition, culture, and craftsmanship. By embracing modern Arabic clothing, individuals can not only express their personal style but also honor their cultural roots and heritage.

Modern Arabic clothing embodies the essence of elegance, sophistication, and cultural pride. At tshirteestore, we are committed to celebrating this rich legacy through our curated collection of garments that seamlessly blend tradition with innovation. Whether you're drawn to the timeless allure of the abaya or the tailored sophistication of the thobe, our collection offers something for everyone. Embrace the beauty of modern Arabic clothing and celebrate your heritage with tshirteestore.

For More Info:-

Buy Arabic Calligraphy T-shirts

Palestinian Resistance T-shirt

[neerajsharma011]

Embracing Elegance: The Essence of Modern Arabic Clothing by Ahmed Alabady

In the realm of fashion, the allure of Arabic clothing transcends borders, captivating audiences with its timeless elegance, and rich cultural heritage. From flowing abayas to intricately embroidered thobes, Modern Arabic Clothing embodies a unique fusion of tradition and contemporary style. At Ahmed Alabady, we celebrate this rich tapestry of fashion, offering a curated collection that pays homage to the legacy of Arabic attire while embracing the spirit of innovation and sophistication.

Modern Arabic clothing is a testament to the enduring legacy of centuries-old traditions, infused with a modern twist that reflects the dynamic evolution of fashion. At Ahmed Alabady, we understand the importance of preserving these cultural roots while adapting to the demands of the modern world. Our collection features a diverse range of garments, each meticulously crafted to strike the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

From chic abayas embellished with intricate lace detailing to tailored thobes adorned with subtle geometric patterns, our collection caters to the diverse tastes and preferences of our clientele. Whether you're seeking a statement piece for a special occasion or everyday attire that exudes effortless elegance, Ahmed Alabady has you covered.

But modern Arabic clothing is more than just a fashion statement – it's a celebration of identity and heritage. Each garment tells a story, weaving together threads of tradition, culture, and craftsmanship. By embracing modern Arabic clothing, individuals can not only express their personal style but also honor their cultural roots and heritage.

Modern Arabic clothing embodies the essence of elegance, sophistication, and cultural pride. At Ahmed Alabady, we are committed to celebrating this rich legacy through our curated collection of garments that seamlessly blend tradition with innovation. Whether you're drawn to the timeless allure of the abaya or the tailored sophistication of the thobe, our collection offers something for everyone. Embrace the beauty of modern Arabic clothing and celebrate your heritage with Ahmed Alabady.

For More Info:-

Buy Arabic Calligraphy T-shirts

Palestinian Resistance T-shirt

[christopherhudsonjr]

Left-Libertarian Weekly Podcast Roundup (2/9/18)

Against the Grain - Oil Extraction and the Treatment of Women

Anews Podcast - Episode 49: anarchist activity, ideas, and conversations from the previous week.

Animal Voices - Celebrating Black History Month 2018

Audio Report - Burgerville Workers Union Finish Three Day Strike

Bi Any Means - Bisexual Activism with Miles Joyner

By Any Means Necessary - NFL Fans Riot, Destroy Property; 'Killing Gaza' Documentary Discussed

Cato Daily - Bad Math on Counterinsurgency

Cato Events - You May Be a Sex Offender if...

The Chauncey DeVega Show - Bandy Lee Continues to Warn the World About Donald Trump's Mental Health

Citizen Radio - Very special Fuck You, ICE episode: ICE was at the Super Bowl for some reason; ICE deports Palestinian man living in U.S. for 40 years, arrests Kansas chemistry instructor who was taking his daughter to school

Declarations - Can Human Rights Solve the Palestinian Question? (With Dr Ruba Salih & Odette Murray)

Delete Your Account - The Vampire Castle: new media, celebrity and branding on the left, and call-out culture

The Dig - Frances Fox Piven: Movements Still Matter

Discourse Collective - Theory: Godwin Part III

Economic Rockstar - Barry Eichengreen on the Importance of Economic History, the IMF and Reserve Currencies

EconTalk - Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay on the Enemies of Modernity

The Ex-Worker - Anarchists in the Trump Era, Year One—2017 in Review, Part III

The Final Straw - Şoreş Ronahi on Turkish assaults on Afrin Canton, Rojava, Syria

Foreign Policy Focus - War Propaganda with Trey Weaver

Free Thoughts - Contracts and Cryptography

Felony Friday - Federal Prosecutors Gone Wild!

Giving the Mic to the Wrong Person - Douglas Lain from Zero Books on Kill All Normies, Zizek, and Posadists

Historical Controversies - Filibuster in Nicaragua, Part 2: Nicaragua Conquered

The Hotwire - ZAD interview—anarcho-syndicalism isn’t for losers—anti-pope actions in Chile

Iconosass - He's Just Not That Into You Pt. 2

Intercepted - Memo and Memoer — The Bipartisan Love Affair With Mass Surveillance

Knowing Animals - Animal Rights in Palestine and Israel with Esther Alloun

Labour Wave Revolution Radio - Stopping Fascism Today w/ Shane Burley and Alexander Reid Ross

Last Born In The Wilderness - Bright Green Lies: Dispelling The Myths Of Sustainable Energy w/ Derrick Jensen

Liberty Chronicles - The Age of William Leggett Part 2

Liberty Under Attack - War is Mass Murder with Scott Horton

The Lockdown - Containing Gender

The Magnificast - Remembering Lived Lives w Michael Jimenez

Mises Weekends - Mark Thornton: Is the Bust Here?

#NovaraFM - A Century of Suffrage?

Political Gingervitis - Tony Monteiro and Glen Ford on Trump and The Resistance

Political Research Digest - Congressional Primaries: How the Parties Fight Insurgents

Polyrical - MLK | The Cranberries

Primo Nutmeg - Ron Paul

Punk Rock and Politics - Interview with Daniel Roy Baron about homelessness in the US and how the private prison industry profits off this epidemic and what we can do to help these people in need

Radio Dispatch - The Risk of Fascism in Economic Turmoil

Radical Underground - Let Them Eat Sand with Sole

Reason - The Libertarianism of Frederick Douglass

Revolutionary Left Radio - The Philosophy of Murray Bookchin: An Interview with Debbie Bookchin

The Scott Horton Show - Eric Margolis on America’s permanent presence in Syria

Season of the Bitch - What is Organizing?

Serious Inquiries Only - Jaclyn Friedman on Yes Means Yes, Feminism, and Sexual Liberation

So to Speak - University of Alaska President Emeritus Mark Hamilton

Srsly Wrong - Totalitarian Blue-Haired College Kids

Street Fight Radio - Strict Compliance Or Strict Defiance

Stuff Mom Never Told You - This Black History Month, Don't Forget About the Women!

This Is Hell! - Trigger Discipline: The power, and promise, of Black and Brown history in America, how women find a place - and power - on the far right, the corporate capture of intersectionality, history of guns in America, from the other side of the barrel, Donald Trump is finishing the job Ronald Reagan started, and notes on luxury from John Lennon's fancy piano.

The Tom Woods Show - Noam Chomsky: The Good and the Bad

The Vonu Podcast - Exercising Liberty – How to Utilize Legal Interstices Effectively

Words & Numbers - Why Does Government Keep Expanding?

Zero Squared - Class Consciousness

[news-mashable-yahoopartner-blog]

Celebrities shared their outrage following Trump's immigration ban

Sometimes, a tweet provides just enough room to say what you need to say. 

People have been pissed following the Trump administration's executive order barring immigrants and refugees from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the United States. 

Celebrities are not keeping quiet either, and many of them have chosen Trump's favorite platform, Twitter, to get their points across. 

SEE ALSO: British celebrities take a stand against Trump's 'Muslim ban'

Some were outraged and weren't afraid to let the world know

Disgusted! The news is devastating! America is being ruined right before our eyes! What an immoral pig you have to be to implement such BS!!

— Rihanna (@rihanna) January 29, 2017

Statistics pic.twitter.com/aSpyFuabct

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) January 29, 2017

Donald Trump is an unwell, evil human being. To the core.

— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 28, 2017

This #MuslimBan is disgusting and disturbing. #MakeAmericaHateAgain

— Issa Rae (@IssaRae) January 28, 2017

THESE are the HUMAN BEINGS Trump banned today. REFUGEES fleeing ISIS. Children. Their families. Shame on him. May God help us. https://t.co/6fHeqEAaMj

— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) January 28, 2017

I feel sick. So ashamed of our maniac-in-chief. And SO PROUD of our protesters. #RESIST

— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) January 29, 2017

Others tweeted on the importance of speaking up as celebrities

Your brand is not in jeopardy by public opposition to Trump. Your nation is in jeopardy without it.

— Cole M. Sprouse (@colesprouse) January 29, 2017

Not saying every celebrity has to be an activist, but am saying accountability culture exists and pretending nothings wrong will only hurt u

— Rowan Blanchard (@RowanBlanchard) January 29, 2017

John Legend, Kerry Washington, Seth Rogen and more shared personal stories and historical accounts to help navigate the context of the executive order

This is a beautiful story. When we reject Iraqi refugees, we reject Brahim. Shame on America. Shame on Donald Trump. https://t.co/1NzFtUPvm8

— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 29, 2017

P.S. My grandparents were immigrants. The woman making us pizza right now is Muslim. And I'm grateful for all of them. #NoBan

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 29, 2017

One of the many reasons I am opposed to the #MuslimBan is because my family immigrated to North America (🇨🇦🇺🇸) after fleeing wars in Russia.

— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) January 29, 2017

Sincerely, A proud Black Iranian #NoMuslimBan #NoWall #WeTooAreAmerica (excuse any typos) pic.twitter.com/uqy2IostyS

— Yara shahidi (@YaraShahidi) January 28, 2017

Sick to my stomach today about the #MuslimBan Don't understand why? Go to @Stl_Manifest & learn the awful history of US rejecting refugees

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 28, 2017

My best friend, Alaa Mohammad Khaled, is Muslim. His parents were Palestinian refugees. His brother is DJ Khaled. #RefugeesWelcome pic.twitter.com/qXOapgvvF7

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 28, 2017

While some, including Zendaya and Miley Cyrus, shared short and powerful messages

RESIST

— Zendaya (@Zendaya) January 29, 2017

We are all immigrants in America, just ask the Natives. So sorry for the treatment to our Muslim brothers and sisters.

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 30, 2017

❤💛💙💚 pic.twitter.com/LhYmxPLdNE

— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) January 28, 2017

BONUS: Actors' acceptance speeches at SAG awards turn into protest against Trump Muslim ban

[the-record-columns]

Oct. 2, 2019: Columns

More interesting Kiwanis history...

By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

More than a few columns in this space have been prompted by a visit from one person or another to the offices of The Record and Thursday Printing.  Admittedly, the front of our building surely will attract most any person looking for an antique store, and, after a brief apology for nothing being for sale, many a great visit has ensured. 

Some time ago, one of our customers, Terry Nichols with Wilkes Fire Systems, dropped by.  Terry very much enjoys local history and, in the course of our conversation, he asked about any pictures I may have of the Town of North Wilkesboro from earlier times.  Actually, I have a small notebook full of those pictures, thanks to two wonderful ladies, my sister-in-law Pug Welborn, who, in her own way, helped raise me; and Mrs. Elizabeth “Lib” Forester, a truly kind soul who was the go-to person for local history for many, many years.  These two ladies were always willing to dig through their things and find some photo or artifact that would help in any project.

I miss them both a great deal.

I found my notebook of pictures and showed it to Terry, but, while looking, I also uncovered my Kiwanis newsletter notebook which I compiled from the papers of local educator, attorney, and legislator Mr. T.E. Story.  Most of these newsletters are from the 1920’s and early 1930’s, and each one is printed on stationery donated by one of the members to save the club money. So, in addition to the well-written and often humorous newsletters themselves, they also provide a lot of business history for the area. 

In no time, I was flipping through the Kiwanis book, sharing with Terry some of the fascinating things I ran across in putting them together.  The club secretary for many of those years was a man called Bid Williams who was I the insurance business.  In his “thank you” note to the donor of the letterhead and the envelopes, he often injected a gentle dig or a bit of levity; and often added a quote or thought for the day.  “Usefulness is the rent we pay for the space we occupy in this world.  Some of us are way behind on the rent.”  Another favorite is “The poorest man I the world is the man who has a lot to live on and nothing to live for.”

Often in the thank you’s are short plugs for the donor's business.  When it was Marvin Brame's week, the secretary noted that one of Brame Drug Store's famous patent medicines was the “Pain Knocker” which Marvin called, The Great Eliptical Asiatical Panticurial Nervous Cordial that cures all diseases known to humanity and other beasts.” Or from 1924, when J. C. Reins, owner of Reins Brothers Monuments, donated the paper, envelopes and stamps. Bid Williams, the secretary, referred to him as “Tombstone Jim” and noted that he would take your measure, either day or night, living or dead, and promise satisfaction.  A thanks to Ed Turner of J. L. Turner and Son funeral home noted that he “...was a fine and on time undertaker.” adding, “Give him a trial and see where you'll go.  And, while we are I this vein, there is a note on the newsletter of April 10, 1931 thanking Mr. Jr. R. His, President of Turner-White Casket Company for the stationery.  It goes on to say that Jim says his WOODEN OVERCOATS are selling right along in spite of the...“REPRESSION.”

Think about that line a minute.

And I know I have mentioned this one before, but no column that includes any of Kenny's Kiwanis History would be complete without noting that some of the letterheads are as entertaining as the newsletters themselves.  There are several, including Henry Reynolds letterhead which mentions “Kitchen Sinks, Auto Parts, Plumbing Outfits, Steam Rollers, Hot Air Appliances, and, of course, Rat Traps. But the best of all is William Fletcher Absher's clothing store, Absher and Blackburn, noted on a 1828 newsletter as Western North Carolina's Leading Clothier and Haberdasher, followed by the classic line “Anything for sale that can't be found at Nike Smithey's” 

Thanks for stopping by Terry, you're welcome anytime.

Next year in Jerusalem

By AMBASSADOR EARL COX and KATHLEEN COX

Those who are proponents of BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) against Israel do it under the banner of helping promote social justice for those Arabs who have decided to call themselves Palestinians.  Truth be told, ALL, Jew and Arab alike, who are native to the land of Israel are actually “Palestinians” as this term was coined to describe a region and not a nation or a particular people group. There are no Palestinians in the sense of describing a specific nation just as there is no nation made up of “Western North Carolinians.”  But the world has accepted this lie because It’s been told so many times and everyone knows that what appears in print or is reported on the television must be true!  Let’s pray the reverse is also truth – that truth told often enough becomes recognized and embraced as fact.  That’s the primary goal of the articles appearing in this column.

 BDS campaigns first appeared on the scene following Israel’s 1948 War of Independence.  On the very day Israel was reborn as a nation, this tiny, fledgling country, with no organized military and very few weapons and munitions, was attacked from every side by her Arab neighbors.  Viewed through the lens of human reasoning, an Arab victory was certain.  Before even taking its first breath, the plan was for baby Israel to die.  To everyone’s surprise, Israel crushed the invasion.  Israel proved such a formidable force of resistance that the Arab ran to the U.N. begging them to stop Israel. 

Since war did not destroy the Jews, the Arabs devised a plan to starve them out.  It started as a boycott and, while loosely organized at first, the BDS campaign took shape over the years and spread beyond the Middle East.  The Arab League, a group of Arab countries formed to promote economic health and political unity in the region, is credited with giving traction to the boycott movement.

The modern BDS movement is fueled by those Arabs calling themselves Palestinians and is supported by the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization), Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups and, through a very effective propaganda machine, has spread around the world and even infiltrated certain denominations within the Christian community. It’s grown from a boycott of Israeli goods to now include a shunning of Israel’s culture, sports, academic institutions, as well as any services provided by Israel.  As excellent as the Palestinians are at forming and promoting their anti-Israel campaigns, Israel is extremely poor at handling their own public relations.  “Tooting your own horn” is viewed by Israelis as culturally shameful.  This must change.  If the world only knew of the many Israeli products and technological advances used in our cars, homes, hospitals, and businesses, all who engage in BDS would have to return to living cave-man style or admit that they are hypocrite.  

BDS is not a peaceful campaign.  Its leadership legitimizes terrorism and the murder of Jews as ‘legitimate resistance’ claiming Israel is illegally occupying land that belongs to the Palestinians – even though there is not, and has never been, a Palestinian nation. History reveals that the entire land of Israel rightfully belongs to the Jewish people. The Holy Scriptures and modern archeology support this fact.  

Nevertheless, Israel has always had enemies wanting to destroy and wipe the nation from off the face of the earth. BDS is just one of the newer foes that have risen for that purpose, but it will not succeed.  When Jews the world over gather together outside of Israel for weddings or other celebrations, upon departure they always declare to one another, “Next year in Jerusalem!”  

Did you say Bacon?

By CARL WHITE

Life in the Carolinas

I have come to understand that bacon is more than food. It seems to have the power to drive people to all sorts of levels of human experience.

Did you know that the first meal eaten on the moon by Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin contained bacon? After landing at the Sea of Tranquility, the two astronauts dined on a meal that consisted of bacon squares, peaches, sugar cookie cubes, a pineapple grapefruit drink and coffee; a tasty meal suited for any hero.  

On any day in the Carolinas, the smell of bacon cooking is enough to bring everyone in the house together, if only for a moment, to secure their portions of the alluring food.

Why do we like the smell and taste so much? From generation to generation, the love of bacon seems to be part of our cultural makeup and we are not alone.  Many parts of the world enjoy their version of a pork cured delight as well.

Some years ago, there was a survey taken in Canada that suggested that more than 40 percent of those surveyed would choose bacon over an intimate moment with a companion. That’s big bacon love if you ask me. Or maybe it’s just one of those surveys that makes you laugh and think at the same time.

I recently attended the N.C. Bacon Festival in Rocky Point. The first year of the festival was delayed due to Hurricane Florence. It was a wet time for everyone in the eastern part of North Carolina. A lot of damage was seen by many; however, when things dried out enough, the festival did take place for one day and attracted around 6,000 people.

In late September 2019, the N.C. Bacon Festival at Old Homestead Farm enjoyed excellent weather, 15,000 attendees, thousands of pounds of bacon and food vendors who added bacon to almost everything they offered.

For those of us who just love the smell of bacon, the bacon scented candles were a big hit.

I asked Festival Director David Crookes why this event was important to Rocky Point. He shared with me some of the challenges of our coastal communities and especially those who have experienced the damage caused from storms in recent years.

A great family-focused festival will attract people and those people will fill up at gas stations, eat at local venues, stay in nearby hotels and in general be beneficial for the local economy.

A unique festival such as this brings people together for a good time and that is what I witnessed. Sure, traffic was a challenge, some of the lines were long, but that’s all part of a successful festival and there were a lot of things for people to do.

It is for the love of bacon and a good time that these 15,000 people came together. If you wanted it, you certainly had the opportunity to indulge in a somewhat salty, smoky flavorful delight, sometimes even covered in chocolate. I talked with people who thought the chocolate covered bacon was the best thing they had ever eaten. Others were purest and did not care for it at all.

That’s the way it goes in the world of bacon. If you don’t like it one way, you will likely enjoy it in another.

Here’s to the N.C. Bacon Festival and all the bacon lovers. May the next year be even better.

To my sweet vegan and vegetarian friends, please go to the watermelon festival. I’m serious. There is a lot of bacon at this festival.

Carl White is the Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning syndicated TV show Carl White’s Life In The Carolinas. The weekly show is now in its 10th year of syndication and can be seen in the Charlotte market on WJZY Fox 46 Saturday’s at noon and My 12. The show also streams on Amazon Prime. For more information visit www.lifeinthecarolinas.com. You can email Carl at Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com

[urbansaunterer]

The Palestinian olive tree and Ahed Tamimi

This is the writer’s daughter making a card for Ahed Tamimi celebration her 17th birthday in Texas 2018. If you pull out an olive tree from my land, I'll plant a hundred olive trees in return, and that's my heroic motto. After my father's release from the Negev prison in 1988, our family, friends, and neighbors had a huge celebration welcoming him home. He spent a few months as a political prisoner in the harsh Negev prison. I was so happy to have him home, as a 7-year-old it was terrible to have my father away from us for such a long time. At first, we couldn't recognize my father with a big beard and my little sister and brother were scarred of the strange man embracing our mother. Life was mostly normal after that, normal for a Palestinian family resisting occupation that is. Our lives were always interrupted with road closures, demonstrations, targeting of political activists some of which were my classmates, neighbors, relatives, and friends, and all kinds of restrictions on Palestinian life. Through all this my parents were determined to give their children a decent life. They struggled complete the construction of our family home which, in my culture, is the best way to guarantee a future for your family. There is a feeling that all you need is your land and home, and you can survive anything. Therefore, the confiscation of land and destruction of home in Palestine by the Israeli Occupation is one of the harshest ways that they attempt to break the will of the people. But the people continue to struggle to keep their, plant their olive trees, grow their families, and build their homes. Growing up, my father always encouraged us to be brave and not fear anything. I didn’t understand how important this was, but now I understand that being in a place where you have to struggle just to survive and have a voice you must be courageous. There are many “children of the stone” like me, children who grew up through the first Palestinian Intifada of 1987 and learned to face a force intent on destroying your way of life. The Palestinian struggle was keen on making the people aware of their human rights. It also encouraged them to stand up to oppression and defend their rights. My dad was born before the war of 1948. He lost his father at a young age, and my grandmother, at the age of 18, had to raise four children on her own. She had nothing but her children and the land she inherited from my grandfather as the main source of income. She used the land to plant an olive orchard and make a life for her and her children. The olive tree is an important part of Palestinian heritage because it has guaranteed a life for those who took care of the trees. As a young girl, my father would tell me the history of the olive tree and how the Romans brought it to Palestine when they ruled here. And Palestinians have adopted the olive tree as a symbol of their attachment to their land. This tree is a resilient tree and likewise, the Palestinians draw their strength from its strong roots and resilience. The olive harvest season in October bears socio-cultural meaning where families come together to harvest the trees. I still remember those days when we came home from school and then going out to the field to pick the olives, then coming back home to finish our homework. After the harvest is complete we would take the olives to our family factory where the olives are pressed to make olive oil. I remember standing next to my dad to have a taste of the freshest olive oil along with my pita bread. He used to say that once you drink olive oil it becomes part of your soul. I will never forget and miss always miss the smell of olives on those days. Every day, my father took us to work on our ancestral land. Taking care of olive trees or just walking around on the land. I remember on our walks seeing only settlements in the distance and my father recalling how he would visit that distant land to visit relatives as a child. As a child myself, I would ask questions about who we were there now and why can’t go there to play where he used to play, but he had no answers to give. He would tell me more stories about the olive trees and their connection with the people of Palestine and all the civilizations that governed it over the ages. The olive Tree is a sacred tree and has been mentioned in the three holy books of the Abrahamic faiths; Quran, Bible, and Torah. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) taught the importance of this tree in providing food and medicine. Palestinians also take pride in that arguably the oldest olive tree in the world, Al Badawi, is found in Al Walaja which is a small town within the municipality of Bethlehem. The years have passed, and our trees have grown, towering with strength and dignity. Bringing a larger olive harvest every year. I returned to visit Palestine and my three children from America in December 2017, and they saw in their own eyes the presence of olive trees as a sign of our heritage. Unfortunately, our visit coincided with President Trump making a decision which could deprive Palestinians of claiming Jerusalem as their capital of Palestine. A city which has been at the root of Palestinian heritage for hundreds and thousands of years. While we were there, the events unfolded rapidly with marches and demonstrations condemning this US decision. There were, as always violations of Palestinian rights which lead to the arrest of Ahed Tamimi and her mother, Nariman Tamimi. Ahed is a Palestinian child born on the land of the village of Nabi Saleh in Palestine. She loved her family and her land and reminded me of myself when I was a little girl. She, like me, was taught the significance of our Palestinian heritage and the importance of the olive tree in Palestine. Ahed Tamimi realized that the extraction of the olive tree from its soil was more like grabbing a child from its mother's lap. The olive trees in Palestine tells our people’s history and needs to reach the ears of the whole world, it is a tale of a people ready to sacrifice everything for their land. A people ready to die with dignity like the olive tree, rather than live in humiliation.

[viralhottopics]

Ellen DeGeneres, John Legend, Rihanna and more were outraged by Trump’s immigration ban

Sometimes, a tweet provides just enough room to say what you need to say.

People have been pissed following the Trump administration’s executive order barring immigrants and refugees from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the United States.

Celebrities are not keeping quiet either, and many of them have chosen Trump’s favorite platform, Twitter, to get their points across.

SEE ALSO: British celebrities take a stand against Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’

Some were outraged and weren’t afraid to let the world know

Disgusted! The news is devastating! America is being ruined right before our eyes! What an immoral pig you have to be to implement such BS!!

Rihanna (@rihanna) January 29, 2017

Statistics http://pic.twitter.com/aSpyFuabct

Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) January 29, 2017

Donald Trump is an unwell, evil human being. To the core.

christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 28, 2017

This #MuslimBan is disgusting and disturbing. #MakeAmericaHateAgain

Issa Rae (@IssaRae) January 28, 2017

THESE are the HUMAN BEINGS Trump banned today. REFUGEES fleeing ISIS. Children. Their families. Shame on him. May God help us. https://t.co/6fHeqEAaMj

Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) January 28, 2017

I feel sick. So ashamed of our maniac-in-chief. And SO PROUD of our protesters. #RESIST

olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) January 29, 2017

Others tweeted on the importance of speaking up as celebrities

Your brand is not in jeopardy by public opposition to Trump. Your nation is in jeopardy without it.

Cole M. Sprouse (@colesprouse) January 29, 2017

Not saying every celebrity has to be an activist, but am saying accountability culture exists and pretending nothings wrong will only hurt u

Rowan Blanchard (@RowanBlanchard) January 29, 2017

John Legend, Kerry Washington, Seth Rogen and more shared personal stories and historical accounts to help navigate the context of the executive order

This is a beautiful story. When we reject Iraqi refugees, we reject Brahim. Shame on America. Shame on Donald Trump. https://t.co/1NzFtUPvm8

John Legend (@johnlegend) January 29, 2017

P.S. My grandparents were immigrants. The woman making us pizza right now is Muslim. And I’m grateful for all of them. #NoBan

Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 29, 2017

One of the many reasons I am opposed to the #MuslimBan is because my family immigrated to North America () after fleeing wars in Russia.

Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) January 29, 2017

Sincerely, A proud Black Iranian #NoMuslimBan #NoWall #WeTooAreAmerica (excuse any typos) http://pic.twitter.com/uqy2IostyS

Yara shahidi (@YaraShahidi) January 28, 2017

Sick to my stomach today about the #MuslimBan Don’t understand why? Go to @Stl_Manifest & learn the awful history of US rejecting refugees

kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 28, 2017

My best friend, Alaa Mohammad Khaled, is Muslim. His parents were Palestinian refugees. His brother is DJ Khaled. #RefugeesWelcome http://pic.twitter.com/qXOapgvvF7

Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 28, 2017

While some, including Zendaya and Miley Cyrus, shared short and powerful messages

RESIST

Zendaya (@Zendaya) January 29, 2017

We are all immigrants in America, just ask the Natives. So sorry for the treatment to our Muslim brothers and sisters.

Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 30, 2017

http://pic.twitter.com/LhYmxPLdNE

Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) January 28, 2017

BONUS: Actors’ acceptance speeches at SAG awards turn into protest against Trump Muslim ban

Read more: http://ift.tt/2kM56Pm

from Ellen DeGeneres, John Legend, Rihanna and more were outraged by Trump’s immigration ban