Interesting Finds, Part XII

I thought it might be nice to add some structure to this recurring blogpost and so I added very basic categories to make the read smoother. In deciding which articles to include under each category, I realized very quickly how each piece could easily fit under multiple categories. Everything is political and science, technology and health are very intertwined! Either way, this format is a bit easier on the eyes, and I hope you'll think so too!

Interesting read on the benefits of fasting during Lent.

And here's another look at the significance of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, and a perspective on the value of adhering to this practice. Reading about the usage of the ashes, and Christian fasting makes me think about how similar the various faith traditions truly are. I remember in high school, some of my Hindu friends would often come to school with a white dust on their foreheads. I don't quite recall the purpose behind it, though I think of how sometimes knowing your own traditions well can help you perceive the world in a more inclusive way. There are likenesses between religions that we tend to overlook and I think sometimes we perceive different religious practices/traditions that we are unfamiliar with as odd when the reality is that most religious practices have similar aims (ex. fasting and contemplation, etc).

An informational read on the basics of the Hindu festival of Holi.

Perspectives from a Rabbi, on science and the existence of God.

A great piece on how Christians and Muslims worship the same God and a brief look at the historical perspectives on this idea.

Keith Ellison, Champion of Inclusion

US Congressman Keith Ellison has been doing some praiseworthy work speaking out against the hate and bigotry making waves in the US. Apart from his heartfelt speech at the misguided Congressional hearings , the outreach he has been doing elsewhere has been terrific. He displays his bravery and courage, as he combats negative stereotypes and perceptions of the Muslim community and Islam. He truly is a champion for the Muslim community (in a general sense) and for Americans as a whole, without a doubt. In the video below, Keith doesn't back down from challenging Bill Maher on his ignorant, broad and unsubstantiated statements on Islam and the Qur'an. The video highlights Bill's massive ignorance about matters he clearly knows very little about.

In other hearing-related news, check out testimony from LA County Sheriff Lee Baca who should also be commended for his fair-mindedness and courage to speak up for the American Muslim community! And here are some very wise words from Rep. Mike Honda looking at the lessons we should have learned from the Japanese internments during WWII.

REVIEWED: Almay intense i-color Mascara

Admittedly, I've been a little obsessed with the idea of taking my eye makeup to the next level. I thought hey- a coloured mascara, coupled with a complementing eyeliner and/or eye shadow would look pretty darn great together. Thing is, I wasn't having much success finding many brands that carried coloured mascaras, apart from the usual colours of navy, black, brown, brown-black, etc. I was looking for bright colours that would make my lashes pop!

As mentioned in my previous review, I ended up purchasing two different coloured mascaras, one in a purplish colour, the other in green. Almay's intense i-color cost around $9 CDN and I purchased it in the color Purple Amethyst. The tube contains 0.27 Fl. Oz/7.9 ml. The product is supposed to help "intensify the color of your eyes". In some ways this is true, but for the most part it is not...

Before I elaborate, here are some pictures.

REVIEWED: Rimmel Spark it Up Gleaming Eye Darkening Liner

A week back, I took a trip to a local Walmart to pick up a new cleanser for my recently diagnosed 'sensitive skin'! Apart from causing me to change my entire skincare/makeup routine, this revelation has forced me to 'get back to basics'. When I first started wearing makeup, it was all about the eyes for me. Then, it became about the face and flawless skin. Now, I've decided to give my face a bit of break (while I search for skin-friendly face makeup) and return to playing up my eyes!

So on this trip to Walmart I decided to drop into the makeup section to take a look at what drugstore brands carried coloured mascara (my obsession at the time). I wasn't convinced that it was necessary to spend $18 CDN on MAC's Wonder Woman Opulash to get a decent coloured mascara. I was able to find two mascaras- one from Almay called Intense i-color, and the other from Hard Candy called 1, 000 Lashes (*Reviews forthcoming).

During this search, I came across Rimmel's makeup display and found their Spark it Up Gleaming Eye Darkening Liners, from their sub-brand Rimmel Underground. I swatched Lapis on my hand and instantly fell in love. The texture was creamy, and it was exactly the colour I'd been wanting to add to the collection. I've had my eye on Urban Decay's 24/7 liner in Binge for some time. So this eyeliner colour was a great substitute for me!

The liners retail for $6.00 CDN at Walmart, $7.00 CDN at Rexall. I purchased Lapis from Walmart at regular price, and got the other two for 25% off at Rexall. The latter two ended up costing $5.24 after taxes! A pretty sweet deal, I'd say! Who says you need to spend the big bucks to look good?

SWATCHED: Random e.l.f. Studio Products

So this is the first installment of a new category of postings I'll have on my blog. I'll be showcasing swatches of products I have not yet had a chance to review, or don't plan on reviewing at all. I know before buying products, I rely heavily on swatches and reviews, so hopefully some people will find these posts useful. Collecting all these items made me realize that I've been kind of lazy with my makeup reviews! Hopefully I can get to some soon.

e.l.f. Studio Blush

e.l.f. Studio Cream Blush

From L to R:Pink Passion, Tickled Pink, Mellow Mauve, Blushing Rose
Bottom: Flirt

Interesting Finds, Part XI

I came across this entertaining channel on youtube called How It Should Have Ended. Their popularity has skyrocketed in the past few weeks! They basically create spoofs of popular films and television shows and portray different endings for each of them. The animations, scores and voices are really interesting to watch! I went through a few of them a while back, and below are my favourites.

To continue with the 'arts' theme of this particular Interesting Finds post, there is a cartoonist whose work I came across recently. The artist, Barry Deutsche creates political cartoons "with a generally progressive sensibility", which is totally my cup of tea! His anti-racist cartoons are the most interesting! Though I have not yet had the chance to browse through his other categories.

Why so much hate?

This is absolutely shocking. Such deep, seething hatred and ignorance from these individuals.

I can't be alone in thinking that something is fundamentally wrong with this picture. History is rife with examples of such similar incitements of hatred directed at minorities. The US is certainly no exception.

We should never forget the millions across the world that have lost their lives (and continue to do so) due to similar rhetoric. Left unchecked, these volatile notions of 'sub-humanity' will prove disastrous.

At the end of the day, this out of place protest reflected very poorly on its participants. It illustrated how un-American their actions and behaviour really was.

And despite their efforts to intimidate the OC Muslim community, their protest probably achieved the opposite- as news of this event has gotten worldwide exposure! With their belligerence on full display for everyone to see.

To those who believe in equality, inclusion, and our common humanity, let's hope together for a better tomorrow!

* Great read on how getting to know people from different backgrounds, etc can help expand our civility and humanity. The article discusses a number of studies that give me hope when I've been made aware of situations like the one above.