MAC-a-holic

Dewy Pink!

2011-12-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

Congrats to the newly engaged couple! Visit www.sylndiv.com to view their website. I've known Divya for the past decade and she is one of the sweetest girl I know :). Congrats and wish you both all the best!

She wanted a simple, dewy pink look ..

Face:
Any Face Lotion
MAC prep and Prime (for foundation base) - optional
Make up Forever HD in shade 28 (Foundation)
MAC Powder in NC 40 (to set the make up)
Eyes:
MAC All the glitters ( beige with gold pearl/light gold color) -Inner Corner
MAC Expensive Pink ( Pink with gold flecks/light pink color) - On the crease and lid
MAC Mythology (Copper with sparkle) - Middle lid
MAC Embark ( Reddish brown matte) - Outer Corner
MAC Ricepaper ( light gold) Browbone and Arch

Cheeks:
MAC Sculpt and Shape powder to contour and highlight
Mac Dollymix blush

Lips:
MAC Hot Gossip
MAC Lipgloss Oyster shell

All about Mascara

2011-10-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

I have somewhat small (asian :) eyes and I REFUSE to leave the house without mascara. I believe that mascara is one of the most important part of make up. There is something magical about it!

Everyone has a different way of applying mascara, Just wanted to share my steps when applying mascara –

Step 1: Curl your eyelashes with a eye lash curler ( I use Shu Uemura http://puiicolney.blogspot.com/2009/09/best-eyelash-curler-ever.html)
Step 2: Wiggle the wand left to right at the base of lashes. ( Mascara near the roots – not the tips –that gives the illusion of length)
Step 3: Pull the wand up and through the lashes, wiggle to separate the lashes.
Step 4: Apply Mascara to the bottom eyelash – apply lightly.

Tip: Here’s what I do sometimes: I use my blow dryer to heat up my mascara curler a minute before I curl my eyelashes, same concept as curling your hair :). It actually works! Touch it to sure your eyelash curler is not HOT!

Price: I usually get drugstore mascara rather then buy luxurious mascara that I will toss in a month or two. I am currently using Maybelline’s – “The falsies”. Would you rather splurge or save on mascaras?

Tip: Waterproof mascara should only been worn for special occasions. Although not dangerous, the ingredients are very drying to the lashes.

Color: I stick to the basic rule – Black works for everyone. If you are going to try colored mascara, here’s just a suggestion:
Light Skinned: Brown
Blue Eyes: Burgundy, blue, plum
Brown eyes: Purple, Brown

The important questions – How long do you use your mascaras? Do you use it till it runs out? How many months or even years do you use them? I must admit, I am guilty of this myself. After researching a bit, I found out from the FDA’s Cosmetic and Label Claims that “No regulations or requirements under current United States law that require cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products”. However, a lot cosmetic products do not have a long shelf life once they are opened. Using expired products can cause infections, irritation, etc. Of all the cosmetics, the worst offender: mascara.

Expiration: Mascara + Air = Bacteria! “A mascara tube is a dark, wet environment — the perfect breeding ground for bacteria,” says New York City optometrist Andrea Thau, O.D. Each application introduces bacteria to the wand and pushes it into the tube. The pumping of the wand makes the air around or even from your own eyelash into the bottom of the tube. Both the bacteria and air inside that’s trapped increases and begins the reproduction.

Toss your mascara every three months. Some common eye infections from expired mascaras are conjunctivitis or pink eye.

Tips:

Never ever share your mascaras, and avoid trying mascara testers at cosmetic counters. Even if you are using single – use applicator. You never know if the person before you did the same.

When pulling out your mascara want, make sure you twist, not pump!

Rosie's Big Day!

2011-09-27T09:37:00.001-07:00

After going MIA for the past few months, I've decided to re-open my blog and blog about my true love - Make up :)...

I wanted to share with you ladies, a picture of me, my husband and the beautiful bride - Rosie! She got married on Sept 4, 2011 in Wilmington, DE. I am so honored to have done her makeup.

Rosie is not a big make up person; she barely uses any make in her normal day to day routine. I decided not to make her look too dramatic or made up like a “cookie-cutter” version of herself or of what a bride “should be”. You DO NOT want the bride to not look herself on her wedding day!

Here's what I Used:

Face:
- Face moisturizer
- MAC Prep and Prime (Optional)
- Makeup Forever HD in shade 27
- Mac studio Fix Powder in NC 35

Cheeks
- Bronzer - Mac Solar Riche (Midtone Deep Orange Brown)
- Blush - Bobbi Brown blush in Desert Rose and Mac Dainty (Light Pink)
- Highlighter - Mac

Eyes ( You do not have to use MAC, you can substitute it with the colors)
- Urban deacay primer potion
- Outer corner and half of her inner crease - MAC - all that glitters eye-shadow. ( Beige or Gold Color)
- Outer Corner - MAC - Satin Taupe eyeshadow ( Taupe color with Silver Shimmer)
- A hint of - MAC Parfait amour eyeshadow ( Violet)
- Mac carbon ( Matte Black)
- Eyeliner
- Mascara

Lips
- Hot Gossip
(Mid-tone pinky plum)

To set the make up - MAC FIX +

Dramatic bridal look

2010-09-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

Face

- Smashbox face primer
- Mac Mineralize satinfinish foundation in NC 35
- Powder, Mac Mineralize skinfinish in Medium plus

Eyes

- Mac Seedy Peal (Chilled lavender pink)
- Mac Shadowy lady (blackened plum)
- Urban Decay eye pencil in Zero
- Revlon mascara
- Mac False lashes

Cheecks

- Warm soul (mid tone beige with gold pearl)
- Bronzer MAC gold deposit (Soft reflective golden-bronze)
- Highlighter - Mac soft and gentle ( gilded peach bronze)

Lips

- Hot Gossip
(Mid-tone pinky plum)

I'm Engaged!

2010-08-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

To the most amazing man in the whole world. I can honestly and completely say that he is the love of my life! Click on the website http://www.weddingwire.com/toddandpuii to read "Our Story".

Do it Yourself Wedding Make-up

2010-03-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of being a bridesmaid for the 9th time (yes 9th!!) at my friend’s wedding on March 7,2010. I have known the bride for almost two decades now.. we grew up together. I did her make up for her wedding day..hope you all like it!

Before

All done!!

Here’s what I used to create this look:

Face
- Rimmel face primer
- Mac Studio fix fluid in NC 37
- Mac MSF in medium dark (to set the foundation)
- Mac Studio finish corrector
Cheeks
- Stilla bronzing powder in shade 01
- Mac superduper natural blush
- Nars orgasm

EYES
-Mac Ricepaper
-Mac smoke and diamond (silver)
-Mac satin taupe (taupe with silver shimmer)
-Mac shadowy lady (Blackened plum (Matte)
-Mac Woodwinked ( warm antique gold)
-Maybelline khol eyeliner
-Mac mascara in black

LIPS
-Rimmel listick in Airy Fairy (pink)
-Mac lipgloss in partial pink (pink)

Haul and update!

2010-01-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies,

I went to the outlet and got few MAC products for half the original price ;). I love all the products i got. Here they are -

Mac ricepaper eyeshadow - Peachy gold with shimmer (Frost) I love this color, It's a great highlight for brow bone.

Mac Glamour check! - Frosty reddish brown (Starflash)

Submarine - Very Pretty blue!

Mac spaced out blush - I think this is more like a summertime blusher. It's a peachy shimmery sheer tone blush. Very pretty!

My best buy of the month - The greatest MAC accentuate sulpt, sculpt and shape powder.
This is what mac says about the product - Sculpt and Shape Powder is a split-pan, two-in-one powder with the perfect level of pigment for creating a naturally sculpted look. The deeper shade is matte, making it perfect for contouring the face and body. The lighter shade has low-level pearlized pigments, making it ideal for highlighting the high planes of the face. This non-acnegenic formula has jet-milled pigments to allow for smooth, even, silky application. Sculpt and Shape Powder contains skin conditioning agents like Wheat and Barley Extracts and is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested.
I recommend this product 100%. It does the job!

I had the most wonderful Christmas! Meet my cousin Omi Colney. Isn't she adorable? i heart her!!!

Products used -

Face -
Rimmel face primer in 01
Aveeno face moisturizer
Mac Studio fix fluid - NC 35
MSF powder (medium dark) to set the foundation

Eyes
UDPP
Mac ricepaper - browbone and inner corners
Mac Sable
Mac Glamour check
Estee lauder - Berry ice
Mac parfait amour
Mascara - covergal lash blast in black

Cheeks - Mac blush Superduper natural
Highlight and contour - Mac accentuate sculpt and shape powder.

Lips - Mac partial pink

Vanity Table!!!

2009-12-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies,

I'm so happy!!! A couple of weeks ago, I got the best early Christmas present ever! My boyfriend got me a vanity table and bench and it is so cute. He knows that putting makeup on is one of my favorite things to do. He also knows how much I didn't like putting my makeup on in front of the poorly lit full length mirror or leaning over the bathroom sink to use the bathroom mirror. He even got two lights that clamp on the side of the mirror so I finally have perfect lighting. The total expense was not to high so if you have the room, this is just as good of an investment as good makeup. Now i can put on make up like a pro..;)

The drawer has the make up i use the most.

Fall look - Ultraviolet!

2009-11-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

Products used -
face - Rimmel 01 foundation primer
- NC 35 studio fix fluid
- MSF Natural in Medium dark, to set the foundation
Cheeks - Rimmel sun bronze, Used as contour
- Mac Superdupernatural blush ( mid tone coral ) This is probably one of the best blush color for my skintone. I love love it! It is super duper gorgeous!

EYES - UDPP all over ( eyeshadow base )
- woodwinked all over and used Parfait amour on the outer corner. Grand entrance as a highlighter.

TIP - If you want your eyelashes extra curled, hold it in front of a heated blow dryer for 1 minute, this will give you the extra lift for your eyelashes..It works!

SPOOKY!!! - using the urban decay deluxe shadow box

EYES - Used honey (gold) all over
Underground (brown) and Zero(black) on the outer corner

Mac - Grand entrance and embark

2009-11-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

I did this look for my gorgeous friend Lana over the weekend. I used just two Mac eye shadows - grand entrance (light champagne with a pearl undertone) and Embark (matte brown). I used Grand entrance all over the lid and Embark (matte brow) on the outer V.

My October favorites -
1. Rimmel natural bronzer in SUN BRONZE 022
Product Details:Gives face a sunkissed glow. Dermatologically tested. Made in England.
Product Description:Rimmel London Natural Bronzer, Sun Bronze 022 .49 oz. Available at your local drug store.

2. Neutrogena healthy Skin enhancer in Tan to medium. I love this tinted moisturizer, if you want a moisturizer you can just apply in the morning in a hurry ;) this is really good! It keeps your face moisturized, oil free, SPF 20, Retinol treatment (all the good stuff) and it has a sheer tint which gives enough coverage for a everyday, dewy and fresh look.

Product i regret buying this month - Revlon mineral finishing powder in sunkiss, I wanted to do a comparison on this with the MAC MSF's. The color did not suit me and it was also way too shimmery. I still have to go return it.

Urban decay is awesome!

2009-10-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

9 Shadows: Fishnet (light purple) , Honey (gold), Ransom (dark purple), Graffiti (green), Zero (black), Peace (turquoise), Shag (bronze), Scratch (champagne) , Underground (fawn)

$38 at Sephora.com or www.urbandecay.com

I am new to Urban decay products and this is the first urban decay eyeshadow pallet I've bought from Sephora. It comes with 9 vibrant colors that are extremely pigmented and a travel size primer potion. I absolutely love it! These colors go extremely well with all skin tones. This palette is definitely worth the money spent. I will be trying out different looks with it. I came up with this look. Hope you all like it ;)

Eyes - Honey and Graffiti, Blend with scratch
Mascara - Covergal, Mac eyeliner in engraved.
Face - Mac NC 40 studio tech
Powder - Mac MSF in medium dark over foundation
Blush - Mac Fab
Lip - Rimmel Airy Fairy

Best eyelash Curler EVER!!!

2009-09-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

I have stopped curling my eyelashes for a while now since they never did much for me. Two weeks back, I went to Sephora and I bought the new shu-uemura eyelash curler, I thought it was a little too pricey for a eye lash curler. But, It is so worth it. You have to try this one for yourself. It is absolutely gorgeous!! It gives your eyelashes the perfect curl. I cannot believe i have gone this long without this eyelash curler. The mushroom shape is easy and it sits comfortably, the curve angle suits all eye shape. It has a silicone pad which protects the eye. It also comes with a replacement silicone pad ;). It does not poke me or pinch me unlike my old ones from the drugstore. This thing is perfectly measured and it curls your eyelash in the perfect angle, shape and it holds the curls alllll day ;)

You can find it at Sephora $19

Mac Addict

2009-09-15T22:08:00.001-07:00

Mac review -

My fav Mac eyeshadow of all time - Satin Taupe, Mythology, Parfait Amour, Amber lights, Humid, knight divine, Shadowy lady, Next to nothing, rice paper and expensive pink. I recently bought smoke and diamonds from the new starflash collection and I absolutely love it.
Non Mac eyeshadow - HIP Cheeky, HIP showy, HIP exotic and baked smokes from physician formula.
Favorite blush - Mac Fab, Mac Gleeful, Mac Peaches, Mac Notable, Nars orgasm.

Dramatic

2009-08-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Make up - Everyday look

2009-08-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

I've been a make up junkie for as long as i can remember. I love to do make up on myself and others. I came up with a natural day look today.. here it is...

Please excuse the hair..;)

Here's what i used -
Face - Aveeno positively radiant daily moisturizer SPF 15. (love this!!)
Face - Studio Tech NC 40 and then I use Mineralize MAC skinfinish natural all over with a Kabuki brush to set the foundation cream.
Eyes - Mac Painterly Paint pot all over ( so eyeshadow can stay on longer without creasing)
Mac Eye shadows - Expensive pink ( all over) and shadowy lady on the outer crease. vanilla on the brow bone.
Bronzers are great for structures and contouring. I use Mineralize Mac Skinfinish natural in medium Deep to contour. I use this cos it gives it a natural look. Most bronzer's give a dirty, cakey look but this Mac skinfinish is awesome!
Blusher - Mac Plumfoolery
Mascara - Maybelline Define a lash.
Eyeliner - Mac powerpoint eye pencil in engraved.
Lips - Mac Soft spot.

Mizo - Lean on me

2009-05-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

My Place

2009-04-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

On April 3rd, I moved to an apartment and I absolutely love it. I have been so busy with the whole move, school, work and helping my sister with her wedding plans. Having my own place is a lot of fun. I am almost done with getting everything together. Instead of shopping for clothes like I usually do, I have been taking trips to Bed bath & Beyond, Target, Home Depot, Ikea and surfing on HGTV for decorating ideas...lol. It has been a lot of fun putting together everything!

My Living room...

I am trying to put the curtains up and I am not sure what color I should go with. White, beige or burgundy? Let me know what you think.. Thanks ;)

“Our barbies, ourselves "

2008-12-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

After reading the article “our barbies, ourselves by Emily the first thing that came to my mind is a song sang by Aqua, “I’m a Barbie girl, In a Barbie world, life in plastic, is fantastic” I loved this song as a kid . I agree with the writer, Emily Prage because, I think most girls wanted to look like Barbie, have the perfect body with long nice legs. Every young girl wants to own her, dress her and play with her. I think Barbie is the most popular doll ever created and it has a lot of influence on how we want to look like or how beauty is defined as.

As Emily Pager says” Barbie looks like someone who got her start at the play mansion. She could be a regular guest on the Howard stern show.” This is the image of mans perception of women and the fantasy there in. Millions of women have gone along with this fantasy and have been entranced by the unrealistic standards of appearance and false qualities of life. Sadly, more and more women have accepted these standards as their own and have even resorted to changing who they are to become what they believe to be real. This may be a major contributing factor to the rise of women seeking breast implants and or plastic surgery. As I grew older I realize that a Barbie’s body is like no real woman's body. Most of these girls on playboy have had breast augmentation or some sort of plastic surgery to look like Barbie. Barbie was on the book written by Dr. Lazar called "101 most influential people who never lived" .Dr. Lazar pointed out that the reason he put Barbie on the list is because "Barbie teaches every girl that, to be happy, you have to own everything". The concept of the American dream seems to have dwindled from where it was in the past generations. It has gone from success, freedom, and happiness to having lots of money and having the perfect body and face.

Carvings

2008-12-30T06:27:00.000-08:00

These egg shells were cut with a high intensity precision Laser Beam. This gives a very good idea of what can be achieved with a Laser Beam

Watermelon carving of the Taj Mahal

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-26T10:42:00.001-08:00

2008-12-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

The young,talented make up artist and finalist of lifetime reality Tv, Todd Homme from the finalist of lifetime channel, blush – The search for the next great make up artist” was found dead at his home in NY. I have been watching blush show from day one. It was so difficult to see him loose. He should have totally won! Well, he at least made it to the final.

Even though Todd didn’t get to be picked by the judges, he will always be my favorite and best make up artist. His passing is a true loss to the make up industry and all his fans who loved his art.

Here is Todd’s work from the six episodes.

Blush Episode one: Twisted Disco

With its gold and purple eyes, exaggerated lashes, hot pink cheeks and shimmery turquoise lip, Todd’s look most clearly embodied the spirit of “twisted disco.”

Blush Episode Two: Wild Things

Todd and Nolan’s winning “zebra” look.

Blush Episode Three: Here Come the Brides

Todd’s bridal makeup look was soft, radiant and timeless.

Blush Episode Four: Evil twins and Vegas showgirls

Maxi described his look as belonging to a bad girl after a crazy party.

Blush Episode Five: Blind Man’s Brush and Fashion Icons

Todd created this makeup look (right) without ever seeing the original photo

Episode Six: The Grand Finale
As the winner of Blush, Nolan will receive a cool $100k, a contract with Max Factor and the opportunity to work on an InStyle photo shoot.

Just a little comic relief amidst the serious election activities!

2008-10-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

2008-10-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had a chance to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. I had a great time! Here are some of the pics I took..

There is an old saying that diamonds are a girl's best friend. That still makes a lot of sense…. ;). I couldn’t take my eyes of the Hope Diamond. It is 45.52 carats and it is originally from India ;) The Hope Diamond is believed to have come from the Kollur mine near Golconda in India. In the pendant surrounding the Hope diamond are 16 white diamonds, both pear-shapes and cushion cuts. The necklace chain contains 45 white diamonds.
HOPE DIAMOND DATA
WEIGHT: 45.52 carats
DIMENSIONS:
Length 25.60 mm
Width 21.78 mm
Depth 12.00 mm
CUT: Cushion antique brilliant with a faceted girdle and extra facets on the pavilion.
CLARITY: VS1. Whitish graining is present.
COLOR: Fancy dark grayish-blue

I love this butterfly ;)

Different types of pearl

American Gold Topaz 22,892.5 carats, its is one of the world's largest gems.

This is the world's largest flawless quartz sphere- weighing 48.5 kg (106.75lb) and measuring 32.7cm

The necklace is called "The Napoleon Diamond Necklace" It contains 172 diamonds totaling about 260 carats.

Arkansas Quartz

God put all that order and beauty into the world for you and me to enjoy, and I’m thankful that He created us in just the right way so that we could enjoy his creation.

For more info on the museum visit: http://www.mnh.si.edu/

Backstreet boys forever!!!!!!!

2008-08-21T12:13:00.001-07:00

“United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: Journey to a dark past”

2008-07-31T08:48:00.000-07:00

During the Second World War, the Nazi regime led by Adolf Hitler held the planned execution of millions of Jews which they called the “final solution of the Jewish question.” This attempt to create “the perfect race” in a world without the Jewish later became known as the holocaust. The holocaust is one of the most devastating tragedies to occur in documented history. It showed how unchecked hatred can consume an entire nation and cause the death of innocent millions. The genocide of Jews and other minorities in Nazi Germany should always be remembered and lessons should be learned from it. In response to this tragedy, The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was erected. On July 27th 2008, I had the privilege of visiting this museum. That day, the videos and the images I witnessed will be etched in my mind forever.

The day was uncharacteristically cold and gloomy for late July. It almost seemed as if the weather was part of the exhibit. At first glance, the exterior of the building could have been mistaken for the Department of Agriculture building that once stood on the grounds where the museum currently resides. However, elements of the interior appeared as if they were situated on the other side of a portal in time and not a meager tinted glass door off of a Washington D.C. city street. After passing through a security checkpoint that was an illusion of safety with disinterested guards and the same old metal detectors we have become accustomed to seeing, the room opened up into what felt like a train of bus terminal of 1930's Europe. The hard scrapple walls furnishings of brick, wood and twisted metal provided a message that this was not the kind of museum where people would go to see glorified arts and crafts. This was the kind of museum that would have a visceral impact on those that chose to wander its halls.

The museum's permanent exhibit has been arranged in chronological order starting at the top floor which depicts pre WWII Europe. To get to the top floor, patrons took a short elevator ride which displayed a short video narrated by an American soldier. Images of pain and suffering flashed before our eyes, as the narrator recited what he had seen upon discovering the death camps that were liberated by allied troops. Arriving at the top of the building both sides of the hallway were both still and video images Germany in the 1930's. The ominous presence of Adolf Hitler was instantly felt by hearing his voice over the speakers of a television set as he gave a speech of hate filled rhetoric and ant-Semitic propaganda. In addition to pictures, articles of clothing were displayed on the walls that not only included uniforms of Nazi soldiers, but also a dress that had an embroidered patch of the Star of David to signify the wearer as a Jew. There was even a roadway checkpoint turnpike purposely impeding the way through the hallway to the area that portrayed Poland much as the border to Poland was impeded seventy years ago. Poland was significant to this of the exhibit because it was the first territory that Germany conquered in there evil quest. The fourth floor of the museum was more than successful in representing pre-war Europe.

The third floor of the exhibit was the most disturbing. This is the floor that covered 1940-1945 in which Hitler and his oppressive Nazi regime escalated their plan for final resolution by operating their concentration and death camps. Perhaps the most disturbing sight in the museum was the enormous sculpture that depicted the deceitful moments just prior to hundreds of innocent Jews being gassed to death in what was supposed to be a relaxing shower. Words simply can not describe the feeling of seeing mothers and their children having to strip down naked in a room full of people thinking they were being given the basic human right of being clean, only to be walked into a death chamber .Some victims took up to a half hour to die from breathing in the toxic fumes. The hair of the dead women, gold from dental work and sometimes bones were collected. The hair and leather shoes of some victims were on display and you could smell the leather. As strange as it may sound the people that were taken to concentration camps could have been considered lucky. Not all the victims of the holocaust were taken to the death camp and executed. Some of the victims were taken to concentration camps where they were starved and forced into a life of dirty hard labor. I do wish there were more information about the lives of the Nazis including how propaganda was used to mask their conscience.

April 12, 1945: Nordhausen Concentration Camp,
where 20,000 inmates were believed to have died.

At the second and last floor of the permanent exhibition, I saw an original IBM card sorting machine that was used for organizing the census that first identified the Jews. It was amazing how technology was used to methodically wipe out millions of people. There was a freight car that was used to transport Jews from Poland to the Treblinka death camp. It was especially sad to see the Hall of faces which was crammed with framed photographs of 3,000 Jewish residents of a town who were all murdered on a single day.

the Hall of Faces, a narrow, three-story-high space crammed with framed photographs of the 3,000 Jewish residents of a single Lithuanian town, who were murdered in September 1941

They also had a collection of shoes worn by the poor victims piled up high. There were also models of the gas chambers and media depicting how they were used. Such imagery was hard to witness but it was necessary to show the mass scale in which Jews were prosecuted in the German occupied regions

Collection of shoes of murdered Jews, smell of sweat and leather can still be smelt.

I would be remiss to not make reference to the non-Jewish victims of the holocaust as well. Sadly, institutionalized handicapped children, mentally retarded, handicapped, homosexual, gypsies and trade unionists were also targeted by the Nazi regime. In the quest to create a perfect and healthy race, people were sterilized; women forced to have abortions and mercilessly killed. In 1936, Heinrich Himmler, Commander of the Schutzstaffel, a major Nazi paramilitary organization, created the "Reich Central Office for the Combating of Homosexuality and Abortion”. Homosexuals were considered impure and a burden along with people suffering from mental or genetic or physical disorders. Unforgivable crimes were committed to rid the nation of the weak.

This site made me learn more of the events that led to World War II. I learned about the crimes against humanity that had spread through the world. There was oppression everywhere but it is terrifying to see how organized and systematic the Nazis were killing the Jews. They indiscriminately killed entire generations of people without mercy. What was even more appalling was how educated these perpetuators of hate were. Many top commanders of Hitler had doctorates. There were doctors conducting unscrupulous experiments on poor victims including kids. It is unnerving to realize how an entire nation lost its conscience under a dictator.

After the visit I read some stories of survivors and their efforts to track down their relatives and what happened to them. I read of a survivor’s trip back to Auschwitz concentration camp and how he could smell death from miles away and the painful memories that came with it. There are human rights violations happening everyday in every country. It is interesting to see how the perpetuators of hate and violence use the techniques and the same oratorical skills to spread their venom.

The Holocaust is one of the most horrific events in modern history. The senseless slaughter of millions upon millions of innocent people at the hands of Nazi butchers was incited when a man by the name of Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933. The Nazis wrought terrible deaths and destruction on Europe in the following years, beginning with Aryanization and ending with the Final Solution in a maniacal plot to exterminate and purify the human race. The Holocaust should be remembered by all as a dark point in modern history.

For more information:
visit - United States Holocaust Memorial Museum,
http://www.ushmm.org/museum

Holocaust Newspaper archive
http://www.holocaustarchive.com/Home.aspx

Ceramics

2008-07-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

This summer session I, I took a ceramic class for a month. It’s was a lot of fun. The class was for four hours everyday of the week but it went by so fast.

My first day to class...not very impressive;(

First ceramic project . We had to build a vase using coils. It was an interesting start to the class. Simple but fun!

I carved and glazed it . This is how it looks after it came out of the kiln. It was heated in the kiln for a couple of days.

My second project: jewelry box (base and top) before it got fired in the kiln

My jewelry box ! the colors came out real nice after it was fired in the kiln

My third project: This one is my favorite one. I think i improved a lot from my other projects. ;)

Finally done! Out of the Kiln
Practice makes perfect...or almost perfect...hopefully!

The Glaze lab

This is my fourth project. It cracked and i had a hard time patching it up coz it got really hard.

Still Working on it..

My tea cups with saucer after its been glazed and kilned

One of the best summer class i've ever had.. I made few plates that are getting ready to be fired. Having a hand made ceramic object from which to enjoy a meal, gives time for contemplation and respite from everyday pressures. In an age of fast food and disposable containers, the hand made ceramic object offers individuality and a connection with the earth, from which it is created.

“creativity is the highest thinking level there is, especially in a three-dimensional form." - Denise Theobald

Baltimore Aquarium

2008-06-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful time at the baltimore aquarium. It is a great place to visit!

There were some colorful pretty fishies ;)

And he looks like he's having a bad day ;)

My fav part..

Awwww...

I also love frogs, I got to see a variety of frogs that I normally wouldn't have the chance to see and photograph. Here are few of my favourite frog shots...

FIND ME

Love the colour combination on this one..

Meet the most handsome frog ever...;)

This one blends in with his surroundings.

The African Bullfrog (Pyxiecephalus adspersus) is one of the largest frogs.
This frog weighs 2.2 pounds. The voice is loud, like a deep bellows.

2008-04-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

Freedom for all - gays too

2008-04-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

The gay rights movement has gained momentum in the last decade. The movement has come “out of the closet”. There is more awareness of their issues in most social and political domains. More research is being done on gender characteristics and relationships. In 2004, President George W. Bush called on Congress to pass an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would restrict marriage exclusively to opposite-sex couples (“Bush calls for ban on same-sex marriages”). This would be a step in the wrong direction and shows how much influence conservative groups have on the President and the Republican Party. Gay couples can function just the same as straight couples and should be given the legal rights to live together and called a family.
The debate over same-sex marriage is not about "tolerance" but "preference." Indeed, validation of same-sex marriage would demonstrate much more than mere "tolerance" of alternative "lifestyles." Marriage is not merely "tolerated" but is rather one of the most preferred relationships known in law. Accordingly, the demand for legal recognition of same-sex marriage is not a mere plea for tolerance, but a demand that society confer upon that relationship an exceptionally preferred status. They have no right to insist that we surrender our fundamental moral and religious beliefs in order that they might feel comfortable with their sexual behavior.
The homosexual community speaks of itself as struggling for civil rights.” The gay community's goal is integration--just as it was with Martin Luther King,' argues homosexual activist Harry Britt" (Horowitz p.72). Far from seeking integration with the heterosexual world, it vehemently avoids it. More important, "the movement seeks to win sinecures through the state, and over any objections by "homophobic" opposition. With a cloud of a heavy fine or even a jail sentence hanging over a mortgage lender, a rental agent, or a job interviewer who might be discomforted by them, homosexuals under these laws can win employment, credit, housing, and other economic entitlements" (Horowitz p.73).
On December 3, 1996, Judge Kevin Chang issued a 46 page ruling. He has determined that "the State of Hawaii failed to show a compelling state interest to justify the continuation of the ban against same-sex marriages" (Chang). Same sex marriages are now theoretically legal in Hawaii. However, the state refused to recognize the courts decision until it was formally filed. The attorney general obtained a stay of Judge Chang's court order, pending a decision by the state Supreme Court. That decision is not expected until late 1997 or early 1998.

Marriage is a unique practice, in that it is both a religious sacrament and legal registration controlled by the state. For the time being, marriage is defined by "84% of the population as the union of two people of the opposite sex" (Johnson p.49). Therefore, by definition, marriage has to be different sex. Whereas, the definition of homosexuality is "exhibiting sexual desire toward another of the same sex" (Webster's New World Dictionary p.673). Throughout human history, according to religious tradition and as a matter of natural law, marriage has been tied to potential procreative sexuality, which is a monopoly held by different-sex couples. Under this definitional objection, "the state cannot recognize something that is an impossibility" (Eskridge p.87).

Gun Control

2008-03-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

The issue of banning guns and gun control is a controversial one. In a way , freedom to own and bear arms to protect yourself is a right in our country according to the Second Amendment. Gun right advocates argue that firearms are necessary for self-defense and also act as a deterrent to criminals. They argue that concealed guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens are lawful and safe. However, guns and ammunition in the wrong hands are causing alarming incidents of crime and violence and disintegration of the framework of our society. It is making our inner cities, our own neighborhoods and institutions unsafe. As a result, the banning sales of guns to private citizens is the only way to curb or stop the cycle of violence and cultivate a safer environment.

The recent acts of violence across school and college campuses are evidence of the dangers of lax gun laws. In the case of Virginia Tech, Seung-Hui Cho, a mentally ill student, killed 32 students and faculty with semi-automatic pistols before ending his own life. He was able to obtain the firearms even though there are federal laws prohibiting such sales to mentally unstable individuals. Also, in the case of Columbine High School shooting, the students that went on a shooting rampage were able to obtain firearms from friends. Lax gun laws allows irresponsbile and immature individuals to have easy access to guns. This shows that tighter gun control will not always help. There has to be a complete ban on the sales of guns to private citizens.
Guns are just as dangerous to the owner as it is to a victim. In 2005, firearms were used in 72.6 percent of homicides. [2] Increased availability of household firearms has shown to increase the rate of suicide[3]. People who are in highly stressful situations and who are emotionally volatile may decide to end their life on the spur of the moment. The act is so quick and violent that the victim has no chance to rethink or reconsider their action. Most killing sprees end with the murderer taking his own life which is a sign of their weak mental state.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) claims that it is safe for law abiding citizens to own guns. This is not a valid claim because there have been many notable cases in which even lawful citizens decide to take matters into their own hands resulting in dangerous situations. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that more than 5,000 homicide victims were involved in an argument. [4]. It notes that “arguments include brawls due to the influence of narcotics or alcohol, disagreements about money or property and other arguments”. Even law abiding citizens can lose their calm and put themselves and others in dangerous situations.

There are many examples of how slightly tense situations can escalate into deadly confrontations when guns are involved. On November 25, 2006 Sean Bell was shot and killed by New York detectives when he and his friends were leaving a club in a bad neighborhood. Though there has been conflicting reports on what exactly happened, the fact is none of the civilians were armed or dangerous. The detectives could have handled the situation better instead of resorting to such a violent act. I believe even the police should have restricted access to firearms and only some outstanding officers should carry them.

Numerous innocent children have been wounded or killed by firearms . The Brady Campaign reports that 82% of murder victims aged 13 to 19 years old were killed by a firearm. There were many cases in which unsupervised children were killed by accident. The rate of firearm death of under 14-years-old is nearly 12 times higher in the U.S. than in 25 other industrialized countries combined. Children and teens often do not understand the consequence of discharging a firearm. They do not think of the repercussions. In 2004, a total of 2,852 young people were killed by firearms in the United States. In addition gun violence has spilled over from movies and music into our daily lives. [5]

Famous people in sports and the music industry have been involved in shootouts and dangerous confrontations. Many famous artists like Tupac Shakur have died or been involved in violent confrontations. NBA players like Tony Baxter and Stephen Jackson have been involved in shooting incidents that have affected their careers. NBA commissioner David Stern said in a phone conference that" it is a widely accepted statistic that if you carry a gun, your chances of being shot by one increase dramatically,” [6]

Guns create an unsafe environment and should be outlawed among civilians. It poses a dangerous threat to both the people who own them and those around them. It has become so affordable and easy to own that it can be misused by the general population. The key word in this argument is easiness; the easiness to end people's lives and that is why guns are lethal and ultimately should be banned. Until the gun law is changed, the current epidemic of violence will continue to grow unchallenged.
Works Cited

1. Cook PJ, Ludwig J. Guns in America: Results of a comprehensive national survey on
firearms ownership and use. Police Foundation. Washington DC. 1996.
2.United States.Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Expanded Homicide Data." Crime in the United States. 2005.
3. Miller, Matthew MD, MPH, ScD; Hemenway, David PhD; Azrael, Deborah MS, PhD.
"Firearms and Suicide in the Northeast. "Journal of Trauma-Injury Infection & Critical Care. 57(3):626-632, September 2004.

4. United States. Bureau of Justice Statistics."Homicide trends in the U.S."

Say hi to Rochanhluii, my new little sister

2008-03-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

(four months)
".... Having a forever family is the best"...This is the perfect summary of the goal in adoption.

She's is really cute, I can't wait to see her. Im happy my big family has gotten bigger.

New glasses!!

2008-03-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

After months of getting mild headaches, I went to the doctor yesterday and unfortunately found out that I was in great need of some new glasses. Here I am, wearing glasses for the first time... It’s a whole new world with my new eyes.

I finally came up with this frame after trying different frames. You don't want to know how many frames i tried.HA HA!! Todd picked this one.

Valentines day

2008-02-18T00:22:00.000-08:00

I know im kinda late...But, I want to wish you all a Belated Happy Valentines day!!I hope you all had a wonderful time. I had the most wonderful day..I got to work around 9:30 am and I had a bouquet of roses on my desk..I still don't know who it is. I went around asking who it was but, unfortunately no one knows...

Benazir Bhutto, 1953-2007

2007-12-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

Bhutto studied at Radcliffe College, earning a Harvard B.A. in 1973, and later at Oxford, where she gained a second B.A. in 1976. At Oxford, she was the first woman to become president of the Oxford Union. This Picture was in 1977, shortyly after leaving Oxford

Ms. Bhutto's arranged marriage to Asif Ali Zardari in 1987. She looks gorgeous!!!!

Benazir Bhutto was a legend and a role model for all men and women alike. She sacrificed her life, for the sake of Pakistan and for the sake of this region. I have always admired her since I was a little kid,I think she is beautiful. I also admire her as a political leader, as a woman with strong willpower and as a genuine struggler for democracy and prosperity of Pakistan. She was inspirational not just to Pakistanis, but inspirational to us all through out the world. Benazir Bhutto, a woman who wanted to fight her battle until the end.

Happy Kiss Mas!

2007-12-26T05:20:00.000-08:00

Sand sculpture of Santa Clause by sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik at the golden beach in Puri, 70 kms east of Bhubaneswar Orissa, India.

Hi,
I want to wish you all a joyous Holiday Season and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Fav Hindi Song - Pehla Nasha

2007-10-31T06:22:00.000-07:00

My sister is here!

2007-10-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

I couldn't be happier, She's finally here with me !!!

Mother's love

2007-10-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

I Couldn't Ask For A Better Friend

2007-08-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

The Sting of My Mother’s Death

2007-08-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

On June 06, 2002, I held my mother's hand for the very last time (I dint know it would be the last time) and said goodbye, hoping she would return back. June 15th was my parent’s 25th anniversary and Dad went down to her hospital room excited to wish her on their anniversary, but he was disappointed to find out she was unconscious. On June 16, 2002 Mom took her final breath. I encountered an overwhelming and unknown course: Facing life as a daughter without a mother.

There are some things in life that we just don’t want to deal with, accept or even acknowledge as existing. The process of getting use to not having your mother is not easy. Being only 15 when she went away, I can’t even describe the pain I felt, it was a feeling of indescribable loneliness. It’s such an emptiness, such a hole in your very soul which can’t be filled; at times I’ll be doing some routine thing, like homework and I’d think, “Oh, I don’t know how to do this, I’ll just ask my mom…” and things trail off as your realize that you don’t have a mother who will be coming home that evening. The last thing my mother told me on her hospital bed that I would never forget was, “ Puii, I got married at a very young age and I might have hurt u intentionally or unintentionally parenting you .Please forgive me” I cried the whole day.

Talking or thinking about my mother’s death is difficult for me, In fact, this is the most difficult thing that has ever happened in my twenty years of life. I have overcome many obstacles. Yet, dealing with my mother’s death is more difficult than anything ever.
Sometimes people come up to me and tell me stories about how their friend's parents died and say they understand. They don't, no on will ever understand. Or sometimes they will ask me for my advice. I don't know what advice to give to anyone. Everyone reacts differently. I wish I could say that the pain will go away in time but it's been over a five years and it still hurts. I guess nothing will help but time.
The only advice I can offer to anyone else going through this is the advice which my aunt gave me: “Hang in there”!!!

2007-06-24T18:54:00.001-07:00

The Colney Girls

2007-06-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. ~Marion C. Garretty

You keep your past by having sisters. As you get older, they're the only ones who don't get bored if you talk about your memories. ~Deborah Moggach

My brother's wedding

2007-06-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

The war within

2007-03-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

War is a conflict concerning the planned use of arms and physical force among countries or other extensive armed groups. The martial parties hold terrain, which they can leash or crush; and each has a leader or union which can surrender, or slump, thus ending the war. War also means a crusade in conflict to something.
The heart of war is the conflict. Conflict is a frequent flyer in both our delicate yet proficient lives. Conflict can exist at an assortment for your examination. If it’s a personal conflict one may go as far as seek a legal remedy to resolve a conflict. But if it’s a military conflict that involves nations, we can safely assume that it leads to war. Conflict is almost inevitable. Occasionally we ably avoid it, but other times compelled to face it openly. There are many publications that try to wrap conflict resolution. By far the most convincing publication I have come across is “The Art of War”. About 2300 years ago in China, an ancestry of military leaders put their shared insight into written form. The manuscript was then named Sun Tzu after their patriarch. But Through out the west the book is called The Art of War.
In the book “The Art of War” Sun Tzu showed how to work more effectively with conflict. The text reveals how to triumph without resentment, whether our conflict is big or small, personal or public. On of the famous quotations states:
One hundred victories in one hundred
battles is not the most skillful.
Subduing the other’s military without
battle is the most skillful.
The book shows a way to toil with conflict in a kind and effective manner. Sun Tzu does not propose that we copy them, instead understand them. By doing so he hopes that we are naturally drawn to the same insights that are found in the book. Hence, suggesting that teachings in the book are insightful human facts and that everyone has the right to use.
Sun Tzu proposes that our reaction to conflict initiates from knowledge, of ourselves and of others. In chapter 3 from The Art of War it says:
Knowing the other and knowing oneself,
In one hundred battles no danger.
Not knowing the other and knowing oneself,
One victory for one loss.
Not knowing the other and not knowing oneself,
In every battle certain defeat.
According to Sun Tzu the probability of triumph greatly increases by knowing oneself and knowing the other. By knowing oneself alone there still is hope for victory. But not knowing the other and not knowing oneself is sure overwhelm. The herald for triumph lies within us. It is near; it begins with awareness of our own mind. It’s the dread of our capabilities that forbid us from looking at ourselves. But in reality knowing oneself, can only pilot to truthfulness of the mind. We should then relate our new found glory in all activities.
The heart of war is conflict, but the art of war is using the learned veteran move to the conflict that arises as anticipated. We have to have openness of the mind to recognize ourselves and others to work with the conflict within and outside ourselves.

by Jay Chintha

2007-03-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

The United States makes up just a measly 5 percent of the world's population, but it accounts for a whopping 42 percent of the world's spending on prescription drugs — more than $250 billion just last year.

Poor man's heroin

2007-03-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

This pill here is called the oxycontin (oxycodone hydrochloride controlled release) tablets. They are an opioid analgesic supplied in 10 mg, 20 mg,40 mg, and 80 mg tablet strengths for oral administration. The tablet strengths describe the amount of oxycodone per tablet as the hydrochloride salt. The structural formula for oxycodone hydrochloride is as follows: The chemical formula is 4, 5-epoxy-14-hydroxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one hydrochloride. Oxycontin was approved by the FDA in 1995, an opium derivative, which is the same ingredient in percodan and percocet.Oxycontin is intended for use by terminal cancer patients and chronic pain sufferers. It has been linked to at least 120 overdose deaths nationwide. No prescription drug in the last 20 years has been so widely abused after its release.

Symptoms of an overdose from OxyContin are:
low breathing
seizures
dizziness
confusion
anorexia
dry mouth
weakness
loss of consciousness
coma
confusion
tiredness
cold and clammy skin
small pupils

For more information go to http://www.fda.gov/

Thought

2007-03-12T04:47:00.000-07:00

When we're incomplete, we're always searching for somebody to complete us. When, after a few years or a few months of a relationship, we find that we're still unfulfilled, we blame our partners and take up with somebody more promising. This can go on and on--series polygamy--until we admit that while a partner can add sweet dimensions to our lives, we, each of us, are responsible for our own fulfillment. Nobody else can provide it for us, and to believe otherwise is to delude ourselves dangerously and to program for eventual failure every relationship we enter.
- Tom Robbins

Love me,Love my Dog

2007-03-09T08:04:00.000-08:00

A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself.

Although man’s best friend has always been his dog,My dad thinks I spoil my dog way too much.I don't think she is,she just likes getting alot of attention. How many of us have spent a restless night because “Missy”, can’t seem to get comfortable in our bed .Yes, for those of you that are disbelievers, many people do share their beds with their doggies. In fact, I have heard of many cases where couples sleep apart rather than crowd the dog.

Diet- To be honest Hazel is not all that fond of dry dog food. She'll eat some of it, but only if mixed with some of that delicious lamb gravy she likes.
Each time I don't go home for a night ,Hazel gets so mad she pees in front of my bedroom door. I've been told she howl,cries if I don't go home for a night.I don't know how she's going to make it while I'm gone to India for a month. Throughout history, dogs have given their lives for their masters. “Police” dogs will face an armed attacker to protect their handler and “Seeing Eye” dogs will risk death or injury to steer their Charge away from a speeding car. A dog’s love for its master is pure and unquestioning. In my opinion, Hazel deserves all the pampering she can get.

Brandon and me

2007-03-08T10:53:00.000-08:00