Enough Is Enough. Australians support Bashar!

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I’m not going to lie, this topic is one close to my heart. Whilst I’m not the most political person in the world, I am very much in touch with current affairs. This is something I’ve been putting off talking about since March 2011.

For those of you who have been living under a rock, simply can’t read or don’t own a TV here’s the lowdown. In March 2011, following the uproar of citizens claiming they want freedom in Libya, Syrian rebels emerged to claim that they are unhappy with the policies President Bashar Assad had set in stone. Chanting their opinions weren’t enough, so soon after they decided to bomb innocent civilians and try to harm the citizens of Syria.

Funnily enough Syria is a country, which has a rich history, whilst it’s not perfect, it has some of the most beautiful scenery and ancient sites. Muslims, Christians, Jews and Atheists have lived there happily for years. Both working and socialising together as a united front. As opposed to it’s neighbours Lebanon, which is unfortunately having issues constantly, due to political parties which have been run by a religious agenda and power rather than building a greater country for it’s people. Surprise, surprise, lets be honest this happens in Western countries too. It’s nothing new. People are greedy.

I’m an Australian through and through, but this topic is a sensitive one. My father is of Syrian decent. I have never been and waited until I graduated University in order to go visit my relatives, learn something about my father’s family and the roots where my ancestors resided. Unfortunately I graduated in April of 2011, therefore I couldn’t risk getting harmed in Syria. I remember seeing my father stay up all night watching Syrian TV and scanning newspapers frantically, constantly afraid one of his family members will be harmed. But more importantly, about the welfare of Bashar Al Asaad. This confused me. Having grown up in Australia, we openly belittle our politicians and barely show them any respect, from tagging them on twitter with inappropriate images to talk show hosts making fun of John Howard’s poor cricketing skills. Ha that one was actually funny though! I stopped and asked him, “Baba, why are you so passionate about Bashar? He is a politician after all, why doesn’t he just step down and let the people be free.”

Soon after I realised how arrogant my statement was. This man is a Doctor, who was his father’s predecessor, he never aimed to get into politics, but it happened. And he has been doing a bloody good job, serving Syria in terms of technological advancements, education systems, allowing warmth in winter months via the introduction of free diesel fuel for heating facilities and rationing food to the poor.

So if he is doing such a good job, where does this miscommunication come from? Our very own Foreign Minister Mr. Bobb Carr has claimed Al Assad’s regime is one that should be stopped. In fact in July the Syrian Embassy was closed due to our lack of support. The US have once again decided to intervene. If Syrians truly were unhappy I would be the first to say, let’s stop this inhumanity and would be happy to sign a petition to rid Al Assad of his title. But in actual fact, the majority of citizens support Bashar! I’m not just speaking in terms of my family members. There have been interviews recorded showing Networks like Aljazeera, which was once known to be a trustful source, actually staging videos as they pay people to profess their hate for Bashar and his regime.

Whilst Bashar hasn’t been radically vocal, he did reinstate new laws and policies in order to please these so called rebels. But still, they were not happy, and so they continue to blast innocent civilians and collect money from foreign counterparts including the US, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Through it all the UN put out a vote, VETO was initiated, which meant only two countries who actually don’t hold alliances with the US  (Russia and China) had voted Bashar should not be forced out of his position and foreign intervention was not needed.

Long story short, Over 21,000 innocent lives have been lost. These rebels are not even of Syrian decent! So this brings me to today. Whilst I usually travel to George St to shop, I marched my way with over one thousand passionate Syrian Australians who believe that Bashar is an innocent man, his people aren't dissatisfied and there is no need for foreign intervention. 

In typical Middle Eastern style there were loud drums as people chanted, “Allah, Souriya, Bashar ou bas!” Which translates to God, Syria, and Bashar only. I ran into my friend who is a journo at one of our prestigious media companies. He was reporting. Surprised to see me he stated “Abi! What are you doing here? You’re a journo, what kind of a journo shows up to protests?” This question has been lingering in my mind all day. Why did I give up my Sunday workout and movie with friends for this? Because the lives of innocent people is at stake, that’s why! No matter how much I try to see the opposition’s point of view, I am dumbfounded by the portrayal of this “Civil War” they claim it to be in our most reputable newspapers. There is no civil war.

I was particularly happy to see that there weren’t just people of Syrian decent who were there to show their support. In fact it ranged from British, Russian, Chinese, Fijian and even passionate supporters of Anglo Saxon decent.

I have attached a few images and a video from today’s peaceful protest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG_d05A0jkY

I would also like to mention that following the Rally today, an elderly man was bashed at Sydenham Station in Sydney’s South. A few men described to be of Middle Eastern appearance, arrived to belt the man with a metal pole until he bled and only paused when his grandchildren nearby tried to stop the abusers from harming him. Even still they opted to smack the children out of the way. Is this peaceful? Are these people the ones that really care about the humanity of Syria? No these are greedy fools. An elderly man was bashed in front of his wife and grandchildren simply because he was draped in a Syrian flag as he supported the fight for a real cause. This surely can’t be happening on the streets of Sydney. It sickens me to have been sent this image of the attacked gentleman. 

Do you agree with everything you read? Please feel free to show your support by signing the petition here:

Sincerely,

Wogarella.

Wogarella's Nail Files!

I have a problem. I can’t help but judge people on their nails. I know it's petty! But I truly believe you can tell a lot about a person by simply glancing over the condition of their nails. For instance people who include diamantes and patterns crave attention, whilst serial neutral lovers tend to be perfectionists who probably suffer from OCD.  My opinions may be slightly over exaggerated, but the main reason for sharing this post with you is due to the fact that I am shocked with the amount of girls who just don’t understand the importance, let alone the concept of a trendy nail. Okay it’s midwinter, so you’ve been sticking to warmer tones. But it’s the 2012 ladies, we don’t just stick to spray tans in the warmer months do we now? So why should it be any different for your nails? Even if you’re feeling miserable this winter, it doesn’t mean you can’t funk it up! In fact, should you work in the right industry, or have an event coming up, I suggest you do try out a bright hue. 

The Elongated Nail:

Like most Wogarella’s I opt for a bright nail colour. Only I’m not a huge fan of acrylics. This is a warning to all Wogarellas. A slight hint perhaps? Take it as you will, but the long acrylic claws have to go. In fact they not only infuriate me, but I’m haunted by them. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not acrylics themselves, it’s the claws which resemble those of a full grown canine.

Please see visual evidence below.

Despite the fact that this is a classic colour (you have Sally Hansen to thank) I can’t fathom what could possess anyone to ask for such unpractical tacky nails.

 French Chic or Tacky Tips?

To be completely honest I’m a fan of shellac. And today as I was sitting beside a girl who was rocking nails, which were a similar length to the ones shown above, I thought I would experiment a bit. You see she had a French-tip on. I know what you’re thinking, classic, elegant, possibly average? But this was beyond average. Her slightly remixed version actually freaked me out, she had specifically asked for a tip, which was as thick as the nail itself! Have you seen these before? Worse still, she had a pattern traced over each nail.

I couldn’t bear to look at them. I suppose they would’ve been cool in the late 90s. But so was frizzy hair and thick brown lipstick, does that mean we should bring them back?

Dare to be different:

Rather than ask for acrylics, I decided to mix it up and get my ring finger painted a metallic silver. Whilst it’s not a dramatic change it is one that helped brighten up my day. I’m kind of obsessed. I haven’t stopped staring at my nails all day! And let me tell you, the compliments have hit an all time high.  

What do you think of the random glittered nail? Are you a fan?

At the end of the day, the best thing about nail polish is, it isn’t permanent! So if you don’t like your nails, there are no dramas. Simply choose a different colour or style next week! The options are endless. Good luck beauties!

Much love, your nail enthusiast and self-confessed Wogarella.

Xx

DOLLY'S MODEL SEARCH WINNER BACKLASH

If I hear one more person complain about the DOLLY Model Search Competition, I'm seriously going to start throwing beauty products at their heads.

I hate to sound so negative, but it's just ridiculous. For those of you who were living under a rock for the duration of your teenage years, the DOLLY Model Search competition is just as the title suggests an annual model search competition for teen readers.

Now I'm not usually one to glorify model competitions, lord knows I was a tom-boy whose priority in life was to be home in time from school to watch the end of Passions and go bike riding. I know, awkward, but I'm a TV soap opera junkie. And I wasn't even introduced to eyeliner for a few years. Whilst that might be the "old school" or traditional sense of what a teen or "tween" should be, I don't see anything wrong in what DOLLY are promoting. Admittedly, it is a model search competition, so yes sadly there is only one winner who gets to jet off to New York City to be introduced to elite model agency reps. Rejection is tough, but it is a part of life. If there are any girls who genuinely find this campaign offensive then by all means come on out and say it. But to these disgruntled mums who are whinging, I say quit being a keyboard warrior and try something new, help your child build-up their confidence. If modelling isn't for her well then help her find an activity that may suit her talent.

The thing that annoys me most is the negative commentating being made throughout multiple media outlets. Move on. It is and always has been a significant part of growing up, whether you're a model, or just a reader who gets to observe the exciting process. Furthermore, all of these 2GB radio announcers probably haven't even picked up a copy of DOLLY in many years, because if they did, they would see how much the mag promotes a healthy body image. They won the Inaugural Positive Body Image Award less than a month ago!

It's no secret that I'm a mag hoarder, but I think more girls would benefit by picking up a copy of DOLLY or accessing their website which includes articles by credible sources as opposed to random sites full of low life's who have nothing better to do with their time than to post hate threads.

Just in case you were wondering, the whole catalyst for this media uproar was Miss Kirsty Thatcher. The 13 year old was crowned the winner of the Original DOLLY Search yesterday; she will appear on the cover of the August issue of DOLLY, which is on sale next Monday. Sending huge congratulations her way! Even more so to the judges, this includes reader votes as Kristy proves to be more than just a pretty face, having landed a spot in the Queensland Theatre company as an accomplished pianist.

PS just a reminder that our very own Miranda Kerr’s career was launched after she won the DOLLY model Search competition in 1998, so clearly it hasn’t harmed her. 

Do you agree with me? Am I over reacting? Either way it has created free publicity for the mag, so I guess the editor is probably stoked.

Wogarella,

Xx

*Images sourced from www.dolly.ninemsn.com.au and Vogue Italia 2010.

Katie and Tom call it quits...

From watching her childhood crush jumping on couches declaring his love for her to now fighting for custody of her 6 year old daughter Suri, Katie Holmes has ended her marriage with Husband of 5 years Tom Cruise. What a fall from grace. And even though Tom irritates me, I can't help but feel saddened by this news. The number one reason being that my favourite Katie Holmes pretty much married him in order to boost her career, when in actual fact she really hasn't done too much but a Broadway show here and there.

I know most of you are probably rolling your eyes and whispering something along the lines of "Oh wow, another celebrity couples files for divorce.." But the thing is I'm genuinely upset, I LOVE Katie Holmes. I know she is a bit boring and doesn't really say much these days, but she was one my first girl-crushes as a kid. She has that wholesome girl next door look. And despite the fact that she's no longer that innocent little girl from Dawson's Creek, I can't help but forever see her as Joey Potter. And even though there has been years of speculation regarding her relationship with Tom, I honestly do feel that she was suppressed. And not so much by Tom, but by his ego and entourage.

Although this is only the beginning of what will unfold into an even larger media frenzy, Tom's lawyer, Bert Fields, said Katie filed for divorce in New York on Thursday citing "irreconcilable differences".

"Kate has filed for divorce and Tom is deeply saddened and is concentrating on his three children," Tom's representative, Amanda Lundberg, told The Associated Press. "Please allow them their privacy to work this out."

I'm looking forward to seeing all of the stories that will be spruced up, lord knows I'm a mag-hag so I will follow this story intently. 

PS I feel sorry for my favouite little munchkin, Suri Cruise. Divorce is never easy, even though she has pretty shoes, this kid is going to cop it. I hope to God, Katie ensures she doesn't see any of the negative press that will soon unravel.

Did you see this coming? Are you as upset as I am? Let me know. Go on, you know you want to comment.

For more info regarding their divorce, visit: http://tiny.cc/aquogw

Images sourced from Fanpop.com.

Wogarella,

Xx

Latest Obsession: Serena Van Der Woodsen

I have a confession to make...  You see, I typically identify myself with the brunette character in any film or television series. Yes, I have discriminated an actress simply because of the colour of her hair. And believe me I'm not proud of it. For example, when The OC came out I loved Summer. I was very much apart of that generation of girls who went crazy over Seth Cohen and cried their eyes out when Marissa died, but the thing is I looked up to Summer Roberts (played by Rachel Bilson.) Once I had gotten over the commotion of losing such an awesome show, and the legend that is Josh Swartz decided to introduce his OC adoring fans to Gossip Girl, I automatically identified myself with Blair Waldorf. 

Weird right? I know exactly what you’re thinking:

A) She resides in Upper Class New York, whilst I live in Western Sydney.

B) She is always dressed to perfection, whilst I’m more of a casual kid

C) Her Body is amazing; whilst mine is more on the average side of town.

D) She gets to hook up with the likes of Chuck Bass, Nate Archibald and my personal favourite, Mr. Lonely-boy aka Dan Humphrey. Need I even clarify why this one is so unrealistic?

       Furthermore, I have a slightly ethnic/ Westie accent, whereas Ms. Waldorf speaks with such a proper accent. But all of these observations aside, I still believe that if I had to pick one of the cast members it would be her. Or at least Vanessa, but she loses Dan, so it pains me to even think of such a thing.

      

       However, it’s no secret to anyone that I admire Blake Lively’s style, grace and sense of humour. But more recently, I’ve found myself abandoning the “I Love Blair” bandwagon and leaping onto the “I have a Big Lesbian Crush on Blake Lively” one. And it's not just because she's so pretty, but I think the fact that her character is actually employed these days, I feel as though she's a little more real than the other characters. Plus, she's no longer a teenage hoe, but a working woman who is facing realistic problems. 

       So tell me, do you commonly identify yourself with a particular character based on their physical   attributes? Or am I just a vane weirdo?

      And even though Red heads are so hot right now, do you think we’re witnessing the return of the Blonde Bombshell? What with Blake, Delta and dare I say it even Lara Bingle gracing our screens... it really makes me wonder. Wait, scrap that! Come to think of it, did the blonde bombshells ever lose their importance in TV?

      PS This post may or may not have been inspired by the fact that I have been locked up in my room during the whole long weekend due to a horrid flu which just won’t leave me! Therefore giving me the opportunity to catch up on Season Five <3

      

      Wogarella, 

       Xx

To Straighten or not to Straighten?!

Wogarella has been faced with a little dilemma as of late.  In fact some would  call it a first world problem. And in case you're wondering, it's not the fact that I have started referring to myself in third person.

You see I was born with curly locks. And growing up I hated them, but once I turned about 16 years of age and slowly toned down my tomboy antics, I realised that maybe my curls weren’t such a curse after all.

But the problem is, I use a number of products to maintain it, and although I pride myself on looking after it, before I know it a whole year has passed and I haven’t even thought to get a cut, because to be honest, I hardly notice split ends as my hair is relatively healthy. But every time I have an event and I get a blow-dry, I stop and think that maybe, just maybe my thick luscious hair is actually quite pretty when it’s straight. Lord knows it appeals to a lot more people. But the thing is, as much as I like taking in other people’s opinions, I usually just stick to my guns and keep my virginal hair in the same style, only allowing my hairdresser to trim it, after making a deal with him whereby he swears to save as much length of my tresses whilst sitll making use of his scissors.

I love my curls, I really do, and after all they embody my crazy personality. Only for once in my life, I feel as though I am ready for a change. Specifically as winter has graced us, getting up to wash my hair every morning isn’t something I’m too enthusiastic about. So dear friends, I put this out to you, do you believe I should go ahead with an organic treatment whereby my hair will be appear 60% smoother and straighter?

I know some of you are reading this shaking your heads because your hair has probably seen every shade of the rainbow, but mine is still the same colour, only a little more mature than my date of birth of course. And that is something I doubt I’ll ever change, because thanks to the Good Lord I have been blessed with a decent hair colour, which just fits so well with my olive skin tone.

So really, can you please help a sister out?! I’ve booked my three and a half hour session at a reputable hair salon for Wednesday night. I’ve been told the treatment will last approximately 5-6 months and won’t harm my curls in the process as opposed to the chemicals used in the generic keratin products that have been publicised recently.

Now before you make up your mind, I’ve included some visual aid of both my natural fuzzball and a fresh blow-dry. PS Please don’t judge the fact that I have no make up in the straight haired pic!!

 

 

Lots of love,

Wogarella Xx

Wogarella Pops her Sushi Train Cherry

Believe it or not, as cultured as I am I have never actually tried Sushi. It’s not as though I’ve never been offered Sushi. It is a favourite at several events and most of my girlfriends often ask if we can all meet for Sushi. Which intern routinely accept the fact that I am cringing at the thought of “Chinese Food”.

This is obviously a misconception, because embarrassingly enough, Sushi originates from Japan. Haha clearly Geography isn’t my strong point.

Anyways, recently a very dear friend and colleague of mine has been offered an amazing job, which means that I will no longer have my Salad –loving partner in crime to spend lunch with. And as it seems, for the past 10 months, I have been missing out on Sushi trains. Whilst I will hardly ever purchase Sushi from any old place, I believe it was a great experience!

The thing is, my religious beliefs put me in an awkward position, there are a lot of options on the menu which I can’t eat. But I trekked through the vegetarian sushi menu and ordered an avocado And cucumber sushi roll. Followed by a teriyaki chicken sushi roll I excitedly grabbed off of the swiftly moving sushi train. And believe it or not after eating only four tiny pieces of Sushi, (dipped in soy sauce and wasabi of course) I was absolutely famished. I'm not sure of its because I'm on a health kick, or because I don't eat white rice often. 

Whilst my friends were churning down their sashimi and slurping up their miso soup, which I later learn is a really salty soup, soy based too. I think I will try that next time.  But my all time favourite dish would have to be the Edamame. This stuff was a winner! Edamame for those who like me have been living under a rock is steamed soy beans, which are salty and incredibly fresh. The fun part is rather than manually opening them as you do with snowpeas, you force them out with your teeth, ensuring you teeth are placed at the end of the Edamame and pull it out of your mouth, as you pull then lovely bursts of goodness enters your mouth. It's simple. Yet I am amazed. I clearly need to get out more. Well out of comfort zone that is!

I must admit that I am a bit of a tech freak, very much so a typical Gen Y kid because I was  impressed by the fact that you can order your plates via an iPad. Whilst they aren't geniuses, it is definitely a cute little idea, especially because it saves me from awkwardly asking the waitress what is in this and that because the commotion around us including the ever revolving sushi train and excited customers, with chop sticks clasped in their hands was becoming a bit overwhelming. Much like that jam-packed sentence to be honest. 

Wogarella's verdict: It's got nothing on home made tabouli, but I would do it again. 

Ps Please see visual evidence below visual evidence of an after meal shot. Quit judging me, I was far too excited to take pics whilst I tried  each of the lovely dishes that were placed before me. 

Sayonara,

Wogarella Xx