Gottex Spring 2009 Collection

Images curtesy of Atelier Creative Services, Inc.

 

 

 

Laila Al-Arian On The “So-Called” Oppressed Women Of The Middle East

One does not have to look very hard if they want to find examples of misogynistic brutality in the Middle East. No one can deny that there are human rights issues unique to that part of the world. Journalist Laila Al-Arian might prefer to downplay that fact. When I attended a panel discussion called, True Crimes: The Untold Story Behind The Devastation of Iraq, Ms. Al-Arian used a phrase that did not sit well with me. She referenced the “so-called” oppressed women of the Middle East. She is correct in her assertion that women are brutalized throughout the world. But it is quite disingenuous to dismiss them as the “so called oppressed women.” After all, she had no problem speaking of the horrors afflicted upon the Iraqi people as a result of the war. It is only fair that she should not ignore the problems that exist within Islamic nations. On the other hand, I admire the fact that she is a Muslim woman who appeared to have sympathy for the men and women currently serving in Iraq. They too are victims of this unjust war.

–Lorraine M. Nowlin

A Night of Glamour and Philanthropy At The Gift Bags For Good Charity Auction

Everyone loves a good gift bag. Just imagine how much more exciting a gift bag would be if it were autographed by a celebrity. That is exactly what I found when I attended the Gift Bags For Good, charity Auction at the W Hotel in New York City. It was an event brought to us by the charitable foundation, Clothes Off Our Back. The organization was established by Jane Kaczmarek of Malcolm In The Middle and Bradley Whitford, of The West Wing. What can we expect from a foundation that furnishes the public with the opportunity to own the former possessions of celebrities? We can certainly expect a night of fun and elegance all for a good cause. My fascinating celebrity sightings included DJ Josh Madden, 30 Rock’s Lonny Ross and Katrina Bowden, Shamika Cotton of HBO’s The Wire, and health/fitness guru, Susan Powter.

Katrina Bowden and Lonny Ross of NBC’s 30 Rock

The gift bags on display were simply to die for. A favorite of mine was the Fergie for Kipling handbag autographed by the singer. The domino design only added to the wow effect produced by the bag. The good news is, bidding for the Kipling and other gift bags have been extended to May 29, 2008. If you are a Coach Bag aficionado like I am, you just might fall in love with this Ergo pebbled large leather tote in bamboo. If you fancy something a bit smaller, you may opt to bid on the dark brown Hugo Boss Callista or chic Tous handbag.

DJ Josh Madden and 30 Rock’s Lonnie Ross

Of course we cannot leave out the sports fans. Shaquille O’Neal generously donated a cool red autographed NBA All-Star Jersey complete with his official game tickets autographed as well. For those of you who long for baseball heaven, there is the Jorge Posada gift bag containing all the goodies you could ever ask for. How about an autographed baseball bat, baseball cards, R.S.V.P Kenneth Cole NY perfume, and Johnnie Walker Green label whiskey neatly tucked inside?

Unisex Salon, a rock band with a truly unique sound, provided the event’s entertainment.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. When you purchase one or more of these fabulous gift bags, you will be supporting worthy causes. One such organization is Water Partners International which addresses both water supply and sanitation in developing countries. Some of the countries benefiting from the organization include Ethiopia, India, El Salvador, and the Philippines. Just imagine how rewarding it must be to provide clean drinking water to those who are otherwise unable to get it. The proceeds will also benefit America’s Second Harvest, World Education, The Art of Elysium, and autism research. Be sure to visit Clothes Off Our Back to bid on a sought after gift bag. You will not only recieve collectors items, you may just improve the quality of someone’s life.

Images curtesy of Think PR