Today is a very special day for Michelle and Alex, aka Bling and Baby Bling or BB for short.  It’s BB’s birthday.  She’s all grown up.  So have cake and ice cream to help them celebrate this wonderful occasion:)  YAY!!!!!!  BIRTHDAY GIRL.  You Rock!

Hayder Hamzoz

Isn’t it sad that the supporters for the country of Iraq are constantly working against the odds? With the frightening delevopment of the ISIS terrorists, Iraq has once again taken several steps back from potential stability and coexistance – 11 years after the outbreak of the war they didn’t start themselves.

Now the Americans are out and Iraq is left on their own to fight against the dark powers that seem overwhelmingly strong. Do they have the capacity to resist? I asked my friend, the human rights activist Hayder Hamzoz, how he saw the situation. He is coordinator of Iraqi Network for Social Media, a community for bloggers and citizen journalists in Iraq, and he has been very active in promoting development and human rights through social media. He sees dangers not only in the threats of ISIS but in how the Iraqi government is handling the situation:

“

Amanda Cass

‘I will soothe you and heal you,
I will bring you roses.
I too have been covered with thorns.’  Rumi

Life can be wonderful yet sometimes it can simply be tough. Whether it’s a broken heart, a damaged relationship, work problems, an unexpected illness or a disease that you’ve been battling with for years, there are times when everyone needs a soft place to fall.

As a mother, it’s something that I accept without question for my children.  If they hurt themselves, if they fall-out with a friend, if they didn’t do as well as they had hoped in exam – I’m there to hug, hold and soothe. Then later when we have more time I can reassure them they are not alone and encourage them to put the difficulty behind them and move on.

I do it without hesitation and for as long as required, for the knowledge that…

Amanda Cass

‘I will soothe you and heal you,
I will bring you roses.
I too have been covered with thorns.’  Rumi

Life can be wonderful yet sometimes it can simply be tough. Whether it’s a broken heart, a damaged relationship, work problems, an unexpected illness or a disease that you’ve been battling with for years, there are times when everyone needs a soft place to fall.

As a mother, it’s something that I accept without question for my children.  If they hurt themselves, if they fall-out with a friend, if they didn’t do as well as they had hoped in exam – I’m there to hug, hold and soothe. Then later when we have more time I can reassure them they are not alone and encourage them to put the difficulty behind them and move on.

I do it without hesitation and for as long as required, for the knowledge that…

Every year, #Muslims observe a month-long fast during the 9th month of the #Islamic calendar: #Ramadan. Muslims believe that this month is filled with blessings, and it is appropriate to wish them well at the beginning of the month. Friendly words in any language are welcome, such as “I hope you have a blessed Ramadan,” or “may you have a peaceful Ramadan.” There are some #traditional or common Arabic greetings that one may use or come across:

“Ramadan Mubarak!”
(“Blessed Ramadan!”)

“Kul ‘am wa enta bi-khair!”
(“May every year find you in good health!”)

At the end of the month, Muslims observe a holiday called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking):

,,

Of course, I always knew Jamaican businesswoman and media strategist Marcia Forbes had an eye firmly fixed on the future.

Dr. Forbes has once again demonstrated her concern for young people – those who will frame our future. This summer, through her Kingston-based multi-media firm Phase Three Productions, Dr. Forbes is offering intensive six-day training workshops in videography to thirty young Jamaicans – free. The first workshop kicks off on August 11 at Phase Three’s Studio 45, The Trade Centre, 32 Red Hills Road, Kingston 10. Training includes lectures and hands-on sessions covering features of digital cameras, proper camera use and care, shot composition and angles, lighting and sound for TV, and more. Well-known local professionals will share their expertise with the trainees. “I screen them myself,” says Marcia. “Some very bright and talented youths have already been selected. I’m particularly excited about this project, which is set to widen the…