Freedom for Mama's Girls

The Surfing Burka Chicks January 17, 2007

Posted by fleaonaleash in : Uncategorized , 8comments

burqini ?

CNN featured a new product created and currently sold in Australia, dubbed the “Burqini” on its website today. The lycra is two piece swimsuit, which was designed to fulfill the Muslim code of female modesty without impeding mobility and safety while swimming.

I think it will be interesting how this will change the face of Australian beaches. Already, a number of Burqini wearing youths have started surf lifesaving training on Sydney’s beaches. In my approximate 7 summers in Australia, I’ve yet to see a casual female beachgoer in anything more than a one piece swimsuit even close to the water. Will the Burqini cause for a quick emergence in fully dressed women in the waters and maybe even riding a few waves?

CNN touts this as a positive step towards bridging the cultural divide between the Muslim community and the beach going “white” Australian. The recent Cronulla riots were attributed to an incident involving Muslim youths and the local lifeguards, which was seen as a symbol of an “us versus them” situation.? A future where it is as common to see? the gold and yellow burqini as the stereotypical bronzed blonde patrolling the beach is perhaps something we should expect?

On an individual note however, I don’t doubt that this will break down a lot of challenges for a burqa wearing surfer wannabe. But will her attire break down the mental intimidation of standing out in a sea of comparatively scantily clad group of people? Afterall, for the predominantly first generation Muslim community; their lack of representaion on the beaches is just as much cultural rather than religious. This is of course backed simply by my social interactions with non-white Australians, and I have no statistics for this.

There would also be questions on its practicality. People have been banned for “health” reasons from playing competitive sport wearing long pants, surely there will be questions on one wearing a full lycra bodysuit in the heat of the sun on a treeless beach. On a? plus note, it would undoubtedly give excellent protection from the sun – a major concern due to Australia’s high skin cancer rate. Burqini 1 bikini 0 from the Cancer Council.

? Whatever it is, I’ve got your back Burqini surfer girls. I’ll give you a nod and a grin when I see you on the waves.

What are your thoughts? Anyone out there giving it? a test drive?

Shots from Nature’s Fish Tank January 14, 2007

Posted by fleaonaleash in : photos , 7comments

Bloop bloop.

So I played tourist on the weekend. It took 3 hours by both road and speedboat not named after a woman. Myself and a group of people not ashamed to be seen in public with me arrived on Lady Musgrave Island, one of the southern coral islands on the Great Barrier Reef.

Enough chatter and straight to the important stuff. YES,? I did indeed see? a shark and not ONE but TWO.

So here’s what I saw out on the reef:

2 sharks
1 small turtle
1 small? manta ray
1 seahorse…. thingie (?)
Many many spotty big fish
Many many stripey small fish
Many many? many plain looking fish
Brown coral
Reddish brown coral
Tourists who don’t swim
Speedo wearing tourists who NEED TO SHAVE

I also came to the conclusion that genetic research in enabling humans to breathe underwater is a much much higher priority than giant climate controlling dome over all major cities.

Oh and I took some photos too.

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The Great Roti Telur Substitute January 9, 2007

Posted by fleaonaleash in : Fine Cuisine , 8comments

Presented by? orang hensem? of the week?

Want roti telur without the image of your mother nagging you on fat content and clogging arteries?

Want roti telur? but there isn’t? a mamak within 5000 miles of you?

Want roti telur without the telur??! (OK this one’s bullshit. )

Let me be your food messiah by sharing my recipe for an equally satisfying alternative.

Ingredients

serves one, because I’m selfish

4 pieces of wantan skin

1 large egg

2 tablespoons milk

salt and pepper to taste

cooking oil spray

Heat pan. Spray cooking oil. Arrange

wantan skins on pan. Aspiring Martha

Stewarts can make elaborate animal shapes

if you like. Crack egg in a bowl. Mix in

milk. Take fork and beat egg mercilessly.

Add salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture into

pan evenly. Cook until both sides are

browned. Wheee! EAT!

Note that this recipe requires some advanced cooking skills. Those without need not fret. Simply follow the steps below.

Stay up till midnight

Stand in front of mirror. Lazy and tall bugger buggers can sit.

Say roti telur 3 times.

TA-DA!

They Never Come My Way January 5, 2007

Posted by fleaonaleash in : Music , 7comments

Dear Wolf Parade,

Please come to Australia. There’s a limit to how many times I have to content? with watching your performance on YouTube. People in Australia don’t bite. Har har geddit, geddit?

Modern World – Please, just click the link. It’s good.?

Fancy Claps – My current favourite video made by a fan?

Shine A Light – So bad it’s got to be a fan vid. Good enough for me to see it 56 times.

Kindest regards,

ME?

Dear people who wouldn’t go to see? Modest Mouse with? me? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

You fools listen to Fergie don’t you? Eh?

Warmest regards,?

P/S Dashboard of their new album? available on their website.

Also 2007 Upcoming releases. Yeehaa!

January Art by the Inch January 5, 2007

Posted by fleaonaleash in : Art, Uncategorized, photos , add a comment

Dedicated to the memory of December’s Art By the Inch for which I was too much of a slacker to commit to. Please enjoy the result of my ongoing love affair with MS Paint.

Women Can Play Guitar January 1, 2007

Posted by fleaonaleash in : Music , 2comments

Feeling like doing something for the sisterhood so here are? a few female musicians I’ve learned to love recently.? Captivating voices, honest lyrics and excellent musicians.? Hope you love them as much as I do.? Oh and you can thank me later.

Jolie Holland?

A country-esque Fiona Apple, but less cynical. Maybe.

Favourite? tracks: ? Mexican Blue , Crush in the? Ghetto

Cat Power?

Soulful, angry without the forced rage. I should be imprisoned for taking so long to discover her. And so should you if you ignore this recommendation.

Favourite tracks: He-War, I Don’t Blame You, Maybe Not, Living Proof

Joanna Newsom

Ok so she doesn’t exactly play the guitar, but it shouldn’t matter when you play the harp and piano as beautifully as she does. Team that with a voice that will either give you nightmares or hypnotize you.

Favourite tracks: Sadie, Cosmia

P/S Apologies for the poorer quality of some of these clips.

P/S/S If you have something you think I would like please feel free to share them here.