Category Archives: News and Events

My write ups on the latest news stories and events, mainly political within the US and the Middle East.

A Dark Day in Christchurch, New Zealand

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c/o of MuslimGirl

Who, when calamity befalls them, say, “Verily, to God we belong and, to Him we shall return.”

Quran 2:156

Today, March 15th, 2019 has been deemed a dark day in New Zealand. A group of white supremacists went into two Christchurch masjids (mosques) during Friday prayers and opened fire. More than 50 people have been pronounced dead and over 20 people so far have been reported critically injured. A few of the terrorists are currently in custody, including one that posted a 93 page document online on his ideology and reasons for today’s attack.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, gave a strong condemnation in her statement earlier, announcing that this was a terrorist attack on the nation. I am grateful for her words and leadership, one that this world needs.

I am truly dumbfounded by today’s attack but for whatever reason, I’m not as surprised as I should be. We have not forgotten the attacks on houses of worship that have taken place here at home and globally in just the past few years. We have not forgotten the people who were hurt or perished in a moment of prayer and meditation in the safety of their sanctuary.

If you are going to Friday prayers today, be cautious of your surroundings. I urge masjids with separate entrances for ladies (which is usually a side or back door) please ensure it’s safe and guarded. If you’re a non Muslim wanting to grace your local masjid with your support, call ahead or go early. Your solidarity is very much needed and appreciated.

Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, founder of MuslimGirl, shared an excellent five step call to action in her recent Twitter thread which I’ve taken the liberty to share here. In the thread, she shares the LaunchGood crowdfunding campaign being spearheaded to help the victims of the attack.

Please keep the people of New Zealand in your thoughts and prayers. May God grant them strength and patience to get through this difficult, sad time… ameen.

This page is where I’ll add any further updates, other ways to give and show support, and other calls of action as deemed fit.

Picture of the Day

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Market Street, Forrest Hill, Twin Peaks and the clouds crossing above San Francisco. Captured this view yesterday from my office building’s eighth floor after a multitude of meetings.
Happy Thursday, peeps!

SF Sundays – Parade and Brunch, Rain or Shine

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The Bay Area is officially out of the drought after a good few days of nonstop rain. There was a scary mudslide in Sausalito and flash floods in both the North and South Bay areas. Is that going to stop anyone from enjoying one of the world’s largest lunar year’s parade? Or the ongoing festivities celebrating Black History Month? Or even heading out for brunch? No, no and definitely not. So gather your loved ones, your coats, a few pairs of socks, an extra scarf and an umbrella, these next couple of weeks should be fun!

HAPPENING AROUND TOWN

c/o chineseparade.com

Gong Hay Fat Choy! Happy Year of the Boar! This lunar year is off to a great start, full of rain and snow helping keep our state our of another drought scare.

Like every year, San Francisco is set to host one of the world’s largest new lunar year parades outside of Asia on February 23rd. If you want bleacher seats, be sure to get your tickets here in time for the festivities. You can also head to the SFMTA for the best bus routes and parking details to get you to the parade, starting on 2nd and Market Streets.

In celebrating Black History month this year, the San Francisco Public Library hosts More Than a Month. During this time, all library branches are showcasing literary events, movie screenings, storytelling, music, dance and crafts that can be enjoyed by the entire family. This is an effort to reflect, discuss, advocate and educate not just during the month but all year round. You can download the program guide here.

More Than a Month
c/o sfpl.org, artwork by Ron Moultrie Saunders

Do also check out the African American Center in the Main Library (by City Hall). Not only do they host exhibits and programs but hold a vast collection and references to help us learn about the historical experiences of African Americans in California.

The East Meets West: Jewels of the Maharajas from the Al Thani Collection showcasing at the Legion of Honor will be ending February 24th. If you are a fan of history, jewelry and all around artistic craftsmanship, this is an exhibit not to be missed. You’ll be immersed in it all as there’s no photography allowed. Let me warn you peeps, you will be in awe of it all.

YUMMINESS ACHIEVED

Several weeks ago, I joined the local InterNations group and brunched at Baker Street Bistro. This cute French bistro has a simple weekend brunch menu that’s packed with lots of flavor. I had to try the Oeufs Copenhague which is English muffin topped with smoked salmon, poached eggs and a light hollandaise sauce.

Peeps, I was not disappointed in the slightest. For under $20, everything on that plate came together perfectly and I was quite full. I did have space for dessert which I sadly didn’t get to try. So of course I gotta go back! Large groups like ours could expect a slow but friendly service so try to book in advance, especially on the weekends.

Disclaimer: This rant was not sponsored or paid for by the events or restaurants listed. If you’d like me to check out and rant about a happening around town or an eatery in town for my SF Sundays rant series, please email ha@mshala.co.

Their Names are Deah, Yusor and Razan

News and Events, USA

I repost this to honor their names. I repost this to honor the lives lost to hate. I repost this to honor the lives lost to gun violence. I repost this so that we never forget.

the ranting blogger

Three Muslim students in Chapel Hill, North Carolina were heard being killed in their home. They were killed execution style, bullets to the head, by their angry neighbor. I learned of their death from different individuals on Twitter. My heart sank as I have family in North Carolina. I didn’t know them personally but my heart sank deeper, their names are Deah, Yusor and Razan.

They were sisters. They were daughers and sons. They were newly weds. They were aspiring dentists and architects. They were kind and generous. They were the activists many of us aspire to be. They had just taken part in contributing to homeless community with food and dental supplies. They had just traveled were to travel to Turkey to provide Syrian refugees with medical assistance.

As I read of their short lived lives and brutal death through my Twitter feed, none of the tweets came from American mainstream news media. They came…

View original post 200 more words

Picture of the Day

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25 December 2018: Throwback to another drive by photography! Believe it or not, I was able capture the city in holiday lights as we drove across the upper deck of the Bay Bridge. Only took several attempts with a five minute window (for once there wasn’t much traffic on the bridge) before I was able to get this shot but totally worth it.

And no, I was not driving, safety first and always.

SF Sundays – Celebrate, Laugh and Eat!

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Hope you are all surviving this Bay Area cold. Luckily the weather seems to be calming down after those rain storms. At least there are a few things to enjoy outdoors if you’ve got a nice coat and a sturdy umbrella.

I’m not sure what’s more exciting, the long weekend of celebrating the great Martin Luther King’s life, laughing to tears or all the food that’s involved.

HAPPENING AROUND TOWN

Martin Luther King week is already in full gear! Tomorrow, January 21st, the MLK march will start at 11am at 4th and King Street before ending at the Yerba Buena Center. This is where the celebration festivities will be held until about 5pm. Some may head straight to the center but you don’t want to miss Caltrain’s Celebration Train that’ll be at the King Street Station just before the march. There are more activities, festivals and celebrations to partake in as listed by the NorCal MLK Foundation.

Want to explore the San Francisco African American Freedom Trail? As recommended by San Francisco Travel, this is a great way to not only learn about how African Americans changed the world from our humble Bay Area, but a great way to explore the city on foot. This is a great learning adventure for the whole family, just wear good, comfortable shoes.

If you haven’t already, the 18th Annual SF Sketchfest, founded by David Owen, is still happening now through January 27th. With this shutdown mess, we could all use a laugh from the likes of Andy Kindler, Sasheer Zamata, Michael Ian Black and local favorite, Peaches Christ.

YUMMINESS ACHIEVED

San Francisco Restaurant Week is starting just as Oakland Restaurant Week comes to a close. From January 23rd through the 31st, almost 130 restaurants will participate in showcasing what makes this city the most gastronomic city in the country!

c/o sfrestaurantweek.com

During the week, participating restaurants will be serving exclusive menus for either lunch and/or dinner. Two course lunches will be between $15 – $25 and three course dinners between $40 – $65. It that isn’t a biting deal, I don’t know what is! When you’re out and about, show off your eats by using the hashtag #SFRW on Instagram or Twitter.

Disclaimer: This rant was not sponsored or paid for by the events or restaurants listed. If you’d like me to check out and rant about a happening around town or an eatery in town for my SF Sundays series, please email me at ha@mshala.co.