"A Country Called Amreeka" Book Discussion, Nov 30th

Arab Heritage Month Events

Arab Heritage Month is a week away! The complete online calendar of events is at www.chicagoarabheritage.org. AHM helps to promote Arab culture and creates awareness of the issues that affect our community. It also allows others to see that the Arab community has a standing in the community at large.

Anna Baltzer on the Daily Show

Anna Baltzer appeared on Connecting Women Radio.

Anna Baltzer will be appearing alongside Dr. Mustafa Barghouti on the Daily Show with John Stewart on 10/28/09! Spread the word! The show is on Comedy Central @ 11PM EST/10PM CST/12AM MST on 10/28 or 8PM on 10/29.

Help spread the word!

Zahra Offers Samples of Perfumes

Zahras.com is offering customers free samples of their perfume selection. However, you would be responsible for the cost of shipment. For more information, go to

Please request free samples of our most popular perfumes absolutely free - we only ask that you cover the cost of shipment - click here.

Workshop with Veteran Speaker Anna Baltzer: Educating Your Community About Palestine!

Have you been to Palestine but never quite figured out how to use your experience to affect real change?

Or do you feel frustrated and ill-prepared when confronted with opposition and difficult questions?

Or do you feel ready to speak but don't know who will listen?

Please join us on Sunday, August 30 for a training on educating others about Palestine!

“When I first returned from Palestine, I had acquired a wealth of knowledge and experiences that I was desperate to share with others, but I didn’t know how to design and deliver a presentation, and I didn’t know who would listen.”(2005)

- Anna Baltzer, now a Full-time Lecturer & Speaker-Trainer, having given more than 400 presentations about Palestine (with invitations multiplying after each event!)

Communities all over the United States are increasingly looking for people to speak about what is happening in Palestine, but there aren’t enough effective and known speakers to go around. People like Anna end up turning down most invitations! The American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights (AAPER), in partnership with award-winning presenter, Anna Baltzer, proposes to fill that gap by offering US citizens comprehensive training on how to speak to and educate their communities about the situation in Palestine. By empowering US citizens to share their knowledge and personal stories, we can create a national movement of citizen educators who, together, can educate their fellow Americans (either publicly or in private settings) and encourage them to take action in support of the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.

Trainer: Anna Baltzer, www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com (bio below)

Suggestion: Review her DVD before the workshop if you haven't heard her speak.

Where: 203 Wisconsin Ave.

Madison, WI 50703

Parking details: www.fumc.org

When: Sunday, August 30

5:30 pm for potluck dinner

6:30-9:30 pm for the training (please arrive by 6pm in case we start early!)

Cost: Suggested donation of $10-$25 (nobody turned away for lack of funds)

Goals: To Provide Participants With...

1. Increased Confidence in Speaking About Palestine

2. An Outline for Their Presentation

3. Practice Responding to Common & Difficult Questions

4. An Action Plan for Finding Venues & Organizing Events

5. If Time Permits, a Written and Practiced Introduction

Materials Provided: A Detailed Booklet Containing...

1. Tips on Presentation Structure & Delivery

2. Key Talking Points

3. Tough Questions & Respective Sample Answers

4. Sample Outreach & Organizing Supplies

5. CD of Sample Presentations, Photos, & Original Maps to Use

SPACE IS LIMITED - RSVP! If you are interested in attending the speakers training, please contact Joan Deming at (608) 241-9281 (home/office), (608) 235-1046 (cell), or by email at jdeming7@gmail.com. For more details about the training, contact Sarah Scruggs at AAPER by phone: (202) 683-8438 or by email at scruggs@aaper.org

Testimonials from Past Speaker Trainees:

Anna’s seminar was superb, measuring up to the high standards set by her own public speaking. The truth is that Anna has so many wonderful qualities to share that anyone who is interested in Israel-Palestine cannot help but benefit greatly from this opportunity. I cannot recommend Anna enough as a speaker, consultant or workshop facilitator. Participants will learn a lot of new information, have fun, and gain an elevated understanding of how to communicate their new knowledge to others with compassion and clarity.”

—Rich Forer, author of upcoming book on Israel/Palestine: Breakthrough

“The best thing I took away from Anna's inspiring speaker training workshop was confidence. She made me realize that I knew much more about Israel/Palestine than I gave myself credit for. I especially found useful the time we spent practicing answering the most common ‘hostile’ questions. About a month later I made my first presentation to a group of community college students. They were receptive and appreciative that I—along with my co-presenters—spoke from the heart. Now I want to develop other local speakers to present on this issue.”

— Susan Shuurman, co-founder of the Coalition to Stop $30 Billion to Israel

"Anna is the consummate nonviolent warrior who is vibrant, passionate, courageous and totally committed to peace and justice in Israel/Palestine. Her film, "Life In Occupied Palestine," was one of the primary motivating factors for me to visit Palestine in 2008 and to discover the truth of the conflict for myself. Anna's transition from being a speaker herself to empowering others to tell their truth means that instead of having just a small group of passionate and courageous voices there could—and will—be hundreds more."

— Will Covert, Board of Directors, Veterans for Peace - San Diego

Anna Baltzer is a Jewish-American Columbia graduate, former-Fulbright scholar, the granddaughter of Holocaust refugees, and an award-winning lecturer, author, and activist for Palestinian rights. As a volunteer with the International Women's Peace Service in the West Bank, Baltzer documented human rights abuses and supported Palestinian-led nonviolent resistance to the Occupation.Baltzer has appeared on television more than 400 times and lectured at more than 300 universities, schools, churches, mosques, and synagogues around the world with her acclaimed presentation, "Life in Occupied Palestine: Eyewitness Stories & Photos," and her full-color book: "Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories." Baltzer most recently returned from a trip through Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, documenting Palestinian life in the diaspora. For information about Baltzer's book, DVD, speaking tours, and eye-witness reports, visit www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com

Chicago: Arab Heritage Month 2009

Arab Heritage Month (AHM) is a commemoration of Arab-American contributions to the quality of life in the US and in the City of Chicago. November AHM is an opportunity for the community to showcase those contributions as well as the rich Arab culture, unique heritage, and deeply rooted traditions and customs of the Arab World. Mayor Richard Daley has proudly recognized the significant contributions Arabs and Arab-Americans have made to our city in the fields of medicine, science, technology, business and education.

In celebration of AHM 2009, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) Advisory Council on Arab Affairs* will create a special online calendar (www.chicagoarabheritage.org) featuring community-sponsored programs and events designed to educate Chicagoans about Arab history as well as issues facing Arabs and Arab-Americans.

Please join us in our effort to promote AHM 2009 by planning an event that focuses on some of the issues facing Arabs and Arab-Americans or by highlighting a particular aspect of Arab culture. By participating in AHM programming, you can make a positive impact on the City's efforts to promote understanding and respect for Americans of Arab descent.

If you would like to submit an event for the AHM 2009 calendar, please complete the attached event description form and submit it by October 2, 2009. For more information, please contact Ken Gunn at 312.744.1545, kenneth.gunn@cityofchicago.org or email the AHM Planning Committee at info@chicagoarabheritage.org.

Freebie: Flat Rate Boxes

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is giving away supplies of Flat Rate Boxes. Go to prioritymail.com/boxes12 to receive a free supply of Flat Rate Boxes.

Arab American National Museum Call for Artists

Plaques bearing the phrase ahlan wa sahlan or "welcome" are a common feature in Arab and Arab American homes, where hospitality is of the utmost importance.

The AANM is now asking Arab American artists to create and donate such plaques for a display case in the AANM's permanent exhibit Living in America. For complete details on this Call for Artists, click HERE or contact Curator of Collections Suzy Adra Mazloum at 313.624.0229 or HERE.

FREE Workshop for Midwestern Educators

High school teachers from the states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania are invited to an all-expenses-paid workshop about Arab Americans, the Arab World and Islam at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

Through a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, the AANM is able to pay travel and accommodation costs for Midwest high school teachers to attend this free workshop July 17-19. Click HERE for details.

Job Opening in Willowbrook, IL

Position: Development Manager

The Muslim Educational Cultural Center of America, MECCA, a growing Islamic organization serving the Muslim Community in Burr ridge, Hinsdale, Darien, Willow brook, is seeking a qualified individual for the Development Manager Position.

Essential Job Functions:

1- Plan, coordinate, organize and implement various fundraising campaigns and activities such as public events, direct mailers and online campaigns.

2- Recruit and train volunteers to assist in fundraising efforts related to the mosque construction project.

3- Identify and cultivate prospective donors

4- Stay on top of advancements and changes that are pertinent to raising money within the local Muslim community

5- Produce solicitation and marketing materials and campaigns

6- Evaluate the potential of fundraising campaigns and activities

7- Develop and maintain donors and potential donors’ mailing lists

Required Knowledge and Skills

1- Basic Knowledge of Islam

2- Related experience of at least 2 years.

3- Fluency in Spoken and written English

4- Computer Skills, Word , Excel, Outlook

5- Excellent Interpersonal and Inter- Cultural Communication skills

Compensation: Competitive

Send a resume by Email only to ilmeccacenter@gmail.com .

Job: Country Director Wanted

The Arab American Institute is pleased to share with you a job opportunity with AMIDEAST in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Position: Country Director

Location: Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Principle Objective: Serve as AMIDEAST's senior representative in Riyadh, fostering positive relationships with key clients, partners, and donors; and overseeing the delivery of all AMIDEAST programs and services in Saudi Arabia to ensure consistency and quality. The incumbent will be responsible for all managing all aspects of start-up operations for AMIDEAST in Saudi Arabia, setting the direction for program growth and sustainability.

Requirements include:

* 5-10 years of management experience preferably in the Middle East/North Africa
* Strong business development skills and experience in marketing educational and professional development training programs and services
* Demonstrated entrepreneurial skills
* Knowledge of US higher education system
* Work experience in the MENA region
* Project design and proposal development experience


For a full job description or to apply online, please click here. www.aaiusa.org

Win a FRE*E Scarf

Silk Road Spirit is a delightful company that specializes in chic and colorful scarves of every description – from the comfortable and casual to the very elegant, you’re sure to find a fun new accessory that will transform that oh-so-plain outfit into something truly special. Take a minute to browse the Silk Road Spirit website at www.SilkRoadSpirit.com for a wonderful selection of scarves and shawls in cotton, linen, silk, wool and much more.

Even better, you can win a FREE SCARF! Silk Road Spirit has a monthly drawing: one lucky contestant each month wins one of their favorite scarves – no strings attached! Enter now, the earlier the better -- because this is a relatively new contest on an undiscovered site, your chances of winning are excellent! Simply register online at Silk Road Spirit to win – Good luck!

To learn more about the new Fall 2009 collection – online introduction July 1 – or about details on their next show appearance or sale, follow Silk Road Spirit’s fashion team on Blog, Twitter, or Facebook.

Chicago Arabesque 2008 in pictures

I am planning to go. Are you?

Anna Baltzer presents

LIFE IN OCCUPIED PALESTINE: EYEWITNESS STORIES & PHOTOS

***

TWO talks as part of a Palestinian American National Conference called "Palestine ....The Key to Peace" featuring M Alhabbash, Minister of Agriculture and Social affairs; Dr Joel Kovel, author of Overcoming Zionism; Adam Shapiro, co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement; and Dennis Kucinich (by video). Register at www.panconference.com

FRI, May 22 @ 7:15PM
Solidarity Lecture (including personal story, information about Palestinians in Israel, & action ideas--no photos)

&

SAT, May 23 @ 12:30PM
Presentation with photos & stories, including history & the future

Both events at:
Crowne Plaza Hotel
5440 N. River Rd
Rosemont, IL (near Chicago O'Hare Airport)
Register at www.panconference.com

&

SUN, May 24 @ 2PM
The Islamic Foundation North
1751 North O'Plaine Rd
Libertyville, IL

***

Anna Baltzer is an award-winning Jewish American Columbia graduate, Fulbright scholar, author, and the granddaughter of Holocaust refugees. As a volunteer with the International Women's Peace Service in the West Bank, Baltzer documented human rights abuses and supported Palestinian-led nonviolent resistance to the Occupation. Baltzer has appeared on television more than 100 times and lectured at more than 300 universities, schools, churches, mosques, and synagogues around the world with her acclaimed presentation, "Life in Occupied Palestine: Eyewitness Stories & Photos," and her full-color book: Witness in Palestine.

Baltzer recently returned from a trip through Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, documenting Palestinian life in the diaspora. For further information about her work and tour, please visit www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com.

Baltzer will also be selling and signing copies of her popular book: Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories.

Foot Locker, Inc. Coupons!

Be sure to click on the links below to actually print these coupons out and take with you when you shop at one of the following stores. These are great deals and finds for you and your family, especially since summer is near!

http://www.champssports.com/promo/default/promoId--5002581/

http://www.footlocker.com/promo/default/promoId--5002426/

http://www.footaction.com/promo/default/promoId--5002418/

Mambo Sprouts Launches Healthy Recipe Contest

Mambo Sprouts opens its annual Mambolicious Healthy Recipe contest, calling for tasty original recipes featuring natural and organic products. The contest promotes natural ingredients and aims to get a wider audience involved in choosing ingredients that are both healthy and eco-friendly.

All cooks are invited to get out their aprons and submit original recipes that incorporate one or more of our sponsors’ products into a healthy recipe and enter it into one of the following five categories:

• Savings Savvy: Tasty, generous portions on a tight budget.
• Kids Eat Smart: Healthy and nutritious meals kids will eat.
• Quick & Easy: Recipes that can be prepared and cooked in 30 minutes or less.
• Classic Alternatives: Recipes for people on special diets such as gluten-free, diabetic, or wheat-free.
• Desserts with a Twist: Desserts that are both healthy and delicious.

Winning recipes will incorporate one or more products from the Mambolicious contest sponsors including Jane’s Krazy Mixed-up, The Ginger People, Ian’s, Lightlife, Brown Cow, SAN-J, and Equal Exchange.

The contest will be judged by Peggy O’Mara, a natural living author and publisher of Mothering magazine; Chef Keith Snow of HarvestEating.com, a social network dedicated to seasonal cooking; and Kimberly Lord Stewart, award-winning food journalist and author of Eating Between the Lines: The Supermarket Shoppers Guide To The Truth Behind Food Labels.

“I’m excited to see the recipe submissions,” said O’Mara. “This contest is a wonderful opportunity to highlight how easy, affordable and delicious healthy food really is.”

The first place winners in each category will receive gift cards and an assortment of natural and organic products valued at approximately $600. One grand-prize winner will take home $2,500 cash plus products and prizes with a total package value of approximately $4,000!

Recipe submissions could be randomly chosen to appear in the new Mambo Test Kitchen video series. Visit www.mambosprouts.com/events/recipecontest09/test-kitchen.html to see the featured selections.

This year, Mambo has added a video category and invites people to submit their own cooking videos to Mambo’s YouTube Group page at www.youtube.com/group/mambolicious. One video winner will be selected to receive a prize package.

Submissions will be accepted from May 4 to June 15. Full rules and an online entry form can be
found at www.mambosprouts.com/events/recipecontest09.

ABOUT MAMBO SPROUTS: Mambo Sprouts Marketing is a full service health, natural and
organic foods and products marketing and promotions company. Through their online, mail and
in-store programs, Mambo Sprouts reaches over 2 million proven N&O shoppers quarterly.
Mambo offers manufacturers and retailers a complete range of customized programs including:
the industry's first and only natural product co-op mailer featuring an optional custom solo mailing; Mambo Sprouts natural and organic product Messenger newsletter and coupon books distributed quarterly to 385,000 N&O consumers; MamboTrack, offline and Web-based market research services; offline and online mail list development; Go Mambo!, Mambo Sprouts’ mobile promotions van that travels throughout target regions distributing product samples and coupons at major events and festivals; Web marketing including natural product instant e-coupons, sample offer promotions, and a monthly targeted health e-newsletter. Mambo Sprouts is based in Collingswood, New Jersey.

For more information call (856) 833.1933 or visit www.mambosprouts.com

Need Business Cards?

MyCardsDirect is offering customers 1000 business cards for $55. However, MyCardsDirect accepts smaller and larger orders. MyCardsDirect is owned by Dan Ceresa (Sir-e-sa).

For more information, you can reach Dan at 630.386.7744 or email at info@mycardsdirect.com.

Order your business cards or other business materials today at http://www.mycardsdirect.com

Review: Sahara Palace Restaurant

Sahara Palace Restaurant is a place to try Arabic food. Beautifully decorated, Sahara has prices ranging from, not counting beverages or desserts, $3.99 to $13.99--tax not included. There is something for everyone with those prices.

My husband ordered a Falafel sandwich. I ordered a Gyros or "Shawarma" sandwich. It was delicious. We would get it again.

Sahara Palace Restaurant is located at 5621 Wansford Way, Rockford, IL 61109. Phone number is 815.395-1112 with business hours as follows: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

It is recommended to call ahead for pick-up orders, if you want faster service. Sahara Palace Restaurant also offers catering for special events.

Young Writers Needed

Hiba Kidz (Hiba Magazine's Children's section) is looking for young writers. If there are any young, enthusiastic writers in your family or social circle, please ask them to send their contributions for the Spotlight section of Hiba Kidz.

Hiba Magazine: www.hibamagazine.com
- For your articles and poems: contributions@hibamagazine.com
- For your feedback and suggestions: editor@hibamagazine.com
- For Hiba Kidz contributions: hiba.kidz@hibamagazine.com

Internships with the US State Department

The US State Department is offering several Internships that provide a wide range of programs to accommodate all types of students.

The two current programs that are featured by the State Department are the Cooperative Education Project and Stay-In-School Program.

1. The Cooperative Education Project is an Internship program that fuses academic studies with on the job experience. The program is designed to accommodate students who prefer to intern for a period of a semester rather than on a part time basis.

There is an emphasis of academic theory and its application to issues faced on a regular basis in the State Department. The internship will provide training and other resources for students to be able to solve real world problems.

Applications for this particular program are evaluated on a first-come-first-serve basis.

To be eligible you must be:

• At least 16 years of age
  
• A U.S. citizen
  
• Enrolled in a degree, certificate or diploma (full- or part-time) program
  
• In good academic standing at your school
  
• Able to meet security requirements

To learn how to apply please visit this program site

2. The Stay-In-School Internship is a program designed for students who want to gain real world experience in the state department while attending school.

The program much like other internships offered by the State Department is an opportunity for students to be exposed to the real world problems, theories and the application of solutions. And although the program is designed on a part time basis - Interns will have an opportunity to be paid at regular Government salary rates.

To learn how to apply please visit the program

Democracy for America Netroots Nations Scholarship

The following is an announcement from the Democracy for America in its efforts to continue there Scholarship program to the Netroots Nation National Conference – a conference that is a gathering of progressive activist from all over the country once a year to share ideas, inspire one another and strengthen the community:

Netroots Nation is an amazing opportunity for progressives to network and build off of each others' ideas. We think this opportunity should be open to everyone, everywhere. We've set up this scholarship for people who have something to contribute at Netroots Nation, but cannot afford the funds to make it out to the conference. We're committed to making sure that Netroots Nation represents people from all walks of life and all parts of the country.

Learn more and apply today!

source: http://muslimdemocrats.net/nl/4.30.9

Great Products for a Great Cause!

Anyone that purchases any Basa Body or Coast Coconut Farms product by May 12 will automatically be entered into our giveaway and will have the chance to win one of three prizes: 1) a $250 Disney Gift Card, 2) a $150 amazon.com gift card, and 3) a $100 Target gift card. (You will also be entered if they make a cash donation of $20 or more.)

Between now and May 12, when you use the promotion code "momitforward," you will receive an additional 10% off Kiss Me pack purchases. This is a great Mother's Day item for now less than $30!

Visit: http://www.basabody.com.


Check out http://www.connectingwomenmedia.blogspot.com for product reviews!

School Contest: Earth Day Every DAy Challenge

Walmart's holding an Earth Day Every Day Challenge essay contest, with the chance for your child's school to compete for a $20,000 grant! The contest ends soon, so check it out:

http://www.earthdayeverydaychallenge.com/

Save These Dates for Chicago Arabesque

Reserve these dates on your calendar: June 24-27, 2009 for Chicago Arabesque. You can go to the link to find out more information: http://www.chicagoarabesque.com.

Deal: Zahra's Free Service and Gift

Zahras is offering our readers a "Free Calligraphic Rendering of any name or phrase that the customer likes with all orders received. This is a normal cost of $20 and will be offered free with each confirmed order."

In addition, each order will receive a free Arabic gift.

Further information is available here: http://calligraphy.zahras.com

Business: Zahras Jewelry---Stunning and Beautiful

Zahras Jewelry - a trendsetter in Eastern and Western Jewelry making has launched a series of stunning new additions to their range of name jewelry necklaces and pendants. More can be viewed on http://jewelry.zahras.com. Using beautiful cursive styles each jewelry piece is custom hand-crafted for the customer's name on gold or silver and optionally embellished with diamonds, rubies and other precious stones. Zahras Jewelry is world recognized for its high standards and exquisite workmanship. They can be contacted on info@zahras.com

To celebrate their devotion to time honored traditional jewelry style making, Zahras Jewelry recently launched a range of exquisite name necklaces which truly reflect the beauty of jewelry making and the use of shape and form in cursive calligraphy. Using kufic, thuluth and diwani styles, the pendant is crafted into circles, hexagons, ellipses and teardrops.

Jewelry items are made on silver or gold by artisans versed in Bedouin, Arabic and Persian traditions - a rare skill, difficult to find in this day and age. Each item is individually handmade by these artisans, first sketched on paper, until each loop and curve is shaped into a perfectly harmonized art work - pleasing to the eye while robust in the final phase of creating the jewelry piece. Each artisan with Zahras Jewelry is trained and a master in both calligraphy, artwork and jewelry making. No wonder few companies are able to match the work produced by Zahras Jewelry never mind the continual new concepts, design ideas and promoting such work on the Internet.

Much has been said about Zahras Jewelry's unique approach and their determination to preserve traditional jewelry making skills. They were pioneers in making these traditional skills available to North America and Europe. With unprecedented interest and large volumes of sales, Zahras Jewelry is on their way to becoming a world pacesetter in Arabic and Islamic jewelry design and crafting. Their latest launch of designs is testament to their mission and people around the world have this opportunity to own such a jewelry piece for themselves and to treasure it for always. http://jewelry.zahras.com

Lecture with Anna Baltzer

Who: Anna Baltzer, Jewish-American granddaughter of Holocaust refugees and volunteer for the International Women’s Peace Service; Human rights worker & supporter of Palestinian-led nonviolent resistance to Occupation.

What: Her slides, stories, & book Witness in Palestine, recounting first-hand experiences with the conflict while living with Palestinians in the West Bank.

Why: To share information difficult to obtain through US mainstream media sources, and to encourage dialogue towards taking action for peace with justice.

When/Where: Friday, April 24, 2009 7:00 to 9:00 PM

Katie’s Cup

502 7th St.

Rockford, IL 61104

Free and open to the public. No children please.

Space is limited—reservations requested.

RSVP by Tuesday, April 21 to diablh@gmail.com (preferred)
Or call 815-505-1030

Review: PrayTime: Free Mobile Prayer Times

Now, for those who have said that if only there was a way to know when it is time to pray when you are on the go, PrayTime has a FR*EE Mobile service that texts you when it is time to pray the five time prayers.

How cool is that. To test the site, I subscribed to it and put in my zip code. The timings of the prayers were calculated based off of my zip code. It works!

Check out PrayTime at http://praytime.us/.

Purpose of Arabesque Media Center

Arabesque Media Center wants to bridge cultures together when dealing in business and other ways of contact.

Often times, a group is unknown to businesses and institutions, especially small businesses and local institutions.

Here you will find latest deals and coupons from many small and large businesses. You will also find activities and programs offered by different establishments.

To get a hold of me, email connectingwomenradio(at)gmail(dot)com.