Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army

Guest Reviewer: Michael Lai

Author: Jeremy Scahill
Price: Below RM70 (Paperback)
Relevance: 10/10
Credibility: 9/10
Riveting: 5/10
Readability: 6/10

Synopsis: This is the explosive story of a company that rose to become one of America's 'War on Terror'. In his gripping bestseller, award-winning journalist Jeremy Scahill takes us from the bloodied streets of Iraq, to hurricane-ravaged New Orleans, to the chambers of power in Washington, to expose Blackwater as the frightening new face of the US war machine.

Verdict: Scahill may not have turned out an 'unputdownable' book, but 'Blackwater' is still a revealing eye-opener for those who remain ardent advocates of Milton Friedman's brand of free-wheeling economics and gung-ho privatisation. When nations privatise their fighting machinery, they can no longer hold the moral high ground.
Overall Rating: 7.5

Ipanema 'Life' Flip-Flops by Gisele Bundchen

Price: Below RM75
Style: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Availability: 7/10

Colour: White/Gold
Used on: Size 4; Olive-toned skin

Verdict: Besides the stylish design, the Ipanema Flip-Flops by Gisele Bundchen is very comfortable, almost like walking on cushions. Unfortunately, the Gisele Bundchen range here is very limited. Not all designs/styles are available. The sizes are a bit different too. In my case, my feet fits snugly into size 6. The best part of it is that part of the proceeds is channeled to the WWF-Malaysia’s Peninsular Malaysia Forests Programme.
Overall Rating: 9.3

Bloom Full & Flirty Mascara

Price: Below RM90
Colour: 9/10
Length: 7/10
Thickness: 7/10
Clumpiness: 5/10
Longevity: 8/10
Availability: 5/10

Claims: Features a unique 3-in-1 formula that combines natural beeswax with Cellulose Micro Beads to lengthen, thicken and define lashes. Won't flake or dry lashes out.
Used on: Fine, moderately long lashes

Verdict: If you apply more than one coating, the beautiful black colour gives an illusion of having thick, long and yet natural-looking lashes without appearing overdone. It clumps a little but it does not smudge your eyes.
Overall Rating: 6.8