Good morning.

I’m keeping my write this morning short and slick. :) Here’s the latest from scambusters:

Scammers Try Every Which Way To Exploit BP Oil Leak
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Whatever the final outcome of the BP oil leak, there’s no doubt that disaster scam tricks related to the incident will, like the clean-up, run for many years.

In fact the cleanup, rather than the oil leak, is the main source of scams that add to the woes surrounding this catastrophe.

This criminal activity spreads the impact of the BP oil leak well beyond the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, tricking investors and would-be workers and helpers out of their money.

Let’s take a look at the main disaster scams linked to the oil leak.

BP Oil Leak Investment Scams

Within weeks of the BP oil leak, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (Finra) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) suspended trading in several companies that claimed to be working with BP on a clean-up solution.

They issued a warning about “pump and dump” schemes (though not necessarily related to these firms) that drive up a company’s stock price before it collapses when claims fail to materialize.

Read more about pump and dump schemes in this earlier Scambusters issue.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1agEvDBSHmtWfo&b=BL073iD_FFxqcyg7EAP3BQ

John Gannon, Finra’s investor education chief, was quoted in the Wall Street Journal as saying that investors “need to be careful because those companies may not have the technology or ability to do what they are touting they can do, and may be making claims like having contracts with BP or the Environmental Protection Agency that investors need to be careful about trusting.”

Investment scam warning signs that should put you on the alert include:

* Unsolicited information promoting a stock via email or regular mail.

* The stock is traded “over the counter” rather than on the New York Stock Exchange (though, of course, many legitimate companies also trade this way).

If you’re concerned about the reliability of a company you’re considering as an investment you should speak first to your trusted financial advisor and check out the company’s filings with the SEC at http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1agEvDBSHmtWfo&b=EO.r_Dh9oeVtKaTI_7.DuA.

Other BP Oil Leak Financial Scams

BP has set up its own fund to compensate victims of the oil spill.

Now scammers in various guises — bogus BP or government officials, or phony finance companies — have shown up, offering financial help to individuals and companies affected by the spill.

In some cases, they prey on human weaknesses by even telling people who wouldn’t normally qualify for aid that they can cash in.

In most cases, this is an advance fee fraud coming from Nigeria. After convincing you they can get the money, they ask for an arrangement fee.

Read more about advance fee fraud in this earlier Scambusters issue.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1agEvDBSHmtWfo&b=jmffNTwx_JMIkMofJM2Q2g

In a few other cases, funding may be provided but at exorbitant interest rates.

Another financial scam recently reported by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) happens when crooks posing as “adjusters” approach victims of the BP oil leak who already have a claim in the pipeline, offering to expedite their claim, again for a fee.

The fact is that all claims have to undergo a vetting process and cannot be expedited.

For more information on the claims process and how to file a claim, call BP’s phone claims line at 1-800-440-0858.

Oil Leak Cleanup Scams

In addition to dubious investment and financial scams, con artists also focus on the actual clean-up operation, including the costly rescue and cleaning of oil-smeared wildlife by cashing in on public concern and compassion.

Their tricks include:

* Bogus fund-raising — scammers prey on our sympathies and use legitimate or official sounding charity names as a cover to convince people to donate.

The requests arrive by email, regular mail and sometimes by phone, with the caller frequently using high-pressure techniques to force victims into donating.

In a recent variation, crooks launched a lottery scam in which victims receive notification that they’ve won a big cash prize from a clean-up aid fund.

Hard to believe, we know. But BP themselves have issued a warning about this on their website.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1agEvDBSHmtWfo&b=klkoX8dL9vqXqBJxErWP3Q

If you want to donate, the Better Business Bureau lists accredited charities raising funds for the oil spill clean-up on its website.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1agEvDBSHmtWfo&b=zaBq92iO1xAcZkAqpPX0Lg

* Malware — you get an email with a supposed photo attachment or a link to a website that claims to have news or pictures from the tragedy.

Clicking on either one could result in a virus or spyware download to your PC.

Resist the temptation to explore!

* “Miracle” cleaning products and equipment, sold door-to-door to waterfront homes.

This is an obvious scam. If such products existed, the clean-up agencies would be using them.

* Phony jobs and training scams – involving both paid and voluntary work. Offers have been posted on sites like Craigslist and sent via email.

Scammers may ask victims to pay for employment information, training or security checks.

They may also ask for confidential personal information, supposedly to check out references but in reality seeking information for identity theft.

BP has posted guidance on how to spot and avoid recruitment fraud on its website. Use the BP link given above.

For genuine job information, visit the BP website at
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1agEvDBSHmtWfo&b=vohK5IdG6tkfFNxtNVUuNQ, the

Deepwater Response site at

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1agEvDBSHmtWfo&b=m5ppzqFiZFWgicic2kZx5w (or call them at 1-866-448-5816) or, in the Gulf area, check out your state’s employment website.

Meantime, never pay for employment opportunities or give confidential information to people you don’t know or 100% trust.

The lesson from all of these scams is that for trustworthy information, whether for employment, investment, or financial aid (giving or receiving) you should deal with BP, state governments or established, reputable financial advisers and charities.

If you suspect someone of operating a scam relating to the BP oil spill, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud on 1-866-720-5721. There’s also a BP fraud hotline at 1-877-359-6281.

Goodness knows, the BP oil leak has already wrought havoc on the environment and probably hundreds of thousands of people, without scammers adding to the misery.

Readers: I’m up and out very early. Carry on as usual….

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my ‘loyal’(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the ‘”Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

I don’t know about you, but I never put anything valuable in my luggage even if I am checking it in at the airport. I never trusted those silly little luggage locks and I never invested in better stronger locks, which I didn’t think would ever prevent anyone from stealing from me if they really wanted to.  To me any lock would be too easy to break in to and I didn’t want to chance it. I always felt that my valuables were best with me, in my possession, on the plane.

However many people think that if they have invested in sturdy luggage and a set of good locks, their valuables in their luggage are safe. Sorry, those things will not prevent someone from getting in and stealing your goods. In fact, many people have had things missing from their baggage, even when they received them at the arrival port UNOPENED and UNTOUCHED. How could that happen?

This video shows how locked luggage is opened at the airport without your knowledge. This is why you should never put anything of value in your checked baggage!

Readers: Now think of this in your hotel room! How many of us lock things in our suitcases when we leave the room? Don’t do it.

**********

Beau: My pleasure. It has certainly inspired insightful comments. And thanks for the compliment. Authenticity you will certainly get here. I HOPE you’ll stick around. :)

Robert: I pride myself on being a pretty logical person. I so enjoy learning and seeing from a different viewpoint. As always you bring something different to the table, and you inspire one to think, so thank you.

As I read your comments, you articulate yourself so clearly that it makes what you say seem very obvious as you spell it out with your fine and logical examples. And actually when one thinks about it, it is pretty obvious. And your assessment of the word “Integrity” is right on.

The definition is too broad and  vague when it speaks of morals, where morals are not defined in the definition of the word. The meaning is subjective, because morals are subjective.  Am I being clear here?

Perhaps the word integrity needs to be defined according to the culture it is used in. Not sure if I agree with my previous statement…just talking out loud.  But what I do agree with is that the word is really not definable as it is presently defined. Does that make sense?

On another note, I have been guilty of deciding whether a person has integrity based on my own principles and morals of what I feel is “right” and “good” for all. And I base my morals on the behaviors of people (including myself)  that allow all people to “live and let live”.

So I don’t care whether in some cultures a person who beats a woman in public for violation of his religious dress code could be considered as having integrity. In my opinion, his so-called integrity is interfering in the well-being and livelihood of a woman. So yes, the word, in how it is defined today, the man beating the woman could have integrity, in his country, according to his rules. But does that make his actions “right” and “good”? Perhaps in his country, yes. But in my eyes, no, never. But I totally get your point as it is valid one, and one that Gereshk have pointed out, men use to justify their actions.

As I write this morning my mind is whirling…I believe I lacked the true understanding of the word integrity when I have used it in the past. And I now understand that it is difficult to use the word integrity because it is so subjective. I feel as if I am going around and around with a meaningless word. How enlightening!

Perhaps, it is not the lack of integrity that is being revealed in our society but the influx of “hypocrisy” revealed: The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform.

Whew…that subject was challenging to articulate so I HOPE I  am understood, and it was more than just ramble. I am just trying to say it in my own words, inspired by yours, by writing it out, as I think it out. I am a visual person, so seeing the words as I write them here and as I say them to myself, helps me understand. I feel I am doing it for my benefit more than anyone else’s. :) I think I’ll end it there.

Peter: I Know you have a busy life but how about going just to check it out, so you can report your findings to us. Hafa Adai.

Gloria: It’s all about the varying definitions of morals because an individual’s morals are defined based on what an individual feels is “right” or “wrong”, “good” or “bad”, etc. Morals are subjective. Therefore the meaning of “integrity” is not defined. Oh…dont get me going again. Please Robert, you say it best.

Anonymous: I am a different person on my blog than I am in my daily life. Who can keep this up 24/7? But I have had friends say that my writing is very different than my chat.  I also used to be a person who couldn’t articulate very well what I was feeling and thinking. That has changed. You would know that if you decided to have a chat with me. And if you feel that you can’t bring whatever up in a mixed crowd, pull me aside or give me a call. I’d be happy to chat with you about anything.

As far as me going through a mid-life crisis – that’s funny. No, no mid-life crisis here. I won’t say that these past few years haven’t been the most challenging in my life, but they have also been the most eye opening. PS: I have no idea who you are, but I wish I did. Call me.

Peace & Love: “Live it, Give it”

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my ‘loyal’(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the ‘Donate’ button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my ‘Donate’ page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

John Curley Photography

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning.

The more I read about people and their actions, their behavior, the more I ask, “Where is the integrity?” People self-promote that they have it, but isn’t it better to just stay quiet and humble and show us through your attitude and actions? Or you hear people say, “Oh so-and-so…he has lots of integrity.” But then so often the truth is revealed and so-and-so not only lacks integrity, but so-and-so is downright sanctimonious. And our jaws are left open and hanging in amazement as the truth is revealed and going viral. The saying “You can run, but you can’t hide”, is something many who lack integrity, learn the hard way. If you watch the news, it is proven daily just how much our society lacks integrity.

I had heard awhile back that in 2005 the word “Integrity” was the Merriam Webster word of the year and that in 2009 it was one of the top words that was looked up in the dictionary. And I don’t think people were looking up the spelling of the word:

So why all this interest in “Integrity”? I found this write that I found interesting. It is from a blog called Integrious: The New Adjective of Integrity. It is one person’s point of view – what is yours?

The Problem

Posted on May 4, 2010 by Beau

The dead word: Once alive and in circulation this word is now all but dead, forgotten and buried in the sands of irrelevance. The English language retired the word sometime around the early 20th century, and one must go back to the Oxford dictionary 1946 edition to find its last official entry. Integrity the adjective is like many things of the past, a faint memory in obscurity symbolizing a distant and nostalgic taste for those who remember, and a nonexistent reality for those who aren’t old enough.

The suffering of integrity: It is not by accident that the word has fallen into obscurity, for integrity is not what it used to be. We are living in a world where dishonesty, corruption and oppression rule the headlines. A world where reality television has become a way for people to live their lives vicariously from the couch. The American people by and large have been taken advantage of by their government and financial system and we need look no farther to politics and Wall Street to define a modern lack of integrity. Technology, the media and the new mediums of communication have brought us together in ways that are beneficial, but it has also created a collective culture and society that is starting to eat away at our individualism and more importantly our self discovered values. It is quite painstakingly clear that the value of integrity is suffering wildly. However, I don’t think that is exactly a ground breaking statement or newsworthy, since most people know this. But what is not so obvious is how many people have a misguided understanding of it.

The Misunderstood Virtue: The definition of integrity is a strong adherence to a set of values. The set of values being determined by the subject. Most people when asked what integrity means will give you other adjectives to describe it, honesty being a common one, or say something along the lines of doing what is right when no one is looking. If you ask them again to describe or define integrity without using another virtuous adjective you will either get a blank look or a story of sorts that demonstrates the meaning of integrity. This is what our current society thinks integrity means. These answers can be accurate but fail miserably to define integrity.  Yes, I am generalizing and there are plenty of people who know exactly what it means, but they are not the majority.

To see this we have to look no further than the dictionary. In 2005 Integrity was the Merriam Webster word of the year. In 2009 dictionary.com named integrity to its top ten list. So how does Merriam Webster and Dictionary.com select their words of the year? The answer is surprisingly simple, they take the words that are most often looked up or searched in a given year. The next logical question is why would so many people be looking up the word integrity? Let’s assume it isn’t a spelling inquiry, and that leaves one conclusion; people are interested in the word and unsure exactly what it means. This is understandable because the meaning of integrity is more complicated than its counterparts, honesty and courage. Honesty is directed related to truth, courage is directed related to fear (action in spite of), but integrity is directed related to a set of values. Without knowing what those values are we cannot measure integrity. Therein lies the difference and the cause for this incredible misunderstanding. Integrity is subjective, while other virtues and words with similar meaning are objective. Integrity cannot exist without known values of the subject.

Readers: Thoughts? Comments? Blog me.

Oh, I just wanted to say that I was talking to my cousin the other day at a family celebration, and he mentioned that he reads my blog quite a bit. It surprised me, and delighted me because rarely do any of my friends or family bring up my blog to me. He commented on how impressed he was because I have so many readers from so many countries with such diverse comments.

I got so caught up in our conversation that I forgot to say to him that I expected to see a comment from him.  So…cuz…how about leaving a comment? If you want to remain anonymous that is perfectly fine. How about saying something and I’ll try to guess if it’s you? I promise I won’t lead on that I know, if I figure it out.

And to the rest of my personal friends and family who read my blog: That goes for you too. Post a comment. You don’t have to reveal yourself. All you need to do is put in a name, any name. No e-mail or website is required. C’mon…say something to me. Hint to me who you are. I love the challenge. If I guess who you are, it will only be between us, I promise. I give and honor anonymity to all.  Blog me.

Anonymous: Forgive me; I wasn’t trying to be coy. It was just a misunderstanding. I thought you meant we partied at Harry’s Starlight Room. You meant, when I “worked” at Harry’s “Southside”. Okay…I get it. I wasn’t going that far back.

So, no I wasn’t…why would a girl run away from harmless attention from the boss? He was a great guy…still is, I am sure. Anyway, it’s always good to have a little chemistry with one’s boss in my opinion. It makes working together that much more fun. Plus, I was a very hard worker – and the “boss” new that too. If we partied together, you too would know that I worked as hard as I partied back then. Great to hear from you again!  We did have some good times there didn’t we? :)

Hey Helena: How are you? Nice to hear from you again.

Hey A: Happy to hear that. Sounds like you got a good thing goin’. Oh and by the way, “You’re welcome”. :)

Ah Abe: Why did I know you would get back in and make a comment on my lack of comment to you? To answer your question: “I am not a cyborg.” I’ve asked Doug that same question jokingly, “Do you think I’m a cyborg? Because I’m not.” And guess what Doug always says, “You’re programmed to say that.” Doug and I laugh and Joke about quite often. Although he doesn’t think I’m a cyborg, he thinks I’m an alien. Believe me he gets his thrills. :)

Hola Alonzo: Yes, I did love my sun, and still do. The Porsche brings back fond memories for me too, but I’ve moved up and have my eye set on a Mercedes 560SL. :) So…Nice to hear from you. Thank you for the kind words. I am delighted that you are successful, happily married, and enjoying your baby girl. Congrats too on your upcoming sale! Belvedere is beautiful – no doubt the loves in your life will be quite pleased. I wish you all the best.

Sherrie: My pleasure. Thanks for commenting.

Nani: I just googled that flying machine – Nice.

Xur: Noted, thanks.

Everyone, have a beautiful day! I am headed to my favorite mountain in Marin. Whatever you’re doing, I HOPE that you have a stellar day…

PeAce oUT….

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my ‘loyal’(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the ‘Donate’ button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my ‘Donate’ page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

John Curley Photography

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

“Just Noticing”….

• …that when you do your research on taking a holistic medicine in hopes that it will replace a Big Pharma med, that you may have been prescribed or are thinking you need:

99% of the time if the research comes out saying something against holistic medicines, it was researced by someone who is against holistic medicines, and backed by the pharmaceutical companies.

Nidal: This is the “more” that I wanted to say the other day in regards to your comment on how we can trust what the medical industry sells us. This is what my doctor friend told me, whom I completely trust and respect:

Marilyn: I wish I was headed for Bali. I hope that you have a wonderful experience, and find what yu are looking for. Keep us posted. :)

Aberkios: I have been to your wonderful country and have visited many of the Greek Islands. But I have to say Mykonos was my most fave. I have such grand memories there…and dancing on the tables all night long was one of my most fond memories, of a time in my life where living day by day, beaching it, and having fun was the name of the game.

Zen Lill: I loved the eating too – the food was soo yummy looking…Oh and by the way, I do workout. A little yoga here and a little Pilates there…and now I have a trainer. I am back in the gym again. I thought I never would be but I love my trainer Allen, at The Present Body. My workout is a blast. He can train anyone in the world through skype, and he does – which I think is so cool. (Disclaimer: No kickbacks here either:)

Guys and Girls: Thank you for all of the compliments. Any girl, (not to mention her ego), would love the attention. I am no different. :)

Ruby: I’ve discovered the dogs are always out. :)

Carol: We must’ve had quite a few drinks because I am sorry to say that I don’t remember. In fact I barely remember that trip at all. :)

Talbot: Snake. :)

Anonymous: Did you mean the Boss as in “Harry“? – No chance. I am not his type but I do love him big time. Good times yes, and there will be plenty more.

Mike: I bet lots of people loved that article. Me? I’m not much of a drinker at all anymore. 10 drinks a month would be pushing it for me. (Of course this doesn’t include my stays at Burning Man, where shots of tequila is the morning ritual, and the afternoon, and the… :)

A: Hmm…we are going back now aren’t we. Loved that car. Those were the days? Don’t get me wrong…they were fun…But I like where I am right now. I HOPE that you do too. :)

Stay healthy…peace out…

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my ‘loyal’(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the ‘Donate’ button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my ‘Donate’ page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

or click here: “A Day in the life of…”

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

John Curley Photography

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

We went to the movies last night with Elliot and Tracey.  We saw “Eat, Poop, Sleep”…I mean, “Eat, Lay, Poop, Pray”. No, no that wasn’t it…It was called “Eat, Pray, Love”. Yeah, that’s it. :) ( T & E: That joke was a nod to you both:)

What can I say, I loved it. The reviews haven’t been so good, but I still loved it. I read the book years ago when it first came out, and I devoured every page as fast as I could, only stopping to savor the sensual sensory scenes, of which there are quite a few. I happily ate it for days, and felt bittersweet and full when I finished.

It is based on a true life story of Elizabeth Gilbert, a writer, who has a cathartic moment crying on her bathroom floor, realizing that she doesn’t want to have children or be married anymore. It is a moment that so many who have read her book can connect with, relate to, in some aspect of their lives. When we are wanting to drop everything and leave our familiarities and comfort zone behind, risking everything in search for self-discovery, our meaning, our joy, our passion.

Many people just dream about it….Liz Gilbert did it. Gilbert left for a year long trip to Italy, India and Indonesia on a journey of self-discovery. During her trip to Bali she pursued two healers, a medicine man Ketut Liyar, and Wayan, a traditional Balinese healer, to talk of her “relationship”.

I want to honor her today as a “Wonderful Woman Of The World”, because her story, her book has had a huge impact on the people that have read it. Enough to have her as a guest on Oprah’s show three times because her story has resonated with so many. Pretty amazing. Women, and possibly men, who have read her write, have been so inspired, that they too decided that they too had the courage to risk everything, to find their appetite for life again. How cool is that?

The interesting thing about Gilbert’s story is that not only has she inspired others to risk everything for change, but even more interesting is the fact that quite a few not only left their comfort zone but followed Gilbert’s path. Literally. Women too have left on their own journey to Bali in pursuit of these two healers Ketut and Wayan, hoping that they too could be told hints of their life’s purpose…their destiny.

In fact, one of my most fave clients Lise, who after reading “Eat, Pray, Love”, left with her husband on a journey to Bali for a month, and part of her purpose was to find these two healers that she had read about. Two years later after her visit with Ketut who spoke two words to Lise, “Make pretty”, and experiencing Wayan’s “treatment”, and much hard work and research, her beauty company Mubeauty was launched. I have not bought Lise’s daily moisturizing complex (yet!), Muface, but when I was working with her during a style session she put the oil mixture on my face, and I really loved how it made my face feel! Yummy smell and my face felt as smooth as silk. And of course I loved that it was all natural. (Disclamier: No I am not getting any kickbacks from Mubeauty.)

Anyway, rarely when I read a book does the movie hold its own. I thought this movie did. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it. Here’s the trailer to whet your appetite…for love, for food, for peace of mind, for travel…for HOPE…

Readers: Well… what do you think? Blog me.

*********

Robert: Who are you? And I ask the question with respect and admiration. You seem to be a man in the know…one who is privy to info…one who has lots of time..Nope no…I take that back.  One who dedicates time and is persistent in finding the truth. Thank you for sharing so much good info on my blog. You push me to want to know more. Have you ever thought of starting your own blog? You would certainly have a following. But hey, I don’t want to encourage you too much – I’d hate to lose your input here. :)

I am running late this morning…Big day, big plans. Got to run…but first I must say…

…to all of my Burning Man friends, and new friends that I will miss meeting this time around, and especially Neal, Forrest, Ellen, Justyna, and John: “Sandman” and I couldn’t make it this year…but we’re thinking of you and wishing you a beautiful burn tonight! Neal, I will especially miss riding on the back of your turtle, and dancing to the Space Cowboys. John, love the photos you took of me awhile back, but really miss how much fun we had. I saw some of your photos from this year’s BM set up – awesome! Looking forward to next year in the desert, so I can be your subject again when I am in my most fave and free element! Wish we were there with all of you….be safe and burn on… xoxo~ “Cactus Flower”

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my ‘loyal’(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

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For archives dated before January 17, 2008 click on my Blogroll:

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All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2010

John Curley Photography

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"