During the elections I was pushing hard for Prop 2 to pass, all because of my deep passion for animals and their rights. And as much as I was against Prop 8, I didn’t focus any of my time pushing for a “no”, even though I was an avid supporter at heart of same-sex marriages, and spoke my mind when the subject was broached.

It was assumed that Prop 8 would never pass, not in California – not possible – we are such a liberal state…and the optimist in me believed it to be so. And you know what they say about assuming. I, as well as many others, were shocked at the passage of Prop 8.

But what I love…what I truly love about people is their commitment to matters of the heart. No one gave up….the passion for preventing the passage of this profound prop never perished in the hearts and minds of those affected, and those in support.

In fact, people persevered. Thanks to two lawyers, David Boies and Ted Olson, who pointed out and proved that Prop 8 is “unconstitutional”. Thats right. “Moral disapproval” doesn’t fly when it comes to our rights. Our rights: They aren’t up for vote. That’s the point, our rights are our rights – Period. The people’s perseverance and repudiation (Thanks Rachel for this perfect word) is about to pay off – Okay…maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, maybe I am an optimist, but I have HOPE.

Equality wins in Vaughn Walker’s Prop. 8 ruling

The judge pointed to the considerable evidence that the campaign relied heavily on “negative stereotypes” about gays and lesbians – and to parents’ fears that their children would be more likely to become homosexual if such marriages were allowed.

In recent history, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled time and again, that laws rooted in traditions of bigotry – from segregated schools to prohibitions on interracial marriage – are in basic conflict with the U.S. Constitution.

Also, as Walker noted in his ruling, a state’s obligation is to treat its citizens equally, not to mandate its “own moral code.” He cited the 2003 U.S. Supreme Court 6-3 ruling in Lawrence vs. Texas, which struck down that state’s sodomy law.

Eighteen thousand same-sex couples were married in California during the brief period it was legal, with no discernable damage to the state or the institution of marriage. Five other states and the District of Columbia now issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Societal attitudes are changing, but gays and lesbians should not have to ask to be patient to be treated equally under the law.

Judge Walker has forcefully, and convincingly, laid out the case to end this entrenched and unwarranted state discrimination against gay and lesbian couples.

It ain’t over till it’s over. There will be appeals, and no doubt this will make it to the Supreme Court. But hey, Boies and Olsen have that figured out too:

The Prop 8 case’s winning attorneys — David Boies and Ted Olson — are famous for being at opposite ends of the Bush v. Gore 2000 Supreme Court decision. Boies for Gore, Olson for Bush.

After Wednesday’s ruling, they were asked how they thought they could win at the Supreme Court, should the case get that far. Quipped Boies:

“He’s going to get the five justices who voted for him in Bush v. Gore and I’m going to get the four justices who voted for me,” Boies quipped.

Don’t ya just love it?

Celebrate this moment. But like I said, it ain’t over till it’s over. So please take a moment and support defying Prop 8, ensuring same-sex couples passage to full equality.  It is the least we can do for those that want to be able to marry the ones that they love; a privilege that we as heterosexuals never need to ever think about.

We can love freely. How beautiful is that? Be in support of everyone the ability to love freely. With all that is bad in our world, with all that is wrong….why deny love? I can’t think of even one tiny reason. I HOPE you can’t either.

Here’s an e-mail I received from Human Rights Campaign:

After the first-ever federal trial on whether it’s legal to ban same-sex couples from marrying, the district court ruled that Proposition 8 violated the U.S. Constitution.

This court’s ruling will undoubtedly be appealed, so our struggle is far from over. But it was a tremendous step forward for equality and a critical win.

The two courageous couples who acted as plaintiffs in this suit opened up their lives to months of public scrutiny and helped bring about this victory, fighting alongside the legal team of Ted Olson, David Boies and the American Foundation for Equal Rights. They deserve our gratitude. Will you take a moment to thank them?

Send a quick note of thanks and support – and tell your friends to do the same.

Here is another way to get involved. Today, people in cities across the country will be gathering for peaceful “Day of Decision” rallies to take advantage of this moment and show the broad support for marriage equality among both LGBT and straight Americans. Find out if there’s a rally near you.

This case was a landmark. Over the course of the months-long trial, the plaintiffs introduced substantial testimony and evidence to finally show that Prop. 8 had discriminatory motivations – and that same-sex couples are entitled to equal rights. Because this is a district court decision and will most likely be appealed, it may not have an immediate effect on marriage bans in California or any other states. Nonetheless, it’s a significant moment. It’s a vindication of the grassroots work we’ve done across the country to give every loving couple the same rights – and a shot of momentum to continue that work.

The trial also showed that the other side remains as ferocious as ever. Not content with simply defending Prop. 8, they tried to persuade the judge to stop California state agencies from recognizing the marriages of the 18,000 same-sex couples who tied the knot in the months before Prop. 8 passed.

So without question, the forces of bigotry will appeal this ruling. After the Court of Appeals, this case could very well end up before the highest court in the land – just another reason we must fight to get fair-minded judges like Elena Kagan on the Supreme Court.

We know we will prevail in the end. Because we are on the right side of history and the law. Because public opinion is increasingly in our favor. Because even conservatives like Ted Olson – who argued for the George W. Bush side in Bush v. Gore – share a passion for this cause.

But it will take more sacrifice and more grueling hard work. It will take more people like you standing up for what you believe – and more heroes like the plaintiffs in this case refusing to accept second-class status.

Please send a quick note thanking these couples. Then spread the word.

Thanks for your continued support on this defining issue.

Readers: Please support the power of love and happiness and extend it to all. And of course blog me and spread the love…or whatever else you want to share.

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"

I don’t know much about this man Jack Rudloe except for what I have just read. But all I can say  is I can’t help but love a man who’s saving the lives of the little creatures on Earth. Rudloe is our modern day Noah.

Rudloe who lives in Florida, is starting “Operation Noah’s Ark”, a four-acre facility an hour south of Tallahassee to preserve more than 350 different specimens. Although the BP oil rig has been capped, Rudloe doesn’t believe the oil is gone. I don’t either. So I applaud him for his efforts, and I HOPE that he gets the funding needed to save these precious little beings, and preserve the many species that we could possibly loose because of BP’s fatal “accident”.

‘Operation Noah’s Ark’ Tries To Rescue Gulf Sealife

PANACEA, Fla. – On the chance that the Gulf of Mexico oil spill threatens some sea creatures with extinction, naturalist Jack Rudloe hopes his laboratory can save them.

Rudloe has launched Operation Noah’s Ark, using his four-acre facility an hour south of Tallahassee to preserve more than 350 different specimens – everything from sharks to starfish, shrimp and batfish – in an environment that includes a grassland and duplicates high and low tides. And he’s not doing it two-by-two. The fiddler crabs, for instance, number around 50,000.

“We have this endless supply of critters and water out there,” said Rudloe, 67, whose enchantment with the Gulf and its inhabitants date back some 40 years. “We have to get as many animals in there as we can and then if the conditions permit, be able to put some of them back and get some things started.”

Though the broken oil rig has been capped since mid-July and little heavy crude is visible on the Gulf, Rudloe said he’s still committed to the project.

“I don’t believe that the oil is gone,” Rudloe said. “It’s still out there in cold water, little tiny droplets that could come spilling up here in the wrong conditions of one or two hurricanes.”

Rudloe’s Dickerson Bay laboratory is about 20 miles from the easternmost point where oil has been reported on Florida’s Panhandle. Still, he worries about oil fouling his 50 tanks, which use saltwater pulled through an 800-foot pipeline from the Gulf. He is installing filtration systems just in case.

“If everything is dead, the marshes are black, the water is foul … we still want to keep the place going,” Rudloe said. “We would have to have live support systems where we can keep things alive.”

Rudloe estimates the project could cost $1.2 million. He can’t afford that kind of financial hit, coming at a time his wife – noted marine biologist Anne Rudloe – is battling a serious illness. The nonprofit, licensed facility, which attracts about 18,000 visitors annually, depends on admission fees, memberships and donations.

“We’re bleeding green,” Jack Rudloe said.Rudloe said he hopes BP PLC will help fund the project; BP said it couldn’t provide information on Rudloe’s claim.

“If anybody should come to anybody, BP should be coming to him and say ‘OK,’” said Robert Seidler, a Sopchoppy, Fla., filmmaker who has observed the Rudloe’s operation for decades. “Nobody has the collective knowledge of the area like the Rudloes do. Every trend, storms, floods, red tides. He knows all of that.”

Rudloe, who provides specimens for university and medical research, is well known nationally among marine biologists.

A New York native who moved to Florida in his early teens, Rudloe, who is self-taught, has joined with his wife to write books on the Gulf ecosystem along with articles for National Geographic, Sports Illustrated and other publications.

Rudloe has gotten some outside help since the spill. Pennsylvania-based Martin Marine shipped a $25,000 water-oil separator that Rudloe said could save the day, sifting out petrochemicals.

“We have a way to fight back. We can clean our water and go on living.”

He will also use roughly 50 large water tanks to store “healthy seawater” to maintain hundreds of other critters, including sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sponges, sea horses and spinybox fish.

The BP spill isn’t his first clash with oil companies.

In 1989, Rudloe cut his Exxon credit card in half and put it inside a plastic sandwich bag filled with oil to protest a spill created when the Exxon Valdez tanker dumped an estimated 32 million gallons of crude oil into pristine Alaskan waters after it grounded on a reef.

But that doesn’t come close to the disaster threatening the Rudloe’s lifetime of work.

“Where are the protections these companies were supposed to build in?” Rudloe asks. “I don’t think anything really has been learned. We’re just as dumb now as we were then.”

**********

Readers: 1.2 million for this project is 5 minutes of profit for BP. I’m with Seidler, I think BP should fork up the cash to help him – don’t you? It’s the least BP can do.

Harris: I would expect to hear nothing less.

Gloria: Excuse my lack of editing in my rush yesterday morning. As Zen Lill expressed, I meant to say “easy on the eyes”. Did you check Doug out? :)

Nancy: First of all, I am married, and even if I weren’t, Brad is too young for me to consider regardless of all of his “assets”. As far as “growing up”, remember, men are boys until they decide not to be. :) I HOPE you two continue to have fun together.

Doug: Nicely said.

George: You are still a typical hypocritical bigot whose words are empty of logic and fact, and filled with anger. I guess you’re still getting over the fact that your wife left you for a real man…a man who could satisfy her the way you never could. How about deciding to grow up? It’s time.

Zen Lill: I got your text message but I have been running since Friday, and have not had a moment to respond. So I will here. In answer to your question, I have no idea. All I can say is that my readership must be much larger than I thought.

Montana: Interesting article. Thanks for posting. You must be new to my blog. Welcome. FYI: In the future, it is best if you post your comment on the “present” day instead of on the day of a specific write that your are responding to, if that write doesn’t happen to be on the present day. That way it will be contemporary and all of my readers will see and read your comment.

And that is it for my comments today. I’ll reserve the rest for tomorrow.

Have a beautiful day – Peace out.

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"

I love to travel. And August is a big month for it. But there are scams out there that one needs to be aware of. Don’t let you guard down just because you’re out vacationing and having a good time. That’s when you’re most likely to relax and get into the groove with the locals. And mingling with the locals is fun, but those wanting to scam you are watching, and tourists are they ones the scammers prey on. Have fun but be aware – don’t let your hard-earned vacation turn into a disaster. Here’s the latest from Scambusters. Check it out:

If you’re about to take your annual summer vacation abroad, watch out for a travel scam.

In popular tourist countries like China, Mexico and the historic sites of the Middle East, together with new destinations such as Turkey, we’ve identified several new global travel scams.

We explain how they work and how to avoid them.

New Travel Scam Tricks Target Vacationers Abroad
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On every vacation at every location, a travel scam lurks to catch the unwary tourist.

Over the years, here at Scambusters, we’ve highlighted many travel scams.

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And with the 2010 vacation season now in full swing, we’ve identified a new batch of travel scams to look out for.

As previously reported, overseas vacationers are a favorite target of global travel scam artists who exploit their unfamiliarity with the language and the locale.

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So we’ll focus on these for this issue. Here we go…

The Beijing Tea Scam

China is an increasingly popular tourist destination, and the nation’s capital, Beijing, lures the vast majority of the country’s visitors to its fabulous culture and architecture. So it’s a well-tried travel scam hangout too.

For instance: In the most popular haunts, a couple of young women approach you, claiming to be English students and saying they want to chat to improve their language skills.

Eventually, as a sort of thank you, they invite you to a Chinese tea ceremony and you follow them to a backstreet tea house.

You and your “friends” drink copious amounts of tea, without thinking of the price (if there’s a menu, it won’t list prices).

Then they disappear, the bill comes — for $100 or more (you discover refills aren’t free) — forcing you to pay. Don’t waste your time trying to protest: you drank the tea!

Action: These travel scam artists, who earn commission from the tea house, are persistent but just refuse their attention. Eventually, they give up.

The Turkey Trot

Perhaps due to the low prices and a fascinating cultural history, Turkey has experienced a huge tourist boom in recent years, giving the less scrupulous locals a chance to practice the art of theft.

There’s nothing sophisticated about these tricksters; they’re just adept at pick pocketing and bag snatching. In particular, they scout out distracted tourists, usually alone, carrying shoulder bags loosely or those weighed down with shopping bags.

Often, they grab your purse, bags, or your camera as you’re trying to get into a taxi and therefore have your back to them. They also use these occasions to pick pockets.

It’s no use following. They make their escape fast. And, anyway, catching them could land you in more trouble if there’s no one around to help.

Action: Keep your money and valuables out of sight – preferably at your hotel — and be wary of going out alone.

Not So Ancient Wonders

Whenever you visit the ancient worlds of the Middle East, North Africa and India, traders can drive you nuts trying to sell you souvenirs.

Seems like they’ll never give up, but they’re just doing their job, trying to make a living. In a way, it’s part of the whole tourist scene. If it gets you down too badly, you might want to consider not going.

However, one thing you should definitely be wary of is attempts to sell you what the trader claims is an ancient artifact.

The truth is that a whole backstreet industry churns this stuff out around the clock — and they’re experts at the con, whereas you’re probably not!

Still, if it looks good and the price is right, maybe these things make suitable mementos of your visit.

On the other hand, if, by any chance, the item is a genuine relic of ancient times, buying it could break the law.

Many countries, like Egypt and Israel, forbid the sale of certain artifacts, and airport searches (sometimes by less than honest officials) are common.

Action: It’s best to check the laws online for the countries you’re visiting before you go. If you’re not sure, check with the countries’ embassies. And if you’re still not sure, don’t buy.

The Mayan Dollar

We’ve mentioned currency confusion before but this is a new one on us.

In Mexico’s Riviera Maya earlier this year, Scambuster Keith was mightily impressed by the low prices offered by traders for souvenirs at the famous Chichen Itza heritage site.

“Only five dollars,” the trader would shout, thrusting a handmade bag or an ornate stone carving in front of him.

But once hooked, he discovered this price turns out to be ”Mayan dollars,” a non-existent currency that someone apparently dreamt up and many traders now use.

This means the exchange rate can be whatever the trader wants it to be — US$10 seems to be the most popular, but US$5 is also used.

Of course, once you discover this, you can back out of the deal but if you already agreed to the purchase, this can be an uncomfortable experience.

Since Keith’s experience, use of the “Mayan dollar” ruse has been reported from other parts of this beautiful area. It does a great disservice to the Mayan people.

Action: Well, now that you know about this one, you won’t fall for it. But it does emphasize the point about knowing your exchange rates. If you struggle with this, carry a pocket calculator with you.

Also, it’s probably not a bad idea to ask what currency the sale price is in before agreeing to the purchase.

It Didn’t Look Like That in the Brochure

How many times have you arrived at a hotel or vacation rental disappointed that the place looks nothing like you imagined, and not even like any photos you saw of it when you booked at the travel agency or online?

These are hard times and the travel trade is tough right now, and in the scramble for business, some owners, especially in Mediterranean Europe, exaggerate the amenities and benefits of their properties.

You may have to stand on tiptoe on the roof to get that “ocean view.” Or they may just forget to mention you’ll be miles out of town, with no transport.

Action: Reduce the risk of being fooled by checking independent reviews and photographs of the place.
TripAdvisor.com is a good starting point.

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That Volcano!

Scambusters’ home page already sounded an alert about bogus cash pleas from people claiming to be stranded as a result of the Iceland volcano eruption.

Now, travelers who have been genuinely stranded are targets.

A bogus email, supposedly from the Chief Consumer Protector of Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), claims the organization has set up a fund to compensate them.

All you have to do is send your name, address, phone number and a copy of your passport. Then he sends you a check, which you bank immediately, and pay the phony CAA an administration fee, by wire transfer, of course.

Action: Need we say more? This is a very thinly-veiled attempt at both ID theft and an advance payment scam. These crooks show no mercy.

By staying informed and being alert, you can avoid all of these travel scams. Also, be sure to check out our earlier list of tips on the subject.

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It’s important to point out that the vast majority of locals in popular tourist countries are decent, honest people — even when they live in extreme poverty.

In some ways, because of their bad compatriots, they too are the victims of a travel scam, if it deters vacationers from visiting.

Readers: Good stuff huh? If you have been traveling and you got scammed…bummer. But how about sharing your story so we can be enlightened? Blog me.

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.

I have a doctor friend whom I’ve know for years and I highly trust. Whenever I have a health problem I try to consult him. However he travels quite a bit so it is a hit or miss if I have an issue and need to get ahold of him immediately.

Somehow thought, he always seems to be around when I am in need. Like the time I decided to Neti Pot my sinuses and added a bit of grapefruit seed extract to the NetiXlear solution that I was using. Oooh that was a big no-no and I should’ve known:  Never mix solutions. My sinuses went into overdrive and instead of opening up, all of them completely shut down and I couldn’t breathe through ether nostril. It may not sound like much but it was one of the scariest moments. Unless you have had your sinuses completely shut down, you can not imagine what it is like to rely on your breathing solely from your mouth. It is a very strange disconcerting sensation.

I called up my doctor and luckily he was available. He waited on the phone with me while I had Doug go to the pharmacy and pick up a few decongestant products that he suggested: Sinex, and a medicated chest rub. Thankfully, I also had the recommended Eucalyptus oil on hand. It was suggested to me by him, that when using products, to always use only one product at a time, and the first being the least invasive, and in the smallest increments possible. I always try to remember this because I am a person who moves pretty quickly and can have very little patience, especially when I am in a slight panic stage, like I was during this time.

So as he sat on the phone with me we tried to open only one of my nostrils at a time. I started by passing the Eucalyptus oil under my right nostril and inhaling only a few times. Then we waited for few minutes to see if it did anything. Nothing. I inhaled a few more times again under the same nostril and this time I felt a slight opening.

To make a long story short, after a few hours on the phone with him, I finally could breathe out of one nostril and slightly on the other. And when I went to bed, and woke up the next morning, I was breathing perfectly fine, thanks to my dear doctor friend, his expertise and patience.

So why am I telling you all of this? I know this was quite the lead into my write this morning. Well…this person happens to be one of my “sources” for some of the articles that I post to my blog. Lucky me, that he sends me articles of interest every once in awhile of topics that I mind find interesting or helpful in the medical field. And of course I like to pass them along to you and share the knowledge.

But as in all health and medical advice given here, please refer to my disclaimer in the right hand column, and do your own research. As I always say, “No one is going to care more about your health than you.” So…that being said, here’s a recent read from my “source”. :)

FEEL-GREAT POSTURE

My friend Peter seems to be collapsing inward as he ages — with every year, his ribs inch closer and closer to his pelvic bones. He believes that he is taking weight off his arthritic hips when he stands this way — but in fact, what he ends up doing is bringing the bones closer together… and “bone on bone” are the exact words used to describe the agonizing pain of arthritis.

I’m telling you about Peter because he provides an excellent illustration of how standing the wrong way can worsen such conditions as osteoporosis, arthritis, lower back pain and neck and shoulder pain. Conversely, when you hold your body correctly it extends your spine — not only does this do wonders for back pain, it also gives ample support and space to the internal organs and nerves and enhances circulation. Just reading those words feels good, doesn’t it?

CORRECTING “CORRECTIONS”

Though our moms used to “correct” our posture when we were growing up, it turns out that many of the rules we learned were wrong. We knew naturally how to hold our bodies as young children, when we learned how to sit and then stand and walk. Kathleen Porter, author of Ageless Spine, Lasting Health, works to undo much of what we’ve learned about posture at her Center for Natural Alignment in Portland, Oregon. She told me that her techniques are based on her observations and studies of people in other cultures, whose lifestyle has enabled them to continue to move in this very natural way. In particular, Porter told me she had been impressed and influenced by witnessing the ease with which small, slightly built women could carry heavy loads upon their heads.

Instead of standing straight, with our chests high and stomach and butts held in, Porter suggested picturing a plumb line that falls from your shoulder and ends at your ankle. “If the line runs straight through your shoulder, hip, knee and ankle, your alignment is correct,” Porter said, noting that the position is not stiff or rigid, but rather is “the relaxed alignment that toddlers and young children find naturally.”

THREE RULES TO UNLEARN

Porter identified three common postural rules she believes we should all work to unlearn. She said that correcting these particular behaviors will go far toward making many of us feel a whole lot better.

Posture myth #1: Tuck your butt. A common instruction when standing up straight is to “tuck your butt” (or your tailbone) under.

Problems it causes: Remember my friend Peter who is caving in as he ages? By tucking his butt, Peter misses having the foundational support of a fully extended spine. “Tucking your butt takes your leg bones out from under you,” explains Porter. Your legs should be like vertical posts to properly support your weight. Otherwise, the muscles in your back, shoulders and/or neck must work harder.

Posture myth #2: Hold your chest high. Many people think the proper stance is to squeeze back the shoulder blades, angling the breast bone (sternum) slightly up and toward the sky. It’s the way that soldiers and athletes typically stand — and don’t they look like great role models for good posture?

How this hurts: Porter points out that lifting the chest displaces the rib cage, tightens neck muscles, compresses the spine and works many muscles — when the goal is to keep them tension-free. “You’ll often hear people say that they love to stretch, but that’s really an indication of stored-up tension caused by unnatural posture,” said Porter. “A body in correct alignment has no tight muscles that need relief!”

Posture myth #3: Suck in your belly. Give it a try — hold those stomach muscles tight. Are you breathing? Are you more relaxed?

Why it’s wrong: Tensing the belly tightens the diaphragm, putting pressure on the lungs and making it harder to breathe fully — plus it triggers the motion of tilting and tucking the pelvis toward the back, flattening your bottom. This tilted pelvis shifts the pelvic floor muscles out of place, making it harder for them to support the organs in the lower abdomen and putting excessive tension in the lower back. Also, a tight belly interferes with the work of certain muscle groups — the oblique and transversus abdominis. These are the deepest abdominal muscles — they wrap around the torso, running from the ribs to the pelvis, and are crucial to proper alignment and supporting the core of the body, Porter explained.

The right way to stand: Start by looking down at your feet, with your shoulders back (keeping the plumb line in mind). Hold your sternum perpendicular to the floor and lift your ribs by pulling up from the lower ribs in the back. It does sound strange, so Porter offered a mental image that can help…

Picture yourself as a marionette with strings attached to the back of your lower ribs and just inside the back of each of your armpits. Now imagine the strings being gently drawn up behind you. Roll each shoulder in a circular motion forward, around, up and back — letting the shoulder come to rest right on top of the rib cage. Lift your face just enough to see comfortably in front of you as you imagine that a string at the base of your skull pulls just a bit of length into the back of your neck. Relax your belly muscles as well. Take a minute and breathe… nice, isn’t it?

Collapsed posture Overcorrected posture             Aligned Posture

NO QUICK FIX

Porter points out that returning to proper alignment is not a quick fix, and it almost always feels awkward at first. As many times a day as you can remember, she suggests, visualize yourself as a skeleton. This will help you focus on what is happening with your bones, muscles and joints as well as on the corrections you need to make.

This is just one of the numerous methods and programs that help people learn to achieve proper alignment — you may recall that one I particularly like is Jeff Zimmerman’s Optimotion (see Daily Health News, August 7, 2008, “Optimotion Improves Golf Game, Reduces Odds of Injury”), which will help you learn and practice proper alignment. I’m sending that story and this one, too, to my friend Peter, and I hope he’s open to making these changes. I know I instantly feel better whenever I have a few seconds to remind myself to stand in a relaxed and natural way.

Source(s):

Kathleen Porter, author of Ageless Spine, Lasting Health (Synergy Books) and director of the center for Natural Alignment, Portland, Oregon. http://naturalalignment.com.

**********

Disclaimer: No I am not getting any kickbacks or kudos from Neti Pot or NetiXlear.

Ruth: I didn’t see your comment yesterday. I think I was posting my write about the same time you were blogging your comment. I also realized that my “comments” were on off and needed to be turned on.

Anyway, thank you for your comments. You are so keyed in, and your assessment right on. However I noticed that for the first time, you have mentioned the eradication of evil men, and you expressed yourself quite frankly. Perhaps you have been enlightened to the atrocities that your girls have gone through and you have witnessed first hand the levels of evil that men are capable of. Enlightenment of this sort can be quite distressing for one to hear. I HOPE that you are taking some time to care for yourself. Sending love your way.

Ezzati: I can feel your anger in your rant, and rightly justified.

Zen Lill: RHIR. It is easy to say that if you were in my position and you had the power to make it happen, you would. I know you really didn’t mean to say it so matter-of-factly. If you were in my position and had the power, you would take all into consideration; what is best for the planet, and future generations. It is not an easy decision for one to make. Taking out all males over 10 is one decision, but not the only one. And I know you know this. And as Ruth pointed out, “There are many good white men. We have the ability to differentiate. I will just add, taking it out of the context that Ruth was referring to: “And there are many good otw men too”.

Evelyn: Yes they do, Thank for posting. I HOPE that you and Harris are enjoying yourselves immensely! Not to presume anything but…Oh, how cool…love may have been found via my blog. :)

Doug: And where was I during that 15 minute light show? :)

Peter: Your comments at the end of your post say it all.

Robert: Thanks for the info -I’m behind it. I’d like to read more about how I can participate.

Cindi: Thanks for enlightening me on this subject.

Helena: Thanks for your post too. I drink tea all of the time, so that is a plus. And once again Vitamin D seems to be the miracle supplement these days.

That’s it for today. Blog me.

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)

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…Although some would beg to differ, and not in a “polite” manner.

Why is it that women always have to suffer because men can’t keep control of their little head overruling their big head? Why is it that whenever there is a sex issue that is “uncontrollable”, no one looks at how to control the men? All eyes seem to go to the women.

Hmm…Lets’ see…what can we do to the women so they aren’t as attractive…aren’t as tempting to the men, so the men won’t desire these women, or rape these women? Oh…Let’s cover the women’s faces. Done. Let’s cover the women’s bodies. Done.

In Africa it’s worse enough that women endure genital mutilation:

The age the procedure is carried out varies from just after birth to some time during the first pregnancy, but most cases occur between the ages of four and eight. Most times this procedure is done with out the care of medically trained people, due to poverty and lack of medical facilities. The use of anesthesia is rare. The girl is held down by older women to prevent the girl from moving around. The instruments used by the mid-wife will vary and could include any of the following items; broken glass, a tin lid, razor blades, knives, scissors or any other sharp object. These items usually are not sterilized before or after usage. Once the genital area for removal is gone, the child is stitched up and her legs are bound for up to 40 days.

But then when a young girl begins to develop breasts she has this to look forward to: “Breast Ironing”. Now in the African country of Cameroon, women’s breasts are now being ironed with hot stones, deforming them so badly, so that men won’t be attracted to them. Another great idea to help men control themselves.

This is BS. This is disastrous, and simply barbaric. And I’m so tired of reading stories about how women have to suffer because men can’t control themselves. Men are supposed to be strong – they seem to know how to escalate their testosterone and throw their muscles around enough when it comes to war, and controlling women – yet all I see in these examples is weakness…the little head overruling the big head. Women shouldn’t have to suffer because men can’t be responsible for their actions, for their uncontrollable weaknesses.

I have a solution. To me the answer to this problem is simple: Instead of disfiguring and deforming these women and maiming them for life, take a hot stone in your right hand, or whichever hand is stronger, and the moment “willy” decides to pop his little head up, smash a hot stone on top of it and make “willy” befriend his balls just a bit more intimately. I bet he’ll think twice before he pops his little head up again, don’t ya think?

Readers: Do I sound barbaric? I’ve never been a supporter of suffering, but I’ve always been an “eye for an eye” kind of girl. Sometimes the only answer to such cruelty is to give ‘em a dose of their own medicine, so they can see how it feels. Although I am open to suggestions. Comments? Thoughts? Any better ideas? Blog this BABE.

Doug: Thanks for the heads up – pun intended.

Peter: My pleasure. And I hear ya.

Lara: My pleasure. Happy to hear Roi was able to help you out, and you enjoyed your experience. I am sure my readers, especially those only tuned in for alien adventures, enjoyed reading the chronicles of Kathy and the girlz. I am happy to hear you are doing better now.:)

Wayne: Believe me I don’t always. But I am trying to. :)

Hi Mike: How’s it going? Nice to see you back here. Liberals are “control freaks”. Hmm…It seems the right are the ones wanting to control. Their losing it and they’re freaking out.

Anna: Congrats to Bill Hebert!  I HOPE he is all you expect him to be and more.

Murray: Good for you for taking your health in your own hands. No one is going to care more abut you than you.

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"