Good morning!

Happiness ‘is about earning more than your friends’

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Money doesn’t buy happiness – unless you earn more of it than your friends.

A study of life satisfaction in dozens of countries found that contrary to popular perception, economic growth doesn’t bring with it a corresponding long-term rise in happiness.

It found that while people may feel more positive in the short-term, the shine quickly wears off.

Can money buy happiness? For a short while and if you have more than your friends, according to new research.

However, within an individual country, the rich are happier than the poor.

This implies that what matters is earning more than others, not the actual amount earned, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports.

The theory was first coined in the 1970s by U.S. researcher Richard Easterlin and became known as the Easterlin Paradox.

With several recent studies challenging his conclusions, Professor Easterlin set out to see if the pattern still exists.

Family fortunes: Happiness and financial security can be directly linked, but not in the long term.

After crunching together figures from 37 countries around the globe including burgeoning economies such as China, South Korea and Chile, the University of Southern California professor said little had changed.

He said: ‘Simply stated, the happiness-income paradox is this: at a point in time both among and within countries, happiness and income are positively correlated.

‘But, over time, happiness does not increase when a person’s income increases.’

He added: ‘China’s growth rate implies a doubling of real per capita income in less than 10 years, and Chile’s in 18 years.

‘Yet both China and Chile show mild declines in life satisfaction.’

*********

Readers: What do you think about what this article states? I was just having a conversation with an old friend last night. He was telling me of his recent trip to Africa, and I was sharing my travels that I took with Doug to Nepal many years ago. I said to him that I found it very humbling, and quite moving to be in a country that had very little…to be sharing dinner with people in their home where they have one couch, a table and a poster on their wall…very little material objects, living in poverty, and yet filled with pride, joy and love.

The poorest person living in America is rich compared to the people we met in Nepal, and many other places in the world. And yet their state of happiness is so much greater.

Someone once said to me, “Your friends will only be happy for your success as long as it doesn’t surpass their own.”  I have had a debate over the years with several people who don’t think that statement is true. But I have seen and experienced the reaction of people over my successes, and the success of others who have surpassed their friends in the income arena.

When everyone surrounding you, including all of your friends and family have as little as you, as I discovered in Nepal…where there is no competition to “have more”, to “achieve more”, and where there are no promises of “anything more”…where spirituality, community, and connectedness holds a greater value, than frivolous material needs, people are actually more satisfied and happy.

We in America are filled with the promise of more – we have these continually dangling “carrots” in our faces of what life could be like if we had more money. Promises of wealth all over the television, magazines, etc., and people/friends who do have more money flaunt it to their friends that don’t, in essence saying, “I am more successful than you. I make more money than you. I can buy things, do things, go places etc., that you can’t.”

So yes, I do think that for many “happiness is earning more than your friends.” Would very wealthy people be just as happy if everyone else was just as wealthy? I don’t think so. Otherwise they would help people reach a greater wealth status instead of the norm of the very wealthy trying to keep it for them and theirs and continually preventing others from getting a chance at achieving a fair share. Racism aside. The Tax Law comes to mind here.

Or ask this: Does their money make them happy, or does it make them happy because they have great wealth and so many don’t, giving them an edge above others? Do you think that if everyone were equally rich, money would be a factor in their happiness? I don’t think so.  So the same could be true if you and everyone around you were poor, and there were no promise of anything more.

That’s my thoughts. What are yours? Blog me.

Doug: I always enjoy reading your thoughts and take on the subject matter.

Zen Lill: Your drama sounds crazy. I HOPE that you really are okay.

Pi: I enjoyed reading your thoughts. Thank you.

Uma: So what are you waiting for? Send ‘em the link. :)

Lincoln: What a lovely comment to read. I do know that there are men out there who do value their females; I just wish that it was more prevalent and worldwide. Sadly, from what I have seen and experienced myself, men unfortunately realize the value of their woman when it is too late. I am happy to hear that you acknowledge, appreciate, and value  your wife now. And no doubt she experiences the value that you see in her through your actions. Congratulations on your successful marriage.  I wish the best for both of you.

Reba: That icon is for people who would like to add my write to their blog, website, or to their FaceBook page etc. You must be set up with a “twitter” account to do this.  Click on “twitter” in the previous sentence to learn about Twitter, or go to the right hand column of my blog, about half way down, and click on “Twitter – Join the conversation” to sign up.

S: Thank you. But why not share who you are? I can only guess from the initial but then that may not be the initial to your first name. What’s the big deal?

Got to run…

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“

Since there has been so much chat here about cheating and condoms…who’s doing it, who’s donning one, and who’s choosing to opt out (not a good choice), I thought that since it is World Aids Day today, it was important that I show the numbers.

A chart for World Aids Day –  Taken from the animated charts at Aids In Africa

The numbers needed to describe deaths, infections, and orphans brought by AIDS in Africa are too large for us to understand. We can simplify these numbers into abstract models; we can show them in relation to one another; we can chart them, graph them, subdivide them into smaller more tangible numbers. However, we have to accept at the end that we are not capable of grasping the scale in which people of Africa are suffering and dying due to HIV/AIDS.

Diagrams also fail to connect statistics with the real people they are meant to represent. When looking at a chart, it is easy to forget that each number represents a real life, with real family members and friends. A death is not a single unit, but an end of a painful progression of sickness that leaves behind widows, orphans, and demoralized communities.

Despite their weaknesses, diagrams serve an important tool for explaining the complicted dynamics of this monsterous epidemic. Most of the “People Charts” above are generated dynamically based on information stored in an online database. This makes it much easier to update the statistics and keep the site up to date, an especially important feature since the epidemic is in constant motion.

Sources
Most of the statistics presented here, including HIV prevalence, cause of death, and HIV/AIDS models have been obtained through UNAIDS website and World Health Organization’s public online library. Information on drug prices is partly drawn from a report by Doctors without Borders.

Readers: And as usual, President Obama is doing something about issues that are important to us. Just another thing to add to all that he has already done for the American people and the world.

Today, Obama Administration officials and leaders in the AIDS community will speak at a World AIDS Day event at the White House to reflect on the lessons learned and the path forward in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the United States and around the world.  The White House World AIDS Day Event will include keynote remarks as well as a panel discussion with HIV/AIDS researchers and advocates and will be live streamed at 1:30 on www.whitehouse.gov/live.

Throughout his career in public service, President Obama has been committed to fighting HIV/AIDS here at home and around the world.  With the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) as a foundation, the President put forward an ambitious $63 billion Global Health Initiative (GHI) to combat HIV/AIDS, address other health challenges and assist partner countries to strengthen their health systems and build capacity to provide services sustainably.  Through the GHI, the President’s aim is to ensure our programs have maximum impact, as this Administration’s focus is on outcomes, such as lives saved — not simply dollars spent. Since taking office, the number of those on antiretroviral treatment has nearly doubled to 3.2 million – up from 1.7 million in 2008, and under the GHI, the U.S. continues to be the global leader in funding for HIV/AIDS.  The President proposed the largest request to date for PEPFAR for FY 2011.  Additionally, in October, the Administration announced an unprecedented multi-year pledge of $4 billion for 2011-2013 to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.  This pledge represents a 38% increase in U.S. support for the Global Fund, and is in addition to more than $5.1 billion provided to the Fund to date.

Domestically, the Office of National AIDS Policy released the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy and Federal Implementation Plan for the United States with three key goals: reducing the number of new infections; increasing access to care and optimizing health outcomes for people living with HIV; and reducing HIV-related health disparities.

Jeffrey Crowley is the Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP)

***********

Don’t be a number and don’t subject your partner to being one. Thoughts to share? Blog me.

Hi Nancy: Thanks for the compliment, but even more so, thanks for taking a step in the direction of doing something. Much appreciated. :)  ”Half The Sky” is certainly on my reading list. Let me know how you like it.

Pearl: GOAT? How can I not love that acronym, not to mention the definition! Thank you.

Rita: You said it better than I.

Ken: So…I’m dying to know…Did you get asked out on any dates? You know…did the grope get some rope worth pursuing? C’mon don’t hold back now. :)

Brenda: Gosh no. But when I thought no one did, I had to really read and re-read the article again just in case I was missing something. I wanted to see the other side. I mean after all this blog does point out quite often,  and rightly so, how men try to control and hold women down. But I could find no fault this time. I truly thought that this surgeon was being sincere, and I liked his metaphorical meaning, so I made it a point to say so. Anyway enough said. As far as you getting a facelift: Go for it if you ever feel like it. And yes, donate to the SPCA too. How cool. Love you back. :)

Kimberly: Thanks for the kudos. My readers continue to delightfully surprise me.

Scituate Handyman: Well thank you. Please come back and read again.

Vera: You have me cracking up. I wish I had thought of that. You actually got arrested? Please blog me and give us the dope on the verdict.

Zen Lill: Love the story. And ya gotta love the Lucy girl. I certainly do.

Terrance: I know. It’s sick isn’t it.

Larry: Is this the same Larry that has been begging for pics of ZL? You crack me up – Yes, you are keeping your options open aren’t you?!

Peace & Love: “Live it, Give it”…and make sure that you put one “on 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

" 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!

Well, after reading many of the comments yesterday, it seems that many of my women readers are not only fed up with their man cheating, but in how he goes about it, and understandably so.

At some point you may be ready to trust and date again, and possibly remarry (or NOT! :) But if you are at least ready to date, there is enough to worry about in the real world, on-line dating is a whole other world.

Here is an article from Scambusters to assist:

10 Ways To Skip Online Dating Scams
<>~<>~<><>~<>~<><>~<>~<><>~<>~<><>~<>~<><>~<>~<><>~<>

Online dating scams have been hitting the headlines with increasing frequency recently, causing not only heartache but a pain in the pocket.

In earlier issues, we explained how scammers try to strike up online relationships then, claiming to be stranded in another country or in desperate need to visit a sick relative, ask the victim to help pay for an airplane ticket.

Other tricks include scammers creating a false identity when they’re already married, or simply trying to get information from you that may eventually lead to identity theft.
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1ghrzJY3gWtWfo&b=gAH9hNknt0ldVtFzzH5q0g

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1ghrzJY3gWtWfo&b=1SOrk.U8Elmk07AtO9FOtA

In addition to the tricks reported in those issues, the current crop of online dating scams includes some cunning new ways of trying to fool victims in search of companionship.

Claiming to be a soldier serving in Iraq or Afghanistan is a particularly common online dating scam at the moment. These con artists often use the real rank and name of an active (or even deceased) service member and go on to ask for money to buy items like laptop computers or international cellphones.

The really worrisome thing, though, is that organized crime syndicates, chiefly in Russia or the Philippines, run many of the latest sweetheart scams.

This enables them to pull together some convincing ploys to fool their targets, for instance, using teams of young female students to make authentic sounding phone calls. They’re usually Russian but speak good English.

In another instance, victims are encouraged to send explicit text or photographs, then either blackmailed or threatened and “fined” by bogus police officers.

Crooks get contact details from numerous sources including hacked dating club accounts and social network listings, like Facebook, in which people “advertise” their “available” relationship status.

In other cases, the crooks simply establish bogus online dating clubs for which they charge a membership fee, sending out fictitious photographs and biographies to keep victims on the hook, paying their monthly fees.

There’s no doubt that online dating has helped many people find friends and life partners. It can be a great way of finding the right match and discovering compatibility.

To do this safely, check out the guidelines in our earlier issues and note the following additional 10 action points:

1. If a would-be dater gives you their email address upfront, without even knowing you, chances are it’s a scam.

And don’t give out your email address too easily or quickly — better yet, set up a separate email account for your dating activities.

2. Ignore any unsolicited calls or messages from someone seeking a date, claiming they saw your name, phone number or photo and want to start a relationship.

3. Be wary about announcing on a social network that you’re seeking a new relationship. Almost certainly you’ll get more than you bargained for.

4. Beware of people who are vague about themselves or chop and change the stories they tell you.

5. If their use of English is poor — bad grammar and spelling – be skeptical. Okay, so not everyone is an English major but some language abuses, such as flowery prose or use of religious phrases, are a dead giveaway for a Nigerian online dating scam.

For examples of what we mean, check out this earlier Scambusters issue on scammers’ language.
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1ghrzJY3gWtWfo&b=apwSd_JTWTMEA5KmPj6DvQ

Here’s the wording of an email received recently by Scambuster
Keith:
(begin message, exactly as received)

Hello,
Nice meeting you,how are you? Hope you are alright.my name is doris!i am sorry to bother you, I have interest in you that makes me leave a massage for you and also I wants you as a friend also want you to write me through my [e]-[mail][address removed] tell me were you leave and also send me your pictures; I will also send my picture to you.. Is my plesure to meet you here in this site. Yours sincerely Miss doris!

(end message)

Love those exclamation marks and the offer to leave a massage!

6. If you’re seeking a genuine relationship, give a wide berth to any site inviting you to “chat right now” with potential dates.

Authentic would-be daters aren’t just sitting by the phone waiting to talk to anyone who happens to call in.

They may use premium-charge phone lines. If not, sooner or later you’ll be asked for money.

7. If someone with whom you’ve struck up a relationship asks you for money, just don’t give it, no matter how plausible their story seems. Say you don’t have it.

Even if you’ve met and think you know your new partner, be ultra-cautious and don’t part with large sums of money. Newspaper columns are full of stories of people who’ve been conned this way.

8. If you’re thinking of joining an online dating club, stick with some of the established big names. For example, although we can’t vouch for the site’s accuracy, check out Consumer-Rankings.com or search online for “top dating sites.”
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1ghrzJY3gWtWfo&b=jhG6mStQ1N3Ors7Metz3dA

If you really must use a little known service, or want to use a specialist agency (such as one specifically linked to your interests or profession), use Internet security software to check the legitimacy of a site and do an online search on the name of the service to see what others are saying.

9. If a potential date claims to be in the armed forces, check out these anti-scam guidelines issued by the US Army Criminal Investigation Command:

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1ghrzJY3gWtWfo&b=dBCPxwEWM5dXIqbYPIpHpw

10. Finally, of course, just use your common sense. Photos of stunningly beautiful women or handsome hunks, much as you might be attracted to them, are a red flag. So are outrageous claims of wealth or high-flying jobs.

If you don’t fit any of these categories yourself (and, in all honesty, most of us don’t!) why would these people be interested in you?

If you’re looking for friendship or a new partner, we wish you good luck. Just don’t be too trusting. Make sure, using our guidelines, you can identify those devious characters who run online dating scams, and then stand them up!

**********

Wizz: Bummer, missed it again. I am not on my e-mail everyday and definitely not on the weekend, but I am always on my blog everyday. The best place to chat with me is here. So I hope you’ll do so. Take care.

Patricia: It’s called “cock blocking” and men don’t do it. They will most always be supportive to each other by lying for each other.

On another note, I had no idea that one could sue their significant other for contracting a disease. Now that’s probably what it takes for some men to get into the habit of putting a jacket on it, instead of indulging in “extreme sex”. Hey it’s sick enough if he won’t do it for her safety, not to mention his safety. But any man who cares about himself, (and what man doesn’t?) will think of his own self preservation. I don’t care how good the sex was, I doubt any man would say it was good enough to go to jail for it. Thanks for enlightening me and my readers.

Alley: You may be correct. I’m sorry to hear about your cheating husband. I just like to HOPE that not every man is like that.

Sara: What a story. Consider yourself lucky. Not all women have been able to dodge the bullet.

Harmony: Sorry for laughing, but I can’t even imagine. In your own house with a guest while you are sleeping! That’s another version of “extreme sex” to say the least. Interesting that your girlfriends thought you should take him back. I am assuming that he was donning a condom otherwise why would they encourage you?

Jodi: I don’t know. Perhaps if the hair rises on the back of your neck. That’s what I pay attention to. Women are very intuitive. I would tap into that. You may be one of the lucky few. Or perhaps, he’s gay. Sorry to make such a  suggestion, but I couldn’t help but think that since you stated that his male friends are always so quiet when they come over. Why? What are they hiding? But really, with so little info, I could be way off base and he is a just a loyal husband, nothing more. They are out there. I like to think I am one of the lucky few too. :)

I have more to say, but it is time to end, so that I can play. Have a great Monday!

Peace & Love: “Live it, Give it!” (But please put a jacket on 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

" 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 wrote about Ayesha (Aisha)  about a month ago when her mutilated face graced the cover of Time Magazine. Now one month later Ayesha is on her way to recovery, at least physically.

‘Bibi’ Ayesha, Mutilated Afghan Woman, Receives ‘Enduring Heart Award’

After having her nose and ears cut off by her husband as a punishment handed down by Taliban elders, “Bibi” Ayesha was left for dead. The courageous young woman found her way to an American military hospital where she was treated for her wounds.

In August, Ayesha traveled to California to begin an intensive eight-month facial reconstruction.

Readers: This is definitely heading toward a happy ending, or should I say beginning (?) for Ayesha, and I am so happy for her. How could you not be? – her story was devastating. And as I’ve said before, devastating doesn’t even come close to describing this atrocity. Devastation to women happens daily; I’ve written about them here, and readers from all over the world have chimed in with their personal stories. Ayesha is only one of many.

So yes, Ayesha was a lucky one, if you can call having your ears and nose chopped off by your Husband and in-laws, and left for dead, lucky. I still can’t help but think of the many other women who suffer daily from abuse, mutilation, and slavery, not just in Afghanistan, but in Iran, Sudan, Congo, India…What about them?

What I would like to come out of this horrific story is more than just a nose job and an “Enduring Heart Award”. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for the California doctor who is graciously providing Ayesha’s reconstructive surgeries. And no doubt Ayesha deserves a reward for “enduring” such an experience, not to mention “enduring” the life she lead, before her husband pulled out a knife, first slicing off her ears, then her nose.

I don’t mean to keep driving the mutilation point home, but something has to happen to prevent this from ever happening again. As the article in my past blog write stated: This didn’t happen 10 years ago, when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan. It happened last year.

Last year. Are things getting worse for women or are we just able to access the atrocities easier because of the internet?

I try to remain HOPEful that things are getting better for women. But then I look at the huge numbers of girls who have contacted me wanting to be a girlz. It seems many are saying “Get me the fuck off of this planet. Anything is better than the life I have now. I am willing to risk dying in space for a cause, than dying at the hands of evil men.”

Do you blame them?

Comments? Thoughts? Blog this BABE. Speaking of girls…

Chin: You should be back? How about telling my readers what it was like for you out there?

Oh…and on a totally different subject….Hooray for the miners in Chile who are finally out and on their way home to their families!

Zen Lill: I don’t buy the alien bit. Aliens are such a small part of my blog. Unless one reads every day, you could miss them even being here. Wish they had a bigger presence here like they use to. Of course many peeps do read every day, but my blog is so much more than a hangout for the aliens. (Nothing against my friends the TAO – they know how I feel about them.:) Although I shouldn’t say my friends “never” talk about my blog…I do have conversations, but it is mostly me who broaches the subject. It is what it is, and I accept it. (most of the time) :P

On another note…what is going on in the zen life of Zen Lill? The universe is speaking that’s for sure. Now you just need to figure out what she’s saying. Sounds like you are in your own little random world looking for order. Good luck!  Such a bummer. I HOPE Your wallet is returned. The postal person will deliver it if the person who found it drops your wallet into a mailbox. Of course then you have to HOPE that the postal person is a decent person and delivers it to you.

Larry: That would be a kind person, and an easy thing to do, but there are many people who aren’t kind. And with identity theft raging, a wallet falling into the hands of the wrong person, would be seen as a gift from the Gods.

When I was living in LA, I mistakenly left my wallet on the hood of my car and drove away. It went flying into the street. I noticed it, so I pulled over. So did someone else. They pulled their car over at the same time as I did. I thought, “How nice; they’re going to rescue my wallet from the middle of the road and give it back to me.” Nope. They got out of their car as I was stepping out of mine, ran over to my wallet, and ran back to their car and drove away! I was shocked.

H: Cute.  :)

Anon: My pleasure. Well…give it up – what did you say to your wife in response?

Hi Helena: How are you? I just wanted to point out that you have been a loyal reader for a pretty long time now – how long has it been? I just wanted to say thanks.

And I liked the article you posted. Good observation about white women but I would like to think (and HOPE) it is changing. We are no longer in an era where women are predominantly stay-at-home housewives and mothers. And it seems that more and more younger women are either getting married later or opting out of marriage altogether.

Emily: Cute :) Nice to see you here again.

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"

Good morning!

I just couldn’t resist posting this girl under my Saturday post heading.

Karen Owen, a 2010 Duke graduate decided to do a 42-page “power-point-fuck-list” on all the men that she slept with during her 4 years at Duke University. The Title: Excelling in the Realm of Horizontal Academics”. Needless to say, an e-mail sharing it with a few friends, was too much fun to keep a secret, and it quickly went viral.

Karen Owen’s Duke Sex-Rating PowerPoint Goes Viral

A Duke student’s risque PowerPoint has firmly implanted itself in the annals of legendary internet stories for generations to come.

Karen F. Owen, a 2010 Duke grad, composed an in-depth, thesis-like document titled “An Education Beyond The Classroom: Excelling In The Realm Of Horizontal Academics,” in May. In the report, she describes the men she’s slept with in near-scientific detail and even provides charts ranking their sexual prowess. She sent the show to a few friends after she wrote it and, from there, it went into a forward frenzy, ending up on fraternity listservs and making its way to the media.

Owen told Jezebel that she never meant for the show to go viral; since it has been posted she has gone into virtual hiding.

Some Duke students are less than pleased by the report’s infamy. In a letter to the Duke Chronicle, Alyssa Granacki wrote,

“…the overall glorification of Karen Owen’s PowerPoint and the implied sentiment that it was an act of sexual liberation equates “shattering the glass ceiling” with humiliating members of the opposite sex. Why should we congratulate Karen Owen for subjecting men to the objectification, embarrassment and harassment that women have fought against for years?”

Legal blog Above the Law questions whether or not Owen will be subject to lawsuits based on the number of incriminating details revealed in the PowerPoint, comparing Owen’s situation to that of blogger Jessica Culter, who detailed her exploits on the blog Washingtonienne — and was sued by one of her paramours.

And this girl went for it, not only showing pictures but in depth descriptions of the sex she had, what they talked about, and of course their performance. It is hilarious. Check out her evaluation process check list:

And here’s an excerpt from her “thesis” of one of her “not so thrilling subjects”:

And when her “subject” was good…Um mmm…he was sooo good:

Readers: If you want to see her entire “Thesis” click here. It is worth the read. Love this girls creativity – You have to give her credit. Frats make this kind of list all of the time, but when a girl does it, watch out…the guys are just getting a little pissy knowing that all of their stuff is out there, or at least the ones that lack in the sack are.

Can you imagine one of the guys suing Owen because he’s upset she claimed he was lacking in the pleasure department, claiming he was “too small”? I can just hear the judge say, “Well let’s see the evidence; pull down your pants young man and show us exhibit #1.”  Haha! Gotta love it. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander – don’t ya think? Blog me.

Hey ZL: Enjoy your weekend!

Harriet: Your comment was hilarious!

Penny: Well said.

Hi Mike: Happy to see you back here. I always look forward to reading your comments on the trash Human Events feeds to the religious rights.

Lea: Thanks for the article. In answer to your question: Cowards. Sick people who would not stand a chance giving their shit to humans,  so they take it out on innocent animals.

Rose: Yeah! Thank you.

Doug: How about making some coffee and heading out for a nice walk with Lucy?

Chin: I  like what you said the other day. Have you ever thought of being a girlz?  I could use a brain like yours aboard my ship.  Just something to consider.

Madaline: Look at the voting stats of the Dems and if the voting numbers aren’t significant enough for the Dems to win in some key Democratic Senate and House spots, then do nothing. If the Dems get out there and vote, winning in any Senate and House positions, and the Republicans try to steal the election, intervene and prevent them.

Readers: Please take note to my comment above to Madaline. Let’s work together as a team and make this happen in November. Thanks!

HAVE  BEAUTIFUL DAY EVERYONE…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"