Wow, the power of intention works wonders in so many ways, especially when the intention is working on a collective level. I was just commenting about computers the other day to Hamilton, and I then I received this in my e-mail yesterday. If people were not aware about the tragic role that the minerals in their computers contribute to the plight of women in Congo, they do now. 

Activists Press Apple to go Conflict-free

Protesters pressing Apple to commit to making conflict-free products were front and center at the grand opening of Apple’s first store in Washington, D.C., last Friday. The new Georgetown location opened its doors at 5PM to a line of hundreds of people waiting for a chance to purchase the latest products and receive a free t-shirt. Enough supporters added to the excitement by gathering at the front entrance with Lisa Shannon, activist and author.  Overtaking the street-side view of the store, protesters displayed a bright red banner reading “Guarantee Conflict-Free.” 

The purpose of the event was to educate Apple consumers about the conflict in Congo and the relationship between our electronics, the conflict minerals essential to those devices, and the war in Congo, the world’s deadliest conflict since World War II. As consumers who love Apple products, we must demand that Apple act responsibly and verify that the minerals used in their products are not fueling the war in Congo. We want to be able to continue purchasing Apple products and be confident that they are not helping perpetuate a conflict in which Congolese civilians are raped and killed each day.

As one of the world’s leading electronics companies, Apple has the trend-setting power to influence the entire industry. If every electronics company ensured that the minerals used in its products were conflict-free, rebel and militia groups would be denied the estimated $180 million they make each year and use to terrorize the communities of eastern Congo.

The advocates who turned out in front of the new store on Friday conveyed this message by handing out informational brochures and talking with people in line about Apple’s use of conflict minerals in their products. Other activists held signs that read “iPhone4Girls in Congo” and “I’ll Pad You on the Back for Conflict-Free.”

The crowd was very interested in the issue and a few customers said they planned to email Steven Jobs directly or mention the cause before purchasing their new iPads and laptops. The protest at the store opening spread awareness to Apple consumers and turned up the pressure on Apple to commit to guaranteeing conflict-free minerals.

It’s Interesting how some people would believe that Apple doesn’t have any idea that their use of minerals is killing women in Congo. I think Apple is awesome too, but believe me they know. It is also interesting that people are happy that their neighborhood is now graced with an Apple store bringing hope for a better economy to their community. Yeah, but what about the communities in Congo? Once again, some people are only concerned about me and mine.

But hey, it is a start. If you hit ‘em where it hurts, taking a bite out of their bottom line, perhaps Apple will smarten up to the speed of their computers and do something. Do you realize that even though tech companies have admitted it would cost one penny per product to ensure a conflict-free supply chain, lobbyists for manufacturing companies continue to argue that even this penny is too expensive. Amazing. One Penny to save lives. Again, it’s all about me and mine. Disgusting. 

But in the meantime, many people are doing something. And events such as the one depicted in the video above is only one. I think the Enough Project should promote these events at every Apple store in the country that they can. People don’t know, and they need to know that they are contributing to a conflict that has already left more than 5 million people dead. It’s one thing to have collective intention, which I believe in its powers, but it is equally important to take collective action. 

Need some motivation?

Lisa Shannon, an activist for the Congolese women, shares how her travels to Congo led her to the writing of her book, My journey to the worst place on earth to be a woman, ‘A Thousand Sisters’.

I had a great life—a successful business, a fiancé, a home, and security. But in the wake of my Dad’s death, and soon-to-be thirty years old, I found myself depressed, camped out in my living room watching Oprah. It was there that I learned about Congo, widely called the worst place on earth to be a woman. Awakened to the atrocities –millions dead, women being raped and tortured, children starving and dying in shocking numbers –I had to do something.

A Thousand Sisters chronicles how I raised sponsorships for Congolese women, beginning with a solo 30-mile run, and then founded Run for Congo Women. Despite countless warnings, with no credentials, I abandon my quickly collapsing home life and plunge into an unlikely lone journey through eastern Congo on a mission to ignite a movement for the world’s most forgotten women, to meet hundreds of my sponsored “sisters,” and hear their stories firsthand. But in a place where no man with a gun is the good guy, I confront militias, massacres, murder cover-ups, and unspeakable horror. Along the way I am forced to learn lessons of survival, fear, gratitude, and love from the women of Congo. A Thousand Sisters is a portrait of the world’s deadliest war through the intimate lens of friendship. It is a story of passion, hope, and my journey to carve out human bonds that cannot be touched by terror.

Want to do more?

Here’s what Shannon suggests:

1. Change her life. And yours. Sponsor your own Congolese sister. 3 minutes, $27 per month|WomenForWomen.org

2. Run (or walk or bike or swim or whatever) for Congo Women.

Do what I did and dedicate a solo run to women in the Congo. Or register for a Run for Congo Women near you. Or ask 12 friends to join you on a short run, each of you pitch in $30 and—ta-da!— you have enough to sponsor and change a woman’s life.
1 hour–6 months, starting at $30|RunForCongoWomen.org

3. Join the Raise Hope for Congo Campaign. 1 minute|RaiseHopeForCongo.org

4. Share A Thousand Sisters with friends. Start a book club. Available on preorder at www.Amazon.com now at great savings. 2 hours

5. Order a copy of Lisa Jackson’s film The Greatest Silence. Host a screening in your home, then ask your guests to sponsor a woman in Congo. 2 minutes to order the film, plus 2 half-days to plan and host the gathering, $29.95|TheGreatestSilence.org

6. Protect Congo’s forests. Support conservation work in Congo through Eric’s North American partners Zerofootprint. 2 minutes|ZeroFootprint.net

7. Urge President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to craft and implement an intelligent, comprehensive, diplomatic strategy to permanently deal with the Interahamwe, a.k.a. the FDLR. 2 minutes|Whitehouse.gov/contact

8. Friend me on Facebook. I post the latest news from Congo daily. 2 minutes|Friend me on Facebook!|Become a fan of A Thousand Sisters on Facebook!|Become a fan of Run For Congo Women on Facebook!\

9. Dream up something all your own, like I did!

*************

Readers: If all you can do is make a few phone calls to Congress, that’s good too. Click here to leave a message to Senators on their Facebook page. Don’t do Facebook? No problem. Just go to the left-hand column of my blog, where I have information on how to contact your Senators, and give them a quick call. Here’s an easy script, thanks to the Enough Project:

“Senator {Insert Name}, a penny per product is a worthy price for ensuring that our consumer purchases aren’t supporting a bloody and rapacious war in Congo. We all must recognize the full cost of our consumer products, and a penny is a small price to save human lives. Please join a bipartisan coalition in voting to keep conflict mineral audits and penalties in the Congo language that is part of the financial reform bill.”

Thank you!

Fatemah: Nice to hear from you. It has been awhile – I hope all is well!

Norman: Well I guess you got your question answered. Obama didn’t even give him the chance to step down – McChrystal was fired, ousted…and well deserved it was. I agree with you Doug, I too was hoping that Obama would simply jettison his ass.

Zen Lill: I know you can think of a great project for Lily’s school to bring about awareness. 

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)

                  

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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…”

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Good Morning!

I know many of you are expecting to see a photo of Zen Lill today, and you will.  She sent me 6 lovely photos to choose from, all pretty…ahem…focused, if I do say so myself, :) and honestly, I just couldn’t decide which one I liked the most to post. So I thought that I would have a little fun, and encourage you to join in. 

I decided that I would post all 6 photos and you be the judge of which one you like the best. I will post them in the order that I received them so that you know that I am not choosing to post them in any particular order myself.

I will post the first one today and post the remaining 5 at various times throughout my daily blogging. You, my loyal readers, can vote on your fave! Sound like fun? 

So without keeping you waiting, here’s ‘Number One’:

Readers: The voting is now open. The lines will only be open for the next 2 hours so get your votes in – the polls will close in 2 hours. Just kidding. At least I think I am, but who knows with this blog. :)

So…Blog this BABE. Let me know your thoughts…well at least let Zen Lill know. :) 

**********

B: Thank you for your open and honest comments about you and your family. I know that not all Islamic men feel that the women should be treated as second class citizens, and obviously you are one of them. Sending your girls away to France is good for them, but what about other women who can not find safety outside of their own country?

I realize your feelings also puts you in a tough position because you want to do what you can for the women in your life, and yet doing more threatens your life.

I know it is easy for me to say; I do not live in fear, but at some point, the men who feel as you do, need to stand up for and with the women, and fight for women’s rights along side of the women, even if it means possible death.  And encourage other like-minded men to do the same. It is one way that your country will move in the direction of change for women.

Women have to face this challenge everyday. They fear their lives everyday. Men who may feel as you do, in my opinion, should risk losing their lives too, for their wives, daughters, granddaughters, and the lives of women still yet to be born. 

I say the above statement lightly and with hesitation. As I said, you are in a tough position, because you have choice. The women have no choice. They do nothing or they do something, and the result is the same – they are abused, enslaved and fear death.  But you and other men like you, can choose to do something or nothing, and the results are very different. I can understand why you have feelings that disturb your breast.

My heart goes out to you and your family. And yes, you can count on me to continue to support women. 

Athena: Well said girl. I wish I had as much wisdom when I was your age. However, my worldly wisdom, told me that there was something more than just friendship between you and Homer, er…Philippe, and I guess I was right.  I love a girl who uses all of her assets…her brains and beauty. Don’t ever stop. :)

Hamilton: My pleasure. Thanks for taking a peek these past few months, and for commenting. Good question asked, and as a matter of fact I do. I was shopping the other day at Target looking for a few T-shirts that I wanted to creatively manipulate, and all I found were tees made in China. I didn’t buy them. I said to Doug when I got home that if I am going to be such a supporter of women, I have to be consistent and practice what I preach in all areas of my life. 

And the same goes for my Mac computer which I have had for over 5 years, and I got it from my old business partner. I don’t own an iphone, nor will I ever. I have had the same phone for almost as long. I am not saying that we need to stop buying products whose parts are made in China, but it would be good if we laid down some rules in regards to human rights, or we’ll take our business elsewhere. And we definitely need to have a consciousness about it, to make conscious decisions, and sadly many people don’t. 

I was at the Apple store the other night having my computer fixed, and the store, as always was packed with people. Are they aware that every electronic device they support leads to the plight of the Congo women? All because of the precious minerals that are used in computers and mined in the Congo. Unfortunately not. 

But the manufacturers aren’t innocent either. Do we really need a newly designed iphone or new mac computer every 6 months? No, but manufacturers, like yourself, are in the business  they are in to make money, and the more money the better. I am well aware that all it takes is a very small part in a computer to upgrade the computer, but that this specific part is not made to be replaceable. Therefore one needs to purchase an entire new computer. More minerals, more women dying.

We are a consumeristic society that feeds off of having the latest and greatest new electronic toys….all at the expense of women. And most of us aren’t even aware of it. While at the Apple store, I looked around at all the people excited about their new purchases. And all I thought about was that these people don’t even know what their new purchases are contributing to.

And my next thought was, ‘If they did would they care enough to make a difference?’ Would they stop buying or at least curb their desires? Or would they just stop for a moment, say, ‘How sad’, and then continue to consume at the insatiable rates that we do? It is the younger generation that is the biggest consumer and we need to enlighten them. 

So Hamilton, you are preaching to the choir. But I am so glad that  you asked. My question is: When will people’s lives be more important than the bottom line…more important than money? I hope that you will be inspired to move your business out of the Middle East.  I look forward to hearing from you again.

Glen: Now you bring tears to my eyes. Thank you. 

Qin: You’re very welcome. 

Igor: LOL – you and me both. 

Peace out beautiful people….

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’…

• …I get messages on Facebook and in my e-mail from men and women who want to talk to me…want to get to know me better.  I tell everyone the same thing: “Blog me.” Women seem to get it. The men? They don’t.

• …Why is it when Obama gets tough, the media says he’s going black. They mark him as just an angry back man. But when a white man get tough they’re just getting tough.  

• …That when the bombing of Baghdad began in August 2003, Bush said, “I think playing golf during a war sends the wrong signal.” Yet recorde show that he played golf for up to two months after the bombing. No one said anything to Bush; no one made remarks. And yet when Obama takes a day off to clear his mind and relax…play a game of golf, the media gets on his case big time. 

Again, I have to pause and make a comment. I am so disappointed in parts of the script of this movie. I think of how many young girls are watching and the messages that they are getting from these four girls that they so much want to emulate. Unfortunately it is the wrong message.

This movie had the opportunity to be so powerful for young women. It had the opportunity to show how women can be strong, seize their rightful and equal place in this world beside men, and expose the second class treatment of women in the Middle East.  Yet they chose to lead it into the direction that it is okay for women to be treated second class. It is okay for men to refuse to do business with a woman because a simple kiss in public is breaking the law, and yet on the other hand, it is okay that we as Americans do business with countries whose women are controlled, abused and enslaved by their men. Again, both instances are portrayed as okay, as long as it benefits him: Money in his pocket.  

Samantha, Carrie, Charlotte and Miranda are girls girls through and through…they always have been. But the writer blew it when the girls didn’t do what I expected of them. Especially Samantha. Wouldn’t it have been more in character for Samantha to refuse to do business with the hotel owner (instead of him refusing her), knowing that women are considered second class citizens? 

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Samantha is now just discovering how women are treated in the Middle East. She wasn’t born yesterday – But now she has had the opportunity to see how women are treated firsthand by visiting Abu Dhabi and witnessing men’s behavior. Would you ever think that Samantha would accept such treatment towards women from men, not to mention do business with the likes of such men? Never.

There was a few other scenes in that movie that I ‘just noticed’ that were out of character and sent a disappointing message, but I’ll wait patiently to hear from you and see if what I noticed, you did too. :) Hint Hint: ‘The pool scene’, and ‘Designer clothing’.

Speaking of Patience…

Teddy: Luscious Zen Lill is on the way. Tomorrow I’ll make your day. :)

Jackie: I have barely made it to three years here; ten seems so far away. But thank you for your faith. I hope that I can have some sort of good influence in many ways via this blog.

Homer: I have travelled to your beloved country quite a few times, however I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Patras. Greece has a very special place in my heart, and for some reason love has always been a part of it. I travelled there with friends, when I was younger, and Doug asked me to marry him while we were visiting the island of Patmos.

And if I were single, you would not need to come to America – I could be easily wooed with the temptation of the beauty and heat of Greece alone; it is one of my most fave places to ‘just be’, and some day I will go back. :) So thank you for the open invite and the honorary membership in your Macedonia Society. How delightful.

In regards to my passions; I have many passions. And you’re correct; when I put my mind, and heart, into something, I am pretty relentless about getting it. I am not always successful but I do give it my all.  

Lastly, no apologies necessary -happy to give good wet dreams from afar. :) However, in regards to your little lie, what was the point? I am sure that you knew Athena would be reading. Busted, bad boy. And I hope you didn’t stand her up for lunch too. Note: Girls pay attention and take note how boys treat their girlfriends. So I’m ‘just noticing…’

Athena: Let’s face it, men lie, women lie, people lie. I’m not giving Homer an excuse – you seem like good friends. There was no reason for him to lie to you. (Are you reading Homer?) How was lunch? I hope you were not alone.(Are you reading Homer?)

Anyway Athena, I love your name. Athena – beautiful. I don’t know if that is your real name or your blog moniker, but somehow I bet you are quite the goddess, and all that goes along with that name. :)

Peace and love to both of you. I am aware of the recent economic crisis in Greece – I hope that your country is on its way to a better place for all. 

Readers: Anything you’re ‘just noticing’?  Blog this BABE. 

See everyone tomorrow. 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"

Ten years that is. And no I am not speaking of my sex life, and enjoying the big ‘O’. Believe me it’s been way past ten years! :)

No , I am  talking about Oprah’s ‘O’ Magazine I have always been a big fan of her, her show, and her magazine. :) I think she has done wonders for women in so many ways, and I feel quite blessed that she has been in our lives. In fact,  I can’t wait to see what’s next for her.

So…today I want to congratulate Oprah for the 10th Anniversary of her ‘O’ Magazine! And, in perfect Oprah style, she congratulated all of her employees for their hard work and dedication by granting them lavish gifts. Would we expect anything less from her?

Oprah Hands Out IPads and Cash to Magazine Staffers

Call it the 2010 version of “You get a car, you get a car, you get a car, everybody gets a car!” Oprah Winfrey dropped by Hearst headquarters on Tuesday to mark the 10th anniversary of O, The Oprah Magazine, which emerged from a famously difficult launch process to become a powerhouse title.

And she gave every staffer an Apple iPad, a leather iPad case with the staffer’s initials, and a check for $10,000, regardless of how long the staffer had worked there.

A Hearst spokeswoman confirmed the visit and gifts. “These were personal gifts to the staff from Oprah to thank them for their hard work and dedication to the magazine,” the spokeswoman said.

In 2004 Ms. Winfrey gave each member of her show’s studio audience a Pontiac G6. General Motors, which provided the cars for the publicity, later discontinued the Pontiac brand.

But we’re pretty sure the iPad has a brighter future. And $10,000 in cash will never go out of style.

Readers: And, I don’t think being a fan of Oprah will ever go out of style either. 

************

Doug: My pleasure. Good luck. I hope that your lifelong dream becomes a reality for you. 

Hey Zen Lill: I got your pics. Thanks. I didn’t realize that stripe top was the one I gave you…couldn’t visualize what you were speaking of until I saw it. I have an idea in mind so stay tuned. Sorry we did not connect yesterday. I was with a client until 6 last night. We’ll chat soon. Enjoy the weekend!

Emily: Thank you. Encouragement is always appreciated. And there are some days that I really need it. Today was one of them, so thanks. :)

Christie: Funny and so true…I’ve heard that exclamation many a times in that same situation. :) Ah…the power of the _ _ _ _ _. You fill in the spaces. (Hint Hint….the word was included in Nate’s joke.)

Igor: The TAO is out. And sorry I have no alien jokes to replace their presence. 

Gilda: I too am so sorry for the loss of your sister. Your comment was a good reminder to all of us. 

Jalalabad: Maddie is a busy GirlZ, but I know that when she is able she will go back to Iran. Keep strong and stay safe. 

Lots of love…peacin’ 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

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Good Morning…

I was out last night swapping clothes with some girlfriends. A good friend of mine always gives me the heads up and we head out together. This particular group of women I am not that close to, and most of them I only see when I go to these swaps, but I never miss attending one – I have so much fun.

Most of the women that attend these swaps have a pretty limited income, so thrift store shopping  and clothes swapping are their main ways of acquiring clothing. I rarely find something that I just have to have, but honestly I don’t go for the clothing; I really go for the conversation and connection to these women, and the excitement that I get to witness on their faces from  the new-to-you finds.

It brings me joy in more than just one way, knowing that I am doing a good thing by swapping clothing. When I see a woman pick up a garment that has been worn and adored by the previous owner, and now brings a smile to her face, it makes me smile.  I smile because it makes me happy to see women running around in their glory, swapping clothing, tossing a skirt, or a sweater, or a shirt, to a friend or a stranger, who they think would look good in it…laughing…drinking…having girl fun…I just love it. 

I also smile because it may be simple, it may be small, and for most people they may not even give it a second thought as I do, but knowing the damage that manufacturing of clothing does on the environment, I am grateful that women such as myself and others get so much pleasure from passing on something once loved, to another who will love it more, and pass it on…and on…and on…And yes, every once in a while I do find a gem myself that makes me so giddy. :)

…so I missed Obama’s address on the BP spill and his plan to move forward with clean energy last night. I watched it this morning, and as much as I am sickened by the damage that the oil is doing, I can’t help but think that if something like this didn’t happen we would still be drilling down miles deep with clean energy just a distant dream. Now it is a goal, and one that will be challenging, but I believe totally reachable. Now it the time. 

I certainly wish that we and so many innocent others didn’t have to endure such a drastic lesson that we brought upon ourselves, forcing us to finally make a change that is better for us…for all. I wish that we could’ve had the foresight, the care, the urgency, a lot sooner than now. But our MO until now has always been reactive instead of preventative. Perhaps now we will finally have a nation that truly thinks of our future…at least I believe that we have an administration that does. 

In case you were out  having fun as I was, and missed Obama’s speech, here it is: 

The President addresses the American people from the Oval Office for the first time on the ongoing Administration-wide response to the BP oil spill and America’s clean energy future.

And following is part of an email that I received from the Obama Administration:

The President presented a vision of a future where we as a nation are not held hostage by our dependence on fossil fuels — and a plan for an economy that invests in energy generated right here and creates jobs for millions of Americans in the process. Under his leadership, some of this is beginning to take shape — clean energy is starting to put people back to work across the country, building more efficient cars and trucks, repurposing old factories to manufacture wind turbines, and investing in research that will discover new energy technologies.

Critics will say that a real transition to clean energy is a challenge that can’t be met. But the President made it clear tonight that he will not back down — even if the path forward is not easy. And, as this movement has shown time and again, neither will we.

You are one of hundreds of thousands who have already stood with President Obama for a clean-energy future. Washington has put this off for far too long — America must act. We need your help today to show strong support for the President’s vision for a clean-energy future. Please pass on this email to five friends today — and ask them to join you in standing with the President:

http://my.barackobama.com/CleanEnergyFuture

Readers:  Now is the time more than ever for us to go for clean energy. 

Zen Lill: Kudos for opening the blog up :) Please tell Miss Lilly that I am proud of her  - congrats on her accomplishments – too cool. 

Are you kidding me: I don’t think I have a spaceship; I know I have one. And yes, it is that big. But don’t worry, I am not out to dupe anyone of their wealth. :)

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 :)

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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"