I found this article on the Huff the other day while perusing the net. The title:

Iranian Protesters should be Time Magazine’s “Persons Of The Year 2009″

It almost happened on Friday, June 12, 2009. At some point, and some point soon, we will see a separation of mosque and state in Iran. The mix of state and religion in modern Iran provides the Islamic Republic with the pretext for the most violent forms of political suppression in the name of religion. What is happening in Iran today is in the context of crimes against humanity.

We all recall the horrifying atrocities and political unrest that broke out after incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disputed re-election-many thousands took part in peaceful protests and demonstrations across the country, condemning both the process and outcome of the election-only to be confronted by the Basij militiamen.

If an innocent girl is shot halfway across the world, does she make a sound? Yes, and the whole world hears her. The devastating and cataclysmic murder of Neda Agha-Soltan (1982-2009) is referred to by many as the face of the Freedom Movement and a powerful symbol of opposition to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Neda died on Saturday, June 20, 2009 from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Her final moments were captured on a cell phone which shows her walking near an anti-government demonstration. The faces of the crowd rarely have come into focus. But the portrait of one woman, modestly covered with a headscarf tells us more than a crowd trying to avoid tear gas. “It’s heartbreaking,” President Obama said, referring to the video of the woman the world has come to know simply as Neda, which means “divine calling” in Farsi. “And I think anyone who sees it knows there’s something fundamentally unjust about it.”

Human rights activists took action around the world in solidarity with people of Iran, to demonstrate international solidarity with those whose human rights are being abused. Peaceful public demonstrations were held in more than 105 cities, including Barcelona, Beirut, Caracas, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Dakar, Istanbul, London, Montevideo, Ouagadougou, Prague and Santiago. The freedom fighters called for the protection of freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of the press, as guaranteed by the Iranian Constitution and Iran’s obligations under international human rights covenants, the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience, including journalists, students and civil society activists, an end to state-sponsored violence and accountability for crimes committed by state officials, and the immediate initiation of a UN investigation into the grave and systematic human rights violations which have taken place.

The events that unfolded in Iran following the contested presidential election have transfixed the world. Much of the information that came out of (and into) the country traveled over social media services as a result of censorship and blocking of communications systems by the government.

The crisis in Iran has allowed Twitter, the microblogging service, to mature into a legitimate and important communication tool. Twitter has played such a prominent role in allowing mobilization and documentation of the Iranian opposition that the US State Department at one point even asked the company to put off a scheduled maintenance so that Iranians could continue using the service. Pete Cashmore, CEO and founder of Mashable.com, even posted an article: HOW TO: Track Iran Election with Twitter and Social Media. Through the use of social media to broadcast messages and images to the world, we all witnessed protesters being beaten and arrested. It was hard footage to watch because these were not violent crowds. The violence is all on the other side. It’s like watching a movie that we know will end badly. These people, young, middle aged, and old, are voting with their bodies. They, in the true sense of the expression, put themselves on the line.

The question that always surfaces around this time of year is: who should be Time Magazine’s Person of the Year? This is being discussed in offices, schools and homes around the world. And it all happens the week before Christmas. TIME is polling its readers and currently leading all candidates are the Iran Protesters. The courage these women and men have demonstrated is worthy of our shock and awe.

Readers: I am so pleased that the Iranian protesters are being recognized and are amongst those considered to be named “Time Magazine’s “Person(s) Of The Year 2009″, and one that I personally feel is valid. Obviously others do too as the Iranian protesters are ranked number one, right above our president, and I will add, ‘with quite the lead’. :) Agree? Disagree? Who will you vote to be “Person(s) Of The Year 2009″? Blog us your vote. It’s Friday – Flap your lips if you’re able. It’s awfully quite in blogsville.

Peacin’ out….

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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IROBI, Kenya — The mistaken belief that albino body parts have magical powers has driven thousands of Africa’s albinos into hiding, fearful of losing their lives and limbs to unscrupulous dealers who can make up to $75,000 selling a complete dismembered set.

Mary Owido, who lacks pigment that gives color to skin, eyes and hair, says she is only comfortable when at work or at home with her husband and children.

“Wherever I go people start talking about me, saying that my legs and hands can fetch a fortune in Tanzania,” said Owido, 36, a mother of six. “This kind of talk scares me. I am afraid of going out alone.”

Since 2007, 44 albinos have been killed in Tanzania and 14 others have been slain in Burundi, sparking widespread fear among albinos in East Africa.

At least 10,000 have been displaced or gone into hiding since the killings began, according to a report released this week by the International Federation for the Red Cross and Crescent societies.

East Africa’s latest albino murder happened in Tanzania’s Mwanza region in late October, when albino hunters beheaded 10-year-old Gasper Elikana and chopped off his leg, the report said. The killing left Elikana’s father, who tried to defend his son, seriously injured.

Albinism is a hereditary condition, but occurs only when both parents have albinism genes. All six of Owido’s children have normal skin color.

African albinos endure insults, discrimination and segregation throughout their lives. They also have a high risk of contracting skin cancer in a region where many jobs are outdoors.

Owido, a high school teacher in the western Kenyan town of Ahero, says she was forced to transfer from a better teaching job on the Kenya-Tanzania border town of Isebania in 2008 after an albino girl she knew was murdered and her body parts chopped off.

The surge in the use of albino body parts as good luck charms is a result of “a kind of marketing exercise by witch doctors,” the International Federation for the Red Cross and Crescent societies said.

The report says the market for albino parts exists mainly in Tanzania, where a complete set of body parts – including all limbs, genitals, ears, tongue and nose – can sell for $75,000. Wealthy buyers use the parts as talismans to bring them wealth and good fortune.

“Albinism is one of the most unfortunate vulnerabilities,” said International Federation for the Red Cross and Crescent societies Secretary General Bekele Geleta. “And it needs to be addressed immediately at an international level.”

The chairman of the Albino Association of Kenya, Isaac Mwaura, called the murders deplorable but said the killings have given albinos a platform to raise awareness.

Almost 90 percent of albinos living in the region were raised by single mothers, Mwaura said, because the fathers believed their wives were having affairs with white men.

“When I was born my father said his family tree doesn’t have such children and left us,” Mwaura said.

Some African communities believe that albinos are harbingers of disaster, while others mistakenly think albinos are mentally retarded and discourage their parents from taking them to school, saying it’s a waste of money, he said.

Due to a lack of education, many albinos are illiterate and are forced into menial jobs, exposing them to the sun and skin cancer, he said. Those who manage to finish school face discrimination in the work place and are never considered for promotions.

“People are very blind to albinism but it is very visible. Now that we have this issue in Tanzania is when people have started to talk about albinism,” Mwaura said. “Before there was a studious silence.”

What a dire dichotomy these Albino people face. On the one hand, they are revered for their body parts, talismans, to bring wealth and good fortune. Unfortunately for the albinos, their body ‘parts’ are the fetching factors and death is the sickening sine qua non.  And on the other hand they are worth nothing, a waste of money, not worthy of an education, assumed mentally retarded, and deserving only of menial jobs with never being considered for promotions.

This world is so barbaric – Can people just let people live in peace?

Readers: Thoughts?  Comments? Quips? You know what to do.

Doug: Thanks for the lead today.

Peter: I hope for the welfare of the people of Guam they are listening too. Hafa Adai.

Peace out…..

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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 2009

" 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 slept late this morning, but got up in just enough time to watch the last set of the men’s Wimbledon finals between Federer and Roddick. Sorry folks but my rooting wasn’t for Roddick; I’m  a fan of Federer.

We can talk about the exciting game; the amazing never-ending 5th set…we can chat about the fact that Federer won his 15th Grand Slam Title…or even, in my opinion, the poor-sport attitude from Roddick during the awards ceremony….and by all means do so.

For me….I want to talk about FASHION: The Cool & Calm look vs the Sloppy & Sweaty.  And if you saw the game you know exactly what I’m talkin’ about.

Federer didn’t let his country down when it came to winning Wimbledon, nor when it came to his tennis threads. Federer’s fashionable fitted attire, thanks to Nike, was modern, hip and cool and not just in a visual sense. Starting at the top,  Federer’s headband was the perfect choice for a drip-less day on the court, preventing even a splash of sweat on his brow, not to mention allowing a cool breeze to finger its way through his gorgeous tousled locks. Moving down….his fitted shirt; tight enough to show off that lean bod, the fabric melding in sync with his movements, yet not too tight to restrict his flow. And the shorts; again fitted (and yes butt-hugging too:) but a slightly longer, leaner look – the classic tennis mixed with a young and modernistic twist. Oh and did ya check out Federer’s logo? Too cool. Conclusion:  Nike, you got it goin’ good; like Federer, you’re a winner on and off the court.

Now on the other side of the net…

And this is not to take away from Roddick rockin’ the court – that he did. His power serve is definitely something to be proud of. But guy, you’re tennis threads were downright dumpy….way passé.  You may be our Americano star of the court, but your archaic attire has got to retire. Lacoste is just too conservative and old mannish. Not to mention that every second you weren’t swingin’ the racket you were fussin’ with that sweaty sloppy shirt, that was nothing but a rumpled mess. Were you feeling the heat? Evidently. When you weren’t tugging at your shirt, you were adjusting your cap, toweling the sweat from your face. Your hair was so drenched, the winds could’ve been blowing as fast as your serve and it would have still remained pasted to the back of you neck.  Lose the Lacoste cap. And the shorts? A bit too baggy for my liking. Your butt was behind the times. Conclusion:  Lacoste, like Roddick, you lost your cool and lost on the court too.

Readers: Comments? You agree? Disagree? Blog me.

~~~~~~~~~

Yancy:  Who knows. I suppose my blog was visible to only me for a few hours? Hopefully you are seeing what I am seeing.

Again, there is much chit chat about Palin. She is back in the press, and I can see she will be a hot topic again. I’m done for the day – sorry for the late post.  But hey, a girl deserves a break every once in awhile. Enjoy!

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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 2009

" 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"

…take a look at yourself and make the change.”

Didn’t Michael Jackson say it best?

I love this song…this video. Michael Jackson’s performance of “Man in the Mirror” live at the 1988 Grammy Awards with a Gospel Choir, is one of the most inspiring songs to hear and watch. Michael is magical. I can’t help but be moved to tears. His words are words that speak to me today…words whose meaning is even stronger than they were, when he first blessed us with this amazing and beautiful song. His words have meaning and a message that we all need to listen to, for his words are modern and meaningful….especially now.

Michael.…”You are one of the greatest musicians and entertainers of all time. Your work is genius. You as a person, your music and your moves, move me like no other. I will miss your aliveness, your passion, and your childlike nature that allowed your talent to shine. I will miss you. You are gone but your spirit lives on….”

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

Readers: I have read all of your comments and I do want to respond. I have some time this morning but I really just want to end it here.  I encourage all of you to listen to Michael’s song. If his words don’t inspire you to make the change, I don’t know what will. Michael’s words have been my mantra for the past 24 hours….I can’t seem to get them out of my mind….and I think that’s a good thing.

Peace & Love: “Live it, Give it!”

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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 2009

" 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…

Anna:  I do hope that one day soon I will make it out there. I would love to meet you and Peter and all of your Chamorro friends.  A lot is going on with Guam…from the discovery of the Alien shuttlecraft in the Mariana Islands, to the circulation of your new Guam Quarter.  So in light of the latter, this article is dedicated to you Anna, and all of the Chamorros.

Readers: I wanted to share the little Gift that Anna sent me from Guam last week. I am now the proud owner of two Guam Quarters.  They just went into circulation this past May 26th, and I am delighted to have them in my little hands – Thank you again Anna for such a thoughtful gesture!  Check ‘em out.

Cool huh? The Guamanians, I am sure, are so proud, not to mention all of the people of the Mariana Islands.  I’m excited for them that their homeland is featured. Read on…

The Guam Quarter was released into circulation on May 26, 2009. This was the third release of the 2009 DC & US Territories Quarter Program. This program is a follow up to the popular 50 State Quarters Program.

The design features most prominently, an outline of the island of Guam. Two symbols associated with the island are also pictured. At left is a sailing vessel known as the “Flying Proa” for its great speed. At right is a Latte, a stone pillar used in ancient houses. The reverse was designed by David Westwood and sculpted by Jim Licaretz.

The inscriptions read “Guam,” “Guahan I Tanó ManChamorro,” (translated: Guam- Land of the Chamorro), “E Pluribus Unum,” and the date. The second inscription refers to Chamorro, one of the official languages of Guam which holds an important place in Guam’s identity as a link to their ancestors. It’s usage is seeing a renaissance in Guam and the Mariana Islands.

Another proposed design included a depiction of the Flying Proa sailing within the East Hagåtña Bay. A coconut tree appeared to the right and Two Lovers Point was in the background. The residents of Guam made their design selection based on a popular vote.

An official launch ceremony for the Guam Quarter was held on June 4, 2009 at Skinner Plaza in Hagatna, Guam. The ceremony was hosted by US Mint Director Edmund Moy and Guam Governor Felix P Camacho. After the ceremony children were given a free Guam Quarter and adults were allowed to exchange bills for new rolls of coins. Prior to the ceremony, a collectors coin forum was held.

The Guam Quarter Mint is the lowest so far for the US Territories Quarters Program. There were only 42,600,000 coins produced at the Denver Mint and 45,000,000 produced at the Philadelphia Mint. This low mintage might lead many to consider this a key date coin.

Coin Specifications:

• Mintage: 45,000,000 (Philadelphia), 42,600,000 (Denver)
• Designers: William Cousins after John Flanagan (obverse), David Westwood (reverse)
• Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad), 90% silver, 10% copper (silver proof)
• Diameter: 24.26 mm
  
• Weight: 5.67 grams
  
• Thickness: 1.75 mm
  
• Edge: Reeded

If you are a collector, no doubt, you would want to purchase a few of your own Guam Quarters and add them to your own collection.  I have never been a collector of much and I doubt that I am going to start now, but I do  love being introduced to something new. And I love surrounding myself with unique little specialties. And these coins are one of them – I can’t wait to show them around and brag. You bet I will. Ah…it is the little things in life :)

That is all I have time for this morning. Please continue as you do and chat amongst yourselves. I’ll catch ya later.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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 2009

" 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"