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

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

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

We explain how they work and how to avoid them.

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

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

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1c5axKoLPmtWfo&b=YzeeTODG1Ccd1MrXc2jHlA

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

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

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

The Beijing Tea Scam

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Turkey Trot

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

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

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

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

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

Not So Ancient Wonders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mayan Dollar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It Didn’t Look Like That in the Brochure

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

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

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

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

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That Volcano!

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

Now, travelers who have been genuinely stranded are targets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

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

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

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

John Curley Photography

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

Oceanographic Sensor Installed in Cetti Bay

Guam – NOAA’s Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) has completed the installation of the first Guam oceanographic sensor package in Cetti Bay.

This sensor array has already begun taking water quality measurements including temperature, salinity, turbidity, pressure, and chlorophyll concentrations and will soon stream the data in real-time over the internet.

“We hope that this sensor array will help the people of Guam monitor changes in water quality that result from watershed restoration projects,”said Jason Biggs, assistant professor of Biology at UOG and PacIOOS Guam representative.  “This is the first of many systems PacIOOS hopes to deploy in Guam over the coming years.”

UOG Sea Grant and PacIOOS seek input on needs for future sensor deployment in Guam and the other US territories in the insular Pacific.

PacIOOS is the Pacific regional component of the larger National Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) and is being run in partnership?with the University of Guam and Hawai’i Sea Grant College Programs and the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.  In addition to water?quality, PacIOOS measures variables in the coastal waters of the insular Pacific related to coastal hazards, ocean circulation, and ecosystem?health and diversity.

“The University of Guam Sea Grant College Program invite all interested persons to join us during the second Guam PacIOOS Stakeholders’ Workshop, which will be held in the UOG College of Natural and Applied Sciences CNAS) room 127, from 11 am to 4 pm, on July 22, 2010,” said Biggs. For more information please contact the Guam PacIOOS Liaison, Dr. Jason S. Biggs (UOGML),or visit www.pacioos.org.

**********

Your Government: I said that I would get back to you about the trench. I’m getting back to you. I don’t know shit about the trench.

Peter: I’m sure you have something to say about my write today. In regards to yesterday, it is really a shame. I HOPE that with the help of the park, these birds will be able to be removed from the endangered list and be able to be returned to their homes. Of course the brown tree snake issue needs to be rectified too. Hafa adai.

Anonymous: Cute.

Lara: Believe me you can’t rush destiny – I have tried. She takes her dear old time. :) Try to be patient and enjoy your life here – Life is a beautiful, rich, exciting journey, not a means to an end. I have no doubt you being here on Earth is a very good thing for now; for you, for many. Keep doing what you’re doing and know that it matters. :)

Wayne: Hmm…interesting. I am assuming that is your life experience. I am sorry that it is that way for you. Maybe the ones that don’t go away are the ones that have the most to teach.

Aalberts: Yeah I remember flying somewhere used to be easy, fun, and reasonable. Now you have to show up hours early, wait in lines, small bag or pay extra – no liguids, and beg for peanuts – literally. Thanks for posting. We get nothing, and now we even pay for things we got for free before,  and the corps are keeping all of the profits – where are our bennies? In their pockets of course.

Anonymous: I think the princess will want to make up for the lost ardor.

Bob: Another cute one.

That’s it for me. Happy Monday. I HOPE that it is the beginning of a brilliant week. Peace out.

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

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

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

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

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

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

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

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

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

John Curley Photography

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

‘Just noticing’…

• …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"

Good Morning!

Would you like to travel with Julie Scardina on the final sail of the Kapitan Khlebnikov and see the Emperor Penguins in Antarctica? I sure would if I could! Yeah, but ‘who’s Julie Scardina’ you may be asking? Julie is not only a fellow animal lover, but an Animal Ambassador for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. This could be the trip of a lifetime – wanna go?

So…now that you know and if you answered, ‘Yes!, Yes!’, why not enter the competition and see if you could be the lucky person who actually gets to travel with Julie. How cool would that be? Read on if you’re interested in knowing how:

Turn Your Love of Wildlife and the Environment into a $45,000 Trip of a Lifetime.

Share your passion for the environment in 300 words or less and you and a guest could travel with Julie Scardina on a Snow Island Hill Safari to see Emperor Penguins in Antarctica!

Join Julie on one of the final sailings of the legendary icebreaker, Kapitan Khlebnikov. As Animal Ambassador for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, she will share fascinating behind-the-scene stories of animal training and conservation.

Tell the world why you should Adventure with Julie and encourage people to vote for you. On August 31, 2010, if your entry has received the most votes, you could win! This October 2010 voyage is already sold out, so winning is the only way you can get onboard.

Turn your love of conservation into the trip of a lifetime! Learn more about how to enter and vote below.

And speaking of voting…if you can’t make the trip but would love to support someone in reaching their goal, there are plenty of people who are entering the competition. Peruse the entries and pick your fave. Doug is my fave; he has a big love for animals too. He is such a love with our beloved Lucy, and has been so helpful at home when we have fostered pups…so yes, he has my vote…but then I am a bit partial. :)

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

Jeff: What a delightful poem (I think) You sure your name shouldn’t be ‘Tom’?

Al: I know you are reading. I hope that you are reading the comments to – they could be very helpful for you. I hope that you are doing better. 

Ruth: Thanks for bringing it home. Your addition was a goody. Hope all is well with you. Say hello to Evelyn and the girls.

Anna: I second that. :)

Emily: Good one. I know a few people like Phil :) Welcome back.

Got to go…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!

Doug sent this to me the other day and I wanted to post it today. (Thanks Doug!) This is a video from a Ted conference. Brian Skerry, the guest speaker, who has a love for the underworld and all of its beautiful life,  is an amazing photographer who gives us a peek at the ocean’s glory and horror.  If you are a lover of the ocean and all its beauty, like I am, and how can you not, I think you’ll enjoy and appreciate Skerry’s perspective.

I titled my write this morning, from a quote that stuck with me that Skerry said in his talk. “The ocean is not a grocery store”. I never thought of it that way, and yet we treat it that way. This is how we treat the life that sustains us…by taking and taking and taking as if there will always be more to take…an endless supply, as if ‘someone’ is going to continue to stock the sea for us. But there isn’t and there won’t be unless it’s us – unless we give back to the ocean by not taking.

The ocean, and all that lives there, doesn’t have time to replenish itself and thrive because of the impact we make by our take. And just what are we giving back?

Readers: It’s our time to give back.  Thoughts? Blog me.

Zen Lill: I’ll have to check that website out. Thanks for the gratitude. :) I miss writing those to my friends and family. I so enjoyed it when I did. I was hoping that it would get paid forward in some way and I think it did. Speaking of gratitude, I see many of your admirers showed you some gratitude. :)

Una: Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. :)

Mike: That is a great question. I’m sure MSNBC is but you know FOX isn’t addressing that question. And I find that our society moves so quickly that people only take notice of what is currently being repeatedly said. To blame Obama for this is just ridiculous. Opinions can be so short-sighted and lazy. ‘Selective’ memory comes to mind too.

Beatrice: My Intro for the day was all about ZL. And while I don’t doubt you are a hot chick, I posted her photo because Zen Lill is a regular visitor to my blog and I thought Zen Lill’s admirers would like a peek at her prettiness.

Anon: Believe me, I know. But to answer you, ‘No you are not being shelved for ZL.’ She is just a good pal – Plus ZL’s has voiced she’s not into women. Besides that, I don’t believe either of us are each other’s type. Hmm…do I have a type? Not sure if I do – I appreciate all women in their glory – Anyway…So if I am yours, make yourself known.  :)

Homer: Good point. Typical stance for hypocrites isn’t it?

Frances and Connie: I can not imagine what it must be like to live there. Katrina was more than enough, and now this. I feel for you and everyone there.  Perhaps this hard lesson will lead us to a cleaner source of energy sooner.

Gary: Do you see me smiling as I read your write? I am. Thank you for your kind words – such a delightful read.

Sylvia: Thanks for posting that very informative article. I hope the best for your brother.

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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