We went to the movies last night with Elliot and Tracey.  We saw “Eat, Poop, Sleep”…I mean, “Eat, Lay, Poop, Pray”. No, no that wasn’t it…It was called “Eat, Pray, Love”. Yeah, that’s it. :) ( T & E: That joke was a nod to you both:)

What can I say, I loved it. The reviews haven’t been so good, but I still loved it. I read the book years ago when it first came out, and I devoured every page as fast as I could, only stopping to savor the sensual sensory scenes, of which there are quite a few. I happily ate it for days, and felt bittersweet and full when I finished.

It is based on a true life story of Elizabeth Gilbert, a writer, who has a cathartic moment crying on her bathroom floor, realizing that she doesn’t want to have children or be married anymore. It is a moment that so many who have read her book can connect with, relate to, in some aspect of their lives. When we are wanting to drop everything and leave our familiarities and comfort zone behind, risking everything in search for self-discovery, our meaning, our joy, our passion.

Many people just dream about it….Liz Gilbert did it. Gilbert left for a year long trip to Italy, India and Indonesia on a journey of self-discovery. During her trip to Bali she pursued two healers, a medicine man Ketut Liyar, and Wayan, a traditional Balinese healer, to talk of her “relationship”.

I want to honor her today as a “Wonderful Woman Of The World”, because her story, her book has had a huge impact on the people that have read it. Enough to have her as a guest on Oprah’s show three times because her story has resonated with so many. Pretty amazing. Women, and possibly men, who have read her write, have been so inspired, that they too decided that they too had the courage to risk everything, to find their appetite for life again. How cool is that?

The interesting thing about Gilbert’s story is that not only has she inspired others to risk everything for change, but even more interesting is the fact that quite a few not only left their comfort zone but followed Gilbert’s path. Literally. Women too have left on their own journey to Bali in pursuit of these two healers Ketut and Wayan, hoping that they too could be told hints of their life’s purpose…their destiny.

In fact, one of my most fave clients Lise, who after reading “Eat, Pray, Love”, left with her husband on a journey to Bali for a month, and part of her purpose was to find these two healers that she had read about. Two years later after her visit with Ketut who spoke two words to Lise, “Make pretty”, and experiencing Wayan’s “treatment”, and much hard work and research, her beauty company Mubeauty was launched. I have not bought Lise’s daily moisturizing complex (yet!), Muface, but when I was working with her during a style session she put the oil mixture on my face, and I really loved how it made my face feel! Yummy smell and my face felt as smooth as silk. And of course I loved that it was all natural. (Disclamier: No I am not getting any kickbacks from Mubeauty.)

Anyway, rarely when I read a book does the movie hold its own. I thought this movie did. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it. Here’s the trailer to whet your appetite…for love, for food, for peace of mind, for travel…for HOPE…

Readers: Well… what do you think? Blog me.

*********

Robert: Who are you? And I ask the question with respect and admiration. You seem to be a man in the know…one who is privy to info…one who has lots of time..Nope no…I take that back.  One who dedicates time and is persistent in finding the truth. Thank you for sharing so much good info on my blog. You push me to want to know more. Have you ever thought of starting your own blog? You would certainly have a following. But hey, I don’t want to encourage you too much – I’d hate to lose your input here. :)

I am running late this morning…Big day, big plans. Got to run…but first I must say…

…to all of my Burning Man friends, and new friends that I will miss meeting this time around, and especially Neal, Forrest, Ellen, Justyna, and John: “Sandman” and I couldn’t make it this year…but we’re thinking of you and wishing you a beautiful burn tonight! Neal, I will especially miss riding on the back of your turtle, and dancing to the Space Cowboys. John, love the photos you took of me awhile back, but really miss how much fun we had. I saw some of your photos from this year’s BM set up – awesome! Looking forward to next year in the desert, so I can be your subject again when I am in my most fave and free element! Wish we were there with all of you….be safe and burn on… xoxo~ “Cactus Flower”

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…”

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

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" 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 was surfing the net when I came upon a  poem written by Maya Angelou. I have heard so many wonderful things about her for many years, and when I found her website and started reading, I began to realize what an amazing woman she truly is.

Today, I decided I would honor her as a Wonderful Woman Of The World, and share what I discovered. I think you’ll find her pretty wonderful too. What can I say, she kinda captured my heart. :)

Global Renaissance Woman

Dr. Maya Angelou is one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. Hailed as a global renaissance woman, Dr. Angelou is a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist.

Born on April 4th, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Angelou was raised in St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas. In Stamps, Dr. Angelou experienced the brutality of racial discrimination, but she also absorbed the unshakable faith and values of traditional African-American family, community, and culture.

As a teenager, Dr. Angelou’s love for the arts won her a scholarship to study dance and drama at San Francisco’s Labor School. At 14, she dropped out to become San Francisco’s first African-American female cable car conductor. She later finished high school, giving birth to her son, Guy, a few weeks after graduation. As a young single mother, she supported her son by working as a waitress and cook, however her passion for music, dance, performance, and poetry would soon take center stage.

In 1954 and 1955, Dr. Angelou toured Europe with a production of the opera Porgy and Bess. She studied modern dance with Martha Graham, danced with Alvin Ailey on television variety shows and, in 1957, recorded her first album, Calypso Lady. In 1958, she moved to New York, where she joined the Harlem Writers Guild, acted in the historic Off-Broadway production of Jean Genet’s The Blacks and wrote and performed Cabaret for Freedom.

In 1960, Dr. Angelou moved to Cairo, Egypt where she served as editor of the English language weekly The Arab Observer. The next year, she moved to Ghana where she taught at the University of Ghana’s School of Music and Drama, worked as feature editor for The African Review and wrote for The Ghanaian Times.

During her years abroad, Dr. Angelou read and studied voraciously, mastering French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and the West African language Fanti. While in Ghana, she met with Malcolm X and, in 1964, returned to America to help him build his new Organization of African American Unity.

Shortly after her arrival in the United States, Malcolm X was assassinated, and the organization dissolved. Soon after X’s assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. asked Dr. Angelou to serve as Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. King’s assassination, falling on her birthday in 1968, left her devastated.

With the guidance of her friend, the novelist James Baldwin, she began work on the book that would become I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Published in 1970, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was published to international acclaim and enormous popular success. The list of her published verse, non-fiction, and fiction now includes more than 30 bestselling titles.

A trailblazer in film and television, Dr. Angelou wrote the screenplay and composed the score for the 1972 film Georgia, Georgia. Her script, the first by an African American woman ever to be filmed, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

She continues to appear on television and in films including the landmark television adaptation of Alex Haley’s Roots (1977) and John Singleton’s Poetic Justice (1993). In 1996, she directed her first feature film, Down in the Delta. In 2008, she composed poetry for and narrated the award-winning documentary The Black Candle, directed by M.K. Asante.

Dr. Angelou has served on two presidential committees, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000, the Lincoln Medal in 2008, and has received 3 Grammy Awards. President Clinton requested that she compose a poem to read at his inauguration in 1993. Dr. Angelou’s reading of her poem “On the Pulse of the Morning” was broadcast live around the world.

Dr. Angelou has received over 30 honorary degrees and is Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.

Dr. Angelou’s words and actions continue to stir our souls, energize our bodies, liberate our minds, and heal our hearts.

*******

Janet: It seems you and ZL were the only ones who could get in. Thanks for being persistent, and confirming my find. Pretty scary. I rarely use our microwave but now I am ready to dump it. In fact, it’s out the door.

Zen Lill: Hey there. iphones are meant to break down if you ask me. They count on their customers to always want the newest, hence they don’t need to last long. Why support them? I say ban the iphone. When everyone has one, it just isn’t cool anymore. Do you like to wear clothing that everyone has? “Nope.” Go for taking a stance, making a point, and being your unique self. Just my two. :)

Peace out.. HOPE you all are enjoying your weekend – I am!

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

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

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

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

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

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

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

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

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

John Curley Photography

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

I love Hummingbirds. I am fascinated by them. I am intrigued by their tiny size, and the hum of their fast fluttering wings. Every so often a hummingbird surprises us and flies into our garden. I am delighted when I catch a fleeting glimpse, captivated by its magical movements.

I am always left wishing for more. And if I am lucky, and my wish comes true, I am blessed with a face-off: A brief moment of one hovering, fluttering in my face..only to dash away again in search of the perfect flower full of nectar. It is a split second thrill and one I am can never get enough of.

So I have to say that when I discovered wildlife cinematographer/producer Ann Johnson Prum, who with today’s technology was able to capture the enchanting lives of hummingbirds in a way that has never been seen before, I was excited.

By using a hi-speed computer controlled camera called the Phantom, she is able to slow down the actions of these little hummers, so that we get the opportunity to really see just what these fast little flyers actually do in their daily lives.  By watching in slow mo, our fleeting glimpses turn into moments of magic.

If you are a lover of birds, and even in you aren’t, this is simply wonderful. Congratulations to Prum for her fine work, allowing us to see, discover, and enjoy the intimate secret lives, of one of life’s little pleasures.

Hummingbirds: Magic In The Air

Readers: Charming yes? If you would like to see more click here to see entire documentary.

Doug: I knew you would especially enjoy this.

*********

Felicia: I must’ve missed your comment when I was posting. Congratulations on your weight loss. I HOPE that you keep it off for good.

Ricky, Lloyd, Urkel: My pleasure. Keep us posted…would love to hear how the competition plays  out. I am a huge MAC fan, but I think the fame is going to their heads a bit. I would like to see some stiff competition give them a run for their money.

Trish: Thanks for the compliment. But Horace really said it best by taking the time needed to say what I didn’t have time to say yesterday. Thanks Horace. My sentiments exactly. :)

Bob: The mood on this blog can always use a good lightening up, so you are very welcome to do just that.

Ai-Mu: A good observation. Time will tell.

Josh: Hmm… interesting - No I did not see that hidden clue but I am not a big believer in coincidences. 100 calls – really?! Wow. Love playing the lottery though. Lately I have been winning…Now It’s my time to collect the biggie!

Bdb: Now that was funny.

Readers: FYI: There are so many wonderful informative comments posted here. Please do not be offended if I do not respond to one, (even if you are directly commenting to me) especially if it is one that would take me quite awhile to respond to, to make my point. I do read all of you comments but to respond to all of the issues that pass through here daily would be just too much for me.

That being said, I do like to respond and I will when I can. But unless I am especially passionate over the subject or I am compelled to say more, I will most likely keep my comments brief, which means that I won’t usually say all that I want to say because of the lack of time. And as much as I love reading responses to my write, I too love reading the conversation between yourselves.

This tells me that I may be the impetus to a fun and interesting blog, but the back and forth banter between all of us is certainly a major part that drives me to continue.

Have a fab day – see ya 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"

I struggled for words to write this morning. And I came up empty. It happens sometimes. Sometimes someone else’s words say it all and I can not say it any better or any  different. So why struggle?

I found this little snippet on Afghan leader Malalai Joya while ready TIME magazine from a few months ago. I googled to find out more about Joya. What I read left me so impressed with her courage and strength that when I sat down to write, I found that all I wanted to say was what was already said, and I could say it no better.

All that I can add is that it is no wonder Afghan leader Malalai Joya is considered a hero and ranked in TIME’s 100 most influential people of the world. She is a hero in my mind too.

To be a woman growing up in Afghanistan under the Taliban and to survive is in itself a major feat. To be so lucky as to become literate in a place where girls are shrouded and denied even fresh air is close to a miracle. To start underground schools and educate girls under the noses of turbaned, self-appointed defenders of virtue and forbidders of vice is truly extraordinary.

But to get a seat in parliament and refuse to be silent in the face of the Taliban and warlord zealots shows true fiber. When Malalai Joya did this, her opponents responded in the usual way: expulsion from parliament, warnings, intimidation and attempts to cut her life short. She has survived all of it.

Malalai, 31, is a leader. I hope in time she comes to see the U.S. and NATO forces in her country as her allies. She must use her notoriety, her demonstrated wit and her resilience to get the troops on her side instead of out of her country. The road to freedom is long and arduous and needs every hand.

-Hirsi Ali, author of Infidel, has a book, Nomad, out this month

Afghan Leader Malalai Joya Is Resistance Personified

Last April, she was ranked among the 100 most influential people of the world by Time Magazine

By Farooq Sulehria

Afghan leader Malalai Joya is resistance personified. She is the most vocal critic of both US occupation of Afghanistan and the ruling warlords. At the same time, she speaks dismissively of the Taliban: “Their violence is no resistance”. However, Malalai Joya hardly grabs headlines in the Pakistani media that often glorifies the mindless violence of the Taliban. But she is a household name in Afghanistan and a known figure internationally. She was called “Afghanistan’s most famous women” by the BBC a few years ago. Last April, she was ranked among the 100 most influential people of the world by Time Magazine.

But Time asked Dutch-Somalian author Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who is known for her Islamophobic views, to make the announcement. Now settled in the US, Hirsi Ali distorted Joya’s image in her malicious announcement by saying: “I hope in time [Joya] comes to see the US and NATO forces in her country as her allies. She must use her notoriety, her demonstrated wit and her resilience to get the troops on her side instead of out of her country”.

A furious Joya reacted strongly. In her counter-statement, she said: “Time has painted a false picture of me and does not mention anything at all about my struggle against the occupation of Afghanistan by the US and NATO, which is disgusting. In fact, everyone knows that I stand side-by-side with the glorious antiwar movements around the world and have proved time and again that I will never compromise with the US and NATO who have occupied my country, empowered the most bloody enemies of my people and are killing my innocent compatriots in Afghanistan”.

Joya earned a mark back in 2003 at the Loya Jirga (Greater Assembly) convened to ratify Afghanistan’s new constitution. Unlike the US-sponsored, clean-shaven fundamentalists, Joya was not nominated by Karzai. She was elected by the people of the Farah province to represent them at the Loya Jirga. The Jirga was chaired by Sibghatullah Mojaddedi who, at the very outset, told the women delegates: “Even God has not given you equal rights because under His decision two women are equal to one man”.

Joya had bravely organised underground girls’ schools in Herat when the Taliban’s terror drove millions into exile. Mojaddedi’s patriarchal admonition could not intimidate Joya. She stunned the Loya Jirga and the press members present to cover the occasion by delivering a three-minute, hard-hitting speech, exposing the crimes of the warlords running the Loya Jirga. A befuddled grey-bearded Sibghatullah Mojaddedi, on hearing Joya, screamed in anger and called her ‘infidel’ and ‘communist’. Others also shouted at her. But before she was silenced by an angry mob of warlords, with her single, but timely, act she had electrified Afghanistan.

When she criticised the warlords at the Loya Jirga, even ‘Viceroy’ Zalmay Khalilzad — the then US envoy to Afghanistan — was upset. “Joya”, Khalilzad chided, “had overstepped the framework of politeness”.

She wrote a letter to Khalilzad, saying: “If these criminals raped your mother or daughter or even your grandmother, or killed seven of your sons, let alone destroyed all the moral and material treasure of your country, what words would you use against such criminals and puppets that will be inside the framework of politeness and respect?”

In the meantime, three fateful minutes at the Loya Jirga changed the course of Joya’s life. In her native province of Farah, locals wanted her to represent them in elections. It does not merely take guns and dollars to contest an election in Afghanistan. Joya had none. Still, she contested and was elected to parliament in 2005. Danish filmmaker Eva Mulvad immortalised Joya’s courageous election campaign and subsequent victory in her documentary “Enemies of Happiness”. Aged 25, Malalai Joya was the youngest Afghan MP. More importantly, she proved herself to be the bravest MP. On the floor of parliament, she emerged as the strongest critic of US occupation and the Taliban- and mujahidin-dominated Karzai regime.

Hence, at almost every parliamentary session she attended, she had her hair pulled, was attacked physically and called names by her ‘Islamist’ colleagues. She was even threatened with rape on the floor of the house. In one case, the warlords bussed in thousands of men to Kabul to march and demand “Death to Joya”. Niaz Mohammad Amiri, a member of Abdul Rasul Sayyaf’s Wahabist party, would never miss an opportunity during parliamentary sessions to call her a prostitute. Flyers were distributed calling her prostitute, communist and anti-Islamic.

“Among the worst was a leaflet that showed a photograph of me without my headscarf, falsely saying that the picture was taken at the Loya Jirga. Underneath was the awful slogan: she took off her scarf at the Loya Jirga, she’ll take off her pants in parliament”, Joya noted in her book Raising My Voice that has recently come out. Once she was abroad on Valentine’s Day. It was propagated that she was abroad to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In her two years in parliament, she never once had the chance to complete her speech without her microphone switched off. But even her half-delivered speeches were hard to tolerate.

Hence, she was suspended from parliament. Her suspension has been widely criticised. From Noam Chomsky to Naomi Klein, a host of noted people have signed the petition for her reinstatement. She now leads an underground life. To hide her identity, she wears the burqa which she otherwise hates. In view of her previous experience, she has decided not to contest elections scheduled for September this year.

The writer is a freelance contributor. Email: mfsulehria@hotmail.com

**********

Bob: Thanks for the clarification. I was spluttering Wa..wha’at? too. :)

Scott: I was a WF customer for 20 years and dumped them last year. I had no idea about this scam. Unfortunately Wachovia is the back that I pay my mortgage to. Now I am forced to be with WF again.

Evelyn: I am delighted that you and Harris have been having a wonderful time together. I didn’t know that you two were still in each other’s company. How fab. So…meeting the parents soon eh? Looking forward to the 411. :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

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"

1/2 boy 1/2 man

The average age of the military man is 19 years.  He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who,  under normal circumstances is considered by  society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind  the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old  enough to die for his country. He never really  cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father’s, but he has  never collected unemployment either.

He’s a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a  steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when
he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.

He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.

He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend
his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you’re thirsty, he’ll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He’ll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low..

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.

He can save your life – or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all.

He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to ‘square-away ‘ those around him who haven’t bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.
Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.

Readers: Loved it. But it could have given equal recognition to the women who serve too. HALF WOMAN HALF GIRL would have rescued it from it’s biased format. One that most accept so easily that the thought never comes up. In respect to our females who serve we should be vigilant about their rights too.

This video was forwarded to me, and I thought it was a great addition to the write. If you haven’t seen it, it is pretty awesome. This was filmed in Iraq at a USO tour of a US Marine Base: Gene Simmons Military Tribute.

Pretty cool isn’t it? Love the energy, the camaraderie, the dedication…these people…men and women, girls and boys, serving our country proud. They deserve huge thanks and recognition.

I especially want to give additional recognition to the women/girls, hence the title. Unfortunately, they take on double risk when in the military. They have the challenges of war, and the challenges of staving off the possibility of rape by our own men/boys. It’s hard to imagine that with this kind of camaraderie between those serving together that this would be an issue, but unfortunately it is. So I repeat what I mentioned above, “We should be vigilant about their rights too.”

I wanted to honor the men and women, girls and boys, that fight for our freedoms, but I couldn’t help but bring up the latter. It is reality too.

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

Readers: Wow…So much chitchat on the blog these past few days. It is so why I love my blog. Is there any other so diverse in company, content, and comment? I don’t think so.

Carla: Girl, as much as I can visualize, and believe me I am good at it, the designer in me is dying to see that HOT RED NET on you. And even more so, the woman in me would love to see that HOT BOD showing her stuff on the dance floor. I so appreciate a woman in motion.

Flap your lips Friday was yesterday, and the lips were flappin’, but I have a feeling you will be flappin’ them this weekend, and I don’t just mean your upper. Have fun playing with Jorge (2:), and whomever else has the pleasure to see that skirt fly revealing your loveliness.

In my day, I’ve been known to show off my ASSets, you know a slip-of-a-lip and sneak-of-a-peak-of-a-cheek or two myself :) Wha’at?!…did I say “my day?” “my day” is still “today” and forever will be as long as I can…in fact just last weekend at Sand By The Ton, a sort of pre-Burning Man party. A party not to miss if you’re livin’ the Bay Area life…I love the mystery of costume, and I also…love being anonymous and oh sooo revealing. (tee hee hee…) Oh but you, you, my girl, will not be so anonymous this weekend. Can’t wait to read all about it. And to all the other uh…panty-less girls, Ursla, you included, I want to hear from you too.

PS: Oh…I spoke with Harry and told him that all of you were showing up. I asked him if he would wave the cover charge as long as you leave your panties at the door. He agreed. Oh and guys, this is for the girls only. You boys need to pay to see all this HOT stuff. :). And if you think I’m kidding…well perhaps I am, but perhaps not. So hey, If you see Harry, approach him – tell him about our little deal. If it’s true, he’ll know and he’ll honor it. If it’s not…well, you’ll just have to see for yourself and tell me all about it. :)

Anonymous: Your story is horrible. How degrading and disgusting people can be that it would lead a person to commit such a crime that he probably would never commit had he not been harassed in such a manner. Will the real truth ever come out or will people believe what was reported?

Selma: When will people take the risk, and come to the aid of a fellow worker,  instead of being safe and silent, all for a steady job? When people start supporting each other and make the sick behaviors of others known, only then will change come about. Secretly supporting and doing nothing, is almost as bad as standing by lynchings, not in support of it, but doing nothing to prevent it. It’s that one third again that Claire spoke of.

Irma: I like your comment.

Ansei and Robert: Nice additions to Irma’s comment.

Vick: Thanks for being so open about your experience. It seems that it may be the experience of many black men in prison. I admire your insight and change of attitude. My best to you.

TAO: Xur, Nice to hear from you. Thanks for the heads up (literally:) on the celestial celebration in the sky. The question is, “Will there be fireworks or will peace be the main show?” Wish I had a telescope.

Herbert and Jenny: I want full reports :)

General Info: That is a good article for what it stands for. I admire and appreciate humble leaders who get down and dirty with their workers. Now if McDonalds can just work on caring for the environment, and our rain forests, then I will jump on the bandwagon. Until then, I have little respect for companies that have little respect for our planet and the health of the people.  That’s my two.

Ruth: My sentiments exactly, “Thank God we have Obama as president.” I can not imagine what our country would be like if we didn’t. Let’s not go there.  By the way excellent article. I have been told this and more from my fave doctor. Everything goes through our gums, and pretty soon people will realize just how important clean teeth and healthy gums are with regards to good health all around.

Hi ZL :)

Lucy: Yes I think the world can – Let’s bring it on!

Robert: As always, enlightening to read your write. How are you otherwise?

Claire: Wow. What a comment. Right on. So inspiring to say the least. Love the words, and the meaning behind them that you are pushing. I agree,  “Face them squarely at the polls. Vote your anger.” The November elections will be here sooner than we think. Just like in 2008 we need to come out strong. This is a really important primary.

Faizabad: Nice addition,  and it goes without saying as I say it enough here in regards to Islamic men, and their cult they call religion.

I’m done for the day…

Enjoy your Saturday! I intend to. Blog this BABE and tell me all about it.

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

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

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

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