Happy Anniversary! The Blog Is 4-Years Old
Posted by Michelle Moquin on July 13th, 2011
Good morning!
Carilla: You are right, and right on with the timing. :)
This is the anniversary of 4 years of me writing my blog. Although I started this blog, I like to think of it as “our” blog…you know a community blog. And by community I mean, the “world” community. It belongs to all of us…all of you who have made it what it is.
So…What is it?
Well…it’s at least something that I am very proud of. And that is the fact that for 4 years I have been talking and writing about Darfur…and what we can do to stop the genocide and mass atrocities that were happening on a daily basis, especially to the women and children.
The Sudanese government began forcing out the non-arab Sudanese that resided in Southern Sudan. They began a Genocide campaign of burning, murdering, and terrorizing the non-arab sudanese to drive them from their lands. As always it was about money. The money from the oil and minerals under their land. And as always, the women and children suffered the most.
At the time when I first heard about all that was going on in Darfur, the stories and the people touched my heart. I wanted to be sure that their plight would be in the public light all of the time, so I made a point to not only blog about it, but to create a safe place for the people of Darfur to be heard. My blog provided a platform 24/7, as long as I wrote. And of course as long as you, my readers, were here with me too…they felt heard.
And as a result, 4 years later, so close to the anniversary of my blog, I’d like to make their Independence part of the celebration of my 4 years here.
There’s still a long way to go with Darfur, and I’d like to think I have a long way to go with my blog. (Ugh..did I actually say that?) I did, and I do mean it.
And no doubt there will be other challenges. There always are. I’d like to see Obama get re-elected amongst other things that I am passionate about. So…what are my passions? Keep reading, because if you don’t know what drives me…what pulls at my heart, stick around, you soon will.
Anyway, I just want to thank everyone who has been here with me…the regulars who chime in almost daily, and of course the newbies who write in with fiery passion and enthusiasm, and instantly become a part of the family – love having new blood on my blog. So…keep telling your friends. Change can and does happen here.
I’ll finish with saying…just as long as we always remember, we can say anything we want ’cause it’s only words. You know…”sticks and stones…” We’re still a family, so let’s remember that, and “no threats”, Okay? Enjoy!
Oh..before I sign off, while I am mentioning the successes of “our” blog, I don’t want to forget to congratulate one of our long time regulars, “Anonz” for doing his part to prevent the ‘Fony Fox News owner Rubert Murdoch from acquiring ownership of BSkyB. You old timers are used to getting scoops like the one Anonymous #9 posted July 11, 2011 saying that Anonz was going to nix the acquisition.
Today’s news is…and I am quoting from a HuffPost article - Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. has withdrawn its $12 billion bid for BSkyB. The withdrawal represents a devastating blow to Murdoch, who had desperately sought to take full control of the satellite broadcaster. It comes after the British government, which had previously given every indication that it wanted the deal to progress, dramatically withdrew its support for the bid on Tuesday in the wake of the ever-deepening scandal surrounding News Corp and its UK subsidiary, News International.
According to Anonymous #9 that may not be the end of Anonz’s revenge. It seems he is intent on seeing that Murdoch loses money in a few civil suits and that some of his employees go to jail. Stay tuned.
“Peace & Love”…You know what to do.
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)
July 13th, 2011 at 9:43 am
CONGRATULATION Michelle. You have created a nice place to call home. I enjoyed every read. Something is always happening here.
Kudos to Anonz for stopping that ass murdoch from gaining anymore media power. Let’s hope Anonz can make murdoch pay a pretty penny for his hacking into the personal lives of people, and send some of the people who work for crooks and will do anything for a paycheck to jail.
But on a happier note. Like your Darfur connection, I would like to say congratulations to Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry, an Army Ranger for receiving the Medal of Honor from President Obama.
===========================
July 12, 1862 — 149 years ago this week, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law a bill creating what is today the military’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor.
The medal is awarded for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity” at risk of a service member’s own life “above and beyond the call of duty” in wartime.
Of the 3,464 medals awarded to date, almost half (1,522) were for actions during the Civil War, when the medal was the only award in existence for service members in the Army. (The Navy had the Medal of Valor.)
Since the end of the Vietnam War, the military has awarded just eleven Medals of Honor.
Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry, an Army Ranger, was awarded the most recent Medal of Honor just yesterday by President Obama at the White House.
While already wounded and under fire from enemy fighters in Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Petry attempted to throw a live grenade in order to save his fellow soldiers.
All Americans owe a debt to Staff Sergeant Petry, to other Medal of Honor recipients, and to the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have sacrificed so that America could remain safe and free.
=========================
I would also like to congratulate all of you out there who have helped
make Michelle’s blog such a great place for me to visit on a daily basis.
Robert
July 13th, 2011 at 9:46 am
Michelle:
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY — 4 Years. WOW! Keep up the great work!
From a Loyal Reader.
HOWIE
July 13th, 2011 at 9:48 am
Congratulations, Michelle, on your 4-year anniversary and to the awesomeness of your blog! Thank you!
July 13th, 2011 at 9:48 am
WOW!!!!!WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!WOW
YOU lead off with me on your 4th Anniversary. How COOL is that!!!
Congratulations Michelle. I have never missed a day and I have had two children over the last 4 years.
Carilla
July 13th, 2011 at 9:48 am
WOW!!!!!WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!WOW
YOU lead off with me on your 4th Anniversary. How COOL is that!!!
Congratulations Michelle. I have never missed a day and I have had two children over the last 4 years.
Carilla
July 13th, 2011 at 9:49 am
Wow, Congratulations to you BABE and to us all : ) I’ve been here for FOUR years? hahaha…yes, and loving every minute of it, even the days when I have taken some serious heat, good personal growth lessons on them days ; ) live and learn, live and let live, and all that.
I’ll not forget the words of Anonz – ‘…off to Chad….’ (and later, Sudan…and then…) and all the trauma and interventions of Madeleine and all the TAO group and Howie and Al and wow…it’d be a good day to cruise archives, wouldn’t it be fun to repost some highlights? Some of the original Azza and the girlz info, early Howie/CARR….ah I’m just being nostalgic…
Great job, Mischa and I wish all us much more time together here.
As always – I am sending my Luv, Zen Lill
July 13th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Congratualations Michelle, You are what we women need in the part of the world where we are but cattle.
July 13th, 2011 at 9:55 am
Congratulations Michelle for making a place for all to enjoy.
July 13th, 2011 at 9:58 am
4 years can certainly pass fast. I can hardly believe that I have been letting this piece of shit drive me crazy for 4 years. If I was still with that slut of an ex wife who introduced me to the hell hole I would tell her that live you she sucks!
July 13th, 2011 at 10:00 am
Congratulations Michelle. I have loved being a part of this blog.
July 13th, 2011 at 10:02 am
Abiv no one deserves it more than you. Congratulations. We are sisters for 10,000 years. You have made us feel safe.
Abiv
July 13th, 2011 at 10:04 am
Enhorabuena Michelle. Amo su blog.
July 13th, 2011 at 10:06 am
Four Years? I’ve only been a fan for two but I’m loyal. Congratulations!!
July 13th, 2011 at 10:08 am
Este hombre dice que felicitar a una señora que diserves por su arduo trabajo y dedicación.
Rio
July 13th, 2011 at 10:10 am
Four years and I’m loving it. And the fact that my ex husband hates it so much doesn’t hurt.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
MICHELLE.
Martha
July 13th, 2011 at 10:13 am
Yeah, well if you last another 6 months I’ll be surprised.
JOKING, I love this blog. It is pure hilarious at times and so poignant at others. Congratulations Michelle.
Kenneth
July 13th, 2011 at 10:14 am
I will break my silence and when I see you I will say this friend loves your blog.
July 13th, 2011 at 10:15 am
Congratulations Michelle. I usually read your blog at work but wouldn’t that just be the way on your special day I’m running late.
July 13th, 2011 at 10:17 am
Zorionak Michelle.I eduki dezake nire besoetan eta musu handi bat landatu zure ezpainak gorgeous litzateke gehien zalantzarik gabe.
July 13th, 2011 at 10:19 am
I have been here for almost the full 4 years. I do love the free-for-alls.
Congradulations.
Norma
July 13th, 2011 at 10:20 am
Congratulations It is very well deserved.
Sar-e -Pol
July 13th, 2011 at 10:24 am
Congratulations Michelle:
Putting the environment, the animals, the children and the women on a par with men has been your goal. I like the results.
Erica
July 13th, 2011 at 10:26 am
How many years I have been coming here is impossible for this 83year old woman to remember. But It has been fun.
Congratulations
Danielle
July 13th, 2011 at 10:27 am
This is my first time writing in. I have read every article and every comment for all 4 years. Don’ Stop!
Susan
July 13th, 2011 at 10:28 am
Congratulations!!!
July 13th, 2011 at 10:31 am
Félicitations Michèle. Il est 7h30, ici à Paris. Aimerait que vous avez sur la table en train de dîner avec nous. S’il vous plaît venez à Paris un jour. Nous vous aimons ici.
July 13th, 2011 at 10:33 am
Synchari?tí?ria Michele . Boreíte blog mou échei didáxei pollá gia ti? zo?í? .
July 13th, 2011 at 10:46 am
Congratulations Michelle: This is a fantastic spot to chat, or read for info or fun.
Larry
July 13th, 2011 at 11:01 am
Congratulations, Michelle you have put together a terrific cast of characters. Prism Princess, Zen Lill, Howie, the Main Dude, and wow, Vulva, Robert, the hero Anonz, and the all powerful God, Carr.
You must have the most vivid imagination on the planet. I have been reading your blog for more than 3 years. You have managed to keep your characters from blurring their personalities into one another.
I wouldn’t miss a day. Whenever I think you have reached your pinnacle, you surprise me with another. I look forward to how you will develop your robot character, Tyna and the shy Winter.
Tracy
July 13th, 2011 at 11:03 am
Congratulations! It must be very gratifying to have so many people love the work you do. I am most certainly one of them.
Karen
July 13th, 2011 at 11:05 am
Why a man would congratulate you on running a successful BBBB – Ball Busting Bitches’ Blog is Beyond Belief.
July 13th, 2011 at 11:07 am
What did you expect? It’s me George.
CONGRATULATIONS – I never miss a read either.
George, WN
July 13th, 2011 at 11:09 am
Congratulations Michelle, I have had the pleasure of 3years, 7 months and 11days. So far I have not missed a day either.
Carol
July 13th, 2011 at 11:09 am
We are very happy for you.
July 13th, 2011 at 11:11 am
Damn I thought I would not only be the first but the only alien to say congratulations.
See, whoever wrote that aliens are not aware of the human need to have feelings is wrong. We do feel for your success Michelle.
Roi
July 13th, 2011 at 11:12 am
Congratulations Michelle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 13th, 2011 at 11:19 am
I have just finished my guard duty here in Israel. It is a little after 9 so I still have time for a pop down to my favorite all night spot before I head to bed.
I just want to say I thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for us all. I met a arab woman who gave me a tip about a suicide attempt. She saved lives by doing it. When she slipped me the information it was signed.
Form one Girlz to another.
Ada
PS Congratulations Michelle on your four year anniversary.
July 13th, 2011 at 11:21 am
Herzlichen Glückwunsch Michele. Ihr Blog ist ein Treffpunkt für die ganze Welt.
Hanna
July 13th, 2011 at 11:25 am
Congratulations Michelle. I guess I’m real. That is if I’m not just an oversight of Tracy’s litany of your made up characters.
Alycedale
July 13th, 2011 at 11:29 am
Wow, I’m real. Thanks Tracy.
Congratulations Michelle on 4 fine years of excellent work. I have enjoyed posting the information I fine helpful to the blog.
Mike
July 13th, 2011 at 11:37 am
I don’t always like what I read here but I like the forum.
So Congratulations
Steve
July 13th, 2011 at 11:55 am
Congratulations Michelle. You have created a wonderful place to call home.
Ursala
July 13th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
China is a better place too because of the difference a blog like yours can make
Jing Sun
July 13th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
For Those Who Do Not Read German:
Hanna #38 is telling us that this blog is a meeting place for the entire world (für die ganze Welt).
I wholeheartedley agree.
Tracy #29:
Prism Princess, Zen Lill, Howie, the Main Dude, Vulva, Robert, the hero Anonz, and the all powerful God, Carr are all real beings. Can you accept that? It gets annoying after a while and doesn’t warrent a comment, but perhaps this will enlighten you a little.
HOWIE
July 13th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Congratulations MIchelle I have been a reader since day one. I could post your original first blog for nostalgia’ sake, but I like reading it knowing I was one of the first.
It’s like owning your on Picasso. So no, I’ll just add this first of the starting 4th to the collection.
Helen
July 13th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
I tend to believe that your blog is sponsored by the government Obama in particular to manipulate the masses.
How did it get so big and so influential in so short a time? How are you able to predict shit that non government people would not be able to?
People this is a world grab blog.
Greg
July 13th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Michelle, förtjänar du beröm för alla dina hårt arbete och för den underbara produkt som är resultatet av det.
Grattis
Hedy
July 13th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Mi madre me hace leer su blog a ella todos los días. Mi hermana, María, quien le presentó a él, solía hacerlo antes de casarse.
Ahora, me veo obligado a hacerlo, como mi madre, que tiene 71 años, mientras aprende Inglés por lo que se puede leer a sí misma.
Felicitaciones por hacer la vida de un misserable Batchelor 50 años de edad.
Pedro
July 13th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
Congratulations Michelle:
You have made this a super place for a woman to go to define her place in the world.
India
July 13th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Congratulations Michelle. The advice received from you blog has saved me and many women in India from the tyranny of men.
I am only a 2 year member but I am a member for life. Count me as a sister for 10,000 years.
Mayur
July 13th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Congratulations Michelle. I arrived to San Francisco from Osaka this morning. I post from my ipad. Great day for you, huh!
I wish we could meet. They say you party in San Francisco. I will meet up with my girl friends. We are staying at the Hilton on Offarrell Street.
We would love to meet and take pictures with you.
Aiko
July 13th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
It is a honor to celebrate with you Michelle. We welcome you and all of America to be our guest here in Darfur. Thank you so very much for your keeping our cause before the world.
Congratulations on a wonderful thing you are doing.
Nikki
July 13th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
I would like to congratulate on behalf of the women of the Middle East. We are the forgotten part of this world. If not for your constant reminder of how we suffer there would be no hope.
Thanks for bring hope to us.
Bagram
July 13th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Congratulations.
July 13th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
I wish you the most years ever of success Michelle. Your blog is well read in Shanghai.
Zoe
July 13th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Anseo in Éirinn breá linn tú a Michelle.
Comhghairdeas
Aiofe
July 13th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
I would love to meet you one day. Congratulations and best wishes for many years to come writing your blog.
Candice
July 13th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Who says a woman can’t do great things with a blog? Nobody anymore!
Michelle you are the best. I love youl
Congratulations
Eunice
July 13th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
If I could return to the states, I would want to meet you the most. You are sexiest trash talking mama around..
But you speak from the heart with a wisdom of the ages. My play mother said Que é uma mulher para fazer as crianças com. Se tivéssemos las como tal em Portugal.
I agree
Carlos
July 13th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
You have made being gay a better world for me. My mother who loves your blog called me and said if Michelle doesn’t believe God thinks homosexuality is a sin I don’t either. Michelle and I are Girlz. You spell that with a zed.
Then she invited me and my lover over for dinner. She stood up in
front of the whole family after my brother, Father Adolfo blessed us, and said.
This is my middle child. You have banned her for the last 3 years because she is homosexual. If anyone does that again, they will never be welcome to my house again.
Father Adolfo said Mother has spoken and we will obey, let’s eat. I cried that night and I have been reading your blog ever since.
God bless you Michelle
Congratulations
Susan
July 13th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
We wish you congratulations also. Your blog has been a good place for our communications and our understanding of other aliens.
i0ke
July 13th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Thank you Michelle for making sure that women in Africa are remembered.
Congratulations and I hope you will one day come to celebrate with us when we as women of Africa can rid ourselves of evil religious practices we face every day.
This day for you we celebrate as a sisterhood for all women.
Jata
July 13th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
We may be worlds apart in distance. But we are as close as sisters can be in love and happiness for your 4th year Michelle.
Congratulations
Fabia
July 13th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Happy Anniversary to you and congratulations on your success!
/SB
July 13th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
…and I see that you are getting the accolades you deserve, sweetttt : )
Tracy, get with it, I’m real, do you really believe Mischa made me up and runs my blog also? C’mon…Howie already gave you the scoop, but I thought I’d throw in my two, just bc…
I am surprised at all the 4 year followers that don’t comment, wow, I couldn’t keep my mouth shut that long if I tried : ) not in a place like this!
- ZL
July 13th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Saara and Kim thanks for the kind sentiments and encouragements. I am new to this and all the sudden attention was a bit much. It was not my attention to offend anyone, if I did I apologize. Michelle you were so kind with your attentions towards me I was not sure how to respond. Thank you also and Congratulations.
July 13th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Winter, welcome back!
July 13th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
It’s been a while since I’ve been on. Somebody told me I must visit today and now I see why!
A heart congratulations to you Michelle on a job well done! Keep up the good work.
July 13th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Michelle, my sweet,
allow yourself to read through all of these comments and really take in what you have created.
Congratulations on what your vision has become!! I am truly humbled by what you have here.
By creating the space that you envisioned and massaged along the way, these past four years(DAILY), has allowed people from all around the planet to freely open themselves, and look at themselves to see, teach and learn about humanity, and know that they have the safety (for some sometimes take great risk) to read and/or comment in this forum.
What you have created, et al, can now see that there is a common thread through this blog, through humanity, through all kinds of life. That thread of inquiry, of the inquisitive nature in all of us. And, not just for humans, but we find you have created a space that has brought beings from throughout the multi-verses to share with eachother and humanity that the common thread to ALL existence is to help each other, and to find more about ourselves. To find answers to the questions, feelings, bias…to be heard, and to help…to express one’s self and be counted.
The ripples from this blog are felt throughout the world and throughout the Known Universe. They continue to expand and touch more and more people and beings of all kinds. You have done a great service to women throughout the world, and animals and those without a voice. You have enlightened and educated people, and other beings, to each other.
I am very proud of you.
Awesome! Well done! And great kuddos to the selfless labor and time that you have placed into this accomplishment for all. Only you and I know the extent. Wow! I am humbled.
And now, we all are wondering what lies ahead…
I love you.
July 13th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Oh I so wanted to be #69! But I guess it’s appropriate it’s your husband that got that spot :)
Happy Anniversary beautiful Lady!
Vulva
July 13th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
I almost missed the celebrations. It is a little after 7 AM here in Johannesburg. I just took my meds and I am raring to go.
First, let me Congratulate you on your 4 years. I have only been on it for about 4 months but I love it already. (CHIPS – Don’t feel bad if I write in one day hatting your guts, sometimes I miss my meds, if only that damn woman would dress better),
Your blog is better for me than any pill. I get to see other people like me and some worse. Not that I want to see anybody worse, but you know it’s true.
Brittany
July 13th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
Congratulations Michelle. It is almost 8:30 am here in Kuwait and already 40 degrees Celsius here. I had to wait until the men left this area so that I could use the computer. You are a forbidden blog here.
But we women manage. Thanks for the article about women drivers. We don’t get any news about women doing anything here. Your blog promises that things could get better. I have been watching your blog for two years and only been caught once.
Thank you for making us Sisters. I would love to be a Girlz.
Aima
July 13th, 2011 at 10:34 pm
Michelle Tebrikler.Bu, Türkiye’de kad?nlar için özel bir gün.Karanl?kta bir ???k vard?r.
Halah
July 13th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
The women of Pakistan love you Michelle. Make us Girlz. We will follow you faithfully.
Congratulations.
Erum
July 13th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
Beauty and brains and a body that’s rockin’
She writes down her words and everyone’s talking
For animals, women and other than whites
Michelle will speak up for those who need rights
Her care for the world and its Beings within
Brings a purpose of hope that we all can join in
She doesn’t censor her blog or what her readers will post
Happy Anniversary Four, I join in the toast!
PrP
July 13th, 2011 at 10:52 pm
Bravo! Prism Princess. That’s why I like your blog. You have a way with the written word.
Congratulations Michelle, NOT all men fine your blog hostile to men. Like Howie, I have matured into a person that sees the world through the eyes of others when they speak.
Your blog has helped me understand that OTWS(another contribution from your blog) and women have real set of issues with our justice system and the mindset of most white males.
My wife and I have reconsidered our planned divorce. I no longer see her as a complaining bitch. I know that her issues are real and that I have been a stranger to our family because of my selfish desire to profit at the expense of others.
I’m still a Republican but I no longer believe that Obama’s birth certificate is a fake. As my wife and children discover the humanity in me, I discover the love I have allowed to fall to the waste sides from them.
Money is not more important than family. Keep the Voice strong Michelle. Some will listen.
Congratulations on your 4th year.
Teddy
July 13th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
We are in the Hilton on Ellis street. WE demand that you come to see your Japanese fans.:)
We want pictures and hugs. We come bearing gifts from the cities and towns in our Perferture.
I am from Shizuoka. There you are a Goddess! We all want to be GIRLZ!!
Please Come. I go now to raid the bar.
Congratulations again on your big, big day.
Ito
July 13th, 2011 at 11:04 pm
I could not get in this morning. I have only now returned from work. I am a loyal reader. I started with you in the USA 4 years ago. When I returned to Bangkok 3 year ago, I still continue not to miss your blog. NEVER MISS!
Today, I wish you the best. You can make me a Girlz anytime. I go with you.
Li
July 13th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
I am part of a group of women here who pass around 3 computers so that we all get to read your blog every day. Those that do not get to read are told what was the topic and we recite the comments. Our english is not much better.
We only talk in english less some male is spying on us. We are sworn Girlzs. We are loyal to you. We will not harm jews just because we are told to do so by evil men who think only of themselves.
We Girlzs are sworn to reveal ALL plots to kill or maim jews. We will act even if our lives are threatened to prevent other Girlzs whatever their race from being harmed.
We are Girlzs on earth until you come to get us. We will be true to you and all other Girlzs.
Happy Anniversary Michelle
Karida
July 13th, 2011 at 11:16 pm
Roi
Nice to see you make an appearance. I trust your recovery is behind you.
PrP
July 14th, 2011 at 6:57 am
PrP
Your concern is noted and appreciated.
Roi
July 14th, 2011 at 7:20 am
CONGRATULATIONS Michelle:
Your blog has been a great help to the world. I was so caught up in the excitement of reading all the wonderful notes that I forgot that I hadn’t made mine.
You have provided a daily communications channel between the island of Guam and those that love the island where ever they may be for that I say Si Yu”us ma”ase(thank you).
Anna
July 14th, 2011 at 7:51 am
Michelle:
You are so special to the world. I feel privileged to call you friend. I wish the girls were old enough to read your blog. We held a special dinner in your honor last night.
Congratulations on your 4th year. We look forward to your coming to Europe and being our guest for as long as you wish. You are family.
Ruth & family
July 14th, 2011 at 8:04 am
7 Foods Proven to Fight Cancer
David Grotto, RD, LDN
Up to one-third of all cancers could be prevented if people adopted healthier lifestyles, including eating healthier foods. For even better odds, choose these seven specific foods that have been proven to prevent cancer…
CABBAGE
It’s high in anticarcinogenic compounds called glucosinolates. Raw cabbage, particularly when it is fermented as sauerkraut, also is a good source of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a substance that promotes the elimination of carcinogens from the body.
The Polish Women’s Health Study, which looked at hundreds of Polish women in the US, found that those who had eaten four or more servings per week of raw, lightly cooked or fermented cabbage during adolescence were 72% less likely to develop breast cancer than women who had eaten only one-and-a-half servings per week.
High consumption of cabbage during adulthood also provided significant protection even if little cabbage was eaten at a young age.
Recommended: Three or more one-half-cup servings per week of cabbage, cooked or raw.
Alternatives: Any cruciferous vegetable, including brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale and broccoli.
A recent study found that men who ate at least three servings per week of broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables were 41% less likely to get prostate cancer than men who ate less than one serving per week. Kimchi, a Korean pickled dish that is similar to sauerkraut, also is a good choice.
FLAXSEEDS
Little seeds with a nutty flavor, flaxseeds contain lignans, compounds that act like a weak form of estrogen.
One study found that women with high levels of enterolactone (linked to a high intake of lignans) had a 58% lower risk for breast cancer.
Flaxseeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which appear to inhibit colon cancer in both men and women.
Recommended: One to two tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily. You can sprinkle it on cereal or yogurt or add it to soups or stews.
Alternatives: Two or more servings per week of cold-water fish, such as mackerel or salmon, provide cancer-fighting amounts of omega-3s. For more lignans: Eat walnuts, and cook with canola oil.
MUSHROOMS
The common white button mushroom found in supermarkets contains anticancer compounds.
Scientists who compared vegetable extracts in the lab found that an extract made from white button mushrooms was the most effective at blocking aromatase, an enzyme that promotes breast cancer.
Button mushrooms also appear to suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Recommended: One-half cup of button mushrooms, three or four times per week.
Alternatives: Porcinis or chanterelles, wild mushrooms with a nuttier taste.
OLIVES
A Spanish laboratory study found that two compounds in olives — maslinic acid and oleanolic acid — inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and promote apoptosis, the death of these cells.
Other studies suggest that people who eat olives as part of a classic Mediterranean diet have lower rates of a variety of cancers, including colon cancer.
Recommended: Eight olives a day, green or black.
Alternatives: One to two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil daily. Drizzle it on salad or vegetables to enhance absorption of their healthy nutrients.
ONIONS
When researchers compared the 10 vegetables most frequently consumed in the US, onions had the third-highest level of phenolic compounds, which are thought to be among the most potent anticancer substances found in foods.
In a Finnish study, men who frequently ate onions, apples and other foods high in quercetin (a phenolic compound) were 60% less likely to develop lung cancer than men who ate smaller amounts.
Quercetin also appears to reduce the risk for liver and colon cancers.
Recommended: One-half cup of onions, cooked or raw, three times per week. Yellow and red onions contain the most cancer-preventing substances.
Alternatives: Apples, capers and green and black tea, all of which are high in quercetin. Garlic, a botanical relative of onions, provides many of the same active ingredients.
PUMPKIN
Pumpkin, like all winter squash, is extremely high in carotenoids, including beta-carotene.
A long-running Japanese study that looked at more than 57,000 participants found that people who ate the most pumpkin had lower rates of gastric, breast, lung and colorectal cancers.
There also is some evidence that pumpkin seeds can help reduce the risk for prostate cancer.
Recommended: Three or more one-half-cup servings per week. Pumpkin can be baked like any winter squash. (To learn how to make Baby Roasted Pumpkins with Pink Potatoes, go to http://www.BottomLineSecrets.com/Pumpkin .)
Alternatives: Carrots, broccoli and all of the winter squashes, including acorn, butternut and spaghetti squash.
RASPBERRIES
All of the foods that end with “erry” — including cherry, blueberry and strawberry — contain anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce cell damage that can lead to cancer.
Raspberries are higher in fiber than most berries and are an excellent source of ellagic acid and selenium, both of which protect against a variety of cancers.
Recent studies have shown that raspberries (or raspberry extract) inhibit both oral and liver cancer cells. The responses in these studies were dose-dependent — the more raspberry extract used, the greater the effect.
Recommended: One-and-a-half cups of raspberries, two or three times per week.
Alternative: Cherries (and cherry juice) contain about as much ellagic acid as raspberries. Frozen berries and cherries, which contain less water, provide a higher concentration of protective compounds than fresh ones.
Personal interviewed David Grotto, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian and former spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.
He is founder and president of Nutrition Housecall, LLC, a Chicago-area consulting firm specializing in family nutrition programs.
He serves on the scientific advisory board of Men’s Health, writes the “Ask the Guy-a-titian” column for Chicago Wellness Magazine and is author of 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life (Bantam).
July 14th, 2011 at 8:37 am
Hello Michelle, I like to think of myself as a regular. I have been reading your blog for almost the entire time(minus a month or two).
I do have the full collection of your blogs thought because I went back when I decided that this was a blog that would go places.
I did that after the first two weeks of reading. Your blog was different. It showed a woman with raw talent that was looking for direction. GOD did you find it.
How exciting it was to be a part of your drive to get President Obama elected. You became a pit-bull that would not be stopped.
The day after the election, I went to your blog and God I kissed the screen and said “this Lady is a force to be reckoned with.”
AND YOU ARE!
Congratulations on a job well done
Emily
July 14th, 2011 at 8:45 am
My sister who started 4 years back waited 2 before she introduced me to your blog. She still refuses to post to a blog so she calls me when she has something to say.
I usually don’t agree with her at all. She is a Republican. I am an Independent. I sometimes reluctantly post under different aliases her opinion for her. But only after she badgers me to do it.
Today I agree 100% with her sentiment. You are a very special person and a wonderful writer.
This Congratulations is from the both of us.
CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kelly & Mildred
July 14th, 2011 at 8:56 am
HAFA ADAI Michelle.
I know I am late with the felicitations, but I have a very good excuse. I just got my computer back. Actually I got it back at 10PM yesterday. It is now a quarter to 2AM Friday morning.
I had to run it through its paces before I decided it was okay. But I stayed up to get my best wishes in to you.
First I would like to say reading your blog inspired me to feel I could make a difference. So I decided that I would piggy back on your blog. My family doesn’t know I am this Peter.
If they were told the would probably say “our Peter, no way.” So I leave it that way. I know that one day I will leave this Island like my mother did and return and make everyone very proud of me.
But for now, I am Peter with a mission to make Guam a better place for all who live here. I have you to thank for that. Thank you very much Michelle.
Congratulations
Peter
July 14th, 2011 at 9:09 am
Michelle when I got up to start my day with your blog as I have done every day since you started this thing. I was preparing myself for the long wait as you have your own time schedule. Never mine the people who wait patiently for you to publish.
It was no surprise that you hadn’t published yet. So as usual I started up in the comments column to catch up on the ones I missed. WOW, I couldn’t believe how much you are loved and respected. Actually I can.
This is my first time posting so bare with me. I have missed only two days(not in a row) reading your blog. I know all the regulars by hard.
You have made the last 4 years of this 76 year old man very exciting. ALIENS! Gosh who would have believed it.
Thank you Michelle
Happy 4th Year.
Carl
July 14th, 2011 at 9:16 am
Congratulations, you certainly deserve it.
Helena
July 14th, 2011 at 9:25 am
I do not want to be left out of the celebrations. Staying with something for 1,461 continuous days does deserve recognition.
Doing it while garnering such a flood of testimonials is laudable.
Indeed congratulations are in order.
Congratulations Michelle
Tyna