Happy Anniversary! The Blog Is 5 Years Old
Posted by Michelle Moquin on July 13th, 2012
Good morning!
This is the first time in 5 years that I have not planned in advance what I was going to write today. And until 2 days ago I didn’t even think about it. But as I sit here today I just want to say “thank you”. Thank you to all my readers and especially to the ones who have been here with me from the very beginning. I realize that you have a choice to read many blogs out there but that you choose to read and be here with me and everyone else.
I am honored, humbled, and grateful to be in the company of so many diverse, intelligent, talented, admirable, funny, informative, savvy, courageous, inspiring, astute, witty, empathetic, brilliant, beautiful, complex, emotional, strong, tenacious, intuitive, vulnerable, passionate, enlightening, loving, and so many other wonderful things…”World Citizens”…and yes there are a few not so positive traits, as well as some downright sick ones that I can mention too, but that is a part of the diversity of this planet that we are all working on.
Let’s continue together to make this planet the best it can be for all.
Now…back to business. My job is to make sure that you’re all safe out there, so this is a heads up just in case you haven’t heard (Thanks Nancy!)
Yahoo’s password leak: What you need to know (FAQ)
Yahoo is the latest online service to confirm the disclosure of passwords belonging to throngs of its users. Here’s what we know — and, more important, what you need to do to protect yourself.
Yahoo has just become the latest big online service to suffer a major password breach. While the number of affected users is far smaller than in the last big exposure — that would be thepassword hack at LinkedIn last month, which exposed 6.5 million user passwords — the attack is a big black eye for Yahoo and a potential hazard to the 450,000 or so people whose log-in information is now flapping in the breeze.
So here’s CNET’s quick guide to the Yahoo password fumble and what you need to do.
What, exactly, went wrong?
A hacker collective calling itself D33Ds Co. publicly posted more than 450,000 log-in credentials– i.e., paired usernames and passwords — obtained from Yahoo’s “Contributor Network” site. In that data dump, the hackers described their attack as a “union-based SQL injection,” which is effectively a way of tricking the database on a poorly secured site into divulging private information.
Related stories
Which, in this case, yielded a treasure trove of usernames and passwords, apparently all stored in plain text — itself a fairly significant security failure on Yahoo’s part. Passwords are usually cryptographically masked in a process called “hashing” to prevent exactly this sort of mass disclosure.
The file of usernames (predominantly e-mail addresses) and passwords, originally published on a public Web site, has since been widely distributed via BitTorrent and various file lockers across the Internet. In other words, this cat is very much out of the bag.
For what it’s worth, the D33Ds hackers claim they released the information to point out lax security at Yahoo, not for malicious purposes. That said, these possibly sensitive passwords are now available to the maliciously minded across the world. So for users, it’s better-safe-than-sorry time.
I’ve never heard of the Yahoo Contributor Network. Am I really in any danger here?
Maybe, maybe not. The Yahoo Contributor Network is, to be honest, sort of obscure. It was originally an independent site called Associated Content — a content farm that paid users a pittance to publish their written submissions, plus a bonus for any traffic generated. (Such “low-cost content,” as it’s known in the biz, is basically a lure used to draw search traffic to ads displayed nearby.) Yahoo acquired Associated Content two years ago, reportedly for more than $100 million.
It’s not immediately clear whose log-in credentials have been exposed. Yahoo has formally confirmed the password breach, but the online media company didn’t elaborate on whose passwords were exposed. (See Yahoo’s official statement below.) It does, however, seem highly likely that the exposed passwords mostly belong to Yahoo’s contributors themselves — i.e., the individuals who wrote material for either Associated Content or Yahoo.
One big hint: Quite a few of the e-mail addresses and passwords contain the word “writer.” I.e., usernames such as “legalwriter5@yahoo.com” and “honestwriter@hotmail.com,” and occasionally aspirational passwords such as “paidwriter” and the wistful “richwriter.” Not to mention umpteen-jillion instances of the word “writer” by itself standing in as a password.
So if I’ve never written for the Yahoo Contributor Network, I’m safe, right?
Possibly — but you never know.
In its official statement, Yahoo insists that the “file” the hackers “compromised” was an “older” one. (This statement itself is kind of suspect, since the hackers probably didn’t just steal a particular file. More likely, they repeatedly poked a Yahoo database until it started spitting out log-in credentials. But I digress.) The company claims that fewer than 5 percent of the Yahoo passwords disclosed are currently valid.
Which all sounds reassuring enough, except that no one with a Yahoo ID has any way to know whether it might have been compromised elsewhere within the site. And, of course, you won’t know until either a public-spirited group like D33Ds decides to publish your password — or you get hacked in a more malicious fashion. (You are free to believe that the hack of the Yahoo contributor network was an isolated incident, and maybe it was. But maybe it wasn’t.)
I get the sense you’re leading up to something. Go on.
Yahoo’s statement, however, is largely silent on the non-Yahoo ID credentials revealed in the D33Ds hack. The published file also contains a huge number of what appear to be log-in credentials for many other e-mail services, including Gmail (106,873 instances), Hotmail (55,148), AOL (25,521) and any number of ISPs (Comcast, Cox, Mindspring, etc.).
Presumably the premerger Associated Content allowed users to use e-mail addresses as their usernames, and Yahoo never forced users to change their log-in to a Yahoo ID. These days, in fact, Yahoo still allows people to sign into the contributor network via Google or Facebook IDs in addition to their Yahoo accounts.
All of which suggests that close to 300,000 people could have just seen their personal, non-Yahoo e-mail accounts compromised as well as their Yahoo accounts. They’ve effectively just dropped a trail of breadcrumbs to their personal e-mail, since they’ve identified the service, their username, and — assuming general laziness on the part of Internet users, which is usually a safe bet — their password.
Yahoo did say it is notifying these other companies that some of their users’ account information may have been exposed. Which is better than nothing, of course.
OK, so how do I know if I’m at risk?
To be on the safe side, if you have a Yahoo ID, you should assume it’s no longer secure and change it. (I just did, and I’ve never visited Yahoo’s contributor-network site until today.) Yahoo is also changing the passwords of affected users.
You should, however, also change other passwords if:
- You’ve used the same password for any other major service — particularly for sensitive accounts such as banking, investing, or e-mail.
- You’ve ever signed into Yahoo or Associated Content with a non-Yahoo e-mail address.
Yes, it’s a pain. But it only takes a few minutes, and the peace of mind is worth it. You really don’t want to find your e-mail account hijacked or your bank account emptied, do you?
If you’re one of those folks who likes to live dangerously, you can always call up the file of cracked credentials — just Google “yahoo-disclosure.txt” — and see if your e-mail or Yahoo ID is on there. (Alternatively, you can check your email address in this tool from Sucuri Labs.) But a negative result may not actually prove anything, and of course there’s no way to know if your password might have been cracked and displayed elsewhere — at least not until it’s too late.
So do the smart thing. Change your Yahoo ID password and any other passwords associated with e-mail addresses mentioned here. Don’t come crying to us if you play the odds and bad things happen to you anyway.
Where is Yahoo’s official statement on all this?
Glad you asked. It’s right here:
At Yahoo we take security very seriously and invest heavily in protective measures to ensure the security of our users and their data across all our products. We confirm that an older file from Yahoo Contributor Network (previously Associated Content) containing approximately 450,000 Yahoo and other company users names and passwords was compromised yesterday, July 11. Of these, less than 5 percent of the Yahoo accounts had valid passwords. We are taking immediate action by fixing the vulnerability that led to the disclosure of this data, changing the passwords of the affected Yahoo users and notifying the companies whose users’ accounts may have been compromised. We apologize to all affected users. We encourage users to change their passwords on a regular basis and also familiarize themselves with our online safety tips at security.yahoo.com.
*******
Readers: Thank you for the early Anniversary wishes. xo
Peace & Love: “Live, it Give it” Always.
Blog me.
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!
All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012
“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream
" 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"
July 13th, 2012 at 9:13 am
Happy Anniversary Michelle
July 13th, 2012 at 9:15 am
在中國人愛你太米歇爾。-The men in China love you too Michelle.
Cui
July 13th, 2012 at 9:19 am
نحن نحبك ميشيل، وبدا لك هنا في الشرق الأوسط من أجل الرحمة والمساعدة.
We love you Michelle, You are looked to here in the Middle East for your compassion and help.
July 13th, 2012 at 9:20 am
You go Girl. Happy 5th
July 13th, 2012 at 9:21 am
Congrads I have had a great ride. Looking forward to more of the same.
July 13th, 2012 at 9:21 am
All the BEST. You make a difference.
July 13th, 2012 at 9:22 am
You are loved deeply in our family. Hope you will come and share that love as soon as possible.
Congradulations!!!!! On your 5th.
Harris and family
July 13th, 2012 at 9:23 am
You are most of the time a pain in the ass. But you are fair.
Happy 5th.
George, WN
July 13th, 2012 at 9:24 am
Can’t wait for the next five.
Congrats.
July 13th, 2012 at 9:25 am
I love your blog. HAPPY 5TH
July 13th, 2012 at 9:26 am
Who knew 5 years ago? This is a neat blog. Congratulations.
Lewis
July 13th, 2012 at 9:34 am
I’ve been reading for 4 and a half plus years. This is my first comment. Had to say my entire family reads your blog.
We live all over Spain, but we are constantly emailing about what was on your blog today.
Te amamos Michelle, felicitaciones por su 5 º año.
Diego
July 13th, 2012 at 9:35 am
Barcelona dice felicitaciones por su quinto año en la red.
Jose
July 13th, 2012 at 9:37 am
Brazil diz parabéns pelo seu quinto ano na rede.
Jorge
July 13th, 2012 at 9:38 am
Happy მე -5 Michelle
July 13th, 2012 at 9:39 am
Wishing you the very best Michelle
July 13th, 2012 at 9:40 am
You are doing a great thing with your blog. My stay here in the US has been a better experience because of your blog.
Hardock
July 13th, 2012 at 9:41 am
This is my first time writing. I have been a 4 year loyalist. I love all the regulars. Social Butterfly is my favorite.
July 13th, 2012 at 9:42 am
Oops forgot to say. Happy 5th Michelle.
Ileisha
July 13th, 2012 at 9:43 am
I’m so happy for you Michelle.
July 13th, 2012 at 9:43 am
I can’t say how proud I am to be a part of your blog. It deserves at least 5 more. Congrats.
Ellen
July 13th, 2012 at 9:45 am
You are the best Michelle. Love how you put together a group of great regulars.
Scott
CONGRATULATIONS.
July 13th, 2012 at 9:46 am
Georgia says გვიყვარხართ მიშელ.
July 13th, 2012 at 9:48 am
Cuba says Your fairness is really appreciated. Congratulations on five very good years of service to the world.
Antonio
July 13th, 2012 at 9:49 am
The Girlz of Russia extend their love and congratulations.
Edessa
July 13th, 2012 at 9:50 am
Michelle, I have had a life change experience because of your blog. You are wonderful. Please keep it going.
All the Best
Kathleen.
July 13th, 2012 at 9:52 am
I have been almost a five year reader. I introduced my sisters (4) to your blog all four are still avid readers.
Congratulations.
Ronald
July 13th, 2012 at 9:54 am
Great things have happened because of your five years. You deserve all the well wishes you receive.
Lionel
July 13th, 2012 at 9:55 am
My three years have been very good. I have learned a lot from the conversations I have witnessed on your blog.
You deserve a crown.
Brittany
July 13th, 2012 at 9:56 am
Israel wants to extend a warm congratulations to you Michelle. Thanks for making a place for one of its favorite sons, Howie.
Amita
July 13th, 2012 at 9:59 am
Michelle, you made me love America. Congratulations
July 13th, 2012 at 10:01 am
I started reading your blog 4 years ago when I was in school at Berkeley. I continued to read it when I returned to Japan.
Congratulations, it is a very well written blog. Love your comments and of course your LSOS Club.
Yukio
July 13th, 2012 at 10:02 am
Michelle you have made the ambitions of Middle Eastern women bolder.
Thank you
Congratulations and love
Hajar
July 13th, 2012 at 10:05 am
I can not image a cup of morning coffee without your blog to read. Congratulations. The Girlz of Greece meet fiercely because of you.
Ibbie
July 13th, 2012 at 10:07 am
Damn I guess I should say congratulations. My mother wouldn’t be so pleasant if I hadn’t introduced her to your blog.
Frankly, it is sort of fun to have a 78 year old Girlz. She has a new lease on life because of your blog.
Steve
July 13th, 2012 at 10:10 am
I work in a restaurant here in China, I ask every foreigner if they know Michelle that eats at my table.
I dream of meeting you in the San Francisco. You are my favorite blog. Happy fifth year.
Rebekah
July 13th, 2012 at 10:11 am
我們愛你，米歇爾。
July 13th, 2012 at 10:13 am
Michelle, you help women everywhere feel they matter. I am an american Apache woman who thanks you for helping her testify against her rapist on this funky reservation.
Congratulations
Liluye
July 13th, 2012 at 10:20 am
I couldn’t get in for almost an hour now, If I fail this time I will try again with I get off work.
Bahija
July 13th, 2012 at 10:23 am
Michelle the girlz of Africa say Sisi tuna upendo wewe Michelle.
Happy 5 years on the internet.
Bahati
July 13th, 2012 at 10:26 am
How fast time flies when you are having a good time. So it arrived for your 5th. I wouldn’t miss a day.
Congratulations Michelle.
Helene
July 13th, 2012 at 10:27 am
Oh my another year has passed. You have made a difference.
Congratulations on your 5th year.
June
July 13th, 2012 at 10:28 am
Michelle, this is very deserving. Happy Anniversary on your 5th year.
Paul
July 13th, 2012 at 10:30 am
The Girlz of New Orleans extend their congratulations and a many more to come.
We would love to know that you are coming to New Orleans.
Kelly
July 13th, 2012 at 10:32 am
I am practically robo entering this congratulations. I wanted to do it earlier but life has its unexpected surprises. Like your notice to change my yahoo password.
Congratulations.
Janet
July 13th, 2012 at 10:33 am
You deserve all your thanks because you do a lot to help women all over the world.
England says thank you and congratulations.
Helen
July 13th, 2012 at 10:38 am
Michelle, thanks for bring Zen Lill into my life. I check every morning for her contributions to the conversations that spring up on your blog.
I have learned to be tolerant to the jealous hussies that jump on her because they don’t have her gifts.
Congratulations. You have a good blog.
Larry
July 13th, 2012 at 10:48 am
You have created a delightful place to visit. Congratulations on achieving this good spot for everyone to visit.
Torrie
July 13th, 2012 at 10:53 am
You started out as a male bashing site. But you have changed it so that it is a bit more fair.
congratulations
July 13th, 2012 at 10:58 am
Congratulations. It has been a stone gas.
Delores
July 13th, 2012 at 11:00 am
אנחנו אוהבים אותך מישל.
Abihayil
July 13th, 2012 at 11:04 am
I have come to despise racism in my country because of what I have learned about racism in yours Michelle. The open forum that you have created is without parallel in the blog world.
Thank you and congratulations.
Branislav
July 13th, 2012 at 11:09 am
I am an undocumented immigrant here Michelle. I have been her since I was 2 years old. I was afraid after seeing the pure hatred spewed in the media.
But your blog gave me hope. I have been a fan for 3 years and 11 months. It is nice to be able to say congratulations from the America I love.
Lois
July 13th, 2012 at 11:10 am
You have made America proud. Congratulations Michelle
Jenny
July 13th, 2012 at 11:13 am
Okay, another year. I like that.
Congratulations
Tom
July 13th, 2012 at 11:14 am
我々は、ミシェルをあなたが大好きです。
July 13th, 2012 at 11:16 am
Michelle:
You deserve every bit of praise you are receiving. Your blog really is like no other. I am glad to be a regular. I have learned so much in these five years.
Time flies when you are having fun.
Luv,
HOWIE
July 13th, 2012 at 11:19 am
Die Girlz von Karlsruhe Deutschland sagen herzlichen Glückwunsch Michelle.
July 13th, 2012 at 11:20 am
This is a hard entry today. But if I make it in Congratulations Michelle.
Gwen
July 13th, 2012 at 11:22 am
I want to congratulate you Michelle. It is never a dull day on this blog.
Larry
July 13th, 2012 at 11:23 am
Die Girlz von Essen Deutschland sagen herzlichen Glückwunsch Michelle.
July 13th, 2012 at 11:24 am
Michelle: Congratulations on 5 Years of hosting the best blog on the Web. Happy Birthday to “A Day In the Life”.
LUV,
Al
July 13th, 2012 at 11:25 am
Η Girlz στη Βόρεια Ελλάδα λένε συγχαρητήρια Μισέλ.
July 13th, 2012 at 11:29 am
Girlz Helsingin Findland sananvaltaa onnea Michelle.
July 13th, 2012 at 11:31 am
Hafa adai Michelle and congratulations.
July 13th, 2012 at 11:44 am
I used to live in Arizona. It is as close to a Nazi state as one can get. My cousin is in the country illegally so we left and came to California.
He graduated from SF school of pharmacy this year. Now he intends to return home to help our people. We worked hard to put him through school.
He has been in this country since he was a year old. Now he returns to a country of birth but of no knowledge to help his people.
The hatred we have had to endure here from white racists is too much to describe. He still loves his adopted country, but it is hard for me a born american to feel the same way.
I hope this election in November removes many of the racists in the House of Representatives.
Congratulations on a great 5 years.
Eduardo
July 13th, 2012 at 11:54 am
Paris says you are so fine Michelle. I love you. Please come to Paris.
Bonne 5e anniversaire
July 13th, 2012 at 11:58 am
Romney may think he’s a contender, but won’t even be considered by many of us unless he releases his tax returns.
If we can’t trust him to tell the truth, he doesn’t deserve to get our votes.
What’s he hiding? Just like the Mormon Church – lots of secrecy with Mitt, his church and his campaign. Not very many open forums where anyone can ask any question. Lying about when he worked/didn’t work at Bain, just way too much mystery.
Open up Mitt. You might wind up getting more votes if you did
July 13th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Michelle, I love your blog. But I am hot for your beauty. I have a blown up copy of every picture of yourself you have posted.
Congratulations on your fifth year. Now how about adding some more, after all you are single now.
Horace
July 13th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
The problem the left has is that it destroys them to see a man who started from scratch, built up a fortune, maintains a great family, does the right thing, is honest and responsible.
Much less someone who’s running against a man who’s exactly the opposite.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
Once more: Mr. Romney has every right to keep the American People in the dark about his financials by not releasing his tax records for (at minimum) the past 10 years.
But the huge problem this creates is the dictators of the yet unnamed countries (and mob bosses?) he may have done “business” with already have that information in full and should he become President of the United States they will OWN HIM.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
I became a Girlz the minute I started reading 2 years ago. You have a real winner here.
Congratulations are in order.
Mimi
July 13th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Thanks Michelle for all you do. I have made a lot of money because of you. As soon as you are legally free and clear of Doug. Please give me a call. I am a very fair man.
Congratulations.
Kent
PS.Howie – Keep the stories coming!
July 13th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Happy Anniversary Michelle! I wish you many more successful years.
Did you get my message?
/SB
July 13th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Lee, those are more lies. He had Daddy’s money. He didn’t start from scratch.
Congratulations Michelle.
Rick
July 13th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
I wonder if Michele Bachmann considers offshore accounts “anti-American”?
July 13th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
With all those hidden accounts in Switzerland, Bermuda shell corporations transferred into the name of his wife the DAY before he took office as Governor in Massachusetts…..hmmm.
Maybe Mitt Romney’s Tax returns do not include all those millions in hidden assets and perhaps Mitt AVOIDED paying the proper amount of tax on them.
Perhaps it would be wise for the IRS to do a FULL AUDIT on ALL of Mr. Romney’s tax returns for the past seven years, as they are authorized to do when suspicion arises or they feel that possible tax evasion might be happening.
I think America has a right to know the facts about Mitt Romney if we are being asked to vote him into the Presidency. We just do not know much if ANYTHING about Mr. Romney…that is troubling.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
Like you can trust anything this man says. Maybe we should call Monica to hear her side of the story. There are thousands of people that put their money in offshore mutual funds.
These people need only to look at Warren Buffet to see how little taxes he paid. Doesn’t everyone try and pay the minimum taxes yearly.
When was the last time you sent the Government extra money on your taxes because you did not take every loophole you could find to save money. Do you think Romney is an exception… Come on
July 13th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Some people believe they voted for Republicans to stop Obama…then they blame Obama for not doing anything…when the people they voted for refuse to work with Obama and block him..
This is how the rightie mind works…”Stop Obama!..why isn’t Obama doing anything?!”
Insanity
July 13th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
The Republicans are not “conservative” in spite of their pretensions. They are anarchists who seek to destroy the functions of government any way they can.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
The problem is for 30 years the GOP has pretended tax cuts pay for themselves and raising taxes is evil.. at the same time they keep pushing for more and more defense spending..
Their voters are so brainwashed into believing these are compatible that the GOP cannot do anything except push for cutting social programs to pay for their tax cuts and defense spending..
when the rest of the educated public knows you need to cut spending, raise taxes, and reform entitlements like Obama is proposing
July 13th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Can a girl get in to say congratulations. I’ll keep trying.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
The teanuts and obstructionist Republicans aren’t the real problem..
It’s their uneducated voters who are the problem… the same ones who think tax cuts lower the deficit and wars pay for themselves and Republicans are fiscally responsible..
July 13th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Congress’ approval ratings are so low because they don’t represent the majority of their constituents. They (especially Republicans) represent special moneyed interests and the overall popularity of government is poor as a result.
If American citizens start voting for their own interests then maybe our congress won’t be so worthless. When you have politicians from red states railing against food stamps and medicare while their states are consumers of federal aid (as opposed to blue states and counties which on average put more into the federal government than they receive) you know public discourse is broken.
Or when Jindal refuses to enact an insurance exchange while his state is ranked 47th (higher is worse) in infant mortality….
July 13th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Sadly, I don’t expect the government to improve any time soon. Now all three branches of government are highly partisan and not serving the American public.
I believe our best strategy is to assume that government will largely be a net drag on our personal lives and we should plan to be as self-reliant as possible. We shouldn’t expect our government to get us a job, provide our health care or environment, or even provide our children with a high quality education.
I believe those of us who expect government to solve our problems will be greatly disappointed and our best chance is to solve them ourselves.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
You are one of the reasons I continue to have faith in the human race Michelle.
Your blog makes me feel that we can beat out the lowlifes.
Thanks for all you do.
Susanne.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
The GOP’s single mission since 2008 is defeat OBama..
Obama’s mission is to help improve the economy and get us out of wars and keep this country safe..
I’d say they’ve both stuck to their mission…but only one is doing what they were hired to do.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Obama care is the first social program not financed on the backs of the middle class. Republicans oppose letting the president get credit for it, so we all pay the price of their obstruction.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
For Republicans, dysfunctionality in government is a feature, not a bug. You can’t run on the mantra “government is the problem, not the solution” and then provide government solutions once in office.
Republican politicians have SWORN to screw up their jobs. I can only assume that the idiots voting Republicans into political offices also support appointing Marxists as corporate CEOs and convicted felons as police chiefs.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
I have changed from a republican to a democrat because of your blog Michelle. Three of my best friends said that your blog was the chief reason they switched.
I like it one vote at a time. Congratulations are indeed in order.
Kathy
July 13th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
“We can’t blame everything on the Senate. The average American doesn’t realize that. We need to quit passing bills over here and cheering for ourselves when we know they’re dead on arrival over there.”
- Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.)
The GOP is gladly keeping Americans broke and out of work in a sick attempt to blame in on Obama and get some power back.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
The republicans are a bunch of sycophantic extremist greedy bloodsuckers.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Congratulations, Michelle, where else but on your blog would you get the tag for Romney to be RobMe?
You just gotta love this blog.
Grace
July 13th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
How can you righties say you hired the GOP to block Obama and then whine that OBama hasn’t done anything?
Doesn’t that seem a little crazy to you?
July 13th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
The Tea Bag Congress has wasted $48 million in voting down the ACA 33 times. They are making a banana Republic out of the US and folks are catching on.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Americans will have 258 regular workdays in 2012.
House republicans will work only 109 of those days
This is the twisted, sick minds of the Republicans at work.
They run on the premise that government is incompetent, and then they get into office and prove it.
p.s. During the 111th under Pelosi the 1st year they were in session 159 days
July 13th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
FUN FACT: House Republicans have voted to repeal ‘Obamacare’ more than 30 times.
They have voted to replace it 0 times.
This is an entire party in need of psychoanalysis.
“Hey, boss. I just spent 3 days on something useless for the 31st time. Keep that in mind when my contract is up in November.”
July 13th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
I asked my Tea Bag Senator (Toomey) why he didn’t vote for the last transportation bill and he said it couldn’t be funded. I told his office to tell to Toomey to stop driving on our roads and refund my taxes from last year.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
I think you run a very fair blog Michelle. My wife and I love it. We started reading it a year before we got married. I saw her post in the school center hall, I responded.
We met got married and 4 years later we are congratulating you for bringing us together.
CONGRATULATIONS Michelle.
Joy & Oscar
July 13th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
The president has fought hard with democrats to fix a lot of the big, controversial problems other presidents would not touch. Republicans do nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, but obstruct everything the democrats try to do.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
Pennsylvania Law Threatens To Disenfranchise Nearly 10 Percent Of State’s Voters
New Texas voter ID law would disenfranchise 600,000 voters.
…
The GOP is doing this kind of thing all over. When your only ideas either consist of your failed policies of the past, or keeping American citizens from voting, your ideas suck.
July 13th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
Today, your blog turns Number Five.
For all the ways that you strive
to teach the world the way to change,
it’s awesome your words have so much range.
I love the encouragement for all the chix.
I look forward to being hearing for Number six.
PrP
July 13th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
Congratulations Michelle You have made it one more year.
I have been with you from the start. I agree with D. Her account matches mine.
Helena
July 13th, 2012 at 12:45 pm
What this country needs is voter education…a voting quiz.
Question: Do wars pay for themselves?
Question: Do tax cuts lower the deficit?
Question : Is Romney an honest problem solver?
Question : Is Obama really a threat to national security?
If you answered yes to any of these you cannot vote…read a book or a magazinge..go to school..come back later.
July 13th, 2012 at 1:05 pm
I got a rejection with a comment that I am posting too fast. How’s that when I just came in to say CONGRATULATIONS ON FIVE OUTSTANDING YEARS.
If I die bring me back as a Girlz.
Irene
July 13th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Wells Fargo Bank admitted to racial discrimination when it comes to giving out loans to the tune of $175Million. But how does that help the Tens of thousands of black borrowers that didn’t get their loan.
Congratulations Michelle. You deserve it.
Dwight
July 13th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Sequestration Looms: Hope’s piece this morning looks at the Old Dominion and the job losses the commonwealth will suffer if defense sequestration actually happens. Some conservative lawmakers said that, with President Obama’s campaign stop in southeast Virginia today, he is bringing a bunch of pink slips with him.
• Boston Globe won’t issue retraction on Romney Bain story that Fact Checker said was false.
TSA Failing on Screening Measures for Servicemembers: Sarah’s story looks at Rep. Chip Cravaack’s legislation that the congressman says speeds up the time for civilians to make their way through airport screening, while respecting our servicemembers. Seems like the TSA isn’t following the rules and lagging in implementation.
• I wish Harry Reid would get things done in the Senate, instead of complain about the U.S. Olympic uniforms. Didn’t Ralph Lauren make the uniforms in 2008?
Plus, a lot more from our syndicated columnists…But before you go, a message about the Red State Gathering. An event you don’t want to miss…
Our sister property, RedState.com, recently announced registration for the 4th annual RedState Gathering, to take place August 2-5 in Jacksonville, Florida.
The 2011 RedState Gathering featured an all-star cast and schedule, highlighted by Governor Rick Perry announcing his presidential campaign. With the schedule extended to cover over two full days of speakers and activities, this year’s event will not disappoint.
Erick Erickson, our colleague at RedState.com and conference host, has already announced that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will be a keynote speaker and Florida Governor Rick Scott and Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson will also be speaking. This is just the beginning. Erick and RedState will be announcing more speaker commitments shortly.
Aside from hotel and flight, attendees are completely covered once they arrive. All meals are provided, including a welcome reception the first night and a formal banquet Saturday evening. Hotel internet, parking, and various other amenities are also included.
With an all-star lineup–just weeks out from the GOP Convention and in this crucial election year–the 4th Annual RedState Gathering is certain to be the best one yet.
We at Human Events will be in attendance and hope to see you there as well! Register here.
Have a nice weekend,
-Adam
July 13th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
I am a solder in the Israeli Army. I enjoy your fairness when you discuss the Middle East.
I think more than a few lives have been saved because some arab women have come forward with information that help prevent terror attacks.
Thank you.
Moshe
July 13th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
South America says Encantado Michelle.
Come visit any time.
lamar
July 13th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Congratulations from Matsue, Japan Michelle.
We love you. 私はそんなに悪いガールズになりたいです。
Aika
July 13th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
The Girlz of Nagoya say ミシェルおめでとうございます(Congratulations Michelle).
We are your most loyal readers.
Eiko
July 13th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
India will not be out done. CONGRATULATIONS from the subcontinent Michelle.
Bhim
July 13th, 2012 at 1:24 pm
I’m the furthest thing from a fan of Ms. Michelle, but come on, this cop may be the dumbest man alive. Why would anyone say or even think this, especially someone in his position!
July 13th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
$175 million is not enough ! Wells Fargo are known crooks (gangstr) hiding under pretense of legal business. It be better to put your money under a mattress then with these racketeer.
July 13th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
I see this as another case of blacks and hispanics crying oh woe is me I got done wrong cause i am black/hispanic etc. Big F I get done wrong everyday cause i am female and over 50. Deal with it like the rest of the world.
July 13th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Many misguided folks chide anyone playing the so-called “race-card!” Wells Fargo played the “race-card” for years and many other financial institutions and businesses are doing the same with loans, housing, hiring, promotions and layoffs. Good to know one of them is being held accountable and paying for it! Glad I closed my account at WF nearly 2 years ago!!
July 13th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
Wow! This is great. People acknowledging your hard work Michelle. I have been with your for almost the entire 5 years(minus one month my sister Gloria waited before she introduced me).
They have been fantastic.
Harry
July 13th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Gratulerer Michelle fra Norge
July 13th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
Michelle I have been in Stavanger, Norway for two days. My friend Lian who is chinese speaks excellent Norwegian. I asked him to pen a note to you.
He will be starting his first read of your blog today. So now you have another loyal fan.
Hafa Adai
July 13th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Поздравляю Мишель из Руси с любовью.
July 13th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Let’s get the MONEY out of our politics so our politicians have time to represent the people and NOT their rich contributers! Unless that happens NOTHING will change……..
Thank you Supreme Court! Right now we have a country for the Rich and by the Corporations…. Thank you Supreme Court!… Get rid of citizens united ASAP! And that needs to be the START!
July 13th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Ahh – such wonderful & witty writing.
Thanks for the marvelous congrats in your own languagues too!
Totally made my Friday!
July 13th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Felisitasyon Michelle ki soti Ayiti. Vini non nan zile bèl nou pote Madaline ak choute bourik degoutan mesye yo a isit la.
Kesha
July 13th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Kerry, there is always a sour mouth. If you don’t like the love, go some where else.
Congratulations Michelle, the 3 plus years I’ve been here have been educational to say the least.
Thomas
July 13th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
The girlz of Italy say Congratulations and come on over.
Paola
July 13th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Děkuji Michelle na výrobu v posledních pěti letech nezapomenutelný.
Naděžda
July 13th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Michelle, The Girlz Íslands salue þér. Takk fyrir að gefa okkur jafnvægi stað til að fara fyrir fréttir um hvernig plánetan hugsar.
Kaia
July 13th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Wow, this is a bit intimidating. It would take too long to read through all those names. My sister called to say I’d better post my congrats before the pressure shut you down.
I thought she was kidding, but this may not get in I keep getting the message that I am posting too fast.
You deserve it all because you have put together a great blog and your regulars are sooo cool. (Love you Zen Lill, Alycedale, Prism Princess and Social Butterfly)
Wendy
July 13th, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Michelle I have been here since the beginning. Whatever happened to Dafne? Did she join Azza in the Climac?
I can’t believe I’ve been reading your blog this long.
GREAT< GREAT< just GREAT!!!!!!
Jackie
July 13th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Congratulations Michelle, I just wish Al was back regularly. But I still read your blog every day.
love
Linda
July 13th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
The Girlz of the Hopi want to thank you for your spotlight on rape on reservations. We also owe you a big thank you for showing us that we could band together as women and fight the disgusting behavior of the men here.
You deserve a place at our sacred dance. You are welcome.
Kachina
July 13th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
It is marvelous to be a part of this blog. You make us all feel at home. I love your non censorship.
Congratulations on making it work for us all.
Lydia
July 13th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Michelle, seems like you have a lot of fans. Add one more, Congratulations.
Freda
July 13th, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Love getting up to read the latest here. You have done a wonderful job.
Juwan
July 13th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Asante Michelle kwa ajili ya kufanya mwisho ya miaka mitano ya kukumbukwa kwa ajili yangu.
July 13th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
This is a very good blog. You have every reason to be very very proud.
Congratulations!!!!!!
July 13th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
This blog puts most others to shame. I come to it when I want an uncensored opinion of a topic.
Congratulations Michelle.
Robert
July 13th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Happy 5th, lovely lady!!
July 13th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
You’ve made this a splendid place to visit.
July 13th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
Michelle, I know that your are very proud of your accomplishment here. I am proud to be a small part of the information gathers you have cultivated here.
I look forward to sitting down with you one day and picking your brain and to sharing some blog moments.
Happy, 5th, in deed.
Anonz
July 13th, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Congratulations Michelle to a job well done.
July 13th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
I’m sorry I’m #142, Misch, I had a long day today and didn’t tune in until now, and when I saw the outpouring of congrats it made my day-for YOU!
I love this space, place and the people who are frequent and infrequent commenters, and no matter how fiery it gets, I love it. You’ve created something truly amazing here and I’m pleased to have been in on it everyday for 5 years. Thank you.
June, a humble thank you to you as well, your words were kind and I appreciated it very much.
#85, right on. That seems to have been the mixed bag Obama has gotten from the jumpstart.
Written with much luv, Zen Lill – may you write on for many more!
July 13th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Lot’s of love to you Michelle. I’ve only been here for about 4 months but I am a hooked reader already.
Congrats
July 13th, 2012 at 7:08 pm
I can’t image not having your blog to read. My friends at work get caught up in the politics it generates and the day can be lost.
It’s just great.
Flores
July 13th, 2012 at 7:11 pm
Michelle, you cast of characters(meant affectionally) can be so distracting. When Zen Lill and someone are going at it, I can’t concentrate at work.
All I can think of is what will Zen Lill say to that?
I just love your blog. It has been the best three years of entertainment anywhere.
Claire
July 13th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Did someone say ” the Secret Service is downplaying the controversy” I remember when a Montevista High School student made a joke about killing Ronald Reagan and received a visit from the Secret Service afterwards. They took that seriously.
So why not this? Maybe because she is black?
July 13th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Michelle,
I congratulate you on a project well done. I have been with you since it’s first concept,html coding, and even many, many years prior, and I will continue on…I wish you well with this and you other ventures and pursuits. You have shown me and so many others that life is quite a ride.
July 13th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
The Obama’s are a threat to the very ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness now and for future generations. Fortunately, we have elections to right poor judgment.
July 13th, 2012 at 7:16 pm
This will set a precedent if they wave it off as nothing. Lawyers will use it as a defense for any and all who threaten the POTUS (and Family). The officer should be FIRED!!!!
July 13th, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Great stuff you have here Michelle.
I love this blog. It’s helped me cope in so many ways. I would be lost if you quit.
Nora
July 13th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
A policeman makes a joke about killing a black woman, and white america is ok with that. Any civilized person would think somone entrusted with the public safety, that would make a death threat against anyone should be at the very least be fired, but not the republicans, or the tea party.
Is that rational? I sincerly hope that when you need a policeman, you get one just like him. Are you whites so completely stupid? Or is that just another downside to having kids with family members.
Now its time for the ignorant to justify a cop “joking” about killing the first lady. And the first of the inbred says……
July 13th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Love you and your blog Michelle. It is the bomb. So are you by the way. You are one seriously hot chick.
I dream of coming to America to meet you.
Congratulations, and Please come to France tout de suite.
Henri
July 13th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
This guy should be immediately fired and charges of threatening the First Lady. Just another example of the unimaginable disrespect the Obama’s have endured from those racist towards a black president.
If this was the Bush family and a black cop, posts on here would be calling for his head. Since it’s one of their own, comments are tamed.
Quit looking at Muslims and Arabs people. The worlds greatest threat is the white male, the male member of an ice people. Ice people are Inherently cruel and violent.
Who has fought against their own government on it’s soil, who has assassinated/ attempt assassination of presidents.
Now that i think about it, wonder how many blacks this cop has treated unfairly. Thumbs up if you feel me.
July 13th, 2012 at 7:26 pm
he should not have made the remark. But the Obamas are racist!!!!!
July 13th, 2012 at 7:27 pm
that’s a pile 747 !!! this is simply a SCAM to justify more movement toward MARSHAL LAW !!!!!!!! obama KNOWS he’s goin’ down and will make “his move” prior to November …… YOU WATCH !!!!!!!!
July 13th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
You’re the idiots that make EDUCATED people in Europe scared of the Right wing, ASIAN MUSLIM. YOUR PRESIDENT is half WHITE and BLACK. Never been a MUSLIM.
The Name he inherited is from his father. YOU small minded people need to realize that unjustified bias makes you seem remarkably stupid.
July 13th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Michelle, this blog just gets better.
July 13th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
George,WN is right on – the Obama Gang has passed new laws that are designed to allow a MARSHAL LAW take over – El Bozo would be King!
July 13th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
I think the person should be treated like anyone else who would have made a threat – Pump the brakes on this one?? One of their own??
If it was just a regular Joe and was overheard making this comment they would have busted through the windows kicking the cat on the way in to obtain him and bring him in for questioning, shutting down his bank accounts and whatever else they could do…
however, because it was one of their own and he doesn’t have access to guns, let’s not worry about him.
July 13th, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Howie what do you know about this?
=========================
Giant Spaceships Heading Towards Earth ?
Recent light has been shed on the reason that the SETI (Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project has been cancelled by the government. It seems that something was starting to happen.
According to my sources the government black project boys have taken over some of the antennas and are now processing signals for the exclusive use of the United States Navy. The government seems to be highly upset that more than one very large object is fast approaching Earth.
Speculation about just what these objects may be, range from Ark ships that are coming to take away some people just before a cataclysmic event strikes earth.
Another speculation suggest that we are about to be invaded and the peoples of Earth forced into slave labor to mine certain rare elements. We may be plundered or saved. Either way the near future is yet to unfold.
================
Happy 5th Michelle
At the present time the object(s) are beyond the orbit of Pluto. It is estimated that the objects are in the neighborhood of 150 miles across by 30 to 50 miles wide. Not long ago a Russian Mars probe photographed an object fitting this description just before it was destroyed for unknown reasons. Later, an American Mars probe was destroyed just before it reached that planet.
July 13th, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Anonz, I’ll finally ask: what ‘tasks’ are you completing? (you want tasks, I’ve got tasks)
Claire, reading your comment was very entertaining, I did ‘LOL’ though I feel should I apologize for distracting you from your work maybe…?
- ZL
July 13th, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Zen Lill, when the blog is this full could you refer to the number and the name so it is easier to find the person you are commenting to.
No way I can read all these. I used my Find feature on my Ipad to get you but it is too hard for others.
Thanks
Happy 5th Michelle
July 13th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Zen Lill, you have me at a disadvantage. Which “task” were you referring to?
Anonz
July 13th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
Love what you are doing here. I wish you all the success with your efforts.
Cosby
July 13th, 2012 at 8:05 pm
WOW1
Happy 5th
Lacy
July 13th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
I guess I missed the first 5 years. I’m a newbie. But from the response. It looks like I’m going to enjoy the next 5.
July 13th, 2012 at 8:08 pm
Michelle, I like to think I am still a regular. My fingers aren’t as good as they used to be. But my eyes work okay so I can still read your blog every day.
Happy Anniversary.
Bob
July 13th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
You’re very welcome Michelle. I couldn’t get in earlier. But I want to congratulate you before the day has passed so I’m keeping at it. I hope this post.
Nancy
July 13th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
You are a Godsend to women.
Happy 5th.
Wilma
July 13th, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Reba, sorry – #85 is APV, are 3 initials more helpful? Hope so, it’s really not to me, that’s why I called it #85 : ) wish the ‘initialers’ would just pick a memorable moniker, but whatev…
Anonz, I am referring to your posting on July 1 (sorry, I know it’s a long time ago in MM blog time)…just curious…& curiousity killed the cat and I’m a lioness…
- ZL
July 13th, 2012 at 10:51 pm
From here on out your are my Bitch.
That is if you want to be my Bitch
Happy 5th Michelle
July 14th, 2012 at 8:55 am
Michelle, the Girlz of Ethiopia wish to say we follow you because you are always on our side. We are very happy for your five years.
Maret
July 14th, 2012 at 9:06 am
I hope the people who go out to vote for Obama continue to support him when he gets in office. By that I mean they go out in equal numbers and vote out those obstructionist republicans.
If they devoted as much time and energy into doing what is right for the country as they do in hustling for bucks, memorizing the daily ideologue page, and lying about what the people want, they might actually fulfill their pledges.
Happy 5th Michelle, you run a class act. The House could take notes from you.
Ursla
July 14th, 2012 at 9:11 am
Oh, contraire, Ursla, Many of us are very pleased Obama can’t get everything that he wants RIGHT NOW. As someone opposed to virtually everything he stands for, I’m quite pleased Congress has put the brakes on his rush to European social welfare statism.