A Message from Michelle
Posted by Michelle Moquin on November 11th, 2010
Good morning!
No…the message is not from me, but from the other Michelle :) …First Lady, Michelle Obama. I like her message in regards to Veteran’s Day, so I decided to post it:
Michelle –
Veterans Day provides us with the chance to mark the debt of honor we owe to all those who have worn the uniform of the United States. We remember those who gave their lives beneath our flag, in service of our freedom.
And with so many still fighting, we owe special thanks to the courageous families of those who serve.
Because when our servicemen and women deploy overseas, their loved ones are left to undertake heroic battles of their own at home. The unique challenges they face in support of men and women in uniformallow us all to enjoy the freedoms of our democracy.
Every time I have a chance to meet with these families, I’m struck by their strength and their quiet dignity — they are truly some of the most selfless, courageous people I’ve met.
And today is also a day to acknowledge the sacrifices these brave men and women make every day, and pray for the safe return of those they love.
I’ve felt their calling personally, and I want to encourage Americans across the country to step up and do more for our military families. Take the time to stay informed about the concerns and activities of the families of service members in your community. Let them know you recognize their struggles and appreciate all they do.
You can help by finding out the needs of the military families in your community and volunteering, from working with your local school’s PTA to hiring a military spouse.
Today and every day, I am moved by the personal sacrifices made by service families. And I’m humbled by the patriotism of those they support — our soldiers and airmen, our sailors and Marines.
Today, if you can, please take a moment to offer your gratitude for the families of the veterans and active service members that you know. Or go online to serve.gov to find out how you can serve military families in your area.
Sincerely,
Michelle
************
Oh, and I have to add from a styling point of view…whoever chose the clothing for First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, did an incredible job. The colors are perfect on each of them. Don’t you think?
Now…what’s happening in your neighborhood on Veteran’s day? If you’re headed to SF this morning, you might want to stay home or take a different route. This is what’s going on:
Bay Bridge commute halted by standoff with gunman who claims to have explosives
Westbound traffic on upper deck of the Bay Bridge has been brought to a halt by a standoff between police and an armed man who claims to have explosives in his vehicle, authorities said.
The distraught man called emergency dispatchers around 7 a.m. and talked about having a pipe bomb. He then pulled his SUV over west of Treasure Island. He has since climbed over a side barrier and threatening to jump off the bridge as police try to talk the man into surrendering.
Thousands of commuters on the upper deck are stranded in their vehicles. Other San Francisco-bound commuters are being turned around at the Bay Bridge toll plaza and at Treasure Island.
Readers: Lots to catch up on, so I guess I’ll begin.
Robert: I am just as sick as you are in regards to Mehserle’s verdict and his slim jim time in jail. It is tragic to say the least. In regards to the rest of your write, I realize that you are not calling Zen Lill a racist. And I could say more on this subject, but ZL can certainly handle her own.
Jean: George is real, and unfortunately there are many racists out there. Screening George doesn’t make him or his kind disappear from the planet. If it did, believe me I would’ve done it along time ago. I wouldn’t say George is welcome here, but I welcome his words because his attitude is a slap in the face every time. George is good wake-up call that racism is still here, alive and flourishing, to those who would like to sweep it under the rug.
Cleveland: (and Zen Lill :) I assure you that I am not an alien, although there are times I wish I was. As far as Earth politics, I think I’m about as involved as I could ever be, thank you. And it is enough.
Zen Lill: I think it’s funny that readers think you are a composite of us. Why do you think that comes up quite often?
Charlie: As in Charlie Brown? One of my faves. :) Anyway…Thanks for informing me. Hmm…so are you fantasizing that you are seeing more than you actually are? Details…details…blog the details.
Breasts…what a lovely subject to end my blog, and begin the day with. :)
Breasts out…Oops, I mean PEACE OUT…
Just added: 9:43 AM: I just read this article by Arianna Huffington from the Huff Po, and I wanted to add it to my write today in honor of our veterans and those that are still serving our beloved country:
Giving Back to America’s Soldiers: Let’s Make Veterans Day a National Day of Service
Do you have anything special planned for Veterans Day? Did you even realize that tomorrow is Veterans Day?
Sadly, in much the same way that the wars we are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq have been pushed to the periphery of our national conversation, the day set aside to honor America’s veterans usually gets short shrift.
Despite all the lip service paid by politicians and pundits to supporting our troops, the needs and struggles of those returning home are rarely in the spotlight.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 107,000 veterans were homeless each night last year. That’s an improvement on the 131,000 who were homeless in 2008, and the 154,000 in 2007, but it’s still a very troubling figure.
And there is more bad news: veterans are twice as likely to commit suicide as the general population. According to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, “on average, 18 veterans commit suicide each day. Five of those 18 are under VA care at the time they take their lives.” And between 2005 and 2009, a soldier on active dutycommitted suicide every 36 hours.
What’s more, roughly 300,000 vets have come home from Afghanistan and Iraq suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
As devastating as these numbers are, the flesh and blood stories behind the statistics are even more compelling — as are the inspiring stories of the work being done by people dedicated to helping veterans.
To honor the sacrifice and service of the men and women of America’s armed services, HuffPost Impact, in partnership with Causecast, is launching Salute to Service — a week-long series highlighting the stories of veterans who have committed their time, energy, and effort to helping serve their fellow soldiers.
Starting today, Salute to Service will feature first-person blog posts from veterans who have become active in serving their community. The soldiers movingly recount their experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq, what their lives were like upon returning home, and why they became involved in community service. The posts also feature a specific call to action, what each of the soldiers would like to see the rest of us do to help America’s vets — on Veterans Day and beyond.
These posts also contain a customized Salute to Service widget that makes it easy for you to take action — either by donating, volunteering, or learning more about the remarkable organizations geared to helping vets. There’s even a button that makes it possible to instantly donate 25 cents per click to a selected veterans organization.
It would be a fitting tribute if Veterans Day could become a national day of service devoted to giving back to those who have given so much in service of our country — as well as a day that inspires us to make sure that the plight of America’s vets stays on the radar all year long.
Click here to read the first Salute to Service post.
P.S. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has launched a Facebook campaign to get the country engaged in supporting new vets. Click here to join IAVA’s online march.
Now…It really is “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 :)
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November 11th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Mischa, I have no idea why they think I’m a composite, maybe bc I always get in to post? Hmmm, perhaps I should take a new call name like Discha or Michoug or how ’bout Moggzy?! hahaha…think I’ll stick with Zen Lill since it is my practice to stay centered while everyone else is making noise, whining/complaining, or losing their minds (and that’s just the adults : ) tee hee…
I just discovered that my sweet (freaking) Elke has been drinking the water from my new Buddha fountain, woke up to some high pitched motor whining and ran out to my balcony which put on the motion detector light and busted her mid-lick, the visual was priceless : ) I was wondering why I had to refill the thing constantly when it supposed to be recycling the agua, hahaha…she’s getting frisky again, I put her on glucosamine and she’s chasing her tail again, too, very cute. 12 years old and behaving like a pup, gotta love it.
Catch you all later, going to visit a vet ; ) Luv, Zen Lill
November 11th, 2010 at 11:23 am
btw, I’ve checked out your ta’s up close in this pic also : ) why not, they’re there for the peeking – hahaha…ZL
November 11th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Stop Gossiping and Complaining!
Beth Weissenberger
The Handel Group
Most of us gossip or complain on occasion, whether it’s in the workplace… with family… or among friends.
It can seem like a harmless way to make conversation or let off steam, particularly when we have valid complaints that we feel deserve to be heard.
Whatever our reasons, gossiping and complaining usually are mistakes.
They can undermine the trust, unity or morale of a group… make us seem negative and/or disloyal… and cause those around us to pay us less heed when we voice more important complaints in the future.
Exception: Complaints can be useful and constructive if they are directed to those in a position to do something about them.
For example, it is futile to complain to your spouse about your employer’s new billing system, but complaining to the head of the company’s billing department could solve the problem.
WHY WE DO IT
Gossip is rooted in insecurity — we are most likely to gossip when we feel hurt, offended or frightened.
Gossip really is a form of manipulation, a way of building a case against someone by bringing individuals into cahoots to adopt the new theory.
Example: John hears that Sam, a coworker with whom he doesn’t get along, is late to a client meeting.
Rather than find out the facts and deal directly with Sam, John reports to his colleagues that Sam was late to the meeting, saying that this is just another example of Sam’s carelessness and lack of leadership skills.
John wants his colleagues to “buy into” his theory that Sam is not a strong leader. In reality, Sam had car trouble and called the client to leave a message that he would be late.
In truth, gossip is a coward’s way of dealing with something or someone. The individual doesn’t have the courage to confront the situation head-on but instead goes “underground.” That’s unfortunate, because gossip often represents important issues that need to be addressed.
Complaining can be a response to feelings of insecurity as well. The complainer’s goal is to draw sympathetic responses from listeners, validating the complainer’s belief that he has been treated poorly.
BREAK THE HABIT
When you feel like gossiping and complaining…
Remind yourself that gossiping/complaining is a cowardly response to a problem.
Moaning about a problematic person or situation to a third party can seem safer and easier than taking action to solve the problem, but this moaning will not improve your life. At best, it might make you feel better for a moment.
Recognize that gossiping is a sign that you need to make a change, and then summon up the courage to do it.
Determine who has the power to solve your problem (or to help you solve it). This person might be your boss… your spouse… the individual engaged in behavior that is bothering you… a close friend or associate of this person… a trusted ally who has a knack for problem solving… a local government official or politician, etc.
Examples: We might have to tell a boss that his new policy is flawed… or our spouse that his behavior is inappropriate.
Once you have identified the person you need to talk with and resolve to speak to him, your newfound sense of control should help dissolve the insecurities that might have led to gossiping or complaining.
Frame your conversation with this person in a way that increases the odds of a positive result. Avoid accusations, righteous speeches and blame, which trigger defensive or angry responses.
Consider the issue from the opposite side before saying anything to the person, then present your complaint as something you, personally, think should be done differently, not as a matter of black and white.
Wait until this person is alone before raising the subject to minimize the chance of embarrassing him. Open the conversation by asking for permission to discuss a difficult issue.
Example: Each time a former boss handed me my paycheck, he said to me, “I can’t believe that I’m paying you this much.”
He seemed to be saying that I wasn’t worth the money, which really rankled me. I caught myself before I complained to my coworkers. Instead, I walked into the boss’s office and asked, “Can I talk to you about something that I have a problem with?”
When he said “yes,” I told him that the quip seemed to imply that I wasn’t earning my money. The boss quickly apologized and explained that he simply meant that he had never before paid any employee what he was paying me. He thanked me for speaking up rather than letting the problem fester, and he never made the remark again.
At the end of each day, ask yourself if there was anything that bothered you that day that you failed to take steps to correct.
Then make a point to confront these issues head-on the following day so that they don’t have a chance to intensify.
Refuse to listen to gossip or complaints. Listening only encourages those around us to continue to gossip and complain… and the more those around us gossip and complain, the greater the odds that we will be tempted to join in.
If someone complains or gossips to you, ask how he would like you to help correct the situation. This can turn complaints into problem-solving sessions.
If someone continues to gossip or complain, say that this really isn’t any of your business and that you would prefer not to discuss it. Be polite, but leave no doubt about your position.
Encourage openness in the groups that you lead. Ask other group members for their input.
When group members feel that they can bring problems to those who can correct them, they have less reason to complain and gossip to others.
Personal interviewed Beth Weissenberger, cofounder and vice-chairman of The Handel Group, a coaching company based in New York City. The Handel Group’s corporate clients include Sony-BMG, The New York Times Company and New York University Medical Center. http://www.handelgroup.com.
November 12th, 2010 at 12:22 am
Hafa adai
Okay, so the US is finally admitting that they are building a super base on Guam. But at least the reason is not the presence of aliens according to the government is because of China.
__________________________________
The USA is building an 8 billion super military base on the Island of Guam in the western part of the Pacific Ocean in response to China’s strengthening of its defence potential, “The Daily Telegraph” reports.
The work is currently being done on the U.S. Air Force Base in Guam to build docks for aircraft carriers and test ranges there, in addition to the existing facilities, and also to develop a national missile defence system there. The head of the New Eurasia Foundation Andrei Kortunov says:
Naturally, Americans do not say officially that this base is being created to contain China’s military build-up.
But if we look at the map and compare the military potential of the countries surrounding the Pacific Ocean, it won’t be difficult for us to understand that, most likely, China is exactly the key factor, which is taken into consideration here.
The point is that there’re no Sino-American agreements, which could limit in one way or another such projects of the U.S. side. Moreover, Guam is a U.S. territory.
Therefore, legally, China can make no objections on that score. However, there’s reason to believe that China’s answer to the on-going construction will be a new increase in assignments for the development of its navy.
Because the Chinese fear that U.S. domination of the northern part of the Pacific Ocean may hamper China’s efforts in the settlement of the Taiwan issue.
If we compare the military might of China and the USA, we’ll see that China has to work much to catch up with the USA, the Russian expert says.
We can say nothing about China’s parity or its ability to resist the USA on the high seas either. However, the dynamism of the development of the Chinese naval forces is an object of concern for the Pentagon strategists.
There’s an opinion that if this tendency remains and if the USA fails to increase considerably the budget of its naval forces, in 15 to 20 years China will pose a serious threat to the U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific Region.
There’re many American military facilities in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean, Kortunov says.
They are scattered over a large territory north of Alaska across Okinawa and as far as the Hawaiian Islands, where, traditionally, the U.S. Navy has a stronghold.
Which means that there’re many U.S. military facilities there, which form an arc and which must guarantee America’s hegemony in the Pacific Ocean.
As Americans say, these facilities have been set up to guarantee the security of commercial communications in the region, including the security of oil supplies from the Persian Gulf area to the western coast of the USA.
But taking into account the current tendencies, this infrastructure is regarded by many people in Beijing as one that is aimed against China.
Asked whether the new super base will infringe on Russia’s interests, the head of the New Eurasia Foundation said that, as it appears, it would be beneficial for Russia to distance itself from the current arms race.
However, one circumstance should be taken into account here – that fanning tensions in the Pacific Ocean region will not be beneficial strategically for the countries situated in that part of the world.
______________________________________
So now we know.
Peter
November 12th, 2010 at 12:52 am
I’m glad Keith’s back. Thanks Michelle for being there for him.
November 12th, 2010 at 1:11 am
Zen Lill
More than once friends have written me and asked if I thought you were real. I always say, of course.
And yes, you should keep Zen Lill because I like you centered when the rest of us are making noise.
November 12th, 2010 at 1:13 am
Jean
The way I look at it is if you liberals can’t stand the heat, get the f out of the kitchen. I mean the kitchen you have left after the election can’t be too big.
Ha, ha, haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
November 12th, 2010 at 1:15 am
So now that you have your computer back where are the pictures?
Zen Lill, ZenLill, I mean the real Zen Lill.
November 12th, 2010 at 1:18 am
Michelle
Please allow Madaline to return to Iran. We need her badly.