I despise plastic bags. And every time I go to the grocery store and I see someone take their groceries home in a new plastic bag, I get pissy. (And I get pissy about the paper bags too.) Bring your own bag; reuse, reuse and reuse it, until it is in shreds. Then once they’re all used up, vow to never use a plastic bag again, and buy a couple of those fab bags that Trader Joe’s or Whole foods puts out.  Really, any reusable bag will work but finding one that is made out of recycled plastic is even better. Until we stop using plastic all together we need to find ways to use all of these plastic bags that are taking over the world. 

Check this out:

Plastic bags and other marine debris cause serious problems for the health of our coast and bay shorelines. Each year an estimated one million plastic bags make their way into San Francisco Bay, where they pollute the water and endanger the 500 species of animals that live in the Bay.

Take action >>

Plastic litter never biodegrades. It is an eyesore for our communities and costs local governments millions to clean up. The Governor’s Ocean Protection Council will vote soon on whether or not to support local efforts to reduce plastic bag litter.

Please ask Governor Schwarzenegger to be a leader in the effort to eliminate plastic bags in our communities. Hurry! The vote is set for April 23. Choose the Bay over the bag!

Thank you for making a difference to California’s fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitat today.

Obviously this is in regards to The Bay Area, so if you live in this beautiful area by the bay, sign the petition please. Knowing this many bags are floating in the bay is just horrific. This should not be happening. 

And to the many readers who live elsewhere, I am sure the plastic bag sitch is the same and maybe worse. Do yourself and the future of our planet a favor:  Get rid of the plastic bag in your life and turn to something eco-friendly and reusable. 

I went to a baby shower this weekend and the favor for the guests were all brightly colored eco-friendly reusable grocery bags. How cool is that? Attached to each bag was a sweet note:

“Thank you for showering AJ and Finley with your love today. Please use this bag to give Finley, and all the children, the greatest gift of all…..a clean world to grow up in!” 

I love it. Sadly, favors for guests have come to this, but thankfully there are people out there such as AJ, a soon to be new mother, who is concerned about her child growing up in a safe and clean world, and is doing something about it. Yes, it is a small step, but it is a step that opens up awareness that this planet needs some paying attention to. 

So….if you haven’t already, take that small step and buy a few reusable grocery bags, and bag the plastic bag. I Keep three in my car at all times. I suggest you keep a few stored too, if you don’t already. Then you have no excuse to ever use plastic or even paper again. Thank you!

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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I was just saying to Zen Lill yesterday that as much as I miss when I open my blog and there are no comments ( except from ZL – thank you :), I am a bit relieved because you know how I like to address everyone. And then to no surprise, because it does happen quite often, I wake up to a slew of comments and I am rushing to read them all before I post the daily. 

It seems that many of you have ‘TEA parties’ on your mind, aka: ‘Tax Enough Already’.  I noticed from watching the news  that most who are outraged are….no surprise, ‘white’, and most likely part of that 55% that didn’t want Obama to be our president. Just where were these people when Bush was spending trillions? No need to answer; we know. 

People at these TEA parties are protesting wasteful spending and yet they go and buy 1 million tea bags! – ok and that is not a waste? And FOX claims that they are not sponsoring the ‘TEA parties’; that they are just covering them.  Ah….isn’t that what sponsorship is? 

I really don’t have much more to say, as you all have said it so well.  However, I will end it with this video. Anonymous #12 posted this yesterday, (thank you) and if you didn’t click on the link that he left for everyone, I urge you to watch it now. It is truly sickening that people feel this way about our President and believe the things that they believe. People will convince themselves of anything just to hide behind their racism.  

~~~~~~~~~

Barbara:  My pleasure. I’m delighted that it inspired a conversation between you and your parents. 

Peter: And I thought the pythons were going to be a problem.  This is way more serious, and out of control.  I didn’t get the chance to read your post thoroughly this morning but like all of the other comments I will take time this afternoon when I can read them more than just a quick peruse.

Readers: Feel free to chime in….seems there is a lot of banter out there that wants to be heard. 

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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

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

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008

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Something has been on my mind and it has been bugging me for over a week, so I have to blog about it. When I blogged about the law passing in Afghanistan allowing men to legally rape their wives, I noted that “Europeans, although they endorse and support America’s strategy, they are ‘more enthusiastic about increasing humanitarian and development aid than adding soldiers’, and especially in light of the new controversial law”. What I neglected to put in my blog that day is President Obama also had a response to the Afghan law and I think that it is worthy of printing. So many people are so ready to pounce on our president’s every move that I want to do as much as I can to support his every move. Not that he is perfect (who is?) but he is doing a damn good job in my mind. 

That being said, here is the transcript from the news conference when President Obama was in Strasbourg, France:

    Q Thank you, Mr. President, and good afternoon. I’d like to ask you about a law that’s recently been passed in Afghanistan that affects the 10 percent of the Shia population there. A summary of it says it negates the need for sexual consent between married couples, tacitly approves child marriage, and restricts a woman’s right to leave the home. The United Nations Development Fund for Women says this legalizes the rape of a wife by her husband. I’d like your assessment of this law, number one. Number two, will you condition future troop movements of the U.S. to Afghanistan on the basis of this law being retracted or rewritten? And if not, sir, what about the character of this law ought to motivate U.S. forces to fight and possibly die in Afghanistan?

    PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, first of all, this was actually a topic of conversation among all the allies. And in our communication — communiqué, you will see that we specifically state that part of this comprehensive approach is encouraging the respect of human rights. I think this law is abhorrent. Certainly the views of the administration have been, and will be, communicated to the Karzai government. And we think that it is very important for us to be sensitive to local culture, but we also think that there are certain basic principles that all nations should uphold, and respect for women and respect for their freedom and integrity is an important principle. 

Now, I just want to remind people, though, why our troops are fighting, because I think the notion that you laid out, Major, was that our troops might be less motivated. Our troops are highly motivated to protect the United States, just as troops from NATO are highly motivated to protect their own individual countries and NATO allies collectively. So we want to do everything we can to encourage and promote rule of law, human rights, the education of women and girls in Afghanistan, economic development, infrastructure development, but I also want people to understand that the first reason we are there is to root out al Qaeda so that they cannot attack members of the Alliance.

Now, I don’t — those two things aren’t contradictory, I think they’re complementary. And that’s what’s reflected in the communiqué.

Q But do you object to the law –

PRESIDENT OBAMA: We have stated very clearly that we object to this law. But I want everybody to understand that our focus is to defeat al Qaeda and ensure that they do not have safe havens from which they can launch attacks against the Alliance.

Ah…I feel so much better. I just don’t enjoy having something on my mind for days on end. Now it is resolved and I can move on. Thoughts? Comments? Blog me.

I just want to end with congratulating our president for putting the right people in the right place at the right time. I’m speaking of those sharpshooter Navy Seals who took out those Somali pirates and rescued Captain Richard Phillips. A big congrats to ‘them’ too! I’m sure the repugs were just biting their nails hoping that Obama would fail. Oops not today. Chalk up another one for Obama and of course the trained eye and steady hand of those Navy Seals. 

Jata: Are you eating your words yet or do you still want to put your fate into the Chinese or Russians?

Frank: The problem with comparing ‘real life’ to an ‘American movie’, is that is just it; it is ‘a movie’. There is no comparison. ‘Real life’…is rarely portrayed in the movies. Oh, how I wish it was that romantic. We all love the drama and a good ending. But hey, who ever these Navy Seals are, they did their job. And the ending?…Well, you tell me….a success, yes? Absolutely.  For once, ‘real life’ ended just like in the movies. Kudos to the ‘Real life’ James Bond(s)? Oh….I knew I’d find the romance somewhere in this story. :)

Zen Lill: Thanks for adding to the convo. I have never heard that justification before. To me, that says that someone who might go after a married man, just might have some commitment issues too. They may just want all of the good stuff which they may get with some ‘afternoon delight’, but they are not willing to accept it all. And with a married man who is already in a so-called ‘committed’ relationship, they don’t have to. Hmm…Interesting. Sorry ladies…The justification does not warrant the behavior. Somewhere the marriage is going to suffer. And I’m not talking one-night-stands here that may or may not be discovered, and may or may not bring hurt to the marriage, but an ongoing affair.

As far as your one-liner to the unknown married man – powerful comeback – love it. 

And in regards to ‘barking up the wrong tree’….I totally get where you are coming from. There are many scenarios, and each marriage going through a separation or divorce is different. But if the marriage is over and the two people involved have come to an agreement, whatever agreement….and it works for both…hey, I’m all for that. It’s all about being honest and communicating.  

Hello Anna:  My pleasure. 

Mela:  I have dabbled in pork skins before but yours sound supperb.  I’ll have to pop by one of the places that you mentioned. And as bad as they may sound for you, healthwise, correct me if I am wrong, but I have heard that pork rinds are actually good for you.  Do you have anything to substantiate this?  Maybe health Info will post something. 

And on that note, dear readers, I will communicate that I am done for the day. Have a good one….

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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

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

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008

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

Good morning!

Oh…waking up to so many comments is delightful and stressful all at the same time. So many topics. Now I know why blogs are usually so narrowly focused on one subject matter. But it was my choice to start a blog that talked about any and everything. It certainly helps me to be a more-rounded person, and I certainly don’t get bored.  And obviously you don’t either. 

Robert: Good to hear from you again. Thanks for informing us of this ‘Right To Work’ law appeal. Any more news to report about the hearing?

Zen Lill: Sorry we haven’t connected – Let’s try again today. How is the little kitty? 

Tom: Well it looks like you got some girls excited.  Many have said enough but you know me…I must give my two too.  Why you think you can compare apples to oranges is totally illogical. When people of this country elect people into office who care less about the people or this country, and their only concern is to keep the country white and their pockets full, we are going to get what we deserve.  We are going to be fleeced. But hey, the majority voted them in. Remember don’t hate the players hate the game? The people of this country chose the game by voting those into office who made up the rules to the game. 

I don’t see the polar bears having any say in this. What game are they playing and did they choose to play? No.  And any man saying that it is going to happen anyway to justify his actions to hunt and kill is a lowlife excuse and is a man, in my mind, with no compassion or respect for the animal. Compassion and respect do not equate to killing innocents. Obviously he has no respect for their lives or even cares because Warner stated that he doesn’t do it for the kill. Some men do it for the kill which to me is wrong….but to not do it for the kill and to kill anyways saying that they’re going to be killed regardless,  says to me that their lives don’t matter one iota to this man. It is really sickening. The fact that you are comparing Warner’s actions to Anonz, says only one thing: The girls are correct – you are just one jealous man. 

Anna: Congratulations to Guam’s first major movie – Good luck at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival!

Anonymous 25: I think it is our job to inform, and continue to do so. If we just hang back and leave it up to the media, we all know what ramifications will occur. 

However, anyone who says that Obama is the worst president is a racist. After all that our president has done in his short time in office, it would be difficult to say otherwise unless you were a racist.  What can you do? Nothing if he is a racist, except maybe point out that he is. If he is truly just uninformed, keep hitting him with the facts that he can’t dispute. If he is intelligent enough he’ll see your viewpoint or at least research what you have to say if he truly cares….and is not just hiding his true racist feelings. At some point you’ll know if you don’t already. 

Oh…I’d love to say more but as usual my time is up. I’ll reserve the rest of my thoughts for another day. 

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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

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

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008

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Good morning!

There are so many things going on in the world today.  Lots on my mind as usual,  and as usual on Fridays, little time this morning. But at least I’ll address a few and give my two. 

First, did you not just love that President Obama fired the head of GM?  I bet corporate heads are spinning wondering, ‘who’s next?’ We have been saying that these CEO’s need to be fired. They’re doing a lousy job. Like anyone else who doesn’t do well at their job….like anyone else who doesn’t preform: They get fired. Simple. These heads should be treated no differently. I applaud Obama for once again taking unprecedented action.

And last night the house and senate passed President Obama’s Budget plan  – I am grateful. I like being part of a success. Did any of you write your letters or make a few phone calls? Hmm…and no surprise, the plan passed with zero republican votes. Yep, once again no support from the repugs. No matter, we’ll get this country moving in the right direction whether we have their support or not. Obama has the country’s support.

So now Obama is attending a NATO summit which brings me to another interesting topic.  Obama wants to add more troops in Afghanistan to fight the rising insurgency. And as much as Europeans endorse and support America’s strategy, it is noted that, ‘They are more enthusiastic about increasing humanitarian and development aid than adding soldiers’, and especially in light of the new controversial law that I just read about thanks to Anjali.

Anjali:  You brought this up a few days ago. Your comment disturbed me and I finally did a bit of research.  I could not believe that what you said was actually true. Not that I doubted you for a minute, but I just didn’t want to believe it.   

The law has passed. It is now legal in Afghanistan for a man to have sex with his wife who says ‘no’. A man can rape his wife. The law authorizes rape within marriage!

They say it removes the right of women to refuse their husbands sex, unless they are ill.

Women will also need to get permission from their husbands if they want to leave their homes, unless there is an emergency.

The law covers members of Afghanistan’s Shia minority, who make up 10% of the population.

Aides to President Karzai insist the law provides more protection for women.

Uh huh.  Where do they come up with this disgusting BS? Human rights activists say it reverses many of the freedoms won by Afghan women in the seven years since the Taleban were driven from power.

We need to support women more, not take away their human rights. It seems every step forward is two steps back when it comes to these men trying to get over in any way they can. This has got to end. (deep breath)

That is it for me this morning. I am out of here. Please do drop by and leave a comment on this or any other subject that inspires you. I look forward to the reads. 

ZL: I’ll check out Jim, and call you this weekend. Good luck with your showing!

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor

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

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

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008

" 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"