Good morning!

Since we are days away from the new year, I am reading more writes that are focusing on the good things that have happened around the country. The past two days it was about women’s health heros. Today the focus is on LGBTs. And I am so happy to also feature these good happenings in 2013. There were a few drawbacks but most of the news was good news.

Here’s the write that caught my eye:

2013: An Historic Year For LGBT Progress

2013 will no doubt be remembered as a truly historic year for LGBT equality. Both in terms of visibility and access to government services, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or any other label under the queer community’s umbrella saw a huge expansion of their freedoms and protection under the law. Here’s a look back at some of this year’s many milestones:

The End Of Marriage’s “Defense”

No victory was as monumental as the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act in United States v. Windsor. In an instant, all same-sex couples in the country had their marriages upgraded, allowing them to claim federal benefits even if they live in states that still do not recognize their unions as valid. Though various departments are still working out the kinks, benefits such as filing taxes jointly, claiming a spouse for immigration purposes, Social Security spousal benefits, and other protections are available to married same-sex couples for the first time.

The decision has already had ripple effects. Though it did not automatically establish marriage equality throughout the entire country, Windsor certainly set the stage for that eventuality. Indeed, 2013 is ending on a cliffhanger , with landmark decisions in both Utah and Ohio taking the next legal steps toward nationwide marriage equality. In a narrow ruling Monday, Judge Timothy Black declared that Ohio must recognize same-sex marriages solemnized in other states for the purposes of death certificates just as it does other marriages that would not have been valid if performed in Ohio. In a broader decision Friday, Judge Robert Shelby declared Utah’s law and constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage unconstitutional, opening a window for same-sex couples to begin marrying, at least until the Tenth Circuit imposes a stay on the decision. Both cases directly citedWindsor, and with multiple lawsuits advancing in other states, one is bound to arrive back at the Supreme Court sometime soon.

Windsor also had significant political implications outside the courtroom. As the Supreme Court was mulling their decision, many Senate Democrats spoke out for marriage equality for the first time ever. In fact, there is actually now a 54-vote majority in the Senate in favor of allowing same-sex couples to legally marry.

At the center of the case, of course, was Edie Windsor, whose poignant story, loveable personality, and fierce determination led to the victory that will forever bear her name. A rightful finalist for Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, Edie Windsor has secured a monumental place in the history of LGBT equality.

The United States Of Marriage Equality

While significant advances were taking place at the national level, a cascade of marriage equality was also unfolding across the country, with the number of states welcoming same-sex couples to marry nearly doubling.

The year began with marriage equality taking effect in Maine (technically December 29, 2012) and Maryland, both of which successfully approved of their laws through a 2012 referendum, along with Washington. From there, legislatures and courts in eight more states would legalize same-sex marriage before the year was out:

• Though the Colorado constitution prohibits the recognition of same-sex marriage, that didn’t stop the state from finally advancing civil unions instead. Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) signed the bill on March 22, and it took effect May 1.
• Putting an end to its unsuccessful watered-down civil unions, the Rhode Island legislature finalized its marriage equality legislation on May 2.
• Delaware followed suit with the same upgrade just days later, becoming the 12th state to legalize same-sex marriage on May 7. During the debate, Sen. Karen Peterson (D) came out publicly for the first time and declared, “If my happiness somehow demeans or diminishes your marriage, you need to work on your marriage.”
• 2012 had been a significant year in Minnesota, with voters not only defeating a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, but also electing a Democratic majority to the legislature. Lawmakers took advantage of the new legal landscape and passed marriage equality on May 13, and Gov. Mark Dayton (DFL) signed it into law a day later.
• After DOMA was overturned, it became quite clear that New Jersey was no longer providing equality to same-sex couples with civil unions. In September, a state judge agreed, declaring that New Jersey was “harming same-sex couples” by not allowing them to marry. The state Supreme Court opted not to intervene, and marriages began taking place on October 21.
• Though opponents waged what some called a “citizens’ filibuster” by testifying for days on end, and despite an openly gay legislator voting against her own rights for the first time on record, marriage equality prevailed in the Hawaii legislature. After an epic-long debate and many frivolous amendments, the House finalized passage of the bill on November 9, and Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D) signed it into law on November 13.
• Some had been discouraged that the Illinois legislature failed to take up a vote on marriage equality before recessing in June, but they made up for it during a special session in November. Gov. Pat Quinn (D) signed the bill into law on November 20, and it’ll take effect June 1, 2014. In the meantime, several same-sex couples who are facing terminal illness have been grantedpermission to marry ahead of time.
• New Mexico, unlike any other state, had never stipulated whether same-sex marriages were banned or legal. As of September, eight counties in the state were offering licenses while the rest were not. On December 19, the New Mexico Supreme Court weighed in on the question and ruled that the LGBT community is entitled to equal protection under the law, establishing it as the 17th marriage equality state.
• As noted above, the year ended with significant court victories in Ohio and Utah. Couples cannot yet marry in Ohio, and the window may soon close in Utah if the Tenth Circuit imposes a stay. Both rulings lay the groundwork for future victories across the country.

Only four states remain that do not have constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage: Indiana, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The other 29 states have such amendments, meaning only the federal courts or a new amendment could change the law. Oregon is pursuing such a referendum in 2014, and Ohio may as well. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in Indiana are hoping to pass an amendment banning same-sex marriage, which could make it the last state ever to do so. Lawsuits advancing in most of the remaining states could create a situation similar to Utah, with judges in Michigan and Pennsylvania set to hear arguments in the new year, but ultimately, the Supreme Court will have to weigh in again before there is marriage equality in all 50 states.

A Transition To Less Discrimination

Though marriage stole the spotlight, 2013 also offered many important developments for protecting LGBT people from other forms of discrimination, including some policies that had never been seen before.

For the first time in the legislation’s 20-year history, the Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in an historic 64-32 vote in early November. Unfortunately, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) refuses to allow a vote in the House because he believes the bill isn’t necessary. In reality, it remains legal for people to be fired for their sexual orientation in 29 states and for their gender identity in 34 states. The new movement on ENDA has helped others appreciate this reality, including Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett (R).

There were previously 35 states where it was legal to fire transgender people for their identities, but Delaware stepped up and narrowed that gap this year. In Delaware, it is now illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public works, contracting, and insurance. Expressing his support for the bill, Gov. Jack Markell (D) hoped to create a Delaware that is a “safe and welcoming state for all to live, work, and raise a family.”

Groundbreaking new protections for transgender people also expanded in California through a new law that ensures transgender students have equal access to school facilities and activities. Conservatives have responded with a referendum effort to overturn the law and a media campaign to vilify transgender students. Even if a referendum delays (or prevents) the bill’s implementation, trans students have also found protection through the courts, such as Damian Garcia in California and Coy Mathis in Colorado.

Young people also got a boost in the form of laws that prevent minors from being subjected to ex-gay therapy. California’s law, which passed in 2012, was upheld in court, and New Jersey passed its own law, which has also been upheld in court. Though profiteers of the harmful, ineffective treatment continue to advocate on its behalf, a new survey of ex-gay survivors revealed this year that 92 percent experienced harm, and many were guilted into the therapy by friends, family, or their community.

Discrimination against LGBT people very much still occurs, and 2013 provided numerous examples — the most visible being bakeries and other artisans refusing to provide services to same-sex couples in relation to a a commitment ceremony. In many of these cases, marriage equality is not even legal in the state, but the refusal of service is still a violation of the state’s nondiscrimination laws. A bakery in Oregon, for example, refused to bake a cake for a same-sex couple’s wedding, while a florist in Washington refused to provide flowers. Despite conservatives’ claims that “religious liberty” is at stake, the courts have been ruling in favor of protecting LGBT people. Most notably, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a photographer broke the law when she refused to photograph a same-sex commitment ceremony, and a Colorado judge similarly ruled against a baker that did not want his cakes used to celebrate a same-sex marriage. There are more tests to come, but justice seems to be favoring equal treatment throughout society.

Steps Forward And Backward Abroad

Internationally, there was incredible progress for LGBT equality as well, though there were also some setbacks.

Several countries legalized same-sex marriage, including Uruguay, France, New Zealand, Brazil, and theUnited Kingdom. When the law takes effect in England and Wales in 2014, it will bring the total to 16 countries that allow same-sex couples to marry. The fight in France this year was particularly hostile, with anti-gay groups — encouraged by U.S. groups — rioting in the streets. Some members of Parliament even received death threats, but ultimately, equality prevailed.

Other countries took steps to better respect and recognize people who are transgender. Both Swedenand The Netherlands updated their laws so that trans people no longer have to undergo sex reassignment surgery (SRS) in order to obtain legal recognition as their identified gender. This was a significant step for Sweden, which has an infamous history of forcing sterilization upon citizens during the middle of the 20th Century. Given that SRS comes at the price of one’s reproductive ability, the new law ended the requirement that trans people be sterilized in order to finally be recognized as full citizens.

LGBT equality was under watch by European Courts as well. The European Court of Justice ruled that gays and lesbians who live in African countries with laws that punish homosexuality may seek legal asylum in Europe. It also asserted that same-sex couples in civil partnerships deserve the same benefitsas married couples, ensuring that international contracts don’t cause some couples to be treated differently. Similar to the rulings in the United States, the European Court of Human Rights found thatreligion does not justify discrimination against the LGBT community, a sentiment also expressed this year by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

But internationally, there were also some setbacks. The people of Croatia voted to ban same-sex marriage in their constitution, though lawmakers may now consider civil unions. India’s Supreme Courtreinstated a colonial-era law criminalizing same-sex relations, a decision the government hopes the Court will review. And both Uganda and Nigeria have passed bills criminalizing homosexuality and imposing extreme punishments.

And of course, there was Russia, which took multiple steps to roll back civil rights for LGBT people — and it isn’t done yet. One of its most draconian actions was passing a law censoring anything that could be considered “gay propaganda” — imposing a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” invisibility upon the country’s entire LGBT community. With the help of anti-gay influence from the U.S., Russia also passed a law prohibiting the adoption of Russian children by couples living in countries with marriage equality. As a result of this and other restrictions, Italy is now the only country in the world where families can adopt Russian children. Two other bills have been proposed that will be debated in 2014, one that would disqualify gay and lesbian individuals from being granted custody of their own children and one that would ban same-sex surrogacy. One lawmaker actually said that he believes children are better off in an orphanage than being raised by a gay parent.

On a more hopeful note, Russia’s efforts to stigmatize and silence its LGBT community have provoked a global conversation about LGBT issues because of the impending Olympic Games in Sochi. Some world leaders are openly boycotting the Games because of Russia’s poor human rights record, and President Obama is sending a delegation with several openly gay athletes that will force visibility to the issue. Though Russia may symbolize the antithesis of the U.S.’s momentum toward LGBT equality, the international awareness raised by the Winter Games could result in a net positive worldwide.

Coming Out On The Court

Coming out of the closet is a phenomenon not likely to go away anytime soon, and 2013 had a number of notable coming out moments, including various lawmakers, high school students, and of course, celebrities. But this year will no doubt be most remembered for the incredible new visibility for LGBT people in athletics. In fact, Outsports has already declared 2013 “the year of the out athlete.”

Robbie Rogers told a poignant story about the way he had to hide his identity, then returned to the soccer field with the Los Angeles Galaxy to become the first openly gay male to play on a professional American team sports.

Jason Collins became the first player in one of the four major American professional sports leagues to utter the words, “I’m gay.” No team in the NBA has signed him this year, but his visibility has nevertheless made a lasting impact on the culture of the league.

Brittney Griner’s coming out was not only a monumental moment for the WNBA, but also an illuminating look at the homophobia still present in college athletics. Griner shared how conservative Baylor University allowed her to play, but urged her to keep her identity secret.

Olympic athletes have also helped create LGBT visibility in the world of athletics, including snowboarderBelle Brockhoff, speed skater Anastasia Bucsis, and of course, diver Tom Daley. Some individuals without worldwide notoriety made an important impact as well, like Gabrielle Ludwig, a transgender college basketball player, and transgender high school coach Stephen Alexander, both of whom helped pave the way for other gender nonconforming individuals to find a place in athletic competition.

These stories have by no means erased homophobia in sports, but 2013 has at least significantly dented it. With new programs underway like the NFL’s new partnership with the You Can Play Project, that momentum is sure to continue in the years to come.

*****

Readers: Do you think any of this would have happened under the leadership of a different president or under a dominant republican power? Maybe some, but not like this Historic year. Thank you president Obama and all of those in support of LGBT rights!

What stands out for you in this past year? Blog me.

Happy Sunday!

Peace & Love.

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

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

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

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

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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 

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Unfortunately it’s not a story of alien abduction, nor even a horror story. Darn.

Good morning!

The good news is, there are a few Dems that will be running to replace Paul Ryan. Here’s the write from Mother Jones:

Readers: Interesting? Thoughts? Blog me. If you want to watch the entire movie click here.

Happy Halloween Everyone!! Be scared but be safe. 

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"

Good morning!

Prism Princess: Thank you for posting these articles. This is just simply horrific. I HOPE that something can and will be done soon. I decided to post one of the articles for today’s write because it is such an important topic. Should this information “disappear” from the internet, at least it can still be found here. Thanks for doing the homework. I appreciate you making time in your busy day. I HOPE you are doing good.

You won’t find this on mainstream media:

Fukushima leaking radioactive water for ‘2 years, 300 tons flowing into Pacific daily’

The rate at which contaminated water has been pouring into the Pacific Ocean from the disabled Fukushima nuclear plant is worse than thought before, an Industry Ministry official said as PM Shinzo Abe pledged to step up efforts to halt the crisis.

“We think that the volume of water is about 300 tons a day,” said Yushi Yoneyama, an official with the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, which regulates Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO).

Abe put the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in charge of the situation, while demanding that the plant’s operator, TEPCO take the necessary steps to deal with the cleanup, which is anticipated to take more than 40 years at a cost of US$11 billion.

On Wednesday TEPCO confirmed the leak but refused to confirm the quantity being emitted from the plant. 

“We are not currently able to say clearly how much groundwater is actually flowing into the ocean,” Tokyo Electric Power spokesman Noriyuki Imaizumi told Reuters when asked for an estimate.

Japanese authorities are working in crisis mode, attempting to assure the public both at home and abroad that the situation will not further deteriorate into a widespread environmental catastrophe.

Yoneyama said the government plans to reduce the leakage amount to 60 tons per day by as early as December, but given the Japanese government’s progress in the cleanup to date that goal may be difficult to achieve. Removing 300 tonnes of groundwater, however, would not necessarily halt leakage into the sea, he said.

The nuclear plant was severely damaged in an earthquake and subsequent tsunami in March 2011. About 90,000 people within a 20km radius of the plant were forced to evacuate their homes due to the possibility of a full-scale nuclear meltdown.

Nearing boiling point?

Earlier, TEPCO said it detected 2.35 billion becquerels of cesium per liter in water that is now leaking into the groundwater through cracks in the plant’s drainage system. This radiation level is roughly the same as that measured in April 2011.

The normal level is 150 becquerels of cesium per liter of water.

For the past two years, TEPCO has claimed that it managed to siphon off the excess water into specially-constructed storage tanks. However, the company was forced to admit late last month that radioactive water was still escaping into the Pacific Ocean. These consistent failures are testing the patience of Japanese authorities.

“You can’t just leave it [disposing of radioactive waste at the plant] up to TEPCO,” Shinji Kinjo, head of a Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) told Reuters. “Right now, we have an emergency.”

Earlier this month, TEPCO was forced to go on the defensive after a scathing first-page article appeared in The Asahi Shimbun daily criticizing the company’s cleanup efforts.

“TEPCO did nothing for more than two years despite having pledged to seal a leaking hole between a turbine building [the leakage source] and an underground pit [a trench] in April 2011 when water contaminated with radioactive materials…was found to have leaked into the ocean; and the company only began preparing for shielding tests this summer after contaminated water was found to be leaking into the sea this time,” the newspaper stated on August 1, 2013.

TEPCO fired back with its own version of events, saying that despite “technical difficulties and a severe work environment” the company has been working to implement a plan “in order to further reduce the risk of having outflow of contaminated water beyond the trench.”

Although TEPCO engineers have constructed a barrier between the destroyed facility and the ocean, it only extends 1.8 meters below the ground, thus water continues to accumulate inside the plant vaults.

“If you build a wall, of course the water is going to accumulate there. And there is no other way for the water to go but up or sideways and eventually lead to the ocean,” Masashi Goto, a nuclear engineer who has worked at several TEPCO plants, told Reuters. “So now, the question is how long do we have?“

TEPCO has pledged to begin pumping enough radioactive seepage to stop the water level from rising. But the company faces limitations, as its storage tanks are 85 percent full.

“New measures are needed to stop the water from flowing into the sea,” emphasized Kinjo, who accused TEPCO of failing to implement long-term solutions for a crisis that has been continuing for more than two years.

Not only is TEPCO running up against technical problems associated with the cleanup efforts, it must also deal with the unpredictable force of nature, specifically in the form of earthquakes.

On Sunday, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Miyagi prefecture, the same northeastern region of the island country that was devastated by the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami, which resulted in 15,000 people killed and more than 3,200 missing.

No damage or injuries were reported in the latest earthquake, but some roads and railways were temporarily closed for safety inspections.

*******

Zen Lill: Thanks too for your contribution.

LeTa0: I am liking you as our newbie to the blog. I HOPE that you’ll continue to share your words with us, and become a “regular”. I promise there will be no censoring here. Sending my best to you.

Peace out

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

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

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

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

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

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

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"

Good morning!

Just noticing…

…Is that a rat on Mars?

Mike, TM: Not sure if the life on Mars you’re speaking of is the “rat?” looking creature that was discovered recently on Mars. :) Or perhaps some other life form, more likely.  But this did come across my plate about a week ago.  I figured since you brought up Mars, it would be fun to post it today. I HOPE all is good with you.

From the Huff Po: Please click on the title to watch the video.

Mars Rat? Blogger Spots ‘Creature’ In NASA Curiosity Rover Image (PHOTO)

Is that a rat… on Mars?!

Yes, according to a theory from one determined man in Japan who recently scoured dozens of NASA photos taken by the space agency’s Mars Curiosity rover. A post onUFO Sightings Daily shows the “Mars rat,” which appears to be a creature with legs and a tail among rocks on the planet.

(SCROLL FOR PHOTOS)

As the blog notes, the figure “seems to resemble a rodent but also may be a lizard.”

The alleged Mars rat should not be confused with a similar sighting first pointed out in December: An image taken by the Curiosity rover at the “Rocknest” site in September shows a rodent-like figure that most closely resembles a squirrel. However, as UFO Sightings Daily notes, that observation may have been staged by NASA as part of an experiment.

While this most recent rodent sighting may be yet another NASA test (or the result of a few perfectly placed rocks), it’s most likely not a living creature. After all, this is something NASA would make an announcement about, right?

Earlier this year, the agency revealed that the Curiosity rover uncovered signs that life may have once existed on Mars. NASA scientists cited a rock sample the rover analyzed in February that contained elements necessary for supporting life.

“We have characterized a very ancient, but strangely new ‘gray Mars’ where conditions once were favorable for life,” John Grotzinger, Mars Science Laboratory project scientist at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif., said in a statement at the time. “Curiosity is on a mission of discovery and exploration, and as a team we feel there are many more exciting discoveries ahead of us in the months and years to come.”

Check out the original NASA photo and the UFO Sightings Daily version that points to the “Mars rat” below, and let us know what you think.

*******

Well…is it a rock or a rat? Thoughts? Blog me.

Happy Sunday Everyone!

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

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

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

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

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

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

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 

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Good morning!

San Diego UFO Photographed Over Historical Edgemoor Barn

What exactly did Ellen Henry photograph in the sky above Santee, Calif., on May 7?

“It was clear and certainly not a bug,” Henry told local ABC TV affiliate News 10.

Henry is a member of the Santee Historical Society (SHS) located in San Diego County and, according to the SanteePatch, was taking pictures of a historical building, the Edgemoor Barn.

“I was at the Edgemoor property, in the middle of the day, to take pics of the barn to update the SHS barn logo. I was constantly looking up and around the area, including the sky’s background, so I can get it just right, and not at anytime did I see anything in the sky or heard a sound of an aircraft,” she said.

It wasn’t until after she took the picture that Henry realized her camera had captured something else that she hadn’t previously seen.

“I noticed a ‘speck’ on my LCD screen after I took the shot to check for clarity, and only realized it wasn’t a speck when I downloaded it on my computer.”

The Edgemoor Barn — now a museum — just celebrated its 100th birthday. It was once part of a hospital facility and has developed a reputation for paranormal activity, including alleged ghost sightings.

“The barn sits under several flight paths,” said Janet Kwak in her on-air 10News report. “We called Gillespie Field and MCAS Miramar (Marine Corps Air Station), but neither could offer an explanation.”

“There is no way this was a commercial aircraft,” Henry said. “I would have heard it, especially as low as it seemed to be. Someone did mention perhaps it was a drone. However, I have not seen any drones that were round or oval, and lacking wings, rudders or propellers — even the drone that looks like a fly has wings.”

Another unusual thing happened: Henry reports that right after she snapped the UFO, her camera mysteriously stopped working.

Check out this collection of UFO videos from around the world:

Zen Lill sent in several absolutely gorgeous pics. But being the business woman that I am. I will not use all my blog enticements at once. I have chosen 6 for now. The captions I added because I felt they help them mesh with today’s article. Enjoy!

Is ZL checking out that UFO they saw in San Diego or is  she just signaling the GirlZ?

What are you looking at ZL? Was there a landing we don’t know about?

 What ever it was this girl is excited about it. Hello Viv? Yes, ZL, that would be the way I’d greet my favorite alien.

That was fun boys. But a girl can’t be naked all the time.  And a sun hat is for keeping the sun from baking a girl, isn’t it.

I do hope you like my fashion choice. I think the hat, shoes and dress makes for an excellent outing ensemble. 

Well, all good things must come to an end. I do hope you like mine.

Readers: I know you’ve got plenty to say. Blog me. I HOPE everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Mike,TM: Thanks for posting the update.

Sandra: Although this is not a funny situation, your comment made me chuckle.

Peace & Love. 

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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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"