222 million women don’t have a say over their bodies. Doesn’t that just amaze you? I know a lot of Pro-Choice / Pro Family Planning advocates always begin by talking about a woman’s right to take control over her personal health. I’m not going start any differently. There is an intrinsic right that seems to be missing from many developing nations and that is the right to freedom, the right to empower, and the right to equality.

Globally, an estimated 287,000 maternal deaths occurred in 2010. Sub-Saharan Africa (56%) and Southern Asia (29%) accounted for 85% of the global burden.² Why? Why is there so much unnecessary death?

The key to stopping this is education, contraception and taking responsibility away from bureaucracy and enabling women the freedom to choose.

Family Planning is more than just a pretty word for abortion. It is actually about planning your family to when your health, finances and support are aligned to bring a child into the world. They are about education, contraception, and protection of a woman’s body. If we can institute this for developing nations, we can begin a change for the better. Allow women the opportunity to understand their bodies and offer them the resources to acquire contraception.

The time for change is now.

¹http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs351/en/index.html
²h (Read more...)

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So I have been working quietly on putting together a TOP 10 list of helpful life hints. Some of these are stuff around the house, others are for your body, and others are for the Zombie Apocalypse time. You know, stuff you should know just in case the shit goes down and you’re flying solo.

1. Baby Wipes. I know we all know about these… but have you ever thought of using them for your ADULT butt? Honestly, this isn’t something people like to talk about – but baby wipes really are much more tender on the ol’ bottom. Try it, and you’ll never go back to just toilet paper.

2. Yogurt. Recently, I had the flu of all flu’s. I was literally sitting on the toilet and vomiting into a bucket at the same time. It was fucking horrifying. My naturapathic doctor told me that when things settle down, to eat some yogurt. You see, your system gets FLUSHED of all the good bacteria in it during the illness. Eating the yogurt helps bring back some of those helpful bacteria and regulate your body again.

3. Smelly Kitchen Sink. I’ve seen chicks put lemon down their sinks to try and mask the smells coming from their kitchen sinks. The easiest way to kill that funky smell – BLEACH. Pour 1/2 cup of bleach down the sink and smells go bye-bye.

4. Hard Water Stains. Ever buy those brain cell killers bathroom tub cleaners? They are filled with all sorts of crazy chemicals that who knows what it would do to your skin if you ever (Read more...)

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The Trillia sim has art, clothing, and educational services talking about RAWA and what you can do to help this movement. I suggest you start by purchasing these great sweater tops I’ve photoed for this post. For more information or to get involved, I would contact Trill Zapatero. She’s wonderfully charming and eager for help spreading the word about RAWA.

Here is a direct SLurl to the BoHo HoBo Shop: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Trillia/217/24/28 From there, you can continue exploring the sim and everything is has to offer!

skin. My Ugly Dorothy. Skin of Sunday 43
eyes. Poetic Colors. autumn – tarn
nails. Mock. Pink Cabaret Nails
hair. Tuty’s. Mathilda Bob Hair – Honey Blonde
nose ring. Sugar Heart. Mesh Septum Ring – steel
ring. Shiny Things. Florina Ring – gold
top. BoHo HoBo. Patched Cowl Sweater
jeans. Maitreya Zipper. Skinny Jeans #3
shoes. ISON. Aline Booties – blonde
poses: Hiccup
Photos Taken Here, SLurl: http://slurl. (Read more...)

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As for clothing, I’m wearing my new group gift from Hucci. This is wonderful mesh dress with the word LOVE written all over it. Fun, sassy, sexy — all things Hucci. The hair Sylvia and I picked up at Boon, which is always a pleasure. The bag was a surprise bonus on the SL Marketplace. It was the perfect bohemian addition to my little mish-mash outfit and only cost $170L.

I call the look Proud Nubian Woman meets Chinese Urban Bohemian Cowgirl. Fuckin’ A. 

Credits…………
skin: Heartsick. Devotion. Eternity, Tinsel C,F,DB
hair. BOON. NYN116 brown
eyes. Pulcino. Quartz Brown
lips. Mock. Opal Lipcolor puce
dress. Hucci. Carora Dress (group gift)
bag. BoHo HoBo. Mesh Afgahnistani Shoulder Bag
boots. J’s. Western Boots. Dark Brown
necklace. Mandala Rushana Necklace, Gold
nosering. Sugar Heart. Mesh Nose Ring, Steel
pose & camera. Luth. Photographer Set

Location: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Venexia/180/37/21

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My self-expression seemed to naturally lay with the arts and nature was my muse. Growing up, I often felt incapable of handling most situations. With an absentee father and a mentally ill mother, I was left pretty much to my own.

In middle school, I began to explore photography. My father, at that time, was the principal of my school. In order to demonstrate his love to me maybe, he built a dark room in an unused teacher’s bathroom. There was counter space to lay out all the chemicals, a tap for running water, and even a place to examine your negatives while they dry.

This was the first time, in all my life, that I felt self-expression. I could go out, take pictures, come in and develop them all on my own. They weren’t particularly great, I was only 13 at the time, but they granted me a voice. A starting point for my creative young spirit to bloom from.

My final photo in the 8th grade.

There are tons of studies proving the efficacy of the arts in education. Statistics like:

Studies show that students of the arts in all disciplines outperformed their non-arts peers on the SAT by 91 p (Read more...)

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What ever happened to commitment? To the love of doing something because you KNOW in the end, you will truly be better for it?

Over the last year, in real life, I lost 50 pounds. When I realized this, people would ask me how I did it? Was it some diet? or rigid exercise routine? I would always pause because it wasn’t really either. I just decided I was going to live better for me. There was no tormented “giving up” of foods or weird fucking calorie counting. I changed, and that changed everything. I discovered I was worth the effort. I was worth the commitment to myself to make myself healthy.

You’re worth it too. You’re worth every god damn second of it. 

Resolve to love yourself, thank your body and give yourself the support that you need to make the best decisions for your health. I’ll join you in that resolution. 

skin. dekade. Daria. Light LB. Culture Shock
lips. Mock. Opal Lipcolor Roman
eye liner. A.E. Meth. Cat Eyeliner 5
freckles. Adore&Abhor. Windy Xmas. Various Spots
eyes. Umeboshi. Yue Eyes Bicolour
tatt (Read more...)

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I, on the other hand, was not feeling as kind towards the mice. Operation: Exterminate Mickey is now in progress. I am a firm believer in the SNAP traps. They kill them quickly, as opposed to the glue traps which rip of their legs from their body. Then you have little bloody stumps running around dying a slow death.

You see, the part that is critical in this operation is that the husband has cancer. He completed his chemo treatment about 3 weeks ago and now is in recovery getting transfusions every few weeks to keep his white blood cell count up. SO! With that in mind… I am on a mission to kill the mice. No little furry creature is going to potentially poison my client under my watch. They are carriers of disease, parasites, and everything that a cancer-recovery body can NOT handle.

So yeah. Peppermint Death doesn’t work for mice, but it would make a cool band name.

Credits…………
skin. The Skinnery. Anais – End of the World (Black Tea)
hair. VAUGHAN’S – Lice Free – black
eyes. Mooney. Glassy: Blue
makeup1. mock. Opal Lipcolor – Puce
makeup2. mock. Back to Basi (Read more...)

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*smiles* Be kind to your winter light.

art. Chiana Oh. ‘Winter’s Hazy Shade’ (new release)
sofa. Chiana Oh. Winter Couch (new release)
cat. SHOP SEU. 1 prim cat – orange
sweets. Tres Blah. Pastry Mania – Macarons (arcade)
cup. Tres Blah. Pastry Mania – Mustache Cup (arcade)
building. POST. Skov Kapel (arcade)
—-
skin. BCC. Latte – Liu 02 (arcade)
hair. INK. Natum – black (new release)
eyes. Mooney Eyes. Glassy – Yellow
eyeliner. AE METH. Cat Eyeliner 4
lips. Mock. Pomegranate Lip Jelle
nails. Mock. Cerise Mock Nails
sweater. FY. Loose Knit Sweater – lavender
bra. Pacadi Jasha. Oona Lingerie
tights. Ohmai. Basics Sheer Leggings – concrete
shoes. DECO. Mesh Distressed Heels – grape (new release)
necklace. Bliensen + MaiTai. Noel – Chunky Necklace (new release)

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Being alone in body, mind and spirit sucks. It’s a hard rock to come out from.. trust me, I understand. There is nothing easy about the overwhelming feeling of being alone in your thoughts. Isolated from humanity and detached from these aliens that run around this earth mucking it up. You feel so fucking tired of fighting yourself and those around you. I get that.

But please, let me offer you something. It might even be a version of peace of mind for you. I know it was for me.

Let me first say that I am a card-carrying atheist. However, I think the religion I am most comfortable with has been Buddhism. As I have been taught new things over the last year by my mentor, I have expanded my world views to see that Buddhism is so much more than a “brand name” religion.

Here’s where I get to the peace of mind part.

There is a technique I have learned that has literally transformed my fucking life. It has brought me to a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. It’s fleshed out all those grey areas where fear lived, where self-loathing lived, where I lost myself in negative thought. The strange part is that it is so very easy. I devote 10 minutes a day to saying out loud or to myself these four lines:

May I have happiness and the causes of happiness,
May I be free of suffering and the causes of suffering,
May I have joy and the causes of joy,
May I remain in equanimity from attachments and (Read more...)

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credits
train. ililo. hobo hut 02 (new Arcade Item)
chair. Zigana. lazy sunday chair – buttercup (new Arcade Item)
feline. SHOP SEU. 1prim cat – black

skin. the Skinnery. Iris – Gold champaign LB CL1 (new Arcade Item)
eyes. Insufferable Dastard. Glimmer Contacts – aqua (new Arcade Item)
ears. Mandala. Steking Ears
hair. LaViere. Ambush. Creative Dye Pack
dress. The Secret Store & Nyu. Camille Dress – honeycomb
scarf. The Sea Hole. Parvita Scarf – sunzecya (new Arcade Item)
boots. J’s. Studded Long Boots – black
radio. Tee*fy. Retro Portable Radio – Printed Paper Pink (new Arcade Item)

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I also picked up a bunch of new items to match my dress – which was very irresponsible of someone who is a penny pincher like me. I went and got the latest release from Mandala the Steking Unisex Ears. I think they are totally bad ass and you will probably be seeing a lot more of these on my blog.

Then there are my new boots from J’s which are IDENTICAL to my RL cowgirl boots. Hence I love them and will hold them forever in my heart. You can take the girl out of the cowboy boots, but you can’t take the cowboys boots out of the girl.

My last note is on the Skinnery and MOCK Cosmetics. I love you both and I will have your babies, just say when.

Play nice and Love often.
Marls

skin. the Skinnery. Mirte – Bare Face mocca LB CL3
hair. Tuty’s VOGUE. afro vaporous hair – black
eyes. Poetic Colors. Moon, Blueberry
ears. Mandala. Steking Ears
lips. MOCK. Sang Lip Creme
eye makeup. R.icielli. Gorgeous Makeups / Ey (Read more...)

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The hunt is very different from all the rest of the grid hunts you’ve probably experienced. When you start at the Retreat headquarters you must choose your first path. You can either try to save Juliana, the main character of the hunt, or you can admit that you’re not sure HOW to save Juliana. Both routes bring you through the hunt, but each tells a different story. Here is the starting point landmark: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Faircreek/129/44/301

At the hunt starting point, you must choose which path to take.

So when you find your first yellow ribbon, look in the folder. There will be a notecard with your next teleport and a hint. The hint is the image, so you must open that up! Each image tells a piece of the story surrounding Juliana. The hunt is family friendly, so you go to men’s, children’s and ladies shops. It’s a nice break from the usually female dominated hunts.

first image:
skybox. BagLady Design. (includes several workout animations as well as others)
outfit. luxuriant. Faith Sweatpant Set
tattoo. NsCutie Shapes. Remember the Fallen Tattoo
eyes. Eye Candi. Caramel Delight

second image:
window. Chian (Read more...)

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My next squee is over the cute hair I picked up Mirai Style. I’ve shown a bunch of her styles before and I still really enjoy her looks. They are playful and the woman loves accessories. The hair band is color scripted and easy to use.

Lastly, I’ve discovered on flickr this awesome art sim. Make sure you friend Ziki Questi on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zikiquesti/). She explores little known regions of Second Life that make the experience all the better! You can’t fail.

Okay. That’s it for me.

Play nice. Be brave. Love often. <3

Credits………………….
skin. Curio. Jasmine – Pure Frex Dark
eyes. Rozena. Coffee and Caramel – black coffee
hair. Mirai Style. Anje – Black
eye makeup. La Malvada Mujur. oroLiquido #5 with AE METH. Heavy Linder Makeup – Diva
lip makeup. Mock. Opal Lipcolor Roman
top. Boom. Twenty Three Tee – Tangerine
bottom. Boom. Miami Linens – Graphite
shoes. Maitreya. Soho Boots – Pumpkin
necklace. 19MC. Wrench Necklace
ring. Scrub. DP Cameo (Read more...)

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Yes. These are supposed to be Xmas fairies. I get that.

I have always, and will always be a big fan of seeing beautiful strong women portrayed in Second Life advertising and marketing. I especially love seeing a true portrayals of women of color. Asian, African, Latin, ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! It’s all so good and so wonderful!

I mean, really Linden Lab? With the number of beautiful ethnic skins out there, you should be ashamed of yourself! You can do better.

Plus, there are so many great bloggers out there that maintain their racial identity. Why not spread the joy a little and bring a rainbow to the holiday season? Add some sophistication to the Linden Lab repertoire and ask some ‘too cool for school‘ bloggers to open up the door. Let me know if you need a list of image makers. I will hook you up with some sweet sweet peeps who have got amazing skills.

I hope you hear this message, Linden Lab. Let’s get with the program.

PS. This is in by NO WAY a complaint regarding the photography produced thus far. I am merely putting in a formal request for some diversity. Let’s call it my early “Dear Santa” letter.

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So thank you Chiana Oh! You won this battle – but you won’t win the war! MUHAHAHAHA!

Credits
skin. Adore&Abhor. Nude Tan Dark Brows Frex
makeup. Adore&Abhor. Shreveport Lips Marigold
beauty mark. Adore&Abhor. Rockabilly Sweetheart Beauty Mark
hair. Paper Heart. Frigidhair – Black n’ Pink
glasses. Evilkyoot. Black Sunglasses
dress. Superbia. Stellar Dress. Blue
coat. Vero Modero. Fur Feather Coat
bracelet. Edge Grafica. 37 bracelet
pose. Frooti. Just a Girl

sim: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cours/107/217/22

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This month Concerned Bloggers Association is talking about Donating Blood. According to the American Red Cross more than 44,000 blood donations are needed every day. Every day. It would be great if you could be a part of it.

Here’s what you need to be in order to donate blood in the USA:
1. Be healthy*
2. Be at least 17 years old in most states.
3. Weigh at least 110 lbs.

* Note: Healthy means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, healthy also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control.

You can find your local Red Cross here: http://www.redcrossblood.org/our-regions

This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by the Concerned Bloggers Association.
If you would like to become involved, please contact Marleen Vaughan for more information.

SOURCE: http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics

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Obligatory Panty Scene
skin. MONS. Naamah Skin. bonze — Cinema Exclusive
feet. COCO. Bare Feet – Group Gift
makeup. Adore&Abhor. Payback — Cinema Exclusive
eyes. Insufferable Dastard. Steampunk – rust (mesh) — Cinema Exclusive
top. Miseria. Batty Corset – blood (non-mesh) – Cinema Exclusive
panties. Cracked Mirror. Ruffle Knickers – black/red (mesh) — Cinema Exclusive
hair. Alice Project. Willow – High Mirror with Braids (mesh) — Cinema Exclusive
necklace. Lassitude & Ennui. The Queen’s Gambit – silver red — Cinema Exclusive
ax. Captivity Co. The Hunt – axe (mesh) — Cinema Exclusive
light. Starstruck. Big City Lamp – black — Cinema Exclusive
pose. Adorkable. Flux Set — Cinema Exclusive

Bollywood Meets 5th Avenue
skin. Cyanide. Uma – Sunkissed – Kringle *store closed*
eyes. Umeboshi. Ren3 – Malt – Group Gift
hair. Analog Dog. Tavern. Natural black
shoes. Shiny Things. Francoise Flats – mango
outfit. Bilo. Anarkali Kameez. Peridot – Cinema Exclusive
smoke. BOOM. Golightly Cigarette Stem — Cinema Exclusive
(Read more...)

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I’m not sure why some people think reading is boring, but I think it’s the most exciting thing ever. Words hang with you and pop into your mind and create vivid memories that illustrate another world.

Comics bring all this and more to my heart. They opened up an alternate world for me which I could be myself. I would know just what to say when someone was sassing off to me. They taught me how much I love gritty detective novels, spy stories, and heartbreaking unconventional love.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite reads. By no means is this complete. I could go on for days with the number of graphic novels that are filling my book shelves. I’ve separated them into three group for easier categories…

Classics Comics
Hellboy by Mike Mignola (Any book will do.)
Preacher by Garth Ennis
Sandman by Neil Gaiman (Although I really only recommend up until A Doll’s House – after that he gets a little tiresome.)
XMEN’s The Dark Phoenix Saga by Chris Claremont
(Read more...)

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I went on a long hike today with my Ken and our two dogs, Lily and Agent Mulder. This look was inspired by all the beautiful colors we encountered in the woods. That includes snakes, birds, and weird raisin things that grow on dead bark!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have! Happy Autumn!

skin. Mother Goose. Clara 3
eyes. Poetic Colors. Ocean. Carribbean Reef
hair. boon. WMO003. chestnut
makeup lips. Adore&Abhor. Shreveport Lips. Marigold
makeup eyes. R.icielli. Gorgeous Makeups/eyeshadow 03
dress. Vero Modero. Mara Dress
arms. LouLou&Co. Gloves for Armwarmers
necklace. DooDads. Blood Drop Necklace
bag. TokiD. Bunny Bag
socks. Sakide. Urban Summer Dress Socks
shoes. Love Me. Short Boots. pastel girl

Your moment of Zen.

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I matched up my macabre setting with some dark clothing. The new releases from Vero Modero including the dress and accessories. They are both well made and fun. I love the peek-a-boo sleeves and the highly detailed jewelry.

I dug out an old skin from Milk Motion, circa 2009. Smeared makeup and pale expression seemed to match the dust bowl town.

Credits….
skin. Milk Motion. Ninon Pale T
makeup. R.icielli. Glamourize Make-up, black eyes
eyes. MiaSnow. Radiant Multi 1
hair. Analog Dog. Issues, Black
dress. Vero Modero. Selin Mesh Dress. black
leggings. &bean. Slick n Shiny Silver
shoes. McQueen Goth Boots
jewelry set. Vero Modero. Neptuno – includes horns, cuffs, necklace, earrings

Location: Abduction Alley.

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This Parka is totally excellent. The texture is flawlessly realistic. You can actually hear the sound of parka as it rezzes – okay, maybe you can’t. But it sure feels like you should be able to hear the sound of that nylon rubbing against itself! The Snow Boots totally match the Parka. It’s like dreamy perfect.

One thing you have to wrestle with, but I found the perfect solution for you. The hood. It doesn’t give much room for an innuendo of a hair. I ended up at BOON and bought this bangs hair piece for only $50L. It included EVERY color and was totally perfect with the coat. Really it was a perfect match.

Credits…..

skin. Adore&Abhor. Nude Deep. No brow Frex
eyeliner. Adore&Abhor. Aztec Liner Chicomecoatl
blush. Adore&Abhor. Sick Day Blush
eyes. LeLutka. City. Sky
hair. BOON. Hairpiece. KOKU99. Black
nose. Calla. Captive Bead Septum Ring
tights. COCO. white leggings
gloves. A:S:S Decades. Short Silk Gloves
coat. Deco. Parka. coconut
boots. Deco. Snowboots. coconut

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A zebra that is sunburned.   |    A newspaper.   |    A raped woman. 

A Barbara Kruger photograph.

Actually, as I recall its the rape one that begets the Barbara Kruger one. Ms. Kruger was this bad ass feminist artist who did these amazing pieces only using the colors: black white and red. She created contrasting images with text that would pull at the viewers sensibilities.

I’m no fucking Barbara Kruger, but it did dawn on me that I was using her primary color palette in my image. This is actually a special report I’m doing on DECO. I’ve been a bad blogger. Mainly, I didn’t have the ability to see mesh, and now I can. The beautiful and vivacious Orchid Zenovka has sent me copious DECO gifts. It is now my turn to show them off proudly.

Let me first say the these cargo pants are the fucking shit. I bought a pair for Chiana Oh this morning because I was so god damn impressed with their texture, fit and total look and feel. When you buy a pair for $400, you get a free pair of shoes with it. The shoes fit perfectly with the cargos and continue the rugged outdoor theme. Overall it’s well worth spending the cash for them.

My next favorite item is the Slingback Bag. Holy shit – is it cool! The texture is flawless, hence why I have included a nice money shot of the detail. You really can’t go wrong. I’ve used these exact types of backpacks when hiking (Read more...)

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gritty city.

picture painting.

credits for both images….
skin. Mother Goose. Lene1(LB) Main Shop (limited)
freckles. Adore&Abhor. Full Body Freckles
lips. Adore&Abhor. Shreveport Lips, light clay
eyes. Umeboshi. Ren3 – fudge (group gift)
hair. Wasabi Pills. Cookie Mesh Hair – golden
dress. TuttiFrutti. Sunlight Petals Mesh MiniDress. XS
heels. Hucci. Nia Pumps. Corner Red (group gift)
earrings. HOC Apparel. Yummy Earrings. Orange

gritty city was taken at The Junkyard.
picture painting was taken at Izzies.

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Reblogged from Concerned Bloggers Association:

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According to the Humane Society of the United States, thousands of puppy mills are located around the country. A high concentration of both puppy mills and breeders has been reported to be in the states of Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. Lancaster County, PA, has the highest concentration of puppy mills of any county in the nation and has earned the dubious nickname of “Puppy Mill Capital of the East”.²

A Local Pet Store Says Its Dogs Aren’t from a Mill. Is That True?
The fact is, responsible breeders would never sell a puppy through a pet store because they want to screen potential buyers to ensure that the puppies are going to good homes.¹

Take Action, USA
In May 2012, the USDA issued a proposal that would require Internet-based puppy mills to be federally licensed and inspected under the Animal Welfare Act. Please urge President Obama to finalize the USDA’s rule as quickly as possible.

¹ http://www.aspca.org/Fight-Animal-Cruelty/puppy-mills/puppy-mill-faq
² http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puppy_mill

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Overall, he’s a complete douche bag.

Now, that part I can get over. Honestly, I can. I realize he is probably a little mentally ill. My guess is he’s bipolar because one moment he can be kind and the next – attack. It is very reminiscent of my childhood with my mom. Also, I can choose to quit this job. It’s extra income, and I am finding new work in other avenues. So ultimately, this can be resolved quite quickly.

The part that sucks is the amount of arm chair psychology people have laid on MY BEHAVIOR. I am a woman, nearly 40 years old. I am of average body size, quick-witted, and was bullied a good portion of her childhood. (You see, I am the daughter of the principal of the Middle School I at (Read more...)

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skin. Mystic Canvass. Tarnish – Voodoo D-cup Smokey Eye (Fashion Voodoo Only)
eyes. U-neek store. Oid Eyes – Aqua
makeup. Chus!. Voo Doo Sloth (Fashion Voodoo Only)
hair. EMO-tions. Windblown IV – Black
body suit. Chandelle. Body Deb – Black (Fashion Voodoo Only)
backpack. VOID. Gatline Army Backpack (Fashion Voodoo Only)
gasmask. A&Y. Cyber Gas Makes Inferno (Fashion Voodoo Only)

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skin. SHOCK. Dakota – Noire V3, pale (Fashion Voodoo Only)
tattoo. Endless Pain Tattoos. Rebel Angel (Fashion Voodoo Only)
eyes. LeLutka. Sky
hair. VAUGHAN’S. Misanthropic Do-Gooder, New Black (Fashion Voodoo Only)
dress. Drop. Petit Dress – Black (Fashion Voodoo Only)
ring. HollyWeird. Hexed Ring (Fashion Voodoo Only)
earring. VAUGHAN’S. Haitian Collier (Fashion Voodoo Only)
boots. HollyWeird. Hokus Pokus Ankle Boots (Fashion Voodoo Only)
poses. Purple Poses. Stella Series (Fashion Voodoo Only)

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This isn’t a coming out party in the wonderful sexuality sense. It’s more coming to face my fears of being labeled. I loath labeling and have felt the wrath of it on my brain for years. Even my ex-bosses 10-year-old kid has called me names because I am…quite plainly…different.

I’m not crazy. I’m not a weirdo. I’m not a cry baby.

I am an introverted, socially shy at times, sensitive woman…when the mood strikes me. I also have been diagnosed with Major Chronic Depression. The big D. My illness can be quite severe at times, so much so that I must regulate my interactions from day-to-day with people. I must always be cognizant of my surroundings and mindful of not letting my triggers get the best of me. The fastidious attention the illness demands can be so draining, which causes most of its patients to sleep. Sleep is the best refuge for the weary, and it was definitely mine during the worst of it.

In the past 8 months, I have started going through an intensive therapy program two hours a week, every week. I have corrected my diet, exercise, vitamin intake, and done extensive journaling of progress, set backs, and memories from my youth. Luckily, I have been able to look at (Read more...)

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skin. Dekade. Daria – light (Culture Shock)
eyes. Rozena. Beads Eyes – Light Grey (Seraphim Birthday)
hair. Clawtooth. Shaken Not Stirred – blond
nosebleed. Sticky Kiss. Nosebleed – short left
dress. Deviant Girl. Cotton Dress – vanilla
necklace. Deco. Pearls in a Rush (FLF)
tights. DooDads. Herringbone Socks
boots. Shiny Things. Ginger Boots – camel

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Nice, huh? The ultimate ‘FUCK YOU‘ to the rhino.

The Black Rhino is considered ‘Critically Endangered’ and unlike other animals on the List, rhino’s habitat is not the reason for it’s slow demise. It’s on that List because the poachers choose to kill the animal, rather than tranquilize it to saw off the horn. This has been such a problem that conservationists have started sawing off the horns, themselves, to try and circumvent the animal being shot.

These rhinos are now literally kept under armed guards to protect them. Even at night, they are locked in sanctioned areas which poachers have “attacked” and murdered the guards just to get to the animal.

It saddens me to no end that these amazing prehistoric-looking creatures are plagued by poaching douche-bags. Sometimes I can only hope that the balance of things will even out for the rhinos. Maybe one day, rhino’s can hunt the poachers and cut their dicks off to mount them above THEIR fireplaces.

For more information, click here: http://www.bagheera.com/inthewild/van_anim_rhino.htm

This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by the Concerned Bloggers Association. If you would like to become involved, please contact (Read more...)

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The Memorial Song was written by Patti for her first partner, Robert Mapplethorpe. It has become a national anthem of sorts amongst the AIDS communities. Poinant and familiar, it will stay with you for days. Please listen.

MEMORIAL SONG
Little emerald bird
Wants to fly away
If I cup my hand
Could I make him stay

Little emerald soul
Little emerald eye
Little emerald soul
Must you say good-bye

All the things
That we pursue
All that we dream
Are composed
As nature knew
In a feather green

Little emerald bird
As you light afar
It is true I heard
God is where you are
Little emerald soul
Little emerald eye
Little emerald bird
We must say good-bye

This post is dedicated for Anabelle Marquis, one of our Concerned Bloggers. She underwent a daring surgery to her neck and is now recovering at home with her family. We love you Belle and can’t wait for next month! <3

This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by the Concerned Bloggers Association. If you would like to become involved, please contact Marleen Vaughan for more information.

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Featured above is the cuprum copperbot female steampunk android avatar, priced at L$333. Includes skin, eyes, limb attachments, eyewear, metal skirt & top, and shoes (not pictured here).

Teleport to the Sale: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Clematis%20Island/129/44/22

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The skin is from SHIVA, which is steadily becoming one of my favorite skins. They created a summer skin with bikini tan lines and LOVE written on the cheek. It’s warm, friendly and totally gorgeous summer skin. Perfect for your beach shoot! Next up is the summer top with bikini bottom! Fe Style and Intrepid did a wonderful job matching each other without even knowing it! And the choker from Sin and Virtue adds a nice odd-ball accent point. I’m always up for throwing something into an outfit that totally makes you go “wtf?“. Also the kitty ring from Scrub is FUCKING ADORABLE. I love me some kitty action, so I will probably be wearing this in the next 10 posts. LOL. Duh! sneakers are true to 1985. I know because I lived through 1985 and I totally wanted sneaks just like this!  Lastly, the poses from Juxtapose are wonderful. There are three women and three male, but both are totally rockin’. She’s becoming a strong strong pose artist and I am growing a steady collection of her work.

So, trust me. If you wanna have a cool first date, go spend some time on the Summer Love Hunt. It’s fun and can giggle over this and that at all the shops! The starting point is at Razorbl (Read more...)

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MrLucky Dick, General Manager of The Lucky Coq

The Lucky Coq will be running all types of games during the fundraiser: Greed / No Greed, Byngo Solo, Devil Hunt and Reel Wild. The fun runs ALL weekend long, and is open to everyone! Gay, straight, it don’t matter when it’s a fundraiser! Here’s a TP to the event: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Pymarid%20Island/52/39/26

Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised over $195 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

The Lucky Coq Gayming Club combines elements of a traditional Second Life dance club with those of a Second Life gaming area. While not all in-world gaming areas are gay-friendly, the Lucky Coq is open to anyone regardless of sex or sexual orientations who is looking (Read more...)

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The other thing I am loving right now is COCO. She has all of these fucking FABULOUS shoes at really great prices. The HUDs are good too, which is a HUGE pet peeve of mind. Definitely go check those out! If you’re in the group, there are some great group gifts. The tote bag is one of them, but there are MANY others. COCO is very generous!

credits ..

skin: Heartsick. Devotion, Eternity – tinsel C/DB
eyes: LeLutka. City – sky
hair: Shy Booty. Afro NV Funky
outfit: ASO!. Spring Flower – sunny yellow
shoes: COCO. Ankle Strap Sandals – beige
bangles: LeLutka. Wood Bangles & Cuff by Miabella
necklace: Evilkyoot. Starfish Necklace – ACCESSORY HUNT
bag: COCO. Clear Tote Bag – GROUP GIFT

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People usually humor me and smile. I quickly change the subject back onto them.

Mia Snow has a roof top sale going on right now. Her sim is a little scattered at the moment, but I’ve included a good teleport to the sale spot. Take advantage of the opportunity of getting something new, wonkey and delightful to your avie’s eyes! It’s well worth the duckets!

Taxi: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Twomoons%20Island/48/110/35

skin: MiaSnow. Emily – Tan
eyes: MiaSnow. Radiant – multi **
outfit: MiaSnow. Bundly Sweater Outfit (includes boots) **
tights: MiaSnow. Rainbow Tights **
nails: croire. vixen nails – fire
hair: Kin. Eku – black
ears: phresh. Bublee Earrings – gold
ring: MiaSnow. Ring Bop – citrine **
piercing: Tameless. Piercing 12
mint: MiaSnow. Mint for your Mouth **

** Sale Item!

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A few years ago I watched this 8 hour documentary on History of AIDS produced by Frontline on PBS. It was an eye-opening and moving experience. To think about what people went through in the 1980′s, in my OWN personal time, was astounding. The prejudice, bigotry, and ostracizing of so many sick individuals who needed care. If ever there was a moment for America to stand up and say… “Hey. Let’s be a global leader.” Sadly, that did not happen.

Our past president, Ronald Reagan, was the elected leader of this country during the first major outbreak of AIDS in North America. At that point, the disease was primarily being spread via the gay male population. Thus the stereotype “The Gay Man’s Disease” (see Kitti’s post here). However, it wasn’t long before the populations of children, women and heterosexual males were contracting it too. So, what did Reagan do to subside the concerns our country had about this “new disease”?

Fucking nothing. Like, my shoes did more than he did.

It wasn’t until 1987, that Ronald Reagan even MENTIONED the word AIDS publicly. “By the end of that year, 59,572 AIDS cases had been reported and 27,909 of those women and men had died.*”

It was this fact alone which rocked me to the core of my morality. How (Read more...)

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Reblogged from Concerned Bloggers Association:

Concerned Bloggers Association wants you to know that YOU ARE ALWAYS welcome! We are totally accepting of all Second Life avies from furries to goreans, child avies to half-ewes, ALL WALKS of AVIES are welcome. Just be a blogger, and we’ll have you as our own!

Contact Marleen Vaughan, in world, to find out more. I can also be reached via…

Read more… 19 more words

I'm a proud blogger for Concerned Bloggers Association. Help us get the word out to Second Life avies everywhere!

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First stop was Crazy. I really enjoy the style of this shop: color/fabric choices, quality of sculpts, and just lovely style. Although, sometimes it’s a little too sexual for my tastes. (In my old SL age, I’ve found that breast lose power if they are exposed too much. Just ask any stripper.) I found these totally terrific boots! They were pretty reasonably priced, cute and BLACK. Me loves some black boots. The color HUD is definitely lacking when it comes to matching skintones, but if you’re riding HONKEY – you should be okay.

Next up, GATO. I love love love love love love this dress. It’s summer, cute and totally fun-tastic. You can’t go wrong with little strawberries for Pete’s sake! I think the dress was under $100L and totally worth it. Just remember Momma raised you right, so wear some panties.

Lastly were the accessories! I picked up my hair at Pocket Mirrors which really does vintage to the nines. Sometimes I like hair that has more of a classic SL look, the realism thing sorta chokes you after a while. After that, I went to Juicy Box to pick up a nice sleeve tattoo. Her prices are SUPER low and her designs are totally classic. I’ve worn her ink before and I just love her sub (Read more...)

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Why do we have to become so fucking ‘connected’ to everything by these cell phone leashes? Whatever happened to a good healthy checking out for an hour and going for a walk? Like, we’ve survived THIS long without major cell phone use – can’t we just leave the cell at home and go for a fucking walk?

I say HELL YES!

Leave that cell phone at home and go for a walk. Connect with people FACE to FACE, instead of ear to ear. Rekindle your love of listening to bird calls, mocking neighbors bad lawns, and chasing your dogs in the backyard. These are things that make humanity great!

And on a side note, they are fucking EXERCISE. I know. It sounds weird, but getting outside into the fresh air and fooling around a little is totally needed. It’s like being a kid again, with all the perks of being older and wiser. Wrestle with your man in the grass. Have a tickle fight with the kids at the beach. Play Marco Polo in the water with your friends. These are the things that make life great and exercise great.

Commune with life again. Fuck the cell phone. Get back to zerberting the nearest human being!

This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by the Concerned Bloggers Association. If you would like to become involved, please contact Marleen Vaughan for more information.

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Mother’s Day just isn’t easy for me. Being the child of a severely mentally ill mother has brought new meaning to the holiday. You become torn between so many emotions, that it is a constant battle for sanity inside your head. Not everyone has a dream childhood and certainly not everyone had an inspirational mother.

You know what I loath especially? All those fucking commercials from Hallmark about “tell me how great of a mother I am to you” bullshit. Each time they air, they are a slug in the gut and a reminder of how fucking “not normal” you are compared to everyone else.

Well, how do we get through the day? Those who don’t have those storybook memories.. Here are my recommendations:

1. Napping. Napping is essential. A well rested mind is an adept mind at all the emotional terrorism around you.
2. Food. Eating healthy on the big day is another step in the right direction. A protein, carb and fat will do you just right. They will make your body feel happy and not drained of anything it needs. Binge eating on OREOs is the last thing you body wants, make it happy with some chicken, rice and a salad.
3. Sunshine. I realize this is sorta dependent on the atmosphere, but see what you can do. 15+ minutes of un-sunscreened sunshine is good for the body and Vitamin D.
4. Music. Now is not the time to get our your Aimee Mann collection. How about you bring out the Big Chill soundtrack or some bad ass Marvin Gaye? Motown is wonde (Read more...)

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So this morning, I went with the intention of finding some men’s items that donated to the cause. I fucking love having a female avie in a men’s full suit. Tre sexeh. (By and by, I do recommed Shai Delacroix’s men’s shop for the best suits. She has a special touch with menswear and her details are fabulous.)

I will be fucking damned if I could only find ONE outfit that was menswear AND donated to the Médecins Sans Frontières. Photos Nikolaidis of A:S:S, come on DOWN! You’re the winner! *confetti* Thank you for representing the lads even though we know you are fully capable of doing some gorgeously dramatic designs for ladies.

CAVEAT. I realize I may be incorrect that A:S:S is the “only” male clothing designs in the entire event. I did thoroughly look through the entire show, however humanity is flawed. I would love to be proven wrong, and would promise to go right over and buy those new said clothes. There were plenty of outfits that were men’s, but they did NOT contribute to the cause. I only purchase items that donate.

Well boys. Looks like youR (Read more...)

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It’s May and at the Concerned Bloggers Association we decided to dedicate the month to EXERCISE. Let’s get those cuties with booties up and at ‘em! Personally, yoga is one of the best things I’ve experienced in the “world of exercise” and I can’t help but rave about it.

I’m gonna focus on the psychological awesome-ness of it all. I suffer from anxiety and the clinical diagnosis of “chronic major depression”. I am working on both items through chemistry, diet and therapy. However, yoga offers something wholly different. As an atheist, it’s difficult for me to get my head around any idea of spirituality. Luckily, yoga doesn’t offer that kind of dogma. It’s kind and gentle and allows you to thank you body for what it has offered you. We run around in our lives… grocery shopping, work, make bed, clean floors, get car fixed, dog to vet, etc etc. Frantic almost. When do we ever stop and say, “good job body on all the running around today. Thanks. You really helped me.”

I know it sounds weird, but it honestly starts a fire inside of you. Something changes when you start saying thank you to yourself. Suddenly, all the glib sarcasm of calling your ass fat seems to change. It allows you to appreciate yourself on a new level.

I am sure this all sounds very new age hippy, but trust me it isn’t. Otherwise I wouldn’t go near it with a 10 foot pole. It’s just something we (Read more...)

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Somnia sent me some free tees, and I just love the little stitching work around the neckline. Totally worth picking up. Her main store is over at Snatch City. As for the bolero and skirt, they are delicious. Molichino is a shop I didn’t give enough attention too in the past, but it’s totally fab. You probably already know that, so YAY ME! If you haven’t picked up Pididdle‘s Cuffs, do so NOW. They are so in they are screaming at you to wear them.

skin: ND/MD. Eboni, natural – glam
eyes: LeLutka. City – sky
eyeliner: a.e.meth. Andromeda Eyeliner – teal
hair: Shy Booty. Afro NV Funky
bolero: Molichino. Fur Bolero
tee: Somnia. Simple Tee – white
skirt: Molichino. Nivalis
socks: Pididdle. Scrunchy Wool Socks – mauve
shoes: GOS. Posh Bootie – obsidian
ring: Zaara. Kashiti bobble ring – turquoise
armbands: Pididdle. Vengeance Cuffs – copper
necklace: Addiction. Wisdom Leather Strap Necklace

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