There Will Be A Woman For President

Aisha Tyler Hosts Women in Film, a Tribute

I have lots of loyal readers and subscribers, which absolutely adore Aisha Tyler and believe me I understand why! (and I Thank You!)

I have been scouring the internet blogs and entertainment sites in hopes of finding some really great shots of our star as she hosted the 'Women in Film' tribute last night in Hollywood.

Unfortunately, I really couldn't come up with any more than this --

The major focus was on of course the women who were being honored, some of the most creative, productive and socially responsible individuals in the film industry were celebrated; people who lead by example. I just can't believe it but then I can no air time was given to the Hostess with the Most-est! 1224 STYLE: TWELVE24GIRL

We were all grateful to Aisha for writing the article "Real Women, Real Bodies" and posing nude for the magazine in an effort to address the issues of dieting, eating disorders and body image.

"This is really like a 'stop the insanity' kind of piece that I wanted to do," she explains. "You want to have the strength to live your life and do the things that you want to do, and you can't do that if you're starving to death. Stop making yourselves crazy."

Aisha's message was to simply 'Love Your Bodies No Matter What The Size'.

Women are Culprits of Abuse

I Do doesn't Mean I will submit to any form of abuse....

I just read a fantastic post over at The Lesbians Said What?? they were speaking about Lesbian violence, but more specifically how it relates to Lesbian Rape. Yeah, what a shock huh? So often the violence within the lesbian community is unheard of - unspoken. It's a silent topic outside of our community. Yet, within our compounds {our family} we can say, that it is very much alive. It's just as rampant as domestic violence in the heterosexual life and world as is the violent raping of a woman by a man. In other words, Lesbians will not only rape but carry out other forms of abuse.

Why? First off they are human beings before they are anything else. There are bad elements in any given race or sexual orientation. Yet, when I read this post it made me recall the day I covered a Domestic Violence Exhibit hosted by my local YWCA.

The event was in keeping of tradition for Domestic Violence Month. One key component was to unveil domestic violence through the eyes of a child. Children who had experienced such were portraying it by means of very expressive art form. I was curious as to how it was going to be presented as art? Art represents beauty to me and there is nothing beautiful about abuse.

As soon as I entered the building I was in complete awe. Two floors of the facility had been appropriated for the cause. The walls were plastered with the children's stories, oil paintings, sketches and crayola drawings . There were easels set up to showcase the most painful stories, that needed to be told. And tables aligned in center row. One table which I never will forget is the long decorated conference table. Dead center of it was about 2 dozen red roses and portraits had been placed on the table along with name tags and dimly lit candles. Each candle represented a life that had been taken by the hands of their abuser. Photographs of infants, babies, toddlers, teens and women - lost lives. It was truly sorrowful.

It was a gift from the children that they were able to share this pain and how they fought to heal. Yet, one thing did bother me. On the many tables were pamphlets, even on the walls there were postings of "What is Abuse, How To Recognize a Potential Abuser, How To Escape Abuse and Who To call." It was all geared towards men like they are the only abusers. And we know that is not true.

I knew the YWCA had no business Hosting this event out of prejudice and bias when I read these 4 Words - "WOMEN ARE ABUSERS, TOO." And, that was it - no further discussion - no further talk - no pamphlets - no fliers - just those 4 words.

This was a terrible miscarriage of justice for young girls (remember this is the YWCA) and for all young children. It may not be a popular brand of topic but women can be the bullies and tyrants within a home. Not only abusing the children but their husbands, mates and partners.

Verbal abuse from a mother is violence, an assault a raping of one's soul. I'm speaking true verbal abuse the kind that is meant to break your spirit, totally destroy who you are. Also, women and mothers will beat their children just like a father or man can do.

I remember as a Mental Health Peer Counselor working on a crisis line. The women that were lesbians and how they telephoned in about the abuse of their partners. "She beats me but I love her." "She promises that she'll never do it again." "She can't help it she grew up having a hard life."

Many felt trapped due to children and some lacked knowledge support or their spirits had just been broken down. They lived in fear. Often after a brutal attack they were raped. See there is no difference than if they were with an abusive man.

Society will place fault with women that are beat by their men and society will issue a stiffer penalty when a female is abused by her lesbian lover. No matter who you are abused by it's you that must make the change.

For more information on domestic violence and Woman to Woman Rape and Sexual Assault go here The National Domestic Violence Hotline, Rape Crisis Information Pathfinder and Lesbian Sexual Assault and Rape.

Today is The Day - Take Back Your Power and Control!

My Mommy is Beautiful She's Had Plastic Surgery

Dr. Michael Salzhauer, a renowned plastic surgeon, wrote My Beautiful Mommy to help patients explain their transformation to their children. The story guides children through Mommy's surgery and healing process in a friendly, nonthreatening way.

a Response from Times Online:

"It’s about time this book came along. For years children have been very confused. Mummy used to look tired, fat and old. But then one day, she went away and when she came home she looked perpetually surprised."

How very what should I say on behalf of the words 'tired fat an old'? I guess maybe the ordinary woman they would describe like this - but the Hollywood Movie Stars are simply doing ?? Becoming more beautiful than they were before.

Now Plastic surgery isn't something I would choose for myself. Yet, I won't necessarily judge those who elect to cut. I'm not even sure how I feel about this book? Explaining to your young one about going under the knife -- I just don't know?

Any thoughts - Feel free to share - Speak on it - Leave a comment.

The FDA Approves Birth Control To Eliminate Your Menstrual Cycle

Oh yes, there is a God in Heaven and She's looking out for us women. The oral contraceptive called Lybrel has now been approved and it will eliminate your monthly menstrual cycle.

"This will be the first and only oral contraceptive designed to be taken 365 days a year, allowing women to put their periods on hold," said Amy Marren of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, which expects Lybrel to be available with a prescription by July. "There are a lot of women who think that's a great option to have."

A study was conducted among 2,400 women, it has not only proven to be effective in preventing pregnancies, but it stops a woman's menstrual period within the 1st year of its usage.

Ingrid Johnston-Robledo, an associate professor of psychology and women's studies at the State University of New York at Fredonia, is in opposition of "I think it sends the wrong message about menstruation in women's lives, especially for young women. It perpetuates a lot of negative attitudes and taboos about menstruation -- that it's something that's bothersome and dirty and debilitating and shameful."

Not only is it bothersome and worrisome but a complete pain in the neck. What good does it serve, unless of course you're trying to conceive.

Linda Miller, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the University of Washington in Seattle, is in support of but states, that women can achieve the same thing from less expensive generic brands of oral contraceptives.

"You don't need a brand," said Miller, who counsels women about suppressing their periods through her Web site, NoPeriod.com.

you can read more at washingtonpost.com

Going Through Menopause Without Symptoms

You can always find and never run out of articles on the torments and symptoms of menopause. Some will approach it just as it is, a normal everyday stage of a woman's next level in life. While other's will, "Oh look out for those hot flashes. You're gettin' ready to sweat like a pig, moo like a cow and if you wear a wig, you're in big trouble now. Yep, they'll make you believe life as you had once known it will never be the same again.

"Excuse me Sir, excuse me Ma'am, What's my name? What street corner am I standing on? You see, I'm in the throes of menopause and I can't remember a thang!"

To me those are some of the more kinder and more gentler, user friendlier of symptoms. They talk about vaginal dryness to the point of needing a lube job, like a well oiled machine. And, let's not forget the loss of a sex-drive. Say what?? After the children are not only out of the house, but for good this time, graduated from college, getting established into their careers, possibly married and even may have their own young children.

Medical Science wants to try and convince moi, that I'm not going to have a sex drive. By never having to purchase a box of tampons, pads or panty liners. Never-ever having to open up my bathroom closet and see them lying there again. Don't even get me to speaking on that unwelcome visitor who came to hang out with me every friggin' 28 days, since I was 12 years old and I'm nearly 49 years young now.

Oh, believe me the sex drive has kicked in. As a matter of fact, it's in 1st gear. How could it not? I've waited a longtime to celebrate this stage of my life.

Even though, month after month my little annoying friend never showed up I kept questioning could this really be? So, I done what any reasonable person would do. I went to the Internet and researched menopause. Then began scouring the Menopausal Checklist. And I was failing.

Let's see, no depression. I'm whistling Dixie, Mary had a little Lamb & thank you Little Boy Blue. Under no uncertain terms am I experiencing any anxiety. I might become a wee bit anxious on Friday's when my cellphone rings and Spongebob begins to sings 'I'm a Goofy Goober.' My anxious thoughts, please don't let my grandson want to spend this weekend with me. And, I fell out laughing when I read insomnia. I'm fast asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. The only time I wake up is when I disturb my own self from my snores.

Speaking with Women's Health care Specialist Jesse Hanley MD.

"What's interesting is that a HUGE percentage of women don't experience any menopausal symptoms. I've had women call me to say their period stopped two years ago and they feel just fine."

"Other symptoms are largely emotional: Depression, anxiety, and often emotional scars that come up from the past. What women don't realize is that during this time, we need to take time to honor and process these issues so we can truly become a wise woman. During menopause, the closet of our life begins to open. Our history comes up for re-evaluation, things that we spent years trying to forget. When FSH rises, we gain access to our inner history. Unfortunately, our culture tells us something is wrong because we aren't the same as we used to be, when in fact we are gaining initiation into wise womanhood."

Unfortunately, our culture says it's something wrong anytime a woman doesn't want to carry the burden of every one's problems on her shoulders. When a man or a father isn't in the mood for the antics it will be stated like this "He's not having it today." Yet, how many times has been said, "What's wrong with her? It must be that time of the month. She must be PMS-ing."

Well, my life is really good right now. It's better than it's ever been before. And, menopause is a major player in it. Wow, what a wonderful freedom!

Aisha Tyler Poses Nude for Glamour Magazine

Aisha was the guest host on The View, today. She made two announcements. One was that she recently posed nude for Glamour Magazine. Now slow your roll it's not what you're thinking. The photos are part of a campaign for positive body image. The object of this photo layout is for women not to focus on their body images. This was about embracing your body no matter what the shape or size.

In other words, let's celebrate the dents, the dimples, the rolls and the cellulite. It's time for us women to focus on more important issues. Volunteering, mentoring, achieving our goals, living our dreams and simply being at peace while we live our lives. Isn't this a novel idea?! We as women need to stop letting the media, men an anyone else dictate how we should look and how we feel about ourselves. And, it's certainly way past time.

We, the viewers were allowed to see a few of the photos which will soon be featured in the magazine.

Joy Behar's response was, "When did Glamour start doing porn?" And, this is all I'm going to say about that remark. I refuse to allow Ms. Behar to bait me. I will not go off on a tangent, a rant or a rave. I will not give her that satisfaction. I understand the true essence of the meaning behind Aisha's nude photo layout and I applaud her. However, Aisha confided through out the shoot she was sweating bullets. Sponges had to be placed under her arm pits. I had to giggle.

You know, posted on my bulletin board above my computer is a picture of a faceless woman, that is nude. Everyone who enters my office immediately sees her naked body. It comes into their full view. The majority of the comments I hear, "What a nice piece of art." Even males compliment this still portrait. The faceless body has a few rolls or rather ripples, what some would call fat surrounding her waist. Yet, it looks so natural and oh so beautiful. The real image of a real woman. There is absolutely nothing pornographic about it.

I also personally find women who have beautiful tresses and locks of white & silver hair amazing in how strikingly beautiful in which they are. These women exude such confidence, as if they have reached a peace the world just can't take away. They've earned their stripes & they have paid their dues. What someone thinks no longer matters to them. Too bad every woman can't arrive at this place by the time we reach the age of twenty years old.

The 2nd and last announcement Aisha Tyler had to make was that she would be ringing the closing bell later in the day at the NASDAQ. I wish I could have been there to hear the music play.

Jenny Craig Telephoned Star To Say You're Fat

Jenny Craig is on the job. And, they are better than doctors now except she doesn't make house calls she makes telephone calls....

I was killing some time this morning and found myself watching the Rachel Ray show for the very first time. What a day I chose for it to be the first. Valerie Bertinelli was appearing and what a story she had to tell.

We all should remember Bertinelli from the 70's sitcom One Day At A Time, I truly enjoyed this program. She played a young teenager by the name of Barbara Cooper, the youngest daughter of a recently divorced single parent mother. Valerie literally grew up in front of our very eyes. The actress was also married to guitarist Eddie Van Halen for nearly 25 years.

Anyways, when she first came out on stage her pedometer was jolted from her hip. A pedometer clocks how many steps you have taken in a day. I myself have worn one on occasions. This opened the door for this conversation.

Valerie began to explain how she lives down the street from Jenny Craig. She goes on to tell how many promises that she had made in the past about telephoning them, because she felt the need to lose some weight.

Well Jenny Craig took the matters into their own hands and placed the telephone call.

"They never quite said I was fat, but I assume if a diet company is calling me, I'm fat!"

Where does Jenny Craig get off at? I mean the nerve! Of course they were calling her fat. Jenny didn't telephone Paris Hilton did she and say, "Oh by the way, what are you doing next week?"

Women in the entertainment world are constantly attacked and held to a higher standard. They have enough problems from the big wigs, which they face everyday. Surely they don't need any more flack from the likings of diet companies, such as Jenny Craig.

As I listened to Bertinelli share this story, my heart went out to her.

She was a woman just as I. I could see the pain in her eyes. I could see the guilt that she felt. I could sense it by each word that was spoken as the story was unfolding. It was as if she had something to be profoundly ashamed of, because Jenny Craig, had to telephone her. Man what a crock of bull...

Valerie has lost a total of 13 pounds and when another 12 pounds has been dropped she will treat herself to a martini. What is most missed while being on this Jenny Craig diet is cooking, because she really enjoys cooking. Too bad, she's not a member of my household because tonight we would have a International No Diet Day and we would cook a small not excessively off the chart diet dinner and we would also enjoy an apple martini. 'Cause if it's the last day on Earth let's not go out eating carrots and cottage cheese.

So now we can look forward to Valerie joining Kirstie Alley in a commercial. Kirstie is dolled up in a black tight fitting dress looking luscious and curvaceous and Valerie is looking rather matronly an overweight. It ran on the Rachel Ray show. I personally wanted to throw my breakfast up.

Ray extended the offer to Bertinelli that when she is able to cook her first meal to come back and do it "Here In The Kitchen" right there on air on her show.

Nursing Program with Free Tuition

I found this via The Bad Girl Guide. There you will find the particulars, etc. But, University of the District of Columbia Nursing Program is offering FREE tuition, FREE books and a Stipend. Check it out for contact name and telephone number. Good Luck!

Mother Fights To Keep Baby On Life Support

Texas: This was the most maddening story I could have first read on a beautiful Sunday morning, but I'm very glad that I found it and thanks Essential Estrogen for bringing this to my attention. You know I really do like her blog.

Catarina Gonzales is a 23 year old mother who by all appearances sake has a fatally ill 17 month old son. Young Emilio Gonzales is suffering with a terminal neurological disease and cannot breathe on his own.

As a mother, Catarina is not willing to accept the fate that her child will soon die. The hospital gave her 10 days to find another facility to have Emilio transported too. Get out! No other hospitals are willing to take the boy. How disgusting can doctors get who have taken oaths to save lives? The doctors reasoning the treatment is senseless and pointless, while stating it's also causing Emilio pain. Poppycock! Catarina's & Emilio's medical bills must be immensely sky rocket high.

Mrs. Gonzales also relates that her son smiles and responds. She does not agree that Emilio is a hopeless and lost cause.

What really amazes me in this situation is that if Catarina would have found out that her baby while in the womb was anything but perfect and would have chosen to abort, well pro life and many others would have condemned her. No you don't have the right to take life!

Yet, the Doctors who are saying by their medically scientific most infamous wisdom and knowledge "lets unplug there's no hope" but all the while mom states something contrary to what they are saying. It's okay for them to take life. And Jack Kevorkian went to prison for assisting the terminally ill who made a conscious choice, their decision of ending painful lives.

Okay, so which is it? Let me make sure I get this straight. I can't help anyone suffering from a terminal disease, in the most unbearable, unspeakable, can't define it in words pain, to end their life, but if the doctor decides it alright.....? Okay I got it now.

The boy is at the centre of a dispute brought about by a law signed by George W Bush when he was governor of the state of Texas. The legislation allows a hospital, rather than families, to make decisions in "medically futile" cases.

Teenager Faces Seven Years for Abortion

Massachusetts -- Do you think if she would have been a 18 year old privileged white male, about to head off to some ivy league institution things would have been decided much differently?

Instead, Amber Abreu is a 18 year old native of the Dominican Republic that's now residing in Massachusetts and has been for the past year and a half. Who was studying English and working at Macy's. Unfortunately, she found herself pregnant and without any immediate hope of securing the proper finances that could support a child. Amber felt the only way out from this unplanned pregnancy was abortion. Yet, she had no money.

So she took a prescription ulcer medication, cytotec/misoprostol to abort.

This is how the women in her home country terminate pregnancies, due to the fact abortions are illegal in the Dominican Republic. Amber bled and had tremendous pain for several days, which led her to the emergency room. She delivered a 1 pound baby girl that lived for 4 days.

Amber self-abortion took place 25 weeks into the pregnancy. At 24 weeks this would have been okay, but this additional week has caused criminal charges to be filed against her. She was arrested & jailed on a 1840's Massachusetts law, "illegally procuring a miscarriage," but bonded out on a $16,000 surety.

Originally, the prosecutor wanted to charge Amber with murder, which carried 25 years. The only reason this wasn't pursued was because the prosecutor felt it would not stick. The jury wasn't going to buy it. I bet he/she also knew the possibility of actually getting an indictment on this charge was near impossible. However, she is facing 7 years in prison.

As stated by Boston IMC "Women's oppression is built into capitalism." I couldn't have said it any better. Yet, this is not limited to only women. This goes straight across the board for all nationalities, gender and races. And, that's why we have so many Americans who fall into the category of the 'working poor'. Most sadly to say, 'this does not exclude the children'.

Working Class Emancipation has come to the defense of Amber.

Eve Ensler joins Men Can Stop Rape

"On April 19, join Men Can Stop Rape and Vagina Monologues creator, EVE ENSLER, for our 10th anniversary celebration, "Illuminating the Past, Igniting the Future," at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Eve Ensler, recipient of the evening's Lifetime Ally Award, will be reading from and signing her newest book, Insecure at Last: Losing It in Our Security-Obsessed World."

Who are 'Men Can Stop Rape'?

An organization of men who worked jointly to educate other men about issues regarding masculinity and violence. Their belief, "rape is a choice men make to exert power over others and is, therefore, a men’s issue. As long as men continue to make this choice or to remain silent while other men are violent, rape will continue. (MCSR) believes men can live peacefully with women and other men, but to do so, we must redefine what it means to be a man."

MCSR are educating young men in high school and college through the Men Of Strength Club.

As mothers I'm sure we all tell our sons, that when a girl or woman says no, then this is exactly what it means. Unfortunately, some young boys may not quite understand this coming from a mother. He may not feel as comfortable asking questions, that are fuzzy to him. Especially with the many mixed messages being sent in the form of billboards, advertisement, videos and music. Their goal is to educate young men by mentoring an evoking an open dialogue, 'What is masculinity and what is violence?'

The Men of Strength Club has been implemented at the Duke Ellington School of Arts and Howard University, to only name a few. They have received many recognition, honors an awards from organizations such as, Ms. Foundation for Women, The National Crime Prevention Council and Center for Disease Control.

They have support from Liz Claiborne Inc. and Redbook Magazine.

To find out more about Men Can Stop Rape.

Mothers In Prison and The Daughters Left Behind

Lisa Ling, is a Special Correspondent for the Oprah Show and contributor to the National Geographic Channel and the Oxygen Network.

For the Oxygen Network Ling is hosting a series very important to her that explores the challenges that girls face worldwide: it's called "Who Cares About Girls?"

'Who Cares About Girls?' is a documentary series based on how young women are treated in this world. Her plight is to inspire everyone to stand up for them.

Lisa began her two part series with 'Daughters Left Behind.'

The vast majority of people in our society look no further after a woman has been sentenced to prison. No other than 'She got what she deserved.' Yet, maybe so. Unfortunately, the vast majority of women incarcerated in prison are mothers, mothers with daughters who are simply left behind.

If these young girls are fortunate enough loving grandparents or a family member will take care of them until mom returns home, but many aren't so lucky. And, if this is the case just the stress of the separation and the reason why brings on anxiety, depression, anger, socialization and often behavioral problems.

Families of the incarcerated have difficulties getting to prison for a visitation. Often, the institution is in a surrounding city or completely out-of-state. The amount MCI and others charge a loved one to accept a collect call is a crime within itself. The price is astronomical. The young girl may not only get to see mother for months and years at a time, but telephone calls can be sparse and on a time limit. A, 5 minute call could cost $7.00 then time is up.

Every reformatory has a different set of rules governing visitation. Either contact or no contact visits are permissible. If no contact is allowed then daughter isn't permitted to touch or hug her mother. If this is a guideline while on a visit, it's a possibility the female inmate must sit on her hands through out the visitation. This act is beyond cruelty for the continued growth of a child.

However, very positive changes have began to take place in several women's prisons. For instance, Shakapee Women's Prison in Minnesota and Bedford Hills maximum security prison in New York. Programs have been implemented so daughter can spend up to a week with their mothers. From one night a month, to a 4 day summer camp once per year.

The Children's Center at Bedford Hills

This program has been designed to afford the mothers and daughters an opportunity to spend 5 days in a row together. Where the visitation does takes place there are games art and other activities to help foster very much needed bonding and nurturing. They share meals laugh talk and hopefully do some healing.

Host families within the community provide a living place for the children during their stay.

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars

Strives to maintain a loving and nurturing mother and daughter relationship while mother is incarcerated. By helping the young girls better equip themselves while dealing with the loss and separation, which they are experiencing. And, hopefully providing the mothers a means to make positive decisions, upon release. As of today, there are over 37 Girl Scouts Beyond Bars helping 1,000 girls.

You Can Help

Girl Scouts Behind Bars

For more information on The Children's Center including information about becoming a host family, please call 914-241-3100 ext. 4050 or 4055.