S: for Standing up for our Rights and the rights of others!

The tragedies facing women around the world are staggering. A chilling list of statistics facing the estimated 11 million women in Afghanistan, are only a small drop of the injustices facing women. The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission recorded 2,374 cases of violence against women in 2007, including 165 cases of women setting themselves on fire. When your life is constantly faced with pain you try to end it and make a statement in the process. The commission concedes the number doesn't really reflect Afghan society because violent incidents often go unreported. According to the United Nations, one woman in Afghanistan dies every 29 minutes due to reproductive health related complications. Their average life expectancy is 44 years, about half that of a woman in Canada.

Honorata Kizende was hiding in a house when the soldiers came. She can smile again after surviving a four-year ordeal that almost destroyed her life. The men slapped, stripped and raped Kizende. Then they repeated these actions on her pregnant daughter and a friend the same way. It didn't end there "I did not belong to one person; I was for the use of everyone and anyone who needed me". This happened in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Thousands of women gathered around the globe Saturday to celebrate the collective power of women during International Women's Day. Kizende, 55, is now a spokeswoman for Women for Women International, a 16-year-old group that helps rebuild the lives of women victimized by violent conflict in countries such as Kosovo, Iraq and Colombia. An estimated 5.4 million people have died in Congo since 1998. There are hundreds of thousands of women who have been subjected to gang rape and sexual slavery. "To suffer in silence is the greatest suffering." To learn more for yourself or someone in need log onto www.internationalwomensday.com

International Women's Day, is a holiday celebrated world wide. We need to honor and acknowledge women’s struggles everywhere. A women's place in history is relatively undistinguished, yet it should be a source of pride and inspiration for isn't behind every great man is a great woman? How can their be great woman when there are F.A.C.T.S like these staring us in the face.

T: Is for Titillating Tidbits!

It is hard to live in New York and not comment on the scandal that has rocked this island as of late. Without any comedic aspirations it has me creating comic sketches every time I hear Elliot Spitzer talk or read about the exploits of his complete stupidity. As the resignation of the Governor came so did the pictures of 22 year old "Kristen" whose real name is Ashley Dupre. Ashley wants to be a singer. Her MySpace page is still up http://www.myspace.com/ninavenett. Who in their right mind keeps something like that up unless it is to garn attention? On it she states"Don’t let anyone hold you back or tell you that you can’t…because you can. I didn’t and here I am, just listen to it…. What we Want is my latest track. It’s really about trust, something my past has made very difficult for me to feel. This one was inspired by a guy, who taught me not to confuse my dreams with the sounds of the city." I wonder if that guy is Elliot? Some people actually think that all publicity is good publicity and it is obvious without you Ashley was just another has been. Is that why you exported her to the Mayflower? It was there that intern Monica Lewinsky was photographed embracing President Clinton and again returned to testify as a witness in a congressional inquiry. Did you not learn from that event? Also Washington is know as the hooker capital of the world so why would you put yourself in that position? Ashley collected $4,300 in addition to the cost of "train tickets, cab fare from the hotel, mini bar or room service, travel time and hotel". Supposably Spitzer has paid over $80,000.00. My question here is since prostitution is illegal and we don't know where that money came from does Ashley have to pay it back? What about taxes? Will it be given to New Yorkers like Bush's tax relief program? Or better yet given to the MTA so that New Yorkers to can have a cheeper ride?

This just in Ashley’s real last name is Youmans. This is her high school picture from her year book. Not only did Spitzer pay
too much for this girl but he picked one has completely re-done herself. How many surgery’s can you count? Her newest song........Fame I’m going to live forever.

Do we not deserve answers? In your resignation speech, you do not refer to the prostitution scandal. Stating "In the past few days I have begun to atone for my private failings with my wife, Silda, my children and my entire family but what about New York and the hypocritical way you lead us to believe your stance on such issues. As New York's attorney general, you prosecuted at least two prostitution rings. Were you also clients of theirs? How are we ever to know the truth? Considering you have been indulging according to records for over 10 years one tends to think you have.

My biggest question is to Spitzer's wife. Why? Why did you not do what Bill Cinton's wife, James E. McGreevey's wife, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's wife, Louisiana Sen. David Vitter's wife and Idaho Sen. Larry Craig's wife failed to do and should've. You have no Presidential aspirations. Dump the louse. It’s time women set out traps when the rat brings home infestation.

I guess my biggest question is: When men get into power do their penis's automatically grow honing devices? Do they go off and beep like mad when you are put in a position most will never see? Does your brain go to your head and I don't mean your shoulders? Being a women I just don't get why you would risk so much for so little. Maybe there are F.A.C.T.S that need to be explained.

C: Is for Cellulite that melts away

Summer is coming and like most American's hate my body type. I have always stated if I won the lottery I would have the fattest feet in town because I would reconstruct like a sculptor. So when an invitation to a seminar on SmartLipo at SLEEK MedSpa came across the wire I attended. Dr. Christopher T. Chia who specializes in procedures for body contouring, breast surgery and facial rejuvenation impressed me. Here was a doctor who cared more about the patient than the money. The reason I state this is because he does not except any patient who comes through the door and he makes sure that those who do have a realistic goal and view. Smatlipo is the newest trend. It is a cutting-edge, method to significantly improve those unwanted body areas.
Routinely used in dental procedures, lasik eye surgery, reconstructive work and cosmetic procedures—including liposuction—laser technology is what sets SmartLipo apart from its competition. SmartLipo is different in that it uses a carefully calibrated laser to liquefy fat deposits through the top layers of the patient's skin. The laser actually ruptures fat cells, and the resulting oily, liquid substance is then removed through a tiny incision in the skin by the surgeon. The small laser can also seal blood vessels as it zaps fat, so there is less swelling, bleeding and bruising than with traditional liposuction. Research has shown that little, if any, fat is reabsorbed back into the body. The minimal invasiveness of the procedure allows patients to see faster results and to experience fewer complications. Almost anyone can be a good candidate for SmartLipo. In general, the ideal candidate: 1. Is in good health, exercises regularly, is within 25 lbs. of his or her ideal weight; 2. Has one or more areas of local body fat deposits that have responded poorly to diet and exercise; and 3. Is bothered by these fatty areas, and is motivated to get rid of them permanently. The touch up's are rare and rank in the 9% range.

Sleek Med Spa is located at 800B Fifth Av and provides cosmetic procedures including Facelift (Rhytidectomy, Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty), Chin Implants, Browlift Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty), Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, Liposuction, Arm Lift (Brachioplasty), Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) and Thigh Lift. I found the staff friendly and educated, the atmosphere relaxing and the most importantly the Doctor to be caring. I highly recommend this for your consideration.

Did you know our backs have the thickest skin of all our body including hands and feet? It's true and Men are the newest candidates for plastic surgery. 37% of 100 clients are men. They just don't talk about it. Now these are some cool F.A.C.T.S.

A: Is for art that we see through our eyes!

Two of the most prestigious nature photography award contests are approaching. These visions come from the wilds of Africa, stretch out to Mexico’s Sea of Cortez and even land on a front porch in suburban Ohio, the winners find inspiration in nature all over North America. Last year, for the first time, photographers from all levels of expertise were invited to enter a competition that was conducted in collaboration with Nature’s Best Photography magazine. More than 12,000 images were submitted in eight categories: Mammals, Birds, Other Wildlife, Underwater Life, New Life, Connecting People and Nature, Habitat and Power of Nature. For each, a first-place prize was awarded in both the amateur and professional divisions. One first-place prize was also awarded in the youth division. The grand prize was awarded to an amateur. To view all of the winning images, along with instructions on how to enter this year’s competition, visit www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife and click on “PhotoZone.”Deadline for submitting entries is July 1st, 2008. Online entries can be uploaded starting March 23rd.

Reptile enthusiast Michael D. Kern created this year's winner, Iguana Eyes, by duplicating and reversing the image of a single iguana eye. He then blended the two images together.

Richard du Toit's eye-bending aerial shot of Burchell's zebras romaing the Kalahari Desert won the contest's grand prize. The South African native was awarded $2,500 and camera equipment.

To enter the 2008 NATURE’S BEST PHOTOGRAPHY WINDLAND SMITH RICE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS competition. More than $10,000 in cash will be awarded, including $2,500 to the Grand Prize winner. The winning photographs will be published in the Fall 2008 NATURE’S BEST PHOTOGRAPHY and may be selected for our annual exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, and in other locations. For this competition entries are accepted beginning on January 28, 2008 and must be postmarked no later than April 26, 2008.

Maybe through your eyes we will see the world anew and that is a eye opening F.A.C.T.