My interview with The Pakistani Spectator
Posted by Michelle on June 25, 2008
Good morning!
If you recall, about a week ago I was contacted by Ghazala Khan, one of the writers of The Pakistani Spectator. Ghazala was requesting an interview from me. Cool. I responded and two days ago I sent her my thoughts. I posted it here to share with you. It was published yesterday on their blog.
Feel free to peruse the TPS site – some very candid reads, political and otherwise.
Interview with Blogger Michelle Moquin
By The Pakistani Spectator • Jun 24th, 2008 • Category: Interviews • (3,198 views) • No Responses
Would you please tell us something about you and your site?
I am passionate about many things and I intend to blog about them all openly and freely here. Come and join in on the conversations and add as many comments as you like. The more people that comment the more interesting and fun it will be. I encourage you to be open minded as there are a lot of topics that are discussed here, as well as a variety of beings, human and otherwise that leave comments! Don’t be shy… At the very least you will definitely be entertained!
Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?
I have been told that my writing has greatly improved since I started writing on a daily basis for almost a year now. It is always important to me to grow in any area that I am involved in. Writing is no different.
I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?
For me besides the daily experience of being able to communicate with so many different people from all over the world, it is the fact that I can have an impact on others through what I write…that because of my readership and the content, I can get the word out on important issues that I feel people need to know about. When I can bring about change in a positive way then it is definitely memorable. Of course, I have some very interesting characters commenting on some other worldly topics, and some very interesting events that have taken place on my blog. Too incredible to explain; one must just peruse the site and read.
What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?
I have to say that I do not keep up much communication with other bloggers as much as I’d like to. Only a few of my commentators have their own blogs and those I do read. I of course use tags and categories and I try to visit new blog sites and comment as often as I can, but my time is limited.
What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?
Anything that has to do with the net: youtube, personal sites, networking sites. And the fact that information is available almost instantaneously.
Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?
They are for me and I would assume more so for the younger generations that have grown up with their faces glued to the computer; they rely on it as a means of communicating. The internet is a wealth of information at our fingertips and for that I am grateful. I use it constantly to learn and gather information, which enables me to be more proactive.
What do you think sets Your site apart from others?
I would say my content. I do not run a blog that is content specific. That would be too boring for me. I want to be able to talk about everything and anything that I am interested in. My topics range from politics to porn, from cooking to culture, from books to badinage etc. I also have some very interesting commentators that visit my site.
If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
I am pretty tenacious and I do what I say I am going to do.
What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
I have many happy moments, too many to pick just one. The gloomiest? I can’t recall.
Do you think [the use of Twitter and other social networking tools by politicians] is bandwagon jumping or what?
Politicians are people too – why shouldn’t they use every avenue available to get there face out there, especially now. There is so much vying for our attention, unless they keep up with it, they may get forgotten. These days to be noticed and to stay on top, you have to be in everybody’s face all of the time consistently.
If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for – what would your top 3 choices be?
Africa/Egypt, Cuba, Peru/Machu Pichu in no particular order.
What is your favorite book and why?
Right now it is “A new Earth’ by Eckhart Tolle. In short, it is about living in the present moment and dropping the ego which is a major reason why this world is in the state it is in. Greed is a strong force of the ego. Happiness and joy is created from within, not from the circumstances in ones outward life.
What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
Physically, their eyes and smile. On a deeper level, how comfortable they are in their own skin.
Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?
No, but I never really wrote before I started my blog.
How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
By marketing, displaying ads, sponsored links, and self promotion.
Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?
What do you consider successful? Monetarily? Then my blog isn’t successful. (At least not yet in that area! ) I feel my blog is successful in content and readership. But I do not have a lot of time on my hands. I keep busy with other things in my life, however reading and writing do take up much of my time.
What are your thoughts on corporate blogs and what do you think the biggest advantages and disadvantages are?
Like I mentioned above, I don’t peruse many blogs but the advantage is information is powerful. The disadvantages are whether the info is on spot or not and if the Information is factual. Is the source solid? The writers point of view can dilute or aggrandize the information. One needs to take it all with a grain of salt and ask questions.
What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?
By being open to all comments; hearing both sides. Be clear. So much can be misconstrued on a blog that it is important to pay attention to the details and write and explain yourself clearly as best as you can. Follow blog rules of conduct if there is one. And if you don’t like what you are reading then move on and find a blog that suits you.
Who are your top five favourite bloggers?
Again I don’t peruse too many blogs but these I like to read:
http://bdgroupllc.blogspot.com/ – Passionate and informative. Written by Doug Boggs
http://edgy1.wordpress.com/ – fun and personal. Written by Zen Lill
Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?
Actually quite a few but here are two:
http://michellemoquin.wordpress.com/2008/02/10/zeitgeist-you-must-watch-this/
http://michellemoquin.wordpress.com/2008/05/29/calling-all-womenwe-need-your-support/
What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?
I am a world citizen. I feel the same about people in Pakistan as I do people in the United states or any other country. And although I think of us all as world citizens, I respect your sovereignty. As long as the Pakistani people are good to their country and the rest of the world. It is what I expect of any country.
Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?
I don’t know if stunned is the right word, but I will say that I am constantly delighted by the uniqueness of people in general and that includes bloggers.
What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?
A developed country can get complacent and take for granted all that one has. Greed steps in and materialism becomes an avenue to happiness. Or at least one thinks. Separateness and competition happens between the people and right before their very eyes human rights are slowly chipped away. Unless the people ban together as one and support each other they actually regress as a society. A developing country knows exactly what they have and they continue to strive and fight for their basic human rights. Cooperation and a sense of community happens between people as they unite by coming together as a strong force and fighting for those rights.
What is the future of blogging?
I think it will continue to grow and change. Into what? I have no idea.
You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
Personally, my blog has allowed for me to self analyze in ways that I might not have before. It has helped me to grow by exposing me to a variety of interesting, and educated people who have discussed topics that I may not have discussed had it not been for my blog. It allows me to be open and vulnerable, compassionate and creative, introspective and interested. I peruse the net more and I read more searching for topics to learn and write about.
Professionally? Hmm… not sure haw it has affected my professional life yet….we’ll see when I write that book and it becomes a best seller. 
What are your future plans?
To continue blogging and being a ‘creative expressionist’ in as many areas in my life that are possible.
Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
I am interested in knowing more about your country and what you think of my people and country.
++++++++++++
Hi Al: How are you? I feel for you in your position as a care taker of Howie. Your illnesses are very serious too – is there no one that helps you also?
It is very big of you and quite noble of you to stay unless Howie is going too. What if Howie isn’t going to be able to go? Is there no one else that can take care of Howie in your place? I know that you are much more than a care taker; you are a confidant and a good friend I have no doubt. After all just the fact that you would not leave without him says a lot. However, I would not want to see you go through self suffering by sacrificing your chance to heal yourself and experience something on such a grand scale, an opportunity of a lifetime. And actually I would be surprised if Howie wasn’t pushing you out the door and encouraging you to go without him. I am sure that he feels the same about you and your friendship and if the roles were reversed you would be encouraging him to go without you. However this plays out I hope that you two figure it all out. I personally would hate to see you pass this up, as I can sense that you want to go from your excitement. Sorry for all of the questions but so much is on my mind now that I know you two live together.
I have one last question for you and Howie: Why the big secret that you two are house mates? And is the reason you are informing us now because of this Climax dilemma? As usual I have more than one question! :) Oh lastly Al….have you met Carr and are you friends with him too? I would love to hear your take on him, your experiences if any. Thanks.
Well readers: I Hope that you enjoyed reading the interview – it was a thoughtful experience answering some questions that I have never crossed my mind before. And what about Howie and Al being house mates? Did any of you suspect this or were you totally surprised? blog me your thoughts.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle ♥
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edgy1 said
Hi Michelle, very interesting, I checked out their site last week after her request, will go check again later today. Love what you said re: ego/happiness, I’m feeling extremely vulnerable when (and since) I let mine go, what’s that tell you? This Amazon’s been hiding behind it, and it’s worked as a survival mechanism, given my past. However, heading into the future it has made me more trusting, a surprising after effect I thought. Now I think, if someone is going to set out to hurt me (male or female) well, then so be it, and I’d have to wonder: why on earth (or elsewhere) would they want to do that to me? I used to just stay in self-protection mode, but you might too if you were me : )
I just picked up Scientific American bc of a story titled: ‘Trust Hormone’ Neurobiology reveals what makes us connect, an interesting topic…look for it on my blog soon. though I may just share another favorite tune again, it is Wed, and you know what that means ; )
And M, so right on about Howie and Al, I would agree in theory. I wrote what I wrote and then thought, man, if Al was my friend/housemate I might encourage him to go just for expressing his desire to stay just for me, though all that being said, it’s between Howie, Al and Tal. I know there are other issues at hand with chronic illness, too, and it just isn’t as easy as all that. Do not mean to minimize that factor with my above pontificating…
I have my voice back, will call you, have a few blog q’s for you…
M, we must have an ‘in sync’ thing happening today, though the reason I lightened my mood on my blog today is bc it’s ‘hump day’ and well, in honor of such a fine weekly event : ) I wrote ‘go ahead, Google it…’ http://edgy1.wordpress.com/ there’s a comment for you/Anonz re: gay rights, and the black thang baby, etc…at the end.
sent with luv, Zen Lill
Earthlings said
Anonz
It seems that the recent revelation about the bush justice department has been using politics to pick the people who are charged with administrating equal justice from the Executive Branch has confirmed your recent statement on Zen Lill’s blog that bush is running an organized criminal enterprise. One that is intent on stacking the federal justice system to insure that they can punish their enemies, political opponents, and to insure that if they are convicted that it will be eventually overturned by one of those federal judges that they have installed. This does not leave out their Supreme Court appointees.
Consider that Thomas, Roberts, and Scalia are always on the side of the most ridiculous logical conclusions imaginable. They are always decide in favor of big business if it is a republican agenda. Actually they always support the republican agenda. They show what happens when the republicans sell a justice spot to the highest bidder. In this case the potential bid on how far they would be willing to go to rule for a republican want.
I.E. They voted for the republican desire to continue torturing and holding people with the right to present a denial of what they were detained for.
They voted to execute child rapists because child rape is immoral. Sound like republican spiel to you. Never mind that if the criminal knows that he will be executed for the crime itself why not kill the only witness to the crime. So these legally stupid minded men were appointed for their willingness to vote the party line.
Your comment welcomed.
Madaline
Zen Lill said
HI Michelle, hey honey I was just kidding about the black man thang ; ) but I know you wanted to clarify for other readers on my blog. I just laughed out loud though, ah the ‘protestations’ about men, black or white, too funny. (men: we women can be baffling also, I know).
It reminded me of this chickie at the gym yesterday, I’m on the treadmill and she went on for a full freakin’ half hour of mindless and somewhat minor bitching issues about her man, stuff pretty much all men do/say at one point or another, her buddy listened intently. I was kind of snickering at it, thinking oh man what’s she gonna do when there’s a real problem? I was ready to ask: do you like anything about him, at all? If not, then why not drop him if you think he’s such an a–hole, because…as Ed once said over at Edgy1, if you’re looking for a hairy woman, forget it, babe, hahaha…
You know the joke w/white man/black man, they’re both peeing and the wm says, waters cold, and bm says, yeah and deep, too. hahaha…there you have it, the origin of the ‘pissing contest’ or something like that.
Madaline, how’s it going, you bad babe. Are you finding it difficult to be yourself here still? How’s the family/friends, do they comment/question you on your newfound abilities, skills, commentary? Where’s Lydia, Sheikh, Liang, et al girls??? Are they coming back here as per Commander M’s request?
Ciao, Zen Lill
Anonz said
Zen darling I put this on the wrong date. guess I was just too hot!
Zen Lill
Look I’ve decided to write you here because I can feel less like a cad for wanting to lust after you. There I’ve said it. If you are offended, it’s has not been said on your blog. But I mean it. I wouldn’t pursue you against your will.
I know I’m not so pretty now, but somehow I don’t think that is your click. Hey, you’re a married woman. What is a man who professes to be honorable(if you have to claim it, can you really be honorable?) doing courting a happily married woman.
Okay, okay, already, I stand as the everyday American movie fan. If the starlet is married or not, he can still drool over the coveted beauty. So why should the standards be different for the internet blog starlet.
You got it going on sweetness and I am an unabashed groupie. I, like any move star groupie, have your picture on my wall. But never fear, I, like the movie star groupie, am harmless. I just admire you from a distance. That having been said. How about acting like your movie star counter parts and send your fans more pictures.
Explain to the loving and protecting and oh, oh, so lucky husband of yours that the movie star hubby takes it all in stride. Tell him, “it’s the business baby.”
Anonz
Earthlings said
Michelle
Sir
That entry to Anonz from “Madaline” was not from me. Please allow me to search out and punish this fake.
Anonz, are you are coming on to Zen Lill? I like it. A girl can always use a little admiring. I would like to alert you to the clique that you are a part of. Most of them are very loyal to the republican party. They are easily persuaded to spy on you. You are looking on them as friends; they are republicans first.
Bush and company are very concerned that the democrats are planning to launch serious investigations into the possible criminal activity of his 8 year tenure. Most top republican insiders like yourself know that the bush administration is, as my fake says, an organized group that has used the office of the Presidency to politicize every aspect of the federal judicial system and at worst an organized criminal element bent on looting the public treasury.
If the bush administration and the republican party feel pushed into a corner the bush administration will initiate a terror crises to push the fear issue into the american voter psyche as the main issue when choosing a President.
They are lying to Israel to get them to initiate a military strike against Iran. They are also providing the military assistance to aid Israel in avoiding Iranian radar.
The bush gang are looking for incidents around the world that would suffice as a terror reminder to the american voter. They are encouraging assassins around the world to do their worst.
They are encouraging the bought and paid for members of the US Supreme Court to take cases that will excite the christian conservatives to go to the poles in mass.
Speaking of scalia, thomas, and roberts they were quick to absorb the corporate entity from its financial responsibility to the people and environment they endanger or kill. Reducing the Valdez penalty to $500 million is like fining a speeder $50.
The republicans know that without a financial deterrent, corporations will be free to pollute the environment, maim and kill the american people within an acceptable financial risk. The Supreme Court has handed polluting corporations the financial incentive to take the risk to make huge profits by disregarding any safety issues when it concerns the environment or human beings. If they don’t get caught they make huge profits. If they get caught, the Supreme Court will reduce any awards that would take away their financial gains and punish them for taking the gamble in the first place.
You gotta shake your head and ask if any corporate group could have gotten more for their money than scalia, thomas and roberts. Think STR ess when you hear of a Supreme Court decision that is pro republican and S calia T homas and R oberts will be for it.
These guys are serious crooks. Your republican party is a co-conspirator in that they know that the bush gang are crooks. Although most of the republicans are against the obvious criminal behavior of the bush gang, they are supporting them to keep their jobs by salvaging their party’s reputation.
When are you going to accept the fact that you have been supporting a party that today is lead by a gang of criminal who have stolen more that 100 billion dollars from the american people? Are you quietly accepting the money your corporations have made from this criminal enterprise disguised as a presidential administration pushing a conservative political agenda.
What’s with you and the reluctance to vote for a black guy. We gave you a nine inch dick with considerable girth. You must know that you were a 7 inch wielder before. Yes, you had no complaints, but now you will get accolades for your virtuoso performances in that arena now. You don’t have the issues the little penis wonders have; so why the racist attitude?
Michelle, sir, do I have the go to handle the impersonator? I already know who it is. Just let me at the asshole. He is due for a head to head with me.
The real Madaline
Al said
Michelle: I could not even begin to answer your questions. I wouldn’t know where to start. Any answers would only lead to more questions. I am presently dealing with a half-dozen crisis’, and am overwhelmed by a number of them. I’ll talk to you with more detail another time. Oh, and I just found out my dick is to small. What next? Thanks.
Al
edgy1 said
Anonz, sweet pea, what am I going to do with you? I like it:Zen darling and mmmm ‘you got it going on, sweetness’…very nice words, babe.
Let me see, let’s start with this exercise, and I’d like for you to say it out loud until you believe it. My wording (your word to use in parens): you(I) are(am) NOT a cad. you(I) are(am) an honorable man. I(Zen darling) am(is) an honorable woman, say it till you mean it, feel it, bc it’s true, babe.
I am not offended at all and you are definitely not acting or expressing anything to me against my will.
I’ll use one of your lines, sweet pea: methinks thou doth protest too much.
And in case you haven’t understood properly, and you are a man, babe, so I understand, I also understand that it’s got to feel very weird and difficult to think you are courting a mw, and that is what you’ve been doing, you know it and I know it, and I haven’t wanted you to stop, so thank you for finally admitting and submitting to it…
I have a special request for you now before I say much more (and I will always have much more to say to you) – would you please go to my blog http://edgy1.wordpress.com and read June 4 entry, you may need to read June 3 to understand the context but it’ll give you a better sense of where I’m at, I think it’s important you know. The entries were a bit of a self-disclosure slip up but I couldn’t let Ed call me out to shrink my head without having a rebuttal : ) i thought about deleting them bc they were hard for me to reread but now I’m glad I did not. I want you to read it bc you seem to enjoy using adjectives re: me/my life that are really not applicable.
I look forward to hearing from you here or at my blog, wherever is your choice, sweet pea.
yours, Zen darling (did I mention that I like this pet name?)
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