SCENES FROM

MISTI-CON

Laconia, NH

May 9th - 13th

[Pt 1]

Opening Gala Ceremony

We be a coven of Witches

John Granger

Hogwarts Professor & Author

Two Molly Weasleys

Wand Dueling & Training with Cassandra

NY Times Guantanamo Ad / World Can't Wait

Since February, prisoners at Guantanamo have been on hunger strike.  World Can't Wait has been pondering hard on what more we can do to create a political situation where Obama has to back down, release at least a few of the men at Guantanamo, and be forced into closing the prison. All of our frequent protests, petitions, call-ins, editorials and op-eds are part of what's needed.

The major missing ingredient in this moment, though, is the collective voices of artists, intellectuals, politicians, religious and cultural figures who are respected and beloved for being voices of conscience, speaking as one to demand that the torture of Guantanamo be ended. *It's time and past time, as we reach 100 days of the prisoners' hunger strike*, that we provide a way for them to speak out together, and for that message to be seen.

Dennis Loo of Cal Poly Pomona has drafted a message planned as a full page ad in /The New York Times/ http://www.worldcantwait.net/index.php/calls-to-action/8236-world-can-t-wait-to-place-new-ad-against-guantanamo-in-the-new-york-times which could serve as such a vehicle. 

It has been signed by over 900 people in the past week, including John Cusack, Wallace Shawn, Junot Diaz, Noam Chomsky, Daniel Ellsberg, Eve Ensler, Dave Eggers, Glenn Greenwald, Paul Haggis, Bianca Jagger, Ariel Dorfman, Erica Jong, Michael Moore, Ron Kovic, Tom Morello, Mark Ruffalo, Nancy Kricorian, James Schamus, Joyce & Max Kozloff, Carl Dix, Oliver Stone, Cindy Sheehan, and Cornel West, joined by attorneys for the Guantanamo prisoners, law professors, clergy and academics.

Because we can only afford an "advocacy" rate at /The Times/, at $52,030, which runs on a stand-by basis, it's urgent that we submit the ad as soon as possible.  The prisoners' hunger strike is the dynamic factor making any change possible in the administration's action to release them.

The message powerfully challenges us to look at Guantanamo as "part of larger, alarming developments" including the NDAA, targeted killing by executive order, and the prosecution of whistleblowers, "most flagrantly in the torture, slander and draconian legal charges against Bradley Manning."

It says, "It is up to people to stand up for principle and morality when their institutions and public officials refuse to do so. The fates of those who are maimed or killed by our government's policies are inextricably intertwined with our own: we must listen and respond to their cry for justice. We must demand their release now, before they lose their lives as well."

We hope you will sign on, and help fund this project so that we can go to print very quickly.

SIGN http://org.salsalabs.com/o/1170/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=13340

DONATE https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1170/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=5872

 Some of the Costumes

I wore to

Misti-Con

in

Laconia, NH

 Walking Tour

Around

Greenwich Village

on a Sunny

May 4th

with a Friend

 Sneak Peek

at

Some of My Accessories

for upcoming

Misti-Con

CATCHING UP ON SOME NEWS

The 1% Bug-Out Plan:  Why Third-World Billionaires are Buying Fortresses in London, New York and Miami

Lynn Stuart Parramore, AlterNet

http://www.alternet.org/economy/1-bug-out-plan-why-third-world-billionaires-are-buying-fortresses-london-new-york-and-miami?akid=10289.9992.6TigNf&rd=1&src=newsletter820068&t=7

Citywide Water Monitoring System is Suspended After Agency Cuts Funding

Patrick Wall, DNAinfo New York

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130503/new-york-city/citywide-water-monitoring-system-is-suspended-after-agency-cuts-funding?utm_content=madmessnet@aol.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Citywide%20Water%20Monitoring%20System%20Is%20Suspended%20After%20Agency%20Cuts%20Funding&utm_campaign=Bike%20Share%20War%20Rages%20at%20Village%20Forumcontent

The Fascinating Ways Meditation Transforms Your Brain and Why it Makes You Feel Better

George Dvorsky

http://www.alternet.org/fascinating-ways-meditation-transforms-your-brain-and-why-it-makes-you-feel-better?akid=10289.9992.6TigNf&rd=1&src=newsletter820068&t=15

7 Chilling Facts About Retirement in America that Should Make Obama Tremble Before Cutting Social Security and Medicare

Lynn Stuart Parramore, AlterNet

http://www.alternet.org/economy/7-chilling-facts-about-retirement-america-should-make-obama-tremble-cutting-social-security?akid=10299.9992.Wm979R&rd=1&src=newsletter821207&t=4

The Corporate Betrayal of America – Ripping off the Public, Running off with the Profits to Avoid Taxes

Paul Buchheit, AlterNet

The huge multinationals have made it clear; they don’t feel obliged to give anything back to the people who made it all possible.

http://www.alternet.org/corporate-accountability-and-workplace/corporate-betrayal-america-ripping-public-running-profits?akid=10299.9992.Wm979R&rd=1&src=newsletter821207&t=8

America’s Hired Death Squads and Torture Teams are still Operating in Iraq

William Boardman, Reader Supported News

A 15-month investigation exploring war crimes long denied by the Pentagon lays out the tragic truth.

http://www.alternet.org/world/americas-hired-death-squads-and-torture-teams-are-still-operating-iraq?akid=10299.9992.Wm979R&rd=1&src=newsletter821207&t=12

Pennsylvania Court Deals Blow to Secrecy-Obsessed Fracking Industry – Corporations Not the Same as Persons with Privacy Rights

Steven Rosenfeld, AlterNet

http://www.alternet.org/fracking/pennsylvania-court-deals-blow-secrecy-obsessed-fracking-industry-corporations-not-same?akid=10315.9992.6Tkli5&rd=1&src=newsletter823405&t=7

Give the People What They Want!  Taxes that Pay for Jobs, Education, Healthcare and Science

Mattea Kramer, Tom Dispatch

http://www.alternet.org/give-people-what-they-want-taxes-pay-jobs-education-healthcare-and-science?akid=10315.9992.6Tkli5&rd=1&src=newsletter823405&t=21

 Central Park

on a

Saturday Afternoon

PERSONAL NEWS #219

April 1^st and 2^nd, I had two chiropractor appts to deal with my lower back issues [ie: Sacroilitis and Sciatica].

April 4^th, I attended the monthly TGTSNBN meetup at Stone Creek lounge.  It was good fun and great seeing friends / acquaintances.

April 6^th started out with an appt at my chiropractor office, and then heading into Manhattan for my 30^th Anniversary celebration at The Parlour.  I celebrated with some friends regarding my move to NYC 30 years ago in the spring of 1983.  Some relatives said I would not last six [6] months and here I am in 2013 a proud survivor.  Afterwards, I went to a friend’s birthday dinner party at Westway Diner.

On April 7^th I had my usual private yoga class with Fabrice, and then afterwards I headed into Manhattan for a much needed acupuncture appt.

April 9^th, I attended a dual committee [ie: PF and Fundraising] meeting for BFP.  Discussion centered on prep work and organization for an “honorees” event hosted by BFP in the autumn.

April 10^th, I had dinner [PUKK on 1^st Avenue] with Kim Grover in the East Village.  She is from my hometown in Westchester County and we went to the same schools.

April 11^th, I attended a film screening of "Bowling for Columbine", which was hosted by BFP.  Afterwards, those of us who attended had a discussion on the film.  I'd never seen the film by Michael Moore and found that many issues "then" haven't quite been resolved in today's society. The NRA is still a serious issue and more gun violence has happened since Columbine. What is wrong with this country and our society?  Do any of my regular blog readers have any thoughts on this?

April 13^th, I met up with my friend Jackie at the entrance to Brooklyn Botanical Gardens on Eastern Parkway for a leisurely stroll.  I had my camera, iPad and Sasha the Sock Monkey with me for the adventure.  It’s been 11 years since I strolled through these lovely gardens and it was delightful this time, despite the weather being abit overcast.  Took lots of photos and was especially impressed with the Japanese Hill & Pond Garden.  I noticed many changes to the botanical gardens and all for the better.  Afterwards, we strolled over to Flatbush Avenue for a tasty dinner at Dao Palate.  The pumpkin soup was especially good.  After we parted ways, and as I was walking along 7^th Avenue, I decided to stop into Cocoa Bar for a slice of Vegan chocolate cake.  Yum!  They had free WiFi, so I decided to hang out for abit.  Overall it was a very nice day.

April 14^th, after I had my delicious and healthy morning smoothie, I went to my weekly private class at the yoga center in my hood.  I asked Fabrice if we could have it outside in the sunny, grassy courtyard, and he agreed.  It was abit breezy, but overall with the warmth of the sun, it was a very good class.  Next week I am going to try the Qigong class.

April 15^th, I attended a Tax Day Forum after work, which was hosted by Ft Greene Peace and also Brooklyn for Peace. The main speakers were Mike Zweig, Professor of Economics/Activist, and Mark Dunlea, Community Organizer for Hunger Action Network.  The forum was fascinating, informative and some facts were such eye-openers.  Such as; $682 billion on war spending by the US in 2012 …. 26 soup kitchens in NYC during the late 1970s and now there are 1300 …. 28 million people without jobs throughout the US …. Deficit not the issue, but the economy is the serious issue.  For those of us taxpayers who live in NYC … $4 billion was spent for Iraq / Afghanistan wars during the 2012 fiscal year.  NY State taxpayers forked over $10.3 billion for Iraq / Afghanistan wars.  Many of these facts are noted on The National Priorities Project website [ www.costofwar.com ]

April 18^th, I attended the monthly “Friends of Tolkien” meetup and main topic of discussion was season three of “Game of Thrones” on cable TV, as well as The Hobbit movie/book.  Afterwards, I headed down to Union Square, to purchase some Downton Abbey books from B&N.

April 20^th, after Dana cleaned my apartment, I headed into Manhattan to meet up with Dennis for a delightful, leisurely afternoon of strolling The Highline, and then dinner at Bus Stop Café.  Afterwards, Dennis and I drove up to the Eastside of Manhattan and he dropped me off at Central Park before heading to an appt.  My only gripe about the day was the chilly wind and the subways being messed up.

April 21^st, I participated in my first ever Qigong class at the yoga center in my hood, and afterwards I had an appt with Dr Tan in Manhattan.

April 22^nd, I participated in the monthly BFP A&C committee meeting, which was very productive.

April 23^rd, after getting therapy at my foot doctor’s office, I headed uptown to All Souls Church for Wither America:  Decline or Renewal? with Cornel R. West, Ph.D.
 
Professor Cornel West talked about issues of economic justice and injustice.  Dr West and co-author Tavis Smiley wrote a recent publication called, The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifest.  Cornel West is professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary, Professor Emeritus at Princeton University, and a prominent and provocative democratic intellectual. He is the author of several best-selling books, including Race Matters and Democracy Matters, and has appeared frequently as a guest on the PBS program hosted by Tavis Smiley, the Bill Maher Show, the Colbert Report, CNN and C-Span. He also co-hosts with Mr. Smiley the radio program "Smiley and West" broadcast on PRI around the country, appeared in the film, The Matrix, and has made three spoken word albums, including Never Forget. Professor West earned an undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Harvard and a doctorate in Philosophy from Princeton. In addition to Union Theological Seminary and Princeton he has also taught philosophy at Harvard, Yale and the University of Paris.

April 25^th, I attended the “14 years after Columbine: Guns in America” Forum and Q & A with Leah Barrett, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, and Kim Russell, Founding Member and Communications Director of Moms Demand Action.  Was held at The Commons and hosted by BFP.

Evening of April 26^th, I went to the Somethin’ Jazz Club on East 52^nd Street to hear Veronica Nunn and her quartet performs some grooving jazz.  It was enjoyable and I picked up some CDs.

On April 27^th, I headed into Manhattan to see Wendy for the first of several fittings for my latest HP themed ensemble.  She also showed me some of her pix from recent trip to London the HP Tour.

April 28^th, after I had my delicious and healthy morning smoothie, I went to my weekly private class at the yoga center in my hood.  Since the weather was sunny, warm with a slight breeze, we had the class outside the yoga center on mats.  It was a really good class.  Afterwards, I hopped on the subway and headed out to Queens to visit with my friend Debbie.  We caught up on news, played with her cats, went out to dinner at a nice Thai place and she loaned me one of her hats for one of my Misti-Con ensembles.

On April 29^th, after work, I stopped by the Halloween costume shop down near Union Square to see Wendy about fitting / design for my latest ensemble.

 Views Along The Highline

Saturday, April 20th

 Recent Visit

to

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

JOIN ME TODAY IN SUPPORTING THE "Youth PROMISE Act"

Dear Friends,

I just took action by writing the President and my Members of Congress in support of the Youth PROMISE Act, which was reintroduced recently in Congress. I hope you will check out the information below, and if inspired, write your Members of Congress! This is important. www.youthpromiseaction.org

The Youth PROMISE Act (Youth Prison Reduction Through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support and Education Act) is critical bipartisan legislation.

The Youth PROMISE Act will provide our hardest hit communities around the country with the support and funding they need to effectively address youth violence issues.  By specifically focusing on proven or promising violence prevention and smart intervention strategies, this bill ensures we are funding programs that save lives and give every young person the opportunity to meet his or her potential.

Why do we need the Youth PROMISE Act?  Because many neighborhoods across the country could be described as our own war zones.  Our children in particular are faced daily with horrific levels of homicide and violence, and according to social scientists, many suffer the same kind of post-traumatic stress as our soldiers returning from war.  How can we allow this to continue?

Homicide is the second leading cause of death for all youth (the leading cause for African Americans).  All the while, we have the highest levels of incarceration of any nation in the world, with some of the strictest and most punitive oriented laws.  We have only 5% of the world’s citizens, yet have 25% of it’s prisoners.  Clearly our strategies for dealing with the challenges before us are not working, and the consequences are DEVASTATING for those caught in the crossfire.

Please write your Members of Congress today! Tell them to support the Youth PROMISE Act. >>  http://www.youthpromiseaction.org

Local communities across the country are leading the way in developing and implementing innovative, evidence-based prevention and intervention practices that engage and divert at-risk youth proactively -- before they slip into cycles of violence, incarceration and despair.  And, these community-based practices have been shown to reduce rates of violence more effectively and at a substantially lower cost than criminal enforcement and incarceration.

But their current reach is limited by vastly inadequate and sporadic funding, and the absence of a comprehensive framework to engage community stakeholders, evaluate program effectiveness and to collect data and coordinate and share research. The Youth PROMISE Act will help greatly meet this need, empowering communities by building on local strengths to invest in what works.

This Act resonates across the political spectrum because it is community-based, accountable, and replicable.  Local leaders who know their communities best determine which youth and gang violence programs should be given initial funding.  Then, the selected programs must prove they are working in order to receive additional funding, and they are given resources to do so. Finally, those programs that show themselves to be effective best practices can continue, and some may serve as models that can be adapted for use in other communities across the country.

Additional benefits:

• It will partner with universities as regional research partners;
• Establish a national resource center for proven juvenile justice practices;
• It would do this by engaging a wide range of community stakeholders to serve on local PROMISE Coordinating Councils.
• Much more...

Show our youth that we have their backs.  Learn more and take action now at: http://www.youthpromiseaction.org

 Brooklyn Botanical Garden

April 13th

Visit with a Friend

 Celebrating

30 Years

in
New York City

with Friends

 At The Parlour
April 6th

 Back at Jean's

for

Easter Breakfast

with the

Parents

PERSONAL NEWS #218

March 2^nd, I had an appt with Dr Tan for acupuncture treatment, and afterwards I headed uptown to see Wendy about HP costume.  After the matinee at the theatre, Wendy and other ushers watch movies downstairs.  While there we watched the 1957 TV showing of Cinderella with Julie Andrews.  After grocery shopping at Westerly’s I headed home and rented season one of “Downton Abbey” for my weekend viewing pleasure.

March 3^rd, I attended my private yoga class with Fabrice at the yoga center, and finished watching Downton Abbey on DVD.

March 7^th, I attended the monthly BFP board meeting at The Commons.  As always, it was interesting and informative, with discussions centering on lobbying our Brooklyn Congressional and City Council reps.

March 9^th, I embarked upon a “photo adventure” during the afternoon of Prospect Park.  I did something different and took the B43 bus down to the park from my neighborhood.  Took an hour and went some neighborhoods I normally wouldn’t venture into.  The weather on Saturday was sunny, 50 degrees and not a cloud in the sky.  I took some great pix of the boathouse, bridges, a ravine and even bird watchers.

March 10^th, I had a private class with Fabrice at the yoga center.

March 12^th, I attended the monthly BFP PF committee meeting and it was productive.

March 15^th, I had an appt with Dr Tan my acupuncturist.

On March 16^th, after Dana did cleaning of my apartment, I headed into Manhattan to see my friend Wendy at the costume shop.  Pay her for the rest of the HP new ensemble and catch up on news.  That evening I attended a party at an acquaintances place in my hood and had a fun time.

March 17^th, I attended my private yoga class with Fabrice at the yoga center.

March 19^th, I participated in the monthly BFP A&C committee meeting, which was held via conference call due to inclement weather.  The call was very productive and three important projects are now in the works.

Evening of March 21^st, I participated in the Misti-Con live webcast, and when that was completed, I jumped on the WCW conference call with Cindy Sheehan as guest speaker.

March 23^rd, I had a terrific time at the Tolkien Reading Day event, which was held this year at Books of Wonder. Many thanks to Teel James Glenn and Timdalf who were the MCs, plus everyone gave such great and diverse readings. Sam Szetela’s presentation of the Gollum and Bilbo "scene" was very amusing. Afterwards a group of us went to Hollywood Diner on 6th Avenue for dinner and more fun conversations. 

March 24^th, started off with my private class with Fabrice at the yoga center, and later on an appt with Dr Tan.

March 26^th, I attended the monthly BFP fundraising committee meeting, enjoyable, informative and productive.

March 27^th, I did volunteer work at the WCW national office.

March 29^th to 30^th, I visited my parents, brother and sister-in-law for the Easter holiday weekend in upstate NY.  While there my lower back troubles [ie: Sacroilitis and Sciatica] gave me grief and must see my chiropractor upon return to NYC.  Other than that I had a good, relaxing and enjoyable weekend.

 Tolkien Reading Day

Attendees

at

Books of Wonder

March 23rd

TJ and Timdalf with Me

at

Books of Wonder
March 23rd

Providing
the Intro to TRD

Good Afternoon, my name is Charlene, and I am co-chair of the “NYC Area Friends of Tolkien & Fantasy”.  We are hosting TOLKIEN READING DAY in conjunction with Books of Wonder and we’d like to thank them for this honor.  This is the second year we’ve hosted this delightful event at Books of Wonder.

Before we officially start Tolkien Reading Day, I’d like to briefly tell you abit about our group, which can be found through meetup.com   The “NYC Area Friends of Tolkien & Fantasy” was created in January 2011 by Apulia, Carole Linda Gonzalez, to keep our small group of Tolkien enthusiasts together and to honor the late Alexei Kondratiev, Celtic scholar, author of "The Apple Branch: A Path to Celtic Ritual", a prominent member of the Mythopoeic Society and a friend to some here.    

We have regular, monthly meetups and several “special” events throughout the year … such as celebrating Tolkien’s birthday on January 3^rd, picnics, attending movie viewings, talk shows.  Topics of discussion range from Tolkien to other genre; such as Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Sci-Fi, and yes even Downton Abbey.  Be sure to check out ""NYC Area Friends of JRR Tolkien & Fantasy" on meetup.com.

Our MC’s this year are two fine, clever and talented gents … please give a warm welcome to Timdalf and Teel James Glenn.  Thank you and enjoy Tolkien Reading Day.

ANOTHER LIFE is back! Another Life is a surreal romp through the post-9/11 decade; an out-sized mogul (George Bartenieff) controls, cashes-in, and is undone in the only American play about the U.S. torture program. At the Theatre for the New City, 155 1st Avenue, between East 9th and East 10th Streets, Manhattan. Thursday – Sunday, March 28 – April 21. More at link!  http://www.theaterthreecollaborative.org/

 Chillin Down

at

Prospect Park

March 9th

Chillin at Starbucks

on a Sunday Afternoon