Personal News - Part IXX

Another busy, productive week comes to an end ... much of which involved work, overtime and other activities. Weather wise ... its been more spring like and I actually got to wear my sandals two days in a row. Sweet! Was getting damn tired of socks, boots and closed toe shoes. As I type this entry I'm listening to a CD by a group called "Death Cab for Cutie". Nope, not a rock band, but music that is softer and groovy.

Also this week I received the DVD sets I'd ordered ... directors cut of first two LORD OF THE RINGS films. I watched them both [well not in the same evening (smiling)] and the additional scenes or footage to the films are brilliant. The additional footage really flesh out the films more and follow the books. I highly recommend purchasing these DVDs. The extra features on both DVDs is well worth the money spent. Totally ... trust me on this one.

Back on Wednesday, April 28th, I attended two functions after work. The first was connected with work and end of the tax season. E&Y is in the same business as KPMG, Price Waterhouse and Arthur Anderson. E&Y threw a party at Planet Hollywood in Times Square for the employees of the NYC firm. It started at 5:30pm and I walked over with two co-workers [ie: Michelle & Paula]. I was only able to stay an hour, as I had another commitment at 7pm. Upon arrival we headed straight for the bar and ordered our free drinks. Paula and Michelle had Apple Martinis and I asked for a Mango Daiqari [spelling?]. We sampled some tasty nibblers, walked around, spotted other admins we know and grabbed some tables. Then it was time to hit the buffet tables filled with lots of goodies. After a delightful hour of noshing and shamooshing with my co-workers I headed out to catch a bus across town.

Got to Rob Jereski's [Progressive Democrat running for Congress] place just as they were starting the weekly committee/campaign meeting. Those in attendance were Deborah, BC, Ed, Alden, Bob, Rob, Harry and I. As always Harry typed up the minutes, while I took my usual notes. Of the many topics we discussed over next 1 3/4 hours were EC Blog, petitioning, fundraiser [collected over $1,800 a week ago], website status, platform issues, scripts for cold calling, campaign office space, press agent [Susan], need of a campaign counsel, recruit volunteers at next Kucinich/Dean meetups, etc. The next fundraiser is being held at Rob's place at Two Tudor City Place (Apt 9a) on May 6th at 7pm. Also the next committee/campaign meeting is set for May 4th at 6:30pm. If you'd like to become involved with the "Jereski for Congress" campaign, then by all means drop me an email at cblossom@mindspring.com.

Yesterday, for first time in about two months, I headed up to Yonkers to do my beloved volunteer work at Joanne's ferret shelter. I miss those little, darling furkids. Took the subway up to Woodlawn in the Bronx and was picked up by Aliza, plus her daughter Briana was with her. It was great seeing them again, but so sad that she had to give up her ferrets due to pesky landlord. So back they went to Joanne's shelter where they'd been originally 1 1/2 years ago. Aliza asked if I would give some extra love, cuddles and attention to her two darlings [ie: Chocolate & Vanilla], which I happily did. It was great seeing Joanne again and doing better since her surgery back in February. Her daughter Liz's puppy Mikey has gotten bigger and is so full of bubbly energy. And yes, he has been "fixed". Aliza and Briana couldn't stay long. We communicate via the Yahoo Group "Metro Ferret" and also emails. While at shelter I took care of two different groups of new, adoptable ferrets. Did the usual duties of socializing, brush fur, clean ears, give them treats and put fresh water in all their cage bottles. Joanne showed me how to take special care of a particular sickly furkid. After a tea break with Joanne, during which we discussed latest news & politics, I finished cleaning up the shelter and then changed into cleaner clothing. I then took the 5:30pm Metro North train back to NYC.

Lately I Don't Always Agree With DNC & Feel They Need To Make Lots Of Changes. Be More Progressive & Liberal! At Times I Firmly Believe Their Just "Republican Light". Occasionally They Get Issues Or Situations Correct & Try To Do Good. The DNCs Statements Below Are When They Do Manage To Hit The Nail Squarely On The Noggin. Bravo!

A year ago, on the deck of the USS Lincoln, under a banner reading "Mission Accomplished," President Bush told America that "major combat operations in Iraq have ended." In April 2004, more U.S. soldiers died in Iraq than during the entire period that Bush considered "major combat." We now know that President Bush misled the American people in the run up to war. We know that he had no plan for post-war Iraq. We know that, thanks to the arrogance and incompetence of this administration, our mission is not accomplished. Click below to view our new video, "Mission Not Accomplished," and be sure to pass the word on to your friends.

http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002Qe048oZ0001D

PRESIDENT BUSH: THE WRONG CHOICE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

This past week, President Bush and Vice President Cheney testified together before the September 11 commission. There was no recording or official transcript of the meeting. Why did President Bush insist on appearing only with Cheney by his side? Bush has repeatedly refused to answer that question, both before and after his testimony. But maybe we should be thankful that Bush agreed to speak to the commission at all. Although the goal of the commission is to learn the best ways to keep Americans safe from future terrorist attacks, Bush has done everything in his power to block their work, whether it was opposing the creation of the commission in the first place, withholding important documents, or trying to block the commission from extending its deadline so that it could complete its work. The American people's overwhelming support of the commission's work has kept President Bush from succeeding in his attempts to block its efforts. But make no mistake: Bush's actions are making America less safe. But why should we be surprised? President Bush has always used national security for political purposes, whether it's declassify information to attack his critics, tying the attacks of September 11 to his entire domestic agenda, or misleading the country as he led us into war.

The truth is clear: America cannot trust President Bush to keep us secure. TAKE ACTION...NOW!

President Bush refuses to answer the simple question: Why did you insist on having Vice President Cheney in the room with you when you testified before the September 11 commission? Here's your chance to answer it for him. Click here to tell us why you think Bush needed Cheney with him, and we'll publish the best answers on our website.

http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002Qe048oZ0001E