PERSONAL NEWS #89
On Sunday, March 12th, I was invited to a get-together at BC and Andrews’s home in Brooklyn. I was introduced to the newest addition of their family ... 2 1/2 week old Alexander. [The photo at left is of me holding Alexander. I actually held him several times & didn't mind, as he's a good baby.] They have three other children ... Harry is 20, Amelia is 17 and Josh is 14. BC went the route of engaging the services of a midwife, who delivered the baby at BC's home. Along with the loving support of Andrew and their other children. Also at the wee gathering were their friends Kelley and her hubby Roy. One of the things that BC and Kelley have in common is their hubbys are both "born & raised in England". [smiling] It was a most enjoyable afternoon into early evening. Andrew is a terrific cook and the buffet was delicious. We celebrated the occasion with a champagne toast, followed by a wine toast and another wine toast. WooHoo! The conversations ranged from politics, music, movies, and of course, babies. Roy and Kelley drove me to an F subway stop to cut down on my commute home.

On Wednesday, March 15th, I went for another sonogram. Further adventures with the "magic wand" and third sonogram in less than a year. Apparently the Cyst that was giving me troubles last year is gone. Hurray! But it’s been replaced by a smaller one. Both are diagnosed as benign. Though this second one, I'm told, won't be as troublesome as the first. My GYN informed me that I can finish up this latest packet of BC pills and then no more. Time to let the body get back to normal and see how things transpire. Hopefully it'll be in my favor, because I'm fed up with PMS 24/7 and some of the other woes.

Thursday, March 16th, was the monthly NYC Dept of Peace campaign core team meeting. Instead of the small, stuffy conference room, we opted for the slightly cooler lounge in the back of the office. Easier to move around in and more comfortable. Everyone who attended liked this arrangement better and admired the African artwork on the walls. Those in attendance for this meeting ... Dawn, Hector, Liz, Priscilla, Kevin, Coco, Carol, Marianne, Eileen, Soji, David and of course the Duchess. It was an inspiring, fun and productive evening for all. We accomplished alot and looking forward to our upcoming "planning day" on April 1st. [Also, we'll be incorporating soon into a 501(c)(4). Hurray!] Always a pleasure seeing DoP folk; as I find being in their presence soothing, invigorating, calming, empowering, etc. The Bush Regime propaganda is full of lies ... peaceniks & peacemakers are not terrorists nor unpatriotic. Far from it! We love life, humanity, nature and democracy. Next time you see or talk with a member of a Dept of Peace chapter, thank them for the hard work their doing. Because it is work that is for the good of ALL and very patriotic. Peace, enlightenment & justice!

MORE LIBERAL NEWS & THE TRUTH

KEEPING TABS ON THE PEACENIKS
Nick Schwellenbach, AlterNet
What are political and activist groups like Indymedia and Food Not Bombs doing on the FBI's Terrorist Watch List?
http://www.alternet.org/rights/33949/

BERNIE SANDERS' INDEPENDENT REVOLUTION
Blair Golson, Truthdig
The only Independent member of the U.S. House discusses his Senate campaign, and his plans to shake up our two-party system.
http://www.alternet.org/story/33905/

CNN RESPONDS
Rory O'Connor, AlterNet
Your criticism of CNN's war coverage indicates that you, reader, are on 'the fringe.'
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/34036/

BEFORE HOPE IS LOST
Adam McKibbin, WireTap
Every two hours, a young person commits suicide. To raise funding for this epidemic, some concerned musicians and activists have combined forces.
http://www.alternet.org/wiretap/34011/