WITH VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS - MY FAMILY AND I CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS
Me and the Family
Xmas Eve - 12/24
Thursday, December 30, 2010
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT…………
A Tax Deal Fit for the Gilded Age
Zach Carter, AlterNet
http://blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2010/12/07/a-tax-deal-fit-for-the-gilded-age/
Quote of the Moment … “Be the bigger person, the bigger you. If someone has hurt you, resist any desire for vengeance. Rise above temporary emotions, see the positive in every situation, and treat everyone as you want to be treated. The mirror of the universe reflects back your actions, whatever they are. What good are you reflecting today?” – Yehuda Berg
Obama Gets Rolled
John Avlon, The Daily Beast
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-12-07/president-obama-gets-rolled-in-negotiations-over-bush-tax-cuts/?cid=hp:mainpromo4
Why is the Government Waging a Doomed (and Illegal) War Against WikiLeaks?
Kevin Drum, Mother Jones
http://www.alternet.org/rss/1/380468/why_is_the_government_waging_a_doomed_%28and_illegal%29_war_against_wikileaks
Quote of the Moment … “It happens little by little. The degree of personal transformation corresponds directly to one’s level of miracle-making skills. If you’re not attracting miracles it’s probably because you’re the same person you were a year or two ago. Don’t fret—the act of reading this is setting in motion the process of change right now.” – Yehuda Berg
Ron Paul: ‘What We Need is More WikiLeaks’
By Stephen Webster
Popular Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul is no stranger to breaking with his party, but in a recent television appearance the libertarian-leaning Rep. went even further than any member of Congress in defending whistleblower website WikiLeaks.
Speaking to Fox Business host Judge Napolitano on Thursday about recent revelations at the Federal Reserve, Paul's typical candor showed through.
"What we need is more WikiLeaks about the Federal Reserve," he said. "Can you imagine what it'd be like if we had every conversation in the last 10 years with our Federal Reserve people, the Federal Reserve chairman, with all the central bankers of the world and every agreement or quid-pro-quo they have? It would be massive. People would be so outraged."
Paul, a longtime critic of the US Federal Reserve, is the incoming chairman of a House subcommittee on monetary policy. His most recent book, titled "End the Fed," takes aim at central banks the world over, blaming fiat money systems and fractional reserve banking for the world's increasingly volatile economies.
“In a free society we're supposed to know the truth,” Paul insisted. “In a society where truth becomes treason, then we're in big trouble. And now, people who are revealing the truth are getting into trouble for it.
Top 5 Social Security Myths
The McCook Gazette
http://www.mccookgazette.com/blogs/1460/entry/36290/
How Quickly Our Heroic Troops Are Forgotten When They Die
Tom Engelhardt, Tomdispatch.com
http://www.alternet.org/story/149141/how_quickly_our_heroic_troops_are_forgotten_when_they_die_
Is Motherhood as We Know it Over? Wealthy Women Farming out Birth and Childrearing to the Poor
Sharon Lerner, RH Reality Check
http://www.alternet.org/story/149095/is_motherhood_as_we_know_it_over_wealthy_women_farming_out_birth_and_childrearing_to_the_poor
Quote of the Moment – “Start rewriting yourself a bigger life story by connecting to another story. For inspiration, choose a fairytale or myth—a plotline where someone goes beyond perceived limitations. Enlarge your life by breaking free of your comfort zone. Where are you “zoned-in” today?” – Yehuda Berg
Obama is a “Poster Child for the Death of the Liberal Class”
Chris Hedges, Democracy Now
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/12/20/chris_hedges_obama_is_a_poster
A Tax Deal Fit for the Gilded Age
Zach Carter, AlterNet
http://blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2010/12/07/a-tax-deal-fit-for-the-gilded-age/
Quote of the Moment … “Be the bigger person, the bigger you. If someone has hurt you, resist any desire for vengeance. Rise above temporary emotions, see the positive in every situation, and treat everyone as you want to be treated. The mirror of the universe reflects back your actions, whatever they are. What good are you reflecting today?” – Yehuda Berg
Obama Gets Rolled
John Avlon, The Daily Beast
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-12-07/president-obama-gets-rolled-in-negotiations-over-bush-tax-cuts/?cid=hp:mainpromo4
Why is the Government Waging a Doomed (and Illegal) War Against WikiLeaks?
Kevin Drum, Mother Jones
http://www.alternet.org/rss/1/380468/why_is_the_government_waging_a_doomed_%28and_illegal%29_war_against_wikileaks
Quote of the Moment … “It happens little by little. The degree of personal transformation corresponds directly to one’s level of miracle-making skills. If you’re not attracting miracles it’s probably because you’re the same person you were a year or two ago. Don’t fret—the act of reading this is setting in motion the process of change right now.” – Yehuda Berg
Ron Paul: ‘What We Need is More WikiLeaks’
By Stephen Webster
Popular Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul is no stranger to breaking with his party, but in a recent television appearance the libertarian-leaning Rep. went even further than any member of Congress in defending whistleblower website WikiLeaks.
Speaking to Fox Business host Judge Napolitano on Thursday about recent revelations at the Federal Reserve, Paul's typical candor showed through.
"What we need is more WikiLeaks about the Federal Reserve," he said. "Can you imagine what it'd be like if we had every conversation in the last 10 years with our Federal Reserve people, the Federal Reserve chairman, with all the central bankers of the world and every agreement or quid-pro-quo they have? It would be massive. People would be so outraged."
Paul, a longtime critic of the US Federal Reserve, is the incoming chairman of a House subcommittee on monetary policy. His most recent book, titled "End the Fed," takes aim at central banks the world over, blaming fiat money systems and fractional reserve banking for the world's increasingly volatile economies.
“In a free society we're supposed to know the truth,” Paul insisted. “In a society where truth becomes treason, then we're in big trouble. And now, people who are revealing the truth are getting into trouble for it.
Top 5 Social Security Myths
The McCook Gazette
http://www.mccookgazette.com/blogs/1460/entry/36290/
How Quickly Our Heroic Troops Are Forgotten When They Die
Tom Engelhardt, Tomdispatch.com
http://www.alternet.org/story/149141/how_quickly_our_heroic_troops_are_forgotten_when_they_die_
Is Motherhood as We Know it Over? Wealthy Women Farming out Birth and Childrearing to the Poor
Sharon Lerner, RH Reality Check
http://www.alternet.org/story/149095/is_motherhood_as_we_know_it_over_wealthy_women_farming_out_birth_and_childrearing_to_the_poor
Quote of the Moment – “Start rewriting yourself a bigger life story by connecting to another story. For inspiration, choose a fairytale or myth—a plotline where someone goes beyond perceived limitations. Enlarge your life by breaking free of your comfort zone. Where are you “zoned-in” today?” – Yehuda Berg
Obama is a “Poster Child for the Death of the Liberal Class”
Chris Hedges, Democracy Now
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/12/20/chris_hedges_obama_is_a_poster
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Quote of the Day - “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs
Thursday, December 16, 2010
PERSONAL NEWS #190
Tuesday, November 2nd, I took half a vacation day to tend to matters at home, plus vote, before heading into the office around 1:30pm. After work I volunteered at WCW national office to assist with database updating on their computers.
Thursday afternoon, November 4th, I volunteered at the E&Y Hedge Fund Symposium, which was held at the Museum of Natural History on upper Westside of Manhattan. Afterwards, I headed home to jump on the NYdoPeace “board” conference call at 8:30pm.
Friday, November 5th, I left work at 5:30pm for a CTSCAN appt [ie: lungs] at a clinic in my neighborhood.
On Saturday afternoon, November 6th, I was invited to a birthday party for Anni and David’s 1 year old daughter Rebecca down in Bay Ridge at a nice restaurant called “Circles”.
Tuesday evening, November 9th, I attended an event at the Brooklyn Law School. This event was the third part of a series called “U.S. Violations of International Law”. This evening’s panel discussion was on “Accountability – What We Can Do When Our Government Violates International Laws”. I was invited by my friend Stephanie from the “World Can’t Wait” organization, whom I occasionally volunteer for in their national office. Five awesome ladies were on the panel … Charlotte Dennett, Pam Sprees, Debra Sweet, Ann Wright [ie: retired colonel and US State Dept official], and Kathy Kelly. I wasn’t able to stay for the whole event, as I had to rush home to jump on the monthly Peace Alliance call at 9pm. This month’s guest speaker was Rita Marie Johnson of BePeace.
Thursday evening, November 11th, I went shopping for a new refrigerator at PC Richards in Union Square.
On Saturday, November 13th, I attended the Quidditch World Cup IV at DeWitt Clinton Park and to cheer on the NYC Badassilisks [TGTSNBN]. As well as hang out with other cool members of TGTSNBN. The weather was a nice, sunny, warm day with no clouds in the sky, though it did get cool once the sun settled for the day. I arrived around 10am and stayed throughout the day until 8pm enjoying ALL the festivities, Quidditch matches, purchased a few HP goodies, etc. Many Quidditch teams from around the country came to participate. Most of the teams hail from colleges and universities, even a few high schools. Our own NYC team was strictly a “community” team. Of the three matches that NYC Badassilisks participated in the team won two brilliantly. The team’s terrific seeker [Bob] caught the golden snitch in all three games. Plus, the NYC Badassilisks cheering section [which included me] were quite loud, verbal and many were dressed up in HP type costumes. It was such a fun, enjoyable day.
Sunday morning, November 14th, my new refrigerator was delivered at 7am.
Tuesday evening, November 16th, I joined Kevin at Healthy Body office to create holiday cards for NY City Council members regarding R14 and a “Peace on Earth” theme.
Wednesday evening, November 17th, I joined other members from Brooklyn for Peace “Peace Fair” committee for their monthly meeting.
Thursday evening, November 18th, I volunteered at the WCW national office in Manhattan to assist with a mailing to members.
Friday, November 19th, I took a vacation day. Went to see HP7 at AMC Empire 25 with other members [many in costume, which delighted the local Muggles] from TGTSNBN in the evening and had an enjoyable time.
Saturday morning, November 20th, I volunteered with Fran from “Brooklyn for Peace” and we handed out flyers at the Greenpoint/Williamsburg farmers market regarding an upcoming event.
On Sunday afternoon, November 21st, I volunteered again with Fran from “Brooklyn for Peace” and this time we handed out flyers at the Carroll Gardens farmers market. Afterwards we checked out some shops along part of Smith Street, and had light refreshment at a local bagel shop.
Early Monday morning, November 22nd, I worked with other BSC gals at the E&Y Alumni event held at the Marriott Marquis from 7am to 9:30am.
On Thursday, November 25th, I volunteered, along with other New Yorkers, for “Project Find”, which I’ve been gladly giving my time on Thanksgiving Day since 2007. Ran into Kevin Fletcher, whom I’d worked with on Project Find since 2007, and we caught up on news. He’s still acting in the cable TV series “Nurse Jackie”, which is in its third season. Kevin and I [escorts] were paired up with Thomas [driver] to deliver hot turkey dinners and bags of goodies to homebound elderly in the Greenwich Village area.
I visited my family in upstate NY, November 26 to 29, for the remainder of the holiday weekend. I had a nice, relaxing weekend. I helped Mom with holiday decorations, shopping at my favorite bead store, hair salon appt, post office, cooking, watch cable TV, phone call with Cousin Christopher, etc. On Saturday we even got 2 hours worth of snow flurries, though not much to make a real impact. I headed back to NYC on Monday.
Sunday afternoon, November 28th, was my brother Duane and Michelle’s wedding in Schenectady, NY. Originally, my Cousin Christopher was to be my brother’s best man, but due to a serious health issue, he had to back out and my father took on the task. I was asked to be wedding photographer, and utilized two digital cameras for the task. Between the two camera’s [ie: mine and Michelle’s] I took close to 200 photos. Very nice service, not that long, and about 40 to 50 guests attended the occasion. Afterwards, also at the church, was a two hour reception with assorted refreshments and a lovely cake.
Tuesday, November 30th, I went to the annual Smiley’s yarn sale on the upper Westside.
Tuesday, November 2nd, I took half a vacation day to tend to matters at home, plus vote, before heading into the office around 1:30pm. After work I volunteered at WCW national office to assist with database updating on their computers.
Thursday afternoon, November 4th, I volunteered at the E&Y Hedge Fund Symposium, which was held at the Museum of Natural History on upper Westside of Manhattan. Afterwards, I headed home to jump on the NYdoPeace “board” conference call at 8:30pm.
Friday, November 5th, I left work at 5:30pm for a CTSCAN appt [ie: lungs] at a clinic in my neighborhood.
On Saturday afternoon, November 6th, I was invited to a birthday party for Anni and David’s 1 year old daughter Rebecca down in Bay Ridge at a nice restaurant called “Circles”.
Tuesday evening, November 9th, I attended an event at the Brooklyn Law School. This event was the third part of a series called “U.S. Violations of International Law”. This evening’s panel discussion was on “Accountability – What We Can Do When Our Government Violates International Laws”. I was invited by my friend Stephanie from the “World Can’t Wait” organization, whom I occasionally volunteer for in their national office. Five awesome ladies were on the panel … Charlotte Dennett, Pam Sprees, Debra Sweet, Ann Wright [ie: retired colonel and US State Dept official], and Kathy Kelly. I wasn’t able to stay for the whole event, as I had to rush home to jump on the monthly Peace Alliance call at 9pm. This month’s guest speaker was Rita Marie Johnson of BePeace.
Thursday evening, November 11th, I went shopping for a new refrigerator at PC Richards in Union Square.
On Saturday, November 13th, I attended the Quidditch World Cup IV at DeWitt Clinton Park and to cheer on the NYC Badassilisks [TGTSNBN]. As well as hang out with other cool members of TGTSNBN. The weather was a nice, sunny, warm day with no clouds in the sky, though it did get cool once the sun settled for the day. I arrived around 10am and stayed throughout the day until 8pm enjoying ALL the festivities, Quidditch matches, purchased a few HP goodies, etc. Many Quidditch teams from around the country came to participate. Most of the teams hail from colleges and universities, even a few high schools. Our own NYC team was strictly a “community” team. Of the three matches that NYC Badassilisks participated in the team won two brilliantly. The team’s terrific seeker [Bob] caught the golden snitch in all three games. Plus, the NYC Badassilisks cheering section [which included me] were quite loud, verbal and many were dressed up in HP type costumes. It was such a fun, enjoyable day.
Sunday morning, November 14th, my new refrigerator was delivered at 7am.
Tuesday evening, November 16th, I joined Kevin at Healthy Body office to create holiday cards for NY City Council members regarding R14 and a “Peace on Earth” theme.
Wednesday evening, November 17th, I joined other members from Brooklyn for Peace “Peace Fair” committee for their monthly meeting.
Thursday evening, November 18th, I volunteered at the WCW national office in Manhattan to assist with a mailing to members.
Friday, November 19th, I took a vacation day. Went to see HP7 at AMC Empire 25 with other members [many in costume, which delighted the local Muggles] from TGTSNBN in the evening and had an enjoyable time.
Saturday morning, November 20th, I volunteered with Fran from “Brooklyn for Peace” and we handed out flyers at the Greenpoint/Williamsburg farmers market regarding an upcoming event.
On Sunday afternoon, November 21st, I volunteered again with Fran from “Brooklyn for Peace” and this time we handed out flyers at the Carroll Gardens farmers market. Afterwards we checked out some shops along part of Smith Street, and had light refreshment at a local bagel shop.
Early Monday morning, November 22nd, I worked with other BSC gals at the E&Y Alumni event held at the Marriott Marquis from 7am to 9:30am.
On Thursday, November 25th, I volunteered, along with other New Yorkers, for “Project Find”, which I’ve been gladly giving my time on Thanksgiving Day since 2007. Ran into Kevin Fletcher, whom I’d worked with on Project Find since 2007, and we caught up on news. He’s still acting in the cable TV series “Nurse Jackie”, which is in its third season. Kevin and I [escorts] were paired up with Thomas [driver] to deliver hot turkey dinners and bags of goodies to homebound elderly in the Greenwich Village area.
I visited my family in upstate NY, November 26 to 29, for the remainder of the holiday weekend. I had a nice, relaxing weekend. I helped Mom with holiday decorations, shopping at my favorite bead store, hair salon appt, post office, cooking, watch cable TV, phone call with Cousin Christopher, etc. On Saturday we even got 2 hours worth of snow flurries, though not much to make a real impact. I headed back to NYC on Monday.
Sunday afternoon, November 28th, was my brother Duane and Michelle’s wedding in Schenectady, NY. Originally, my Cousin Christopher was to be my brother’s best man, but due to a serious health issue, he had to back out and my father took on the task. I was asked to be wedding photographer, and utilized two digital cameras for the task. Between the two camera’s [ie: mine and Michelle’s] I took close to 200 photos. Very nice service, not that long, and about 40 to 50 guests attended the occasion. Afterwards, also at the church, was a two hour reception with assorted refreshments and a lovely cake.
Tuesday, November 30th, I went to the annual Smiley’s yarn sale on the upper Westside.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Power of Positive ThoughtsMAY YOU. . . . .
May you find serenity and tranquility in a world You may not always understand.
May the pain you have known and conflict you have experienced Give you the strength to walk through life Facing each new situation with courage and optimism.
Always know that there are those whose love and understanding Will always be there, even when you feel most alone.
May you discover enough goodness in others To believe in a world of peace.
May a kind word, a reassuring touch, a warm smile be yours Every day of your life, And may you give these gifts as well as receive them.
Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.
Teach love to those who know hate, And let that love embrace you as you go into the world.
May the teaching of those you admire become part of you, So that you may call upon them.
Remember, those whose lives you have touched And who have touched yours are always a part of you, Even if the encounters were less than you would have wished.It is the content of the encounter that is more important than its form.
May you not become too concerned with material matters, But instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.
Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you.
Realize that each person has limitless abilities, But each of us is different in our own way.
What you may feel you lack in one regard May be more than compensated for in another.What you feel you lack in the present May become one of your strengths in the future.
May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.
May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, And not be dependent on another's judgment of your accomplishments.
May you always feel loved.
May you find serenity and tranquility in a world You may not always understand.
May the pain you have known and conflict you have experienced Give you the strength to walk through life Facing each new situation with courage and optimism.
Always know that there are those whose love and understanding Will always be there, even when you feel most alone.
May you discover enough goodness in others To believe in a world of peace.
May a kind word, a reassuring touch, a warm smile be yours Every day of your life, And may you give these gifts as well as receive them.
Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.
Teach love to those who know hate, And let that love embrace you as you go into the world.
May the teaching of those you admire become part of you, So that you may call upon them.
Remember, those whose lives you have touched And who have touched yours are always a part of you, Even if the encounters were less than you would have wished.It is the content of the encounter that is more important than its form.
May you not become too concerned with material matters, But instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.
Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you.
Realize that each person has limitless abilities, But each of us is different in our own way.
What you may feel you lack in one regard May be more than compensated for in another.What you feel you lack in the present May become one of your strengths in the future.
May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.
May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, And not be dependent on another's judgment of your accomplishments.
May you always feel loved.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
LATEST NEWS
Ex-German Chancellor Says Bush is a Liar
Steve Benen, Washington Monthly
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/?id=368312&t=
Watch: Incoming Senator’s Insane Logic on Tax Cuts and Jobless Benefits
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/?id=368268&t=
Saving Progressivism from Obama
Robert Kuttner, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/149007/saving_progressivism_from_obama
No Human Being is “Illegal” – How Using the “I-Word” Creates Hate
Monica Novoa, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/149001/no_human_being_is_%22illegal%22_--_how_using_the_%22i-word%22_creates_hate
Afghan Gold Mine Raises Specter of 'Resource Curse'
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3328?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=12
Election Chaos in Haiti as Candidates Cry Foul
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3329?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=14
Norman Solomon WikiLeaks: Demystifying “Diplomacy”
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3331?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=18
Chris Hedges Hope, Real Hope, Is About Doing Something
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3332?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=20
Bill Quigley: Why Wikileaks is Good for Democracy
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3353?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=22
John Nichols: Trump the Fiscal Commission; Tell Congress: "Don't Cut Social Security—Strengthen It!"
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3354?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=24
Ralph Nader: Missing the Mark on Deficits
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3355?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=26
Tom Engelhardt: The United States of Fear: The National Security State Cops a Feel
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3356?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=28
Ex-German Chancellor Says Bush is a Liar
Steve Benen, Washington Monthly
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/?id=368312&t=
Watch: Incoming Senator’s Insane Logic on Tax Cuts and Jobless Benefits
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/?id=368268&t=
Saving Progressivism from Obama
Robert Kuttner, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/149007/saving_progressivism_from_obama
No Human Being is “Illegal” – How Using the “I-Word” Creates Hate
Monica Novoa, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/149001/no_human_being_is_%22illegal%22_--_how_using_the_%22i-word%22_creates_hate
Afghan Gold Mine Raises Specter of 'Resource Curse'
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3328?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=12
Election Chaos in Haiti as Candidates Cry Foul
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3329?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=14
Norman Solomon WikiLeaks: Demystifying “Diplomacy”
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3331?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=18
Chris Hedges Hope, Real Hope, Is About Doing Something
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3332?akid=291.19616.cHtgJg&t=20
Bill Quigley: Why Wikileaks is Good for Democracy
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3353?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=22
John Nichols: Trump the Fiscal Commission; Tell Congress: "Don't Cut Social Security—Strengthen It!"
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3354?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=24
Ralph Nader: Missing the Mark on Deficits
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3355?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=26
Tom Engelhardt: The United States of Fear: The National Security State Cops a Feel
http://act.commondreams.org/go/3356?akid=292.19616.y2vFoO&t=28