PERSONAL NEWS #205
Thursday afternoon, Feb 2nd, I participated in a BFP A&C committee conference call as a follow up to our event at WORD. Later that evening, I attended the monthly TGTSNBN meetup. I hadn’t been to one in months due to illness and being involved with the BFP board meetings. Very enjoyable and many members read excerpts from their fav books while growing up.

Saturday, Feb 4th, I had a nice time in the evening hanging out with Margaret K, and seeing the film “The Iron Lady” starring the wonderful Meryl Streep. Earlier in the day, I participated in the demo and national day of action in Times Square regarding “NO War against Iran!” [There were 73 similar actions around the US and the world.] Stating we want a nuclear free Middle East, as well as NO sanctions! NO intervention! NO assassinations! Plus, coming up on Feb 15th, will mark 9th anniversary that I became involved in peace / political activism via that huge global protest against a war and occupation of Iraq. Also, during the day into early evening, I stopped by “Books of Wonder” to visit with Sam, and afterwards had dinner at Nanoosh near Lincoln Center. [Photo above of Lincoln Center at night time]

Sunday, Feb 5th, at 12pm, I had an appt with Dr Tan, then shopping at Pottery Barn and then headed down to Cobble Hill in Brooklyn for a vegan lunch at “Wild Ginger”. Afterwards, I picked up some goodies at Nutbox, and then home.

Tuesday, Feb 7th, at 7pm, many thanks to a fellow activist, and acquaintance, in letting me know that Chris Hedges would be speaking at All Souls church on Tuesday evening. It was a great talk [followed by Q&A] by Hedges on the Occupy Movement, as well as the death of the Liberal class. Hedges is an author and journalist, who touched on the following topics … the church, the press, education, labor, culture and the Democratic Party have either withered or surrendered to corporate interests. Hedges examined the failure of the liberal class to confront the rise of the corporate state and the consequences for our democracy. Chris calls upon those of us who care about the issues of justice and democratic equality to turn away from formal systems of power and begin to fight back through various options, including civil disobedience. Failure to do so, he believes, will harden into place a corporate system that will continue to exploit the working class and extinguish what is left of our democracy.

Wednesday, Feb 8th, I did volunteer work at WCW national office.

On Thursday, Feb 9th, after work, I attended the “Don’t Suppress Occupy” committee meeting near Washington Square Park.

On Friday afternoon, Feb 10th, I had minor surgery for ingrown toenail issues.

Saturday, Feb 11th, I participated in the BFP A&C committee conference call, which was very productive and informative.

On Tuesday, Feb 14th, I have a follow up with my foot doctor to check on toe after surgery on Friday afternoon.

On Feb 15th in 2003 I participated in my first ever peaceful protest, march and rally against war and the Bush/Cheney regime. It was a frigid cold day, but that didn’t stop thousands of protestors in NYC, and millions more around the world, against the US invasion of Iraq. That day was a turning point for me and my outlook on US and World politics. [As well as the peace movement and many progressive Democrat campaigns.] Many thanks go out to the inspiring Quaker couple who took me “under their wing” during the protest, and regaled me with their “protesting” stories from the 1960s to present. That whole afternoon was an eye-opening experience, and after that I listened to WBAI all the time, plus started reading articles on “Common Dreams” website, etc, etc.

Thursday, Feb 16th, I have an appt with Dr Tan down in Chinatown.

Friday – Sunday, [17th to 19th] I visited with the parents in upstate NY, and we even got abit of snow on Saturday afternoon. [Photo below during snowfall.] It was lovely! Helped Mom with her digital camera and transferred her pix from Xmas to present onto a CD. Easier that way for her to take to RiteAid and get prints done up. Mom and I also watched DH1 on DVD, plus PofA on cable TV. I also took the parents out for breakfast on Saturday, and got lots of “artsy” pix over the weekend.

On Monday, Feb 20th, I took half a personal day in the morning, as I woke up with neck / back issues. After seeing my chiropractor I headed into the office.

Tuesday evening, Feb 21st, I attended the BFP PF committee meeting in Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn. There is much to do and accomplish before the PF at BC end of April.

On Wednesday, Feb 22nd, I attended the monthly meetup with other “NYC Friends of Tolkien” members at a local diner. Bought a “Gosford Park” book off of Timdalf, and we mostly discussed TRD, and Pauline’s recent trip to the Middle East. It was also the first day of Lent and I always give up chocolate.

Thursday, Feb 23rd, I had an appt with Dr Tan down in Chinatown. Afterwards, I stopped by PC Richards to check out and purchase a new TV for my apt.

Friday, Feb 24th, I have an appt with my foot doctor as follow-up to recent surgery. Afterwards, headed up to Chelsea area to have dinner with my friend Larry, and get my 2011 taxes taken care of.

Saturday, Feb 25th, morning my cleaning lady, Dana, will stopped by to tend to my apt.

Sunday, Feb 26th, I visited my good friend Katherine up in CT, and we exchanged Xmas gifties while at lunch at a Chinese buffet. We also caught up on news, saw the latest innovations in the barn, etc. [Photo of Katherine in new barn at her homestead.]

MY LATEST ENTRIES IN THE "365 PROJECT"

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... We all have the tendency to write people off when they disappoint us. Not just any people. The ones closest to us. Sons not talking to mothers, brothers estranged from sisters, best friends at war. If only we realized that our negative actions don’t define who we are, then we’d have more tolerance for each other. We are all works in progress. Today, focus on one close relationship that puts your love to the test and extend generosity to that person - without looking for something in return. The sign of a real relationship is giving even when we’re not getting. - Yehuda Berg

QUOTE OF THE DAY - "A lot of times we are afraid to commit because we are afraid we will fail. The truth is, it’s only in making the commitment that we receive the energy to overcome. In fact, the best commitments we can make are in areas where we are the weakest. We’re often afraid to go for the things we long for because we think we’re unprepared. We don’t want to charge into action unless we personally feel “ready.” But a lot of times, if we wait until we feel ready, we are missing opportunities. It’s when we are willing to do things, even though we don’t feel prepared or that we are the best person for the job, that we are revealing the most amount of Light possible into our lives and into the world. Today, know that when you don’t understand how you are going to overcome – but press on with your commitment anyway – is when the impossible becomes possible." - Yehuda Berg

SOME OF MY RECENT ENTRIES IN THE "365 PROJECT"

SNOWFALL - UPSTATE NY STYLE [Feb 18th & 19th]

DON'T SUPPRESS THE "OCCUPY MOVEMENT"
Support is growing for a non-violent mass actions on Tuesday, February 28 against the suppression and repression of the Occupy Movement, raising the demands "Stand with the Occupy Movement! Don't Suppress OWS.” The General Assembly of Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Chicago, Occupy Cleveland, Occupy Houston, Occupy Minneapolis and Occupy St. Paul reached consensus in support of the Call for Mass Action Against the Suppression of the Occupy Movement, and the February 28 Mass Action.

No Rubber Bullets!
No Beatings!
No Tear Gas!
No Mass Arrests!
Drop All the Charges Against Occupiers!

New York City Union Square 4 pm–Gather 5 pm–Rally 6 pm–March
Chicago LaSalle & Jackson 4 pm–Gather & Rally 5 pm–March
Cleveland Public Square 3 pm–Gather & Rally 4 pm–March
Minneapolis/St. Paul The People’s Plaza 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis 4:30 pm–Rally & March

Make Tuesday F28 a Day of Mass Action - Now, more than ever, in the wake of the police attack on Occupy Oakland

"...if this illegitimate wave of repression is allowed to stand, if the powers-that-be succeed in suppressing or marginalizing this new movement, if people are once again penned in, both literally and symbolically-things will be much worse. THIS SUPPRESSION MUST BE MASSIVELY OPPOSED AND DEFEATED! A call for mass action against the Suppression of the Occupy Movement", as stated by Bishop George Packard.

Who was first over the fence for OWS? George Packard, a retired Episcopal bishop who was detained by the NYPD while bringing water to the occupiers at Liberty Square, and later arrested in an Occupy Wall Street action, said the action February 28 "is the absolute preface to any other actions. It's a question of process even before we take to the streets--how is it that there is this coordinated effort to stifle our free speech?! Mayors on conference calls simultaneously rousting encampments? Renegade cops taking aggressive initiatives because it makes superiors smile? Tear gas and rubber bullets fired into the ranks of Occupy Oakland? Enough!"

In New York City. . . .
Tuesday, F28 Union Square
No Rubber Bullets - No Beatings
No Tear Gas - No Mass Arrests
Drop All the Charges Against Occupiers
Don't Suppress OWS! Stand with Occupy!
4:00 pm Gather
5:00 pm Rally
6:00 pm March

QUOTE OF THE DAY … “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

LATEST NEWS TO ROCK THE WORLD

How the 1% Destroy Jobs and the Real Heroes are Everyday People
Lyn Parramore, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/154153/how_the_1_destroys_jobs_and_the_real_heroes_are_everyday_people?akid=8264.9992.4myOWB&rd=1&t=12
Mitt Romney & Co. want us to think that making the rich richer will create jobs. That's not true. And it's not the American way. For three decades, we have been told that “trickle-down” economics that benefit the wealthy is the key to creating jobs. But that's baloney. The evidence shows that ordinary people, not the rich, are the real job creators.

Is NYPD Running Wild? Patterns of Brutality Raise Questions About Mayor’s Control of Police
Kristen Gwynne, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/154161/is_nypd_running_wild_patterns_of_brutality_raise_questions_about_mayor%27s_control_of_police?akid=8265.9992.9-vfMe&rd=1&t=2

The New York Times Fear Mongers for War Again, This Time With Iran
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/794277/the_new_york_times_fear_mongers_for_war_again%2C_this_time_with_iran/

Who Actually Benefits from Federal Benefits?
Kevin Drum, Mother Jones
http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/02/federal-benefits-able-bodied-workers

Why Obama’s the Least Socialistic President in Modern History (And That’s a Shame)
Richard Eskow, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/154175/why_obama%27s_the_least_socialistic_president_in_modern_history_%28and_that%27s_a_shame%29?akid=8275.9992.SaY_i7&rd=1&t=5

A Conservative Explains Why Right-Wingers Have No Compassion
Mike Lofgren, TruthOut.org
http://www.alternet.org/story/154194/a_conservative_explains_why_right-wingers_have_no_compassion?akid=8275.9992.SaY_i7&rd=1&t=8

QUOTE OF THE MOMENT … “Let us pray for our children. Our children deserve a world without end. Not a war without end. Our children deserve a world free of the terror of hunger, free of the terror of poor health care, free of the terror of homelessness, free of the terror of ignorance, free of the terror of hopelessness, free of the terror of policies which are committed to a world view which is not appropriate for the survival of a free people, not appropriate for the survival of democratic values, not appropriate for the survival of our nation, and not appropriate for the survival of the world." - Dennis Kucinich, 2/17/02

[DUCHESS NOTE: Someone I hardly know said the following to me in a recent email .... "As you know, we're the complete opposite of you and we don't want anything to do with your "Bush/Cheney" opposition protests, communism, socialism, etc." Good heavens, I am neither a socialist nor a communist, but a Progressive Democrat who's politcal views are NOT extreme leftwing. Also, some months ago, this individual asked that I unfriend her on FB, which I did. So why is this person still trying to "view" my FB page if she dislikes me and my political views?!? (I shared the email, along with my diplomatically correct reply, with some close friends, and they commented that she comes across as very inmature, insecure and misinformed.) Ocasionally, there are posts by some FB friends that I don't always agree with, and I respect their right to freedom of speech. Also, I will never post any hostile comments. I am totally respectful of others views and sensibilities, plus I was raised that "if you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything". My apologies for the mini rant, I just needed to get that off my chest.]

HOW IS THE NEWS SHAPING UP, SO FAR, IN FEBRUARY

Obama’s Support for Natural Gas Drilling “A Painful Moment” for Communities Exposed to Fracking
Democracy Now!
http://www.democracynow.org/2012/2/2/obamas_support_for_natural_gas_drilling

Moyers – How the Banks Have Rewritten our Economy’s Rules
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/767670/moyers%3A_how_the_banks_have_rewritten_our_economy%27s_rules/

How Swedes and Norwegians Broke the Power of the ‘1 Percent’
George Lakey, Waging Nonviolence
http://www.alternet.org/story/153929/how_swedes_and_norwegians_broke_the_power_of_the_%E2%80%981_percent%E2%80%99?akid=8187.9992.iTgSjZ&rd=1&t=5

Black Politics Atrophies Under Obama
Glen Ford, Black Agenda Report
http://blackagendareport.com/content/black-politics-atrophies-under-obama

Climate Denial is Creating “The Great Carbon Bubble”
Bill McKibben, TomDispatch.com
http://www.alternet.org/story/154084/bill_mckibben%3A_climate_denial_is_creating_%22the_great_carbon_bubble%22?akid=8239.9992.kxf8h2&rd=1&t=18

The Inside Scoop on the Budding Romance Between Walmart and Monsanto
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/778245/the_inside_scoop_on_the_budding_romance_between_walmart_and_monsanto/#paragraph3
It turns out that Monsanto is seeking a retail “mate” to sell his latest science experiment, GE sweet corn, and make his fortune doing it. After being turned down by Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and General Mills, he is setting his sights on the industrial food darling Walmart.

Apple, Accustomed to Profits and Praise, Faces Outcry for Labor Practices at Chinese Factories
Democracy Now!
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/787777/apple%2C_accustomed_to_profits_and_praise%2C_faces_outcry_for_labor_practices_at_chinese_factories/

QUOTE OF THE DAY … “Human nature is averse to pain and discomfort. We want everything to be smooth. But we don’t grow from staying still. We don’t bring our dreams alive by playing it safe. We don’t get what we want by waiting for God to deliver it to our doorstep. We must embrace difficulty and change if we are to create a fulfilling life for ourselves. If a boat is not rocking, it’s not going anywhere.” – Rabbi Yehuda Berg

On Saturday, Feb 4th, I participated in the demo and national day of action in Times Square regarding “NO War against Iran!” [There were 73 similar actions around the US and the world.] Stating we want a nuclear free Middle East, as well as NO sanctions! NO intervention! NO assassinations! Plus, coming up on Feb 15th, will mark 9th anniversary that I became involved in peace / political activism via that huge global protest against the war and occupation of Iraq.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... "Information doesn’t make us spiritual. We have to act on it. When someone asks us for help, are we quick to say yes...or no? When a difficult person shows up in our life, do we embrace him/her as someone sent to teach us something, or just another hassle to deal with?Today, think about a teaching that resonates with you. Ask yourself if you are living it. If you are not (or not as much as you can), that’s OK. Recognition is the first step." - Yehuda Berg

PERSONAL NEWS #204

Sunday, Jan 1st, I invited my friend and neighbor over for a leisurely tea, plus we exchanged holiday gifties and caught up on news. Gail also brought along her lovable little doggie Sage.

Tuesday evening, Jan 3rd, I attended the “NYC Friends of Tolkien” gathering at Entwine to celebrate the professors 120th birthday.

Thursday, Jan 5th, I participated in a BFP A&C committee conference call at 3pm. That evening I attended the monthly BFP board meeting held at The Commons.

Friday, Jan 6th, I had an appt with my lung doctor as a follow-up and discuss next phase. Afterwards, I jumped on the subway down to Cobble Hill to pick up flyers for the upcoming WORD event on the 27th.

Saturday, Jan 7th, I had appts with my chiropractor and acupuncturist.

Tuesday, Jan 10th, I had an appt with my foot doctor, and needed to discuss situation regarding ingrown toe nail on left foot. After careful examination and discussion, it was decided a simple surgery would need to be performed on Feb 10th. This surgery wouldn’t be anything like the one I had during the summer of 2009. Afterwards, I stopped by “Books of Wonder” to talk with Sam about “Tolkien Reading Day” event.

Thursday, Jan. 12th, at 2pm I joined the BFP A&C committee conference call to continue our prep work for the Jan 27th event at WORD. That evening I attended a talk and discussion on an article "U.S.-Israeli Assault on Iran Escalates – Danger of War Grows” by Larry Everest at Revolution Books. It was fascinating and informative.

On Friday, Jan. 13th, after work I stopped by Sleepys to pay off the balance [$] for my new mattress.

On Saturday morning, Jan 14th, Dana stopped by to clean my apartment, and while she was here my new Sealy quilted mattress was delivered at 9:20am. Hurray! After many errands, and taking care of two loads of laundry, I headed into Manhattan for an appt with Dr Tan.

Early Sunday evening, Jan 15th, I went to work out at the gym for the first time in 3 ½ months.

Monday, Jan 16th, I had an appt with Dr Tan for acupuncture therapy.

Tuesday evening, Jan 17th, I attended the BFP PF committee meeting, and we continue to work out the details for the upcoming PF in April.

Wednesday evening, Jan 18th, I had dinner with my friend Margaret at a nice Thai place on 9th Avenue near 52nd Street.

Thursday, Jan 19th, at 2pm I joined in on the BFP A&C committee conference call to continue prep work for the Jan 27th event at WORD. That evening I attended the first “Don’t Suppress OWS” planning and strategizing committee meeting to organize a “Call for Mass Action against the Suppression of the Occupy Movement”.

Saturday morning, Jan 21st, I strolled around the neighborhood enjoying the snowfall, taking pix and putting WORD event flyers into mailboxes. In early afternoon I had an appt with Dr Tan for acupuncture therapy.

Sunday afternoon, Jan 22nd, I headed up to White Plains [via MetroNorth] to spend the afternoon with my friend Andi. We had a tasty lunch at PF Changs, discussed Arbonne products, and caught up on other news over tea.

Tuesday, January 24th, I had my annual six month appt with dentist for cleaning. Will go back in a few weeks for X-rays and see what “work” needs to be done. Ugh! In the evening, I rented season one on DVD of the “Downton Abbey” PBS series.

Wednesday, Jan 25th, after work, I had an appt with my chiropractor, and then watched the rest of the “Downton Abbey” series.

Thursday, Jan 26th, I did volunteering for an offsite E&Y event at the Westin Times Square hotel until 4pm. Then in the evening, I attended the “Don’t Suppress OWS” committee meeting at Judson Memorial church. This was our second committee meeting and we were hashing out dates, idea and locations for the “call to action”.

Friday, Jan 27th, I took half a personal day from work to attend a lung doctor appt, and then meet up with Joel to purchase goodies at The Garden for the BFP WORD event. The event itself turned out very well, all the goodies were eaten, and about 50 people were in attendance, which included performers and BFP A&C committee members. The event was well received and we are planning a second one at WORD sometime in the Fall. [Photo: Joel, Veronica and Sandra are part of the BFP A&C committee.]

Saturday evening, Jan 28th, after dealing with chores and errands during the day; I went to the movies with my friend Margaret to see “The Artist”. Really good film and I highly recommend it.

Sunday, Jan 29th, I had an appt with Dr Tan for acupuncture treatment.

Tuesday, Jan 31st, I did volunteer work at the WCW office.

PEACE IS SEXY!
[Created and founded by Marianne Perez - associated with The Peace Alliance and NYDoP]
As many of you know, I have an obsession with shifting mainstream media from a media of violence, competition and conflict to one of community, collaboration and transformation. I am passionate about this because I truly believe that if people can see examples of peace, they can replicate those actions and ultimately we will live in a world that is better for everyone. What could be better than that?

The first installment of the project is now born! Peace Is Sexy has just launched its IndieGoGo fundraising campaign! Peace Is Sexy redefines peace as sexy, possible, profitable and fun by highlighting individuals, organizations, companies and entertainment in an engaging and dynamic way.

We've only got until Feb 12th of our fundraising campaign! You can help in the following ways:

- Donating through IndieGoGo - http://www.indiegogo.com/Peace-Is-Sexy (awesome rewards for all levels of donation). (Thank you to those who have already donated!)
- Help spread the word both about the IndieGoGo campaign and the website by joining the Facebook group:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peace-is-Sexy/169460713152573?sk=wall , following the campaign on Twitter: @PeaceIsSexy and/or forwarding this posting to anyone who might be interested.
- Being featured on Peace Is Sexy. I am looking for individuals to interview and organizations / companies to profile. Many of you folks are and/or know individuals and/or have projects that projects fit nicely into our editorial theme. Peace on!