PERSONAL NEWS #216

Jan 1^st, I had a “private” class with Fabrice at the yoga center.

Jan 3^rd, I joined other members [17] of “NYC Friends of Tolkien” at Druids for dinner and toasting The Professor on his 121^st birthday.

Jan 5^th, I joined other members of TGTSNBN at the annual skating party at Bryant Park.  Afterwards we all went for lunch at the Red Flame diner on West 44^th Street, which was very nice.  Then Debbie, Margaret and I went to see The Hobbit at the Regal.  It was their first time seeing the film and my fourth.

Jan 8^th & 9^th, I had to take sick days from work, as I was ill with a slight cold, plus lower back issues.  I had appts with my chiropractor and lung specialist.

Jan 11^th, I did volunteer work at the WCW office in the evening.

Jan 12^th, after Dana cleaned the apt; and I did a few errands around the hood, I went into midtown Manhattan to do some shopping with holiday gift cards.  Oh yeah!

Jan 13^th, I had a “private” class with Fabrice at the yoga center, and that afternoon an acupuncture appt with Dr Tan.  That evening I enjoyed episode two of Downton Abbey’s third season.

Jan 14^th to 16^th, I had to attend to Jury Duty at the courts in Brooklyn.  Total boredom fest!

Jan 15^th, I attended the monthly BFP A&C committee meeting and it was very productive.

Jan 16^th, I attended an enjoyable, productive monthly BFP PF committee meeting.

Jan 19^th & 20^th, I was sick all weekend with the stomach flu or rotavirus.  I spent the weekend sleeping, drinking lots of water/tea/soup, watching Doctor Who, and of course episode three of Downton Abbey.

Jan 21^st, I took a sick day from work, as I am still recovering from stomach flu and lower back troubles.  I went to see my chiropractor for treatment on the latter.

On Jan 25^th, I took half a personal day from work, so I could see Dr Tan and get much needed acupuncture treatment.  Felt much better afterwards  J   Later on I attended the Chase Madar event at WORD bookstore, which was hosted by BFP A&C committee.  The turnout was roughly 30 people, which was pretty good considering it was snowing outside.  The Garden [Greenpoint] donated refreshments for the event and overall it was a good success.

Jan 27^th, I had a “private” class with Fabrice at the yoga center.  That evening I watched a tear-jerker episode four of Downton Abbey.

Jan 29^th, I attended the BFP Fundraiser meeting and it was quite interesting, as well as informative.

 The "Evening with Chase Madar" was

hosted by Brooklyn for Peace

and WORD Bookstore

on January 25th

Action Alert – Tell the President Zero is the Number

Action Alert – Tell the President Zero is the Number by KevinMartin I read in The Washingtion Post this morning President Obama is considering residual troop levels “significantly lower than what some in the military have advocated," and that the administration is considering “leaving no troops at all when the U.N. security mandate sanctioning the international coalition expires." Zero is the number we support and now it's time-- again-- to call President Obama. 202.456.1111 President Obama needs to hear from the peace movement on how quickly and completely we need to end US military involvement in Afghanistan and withdraw our troops. By now, it should be clear to all Americans, even those elected to office, that no residual troop levels can guarantee a political outcome in Afghanistan that will be to our liking.  That’s up to the people of Afghanistan. If anything, the more troops we leave behind after the planned withdrawal in 2014, the greater our destabilizing impact will be.  Zero is the right number. Tell President Obama - 202.456.1111. Right now, the administration is considering a residual force somewhere between 2,500 and 6,000 troops instead of the 10,000 to 20,000 level the military is insisting on.   If that’s true, then it's only because you, me, and the peace movement as a whole, have acted these many years.  You want impact - there it is.  Our persistence is exactly what is needed. The President will be meeting with Afghan President Karzai on Friday and a decision will be reached soon, so please call today. 202.456.111 It’s time to end this war.  Presidents Obama and Karzai should be promoting a ceasefire and political settlement,  the surest path to ending the nightmare of terrorist attacks, night raids, drone strikes and daily carnage that has tormented the people of Afghanistan for far, far too long.

"WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS" Campaign
I'm still heartbroken over the senseless murders of 20 children and 6 adults in Newton, CT last month. This was tragically yet another in a string of mass murders we've witnessed over just the past several years: Oakland, CA; Aurora, CO; Oak Creek, WI; Portland, OR; Tuscon, AZ; Fort Hood, TX; and of course Virginia Tech "topping" the list with 32 dead. Listing them like this it seems unbelievable that all of this has happened in recent memory – but it's the sad truth.

If you are as sick and tired of it as I am, then please take just a few minutes and go to http://wearebetterthanthis.org/

Thirty two families directly impacted from this, and other gun violence, have authored a letter that they will be delivering to Capitol Hill and the White House very soon. They are asking others to add their names to it. And so I ask you to do the same if you feel so inclined.

Below are the words I included when I signed:

I just got off your organization's phone call and am literally in tears after hearing the stories of survivors from the massacres in Virginia Tech and Tuscon, and surviving family members of the mass murder in an Aurora, CO movie theater. I want to thank them for having the courage to step up and make their voices heard after living through, and with, such horror. I honor their loss and am committed to help bring about meaningful change to our gun policies in this country.

I ask YOU, our leaders in Washington, to LISTEN to the overwhelming majority of citizens who believe that every gun purchase should be accompanied by a background check (Unbelievably 40% are NOT)! We also believe that high capacity magazines, ammunition designed to inflict the most carnage and military assault weapons have NO PLACE in our civilized society. Curtailing these items is NOT an impingement on Americans' 2nd Amendment rights. This is a fallacy propagated by the NRA. The NRA does not represent me or the majority of the citizens in this country.

We MUST reduce the level of gun violence in this country. We are indeed better than this!

 TGTSNBN Annual

Ice Skating Event

Jan 5, 2013

 NYC Friends of Tolkien

Celebrate

The Professors

121st Birthday

on

Jan 3, 2013

Tell Elected Officials to Co-sponsor legislation for a U.S. Department of Peacebuilding!

Tell your member of the House of Representatives that you want them to sign on as an initial co-sponsor of legislation to establish a U.S. Dept. of Peacebuilding.  The bill will be introduced soon in the new 113th Congress.  Fill out the form below to send them a fax and email. Remember to include your own words.

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/696/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=12206

WE INTERRUPT THESE FESTIVITIES FOR AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Announcement from “Brooklyn for Peace”

*A "deal" is starting to take shape between the Obama administration and Congressional leaders, the details of which have started to leak out. This message will provide you with sources you can refer to for more information.

*What's important to recognize is that this "deal" does not favor or protect the 98%.* The administration appears ready to walk away from its pledge to stand firm on raising taxes on the top 2% of income earners ($200,000 for individuals, $250,000 for families). So far only the issue of revenues (taxes) seems to be where tentative agreements have been reached. Spending cuts remain, so far as we know, still under negotiation (both domestic social programs and military spending).

Second, it is important to recognize that all of the details resolved between the White House and Congressional leadership can be rewritten when bills come to the Congress for a vote. This is where public pressure becomes critical!

It is reported that Joe Biden, on behalf of Obama, has agreed to tax increases only for individuals earning $400,000 or more and households earning $450,000 or more.

*We should be clear that such a deal will result in cuts to programs that are essential to survival for many Americans in order to provide tax cuts to people who earn $200,000-$399,999 or families that earn $250,000-$449,999. Social programs and the social safety net will be targeted for cuts so that those who earn more in a year than most American households earn in 4-5 years get their tax cuts.

* (Real median household income in 2011 was about $50,500 and per capital incomes was $26,700. That means half of households earned less than $50,500. Adjusted for inflation, these numbers are actually lower than they were in 2007.)

Given that specifics of program cuts are still in play, and Pentagon contractors will pull out all the stops to see that none of their appropriations are significantly affected. That will put the burden of cuts on the backs of those who are least able to endure them.

*This is why the Jobs-Not-Wars Campaign is so important ...  http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/302/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=11931&tag=JNW_BFP

*This means that we are going to be right back in this exact same situation with the Republicans holding the debt ceiling hostage to extract massive cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

We need to respond loudly to members of Congress and the White House with a simple message: WE won the elections. The votes of the majority sent a clear message - don't mess with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other critical safety net programs, tax the rich and big corporations, take money from the generals and put it into creating jobs and rebuilding our public infrastructure.

We should repeat what we have said, "No deal is better than a bad deal."  With the onset of sequestration, the President will have more leverage to force the Republicans to protect the unemployed and other vulnerable people while negotiations continue on the overall resolution. One netizen observed, "Important to remember that it is not this deal or no deal ever, it is this deal or wait 10 hours and get massive amounts leverage for a better deal."

In an article that appeared today (of all places) on Fox News, Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer (ret.) made the point very well:

*Sequester and the fate of America's national security*
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/12/31/sequester-and-fate-america-national-security/
*"....The sequestration presents us with an opportunity to actual make some hard decisions – not pleasant ones – about what will be the spending priorities of our defense and security establishments. There are bottomless pits of money, such as the Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDO) that have accomplished virtually nothing over the course of the wars of the last decade but continue to suck down dollars like a Florida sinkhole sucks down cars.

We need an effective defense – not an expensive defense. We have the latter. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive concepts – but the latter has been the preference of both this White House and the Congress...."* The Jobs-Not-Wars Campaign will provide a sample e-blast endorsing organizations can use or adapt to mobilize a response. Watch your mail for that.

Here is information about the "deal"…………..
------------------------------
Elements of the deal:

1. 39.6% tax rate for individual income over 400k/family income over $450k.
2. Alternative Minimum Tax patched permanently.
3. Dividends and capital gains taxed at 20% (currently 15%) of the $400k/$450k levels.
4. Personal Exemption Phase-out (PEP) at $250k. Limitation on itemized deductions (Pease) at $300k. [Explained below, affects only high income earners]
5. Unemployment Insurance extended through 2013.
6. Business corporate tax extenders through 2013
7. EITC, Child Tax Credit and Opportunity Tax Credit extended cuts for 5 years.
8. Estate tax raised to 40 percent on an estates worth $5 million or more.
9. One year deferral on reduced payments to Medicare providers
10. Payroll cut expires (immediate 2% more taken from paychecks)
11. Sequester remains unclear. President wants to offset with taxes and spending cuts. GOP only wants to offset with spending cuts.
12. No agreement on debt ceiling (which keeps it a political football).

°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆★☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆★☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸

☆ A BIG New Years HUG that jumps from page to page ☆
¸.•°*”˜˜☆ to spread a little Love and Happiness ☆˜˜”*°•.¸
˜”*°•.¸☆ Have a Happy and Safe New Years Eve ☆¸.•°*”˜
¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆♥☆ Happy New Year ☆♥☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸
˜”*°•.¸☆♥ To My Family and Friends ♥☆¸.•°*”˜
¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸★☆♥ Pass the HUGS on ♥☆★¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸♥

PERSONAL NEWS #215

Dec 1^st, I had my cleaning lady [Dana] over to work on apt.  Rest of the day was spent doing grocery shopping, errands, getting a manicure, ordering food for my party, organizing apt and baking.

Dec 2^nd, I had my third “private” session with Fabrice at the yoga center.  Then from 4-9:30pmish was the party I hosted at my apartment.  Several of my friends couldn’t make it due to either ill health or transit issues.  Those that did make it … Wendy, Kathy, Mary, Laura and Dennis … had a good time while we talked on assorted topics, nosh on food, drink wine or cider, and eat slices of tasty vegan cakes.  A good time was had by all  J

Dec 3^rd, I had acupuncture therapy appt with Dr Tan after work.

Dec 4^th, I joined other members of the NYC Friends of Tolkien, plus played hooky from work, in going to a taping of the Anderson Cooper Show.  Why?  Cause four cast members of The Hobbit were going to be on it and interviewed.  WooHoo!  Who were the four?  Well to kick it off there was the awesome Sir Ian McKellen then Martin Freeman, followed by Andy Serkis and then the very handsome Richard Armitage.  It was all so exciting.  Afterwards, I went home to eat some dinner and take care of emails before going to the BFP PEF committee meeting in Brooklyn Heights.

Dec 5^th, I did volunteer work at the WCW office in the evening.

Dec 6^th, I attended TGTSNBN meetup at Stone Creek lounge.  Main topic of discussion was on JK Rowling’s new book called “The Casual Vacancy”.

Dec 7^th, I had another “private” session with Fabrice at the yoga center after work.

Dec 8^th, I took care of many errands around the hood, shopped for holiday gifts; write up holiday cards, manicure, bank, laundry and post office.

Dec 9^th, I took my friend TJ to see Dr Tan, and this visit was my holiday giftie to him.  The appointment went very well, and afterwards we went out to lunch in Chinatown.  During the afternoon I did holiday gift shopping around the Union Square area, and got much accomplished.

Dec 10^th, I had acupuncture therapy appt with Dr Tan after work.

Dec 11^th, I participated, as well as take notes, at the monthly BFP Peace Fair meeting.  It was somewhat productive, with a few minor glitches.

Dec 12^th, I stopped by to see my friend Wendy and gave her the scarves.  She has a wonderful new machine that does embroidery on fabric, and some of the designs are Xmas themes.

Dec 14^th, I took a personal day from work, so I could spend time with my friend Sheila.  It is a tradition with us to meet up in Manhattan, lunch at GCS and then check out the holiday bazaars, have caramel apple spice at Starbucks and catch up on news.

Dec 15^th, I went to see the new Peter Jackson film ... The Hobbit in IMAX 3D.  Really good film, but the IMAX 3D I can soooo do without.

Dec 16^th, I had another “private” session with Fabrice at the yoga center after work.  Afterwards, I did some grocery shopping, got a much needed manicure and then wrapped more presents for Xmas.

Dec 17^th, I had acupuncture therapy appt with Dr Tan after work.  At home, as I cook up herbs from Dr Tan this evening, I realize it’s been a whole year since I first went for treatment. I remember being so very ill, constantly tired, severe acid reflux, pneumonia, bronchitis, lung infection, etc. I have not been sick this whole year, but will always have a lung condition (thx 9/11) and issues with my stomach. I have good energy and immune system is high these days. Thx to Dr Tan!

Dec 18^th, I participated in the monthly BFP A&C committee meeting after work.  It was very productive with discussion on items and events for first half of 2013.

Dec 19^th, I participated in a conference call with BFP Climate Action committee after work.

Dec 20^th, I attended the monthly “NYC Friends of Tolkien” meetup.  The topics were diverse, but mainly regarding the release of THE HOBBIT in cinemas on the 14^th.

Dec 21^st, I attended the annual BFP holiday party in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Dec 22^nd to 25^th, I visited the family in upstate NY for the Christmas holiday.  Visited Sara and Heather at their new shop [Over the Moon] location and it’s really charming inside and out.  Later that afternoon at 5pm, I joined them and others for a candlelight vigil in honor of the 26 victims of Sandy Hook school in CT.  It was cold outside, but the vigil was very moving and touching.  On Sunday morning I took the parents to breakfast at Jean’s Place in Hoosick, and later on did some shopping over in Greenwich and Saratoga.  Around 5pm on Sunday Caroline, friend and neighbor, stopped by and we had a great time chatting for about 2 hours.  Catch up on stuff et al.  On Monday, after getting my hair done at Two Tops Salon; the parents, I and my cousin Christopher headed down to Schenectady to see my brother and his wife.  My brother hasn’t seen his cousin in years and this was a special treat for him.  He was so surprised and happy to see Chris.  We had a fun time visiting, as well as exchanging gifties.  I headed back to NYC on Xmas Day in the afternoon.  While having dinner in my apt, I watched “Scrooge” with Alastair Sim [1951].  It’s my fav version of the Dickens “The Christmas Carol” classic story.

Dec 27^th, I had acupuncture therapy appt with Dr Tan after work.

Dec 29^th, I joined my friend Jackie in doing some shopping around Union Square, Macy’s and then having a nice, leisurely, chatty dinner at Old Town Tavern on 18^th Street.

Dec 30^th, I had another “private” session with Fabrice at the yoga center, and later on in the evening I joined my friend Wendy to see The Hobbit at the cinema.

Dec 31^st, after my much needed chiropractor appt, I invited my good friend Gail [plus her doggie Sage] over to my humble abode for afternoon tea, exchange gifties and a comfy chat over British biscuits.  Later on I watched some of the LOTR trilogy until 1:30am.