IN THE NEWS

10 Biggest Lies and Distortions from the GOP Debate

Adam Johnson, AlterNet

http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/10-biggest-lies-and-distortions-gop-debate?akid=13777.9992.BXBBhK&rd=1&src=newsletter1047421&t=6

5^th GOP Debate: Republican Candidates Eager for More Overseas Wars

Steven Rosenfeld, AlterNet

http://www.alternet.org/5th-gop-debate-republican-candidates-eager-more-overseas-wars?akid=13777.9992.BXBBhK&rd=1&src=newsletter1047421&t=2

Beware: Someone is Trying to Convince You that Bernie Can’t Win

RoseAnn DeMoro, Common Dreams

Sander’s message, his campaign, and the resounding support he is receiving nationwide has sent chills through those whose primarily loyalty is to the wealthy donors in mansions and corporate suites and the policy architects on Wall Street.

http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/12/15/beware-someone-trying-convince-you-bernie-cant-win

Think the US Leads on Women’s Rights?  UN Experts Say Think Again

Deirdre Fulton, Common Dreams

http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/12/15/think-us-leads-womens-rights-un-experts-say-think-again

‘See Something, Shoot Something’: Larry Wilmore Points Out the Lunacy of America’s Gun Culture

Kali Halloway, AlterNet

http://www.alternet.org/media/guns-and-america-larry-wilmore-points-out-lunacy-americas-gun-culture?akid=13782.9992.NuvpMK&rd=1&src=newsletter1047420&t=10

Vegan Mac & Cheese

 Ingredients

1 pound of macaroni or rotini

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

2/3 cup diced white onions

2 ½ cups water

2/3 cup canola oil

1/3 cup raw cashews

1/3 cup raw macadamia nuts

2 teaspoons fine sea salt

2 garlic cloves, chopped

¼ teaspoon dry mustard

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup unseasoned bread crumbs, optional

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare the pasta according to the package directions.  Drain and set aside.  While the pasta is cooking; combine the potatoes, onions, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.  [The smaller you cut them, the less time it will take.]  Put the canola oil, cashews, macadamia nuts, salt, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, and the vegetables and their cooking water into a blender and process until completely smooth.  Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until completely coated.  Transfer to a lightly oiled 3-quart casserole dish or place 6 lightly oiled 6-ounce ramekins on a baking sheet and divide the mixture evenly among them.  Sprinkle with the bread crumbs, if using.  Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbling.  Enjoy!!

PERSONAL NEWS #249

November 1^st, I watched the annual NYC marathon from my hood.  I cheered on two friends who were running for first time in it.  Carla finished in 4:57 hours and Michelle finished in 6:36 hours.  Bravo ladies!!

November 2^nd, I got a much needed pedicure after work and my feet feel good.  It was 2 months since my last pedicure and I was overdue.

November 4^th, I had an appt with Dr Richheimer after work to do a follow-up check-up, plus take care of office “Leave Mgmt” paperwork for my health condition.

November 6^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

November 7^th, I volunteered with BFP in tabling at Fort Greene farmers market to get signatures on a petition to Congress, plus hand out flyers.  Afterwards did some shopping at their delightful farmers market before heading back to my hood for a much needed manicure.  As well as a delicious, vegan lunch at The Jungle Café.

November 11^th, I did volunteer work for WCW at their main office on computer updates.

This evening, November 12^th, is the big event for BFP this year, and our “Pathmakers to Peace” was to honor Amy Goodman of Democracy Now. 

November 13^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

November 14^th, after Dana cleaned my apt, I head into Manhattan to start holiday gift shopping and also supplies from bead shops.  Then back to my hood for an early vegan dinner at The Jungle Café.

November 16^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

November 17^th, I attended the monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting at Matt’s home.  Topic was on the recent terrorist events in Paris and Beirut.

November 19^th, I participated with others at work in the ESS Entrepreneur Pre-Holiday event.  Sold my bead style earrings and made about $95 in sales.

November 20^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

November 21^st, I met up with my friend Yvette in Manhattan for a fun afternoon to strolling the Highline, late brunch at Bus Stop café in the West Village and then shopping at the Bryant Park holiday bazaar.

November 23^rd, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

November 26^th, I volunteered with Project Find to bring hot Turkey Day meals and goodie bags to senior citizens around Manhattan.

November 27^th to 29^th, I visited with my parents in upstate NY for the holiday weekend.

November 30^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt in the evening.

 Chillin up on the Highline

Saturday, Nov 21st

with Yvette

 Duchess with John O'Connor at the Brooklyn for Peace 3rd annual "Pathmakers to Peace" event honoring Amy Goodman. Great evening and held at the historic Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights on Nov 12th.

PERSONAL NEWS #248

October 1^st, season three premiere episode of Sleepy Hollow on TV.

October 3^rd, I went to the farmers market in my hood with my friend Gail and got lots of goodies.

October 4^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

October 6^th, I participated in the BFP A&C committee conference call this evening.

October 7^th, I participated at work in assisting with the ITC conference.

October 8^th, I attended the monthly BFP board meeting, and afterwards headed home by taxi to watch episode 2 of Sleepy Hollow on TV.

October 10^th, after Dana cleaned my apt, I had numerous errands to do around the hood, plus did some photography.

October 11^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

October 13^th, I joined Wendy and Claudia in seeing the extended edition of “The Hobbit – Battle of the Five Armies” in the cinema after work.  It was great seeing it on the big screen.

October 15^th, started out with me going for acupuncture treatment during lunch.  I was not feeling well and the treatment helped a lot.  Then around 5pm at work many of us got to meet Ray Knight of the 1986 NY Mets World Series champs.  After work I headed to the RailLine diner for the monthly “NYC Friends of Tolkien” meetup.  Topic of discussion was on writer and Inkling member, Charles Williams.  And finally jumped in a taxi to head home and watch episode 3 of the new Sleepy Hollow season.

October 17^th, started out the day with a much needed chiropractor appt in the morning.  I then celebrated my birthday by hanging out with my friend Dennis at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Prospect Park and then dinner at The Jungle Café in my hood.  Weather was sunny, but very chilly, and ran into my friend Debbie near Grand Army Plaza.

October 18^th, met up with Debbie and her hubby Larry at RoseWater Café for a delicious brunch.  Afterwards, Debbie and I strolled along parts of Park Slope to check out shops.  I got home in time for my private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

October 19^th, I met up with my friend Deanna for delicious, enjoyable dinner after work.  We went to a Thai place on 14^th Street between 5^th and 6^th Avenue.

October 20^th, I had lunch with my friend Anni at the office.  After work I participated in the Brooklyn for Peace, Arts & Culture committee, happy hour event at The Brazen Head pub on Atlantic Avenue.  We had a nice turnout of 25 people and will be holding these “events” on a quarterly basis.

October 22^nd, I stopped by the theater to see Wendy and pick up the Steampunk vest she created for me.  Then home to watch episode 4 of Sleepy Hollow on the telly.

October 23^rd, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

October 24^th, I had brunch with Dennis in Park Slope before heading over to Grand Army Plaza to assist BFP with UNICEF project.  Afterwards, I joined Dennis in a leisurely drive through Greenwood cemetery to engage in photo adventures.  It was so sad to see that many of the trees / leaves haven’t changed into their autumn colors.  Back at my hood I went and got a much needed manicure.

October 25^th, I participated in a beginner’s workshop for Crocheting.  It was fun, interesting and informative.

October 30^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

October 31^st, I joined friends of mine in Manhattan for dinner and attending the wildly outrageous annual NYC Halloween parade.  Fun evening  J

Latest in the News

Campaigners Bid Harper Adieu While Vowing to Hold Liberals Accountable

http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/10/20/campaigners-bid-harper-adieu-while-vowing-hold-liberals-accountable

‘We Are Not Ashamed’ – How Abortion Providers are Pushing Back Against Stigma and Intimidation

Sarah Lazare, Common Dreams

http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/10/20/we-are-not-ashamed-how-abortion-providers-are-pushing-back-against-stigma-and

 Different Views

of October in NYC

and Brooklyn

 Celebrating my 57th Birthday

with a visit to Brooklyn Botanical Garden

and Prospect Park with Friends

 October Views - So Far

Here at work today [Oct 15th] ... me and others got to meet Ray Knight of the NY Mets. He scored the winning home run that got the 1986 team the World Series. Got some autographs and that is my NY Mets knitting bag in front of us.

NY Mets beat the LA Dodgers

Heading to NLCS against the Chicago Cubs

 Samples from the

Sept Photo Challenge

 Assorted Blooms

at the

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Sept 2015

 Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Annual Chili Pepper Festival

Sept 26th

PERSONAL NEWS #247

Sept 1^st to 7^th … I was on vacation and visited Salem MA, Sherman ME and the parents homestead in upstate NY.  Put in a lot of driving mileage during that time frame.  Also, I celebrated my Dad’s 80^th birthday with a surprise party.  Weather was warm, with many humid days, the whole time and no rain.

Sept 8^th, I had a much needed manicure after work  J

Sept 10^th, I attended the monthly BFP board meeting, and afterwards there was a “going away” party for one of the members, as he’s moving to Arizona.

Sept 11^th, I had a much needed chiropractic treatment after work.

Sept 12^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

Sept 14^th, I stopped by The Brazen Head pub on Atlantic Avenue to assess the scene for a future BFP A&C “happy hour” event.

Sept 15^th, I attended the productive and informative monthly BFP A&C committee meeting.

Sept 16^th, I had another much needed chiropractor treatment after work.

Sept 17^th, I stopped by a Bernie Sanders for President location in midtown Manhattan after work to update my voter ID from Green Party to Democrat Party.  So that I may vote for the senator during the upcoming presidential primaries.  Afterwards I headed down to Union Square and purchased some DVDs from Best Buy.

Sept 18^th, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

Sept 19^th, I met up with my friend Judith to see the film “Learning to Drive”, which was excellent, and afterwards we had lunch at Nanoosh on Broadway near West 70^th Street.  Later on I headed down to Chinatown for much needed acupuncture treatment at Dr Tan’s office.

Sept 22^nd, I had my first appt with NYU Dentistry on First Avenue in Manhattan.

Sept 25^th, I participated with other EY volunteers at the EY Connect Day at the Food Bank in Hunts Point.  Later that evening I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at the apt.

Sept 26^th, I joined my friend Debbie in attending the annual Chili Pepper Festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.  It was a lot of fun and I got lots of photos of flowers.

Sept 27^th, I volunteered with other BFP members at our table during the Atlantic Antic street festival.

Sept 29^th, I participated at the annual EY FallFest for Diabetes at the office.  I was one of the vendors tabling and selling my “C of B Design” bead style earrings.

Sept 30^th, I had my second appt with the NYC Dentistry for gum work and a cleaning.  I learned that I will have to see a different dept at NYU Dentistry for lots of work to be completed on my teeth.  I need to sign up with CareCredit, as it’ll cost abit, and not sure if they will “take” my office dental insurance.

Remembering Sept 11, 2001

 Back in January 2001 I started working for E&Y as “Office Mgr” in their downtown office on Broad Street.  That office was roughly 6 to 7 blocks southeast of the South Tower [WTC].  Our office on Broad Street was only a stone’s throw away from NY Stock Exchange. Yeah ... we were close to "ground zero". From our 25th floor windows we could only see the South Tower and the North Tower was hidden behind it. Below are my recollections of that day, which I posted on my “Duchess Journal” for the 1^st anniversary since that horrible day.

That day started out just like any other for me. I had to be at the office by 8:15am to let in the caterer. As there was an all-day meeting being held in our large conference room ... the breakfast buffet needed to be ready by 8:30am. People started arriving for the meeting between 8:30am and 8:55am. A few made comments that they'd heard talk of a "bomb" going off at WTC. At the time we thought nothing of it. Don't think we're heartless, because we're not, I guess New Yorkers are immune to some things, but not all.

Sometime around 9am we heard a huge explosion and then our building shook. I kid you not! Felt like an earthquake. We all jumped up from what we'd been doing and raced to the windows. Looking out the northern end of our floor and upward we couldn't believe our eyes. A huge, gaping hole in the south tower with smoke, debris and fire coming out of it. Debris was flying everywhere ... even around our building. Bits of papers, fax sheets, reports, etc. Unbelieveable!! I went back to my desk and called my Mom right away. Once I got her on the phone I said I was okay, but to turn on the telly to find out what’s going on. She related to me that it was two commercial airlines and not a bomb. We talked for abit and I said I'd call her later for an update. Then everyone went back to work. Yep, you heard me, back to work and the meeting. I made other phone calls, especially to my friend and ex co-worker Anni; her office is across the street from South Tower. At 9:15am her office was evacuating and I prayed she'd get away from the scene okay.

My boss, Ron G, showed up at office five minutes before South Tower collapsed. Said the action out on the streets was insane and out of a movie. Unreal, but not, yah know? Before Ron showed up, four of my co-workers made it back. Amen! They'd been in south tower at a meeting on 80th floor when plane hit north tower. They'd gotten down the stairs to 30th floor when second plane hit their tower. I was so happy to see them back at office. Gave them bottles of water and the first aid kit. When the south tower collapsed it sounded like another explosion and our building shook again! We ran to the north side windows and couldn't believe what we saw. We were all freaking out at that point. Even though our windows were closed, we could still hear the screams of people on the street below as they ran in terror. The clouds of grey, black and brown smoke/ash were moving with force over buildings and down streets. Next thing we knew our whole building is covered in the stuff. It got dark and you couldn't see out at all. My poor nerves were really jumping at this point. Then building management came over the PA system and told everyone to go down to the lowest level for shelter. Which we did ... after making a few quick calls ... one of which was to Mom. I went down the elevator with Ron and two other co-workers [Joe & Igor]. We stayed downstairs in a kind of fallout shelter until 11:45am. Some people were able to get their laptops running and access to the Internet. Slowly we were getting bits of info on what the hell was going on that morning and it wasn't a pretty picture. I mostly hung out with Ron, Joe and Igor or checked out news on people’s laptops. We were finally allowed back up to our offices, but management told us that if we left the building, they wouldn't let us back in. Yeah, like we want to stick around here. NOT!

Ron told the three of us to collect our things, make a few phone calls and then we'd hoof it out at 12 noon. I called Mom to tell her I was okay and about to head home. She sounded very upset over the phone and I couldn't blame her. She said the news and film footage on the telly was horrible. Mom had to take half a valium just to calm her nerves. Before we left the office, which was deserted except for us four, we grabbed bottles of water and small damp towels. We headed out the back of the building where we were met by paramedics handing out surgical masks. Amen! What a sight to meet our eyes out on those streets. It was like being in a city after a war. Everything was covered in that nasty soot, debris everywhere, abandoned cars & stores, as well as people like us walking east. Away from the disaster and horror. Unfortunately I was wearing clogs that day on my feet and boy did my feet/legs suffer. To this day I still suffer occasionally from shin splints. Ron and Joe walked ahead of Igor and me. Sometimes we talked, but mostly we looked around in disbelief. It was like a mass exodus! By the time we got to the Brooklyn Bridge it was closed off to pedestrians. So we walked past and further north to next one, which was Manhattan Bridge. By the time we reached that bridge the air was clear and we took off the surgical masks. As we crossed the bridge we looked back south ... it seemed so surreal ... like it was a Spielberg film and the credits would roll any minute now. But it wasn't a film; it was all too real and frightening. One thing I was thankful for ... it was a nice, sunny day. I didn't give a damn if I got sunburnt or not. When we reached Brooklyn our first priority was bathrooms and then subways. At the subways [only in Brooklyn, Queens & Bronx were running not in Manhattan] I said goodbye to my co-workers and we all wished each other a safe journey to our respective homes. Ron, Igor and I live in Brooklyn, but poor Joe had to get back to the New Jersey shore. He stayed at Ron's place that night and got transport the next day. As for me ... it took two subways for me to get back to Greenpoint.

Arrived into my neighborhood at 3pm and walked to my friend Larry's place. Wasn't sure if my phone or telly would be working, but somehow knew Larry’s would be. I called Mom from Larry's place while watching the events of the day unfolding on the telly. Couldn't believe what I was seeing, so upsetting and I kept on saying "OH MY GOD". On top of all that I was exhausted emotionally and physically. Once I got to my apartment I found that I could use my computer, phone and only got Channel 2 on the telly. I returned phone calls to family and friends who were concerned. Plus returned emails to many wonderful e-pals who were also concerned about me. I thank you all for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Made me feel soooo good and blessed. Didn't know work was closed the next day, but I still trekked into our midtown office. While there I made phone calls and found out that Anni was alright but had suffered a bad asthma attack. From there I went to get a manicure and then had lunch with a friend in Brooklyn. Yep, the subways were running once again in Manhattan. On Thursday I went back to E&Ys midtown office to help out, sort of like doing temp work. Then my Administrative Manager gave me Friday off as "excused leave" and the following week I enjoyed my vacation time down in Cape May, NJ. By the time I came back to work the downtown area was open [relatively speaking] and it was business as usual at E&Y.

Overall I thought I was fine, but for several months following 9/11, I suffered from strange dreams and nightmares, plus bouts of depression. One heard many different stories from friends and co-workers.  On the day of the one-year anniversary I took a vacation day from work, as did many staff in our downtown office. Since May 2002 my telly died, so I listened to the ceremonies on the radio [1010 WINS]. And like last year, I went and got a manicure. I think the professionals would call it ... getting on with life. It’s not easy, but with every day we do better and better. Though the war with terrorism isn't over yet and probably never will be.

NOTE:  Since writing that piece back in Sept 2002, I’ve developed “lung issues” and all due to 9/11.  Since 2003 my lung situation “appeared” and was finally diagnosed in 2005 with Asthma and Bronchiectasis.  I’ve occasionally been on meds, and inhalers, to keep the lungs working and stabilized, so that these conditions do not progress further.  I was very ill in January 2006 with Bronchitis, hospitalized briefly in August 2008 with Hemoptysis, plus walking Pneumonia and then again in January / December 2011 with Pneumonia. Plus, I’ve visited ER on several occasions for lung condition issues.  Today I am doing well and stable, plus visit my lung doctor on a regular basis. In December 2011 I started seeing an Acupuncturist and that has made a difference in my overall health.  Thoughts and prayers go out to the families who’ve lost loved ones back in 2001, and to those whose health issues have been greatly affected by 9/11/01.  Every day I strive for peace, non violent communication/action, answers to questions and working with others as an activist.  All this stems from what happened on 9/11/01 and since then.  Be well and be peace………………….

 Visited with Friends

in Salem, MA

on August 31st

[Dinner at Hawthorne Hotel, Marina & Arcade]

 Visited Woodlawn Cemetery

with my friend Margaret K

on August 30th