A SPRINKLING OF LIBERAL SEASONS GREETINGS
Christmas Has Not Been Stolen
Mary Shaw, AlterNet
It only takes one look at tinseled-out storefronts to see that Christmas is alive and thriving.
http://www.alternet.org/stories/45536/
Neo-Cons Wanted Israel to Attack Syria
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1219-04.htm
Walk for Change: January 3rd and 4th in Washington DC
Walk the halls of Congress with Gold Star Families for Peace, led by Cindy Sheehan. Let's tell the members of the 110th congress what is expected of them from Day 1: an immediate exit strategy from Iraq. We will insist that all funding for the war stop immediately and money in the pipeline be spent to rebuild Iraq. We will insist that hearings begin immediately into BushCo's crimes against humanity and the lies he told to the American people. We will demand IMPEACHMENT. Learn more, sign up, find a ride, find a room: http://tinyurl.com/y6zh5l
Wake Up, Employers: Working Moms Are Giving Up
Courtney Martin, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/stories/45557/
Blair Failed to Influence Bush, Caught in Iraq 'Mistake': Think-Tank
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1219-01.htm
Iraq: More Hellish Now Than Under Saddam
Anthony Arnove, AlterNet
Each day the occupation continues, life gets worse for most Iraqis. Yet the U.S. still won't admit to failure.
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/45699/
On Receiving the 2006 Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award
Sean Penn
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1219-25.htm
Vermont Woman Is an Unlikely Peace Activist
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1218-02.htm
Contraception Saves Money and Marriages
Cristina Page, TomPaine.com
Family planning has led to seismic change in our society, but not the kind of change the religious right would have you believe.
http://www.alternet.org/sex/45725/
With Democrats in Control, Yucca Project May Be Doomed
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1218-04.htm
Military Escalation: Bush Can't Kick The Habit
Robert Scheer, Truthdig
The Bush Administration is hooked on the drug of military might, with Gates calling for sending more troops to a war we can't win.
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/45764/
Government Abuses Hurricane Victims
Ann McFeatters
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1220-32.htm
Monday, December 18, 2006
PERSONAL NEWS #110
November 3rd through 5th I visited my friends Nancie and Tim down in VA. I took November 3rd off from work so I could extend the weekend and utilize a less expensive Amtrak to DC. Met up with Nancie at Union Station in DC and we drove back to her home in VA. Tim was still at the house and finishing up his packing for a weekend retreat with his church. After a nice, chatty lunch Tim took off for retreat; Nancie and I headed back into DC for an event at NPR radio station. Nancie is a graduate of University of MA and they had an event for alumni at NPR. Neither of us had ever visited NPR and along with others, was given a tour of the DC radio station. This, I might add, was really fascinating. There was socializing, refreshments, speeches and the event wrapped up with a one hour entertainment by folk singer Catie Curtis. She did songs from her new CD called “Long Night Moon” and it was pretty good. Afterwards Nancie and I had dinner at a nice restaurant back in VA, and then back at the house we utilized the Jacuzzi hot tub. Felt good, as the weather had turned abit chilly. Next day we did errands in the morning. After a lite lunch we went to get one hour body massages that turned into 1 ½ hours for same fee. Nancie knew the establishment, so we got a good deal. More shopping afterwards at places like Cosco and Target, then a delicious meal of pumpkin pancakes at IHOP. Headed back to Nancie’s home to change into comfy fun clothes and went to a dance social nearby. Was introduced to Nancie’s dance class friends [ie: Meg, Ann & Adam] from the Arthur Murray studios. Adam is their dance instructor and I enjoyed dancing the Rumba with him after the one hour dance class. Such a nice, charming, good looking young man and very popular with the ladies. [I like dancing and wouldn’t mind taking classes one day as a monthly thing. Good exercise, music & nice people.] During the course of the evening I danced with several other gents, one of which was Larry, a congenial dance instructor. Nancie and I utilized the hot tub again then off to bed by 12:30am. On Sunday we slept late before heading to our lunch/afternoon tea reservation at the British Pantry Café. This was my second visit to this charming establishment and their food/service is terrific. Next to the café they have a gift shop with all sorts of British goodies. I love this place. Afterwards we drove west to Middleburg and looked around the many shops. Such a charming town, though the shops are abit overpriced. We had lunch here 2 years ago at the Red Fox Inn, which I just loved. Then it was back in the car and driving east towards DC. Where I caught the 5:20pm Amtrak back to NYC.
[DUCHESS NOTE - Just an FYI, every few weeks or so I update the links in column to the left. These reflect old and new interests online and in real time. Check them out today. . . .]
November 7th was Election Day in the US and I placed my votes in the morning before going to the office. That evening I participated in the monthly National DoP conference call. Lynn McMullen hosted again and the topics of discussion were on … city councils, Barack Obama, student peace alliance groups, recent Peace Summit in Georgetown, media and election. Guest speaker that evening was Marshall Thompson, who is a military journalist and lives in Utah. These conference calls are always fascinating and inspiring.
Friday, November 10th, participated in a NYDoP conference call regarding the upcoming press conference with City Councilmember Mendez for DoP resolution. The call was informative and productive. My assignment was to fax the “save the date announcement” to a large media list.
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!
On Sunday, November 12th, attended Reflection Day with other NYDoP core team members. It was held at the Hope Martin studios in Manhattan. I brought my usual homemade goodies of brownies and chocolate chip cookies. Others brought so many different types of yummy goodies to nosh on over the four hour span. Upon entering the studio Kevin’s adorable daughter Evie came over to give me a hug. She is a delightful child with many smiles and enthusiasm. Lots of meeting, greetings, hugs and setting up before the “reflection” segment started, which was beautifully moderated by Dian Killian. [I spoke with Dian briefly about my need for anger management, nonviolent communicating skills and some counseling. I want to work on making me a better person and over last 3 years been striving in that direction. It’s not easy. Dian totally understood and suggested options etc.] New person to the team is a friend of Carol’s who’s name is Howard. Very nice man who sat next to me and Priscilla was on the other side. Several others and I originally misunderstood the concept of “Reflection Day”, but basically it was to discuss our September Gandhi event and how we feel about DoP, plus peace movement in general. Marni showed up with her 3 month old son Brandon and he is so adorable, plus behaved very well. Marni looked great and one wouldn’t know she’d been preggers. The last hour or so of the “Reflection Day” was abit tense with some issues brought up by a few core team members. I totally understood were Norma was coming from and had many similar concerns. Dian handled the situation beautifully and we all agreed to work on this situation with concerns at a later date. Possibly some time in January, as it’s an important hurdle to clear before we move on with our NYDoP organization. Overall it was a most interesting afternoon.
Wednesday, November 15th, I went out to lunch with Lisa Watkeys from our E&Y office in Baltimore, MD. She was up in NYC for the week working on training, meetings, etc. Lisa and I had worked together since my days at the E&Y office down on Broad Street. We’d never met; but kept up conversations [ie: work & other] via phone, email and the office Sametime system. It was great to finally meet and engage in news/gossip over a tasty lunch at Appleby’s on 42nd Street. She’s doing pretty good and sounds like she has a wonderful relationship with her boyfriend. I’m very happy for her, though a wee bit envious.
Thursday, November 16th, I participated in the monthly NYDoP core team meeting. Those in attendance for this meeting were … Joe, Charlene, Dawn, Kevin, Liz, Carol, Marianne and Eileen. [Karen joined us after the meeting to discuss the recent “situation” from Reflection Day and Priscilla was down the hall at Dian’s NVC training.] After greetings, hugs, and noshing on some goodies, we observed a few minutes of meditative silence. Kevin introducing Linda Ruocco as a visiting guest from Brooklyn Peace circles and everyone welcomed her warmly. Before heading into our monthly meeting; we took time to quickly assemble the year-end, holiday fundraiser cards. On the outside of the card is a replica of a beautiful angelic oil painting done by Carol and inside is full of all the wonderful works accomplished by DoP/NYDoP. The meeting itself was productive and interesting. Afterwards, only the board members stayed and spent an hour discussing the “reflection day” situation. We made some progress, but knew it would overall take time to resolve. Another “reflection day” would be needed in January, with Dian’s help and all core team members, to give voice to the issues and fully resolve concerns.
On November 17th I participated in another NYDoP conference call regarding the upcoming press conference [Nov 29th] with City Councilmember Mendez for DoP resolution. The call was informative and productive. My assignment was to fax the “press release” to a large media list.
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE … Lets Fix Democracy in This Country First
Saturday, November 18th, I headed up to Yonkers to do volunteer work at the ferret shelter. It had been a few months since my last visit to Yonkers and it was great seeing Joanne again. She had quite a few ferrets this time around and I groomed at least 20 furry wee ones. I had brought up an old, smelly pair of sneakers [without the laces] for the furkids to play. Not all of the ferrets found the sneakers of interest, but those that did tried to tunnel into them. It was quite amusing to observe with their furry tails and butts poking out. Joanne had purchased some new treats for the wee ones, so I made the rounds of all the cages with nibblers. Most of the ferrets just loved them. The happy, expectant look on their cute little faces was so sweet. They get so excited and bounce around the floor or cages when they hear me shake the treat box. It is so adorable.
Letter of the day: Forget Obama -- Kucinich is the man
http://www.startribune.com/563/v-print/story/879123.html
The day after Dennis Kucinich, the foremost peace politician in this country, announced his candidacy for the presidency, the Star Tribune gave a half page spread to Barack Obama ("Is America Ready for Barack Obama?" Dec. 13). Obama, who has little experience, voted to continue funding for George W. Bush's chaos in Iraq and to allow the president to ignore international law and torture human beings. Didn't the last election turn on Iraq and on disenchantment with Bush? I'd rather the Star Tribune do serious journalism and ask: "Is America Ready for Dennis Kucinich?" Kucinich, above all others, has stood up to President Bush and his mad policies every time, even when he was standing nearly alone. I believe America finally is ready for this prophetic leader who has been proven to be right on every issue America and the world face.
PAUL ROZYCKI, MINNEAPOLIS
©2006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved
Press Release: Kucinich Warns Against Escalation
December 16, 2006
http://www.kucinich.us/node/1032
Kucinich Tries Again
John Nichols, The Nation
http://www.thenation.com/docprint.mhtml?i=20070101&s=nichols
[DUCHESS NOTE - Many thanks to Linda Z and Ellen J in sharing all these terrific articles on DJK and his 2008 presidential campaign. Rock the house DJK!]
BEAN'S DREAM PITCH DELIGHT
Graham Walker, Sheffield Today
http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=1936310
Vermont Woman Is An Unlikely Peace Activist
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1218-02.htm
November 3rd through 5th I visited my friends Nancie and Tim down in VA. I took November 3rd off from work so I could extend the weekend and utilize a less expensive Amtrak to DC. Met up with Nancie at Union Station in DC and we drove back to her home in VA. Tim was still at the house and finishing up his packing for a weekend retreat with his church. After a nice, chatty lunch Tim took off for retreat; Nancie and I headed back into DC for an event at NPR radio station. Nancie is a graduate of University of MA and they had an event for alumni at NPR. Neither of us had ever visited NPR and along with others, was given a tour of the DC radio station. This, I might add, was really fascinating. There was socializing, refreshments, speeches and the event wrapped up with a one hour entertainment by folk singer Catie Curtis. She did songs from her new CD called “Long Night Moon” and it was pretty good. Afterwards Nancie and I had dinner at a nice restaurant back in VA, and then back at the house we utilized the Jacuzzi hot tub. Felt good, as the weather had turned abit chilly. Next day we did errands in the morning. After a lite lunch we went to get one hour body massages that turned into 1 ½ hours for same fee. Nancie knew the establishment, so we got a good deal. More shopping afterwards at places like Cosco and Target, then a delicious meal of pumpkin pancakes at IHOP. Headed back to Nancie’s home to change into comfy fun clothes and went to a dance social nearby. Was introduced to Nancie’s dance class friends [ie: Meg, Ann & Adam] from the Arthur Murray studios. Adam is their dance instructor and I enjoyed dancing the Rumba with him after the one hour dance class. Such a nice, charming, good looking young man and very popular with the ladies. [I like dancing and wouldn’t mind taking classes one day as a monthly thing. Good exercise, music & nice people.] During the course of the evening I danced with several other gents, one of which was Larry, a congenial dance instructor. Nancie and I utilized the hot tub again then off to bed by 12:30am. On Sunday we slept late before heading to our lunch/afternoon tea reservation at the British Pantry Café. This was my second visit to this charming establishment and their food/service is terrific. Next to the café they have a gift shop with all sorts of British goodies. I love this place. Afterwards we drove west to Middleburg and looked around the many shops. Such a charming town, though the shops are abit overpriced. We had lunch here 2 years ago at the Red Fox Inn, which I just loved. Then it was back in the car and driving east towards DC. Where I caught the 5:20pm Amtrak back to NYC.
[DUCHESS NOTE - Just an FYI, every few weeks or so I update the links in column to the left. These reflect old and new interests online and in real time. Check them out today. . . .]
November 7th was Election Day in the US and I placed my votes in the morning before going to the office. That evening I participated in the monthly National DoP conference call. Lynn McMullen hosted again and the topics of discussion were on … city councils, Barack Obama, student peace alliance groups, recent Peace Summit in Georgetown, media and election. Guest speaker that evening was Marshall Thompson, who is a military journalist and lives in Utah. These conference calls are always fascinating and inspiring.
Friday, November 10th, participated in a NYDoP conference call regarding the upcoming press conference with City Councilmember Mendez for DoP resolution. The call was informative and productive. My assignment was to fax the “save the date announcement” to a large media list.
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!
On Sunday, November 12th, attended Reflection Day with other NYDoP core team members. It was held at the Hope Martin studios in Manhattan. I brought my usual homemade goodies of brownies and chocolate chip cookies. Others brought so many different types of yummy goodies to nosh on over the four hour span. Upon entering the studio Kevin’s adorable daughter Evie came over to give me a hug. She is a delightful child with many smiles and enthusiasm. Lots of meeting, greetings, hugs and setting up before the “reflection” segment started, which was beautifully moderated by Dian Killian. [I spoke with Dian briefly about my need for anger management, nonviolent communicating skills and some counseling. I want to work on making me a better person and over last 3 years been striving in that direction. It’s not easy. Dian totally understood and suggested options etc.] New person to the team is a friend of Carol’s who’s name is Howard. Very nice man who sat next to me and Priscilla was on the other side. Several others and I originally misunderstood the concept of “Reflection Day”, but basically it was to discuss our September Gandhi event and how we feel about DoP, plus peace movement in general. Marni showed up with her 3 month old son Brandon and he is so adorable, plus behaved very well. Marni looked great and one wouldn’t know she’d been preggers. The last hour or so of the “Reflection Day” was abit tense with some issues brought up by a few core team members. I totally understood were Norma was coming from and had many similar concerns. Dian handled the situation beautifully and we all agreed to work on this situation with concerns at a later date. Possibly some time in January, as it’s an important hurdle to clear before we move on with our NYDoP organization. Overall it was a most interesting afternoon.
Wednesday, November 15th, I went out to lunch with Lisa Watkeys from our E&Y office in Baltimore, MD. She was up in NYC for the week working on training, meetings, etc. Lisa and I had worked together since my days at the E&Y office down on Broad Street. We’d never met; but kept up conversations [ie: work & other] via phone, email and the office Sametime system. It was great to finally meet and engage in news/gossip over a tasty lunch at Appleby’s on 42nd Street. She’s doing pretty good and sounds like she has a wonderful relationship with her boyfriend. I’m very happy for her, though a wee bit envious.
Thursday, November 16th, I participated in the monthly NYDoP core team meeting. Those in attendance for this meeting were … Joe, Charlene, Dawn, Kevin, Liz, Carol, Marianne and Eileen. [Karen joined us after the meeting to discuss the recent “situation” from Reflection Day and Priscilla was down the hall at Dian’s NVC training.] After greetings, hugs, and noshing on some goodies, we observed a few minutes of meditative silence. Kevin introducing Linda Ruocco as a visiting guest from Brooklyn Peace circles and everyone welcomed her warmly. Before heading into our monthly meeting; we took time to quickly assemble the year-end, holiday fundraiser cards. On the outside of the card is a replica of a beautiful angelic oil painting done by Carol and inside is full of all the wonderful works accomplished by DoP/NYDoP. The meeting itself was productive and interesting. Afterwards, only the board members stayed and spent an hour discussing the “reflection day” situation. We made some progress, but knew it would overall take time to resolve. Another “reflection day” would be needed in January, with Dian’s help and all core team members, to give voice to the issues and fully resolve concerns.
On November 17th I participated in another NYDoP conference call regarding the upcoming press conference [Nov 29th] with City Councilmember Mendez for DoP resolution. The call was informative and productive. My assignment was to fax the “press release” to a large media list.
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE … Lets Fix Democracy in This Country First
Saturday, November 18th, I headed up to Yonkers to do volunteer work at the ferret shelter. It had been a few months since my last visit to Yonkers and it was great seeing Joanne again. She had quite a few ferrets this time around and I groomed at least 20 furry wee ones. I had brought up an old, smelly pair of sneakers [without the laces] for the furkids to play. Not all of the ferrets found the sneakers of interest, but those that did tried to tunnel into them. It was quite amusing to observe with their furry tails and butts poking out. Joanne had purchased some new treats for the wee ones, so I made the rounds of all the cages with nibblers. Most of the ferrets just loved them. The happy, expectant look on their cute little faces was so sweet. They get so excited and bounce around the floor or cages when they hear me shake the treat box. It is so adorable.
Letter of the day: Forget Obama -- Kucinich is the man
http://www.startribune.com/563/v-print/story/879123.html
The day after Dennis Kucinich, the foremost peace politician in this country, announced his candidacy for the presidency, the Star Tribune gave a half page spread to Barack Obama ("Is America Ready for Barack Obama?" Dec. 13). Obama, who has little experience, voted to continue funding for George W. Bush's chaos in Iraq and to allow the president to ignore international law and torture human beings. Didn't the last election turn on Iraq and on disenchantment with Bush? I'd rather the Star Tribune do serious journalism and ask: "Is America Ready for Dennis Kucinich?" Kucinich, above all others, has stood up to President Bush and his mad policies every time, even when he was standing nearly alone. I believe America finally is ready for this prophetic leader who has been proven to be right on every issue America and the world face.
PAUL ROZYCKI, MINNEAPOLIS
©2006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved
Press Release: Kucinich Warns Against Escalation
December 16, 2006
http://www.kucinich.us/node/1032
Kucinich Tries Again
John Nichols, The Nation
http://www.thenation.com/docprint.mhtml?i=20070101&s=nichols
[DUCHESS NOTE - Many thanks to Linda Z and Ellen J in sharing all these terrific articles on DJK and his 2008 presidential campaign. Rock the house DJK!]
BEAN'S DREAM PITCH DELIGHT
Graham Walker, Sheffield Today
http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=1936310
Vermont Woman Is An Unlikely Peace Activist
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1218-02.htm
Friday, December 15, 2006
THE CHARGE OF THE MUNY LIGHT BRIGADE
Joshua Scheer, Truthdig
http://www.truthdig.com/interview/item/20061214_battle_muny_light/
[DUCHESS NOTE: Terrific interview with Congressman Kucinich. His intelligence, dedication, compassion, clarity and integrity come through clearly. He's shown that he cares deeply for his constituents in Ohio. This is the kind of man I'd want to see in the White House. GWB can't even come close. He's nothing but a spoiled rich brat and bully. Make the right choice America for a terrific Democrat candidate in 2008. Go with Kucinich ... fear ends, hope begins.]
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE - Peace Is Patriotic!
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... We must be the change we wish to see in the world Gandhi
Joshua Scheer, Truthdig
http://www.truthdig.com/interview/item/20061214_battle_muny_light/
[DUCHESS NOTE: Terrific interview with Congressman Kucinich. His intelligence, dedication, compassion, clarity and integrity come through clearly. He's shown that he cares deeply for his constituents in Ohio. This is the kind of man I'd want to see in the White House. GWB can't even come close. He's nothing but a spoiled rich brat and bully. Make the right choice America for a terrific Democrat candidate in 2008. Go with Kucinich ... fear ends, hope begins.]
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE - Peace Is Patriotic!
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... We must be the change we wish to see in the world Gandhi
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Democrat Kucinich Launches Second White House Run
CLEVELAND (Reuters) - Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich, an unsuccessful presidential candidate in 2004, launched another long-shot White House run on Tuesday with a call for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Kucinich, one of the most liberal members of Congress and an outspoken war critic, attacked Democratic leaders for supporting funding for the war even after they won control of Congress last month on a wave of anti-war voter sentiment.
"You cannot support funding for the war and claim you are against the war. It's not credible," Kucinich said during a formal announcement of his 2008 presidential candidacy at Cleveland's City Hall. "We must end this march of folly," Kucinich added. "I will do everything I can to end this war and get these kids home as soon as possible." Kucinich, a former Cleveland mayor elected last month to a sixth term in Congress, has consistently voted against funding the Iraq war and led anti-war efforts in Congress.
He once proposed a Cabinet-level Department of Peace and joined five other House Democrats in filing an unsuccessful lawsuit trying to block President George W. Bush from invading Iraq without a formal declaration of war. "Everything I said then has proven to be true," Kucinich said. He said he decided to run for president last week after Democratic leaders in Congress indicated they would support a funding bill for the war next year. "I am not going to stand by and watch thousands more of our brave young men and women killed in Iraq," he said.
Kucinich won fewer than 70 Democratic delegates and no primaries during the 2004 campaign, when he also emphasized his anti-war stance. He stayed in the race long after Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry clinched the nomination and other candidates dropped out. Kucinich is the second Democrat to formally enter the 2008 race along with Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack. Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana has formed an exploratory committee, and several other Democrats led by Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois will announce their plans early next year.
Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter of California also has jumped in the 2008 race. Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Sam Brownback of Kansas, along with former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, have formed exploratory committees. Kucinich said this campaign would be different from 2004, in part because public opposition to the war is broader now. "I fully expect to win," he said. Kucinich, who raised $13 million for his 2004 campaign, has started a Web site and said he expected much of his money to come from small donors on the Internet. "I don't think I'm going to have any trouble raising the money I need," he said.
[DUCHESS NOTE – Not just once, but three times has the legislation for a Dept of Peace been introduced into Congress. In 2005 it was introduced into the Senate. Support around the country is growing for this amazing, worthy legislation. To learn more, go to www.thepeacealliance.org I’ll definitely be volunteering on DJKs 2008 presidential campaign, just like I did back in 2003/2004. Rock the House DJK!]
CLEVELAND (Reuters) - Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich, an unsuccessful presidential candidate in 2004, launched another long-shot White House run on Tuesday with a call for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Kucinich, one of the most liberal members of Congress and an outspoken war critic, attacked Democratic leaders for supporting funding for the war even after they won control of Congress last month on a wave of anti-war voter sentiment.
"You cannot support funding for the war and claim you are against the war. It's not credible," Kucinich said during a formal announcement of his 2008 presidential candidacy at Cleveland's City Hall. "We must end this march of folly," Kucinich added. "I will do everything I can to end this war and get these kids home as soon as possible." Kucinich, a former Cleveland mayor elected last month to a sixth term in Congress, has consistently voted against funding the Iraq war and led anti-war efforts in Congress.
He once proposed a Cabinet-level Department of Peace and joined five other House Democrats in filing an unsuccessful lawsuit trying to block President George W. Bush from invading Iraq without a formal declaration of war. "Everything I said then has proven to be true," Kucinich said. He said he decided to run for president last week after Democratic leaders in Congress indicated they would support a funding bill for the war next year. "I am not going to stand by and watch thousands more of our brave young men and women killed in Iraq," he said.
Kucinich won fewer than 70 Democratic delegates and no primaries during the 2004 campaign, when he also emphasized his anti-war stance. He stayed in the race long after Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry clinched the nomination and other candidates dropped out. Kucinich is the second Democrat to formally enter the 2008 race along with Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack. Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana has formed an exploratory committee, and several other Democrats led by Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois will announce their plans early next year.
Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter of California also has jumped in the 2008 race. Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Sam Brownback of Kansas, along with former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, have formed exploratory committees. Kucinich said this campaign would be different from 2004, in part because public opposition to the war is broader now. "I fully expect to win," he said. Kucinich, who raised $13 million for his 2004 campaign, has started a Web site and said he expected much of his money to come from small donors on the Internet. "I don't think I'm going to have any trouble raising the money I need," he said.
[DUCHESS NOTE – Not just once, but three times has the legislation for a Dept of Peace been introduced into Congress. In 2005 it was introduced into the Senate. Support around the country is growing for this amazing, worthy legislation. To learn more, go to www.thepeacealliance.org I’ll definitely be volunteering on DJKs 2008 presidential campaign, just like I did back in 2003/2004. Rock the House DJK!]
Monday, December 11, 2006
Enlightenment, Spiritual, Peace, Truth & Progressive Book Forum
The list below was compiled by Carol Hillson [NYDoP] from the Dept of Peace State Coordinators List Serve
* 1776 by David McCullough
* American Assassination: The Death of Paul Wellstone - Four Arrows by James H., Ph.D. Fetzer
* American Nonviolence: The History of an Idea by Ira Chernus
* Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. - Martin Luther King Jr. by Clayborne Carson
* Coming Back to Life by Joanna Macy
* Cultures of Peace by Elise Boulding
* Doing Democracy: Dimensions of Social Movements by Bill Moyer
* Don’t Think of an Elephant by George Lakoff
* Eyes on the Prize – Video/DVD (a history of the civil rights movement)
* Gandhi’s Way by Mark Juergensmeyer
* Getting to Peace by William Ury
* Good to Great and the Social Sectors by Jim Collins
* Healing the Soul of America by Marianne Williamson
* Is There No Other Way: Search for a Nonviolent Future by Michael Nagler
* Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin - John D'emilio (the man who proceeded MKL and introduced him to nonviolence)
* Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg
* One From Many by Dee Hock
* Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hahn
* Politics of Hope by Donna Zajong* Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered by E.F. Schumacher
* Soul of a Citizen by Paul Loeb
* Spirit Matters by Michael Lerner
* Spiritual Economics by Eric Butterworth
* Spiritual Politics by Corrine McLaughlin and Gordon Davidson
* The Chalice and the Blade by Riane Eisler
* The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason by Sam Harris
* The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
* The Gender Knot: Unraveling Our Patriarchal Legacy by Allan Johnson
* The Impossible Will Take Some Time by Paul Loeb
* The Powers that Be by Walter Wink
* The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist
* The Trance of Scarcity by Victoria Castle
* Toward a New Psychology of Women by Jean Badur Miller
* Unconquerable World by Jonathon Schell
* United States of Wal-Mart by John Dicker
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE ... Books Not Bombs
OHIO REPRESENTATIVE KUCINICH TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT
Connie Mabin, Associated Press Writer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061211/ap_on_el_pr/kucinich2008
[DUCHESS NOTE - This gal will definitely be doing volunteer work on his 2008 campaign. Just like I did back in 2003/2004. Hurray for DJK!!]
BORN ON THIS DAY in 1781, Sir David Brewster from Scotland, a physicist and inventor of the kaleidoscope
IS 9/11 PARANOIA BAD FOR THE COUNTRY?
Christopher Hayes, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/stories/45340/
The list below was compiled by Carol Hillson [NYDoP] from the Dept of Peace State Coordinators List Serve
* 1776 by David McCullough
* American Assassination: The Death of Paul Wellstone - Four Arrows by James H., Ph.D. Fetzer
* American Nonviolence: The History of an Idea by Ira Chernus
* Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. - Martin Luther King Jr. by Clayborne Carson
* Coming Back to Life by Joanna Macy
* Cultures of Peace by Elise Boulding
* Doing Democracy: Dimensions of Social Movements by Bill Moyer
* Don’t Think of an Elephant by George Lakoff
* Eyes on the Prize – Video/DVD (a history of the civil rights movement)
* Gandhi’s Way by Mark Juergensmeyer
* Getting to Peace by William Ury
* Good to Great and the Social Sectors by Jim Collins
* Healing the Soul of America by Marianne Williamson
* Is There No Other Way: Search for a Nonviolent Future by Michael Nagler
* Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin - John D'emilio (the man who proceeded MKL and introduced him to nonviolence)
* Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg
* One From Many by Dee Hock
* Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hahn
* Politics of Hope by Donna Zajong* Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered by E.F. Schumacher
* Soul of a Citizen by Paul Loeb
* Spirit Matters by Michael Lerner
* Spiritual Economics by Eric Butterworth
* Spiritual Politics by Corrine McLaughlin and Gordon Davidson
* The Chalice and the Blade by Riane Eisler
* The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason by Sam Harris
* The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
* The Gender Knot: Unraveling Our Patriarchal Legacy by Allan Johnson
* The Impossible Will Take Some Time by Paul Loeb
* The Powers that Be by Walter Wink
* The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist
* The Trance of Scarcity by Victoria Castle
* Toward a New Psychology of Women by Jean Badur Miller
* Unconquerable World by Jonathon Schell
* United States of Wal-Mart by John Dicker
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE ... Books Not Bombs
OHIO REPRESENTATIVE KUCINICH TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT
Connie Mabin, Associated Press Writer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061211/ap_on_el_pr/kucinich2008
[DUCHESS NOTE - This gal will definitely be doing volunteer work on his 2008 campaign. Just like I did back in 2003/2004. Hurray for DJK!!]
BORN ON THIS DAY in 1781, Sir David Brewster from Scotland, a physicist and inventor of the kaleidoscope
IS 9/11 PARANOIA BAD FOR THE COUNTRY?
Christopher Hayes, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/stories/45340/
[DUCHESS NOTE – This past weekend I received the below tidbit from Linda in TX. In April 1968, Coretta Scott King delivered the address her late husband was to make. The passage below is from that address.]
Ten Commandments on Vietnam
Thou shalt not believe in a military victory. (applause)
Number two: thou shalt not believe in a political victory. (applause)
Number three: thou shalt not believe that they, the Vietnamese, love us. (applause)
Number four: thou shalt not believe that the Saigon government has the support of the people. (applause)
Number five: thou shalt not believe that the majority of the South Vietnamese look upon the Vietcong as terrorists. (applause)
Number six: thou shalt not believe the figures of killed enemies are killed Americans. (applause)
Number seven: thou shalt not believe that the generals know best. (applause)
Number eight: thou shalt not believe that the enemy's victory means communism. (applause)
Number nine: thou shalt not believe that the world supports the United States. (applause)
Number ten: thou shalt not kill. (long applause)
[DUCHESS NOTE – These “Ten Commandments” from the King address can very much be applied today, just change Vietnam for Iraq.]
McKinney Introduces Bill to Impeach Bush
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/120806Z.shtml
In what was likely her final legislative act in Congress, outgoing Georgia representative Cynthia McKinney announced a bill Friday to impeach President Bush.
Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney Introduces Articles of Impeachment, Faces Vicious Attacks by Media
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/cynthia
Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney has introduced articles of impeachment http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/downloads/mckinneyarticles.pdf against George Bush, Dick Cheney, and Condoleezza Rice. In doing so, she alone has spoken for the 51 percent of Americans who Newsweek says want Bush impeached. Read McKinney's remarks. http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/16230
[DUCHESS NOTE – I’m sending a hearty BRAVO to Congresswoman McKinney in showing courage and doing the right thing. Naturally the heavily controlled right wing media will viciously attack her for pursuing truth and justice. They are sick buggers! I suggest we ALL call or fax the congresswoman’s office, and even your own representatives, to give her support.]
Dennis Kucinich’s Showdown with the Democratic Leadership
http://www.truthdig.com/interview/item/20061206_dennis_kucinichs_showdown/
By Joshua Scheer
STAR SIGNS FOR BLADES
David Doyle, Hillingdon Times [UK]
http://www.hillingdontimes.co.uk/display.var.1065303.0.star_signs_for_blades.php
Ten Commandments on Vietnam
Thou shalt not believe in a military victory. (applause)
Number two: thou shalt not believe in a political victory. (applause)
Number three: thou shalt not believe that they, the Vietnamese, love us. (applause)
Number four: thou shalt not believe that the Saigon government has the support of the people. (applause)
Number five: thou shalt not believe that the majority of the South Vietnamese look upon the Vietcong as terrorists. (applause)
Number six: thou shalt not believe the figures of killed enemies are killed Americans. (applause)
Number seven: thou shalt not believe that the generals know best. (applause)
Number eight: thou shalt not believe that the enemy's victory means communism. (applause)
Number nine: thou shalt not believe that the world supports the United States. (applause)
Number ten: thou shalt not kill. (long applause)
[DUCHESS NOTE – These “Ten Commandments” from the King address can very much be applied today, just change Vietnam for Iraq.]
McKinney Introduces Bill to Impeach Bush
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/120806Z.shtml
In what was likely her final legislative act in Congress, outgoing Georgia representative Cynthia McKinney announced a bill Friday to impeach President Bush.
Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney Introduces Articles of Impeachment, Faces Vicious Attacks by Media
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/cynthia
Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney has introduced articles of impeachment http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/downloads/mckinneyarticles.pdf against George Bush, Dick Cheney, and Condoleezza Rice. In doing so, she alone has spoken for the 51 percent of Americans who Newsweek says want Bush impeached. Read McKinney's remarks. http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/16230
[DUCHESS NOTE – I’m sending a hearty BRAVO to Congresswoman McKinney in showing courage and doing the right thing. Naturally the heavily controlled right wing media will viciously attack her for pursuing truth and justice. They are sick buggers! I suggest we ALL call or fax the congresswoman’s office, and even your own representatives, to give her support.]
Dennis Kucinich’s Showdown with the Democratic Leadership
http://www.truthdig.com/interview/item/20061206_dennis_kucinichs_showdown/
By Joshua Scheer
STAR SIGNS FOR BLADES
David Doyle, Hillingdon Times [UK]
http://www.hillingdontimes.co.uk/display.var.1065303.0.star_signs_for_blades.php
Thursday, December 07, 2006
CONGRESSMAN CALLS FOR CUTOFF OF IRAQ FUNDS
Mike Sheehan, The Raw Story
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Congressman_calls_for_cutoff_of_Iraq_1115.html
EDITORIALS ON THE IRAQ STUDY GROUP REPORT
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/news/editorial/16186146.htm
OUT OF IRAQ OR MORE TROOPS? A DEBATE ON WITHDRAWAL WITH FORMER SENATOR GEORGE McGOVERN, CONGRESSMAN DENNIS KUCINICH & AEI’S JOSHUA MURAVCHIK
Amy Goodman, Democracy Now
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/11/15/1459243
[DUCHESS NOTE - Many thanks to fellow Kucitizen, Linda Z, in TX for sharing these fascinating articles on the current US occupation of Iraq]
BORN ON THIS DAY in 1928, Noam Chomsky, noted linguist & political activist
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE ... WalMart, Your Source For Cheap Plastic Crap
Mike Sheehan, The Raw Story
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Congressman_calls_for_cutoff_of_Iraq_1115.html
EDITORIALS ON THE IRAQ STUDY GROUP REPORT
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/news/editorial/16186146.htm
OUT OF IRAQ OR MORE TROOPS? A DEBATE ON WITHDRAWAL WITH FORMER SENATOR GEORGE McGOVERN, CONGRESSMAN DENNIS KUCINICH & AEI’S JOSHUA MURAVCHIK
Amy Goodman, Democracy Now
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/11/15/1459243
[DUCHESS NOTE - Many thanks to fellow Kucitizen, Linda Z, in TX for sharing these fascinating articles on the current US occupation of Iraq]
BORN ON THIS DAY in 1928, Noam Chomsky, noted linguist & political activist
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE ... WalMart, Your Source For Cheap Plastic Crap
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
THE PROFIT IN PEACE
A Beautiful Poem by Joe Allegro
[Board Member of “New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace”]
In pursuit of peace, my time I do spend,
Phone calls and meetings and faxes to send.
Seeking education to prepare myself for,
Seminars, panels, events and more.
Concerns of my clarity, will I speak well?
At times sadly peace, is such a hard sell.
In the creation of weapons, many are employed,
For short term gains, many are destroyed.
The long term produces global violence and fear,
No place for our children, of this I am clear.
Let us join together, and help them to cope.
Proclaim a new world, through the audacity of hope.
Every child is yours, it matters not which one,
All have the same dreams, be they daughter or son.
To love and be loved, create and give rise,
Humanity’s full potential, is far beyond the skies.
Let us plant the seeds of a world such as this,
With hope and conviction, we surely can’t miss.
Let us cause in our world, violence and fear to cease,
Such is the profit, the profit in peace.
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!
Hearings on Bush Crimes Will Unite Nation
David Swanson Commentary
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0612/S00034.htm
QUOTE OF THE WEEK ... "The simple truth is that the remnants of cluster bombs become de facto land mines. They kill, maim, and wound civilians every day, even long after conflict has ended. In fact, 98 percent of cluster bomb victims are civilians. I believe use of these weapons in or near civilian areas runs counter to our values and counter to the international laws of war." Senator Diane Feinstein [CA] in The Washington Times
NEVER MIND HOLLYWOOD, GIVE ME BRAMALL LANE
Chris Bond, Yorkshire Post
http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=105&ArticleID=1915085
CHANGES GIVE KUCINICH MORE POWER IN HOUSE
Ken Prendergast, Sun News
http://www.sunnews.com/news/2006/part2/1109/ACDENNIS.htm
BORN ON THIS DAY in 1839 was General George Armstrong Custer, a cavalry officer
A Beautiful Poem by Joe Allegro
[Board Member of “New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace”]
In pursuit of peace, my time I do spend,
Phone calls and meetings and faxes to send.
Seeking education to prepare myself for,
Seminars, panels, events and more.
Concerns of my clarity, will I speak well?
At times sadly peace, is such a hard sell.
In the creation of weapons, many are employed,
For short term gains, many are destroyed.
The long term produces global violence and fear,
No place for our children, of this I am clear.
Let us join together, and help them to cope.
Proclaim a new world, through the audacity of hope.
Every child is yours, it matters not which one,
All have the same dreams, be they daughter or son.
To love and be loved, create and give rise,
Humanity’s full potential, is far beyond the skies.
Let us plant the seeds of a world such as this,
With hope and conviction, we surely can’t miss.
Let us cause in our world, violence and fear to cease,
Such is the profit, the profit in peace.
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!
Hearings on Bush Crimes Will Unite Nation
David Swanson Commentary
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0612/S00034.htm
QUOTE OF THE WEEK ... "The simple truth is that the remnants of cluster bombs become de facto land mines. They kill, maim, and wound civilians every day, even long after conflict has ended. In fact, 98 percent of cluster bomb victims are civilians. I believe use of these weapons in or near civilian areas runs counter to our values and counter to the international laws of war." Senator Diane Feinstein [CA] in The Washington Times
NEVER MIND HOLLYWOOD, GIVE ME BRAMALL LANE
Chris Bond, Yorkshire Post
http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=105&ArticleID=1915085
CHANGES GIVE KUCINICH MORE POWER IN HOUSE
Ken Prendergast, Sun News
http://www.sunnews.com/news/2006/part2/1109/ACDENNIS.htm
BORN ON THIS DAY in 1839 was General George Armstrong Custer, a cavalry officer
Monday, December 04, 2006
HEAR YE! HEAR YE! BRINGING YOU THE LATEST IN NEWS
PEOPLE PARTY VS. MONEY PARTY: WHO’S WHO AMONG THE DEMOCRATS
David Sirota, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/45066/
[DUCHESS NOTE: One of the comments made at end of this article said … “It is very clear which direction Hilary Clinton "leans" - she is big money and entrenched power all the way. This woman's loyalty is to herself and no one else. She definitely belongs on the other side.” I so agree with this person’s point of view. Clinton is also pro-war and more Americans are becoming pro-peace. She really doesn’t have a snowballs chance in hell in winning the presidential nomination nor election in 2008. I’m hoping that John Edwards runs again for president. He’s got my vote!]
QUOTE OF THE DAY … Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great Mark Twain
[DUCHESS NOTE: I have some relatives who Mark Twain would definitely consider “small people”]
KEITH OLBERMANN PROVES THAT DISSENT HAS AN AUDIENCE
Daphne Evitar, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/45007/
INDEPENDENT WOMEN CAN CHOOSE TO “DATE DOWN”
Molly Faulkner-Bond, Sirens Magazine
http://www.alternet.org/stories/44775/
BRITS: ABSTINENCE IS A MYTH
London Telegraph
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/45000/
PEOPLE PARTY VS. MONEY PARTY: WHO’S WHO AMONG THE DEMOCRATS
David Sirota, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/45066/
[DUCHESS NOTE: One of the comments made at end of this article said … “It is very clear which direction Hilary Clinton "leans" - she is big money and entrenched power all the way. This woman's loyalty is to herself and no one else. She definitely belongs on the other side.” I so agree with this person’s point of view. Clinton is also pro-war and more Americans are becoming pro-peace. She really doesn’t have a snowballs chance in hell in winning the presidential nomination nor election in 2008. I’m hoping that John Edwards runs again for president. He’s got my vote!]
QUOTE OF THE DAY … Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great Mark Twain
[DUCHESS NOTE: I have some relatives who Mark Twain would definitely consider “small people”]
KEITH OLBERMANN PROVES THAT DISSENT HAS AN AUDIENCE
Daphne Evitar, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/45007/
INDEPENDENT WOMEN CAN CHOOSE TO “DATE DOWN”
Molly Faulkner-Bond, Sirens Magazine
http://www.alternet.org/stories/44775/
BRITS: ABSTINENCE IS A MYTH
London Telegraph
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/45000/
Friday, December 01, 2006
PERSONAL NEWS #109
On Wednesday, October 18th, I took a vacation day to recuperate from the evening before at the Continental Arena and seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I took care of errands around my neighborhood before heading back into Manhattan to meet my ride to the arena. Yep, back out to Continental Arena to do more tabling for DoP and see the RHCPs. Met up with Joe, Rob and Liz to drive out to NJ and met up with Kevin at the arena. This evening we have three tables and more volunteers to help out. We engaged several young volunteers who’ll “connect” with fans who come to the show. [Adrianna and her husband were leaving abit early and they offered me a ride home.] At 6:30pm the doors opened and the fans poured in. I engaged in numerous talks with individuals, got signatures and gave out info. [The warm up band still hadn’t improved & Joe sat there utilizing earplugs.] At one point a nice young man, who was blind, stopped by our table seeking the RHCP merchandise. As Liz and Rob watched out DoP table I took the young man over to the merchandise. We talked about the band and I then explained in detail all the items for sale. He was interested in t-shirts, prices, etc. We finally narrowed it down to a nice, funky black RHCP design t-shirt, which he paid for with a credit card. From there I guided him back to his seat in the handicap section. Only got to hear and view an hour of the RHCP show, but what I did hear was great. Liz told me next day that after I left with Adrianna the band played “Under the Bridge”. Damn! I really like that song. Would love to find some CD bootlegs of the show and especially of the first night, but in the meantime, I’ve been watching some videos via Utube.
Thursday, October 19th, was the FSO Insurance Tax outing up in northern Westchester County to play paintball. [Well, others played paintball; I joined 5 of my co-workers in being observers. Much safer that way and no pain involved. It was an overcast, cool day.] Met up with Dee [car] at a spot in the Bronx off the #2 subway line and it took us an hour to drive to the location on Rt 22. We arrived close to 9:40am and saw several of our colleagues already there drinking coffee, juice and noshing on bagels. After everyone arrived and it was designated who’d participated, then they had to sign waivers and read the rules. Then they geared up in camouflage jumpsuits, put on helmets with visors and loaded up their paintball weapons. And finally the Red and Blue teams were chosen. Angela was captain of the Red Team and me in charge of the Blue Team [seen below].
I thought for sure I had the winning team, but in the long run they lost all but one game. Over the course of 4 hours or so they engaged in 7 to 8 games in several fenced in areas. Those who observed, like me, couldn’t really see them “in action’, but we sure could hear them. Lots of laughing, yelling, raised voices and even some confusion. You could also hear when they were all firing their paintball weapons at once. What a racket! Around 12:30pm or so, we all took a 30 minute break for a pizza lunch and then several more games. Wrapped up the day around 2:45pm and called it quits. Dee and I drove really fast back to the Bronx and I was on the #2 train before 4pm.
I headed down to the E&Y office for an hour before walking over to the monthly two hour NYDoP core team meeting. Those in attendance were Joe, Dawn, Kevin, Liz, Carol, Marianne and Eileen. We covered many topics under reports and old/new business. I even brought up some topics under “new business”, such as creating new items with DoP logo to sell at events/tabling. This idea was warmly received and to be seriously considered, plus brainstorm in early 2007. I also suggested we post on the DoP forum and list serve a “peace related & spiritual reading” section. Even though the suggestion was temporarily shelved, I’ll still go ahead with it and post items on forum/listserve. Carol has already sent suggestions and I have a few of my own. I’ll also post them here for Duchess Blog viewers to view. Any suggestions on peace or spiritual reading material please send me an email. Many thanks!
Sunday, October 22nd, I traveled to Long Island University in central Brooklyn in my friend Cielito’s car and to participate in the 4th annual Brooklyn Peace Fair. Cielito is connected with Share International [as is my friend Linda] and I’m connected with the Dept of Peace campaign. Carol and Liz [plus Rob & their two sons] got there early and found us a primo spot near the doorway. This new location is vastly different from the old location. [The indoor architecture was fascinating and very much 1920s style.] First of all, the people tabling and vendors were in one building and the lectures, music, speakers and other items were across the street in another building. I never did get over there. Hopefully BPFP [Brooklyn Parents for Peace] will iron out the bugs and things will improve for next year. Anyhow, we finished setting up the table and I brought along many of my bead style earrings to sell. [End of day I only sold 7 and made $70, half of which goes to NYDoP.] Checked out the many folks tabling, bought some items, had several fascinating conversations [one chap looked just like late British actor Jeremy Brett] and even had a brief conversation with Congressman Major Owens. Marianne also joined us at the fair. At one point both Marianne and Carol were being interviewed by students from the university. I also ran into some acquaintances that I knew via the Kucinich 2004 campaign and other activism/protest projects. Sort of like being at a mini reunion, but for peace, not ones graduating class.
PEACE QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Human Beings, indeed all sentient beings, have the right to pursue happiness and live in peace and freedom The XIVth Dalai Lama
On Tuesday, October 24th, I took a two hour class at work on how to manage ones personal finances. It was fascinating, informative and hopefully will be useful for my budgeting.
COLORADO COUPLE WIN BATTLE TO KEEP HOLIDAY PEACE WREATH ON HOME
Amy Goodman, Democracy Now on WBAI
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/12/01/1456208
On Wednesday, October 18th, I took a vacation day to recuperate from the evening before at the Continental Arena and seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I took care of errands around my neighborhood before heading back into Manhattan to meet my ride to the arena. Yep, back out to Continental Arena to do more tabling for DoP and see the RHCPs. Met up with Joe, Rob and Liz to drive out to NJ and met up with Kevin at the arena. This evening we have three tables and more volunteers to help out. We engaged several young volunteers who’ll “connect” with fans who come to the show. [Adrianna and her husband were leaving abit early and they offered me a ride home.] At 6:30pm the doors opened and the fans poured in. I engaged in numerous talks with individuals, got signatures and gave out info. [The warm up band still hadn’t improved & Joe sat there utilizing earplugs.] At one point a nice young man, who was blind, stopped by our table seeking the RHCP merchandise. As Liz and Rob watched out DoP table I took the young man over to the merchandise. We talked about the band and I then explained in detail all the items for sale. He was interested in t-shirts, prices, etc. We finally narrowed it down to a nice, funky black RHCP design t-shirt, which he paid for with a credit card. From there I guided him back to his seat in the handicap section. Only got to hear and view an hour of the RHCP show, but what I did hear was great. Liz told me next day that after I left with Adrianna the band played “Under the Bridge”. Damn! I really like that song. Would love to find some CD bootlegs of the show and especially of the first night, but in the meantime, I’ve been watching some videos via Utube.
Thursday, October 19th, was the FSO Insurance Tax outing up in northern Westchester County to play paintball. [Well, others played paintball; I joined 5 of my co-workers in being observers. Much safer that way and no pain involved. It was an overcast, cool day.] Met up with Dee [car] at a spot in the Bronx off the #2 subway line and it took us an hour to drive to the location on Rt 22. We arrived close to 9:40am and saw several of our colleagues already there drinking coffee, juice and noshing on bagels. After everyone arrived and it was designated who’d participated, then they had to sign waivers and read the rules. Then they geared up in camouflage jumpsuits, put on helmets with visors and loaded up their paintball weapons. And finally the Red and Blue teams were chosen. Angela was captain of the Red Team and me in charge of the Blue Team [seen below].
I thought for sure I had the winning team, but in the long run they lost all but one game. Over the course of 4 hours or so they engaged in 7 to 8 games in several fenced in areas. Those who observed, like me, couldn’t really see them “in action’, but we sure could hear them. Lots of laughing, yelling, raised voices and even some confusion. You could also hear when they were all firing their paintball weapons at once. What a racket! Around 12:30pm or so, we all took a 30 minute break for a pizza lunch and then several more games. Wrapped up the day around 2:45pm and called it quits. Dee and I drove really fast back to the Bronx and I was on the #2 train before 4pm.
I headed down to the E&Y office for an hour before walking over to the monthly two hour NYDoP core team meeting. Those in attendance were Joe, Dawn, Kevin, Liz, Carol, Marianne and Eileen. We covered many topics under reports and old/new business. I even brought up some topics under “new business”, such as creating new items with DoP logo to sell at events/tabling. This idea was warmly received and to be seriously considered, plus brainstorm in early 2007. I also suggested we post on the DoP forum and list serve a “peace related & spiritual reading” section. Even though the suggestion was temporarily shelved, I’ll still go ahead with it and post items on forum/listserve. Carol has already sent suggestions and I have a few of my own. I’ll also post them here for Duchess Blog viewers to view. Any suggestions on peace or spiritual reading material please send me an email. Many thanks!
Sunday, October 22nd, I traveled to Long Island University in central Brooklyn in my friend Cielito’s car and to participate in the 4th annual Brooklyn Peace Fair. Cielito is connected with Share International [as is my friend Linda] and I’m connected with the Dept of Peace campaign. Carol and Liz [plus Rob & their two sons] got there early and found us a primo spot near the doorway. This new location is vastly different from the old location. [The indoor architecture was fascinating and very much 1920s style.] First of all, the people tabling and vendors were in one building and the lectures, music, speakers and other items were across the street in another building. I never did get over there. Hopefully BPFP [Brooklyn Parents for Peace] will iron out the bugs and things will improve for next year. Anyhow, we finished setting up the table and I brought along many of my bead style earrings to sell. [End of day I only sold 7 and made $70, half of which goes to NYDoP.] Checked out the many folks tabling, bought some items, had several fascinating conversations [one chap looked just like late British actor Jeremy Brett] and even had a brief conversation with Congressman Major Owens. Marianne also joined us at the fair. At one point both Marianne and Carol were being interviewed by students from the university. I also ran into some acquaintances that I knew via the Kucinich 2004 campaign and other activism/protest projects. Sort of like being at a mini reunion, but for peace, not ones graduating class.
PEACE QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Human Beings, indeed all sentient beings, have the right to pursue happiness and live in peace and freedom The XIVth Dalai Lama
On Tuesday, October 24th, I took a two hour class at work on how to manage ones personal finances. It was fascinating, informative and hopefully will be useful for my budgeting.
COLORADO COUPLE WIN BATTLE TO KEEP HOLIDAY PEACE WREATH ON HOME
Amy Goodman, Democracy Now on WBAI
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/12/01/1456208
Thursday, November 30, 2006
MESSAGES [plus photo] FROM MEMBERS [ie: Carol, Kevin & Marianne] OF “NEW YORKERS FOR A DEPT OF PEACE” CAMPAIGN ON YESTERDAYS WONDERFUL PRESS CONFERENCE ON STEPS OF NYC’S CITY HALL
Carol Hillson [NYDoP Chair Person] Commentary - For those of you, who may or may not know, yesterday was an exceptional day for NYDoP and the Department of Peace Campaign. A resolution was introduced to the New York City Council by Council Member Rosie Mendez calling for a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence. The press conference held this morning played at 6 pm on WFUV radio out of Fordham University. Local TV station, Channel 9, broadcast a 30 second segment during the 10 pm news as well. Both outlets represented the campaign favorably. This is exceptional!
My deepest appreciation to all who worked tirelessly on this with very short notice. I think there was all of 3 weeks to plan! Thanks to Kevin Fagan, our illustrious Legislative Coordinator, Karen Murphy for her extraordinary efforts helping organize the day and acting as MC, to Marianne Perez for her incredible media and stage managing skills, to Joe Allegro, Charlene Barker, Adriana, Susan Cushman and Marni Goldner for helping contact the press, to Eileen Ilardo in helping contact endorsers and to Norma Loeb for initiating the idea and as always alerting the NY Times reporters to this event.
And thanks to all who showed up to support the campaign and be ON TV! Liz Graydon is always willing to travel in from LI, Ellen Jaedicke ferried over from SI and Dawn came down from mid-town! We have a dedicated and amazing team and we are doing great work together. We are also grateful to Lindsey and Ken Neal who have been providing us with professional PR advice and counseling. It’s definitely working! We are so grateful that Dot Maver was in town and willing to stand with us and speak about the importance of this effort on behalf of New Yorkers as well as people all across this nation. Her words were stirring and so fitting.
[Above Photo - In front, with many NYDoP members behind them, is Councilwoman Mendez and Councilman Jackson at City Hall yesterday. Yours truly is holding the NYDoP banner with Joe Allegro. I was "oh yeah!" in regards to a statement by Councilman Jackson.]
Kevin Fagan [NYDoP Co-Chair Person] Commentary - Today was indeed a wonderful and satisfying day for New Yorkers for a Department of Peace. Our press conference went very well. We had a few radio stations present as well coverage seen on My9 10 o’clock news (I just saw it and we looked great - video to come as soon as I am able to transfer it from VHS to digital)!
Our own Karen Murphy did a first rate job as emcee, as well as writing up most of the talking points. Councilwoman Rosie Mendez was first to speak after Karen’s intro. After Rosie was a surprise guest in Councilman Robert Jackson, who really helped fire everybody up and agreed to be another co-sponsor of the resolution. (That makes 6 at the moment>) Dot Maver spoke passionately and eloquently as always and Congressman Jose Serrano (a co-sponsor of the Congressional bill) was represented by his District Director Cheryl Simmons-Oliver. All in all a very promising day for peace!
Now is the time to make ourselves heard in City Council and the halls of Congress. New Yorkers please contact your City Council member persistently in the coming weeks and ask for their support of City Council Resolution 627. You can find there info here: http://www.nyccouncil.info/constituent/index.cfm
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to let your U.S. Representative and Senators hear from you as well. Ask for their support for HR3760 in the House and S1756 in the Senate.
Marianne Perez [NYDoP Media Coordinator] Commentary - Just a quick report to let you know that today the New York City Council introduced a resolution in support of the national Dep't of Peace legislation.
To mark the occasion, we held a press conference on the front steps of City Hall. Councilmember Rosie Mendez spoke about why she was presenting the resolution and Dot Maver gave an overview of what a DOP would do. My favorite part of the press conference was when NY-DOPer Karen Murphy was reading the list of Councilmember’s who had already committed to supporting the resolution. As she concluded, Councilmember Robert Jackson walked up and said "And you can count me in too!" This could not have been better staged.
So far, we've tracked that we got covered by WFUV (my favorite radio station, ever! http://www.wfuv.org/) with Dot's brilliant sound bite and Channel 9 News with Rosie's emphatic support and excellent DOP banner visuals. We are particularly thrilled that they got the story right and the entire facts straight and that the messaging was perfectly reflective of our mission. We expect more stories to come up today and in the coming days. The resolution has now been assigned to committee for hearings.
Carol Hillson [NYDoP Chair Person] Commentary - For those of you, who may or may not know, yesterday was an exceptional day for NYDoP and the Department of Peace Campaign. A resolution was introduced to the New York City Council by Council Member Rosie Mendez calling for a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence. The press conference held this morning played at 6 pm on WFUV radio out of Fordham University. Local TV station, Channel 9, broadcast a 30 second segment during the 10 pm news as well. Both outlets represented the campaign favorably. This is exceptional!
My deepest appreciation to all who worked tirelessly on this with very short notice. I think there was all of 3 weeks to plan! Thanks to Kevin Fagan, our illustrious Legislative Coordinator, Karen Murphy for her extraordinary efforts helping organize the day and acting as MC, to Marianne Perez for her incredible media and stage managing skills, to Joe Allegro, Charlene Barker, Adriana, Susan Cushman and Marni Goldner for helping contact the press, to Eileen Ilardo in helping contact endorsers and to Norma Loeb for initiating the idea and as always alerting the NY Times reporters to this event.
And thanks to all who showed up to support the campaign and be ON TV! Liz Graydon is always willing to travel in from LI, Ellen Jaedicke ferried over from SI and Dawn came down from mid-town! We have a dedicated and amazing team and we are doing great work together. We are also grateful to Lindsey and Ken Neal who have been providing us with professional PR advice and counseling. It’s definitely working! We are so grateful that Dot Maver was in town and willing to stand with us and speak about the importance of this effort on behalf of New Yorkers as well as people all across this nation. Her words were stirring and so fitting.
[Above Photo - In front, with many NYDoP members behind them, is Councilwoman Mendez and Councilman Jackson at City Hall yesterday. Yours truly is holding the NYDoP banner with Joe Allegro. I was "oh yeah!" in regards to a statement by Councilman Jackson.]
Kevin Fagan [NYDoP Co-Chair Person] Commentary - Today was indeed a wonderful and satisfying day for New Yorkers for a Department of Peace. Our press conference went very well. We had a few radio stations present as well coverage seen on My9 10 o’clock news (I just saw it and we looked great - video to come as soon as I am able to transfer it from VHS to digital)!
Our own Karen Murphy did a first rate job as emcee, as well as writing up most of the talking points. Councilwoman Rosie Mendez was first to speak after Karen’s intro. After Rosie was a surprise guest in Councilman Robert Jackson, who really helped fire everybody up and agreed to be another co-sponsor of the resolution. (That makes 6 at the moment>) Dot Maver spoke passionately and eloquently as always and Congressman Jose Serrano (a co-sponsor of the Congressional bill) was represented by his District Director Cheryl Simmons-Oliver. All in all a very promising day for peace!
Now is the time to make ourselves heard in City Council and the halls of Congress. New Yorkers please contact your City Council member persistently in the coming weeks and ask for their support of City Council Resolution 627. You can find there info here: http://www.nyccouncil.info/constituent/index.cfm
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to let your U.S. Representative and Senators hear from you as well. Ask for their support for HR3760 in the House and S1756 in the Senate.
Marianne Perez [NYDoP Media Coordinator] Commentary - Just a quick report to let you know that today the New York City Council introduced a resolution in support of the national Dep't of Peace legislation.
To mark the occasion, we held a press conference on the front steps of City Hall. Councilmember Rosie Mendez spoke about why she was presenting the resolution and Dot Maver gave an overview of what a DOP would do. My favorite part of the press conference was when NY-DOPer Karen Murphy was reading the list of Councilmember’s who had already committed to supporting the resolution. As she concluded, Councilmember Robert Jackson walked up and said "And you can count me in too!" This could not have been better staged.
So far, we've tracked that we got covered by WFUV (my favorite radio station, ever! http://www.wfuv.org/) with Dot's brilliant sound bite and Channel 9 News with Rosie's emphatic support and excellent DOP banner visuals. We are particularly thrilled that they got the story right and the entire facts straight and that the messaging was perfectly reflective of our mission. We expect more stories to come up today and in the coming days. The resolution has now been assigned to committee for hearings.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Message & Stats from America’s Second Harvest – The Nation’s Food Bank Network
[Duchess Note: Proud to be a volunteer with City Harvest and Food Bank for NYC. To find our more info or stats in your state, click on this link http://www.secondharvest.org/]
New York State Statistical Briefing
Food Insecurity Rate 10.0%
Population 18,976,457
Poverty Rate 14.2%
Child Poverty Rate 19.6%
Unemployment Rate 4.9%
New York City Statistical Briefing
Poverty Rate 19.1%
Homeless Rate 11%
CITY HARVEST
575 Eighth Avenue
Fourth Floor
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 917-351-8700
Fax: 917-351-8720
Executive Director: Jilly Stephens
Email: jstephens@cityharvest.org
Web Site: http://www.cityharvest.org/
Media Contact: Pat Barrick
Title: Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Phone: 917-351-8700
Email: pbarrick@cityharvest.org
Population served - Number of counties served: 5
Total pounds of food distributed annually: 20,529,777
Types and number of services/agencies distributing food
Emergency: 203
Soup Kitchen: 53
Shelter: 54
Day Care: 5
Multi-service: 22
Senior: 26
Youth Programs: 147
Other Programs: 16
FOOD BANK FOR NYC
Main Office: 90 John Street
Warehouse: 355 Food Center Dr.
New York, NY 10038
Phone: 718-991-4300
Fax: 718-893-3442
Executive Director: Lucy Cabrera, PH.D.
Email: gflanagan@foodbanknyc.org
Web Site: http://www.foodbanknyc.org/
Media Contact: Carol Schneider
Phone: (212) 566-7855 ext 2231
Email: cschneider@foodbanknyc.org
Population served - Number of counties served: 5
Total pounds of food distributed annually: 54,184,071
Types and number of services/agencies distributing food
Emergency: 610
Soup Kitchen: 238
Shelter: 40
Day Care: 21
Multi-service: 63
Senior: 38
Rehabilitation: 24
WOMAN FACES FINES FOR WREATH PEACE SIGN
Robert Weller, AP Writer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061127/ap_on_re_us/anti_peace_sign
[Duchess Note - I can't see why people would get their darn nickers in a twist over such a pretty wreath. A peace sign symbolizes love, harmony, goodwill and its pro-peace. How can anyone be against peace! There are some uptight, narrow minded people out there who are not happy unless they are hurting or abusing others. Its such unchristian behavior. I think more people should put peace signs all over the place. Promote love and enlightenment, not fear and war.]
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE - Peace Also Takes Courage
WATCH THE LATEST VIDEO By Elle Empire (ie: Cielito, Jordan and Jelani) called Crazed: The Belly Dance, which is now airing online at Current TV. In just a short time the video is now #2! Your vote can help Elle Empire & Belly Dancing Craze get to the next step....airing on the Current TV television network.
[Duchess Note: Proud to be a volunteer with City Harvest and Food Bank for NYC. To find our more info or stats in your state, click on this link http://www.secondharvest.org/]
New York State Statistical Briefing
Food Insecurity Rate 10.0%
Population 18,976,457
Poverty Rate 14.2%
Child Poverty Rate 19.6%
Unemployment Rate 4.9%
New York City Statistical Briefing
Poverty Rate 19.1%
Homeless Rate 11%
CITY HARVEST
575 Eighth Avenue
Fourth Floor
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 917-351-8700
Fax: 917-351-8720
Executive Director: Jilly Stephens
Email: jstephens@cityharvest.org
Web Site: http://www.cityharvest.org/
Media Contact: Pat Barrick
Title: Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Phone: 917-351-8700
Email: pbarrick@cityharvest.org
Population served - Number of counties served: 5
Total pounds of food distributed annually: 20,529,777
Types and number of services/agencies distributing food
Emergency: 203
Soup Kitchen: 53
Shelter: 54
Day Care: 5
Multi-service: 22
Senior: 26
Youth Programs: 147
Other Programs: 16
FOOD BANK FOR NYC
Main Office: 90 John Street
Warehouse: 355 Food Center Dr.
New York, NY 10038
Phone: 718-991-4300
Fax: 718-893-3442
Executive Director: Lucy Cabrera, PH.D.
Email: gflanagan@foodbanknyc.org
Web Site: http://www.foodbanknyc.org/
Media Contact: Carol Schneider
Phone: (212) 566-7855 ext 2231
Email: cschneider@foodbanknyc.org
Population served - Number of counties served: 5
Total pounds of food distributed annually: 54,184,071
Types and number of services/agencies distributing food
Emergency: 610
Soup Kitchen: 238
Shelter: 40
Day Care: 21
Multi-service: 63
Senior: 38
Rehabilitation: 24
WOMAN FACES FINES FOR WREATH PEACE SIGN
Robert Weller, AP Writer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061127/ap_on_re_us/anti_peace_sign
[Duchess Note - I can't see why people would get their darn nickers in a twist over such a pretty wreath. A peace sign symbolizes love, harmony, goodwill and its pro-peace. How can anyone be against peace! There are some uptight, narrow minded people out there who are not happy unless they are hurting or abusing others. Its such unchristian behavior. I think more people should put peace signs all over the place. Promote love and enlightenment, not fear and war.]
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE - Peace Also Takes Courage
WATCH THE LATEST VIDEO By Elle Empire (ie: Cielito, Jordan and Jelani) called Crazed: The Belly Dance, which is now airing online at Current TV. In just a short time the video is now #2! Your vote can help Elle Empire & Belly Dancing Craze get to the next step....airing on the Current TV television network.
Please take a few minutes to register by clicking on the comments button on the lower left of the video screen (just a user name and password). Then return to the video page and press the greenlight button. Voila! You’re a power broker! Thanks much, hope you like Crazed: The Belly Dance, and feel free in sending this link to your database ... http://www.current.tv/watch/17137320?s1=recentGls
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
BIG NEWS FROM "NEW YORKERS FOR A DEPT OF PEACE" - New York City Council exciting news everyone!
New York City is poised to join eighteen other cities, including, Chicago, Detroit, & Atlanta in endorsing federal legislation to establish a cabinet level Department of Peace and Nonviolence. Please join me, along with New York City Councilmember Rosie Mendez; Executive Director of the Peace Alliance, Dot Maver; and others, on the steps of City Hall, Wednesday, November 29th , at 11am for a press conference to introduce this historic City Council Resolution. Programs initiated by the Department of Peace will greatly reduce violence in our schools, streets and homes and help make our city a safer more desirable place to live.
ACTION ALERT!
Please contact your City Council Member and Congressperson to inform them of this important event, and ask for their support. You can locate your Council Member here http://www.nyccouncil.info/constituent/index.cfm and your Congresspersons here http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/index.htm), is scheduled to join Councilmember Mendez, as well as other speakers to be named. NYDoP (www.nyc-dop.com) is a citizen organization working to establish a cabinet-level, federally-funded, United States Department of Peace that would promote nonviolent conflict resolution including: prevention, education and training both domestically and internationally.
BORN ON THIS DAY in 1694 Voltaire [Francois-Marie Arouet] was born in France and a noted author/philosopher ... "Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities"
New York City is poised to join eighteen other cities, including, Chicago, Detroit, & Atlanta in endorsing federal legislation to establish a cabinet level Department of Peace and Nonviolence. Please join me, along with New York City Councilmember Rosie Mendez; Executive Director of the Peace Alliance, Dot Maver; and others, on the steps of City Hall, Wednesday, November 29th , at 11am for a press conference to introduce this historic City Council Resolution. Programs initiated by the Department of Peace will greatly reduce violence in our schools, streets and homes and help make our city a safer more desirable place to live.
ACTION ALERT!
Please contact your City Council Member and Congressperson to inform them of this important event, and ask for their support. You can locate your Council Member here http://www.nyccouncil.info/constituent/index.cfm and your Congresspersons here http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/index.htm), is scheduled to join Councilmember Mendez, as well as other speakers to be named. NYDoP (www.nyc-dop.com) is a citizen organization working to establish a cabinet-level, federally-funded, United States Department of Peace that would promote nonviolent conflict resolution including: prevention, education and training both domestically and internationally.
BORN ON THIS DAY in 1694 Voltaire [Francois-Marie Arouet] was born in France and a noted author/philosopher ... "Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities"
CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A DEPT OF PEACE – Message from The Peace Alliance
Congratulations to all of the Department of Peace activists in Chicago who worked so hard to help make Chicago the eighteenth city to pass a resolution. Being the third largest city in the nation, Chicago's unanimous resolution passage is a particularly exciting victory! Fairmont, MN City Council also recently passed a resolution in support of the Dept of Peace. Congratulations to everyone there who helped make it possible. Seventeen city councils, from Detroit, MI to Atlanta, GA, have passed measures endorsing the legislation. Some of the largest cities in the nation are endorsing, representing populations totaling over 6.5 million people. Check out the entire list of cities with resolutions:
Atlanta, GA
Berkeley, CA
Cambridge, MA
Chicago, IL
Cleveland, OH
Detroit, MI
Everett, MA
Hamtramck, MI
Kuai (County), HI
Lincoln City, OR
Minneapolis, MN
Oakland, CA
Palo Alto, CA
San Jose, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Sebastopol, CA
Silver City, NM
and find out how you can work with your city council to help pass a resolution in support of the Department of Peace. Jeannette Kravitz, who, along with Scott Roos, heads the Chicago City Council Resolution ACTION Committee, writes about the process their group went through on the way to a successful resolution:
"...on September 11th Alderman Shirley Coleman and Walter Burnett, Jr. gave us a gift. They presented our Resolution at City Council. November 9th, the City Council hearing was held in Council room 201-A. Alderman Billy Ocasio, Chairman of Human Relations and Alderman Coleman led the hearing. The City Council passed the Resolution with 100% support on Wednesday November 14th. That day folks from our committee sat for over 5 hours as we waited to be acknowledged on the City Council Floor. We went into action. Next step, we organized and hosted a World Peace Day November 17th in just a couple of days...." read full article here at http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/246/143/
[DUCHESS NOTE - If you live in the NYC area, please note that "New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace", along with City Councilmember Rosie Mendez, will be presenting a press conference on City Hall steps on November 29th at 11am to introduce the DoP resolution. Join us that day in making peace the word in NYC. Please, call your senator, congressperson and city councilmembers to urge them to be part of this worthy resolution towards peace in our great city. To learn more about the Dept of Peace campaign, go to www.nyc-dop.com]
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE - Books Not Bombs
[Duchess Note - Talented British actor, Sean Bean, portrays Richard Sharpe from the Bernard Cornwell series called "Sharpe". These TV movies were filmed and originally shown on PBS back in the 1990s. There a terrific series and the action takes place during the Napoleonic Wars from 1809 to 1815. I've read all 21 books in the series and I highly recommended them.]
Congratulations to all of the Department of Peace activists in Chicago who worked so hard to help make Chicago the eighteenth city to pass a resolution. Being the third largest city in the nation, Chicago's unanimous resolution passage is a particularly exciting victory! Fairmont, MN City Council also recently passed a resolution in support of the Dept of Peace. Congratulations to everyone there who helped make it possible. Seventeen city councils, from Detroit, MI to Atlanta, GA, have passed measures endorsing the legislation. Some of the largest cities in the nation are endorsing, representing populations totaling over 6.5 million people. Check out the entire list of cities with resolutions:
Atlanta, GA
Berkeley, CA
Cambridge, MA
Chicago, IL
Cleveland, OH
Detroit, MI
Everett, MA
Hamtramck, MI
Kuai (County), HI
Lincoln City, OR
Minneapolis, MN
Oakland, CA
Palo Alto, CA
San Jose, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Sebastopol, CA
Silver City, NM
and find out how you can work with your city council to help pass a resolution in support of the Department of Peace. Jeannette Kravitz, who, along with Scott Roos, heads the Chicago City Council Resolution ACTION Committee, writes about the process their group went through on the way to a successful resolution:
"...on September 11th Alderman Shirley Coleman and Walter Burnett, Jr. gave us a gift. They presented our Resolution at City Council. November 9th, the City Council hearing was held in Council room 201-A. Alderman Billy Ocasio, Chairman of Human Relations and Alderman Coleman led the hearing. The City Council passed the Resolution with 100% support on Wednesday November 14th. That day folks from our committee sat for over 5 hours as we waited to be acknowledged on the City Council Floor. We went into action. Next step, we organized and hosted a World Peace Day November 17th in just a couple of days...." read full article here at http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/246/143/
[DUCHESS NOTE - If you live in the NYC area, please note that "New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace", along with City Councilmember Rosie Mendez, will be presenting a press conference on City Hall steps on November 29th at 11am to introduce the DoP resolution. Join us that day in making peace the word in NYC. Please, call your senator, congressperson and city councilmembers to urge them to be part of this worthy resolution towards peace in our great city. To learn more about the Dept of Peace campaign, go to www.nyc-dop.com]
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE - Books Not Bombs
[Duchess Note - Talented British actor, Sean Bean, portrays Richard Sharpe from the Bernard Cornwell series called "Sharpe". These TV movies were filmed and originally shown on PBS back in the 1990s. There a terrific series and the action takes place during the Napoleonic Wars from 1809 to 1815. I've read all 21 books in the series and I highly recommended them.]
Saturday, November 18, 2006
CHICAGO JOINS GROWING LIST OF CITIES SUPPORTING DEPT OF PEACE
News Blaze
http://newsblaze.com/story/20061117073837tsop.nb/newsblaze/POLITICS/story.html
[DUCHESS NOTE - Have recently updated and edited the numerous links in the left-hand column of the Duchess Blog. In regards to the holiday section ... many of those stores/websites are not just for holiday shopping. They sell wonderful items throughout the year. Check it out today. Peace on Earth!]
BORN ON THIS DAY IN 1787 was Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre, the inventor of the daguerreotype process. . . .
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Your silence will not protect you Audre Lorde
DUCHESS NOTE - One of the wonderful people I work with at "New Yorkers for a Dept Peace" campaign is Reverend Joe Allegro. He has a website called "Cosmos Connection", which is truly inspiring and I warmly suggest others check it out. Go to ... http://www.cosmosconnection.com/index.asp
WAGING PEACE - BOSTON GLOBE OP-ED
Marianne Williamson, Peace Alliance
http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/242/46/
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE - Hey Bush! Where's Bin Laden?
News Blaze
http://newsblaze.com/story/20061117073837tsop.nb/newsblaze/POLITICS/story.html
[DUCHESS NOTE - Have recently updated and edited the numerous links in the left-hand column of the Duchess Blog. In regards to the holiday section ... many of those stores/websites are not just for holiday shopping. They sell wonderful items throughout the year. Check it out today. Peace on Earth!]
BORN ON THIS DAY IN 1787 was Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre, the inventor of the daguerreotype process. . . .
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Your silence will not protect you Audre Lorde
DUCHESS NOTE - One of the wonderful people I work with at "New Yorkers for a Dept Peace" campaign is Reverend Joe Allegro. He has a website called "Cosmos Connection", which is truly inspiring and I warmly suggest others check it out. Go to ... http://www.cosmosconnection.com/index.asp
WAGING PEACE - BOSTON GLOBE OP-ED
Marianne Williamson, Peace Alliance
http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/242/46/
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE - Hey Bush! Where's Bin Laden?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
"Jury Duty" calls? Read This Before You Answer!
This new and frightening scam has been confirmed by multiple sources. Most of us take a summons for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty that this new scam has surfaced. In this con, someone calls pretending to be a court official who threateningly says a warrant has been issued for your arrest because you didn't show up for jury duty. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can "verify" the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out ANY information and you've just helped a scam artist steal your identity.
The scam has been reported so far in many states and it is particularly insidious because they try to bully people into giving information by pretending they're with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud. You can visit the FBI website via this link to get additional information ... http://www.fbi.gov
ACTION ALERT FROM "CENTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS" - Call on the German Federal Prosecutor to Investigate Rumsfeld & Other U.S. Officials for War Crimes at Abu Ghraib
http://www.ccr-ny.org/v2/whatsnew/action/actionAlert2.asp
[Duchess Note - I just went to this website and signed the petition/letter. Its time we all took action and make these war criminals pay for their horrendous crimes. Demand justice now ... enough is enough!]
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE ... VISUALIZE IMPEACHMENT
Keith Olbermann Taps a Well of Discontent as the Anti-O'Reilly
C.W. Nevius
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1112-05.htm
A Renewed Effort Towards Peace - Message from Ohio Democrat Congressman Kucinich On November 11th
Thank you for helping me to be re-elected by such a wide margin. And thank you for being part of this long-standing effort that we've had towards peace. All across this country, the voices of the American people have called out for peace. All across this country, the American people's votes have registered a strong vote of confidence in a process that will take us out of Iraq. We have to now harness this energy. Let's continue to work together to take steps towards organizing this powerful peace movement in this country so that, not only do we get out of Iraq, but we stop the wars of the future. It is absolutely imperative that this election become the beginning of a renewed effort to create the world that we know is possible. I'm dedicated to working with you, and I also believe that, through our combined efforts, we can not only reshape the direction of Congress but we can reshape the direction of the American government with respect to its relationship in the world. Thank you. Thank you for caring, thank you for helping me to remain in the Congress, and thank you for the willingness that you have to continue to work together in pursuit of a higher cause, a cuase that ennobles our lives, that lifts us up, that enables us to truly change the world.
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act George Orwell
This new and frightening scam has been confirmed by multiple sources. Most of us take a summons for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty that this new scam has surfaced. In this con, someone calls pretending to be a court official who threateningly says a warrant has been issued for your arrest because you didn't show up for jury duty. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can "verify" the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out ANY information and you've just helped a scam artist steal your identity.
The scam has been reported so far in many states and it is particularly insidious because they try to bully people into giving information by pretending they're with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud. You can visit the FBI website via this link to get additional information ... http://www.fbi.gov
ACTION ALERT FROM "CENTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS" - Call on the German Federal Prosecutor to Investigate Rumsfeld & Other U.S. Officials for War Crimes at Abu Ghraib
http://www.ccr-ny.org/v2/whatsnew/action/actionAlert2.asp
[Duchess Note - I just went to this website and signed the petition/letter. Its time we all took action and make these war criminals pay for their horrendous crimes. Demand justice now ... enough is enough!]
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE ... VISUALIZE IMPEACHMENT
Keith Olbermann Taps a Well of Discontent as the Anti-O'Reilly
C.W. Nevius
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1112-05.htm
A Renewed Effort Towards Peace - Message from Ohio Democrat Congressman Kucinich On November 11th
Thank you for helping me to be re-elected by such a wide margin. And thank you for being part of this long-standing effort that we've had towards peace. All across this country, the voices of the American people have called out for peace. All across this country, the American people's votes have registered a strong vote of confidence in a process that will take us out of Iraq. We have to now harness this energy. Let's continue to work together to take steps towards organizing this powerful peace movement in this country so that, not only do we get out of Iraq, but we stop the wars of the future. It is absolutely imperative that this election become the beginning of a renewed effort to create the world that we know is possible. I'm dedicated to working with you, and I also believe that, through our combined efforts, we can not only reshape the direction of Congress but we can reshape the direction of the American government with respect to its relationship in the world. Thank you. Thank you for caring, thank you for helping me to remain in the Congress, and thank you for the willingness that you have to continue to work together in pursuit of a higher cause, a cuase that ennobles our lives, that lifts us up, that enables us to truly change the world.
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act George Orwell
Saturday, November 11, 2006
LIVE FROM NYC! ITS SATURDAY NIGHT LIBERAL NEWS!
Hindered at the Polls? Groups Seek to Aid Voters
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1107-05.htm
What Republican Revolution?
Laurence M. Vance
http://www.lewrockwell.com/vance/vance96.html
Robert Parry, Consortium News
http://www.alternet.org/stories/43967/
Hundreds of US Soldiers Call for Iraq Withdrawal in Petition
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1107-01.htm
QUOTE OF THE DAY … The price of freedom is eternal vigilance Thomas Jefferson
Message From “PUBLIC CITIZEN” WEBSITE
Nationwide Candidates Win by Fighting for New Trade Policies, Opposing NAFTA Model;
No Fair Trader Loses, 32 “Free” Trade Seats Flip
Trade Helped Put Democrats Over Top, Emerges as National Electoral Issue with 25
Paid Ads and 100 Races Using Trade as Differentiator, Public Citizen Analysis Shows;
Exit Polls Show Voters - Economic Anxiety a Top Concern
WASHINGTON, D.C. - From Florida to Hawaii and parts in between, pro-fair trade challengers
Tuesday beat anti-fair trade incumbents, according to an analysis of the 2006 midterm
results conducted by Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch division. Incumbents who
had voted for the U.S. trade status quo of NAFTA, WTO and Fast Track were replaced
by those rejecting these failed policies and advocating improvement with at least
six Senate and 27 House seats being won by proponents of fair trade, and perhaps
as high as seven Senate and 40 House seats. To read the entire press release visit: http://www.citizen.org/pressroom/release.cfm?ID=2315
Angry Voters Punish Bush, GOP for Scandals, Iraq
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1108-01.htm
South Dakota Votes To Preserve Women's Rights - They Voted NO On The Abortion Ban!
Deanna Zandt & Ann Friedman
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/44038/
US Must Get out of Iraq — Now
Rory Stewart
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1108-22.htm
Campaign '06: Goodbye & Good Riddance
Molly Ivins, Alternet
http://www.alternet.org/stories/44018/
Congress stands before us so hopelessly corrupt that the stench has washed all over the country
Internet Freedom Fighters to Take Command in Congress
Timothy Karr
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1108-35.htm
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE … HEY BUSH! WHERE'S BIN LADEN?
Bush Replaces Rumsfeld With ... Another Rumsfeld
Joshua Holland, Alternet
http://www.alternet.org/stories/44091/
Hindered at the Polls? Groups Seek to Aid Voters
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1107-05.htm
What Republican Revolution?
Laurence M. Vance
http://www.lewrockwell.com/vance/vance96.html
Robert Parry, Consortium News
http://www.alternet.org/stories/43967/
Hundreds of US Soldiers Call for Iraq Withdrawal in Petition
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1107-01.htm
QUOTE OF THE DAY … The price of freedom is eternal vigilance Thomas Jefferson
Message From “PUBLIC CITIZEN” WEBSITE
Nationwide Candidates Win by Fighting for New Trade Policies, Opposing NAFTA Model;
No Fair Trader Loses, 32 “Free” Trade Seats Flip
Trade Helped Put Democrats Over Top, Emerges as National Electoral Issue with 25
Paid Ads and 100 Races Using Trade as Differentiator, Public Citizen Analysis Shows;
Exit Polls Show Voters - Economic Anxiety a Top Concern
WASHINGTON, D.C. - From Florida to Hawaii and parts in between, pro-fair trade challengers
Tuesday beat anti-fair trade incumbents, according to an analysis of the 2006 midterm
results conducted by Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch division. Incumbents who
had voted for the U.S. trade status quo of NAFTA, WTO and Fast Track were replaced
by those rejecting these failed policies and advocating improvement with at least
six Senate and 27 House seats being won by proponents of fair trade, and perhaps
as high as seven Senate and 40 House seats. To read the entire press release visit: http://www.citizen.org/pressroom/release.cfm?ID=2315
Angry Voters Punish Bush, GOP for Scandals, Iraq
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1108-01.htm
South Dakota Votes To Preserve Women's Rights - They Voted NO On The Abortion Ban!
Deanna Zandt & Ann Friedman
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/44038/
US Must Get out of Iraq — Now
Rory Stewart
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1108-22.htm
Campaign '06: Goodbye & Good Riddance
Molly Ivins, Alternet
http://www.alternet.org/stories/44018/
Congress stands before us so hopelessly corrupt that the stench has washed all over the country
Internet Freedom Fighters to Take Command in Congress
Timothy Karr
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1108-35.htm
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE … HEY BUSH! WHERE'S BIN LADEN?
Bush Replaces Rumsfeld With ... Another Rumsfeld
Joshua Holland, Alternet
http://www.alternet.org/stories/44091/
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
DEMOCRATS TURN TABLES IN WASHINGTON - Two Senate Races All That Stand between Them & Control Of Congress
Alex Johnson & Sheldon Gawiser / MSNBC & NBC
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15603424/?GT1=8717
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... A patriot must be ready to defend his country against his government Edward Abbey
[Duchess Note - Many Americans are fed up with the Republicans and showed that at the polls yesterday. We want a change in this country and to go in a more positive direction. A direction that brings in peace, truth, justice and equality for all. No more war and bring our troops home now!]
Bob Gates, He's Back
Larry Johnson
http://www.boomantribune.com
FULL COVERAGE - MIDTERM ELECTIONS 2006
http://news.yahoo.com/fc/us/midterm_elections_2006
[Duchess Note - I am so happy that the Democrats have taken the majority of the House and Senate. Oh yeah! Their first month or so in office will be a big test. Will they pull through for the American people or slack off? Stay tuned................]
[Update - Duchess "personal news" will be updated soon and many pix too]
Alex Johnson & Sheldon Gawiser / MSNBC & NBC
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15603424/?GT1=8717
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... A patriot must be ready to defend his country against his government Edward Abbey
[Duchess Note - Many Americans are fed up with the Republicans and showed that at the polls yesterday. We want a change in this country and to go in a more positive direction. A direction that brings in peace, truth, justice and equality for all. No more war and bring our troops home now!]
Bob Gates, He's Back
Larry Johnson
http://www.boomantribune.com
FULL COVERAGE - MIDTERM ELECTIONS 2006
http://news.yahoo.com/fc/us/midterm_elections_2006
[Duchess Note - I am so happy that the Democrats have taken the majority of the House and Senate. Oh yeah! Their first month or so in office will be a big test. Will they pull through for the American people or slack off? Stay tuned................]
[Update - Duchess "personal news" will be updated soon and many pix too]
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
[Duchess Note - Just learned that Lieberman was voted Senator again in CT. Good heavens! Ugh! Apparently those that voted for him are pro-war, pro-corporation, pro-rich and anti-peace and justice. Lieberman is one of the worst senators, not only in CT history, but in the US senate. Was so hoping that CT people would come to their senses and vote for Lamont. I'm also annoyed that NY state voted Slick Hil back into the senate. She is another pro-war, pro-corporation, pro-rich and anti-peace candidate. First there was FL in 2000, then OH in 2004 and now its VA in 2006. Most American citizens want honest, trust worthy voting machines et al. We want democracy, not fascism nor tyranny. Glad to hear there was a good turnout for voting today.]
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... The most violent element in society is ignorance Emma Goldman
QUOTE OF THE DAY ... The most violent element in society is ignorance Emma Goldman
WHETHER YOUR 18 OR 65, IT'S IMPORTANT FOR ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS TO GET OUT THERE TODAY AND VOTE -- The future of our country hinges on keeping the vote intact, truth, peace, justice and bringing back democracy
MESSAGE FROM SENATOR HARRY REID
Go vote; bring your friends to vote; and call you relatives to make sure they are voting. Wherever you live, there is an important race going on. It might be for the Senate, or the House of Representatives, or for Governor, or mayor. One constant remains: Democrats stand for changing the course and Republicans want to keep things the same both in Iraq and here at home. So if somebody asks you today why it's important to vote Democrat you tell them, Democrats have a detailed plan for a new direction. It begins with six in '06:
1. Real Security including the redeployment of US Forces in Iraq
2. Raising the minimum wage
3. College access for all
4. Energy Independence
5. Affordable Healthcare
6. Retirement Security
You can check out http://www.GiveEmHellHarry.com for updates and video throughout the day. We can win. We just need to keep working through the final stretch and not give an inch. It's time for a new direction.
[Duchess Note - In regards to #1, I'm not for redeployment, but totally support candidates who say bring ALL OUR TROOPS HOME NOW. Some may agree with me and some may not. Thats okay ... totally cool with that.]
NEW YORKERS FOR A DEPT OF PEACE CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATED IN THE 4TH ANNUAL BROOKLYN PEACE FAIR ON OCTOBER 22ND
[Above Photo - Students from Long Island University interview Marianne and Carol at the "New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace" table]
[Photo Above - There were many peace related groups tabling at the Peace Fair. Here is a view of some of them.]
MESSAGE FROM SENATOR HARRY REID
Go vote; bring your friends to vote; and call you relatives to make sure they are voting. Wherever you live, there is an important race going on. It might be for the Senate, or the House of Representatives, or for Governor, or mayor. One constant remains: Democrats stand for changing the course and Republicans want to keep things the same both in Iraq and here at home. So if somebody asks you today why it's important to vote Democrat you tell them, Democrats have a detailed plan for a new direction. It begins with six in '06:
1. Real Security including the redeployment of US Forces in Iraq
2. Raising the minimum wage
3. College access for all
4. Energy Independence
5. Affordable Healthcare
6. Retirement Security
You can check out http://www.GiveEmHellHarry.com for updates and video throughout the day. We can win. We just need to keep working through the final stretch and not give an inch. It's time for a new direction.
[Duchess Note - In regards to #1, I'm not for redeployment, but totally support candidates who say bring ALL OUR TROOPS HOME NOW. Some may agree with me and some may not. Thats okay ... totally cool with that.]
NEW YORKERS FOR A DEPT OF PEACE CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATED IN THE 4TH ANNUAL BROOKLYN PEACE FAIR ON OCTOBER 22ND
[Above Photo - Students from Long Island University interview Marianne and Carol at the "New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace" table]
[Photo Above - There were many peace related groups tabling at the Peace Fair. Here is a view of some of them.]
Monday, November 06, 2006
THE FOLLOWING “100 BEST WORKS OF FICTION” LIST WAS PUBLISHED IN SPRING OF 2002 IN ENGLAND’S “THE GUARDIAN” NEWSPAPER – THIS LIST WAS DETERMINED BY 100 NOTED WRITERS FROM 54 COUNTRIES [Listed by book title, author and birth/death year AND the double ** indicates the books I’ve read]
Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe, Nigeria (b. 1930)
Fairy Tales and Stories - Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark (1805-1875)
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen, England (1775-1817) **
Old Goriot - Honore de Balzac, France (1799-1850)
Trilogy: Molloy, Malone Dies, The Unnamable - Samuel Beckett, Ireland (1906-1989)
Decameron - Giovanni Boccaccio, Italy (1313-1375) **
Collected Fictions - Jorge Luis Borges, Argentina (1899-1986)
Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë, England (1818-1848) **
The Stranger - Albert Camus, France (1913-1960)
Selected Poems and Prose - Paul Celan, Romania/France (1920-1970)
Journey to the End of the Night - Louis-Ferdinand Celine, France (1894-1961)
Don Quixote de la Mancha - Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Spain (1547-1616) **
Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer, England (1340-1400) **
Selected Stories - Anton P. Chekhov, Russia (1860-1904)
Nostromo - Joseph Conrad, England (1857-1924)
The Divine Comedy - Dante Alighieri, Italy (1265-1321)
Great Expectations - Charles Dickens, England (1812-1870) **
Jacques the Fatalist and His Master - Denis Diderot, France (1713-1784)
Berlin Alexanderplatz - Alfred Döblin, Germany (1878-1957)
Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, The Possessed, The Brothers Karamazov - Fyodor M. Dostoyevsky, Russia (1821-1881)
Middlemarch - George Eliot, England (1819-1880)
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison, United States (1914-1994)
Medea - Euripides, Greece (circa 480-406 B.C.)
Absalom Absalom, The Sound and the Fury - William Faulkner, United States (1897-1962)
Madame Bovary, A Sentimental Education Gustave Flaubert, France (1821-1880) **
Gypsy Ballads - Federico Garcia Lorca, Spain (1898-1936)
One Hundred Years of Solitude, Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Colombia (b. 1928)
The Epic of Gilgamesh - Mesopotamia (circa 1800 B.C.)
Faust - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany (1749-1832)
Dead Souls - Nikolai Gogol, Russia (1809-1852)
The Tin Drum - Gunter Grass, Germany (b. 1927)
The Devil to Pay in the Backlands - Joao Guimaraes Rosa, Brazil (1880-1967)
Hunger - Knut Hamsun, Norway (1859-1952)
The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway, United States (1899-1961) **
The Iliad, The Odyssey - Homer, Greece (circa 700 B.C.) **
A Doll's House - Henrik Ibsen, Norway (1828-1906)
The Book of Job - Israel (600-400 B.C.)
Ulysses - James Joyce, Ireland (1882-1941)
The Complete Stories, The Trial, The Castle - Franz Kafka, Bohemia (1883-1924)
The Recognition of Sakuntala - Kalidasa, India (circa 400)
The Sound of the Mountain - Yasunari Kawabata, Japan (1899-1972)
Zorba the Greek - Nikos Kazantzakis, Greece (1883-1957)
Sons and Lovers - D.H. Lawrence, England (1885-1930)
Independent People - Halldor K. Laxness, Iceland (1902-1998)
Complete Poems - Giacomo Leopardi, Italy (1798-1837)
The Golden Notebook - Doris Lessing, England (b. 1919)
The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking - Astrid Lindgren, Sweden (1907-2002) **
Diary of a Madman and Other Stories - Lu Xun, China (1881-1936)
Mahabharata - India (circa 500 B.C.)
Children of Gebelawi - Naguib Mahfouz, Egypt (b. 1911)
Buddenbrook, The Magic Mountain - Thomas Mann, Germany (1875-1955)
Moby Dick - Herman Melville, United States (1819-1891) **
Essays - Michel de Montaigne, France (1533-1592)
History - Elsa Morante, Italy (1918-1985)
Beloved - Toni Morrison, United States (b. 1931)
The Tale of Genji - Murasaki Shikibu, Japan (973-1025?)
The Man Without Qualities - Robert Musil, Austria (1880-1942)
Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov, Russia/United States (1899-1977)**
Njaal's Saga - Iceland (circa 1300)
1984 - George Orwell, England (1903-1950) **
Metamorphoses - Ovid, Italy (circa 43 B.C.)
The Book of Disquiet - Fernando Pessoa, Portugal (1888-1935)
The Complete Tales - Edgar Allan Poe, United States (1809-1849) **
Remembrance of Things Past - Marcel Proust, France (1871-1922) **
Gargantua and Pantagruel - Francois Rabelais, France (1495-1553)
Pedro Paramo - Juan Rulfo, Mexico (1918-1986)
Mathnawi - Jalal ad-din Rumi, Afghanistan (1207-1273)
Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie, India/Britain (b. 1947)
The Orchard - Sheikh Musharrif ud-din Sadi, Iran (circa 1200-1292)
Season of Migration to the North - Tayeb Salih, Sudan (b. 1929)
Blindness - Jose Saramago, Portugal (b. 1922)
Hamlet, King Lear, Othello - William Shakespeare, England (1564-1616) **
Oedipus the King - Sophocles, Greece (496-406 B.C.)
The Red and the Black - Stendhal, France (1783-1842) **
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy - Laurence Sterne, Ireland (1713-1768)
Confessions of Zeno - Italo Svevo, Italy (1861-1928)
Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift, Ireland (1667-1745) **
War and Peace, Anna Karenina, The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories - Leo Tolstoy, Russia (1828-1910) **
Tales from a Thousand and One Nights - India/Iran/Iraq/Egypt (700-1500)
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain, United States (1835-1910) **
Ramayana - Valmiki, India (circa 300 B.C.)
The Aeneid - Virgil, Italy (70-19 B.C.)
Leaves of Grass - Walt Whitman, United States (1819-1892)
Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse - Virginia Woolf, England (1882-1941)
Memoirs of Hadrian - Marguerite Yourcenar, France (1903-1987)
MESSAGE FROM JONATHAN TASINI IN NEW YORK STATE - A Different Course of Action This Election Day
Over the past few weeks, a number of people have told me that they simply have no desire to vote for the available candidates listed on the ballot for U.S. Senate in New York. They asked me: "Can we just write you in?" I didn't particularly focus on this idea until I received a letter from a senior citizen supporter who, in shaky handwriting, asked my permission to write in my name for the Senate race. Her letter was touching and passionate. So, while I will not make a big effort to push this idea, if you want to write in my name or, frankly, anyone else but the incumbent, please feel free to do so. The truth is that no one should have to vote for an incumbent who has supported a war that has killed more than 2,800 American men and women and 650,000 Iraqis, wounded hundreds of thousands more, destroyed a country and will end up costing our country as much as 2 trillion dollars.
Here is how you do that ... Locate the button over the column of numbered slots on the left of the voting machine and ... Depress the button and, while holding it in, open the slot opposite the office for which you wish to write in a candidate's name. Write the name of your preferred candidate in the slot. A pencil is provided. Cast your vote for other offices in the usual manner.
When you finish making your selection, leave the levers down and pull the large red handle all the way to the left. The write-in slot will close, the levers will return to their original position and your vote is recorded. If you need help, you can demand that the poll workers assist you.
Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe, Nigeria (b. 1930)
Fairy Tales and Stories - Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark (1805-1875)
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen, England (1775-1817) **
Old Goriot - Honore de Balzac, France (1799-1850)
Trilogy: Molloy, Malone Dies, The Unnamable - Samuel Beckett, Ireland (1906-1989)
Decameron - Giovanni Boccaccio, Italy (1313-1375) **
Collected Fictions - Jorge Luis Borges, Argentina (1899-1986)
Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë, England (1818-1848) **
The Stranger - Albert Camus, France (1913-1960)
Selected Poems and Prose - Paul Celan, Romania/France (1920-1970)
Journey to the End of the Night - Louis-Ferdinand Celine, France (1894-1961)
Don Quixote de la Mancha - Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Spain (1547-1616) **
Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer, England (1340-1400) **
Selected Stories - Anton P. Chekhov, Russia (1860-1904)
Nostromo - Joseph Conrad, England (1857-1924)
The Divine Comedy - Dante Alighieri, Italy (1265-1321)
Great Expectations - Charles Dickens, England (1812-1870) **
Jacques the Fatalist and His Master - Denis Diderot, France (1713-1784)
Berlin Alexanderplatz - Alfred Döblin, Germany (1878-1957)
Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, The Possessed, The Brothers Karamazov - Fyodor M. Dostoyevsky, Russia (1821-1881)
Middlemarch - George Eliot, England (1819-1880)
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison, United States (1914-1994)
Medea - Euripides, Greece (circa 480-406 B.C.)
Absalom Absalom, The Sound and the Fury - William Faulkner, United States (1897-1962)
Madame Bovary, A Sentimental Education Gustave Flaubert, France (1821-1880) **
Gypsy Ballads - Federico Garcia Lorca, Spain (1898-1936)
One Hundred Years of Solitude, Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Colombia (b. 1928)
The Epic of Gilgamesh - Mesopotamia (circa 1800 B.C.)
Faust - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany (1749-1832)
Dead Souls - Nikolai Gogol, Russia (1809-1852)
The Tin Drum - Gunter Grass, Germany (b. 1927)
The Devil to Pay in the Backlands - Joao Guimaraes Rosa, Brazil (1880-1967)
Hunger - Knut Hamsun, Norway (1859-1952)
The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway, United States (1899-1961) **
The Iliad, The Odyssey - Homer, Greece (circa 700 B.C.) **
A Doll's House - Henrik Ibsen, Norway (1828-1906)
The Book of Job - Israel (600-400 B.C.)
Ulysses - James Joyce, Ireland (1882-1941)
The Complete Stories, The Trial, The Castle - Franz Kafka, Bohemia (1883-1924)
The Recognition of Sakuntala - Kalidasa, India (circa 400)
The Sound of the Mountain - Yasunari Kawabata, Japan (1899-1972)
Zorba the Greek - Nikos Kazantzakis, Greece (1883-1957)
Sons and Lovers - D.H. Lawrence, England (1885-1930)
Independent People - Halldor K. Laxness, Iceland (1902-1998)
Complete Poems - Giacomo Leopardi, Italy (1798-1837)
The Golden Notebook - Doris Lessing, England (b. 1919)
The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking - Astrid Lindgren, Sweden (1907-2002) **
Diary of a Madman and Other Stories - Lu Xun, China (1881-1936)
Mahabharata - India (circa 500 B.C.)
Children of Gebelawi - Naguib Mahfouz, Egypt (b. 1911)
Buddenbrook, The Magic Mountain - Thomas Mann, Germany (1875-1955)
Moby Dick - Herman Melville, United States (1819-1891) **
Essays - Michel de Montaigne, France (1533-1592)
History - Elsa Morante, Italy (1918-1985)
Beloved - Toni Morrison, United States (b. 1931)
The Tale of Genji - Murasaki Shikibu, Japan (973-1025?)
The Man Without Qualities - Robert Musil, Austria (1880-1942)
Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov, Russia/United States (1899-1977)**
Njaal's Saga - Iceland (circa 1300)
1984 - George Orwell, England (1903-1950) **
Metamorphoses - Ovid, Italy (circa 43 B.C.)
The Book of Disquiet - Fernando Pessoa, Portugal (1888-1935)
The Complete Tales - Edgar Allan Poe, United States (1809-1849) **
Remembrance of Things Past - Marcel Proust, France (1871-1922) **
Gargantua and Pantagruel - Francois Rabelais, France (1495-1553)
Pedro Paramo - Juan Rulfo, Mexico (1918-1986)
Mathnawi - Jalal ad-din Rumi, Afghanistan (1207-1273)
Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie, India/Britain (b. 1947)
The Orchard - Sheikh Musharrif ud-din Sadi, Iran (circa 1200-1292)
Season of Migration to the North - Tayeb Salih, Sudan (b. 1929)
Blindness - Jose Saramago, Portugal (b. 1922)
Hamlet, King Lear, Othello - William Shakespeare, England (1564-1616) **
Oedipus the King - Sophocles, Greece (496-406 B.C.)
The Red and the Black - Stendhal, France (1783-1842) **
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy - Laurence Sterne, Ireland (1713-1768)
Confessions of Zeno - Italo Svevo, Italy (1861-1928)
Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift, Ireland (1667-1745) **
War and Peace, Anna Karenina, The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories - Leo Tolstoy, Russia (1828-1910) **
Tales from a Thousand and One Nights - India/Iran/Iraq/Egypt (700-1500)
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain, United States (1835-1910) **
Ramayana - Valmiki, India (circa 300 B.C.)
The Aeneid - Virgil, Italy (70-19 B.C.)
Leaves of Grass - Walt Whitman, United States (1819-1892)
Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse - Virginia Woolf, England (1882-1941)
Memoirs of Hadrian - Marguerite Yourcenar, France (1903-1987)
MESSAGE FROM JONATHAN TASINI IN NEW YORK STATE - A Different Course of Action This Election Day
Over the past few weeks, a number of people have told me that they simply have no desire to vote for the available candidates listed on the ballot for U.S. Senate in New York. They asked me: "Can we just write you in?" I didn't particularly focus on this idea until I received a letter from a senior citizen supporter who, in shaky handwriting, asked my permission to write in my name for the Senate race. Her letter was touching and passionate. So, while I will not make a big effort to push this idea, if you want to write in my name or, frankly, anyone else but the incumbent, please feel free to do so. The truth is that no one should have to vote for an incumbent who has supported a war that has killed more than 2,800 American men and women and 650,000 Iraqis, wounded hundreds of thousands more, destroyed a country and will end up costing our country as much as 2 trillion dollars.
Here is how you do that ... Locate the button over the column of numbered slots on the left of the voting machine and ... Depress the button and, while holding it in, open the slot opposite the office for which you wish to write in a candidate's name. Write the name of your preferred candidate in the slot. A pencil is provided. Cast your vote for other offices in the usual manner.
When you finish making your selection, leave the levers down and pull the large red handle all the way to the left. The write-in slot will close, the levers will return to their original position and your vote is recorded. If you need help, you can demand that the poll workers assist you.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
DOESN’T SHOW THE COURAGE OF HIS CONVICTIONS … AGAIN [Commentary From My Friend Judith In Riverdale, NY]
What is wrong with John Kerry? His apology for his "joke", saying he meant to insult President Bush, absurd. The original joke told the truth and what the US has; (of course with MANY, MANY exceptions) is a "poverty draft". Most (NOT all, of course) of those who, in recent years (right before & since the Iraq war), go into the National Guard and the Army, do so for THE MONEY. (I know several examples of this myself … former students, some in their families; a friend's relative) These are poor people. Some go in to get money for college, others because they are HS graduates and can't get a civilian job, or have civilian jobs that don't pay enough to support their families as they would want. The army recruiters don't go into rich white neighborhoods and high schools, or rarely do. They concentrate on the poor black neighborhoods, on ghetto schools, on poor whites, too, in the south and Midwest. This is (the students are told) their way out of poverty, their way out of the streets, the way to get opportunities. (They don't say, "If you don't get seriously injured or disabled, physically or mentally, or killed".) Not being in college, not having a high paying career, or being in the process of studying for one, is the reason MOST (again, NOT ALL) are those "on the firing line" in Iraq. This is the reality. And Kerry meant this, and didn't (again) show the guts to say it, once confronted. The same pathetic showing Kerry had in his Presidential campaign. He is always afraid to show the courage of his convictions and tell the truth.
[Duchess Note – I so agree with Judith and many thanks in sharing your views. I’m still pissed at Kerry for this latest weakness. Dude, get some backbone! His comments were correct and he spoke the truth. There is no need to apologize AND the other Democrats should of supported him 100%. I’m disgusted with many Democrats right now and will be voting for some Green Party and Working Families candidates on November 7th.]
What is wrong with John Kerry? His apology for his "joke", saying he meant to insult President Bush, absurd. The original joke told the truth and what the US has; (of course with MANY, MANY exceptions) is a "poverty draft". Most (NOT all, of course) of those who, in recent years (right before & since the Iraq war), go into the National Guard and the Army, do so for THE MONEY. (I know several examples of this myself … former students, some in their families; a friend's relative) These are poor people. Some go in to get money for college, others because they are HS graduates and can't get a civilian job, or have civilian jobs that don't pay enough to support their families as they would want. The army recruiters don't go into rich white neighborhoods and high schools, or rarely do. They concentrate on the poor black neighborhoods, on ghetto schools, on poor whites, too, in the south and Midwest. This is (the students are told) their way out of poverty, their way out of the streets, the way to get opportunities. (They don't say, "If you don't get seriously injured or disabled, physically or mentally, or killed".) Not being in college, not having a high paying career, or being in the process of studying for one, is the reason MOST (again, NOT ALL) are those "on the firing line" in Iraq. This is the reality. And Kerry meant this, and didn't (again) show the guts to say it, once confronted. The same pathetic showing Kerry had in his Presidential campaign. He is always afraid to show the courage of his convictions and tell the truth.
[Duchess Note – I so agree with Judith and many thanks in sharing your views. I’m still pissed at Kerry for this latest weakness. Dude, get some backbone! His comments were correct and he spoke the truth. There is no need to apologize AND the other Democrats should of supported him 100%. I’m disgusted with many Democrats right now and will be voting for some Green Party and Working Families candidates on November 7th.]
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
PERSONAL NEWS #108
On Thursday, September 21st, I attended the monthly NYDoP core team meeting and it was also International Peace Day. The turnout for the meeting wasn’t that large, but what made it so special was welcoming two new attendees [ie: Adrianna & Susan]. This was our first meeting since the Gandhi/Sept 11th event two weeks earlier and we all greeting each other warmly. Those attending the meeting were Kevin, Liz, Carol, Karen, Priscilla, Eileen, Marianne, MaryJo and I. I brought along baked goodies for all to nosh on while we discussed NVC principals, UN International Peace Day, upcoming NYDoP events and of course feedback on the Gandhi event. As to the latter, our germinating vision over 5 month span reached out to many groups across the US and in several countries around the world. We were overjoyed upon hearing the news from Carol and Marianne. Plus, we were looking forward to celebrating on September 23rd and 30th.
The week of Sept 25th through 29th I was on a much needed vacation from a busy work environment and other activities. On the morning of the 26th I took an early bus down to my beloved Cape May, NJ for a few days of R&R. A week or so before, I contacted Regina at Twin Gables B&B about staying there for 3 nights. They still have had no luck in buyers for the inn and told me the real estate market isn’t so hot. Harry and Regina filled me in on other local “goings on” during my visit. Great seeing the Golden Retriever Brandy again … he is such a lovable, nicely behaved doggie. My stay in Cape May was blessed with warm, sunny weather the first few days before it turned cool and windy on evening of 28th. I rented a bike shortly after arriving Tuesday afternoon and returned it Thursday before tea time at the B&B. I so enjoy biking and walking all over the Cape May area. And even more so when the weather is gorgeous and perfect outside. Visited many of my favorite haunts in the area; which included the library, Washington Street Mall shops, Sunset Beach, lighthouse, Emlen Physick Estate/Museum, promenade at the beach, Depot Café, Seaside Sweets, Winterwood and viewing all the lovely Victorian style homes/inns.
[Note: View inside the top of Cape May Lighthouse]
Sitting on the Twin Gables veranda with a glass of wine and reading a book is delightful, and Regina’s breakfasts are out of this world. Total yummers! I was the only guest at the B&B until tea time on Thursday, when two very nice ladies from Alabama showed up. They were in town for a niece’s graduation from Coast Guard. Overall I had a lovely time and decided my 2007 vacation will be another trek to Canada. [BTW … if you ever visit Cape May … go to Seaside Sweets and purchase their yummy chocolate covered potato chips. They are sooooo good!]
On Saturday, Sept 30th, I joined several of my NYDoP core team members and acquaintances in going on a two hour Sail-a-bration in NYC Harbor. [We were celebrating our work and efforts regarding Gandhi event.] The weather wasn’t that great, but that didn’t stop us or the other passengers who boarded the schooner [“Adirondack”] at Chelsea Piers. The sky was overcast and did fling a few drops of rain before we set sail. Our own Reverend Joe blessed us and the boat with a worthy prayer to appease sky and water gods. [I brought a tin of my homemade cookies to share with our group.] I’ve never been on a schooner before and I very much enjoyed the experience. Didn’t feel seasick at all, in fact, I was in high spirits. I mostly sat towards the center of the schooner with Kevin, his daughter Evie and Joe. [I didn’t mind helping Kevin out with watching Evie periodically, as she is a delightful child.] The others … Carol, Marianne, Gary, Dian and Marie … sat at the back in more comfy seats. Fascinating to watch the workings of the schooner as the crew of two gals handled all beautifully. [The captain was a congenial older man with a winning smile.] We sailed down to the harbor, viewed the Statue of Liberty and on the way back up Hudson River we saw two large cruise ships heading out to the Atlantic. Utilizing the small bathroom in the schooner is quite an experience on balance and leg strength. Afterwards we [except for Kevin & Evie] went to the local restaurant at the pier to have a delicious, light dinner to warm up the body. We also engaged in conversation on several topics, one being inspiring thought provoking films. I told them about the 2005 German film “Sophie Scholl”. Overall I had a wonderful, terrific day.
QUOTE OF THE DAY … Whatever you do may seem insignificant but it is most important that you do it Gandhi
Monday, October 2nd, I joined my friend Linda [NYC Kucitizen] in attending an evening event hosted by “World Can’t Wait” at Cooper Union in Manhattan. This event was a lead up to the big march and rally scheduled at noontime on October 5th. Quite a large turnout and several people I knew were tabling at the event. MaryJo was there at the “Impeach Bush” table and Ann, along with her very sweet Iranian hubby, were at the “We Will Not Be Silent” table selling t-shirts with sayings on them in several languages. [That saying or statement is by the student resistance movement in 1930s Nazi Germany called “The White Rose”. Sophie Scholl and her brother were part of that movement.] These acquaintances, along with Linda, are dedicated and inspiring folk who strive for truth, justice and democracy. These values are very much lacking under Bush & Company. Those speaking at the event were Malachy McCourt, Reno, Mark Ruffalo, Debra Sweet, Olympia Dukakis, Bill Goodman and Craig Murray. The latter seemed like a mild-manner former British Ambassador [ie: to Uzbekistan]. Once he got into his story of how he risked his life and forfeited his career to blow the whistle on US sponsored torture, his passion and character roused the audience to a standing ovation. Bravo Mr. Murray! As did film actress Olympia Dukakis, whom I also found to be quite inspiring and well informed. It was a great evening and I even picked up some new buttons. One of which reads “Habeas Corpus R.I.P. 1215-2006” So many more Americans need to come together under one banner and stop the numerous crimes/outrages of Bush & Company. It must be done … our country and lives are in jeopardy.
On Sunday, October 8th, I volunteered to help out during the annual NYC Renaissance Faire up at Fort Tryon Park. My high school friend Eileen was production director and like last year, I helped out with small “jobs” around the faire. Also, like last year, we were blessed with a warm, sunny day around 70 degrees. The sun was so bright on my bare head that I purchased a $5 paper Chinese parasol as protection. I wasn’t the only one with that idea and I saw many ladies with parasols. Mostly hung out with Becca, who was going solo this year, as Bonnie was at her son’s football game and we had a fun time. Becca was helping out Eileen’s hubby Seth with some filming of the days events. We were mostly situated at the Tournament Field, Site of the Web and the opening procession parade. [Becca & Saul (photo below) at the Ren Faire ... Saul was such an interesting man. We were on the verge of exchanging “info” when interrupted by an acquaintance of his.]
Starting at 5:15pm to 6:30pm the faire wrapped up, packed up everything and closed for another successful year. Larger crowds turned out this year than last. Finally, after some time, a group of us [including Eileen & Seth] headed to a restaurant nicely situated in Fort Tryon Park. Seth treated us to a delicious meal and after gave me some buckos for taxi ride home.
Tuesday, October 10th, I attended the City Harvest orientation/training at 6pm. Want to help out and do volunteering with this amazing food rescue organization. [Thank you Reverend Joe for the info!] City Harvest provides food to senior centers, homeless, soup kitchens, food pantries, churches, etc. I learned that 19.1% of New Yorkers are at poverty level and that 11% are homeless. Good heavens! After the orientation we fill out forms and through this will be informed via email on future volunteering assignments. Some opportunities I cannot participate in, as it’s during my work day, but others I can help out during weekends or evenings. I also signed up with Food Bank of NYC. Later that evening I jumped on a NYDoP conference call regarding “peace tabling” at an upcoming Red Hot Chili Peppers gig at Continental Arena in NJ. [RHCP bass player Flea has come out & endorsing the DoP legislation/campaign. Now if we can only get Pearl Jam to support or endorse the DoP. That would be so cool!] Personally, I think it awesome to combine peace activism with rock music. I’ve never seen the RHCPs live, so this will be a thrill for me.
Monday, October 16th, I participated in the third NYDoP conference call regarding further prep talk on “peace tabling” at the RHCP gigs. We are ready to rock and roll with peace and nonviolence.
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE OF THE DAY … Gay marriage doesn’t scare me, hatred & inequality do!
Next day, October 17th, was my b-day and I received some long stem yellow roses from a few co-workers. As well as several email b-day greetings friends and good wishes from co-workers. Hard to believe, but in two more years I’ll be celebrating the big 5-0. And this lady will be throwing a cool, funky party to celebrate the occasion. Hell yeah! Around 4:30pm I headed over to Port Authority to meet up with fellow NYDoP member, David, and we purchased our one-way bus tix for Continental Arena. We had no troubles entering the arena and picking up our passes, then heading up the escalator to find rest of our group. Liz, Rob, Marianne, Chris and other volunteers had shown up earlier and already had the tables mostly set up. I brought along copies of DoP paperwork and homemade fudge brownies for our group to nibble on. Received last minute instructions, checked out the turf and positioned myself at one of our tables near Gate A. Behind our tabling area were one of the “handicap” sections and a nice left side view of the stage. Since the weather was crappy outside, many “fans” came inside as soon as the doors opened at 6:30pm.
Several in our group had signup sheets on clipboards and worked the crowd until the RHCPs came on stage at 9pm. I was doing my thing at the table and talking to many attendees on peace, current issues and Flea’s endorsement of DoP. It was all quite interesting, exciting and we did very well that first night. I’ve never heard of the warmup band before [ie: Mars Volta] and to be honest, well, they did nothing for me. Others in our group felt the same way. When the Red Hot Chili Peppers hit the stage … OMG … it was so exciting. Similar feeling I get at a Pearl Jam concert. We all took turns throughout the concert in working the table and watching RHCPs. What a terrific b-day gift … seeing the RHCPs live and for free. Now if we can only get Pearl Jam to endorse Dept of Peace campaign. Oh gosh, that would be sweet. About 3/4s of the way through the gig, Flea made a short speech on peace et al. It was great and the fans just ate it up. After the gig fans were grabbing DoP postcards as they left the arena. We packed and cleaned up the two table areas quickly. David and I got a ride to our respective homes from Rob and Liz in their minivan. It was a great evening and I love their song called SNOW. RHCPs rocked the house that night.
VIGGO MORTENSEN'S UNUSUAL ROLE: INDIE PUBLISHING MOGUL
Janet Maslin, NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/01/movies/01viggo.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
HBO DOCUMENTARY - "HACKING DEMOCRACY"
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/hackingdemocracy/index.html?ntrack_para1=feat_sec1_title
On Thursday, September 21st, I attended the monthly NYDoP core team meeting and it was also International Peace Day. The turnout for the meeting wasn’t that large, but what made it so special was welcoming two new attendees [ie: Adrianna & Susan]. This was our first meeting since the Gandhi/Sept 11th event two weeks earlier and we all greeting each other warmly. Those attending the meeting were Kevin, Liz, Carol, Karen, Priscilla, Eileen, Marianne, MaryJo and I. I brought along baked goodies for all to nosh on while we discussed NVC principals, UN International Peace Day, upcoming NYDoP events and of course feedback on the Gandhi event. As to the latter, our germinating vision over 5 month span reached out to many groups across the US and in several countries around the world. We were overjoyed upon hearing the news from Carol and Marianne. Plus, we were looking forward to celebrating on September 23rd and 30th.
The week of Sept 25th through 29th I was on a much needed vacation from a busy work environment and other activities. On the morning of the 26th I took an early bus down to my beloved Cape May, NJ for a few days of R&R. A week or so before, I contacted Regina at Twin Gables B&B about staying there for 3 nights. They still have had no luck in buyers for the inn and told me the real estate market isn’t so hot. Harry and Regina filled me in on other local “goings on” during my visit. Great seeing the Golden Retriever Brandy again … he is such a lovable, nicely behaved doggie. My stay in Cape May was blessed with warm, sunny weather the first few days before it turned cool and windy on evening of 28th. I rented a bike shortly after arriving Tuesday afternoon and returned it Thursday before tea time at the B&B. I so enjoy biking and walking all over the Cape May area. And even more so when the weather is gorgeous and perfect outside. Visited many of my favorite haunts in the area; which included the library, Washington Street Mall shops, Sunset Beach, lighthouse, Emlen Physick Estate/Museum, promenade at the beach, Depot Café, Seaside Sweets, Winterwood and viewing all the lovely Victorian style homes/inns.
[Note: View inside the top of Cape May Lighthouse]
Sitting on the Twin Gables veranda with a glass of wine and reading a book is delightful, and Regina’s breakfasts are out of this world. Total yummers! I was the only guest at the B&B until tea time on Thursday, when two very nice ladies from Alabama showed up. They were in town for a niece’s graduation from Coast Guard. Overall I had a lovely time and decided my 2007 vacation will be another trek to Canada. [BTW … if you ever visit Cape May … go to Seaside Sweets and purchase their yummy chocolate covered potato chips. They are sooooo good!]
On Saturday, Sept 30th, I joined several of my NYDoP core team members and acquaintances in going on a two hour Sail-a-bration in NYC Harbor. [We were celebrating our work and efforts regarding Gandhi event.] The weather wasn’t that great, but that didn’t stop us or the other passengers who boarded the schooner [“Adirondack”] at Chelsea Piers. The sky was overcast and did fling a few drops of rain before we set sail. Our own Reverend Joe blessed us and the boat with a worthy prayer to appease sky and water gods. [I brought a tin of my homemade cookies to share with our group.] I’ve never been on a schooner before and I very much enjoyed the experience. Didn’t feel seasick at all, in fact, I was in high spirits. I mostly sat towards the center of the schooner with Kevin, his daughter Evie and Joe. [I didn’t mind helping Kevin out with watching Evie periodically, as she is a delightful child.] The others … Carol, Marianne, Gary, Dian and Marie … sat at the back in more comfy seats. Fascinating to watch the workings of the schooner as the crew of two gals handled all beautifully. [The captain was a congenial older man with a winning smile.] We sailed down to the harbor, viewed the Statue of Liberty and on the way back up Hudson River we saw two large cruise ships heading out to the Atlantic. Utilizing the small bathroom in the schooner is quite an experience on balance and leg strength. Afterwards we [except for Kevin & Evie] went to the local restaurant at the pier to have a delicious, light dinner to warm up the body. We also engaged in conversation on several topics, one being inspiring thought provoking films. I told them about the 2005 German film “Sophie Scholl”. Overall I had a wonderful, terrific day.
QUOTE OF THE DAY … Whatever you do may seem insignificant but it is most important that you do it Gandhi
Monday, October 2nd, I joined my friend Linda [NYC Kucitizen] in attending an evening event hosted by “World Can’t Wait” at Cooper Union in Manhattan. This event was a lead up to the big march and rally scheduled at noontime on October 5th. Quite a large turnout and several people I knew were tabling at the event. MaryJo was there at the “Impeach Bush” table and Ann, along with her very sweet Iranian hubby, were at the “We Will Not Be Silent” table selling t-shirts with sayings on them in several languages. [That saying or statement is by the student resistance movement in 1930s Nazi Germany called “The White Rose”. Sophie Scholl and her brother were part of that movement.] These acquaintances, along with Linda, are dedicated and inspiring folk who strive for truth, justice and democracy. These values are very much lacking under Bush & Company. Those speaking at the event were Malachy McCourt, Reno, Mark Ruffalo, Debra Sweet, Olympia Dukakis, Bill Goodman and Craig Murray. The latter seemed like a mild-manner former British Ambassador [ie: to Uzbekistan]. Once he got into his story of how he risked his life and forfeited his career to blow the whistle on US sponsored torture, his passion and character roused the audience to a standing ovation. Bravo Mr. Murray! As did film actress Olympia Dukakis, whom I also found to be quite inspiring and well informed. It was a great evening and I even picked up some new buttons. One of which reads “Habeas Corpus R.I.P. 1215-2006” So many more Americans need to come together under one banner and stop the numerous crimes/outrages of Bush & Company. It must be done … our country and lives are in jeopardy.
On Sunday, October 8th, I volunteered to help out during the annual NYC Renaissance Faire up at Fort Tryon Park. My high school friend Eileen was production director and like last year, I helped out with small “jobs” around the faire. Also, like last year, we were blessed with a warm, sunny day around 70 degrees. The sun was so bright on my bare head that I purchased a $5 paper Chinese parasol as protection. I wasn’t the only one with that idea and I saw many ladies with parasols. Mostly hung out with Becca, who was going solo this year, as Bonnie was at her son’s football game and we had a fun time. Becca was helping out Eileen’s hubby Seth with some filming of the days events. We were mostly situated at the Tournament Field, Site of the Web and the opening procession parade. [Becca & Saul (photo below) at the Ren Faire ... Saul was such an interesting man. We were on the verge of exchanging “info” when interrupted by an acquaintance of his.]
Starting at 5:15pm to 6:30pm the faire wrapped up, packed up everything and closed for another successful year. Larger crowds turned out this year than last. Finally, after some time, a group of us [including Eileen & Seth] headed to a restaurant nicely situated in Fort Tryon Park. Seth treated us to a delicious meal and after gave me some buckos for taxi ride home.
Tuesday, October 10th, I attended the City Harvest orientation/training at 6pm. Want to help out and do volunteering with this amazing food rescue organization. [Thank you Reverend Joe for the info!] City Harvest provides food to senior centers, homeless, soup kitchens, food pantries, churches, etc. I learned that 19.1% of New Yorkers are at poverty level and that 11% are homeless. Good heavens! After the orientation we fill out forms and through this will be informed via email on future volunteering assignments. Some opportunities I cannot participate in, as it’s during my work day, but others I can help out during weekends or evenings. I also signed up with Food Bank of NYC. Later that evening I jumped on a NYDoP conference call regarding “peace tabling” at an upcoming Red Hot Chili Peppers gig at Continental Arena in NJ. [RHCP bass player Flea has come out & endorsing the DoP legislation/campaign. Now if we can only get Pearl Jam to support or endorse the DoP. That would be so cool!] Personally, I think it awesome to combine peace activism with rock music. I’ve never seen the RHCPs live, so this will be a thrill for me.
Monday, October 16th, I participated in the third NYDoP conference call regarding further prep talk on “peace tabling” at the RHCP gigs. We are ready to rock and roll with peace and nonviolence.
BUMPER STICKER QUOTE OF THE DAY … Gay marriage doesn’t scare me, hatred & inequality do!
Next day, October 17th, was my b-day and I received some long stem yellow roses from a few co-workers. As well as several email b-day greetings friends and good wishes from co-workers. Hard to believe, but in two more years I’ll be celebrating the big 5-0. And this lady will be throwing a cool, funky party to celebrate the occasion. Hell yeah! Around 4:30pm I headed over to Port Authority to meet up with fellow NYDoP member, David, and we purchased our one-way bus tix for Continental Arena. We had no troubles entering the arena and picking up our passes, then heading up the escalator to find rest of our group. Liz, Rob, Marianne, Chris and other volunteers had shown up earlier and already had the tables mostly set up. I brought along copies of DoP paperwork and homemade fudge brownies for our group to nibble on. Received last minute instructions, checked out the turf and positioned myself at one of our tables near Gate A. Behind our tabling area were one of the “handicap” sections and a nice left side view of the stage. Since the weather was crappy outside, many “fans” came inside as soon as the doors opened at 6:30pm.
Several in our group had signup sheets on clipboards and worked the crowd until the RHCPs came on stage at 9pm. I was doing my thing at the table and talking to many attendees on peace, current issues and Flea’s endorsement of DoP. It was all quite interesting, exciting and we did very well that first night. I’ve never heard of the warmup band before [ie: Mars Volta] and to be honest, well, they did nothing for me. Others in our group felt the same way. When the Red Hot Chili Peppers hit the stage … OMG … it was so exciting. Similar feeling I get at a Pearl Jam concert. We all took turns throughout the concert in working the table and watching RHCPs. What a terrific b-day gift … seeing the RHCPs live and for free. Now if we can only get Pearl Jam to endorse Dept of Peace campaign. Oh gosh, that would be sweet. About 3/4s of the way through the gig, Flea made a short speech on peace et al. It was great and the fans just ate it up. After the gig fans were grabbing DoP postcards as they left the arena. We packed and cleaned up the two table areas quickly. David and I got a ride to our respective homes from Rob and Liz in their minivan. It was a great evening and I love their song called SNOW. RHCPs rocked the house that night.
VIGGO MORTENSEN'S UNUSUAL ROLE: INDIE PUBLISHING MOGUL
Janet Maslin, NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/01/movies/01viggo.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
HBO DOCUMENTARY - "HACKING DEMOCRACY"
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/hackingdemocracy/index.html?ntrack_para1=feat_sec1_title