PERSONAL NEWS #146
Friday, June 27th, I had a date with this chap [Juan] I met via MySpace. The date, which took place at a bar/cafe on the eastside, was nice and enjoyable. I have to admit that some of his comments, during our conversation, were definitely abit odd. I’ve never ever had a man tell me on a first date that he is homophobic. He didn’t elaborate on it and I didn’t press for clarification. Days after our date his subsequent emails were of a nature were I felt it wasn’t advisable to continue seeing him.

Sunday, June 29th, I went to the movies and out to dinner with my friend Jackie. We went to see WALL-E at the cinema, and had dinner at a local Polish restaurant in the East Village. Here is my brief review of the film WALL-E … “It’s such a terrific film and Pixar has done it again. Wasn't really a fan of ET or Short Circuit, but I adore WALL-E. Plus the film conveys messages about mankind, consumerism, technology and humanity. Don't just go for the cute, lonely robot who'll steal your heart. Go and absorb the subtle messages. We need to save our planet; whether it's the environment, mankind or animals. Push greed aside and be peace”.

Tuesday, July 1st, was the EY Insurance Tax team sailboat outing around the NYC harbor. There were about 15 to 20 of us enjoying 4 hours on the Adirondack [schooner], which left Chelsea Piers at 11am and brought us back at 3pm. [Note: All photos by Dee and Juan.]



Even with sunscreen I still got abit sun burnt on my nose and shoulders, as did several other co-workers. Despite that we ALL had a grand time and enjoyed some tasty nibblers, dessert, plus assorted drinks, like champagne. Yum!


The excursion took us past lower Manhattan, parts of New Jersey/Brooklyn/Staten Island, Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and even under the impressive Verrazano Bridge.


There were a variety of boats in the harbor and even the Caribbean Princess cruise ship at a pier in Red Hook [Brooklyn]. This was my second time on the Adirondack and I loved it just as much as the first time in September 2006.

After we docked, we went into Chelsea Piers to a bar for one more drink before heading back to our office.

July 4th through 7th … visited my family in upstate New York for the holiday weekend. On Saturday afternoon we were invited to a friend’s 60th birthday party and cookout. Many at this event I hadn’t seen in years and it was lovely catching up with them on news. Rode my bicycle several times during the holiday weekend, one of which was into town to do errands and purchase a metal basket for my bike. Got to watch some cable TV, relax on the screened in porch, reading, knitting, tag sales, yard work, Sunday brunch at the Legion, make S’mores by the fire pit and do some watercolor painting. Overall a nice, low key weekend.

On Thursday, July 10th, I attended the annual EY FSO all-day summer outing. Those of us who do not have a car had to take a free chartered bus from our office building around 8:30am to the Platzl Brauhaus in Pomona, NY, which isn’t far from the western side of Tappan Zee bridge. EY FSO utilized this place last year and took over pavilion seven. I noticed that this year not as many employees attended. It seemed like we had abit more fun last year, as more folk from my department attended. Several of my department co-workers brought their wives, husbands and children. My co-worker [Dee] and I played miniature golf again, and must admit we had fun with it, but were not the best players on the lot. [Smiling] Food was okay and more like campsite/carnival nibblers. I did try some of the kosher BBQ chicken and that was quite tasty.


We checked out the Platzl Brauhaus gift shop, admired an early 20th century flatbed Ford truck, create some spin art, check out the ponies and sat by the swimming pool. Just like last year, neither Dee nor I won anything during the raffle. The chartered buses left shortly after 4:30pm and it took us almost 2 hours to get back to NYC.

Next evening, July 11th, I participated with other City Harvest volunteers at the Union Square farmers market.

Tuesday, July 15th, I participated in the monthly NYDoP Board & Core Team meeting at our new location. Not many members showed up for the meeting; but despite that we still had a good, productive and enjoyable meeting. Our planned Inwood Retreat has been rescheduled to September.

[Duchess Note – Will post a separate review on Pearl Jam concerts at MSG, plus hanging out with my friends from Canada week of June 22nd. Stay tuned…………….]

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPETELY DIFFERENT – LIBERAL NEWS

McKinney & Clemente: Black, Brown, Green and True
Glen Ford, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=698&Itemid=1

Bob Barr’s Online Dominance Slipping; McKinney, Baldwin on the Rise
Austin Cassidy, Independent Political Report
http://www.independentpoliticalreport.com/2008/07/bob-barrs-online-dominance-slipping-mckinney-baldwin-on-the-rise/

Who Owns Obama?
Pham Binh, Dissident Voice
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2008/07/who-owns-obama/

[Duchess Note – Many thanks to Linda and Carol for the above articles.]

LIVE FROM NYC – IT’S THE NEWS

Impeachment Article to be Introduced on Thursday, July 10th
Press Release from Congressman Kucinich
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=96652

Kucinich Impeach Bill Charges Bush ‘fabricated threats’; Pelosi Hints at Possible Hearing
Mike Sheehan & Nick Juliano, The Raw Story
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Kucinich_presents_lone_Bush_impeachment_article_0710.html

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... "I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false." Frederick Douglass

Green Party, long past Nader, Looking to McKinney
Jeff Mapes, The Oregonian
http://blog.oregonlive.com/mapesonpolitics/2008/07/green_party_long_past_nader_lo.html

Cynthia McKinney Wins Green Party Presidential Nomination
Green for Green
http://www.greensforgreens.org/

New Californian, former US Rep Cynthia McKinney Wins Green Party Nomination
Realtime News Blaze
http://newsblaze.com/story/20080713065611tsop.nb/topstory.html

A Third Chair
Kate Truesdell, Michigan Daily
http://www.michigandaily.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendly&uStory_id=72360e73-7dac-499e-b5ea-61dafc202e06

What Dennis Has Done
David Swanson, American Chronicle
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/67975

Press Release - Congressman Kucinich to Hold Press Conference to Discuss Article of Impeachment of President G.W. Bush
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=96842

Kucinich May Get Shot to Make Impeachment Case Before Recess
David DeWitt, Politicker.com
http://politicker.com/kucinich-may-get-shot-make-impeachment-case-recess

Will the Antiwar Movement Strangle the State?
Karen Kwiathowski, LewRockwell.com
http://www.lewrockwell.com/kwiatkowski/kwiatkowski206.html

Advisory: Greens Formally Endorse Cindy Sheehan Over Rep Pelosi in San Francisco
RealTime News Blaze
http://newsblaze.com/story/20080625140211zzzz.nb/topstory.html

The Bush Family and the Jews – Plus How the Bush Family Made its Fortune from the Nazis
John Loftus
http://www.john-loftus.com/Thyssen.asp

Could Anyone be “Worse” Than Bush?
Alexander Cockburn, CounterPunch
http://www.counterpunch.org/cockburn07062008.html

Memo to Obama: Moving to the Middle Is For Losers
Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post
http://www.counterpunch.org/cockburn07062008.html

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in Texas, plus Judith in NYC, for all the wonderful, interesting and very informative articles. Three cheers to McKinney, Sheehan and Kucinich in their continued devotion to the American people, real change and the Constitution. You are an inspiration to many of us.]

WONDERFUL NEWS! DEPT OF PEACE LEGISLATION [HR808] HAS A NEW CO-SPONSOR
Congratulations to the volunteers in Maryland's Congressional District 1! The Department of Peace and Nonviolence legislation has its first (and certainly not its last) Republican cosponsor.
Congressman Wayne Gilchrest has signed on as a cosponsor of HR 808. Congressman Gilchrest, a 9th term Republican serving Maryland's 1st District, brings our total number of co-sponsors, including the bill's author, to 70 (former cosponsor Al Wynn of Maryland resigned in June).

Please thank Congressman Gilchrest today. His contact information is below. Congressman Gilchrest has been well known as a moderate Republican for many years, often rising above politics and partisanship to support that which he believes best serves the nation and his constituents. He's also a decorated Vietnam veteran. From his web site:

"After graduating high school in 1964, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. His tour of duty saw action during the invasion of the Dominican Republic, and ultimately the Vietnam War. He earned the rank of Sergeant in Vietnam, where as a platoon leader, he was wounded in the chest. Wayne was decorated with the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Navy Commendation Medal. Today he is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Military Order of the Purple Heart."

There's one small cloud to this silver lining that you should be aware of: Congressman Gilchrest lost his recent Republican primary bid to a candidate who spoke to the concerns of the more conservative Republicans in his district. This in no way diminishes the significance of this important news! It is a reminder, however, that we must continue to work diligently to expand bipartisan support of the legislation and the campaign. As we know and as Congressman Gilchrest clearly understands, peace is not a partisan issue.

Take Action ... Please take a moment to celebrate and then thank Congressman Gilchrest for his courage, vision and commitment to creating a strategic, sophisticated approach to reducing and preventing violence. You can reach Congressman Gilchrest's at:

Washington, DC Office
2245 Rayburn House Office Building,
District of Columbia 20515-2001
Phone: (202) 225-5311
Fax: (202) 225-0254

Press Release from NYC Democrat Candidate - Adam Sullivan
July 11, 2008 NEW YORK , NY Adam Sullivan formally set the stage for a showdown with Democratic incumbent Jerrold Nadler (CD 8) by filing in excess of the required number of petition signatures with the New York City Board of Elections, placing his candidacy on the Democratic primary ballot. Immediately following the filing, Sullivan issued a challenge to Nadler to publicly debate the issue of impeachment.

“I challenge Rep. Nadler to come before his constituents in a public forum and defend his position opposing impeachment hearings. The President and Vice President have both committed high crimes and misdemeanors for which they must answer before Congress,” said Sullivan. “For my part, I will argue that impeachment is essential to protect the Constitution.”

Nadler has served as chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties since the Democrats took over the House in 2006. Sullivan’s growing team of supporters has found a surprising number of people in Nadler’s district who are angry about his insistence that impeachment is off the table.

“In the past, Mr. Nadler has steered clear of opportunities to address his constituents who support impeachment,” Sullivan explained. “If he believes in open, democratic debate, now is the time to come before the electorate and have this discussion.”

Sullivan was referring to Nadler’s lack of appearance at a March 9th town hall meeting organized by the citizen’s group http://www.asknadler2impeach.org/. That meeting brought together Constitutional scholars Bruce Fein, Liz Holtzman, and Scott Horton, and an audience of more than 300, to discuss whether impeachment is necessary to protect the Constitution. In spite of having received his invitation weeks in advance, Nadler gave his notice just two days before the event, citing scheduling conflicts.

“I’d like to thank our dozens of committed volunteers for the many hours they have contributed to the process of gathering signatures to put us on the ballot,” Sullivan remarked. “Unlike my well-funded opponent, who hired individuals to collect signatures, our campaign is a grassroots movement by local citizens who are deeply concerned about the failure of the Democratic Congress to hold the B ush Administration accountable for its crimes. We have taken this issue to the streets to give the voters the opportunity to let their voices be heard loud and clear.”

For more information, visit the campaign’s website, http://www.sullivanforcongress.net/. To arrange interviews with Adam Sullivan, contact Jim McCabe at (917) 535-5105 or Al Ronzoni at (516) 238-3445. For video clips of the March 9 town hall, visit http://www.asknadler2impeach.org/.

JULY 4TH WEEKEND NEWS

Anti-Bush Moves Deserve Attention
DesMoinesRegister.com
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080704/OPINION04/807040353/-1/NEWS04

Ode to Impeachment: Kucinich, McClellan, & the Propaganda Model
Jeffrey Tischauser, Dissident Voice
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2008/07/ode-to-impeachment-kucinich-mcclellan-and-the-propaganda-model/

What if We Threw Out All the Illegal Immigrants?
Shirley Skeel, MSN Money
Overnight, some industries would become desperate for workers. The biggest beneficiaries would be low-skilled American workers. The big losers might surprise you.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/WhatIfWeThrewOutAllTheIllegalImmigrants.aspx

Kucinich to Introduce New Article of Impeachment Against Bush Thursday
Jason Leopold, The Public Record
http://www.pubrecord.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=189

Pelosi Should Push Impeachment, Stop War Funding
Ted Voth Jr, Madison Capital Times
http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/letters/294854

McKinney Poised to Challenge Obama for Left-Wing & Black Voters
Vivian Berryhill, OpEdNews
http://www.opednews.com/articles/McKinney-Poised-to-Challen-by-Vivian-Berryhill-080707-666.html

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in Texas for sharing the above articles, which I might add, are all terrific. May the truth be heard throughout the land.]

E&Y INSURANCE TAX SAILING EXCURSION – NYC HARBOR

[Duchess Note: Photos taken by Dee & Juan ... many thanks!]


[View of lower Manhattan from sailboat on July 1st]




[Verrazano Bridge in background]


[Duchess relaxing with a glass of Champagne onboard the Adirondack]


[Ins Tax Team relaxing on the sailboat]



LATEST NEWS ON THE DEMOCRAT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

[Duchess Note: All this emphasis on a particular candidate does not mean I support him. In fact, quite the opposite is the case, and the truth must be told. Many thanks to Linda (TX), Judith, Carol & others in sharing these informative articles. This lady is a firm supporter of the Green Party and presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney. Green power all the way! Other news follows this on McKinney, Impeachment & Kucinich. Keep an open mind, be informed and remember "asking questions and protesting is patriotic".]

Will Obama Stop the War?
Anthony Arnove, SocialistWorker.org
http://socialistworker.org/2008/06/04/will-obama-stop-the-war

Ralph Nader on Barack Obama: “It is Quite Clear He is a Corporate Candidate from A to Z”
Democracy Now!
http://i3.democracynow.org/2008/6/18/ralph_nader_on_barack_obama_it

Kristol: Bush Might Bomb Iran if he ‘Thinks Senator Obama’s Going to Win’
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/06/22/kristol-bush-iran/

Cynthia McKinney Deserves Your Support, Obama Does Not
Black Agenda Report, Glen Ford
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=681&Itemid=34

The Mendacity of Hype
Geoffrey Norman, National Review
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZGIyNmUyNGMwOTk2NmRhMjczNGI0ODdlMzBkYjcwYTM

Freedom Rider: So Long Suckers
Glen Ford, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=682&Itemid=34

Obama Insults Half a Race
Glen Ford, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=661&Itemid=34

News Flash: Obama Tells Lies
Paul Street, BAR
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=676&Itemid=34

Obama Veers Right
Alan Maass, ZSpace Page
http://www.zmag.org/znet/viewArticle/18041

LIVE FROM NYC – IT’S THE NEWS

An Appeal to the American Conscience
Timothy V. Gatto, CounterCurrents
http://www.countercurrents.org/gatto020708.htm

Impeach Bush
Public Forum Ltr – Salt Lake Tribune
http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?articleId=9748123&siteId=297

Demands for an Independent International 9/11 Investigation
IndyBayNews
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/06/29/18512070.php

Great Interview with Gore Vidal – “The United States is Not a Republic Anymore”
Tehran Times
http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=171986

Cynthia McKinney Writes about Cindy Sheehan’s 6/24 4th Amendment Burial March
IndyBayNews
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/06/25/18510951.php

LATEST NEWS ON CONGRESSMAN KUCINICH

Kucinich has the Right Idea
Green Bay Press Gazette
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080627/GPG0603/806270671/1271/GPG06

Kucinich Warns of Consequences of Attack on Iran Nuclear Facilities
Press Release
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=95390

“We Went to War for the Oil Companies” Kucinich Tells Congress
Press Release
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=95430

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in Texas for the above interesting and informative articles.]

Friends from Canada Visiting the Duchess in NYC Week of June 22nd









[Pearl Jam at MSG on June 24th]





[Duchess Note – Stay tuned for more pix of NYC & Pearl Jam concerts at MSG.]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR BRO!!!

“WALL-E” Pops
Karen Dahlstrom, Big Picture Big Sound
http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/WALL-E-1599.shtml

Out of this World
Ty Burr, Boston Globe
Daring ‘WALL-E’ is a family film with a cautionary message that even parents can love
http://www.boston.com/movies/display?display=movie&id=9749

[Duchess Note: Saw this movie yesterday with a friend and I loved it. It is such a terrific film and Pixar has done it again. Wasn’t really a fan of ET or Short Circuit, but I adore WALL-E. Plus the film conveys messages about mankind, consumerism, technology, etc. Don’t just go for the cute, lonely robot who’ll steal your heart. Go and absorb the subtle messages. We need to save our planet; whether it’s the environment, mankind or animals. Push greed aside and be peace.]

The Storm Clouds Closing In On Cheney's 4th Reich]

PERSONAL NEWS #145
Tuesday, June 3rd, I attended the monthly Knit & Crochet meeting at IBM Atrium. I arrived around 7:15pm and walked around the atrium abit. Encountered Arlene and Lauren, then we got a table to hangout for about 45 minutes or so. Very nice ladies and they were knitting items, plus showed me how to do a “pearl” stitch. As to this latter bit, I had some difficulty comprehending it and really need to practice more.

On Thursday evening, June 5th, after work I headed over to Dress Barn to check out the 50% off suit sale. I tried on several fully lined fall / winter suits before getting a nice grey pinstripe for $59. Nice deal! From there I jumped on the F train and headed to Park Slope in Brooklyn for the weekly Knitters meetup. Since the weather was nice and comfortable, we were all sitting in the café’s garden dining area. I noshed on some delicious Chocolate Molten cake while I socialized with the other knitters, admire some lovely projects / yarns, plus learn and practice an easier version of the pearl stitch. Thank you Barbara! It was an enjoyable evening and we literally closed the café at 10pm.

Friday evening, June 6th, I volunteered with the City Harvest gang down at Union Square farmers market.

On Saturday morning, June 7th, I hopped onto a bus at Port Authority to visit my friend Sheila in New Jersey. From the bus stop we drove back to Sheila’s apartment for a tasty bagel brunch in her cool apartment. She’s done more decorating with her place since I was there in August 2007 and it’s quite charming, plus has a terrace. I would love an apartment with a terrace or patio. Great place to spend leisurely time or entertaining friends. [Weather report for the day was hot, humid and sunny.] Before driving over to Princeton, we stopped at a yard sale and I made several purchases. I got some great deals. We arrived into Princeton just before noon and found parking on Nassau Street near Thomas Sweets Café. Strolled onto the university grounds and headed for the art museum. Very nice museum with a little bit of everything on display and there is no admission fee, plus it was air conditioned. Before entering the museum we took some time to admire and photograph the large sculpture outside. The sculpture is by Magdalena Abakanowicz called “Big Figures”. Afterwards we strolled around the University grounds for abit before heading over to Thomas Sweets for some delicious ice cream. This place is delightful, I highly recommend it, plus the way they blend the yummy ice cream with toppings is terrific. Heavenly! Drove around Princeton to locate some shops we were interested in checking out and accidentally headed down the wrong way of a one-way street in trying to find parking. Cars and trucks coming from the other direction were not pleased with us. I made some purchases in “A Place to Bead” and Sheila did likewise in “Pins & Needles”. At this point we were both warm from the weather and tired feet from walking, so we drove back to the apartment to relax. Before heading back to NYC, we went out for a leisurely Chinese dinner at a local place. Overall it was an enjoyable, nice outing and I so like the town of Princeton. [Photos coming soon………….]

Monday evening, June 9th, I participated in City Harvest “volunteer leader” orientation at Union Square’s farmers market. It was so warm and muggy outside that day. Humidity can be fierce in NYC, especially on the subway platforms.

Tuesday evening, June 10th, I joined other members of the PDA CD14 meeting at Alice’s place on upper eastside of Manhattan. Even though I’m not part of CD14, I am very much interested in the work of this PDA group, plus I know many of the members from past Democrat campaigns. Majority of the meeting, apart from Adam Sullivan’s [Democrat candidate for CD8] visit, was on many topics [ie: town hall mtg, impeachment, DU, outreach, media, e-newsletter, local issues, listserve, and expenses]. Meeting broke up shortly after 9pm and let me tell you, mon dieu, the walk back to the subway on Lexington Avenue from York Avenue was intense. I headed to the subway with Scott along 86th Street and the weather whipped up like a friggin hurricane. Wind was fiercely blowing dirt, debris and people all over the place. I had to put on my sunglasses to protect my eyes from the dirt, as well as to see where I was going. We could see lightening to the west and feel droplets of rain. By the time I arrived home 40 minutes later the storm had passed and it was cooler outside.

On Wednesday, June 11th, I received a call from City Councilman White’s legislative aid regarding a fax sent on June 3rd about DoP Resolution 627. [How will this resolution benefit the NYC area?] They want to meet with NYDoP CCR Committee and asked if we’d give a presentation on Dept of Peace. Absolutely! Hell yeah! This was exciting news and after the call I promptly got on the phone with the other members of CCR Committee. WooHoo!

On Thursday evening, June 12th, I joined the other two members [ie: Kevin & Joe] of NYDoP CCR Committee for a conference call. The three of us gave our updated reports since last call end of May, plus we discussed at length what planning we need to accomplish for this upcoming 30-minute meeting/presentation. Stay tuned for more updates as they develop. The next day I did a follow up voicemail with White’s legislative aid.

Saturday, June 14th, I joined other members of the local Harry Potter meetup group at Riverside Park field for a rousing game of Quidditch. Yep, that’s right folks, Quidditch! This was my first match as spectator and was curious as to how the wizarding game of Quidditch could be pulled off without flying broomsticks. Both teams [ie: Central Park Centaurs & Manhattan Marauders] still had a keeper, three chasers, two beaters and one seeker. The quaffle was a soccer ball and the bludgers were two brown rubber balls about the size of a bowling ball. As an added bonus, the meetup group also had two energetic teens as golden snitches. The Quidditch pitch is set up somewhat similar to that in the books; but is played like soccer, basketball and rugby all wrapped into one. Let the games begin! Due to the weather being humid and warm the match had several “rest periods” for players to refresh themselves with water. Overall it was a fun game to watch and I believe the Marauders won when their seeker caught the golden snitch. [A group photo coming soon.] Afterwards our group of 15+ traipsed off to a café called “Toast” on Broadway for a tasty brunch and fun, interesting conversations. From there I headed home and enjoyed a viewing marathon of season one of LOST on DVD, even while it stormed outside through the night. Next weekend I’ll jump into season two of LOST.

On Thursday evening, June 19th, I headed down to Park Slope for the knitters meetup at Sweet Melissa café. This was my third meetup with the group and like before I had an enjoyable time, plus always learning some new tidbit about knitting. It was great chatting with several of the group members, as well as admiring different projects. I was advised that the Quiche du Jour is quite good, as well as affordable, so I ordered it for dinner. They were right, it was delicious. One of the ladies I was speaking with said she’d help me learn to crochet granny squares. I want to make an afghan throw for my living room and hopefully have it done by the winter. It’s good to have goals.

Friday evening, June 20th, I volunteered with the City Harvest gang down at Union Square farmers market.

THE LATEST IN PROGRESSIVE NEWS

No Discourse for Americans
Timothy V. Gatto, CounterCurrents.org
http://www.countercurrents.org/gatto160608.htm

Obama Says One Thing But Then Does Another
Douglas Turner, The Buffalo News Opinion
http://www.buffalonews.com/149/story/371325.html

Kucinich Makes Waves With Articles
Diana Bailey, Rutland Herald
http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/OPINION02/806150431/1037/OPINION02

Hardball w/Chris Matthews & Green Party Women
Third Party Watch
http://thirdpartywatch.com/2008/06/16/hardball-wchris-matthews-green-party-women/

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in Texas for sharing these terrific, informative and thought provoking articles.]

TWO COOL ARTICLES ON PEARL JAM

The LP Questionnaire - Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam
http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/vel14/2008/06/lp-questionnaire-jeff-ament-of-pearl.html

Last Band Standing
Patrick Wall, FreeTimes
http://www.free-times.com/index.php?cat=1992912064227409&ShowArticle_ID=11011106080628666

[Duchess Note: Pearl Jam will be rocking what's left of the free world at MSG on June 24th and June 25th. Many thanks to Sarah and Andrea in sharing the above articles. Strength through peace and music.]

ARRESTING FINALE FROM THE POLICE
Isle of Wight County Press
http://www.iwcp.co.uk/News/ARRESTING_FINALE_FROM_THE_POLICE.aspx
THE Police gave everyone a Sunday night to remember at the Isle of Wight Festival with a simply stunning set featuring all their biggest hits and some outstanding guitar solos from Andy Summers.

CITY HARVEST ROCKS!!

[Duchess is a volunteer with City Harvest and helps out at farmer markets in Manhattan. Can't miss me, the redhead standing next to the truck (3rd from left) wearing a black/blue hoodie.]

LIVE FROM NYC – LATEST IN NEWS

Dennis Kucinich Makes History Again – Impeach Bush!
Joseph A. Palermo, Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-a-palermo/dennis-kucinich-makes-his_b_106193.html

Video of Kucinich Presents 35 Articles of Impeachment against Bush
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDZ8seg4Nr4

C-SPAN Transcript - http://www.c-span.org/pdf/bush_impeach.pdf

Kucinich Shows How to Block War on Iran
David Swanson, AfterDowingStreet.org
http://afterdowningstreet.org/node/33989

Clear Pelosi From Impeachment’s Path
Donald Rankin, OpEdNews
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Clear-Pelosi-From-Impeachm-by-Donald-Rankin-III-080610-17.html

The Urgency of Impeachment
Braden Thacker, OpEdNews
http://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Urgency-of-Impeachment-by-Braden-Thacker-080609-118.html

Woolsey Supports Effort to Impeach President Bush
Common Dreams Commentary
http://www.commondreams.org/news2008/0611-12.htm

House Votes to send Impeachment Resolution to Judiciary Committee
Nick Juliano, The Raw Story
http://rawstory.com/news08/2008/06/11/house-voting-to-send-impeachment-resolution-to-judiciary-committee/

Impeachment NEEDS YOU
Chris Rice, OpEdNews
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Impeachment-NEEDS-YOU-by-chris-rice-080612-432.html

McCain & Obama Are No Different On Iraq
Patrick Krey, the John Birch Society
http://www.jbs.org/node/8133

Behind the Rise of Obama
Malik Miah, GreenLeft Online
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/754/38953

Greens Ask: Is Obama Ready to Support an Attack on Iran?
Third Party Watch
http://thirdpartywatch.com/2008/06/12/greens-ask-is-obama-ready-to-support-an-attack-on-iran/

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda, Alice and Chris in sharing this wealth of info/articles on latest news. Take a moment and contact your Congressional Representative, ask them to co-sponsor the resolution brought forth on June 9th by Kucinich. We need to hold the Bush Regime accountable for the numerous crimes they’ve committed since 2001. Its time to remove Pelosi as Speaker of the House, as she has been a huge hindrance to impeachment and other issues. It’s never too late to impeach … call today.]

LATEST NEWS FLASH ON CONGRESSMAN KUCINICH

Congressman Dennis Kucinich Introduced 35 Articles of Impeachment Against President Bush on Monday Night
After Downing Street
http://chun.afterdowningstreet.org/amomentoftruth.pdf

First 5 Minutes of Kucinich Presenting Articles of Impeachment Against Bush
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDZ8seg4Nr4

Kucinich Presents Bush Impeachment Articles
D.Edwards & M.Sheehan, The Raw Story
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Kucinich_presents_Bush_impeachment_articles_0609.html

Music to My Ears
Cindy Sheehan, Fog City Journal.com
http://www.fogcityjournal.com/wordpress/2008/06/09/music-to-my-ears/

[Duchess Note - Bravo Dennis!! One of the only true progressives in Congress today. I've been a supporter of Kucinich and the issues he champions since 2003.]

What Would the World be like if We Left it to Itself?

Freedom regained …

... The overgrown ruins of a solitary confinement block in St Joseph Island, off the French Guiana. Photograph: Andres Leighton/PA

Perhaps what the environmentalist movement needs is a little less finger-wagging, and a few more appeals to the imagination. This occurred to me watching Alan Weisman mesmerize a few hundred Hay-goers by talking about his book, The World Without Us, a thought-experiment in which all humans vanish. And nature takes over. It wouldn't take her long to start some foreclosures, too. New York City's streets would collapse into the subways below after just twenty years, once the 850 pumps which keep the East and Hudson Rivers from rushing into Gotham's underground stop working.

Houses would be eaten by termites. Trees would start growing on our bridges, pushing the steel girders apart with their roots. A forest would reclaim Manhattan. Weisman is unequivocal about this. It's not a question of if, but when. There are a few things that'll take a while to digest, however. Plastic, which has drifted out to the ocean and been bashed to tiny bits by waves, is now being ingested by plankton. Scientists have no idea what this will mean.

And nuclear plants, once abandoned, would eventually go into meltdown. It's not clear how long it would take for nature to recover from the resulting simultaneous worldwide nuclear holocaust. By now, we've all seen the graphs, the predictions, paid the risingpetrol prices. Yet maybe what we need is a big reminder of the fact that our time here is not infinite. "Every organism which has overtaxed its resources has suffered a population crash," Weisman warned. "And it's not pretty."

It's an eerie exercise, this book - because it forces you to realize that nature has been tolerating us for quite some time, as we've used up more and more of the earth and its organisms. And one day it's going to bite back. In this sense, The World Without Us hasthe lurking menace of the opening moments of Twenty-Eight Days Later - it's a horror film waiting to happen.

And I couldn't help thinking, up there, on the stage with his professorial voice and bushy eyebrows, there's the guy calling to us from the audience - don't go into the next room, its dangerous!

[Duchess Note - Many thanks to Josee in sharing the above article.]

The American Electoral Charade
Glen Ford, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=645&Itemid=1
Two candidates with almost identical positions on virtually every issue fight to exhaustion over non-substantial concerns for months, and will doubtless soon celebrate having achieved "unity." Tweedle-dum Hillary Clinton and Tweedle-dee Barack Obama may or may not emerge from the primary battles as friends - but what does that matter? "Their policies are interchangeable, as are their advisors.... All serve the same masters: the financial corporations." The general election campaign, already begun, will see Obama and McCain draw politically closer each day, until at the end "the voters' choice will be just a matter of personality and individual taste" - and race.

[Duchess Note - Amen to Glen Ford in speaking the truth and seeing it all for what it really is. How is it possible that many Americans are being tricked by the propaganda generated by the Obama and Clinton campaigns. (They both don't even come close to being true progressives. Not even by a long shot.) Both are heavily backed by corporations, big pharma, hedge funds and insurance companies who have an interest in keeping things “status quo” in our country, which many of you know they predominately control. Teddy Roosevelt must be spinning in his grave over this travesty. Also, many thanks to Linda in Texas in sharing this article.]

Actor Celebrates Derry City Link
BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/7431350.stm

Fans Catch a Glimpse of Sean Bean on His Travels
Nick Ward, The Star [Yorkshire]
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Fans-catch-a-glimpse-of.4148145.jp

Minor Party Candidates Tap Discontent
W. James Antle III, Politico
http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=5538AA9F-3048-5C12-001B3F0AD2DCF593

Reps Danny Davis, Kucinich Defend NASA Workforce
Press Release, SpaceRef.com
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=25595

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in Texas for the two political articles.]

PERSONAL NEWS #144

[Duchess Note – Another edition of personal news and events in a condensed version. Enjoy!]

Tuesday evening, May 13th, I attended my second Brooklyn Community Board #1 meeting. This one wasn’t as heavily attended as the one back in April, but it was still interesting. I also did some networking with some individuals for NYDoP CCR project.

Wednesday evening, May 14th, I participated in a conference call hosted by Gili called “Field Talk”. I know Gili through the weekly “Brooklyn Peace Circle” I used to attend before it was discontinued.

Friday evening after work, May 16th, I headed down to Union Square to purchase new bird feeders at Petco. Afterwards I strolled through the farmers market to see how the City Harvest volunteers were doing and ran into Joe. Told him I had terrific news regarding a 45-minute phone call that afternoon with Congresswoman Velazquez’s legislation director [Layth]. [Topics of discussion during the call were on Iraq war funding bill, Brooklyn housing, DoP legislation and the upcoming election.] Joe and I strolled over to a diner in Gramercy Park and were joined shortly afterwards by his wife Marie. I arrived home in time to see the season finale of “Moonlight” on the telly.

Saturday evening, May 17th, found me back at Union Square farmers market doing volunteer work for City Harvest.

On Sunday afternoon, May 18th, I joined my friend Jackie in going to see the new Narnia film called “Prince Caspian”. We’ve both read the Narnia series of books [7 total] and enjoyed the film with its terrific visuals. Afterwards we walked across the street from the cinema to a Cosi for dinner and catch up on news/gossip.

Monday evening, May 19th, I attended the PDA CD14 NYC Town Hall meeting at SEIU on West 43rd Street. The featured guest speakers were; NY Congresswoman Maloney, Michael Schwartz [writer], Daniel Black [retired soldier], and Dahlia Wasfi [writer]. Main topics of discussion were Iraq war and occupation, counter-recruitment, energy crisis, US foreign policies, global warming, impeachment and a need to change strategy in the anti-war movement. Suggested website to check out is http://www.liberatethis.com/

Tuesday, May 20th, after my foot doctor appointment, I headed up to Columbus Circle to attend the 7th Annual Adult Student Recital at Frederick Rose Hall at Lincoln Center. One of NYDoPs board members, Karen M, was performing at this recital along with six other pianists. Each performer played one or two pieces by the following composers … Beethoven, Stravinsky, Pozzuoli, Schumann, Bach, Schubert, Chopin and Moszkowski. Afterwards the student pianists were given awards and a prize. After some socializing, Karen’s group went down to the next level of the Time Warner Center to party at the Stone Rose Lounge.

Thursday evening, May 22nd, I participated in a conference call with fellow NYDoP CCR committee member Kevin regarding DoP resolution 627. Discussion mostly centered on structure and composition of faxes we’ll send to some of the City Council Cultural Affairs committee members. I also told Kevin about the 45-minute conference call I had on May 16th with Layth at Congresswoman Velazquez office. Whether anything develops from that May 16th call remains to be seen.

May 24th through 27th I visited my family in upstate NY for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Weather was nice and sunny most of the time. Main highlights of the weekend was riding my new bicycle, building a fire pit, attending the Memorial Day parade, several yard sales, dining out and relaxing.

Evening of May 27th I attended the monthly NYDoP board and core team meeting at our new location near Madison Square Park in Manhattan. The two hour meeting was good and very productive. We are working towards re-launching the new and improved NYDoP website, plus the upcoming Inwood Retreat.

On Thursday, May 29th, after work I joined Cielito in attending an Isagenix meeting on 7th Avenue. These monthly meetings remind me of pep talks and also a way to introduce new people to the company/ product. I’ve been utilizing Ionix Supreme and Want More Energy since mid-April, plus I’ve been a member of Isagenix since end of March. Both are great products! With Ionix Supreme I feel more energized, sleep better at night, and more focused or alert during the day. To learn more, go to the website link in the left hand column of this blog. Three quarters of the way through meeting I had to leave and head home to watch the 2-hour season finale of LOST. What an amazing and thrilling two-hour season finale.

Friday, May 30th, I did volunteer work with City Harvest at Union Squares farmers market.

On Saturday afternoon, May 31st, I went out to lunch [Jackson Diner] with Anni and her hubby David, plus their daughter Rachel in Jackson Heights, Queens. Enjoyed some good Indian food and a drink made with mango, which I might add was so tasty. [The #7 subway makes a stop at this predominately Indian neighborhood.] Afterwards we went shopping in the many clothing stores for India style tops known as kurti or kurta. I purchased a soft white embroidered cotton kurti, plus small meditation chimes. For dessert we stopped at a street vendor for a mango flavored ice cream called kulfi, which was delicious. Overall I had an enjoyable time and caught up on news/gossip with Anni.

VISIONS FROM MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IN UPSTATE NY

[Fire pit I constructed out of assorted stones. Mom and Duchess by the fire before we roasted kaluha flavored marshmallows for S’Mores.]




[Dad dressed in his Cambridge Legion “blues” for the Memorial Day parade]


[Dad and Stephanie riding off to the parade in a restored 1940s Buick]








[Duchess and her brand new Huffy Prospect bicycle on Memorial Day]

LIVE FROM NYC – THE LATEST IN PROGRESSIVE NEWS

The PresiDunce’s Obscene War
Maralyn Lois Polak, WorldNetDaily Commentary
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=65443

Obamamania – Would You Like Change With That?
Left Business Observer
http://www.leftbusinessobserver.com/Obama.html

World Court: Why Not Indict Bush, Cheney and Yoo?
Bill Hare, Political Cortex
http://www.politicalcortex.com/story/2008/5/23/232127/173

LATEST NEWS ON CYNTHIA McKINNEY’S PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN WITH THE GREEN PARTY

Video: Cynthia McKinney delivers keynote to Chicago Awards Dinner last Fall. She warned her audience that, "The Black Body Politic Could Go the Way of the Polar Bear"
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/node/357

Video: Rachel MacCratic of San Diego California published this YouTube endorsement, arguing that "Lesser Evil Logic is Coercive" and explaining her support by distinguishing her preferred candidate from her opponents, saying: "Cynthia Acknowledges that War is Immoral"
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/node/358

Video: Cynthia Speaks to Al-Nakbah Commemoration at UN, honoring sixty years of struggle against apartheid conditions in Palestine. This link gives you both the text of her remarks and a video recording of her speech.
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/Speeches/al-Nakbah2008

Open Letter to Politically Conscious Sisters and Brothers of Black America
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/OpenLetterToPoliticallyConsciousBlackAmerica

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda and Carol in sharing some of the above articles.]

Pearl Jam Plans to Let New Songs ‘Grow Up’
Gary Graff, Billboard.com
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003804310

LIVE FROM NYC – THE LATEST IN NEWS

Why Do Political Lies Work?
Deepak Chopra
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deepak-chopra/why-do-political-lies-wor_b_102109.html

Iraq Vets Testify to War Atrocities, Vow to Fight & Resist Bush Policy
Liliana Sequra, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/85725/

(Not) Keeping Up With Our Parents: Just Being Middle Class is Becoming Out of Reach
Nan Mooney, Beacon Press
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/85858/

Top Ten Reasons to go Vegetarian
Bruce Friedrich, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/environment/85828/

Viggo Mortensen & Eddie Vedder Sing the Revolution on a Hot PDX Night
Kristi Turnquist, The Oregonian
http://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2008/05/viggo_mortensen_and_eddie_vedd.html

LATEST NEWS ON CYNTHIA McKINNEY’S PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

Peace Candidate McKinney Visits Humboldt
David Cobb
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/node/351

Exclusive Interview With Green Party Presidential Candidate Cynthia McKinney
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/node/352

Local Green Party Picks Nominee For President
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/node/353

Cynthia Speaks At Anna's Jazz Club In Berkeley, California
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/node/356

LIVE FROM NYC – IT’S THE NEWS

We Stopped the War Funding!
David Swanson, American Chronicle
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/61994

Cynthia McKinney Supports Fight for Water
Cheryl LaBash, Workers World
http://www.workers.org/2008/us/water_0522/

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda from TX in sharing the above articles.]

PERSONAL NEWS #143
Thursday evening, May 1st, I attended my first NYC Harry Potter group meetup and it was “Trivia Night”. Was held at a pizza place on the upper eastside of Manhattan and about 25 members [ages 20 through 70] were in attendance. Everyone was very nice and some were wearing HP related stuff. One of the group members, Racheline Maltese, was selling her book [The Book of Harry Potter Trifles, Trivia’s, & Particularities] and I purchased the paperback for $12. Then it was time to choose my Hogwarts house before the trivia game started. After some reflection on my part I went with Hufflepuff. [Next day, online, I did the Sorting Hat quiz and it said I was a Hufflepuff, followed closely by Griffindor.] Everyone had a lot of fun and I must say that many of the trivia questions were not easy. Despite that I did manage to get two correct for my house. Throughout all this we noshed on pizza, fruit and birthday cake. At the end of the game the scores were tallied up and Hufflepuff beat Griffindor by a small margin. Wow! Hurray! The prizes were some galleons, stickers and buttons. I left the meetup shortly after 9pm and got home in time to watch a new episode of LOST on the telly.

On Sunday, May 4th, I attended the housewarming party at Carol and Gary’s place in the Inwood area of Manhattan. Day before I baked up a tasty batch of chocolate chip cookies and fudge brownies for the party. The day turned out warm with patches of sunshine as I strolled from the subway to their new abode in Inwood. Nice, spacious place with a sunken living room and a step up from their tiny apartment on upper Westside. The buffet table was laid out with an assortment of yummy goodies from Carol, Gary and their guests. Conversations varied on numerous topics and I even made a purchase of one of Carol’s watercolor prints. Overall I had such an enjoyable time and afterwards strolled through a nearby park before heading back to the subway.

On Tuesday, May 6th, after my foot doctor appointment, I traveled up to the IBM Atrium on East 56th Street for the monthly Knit & Crochet meetup. None of the regulars showed up and I was going to leave around 7:30pm, when the gals at the Spin City meetup a few tables away invited me to join them. They were spinning skeins of yarn using different materials [ie: cotton, wool, silk, etc]. It was fascinating to observe and hear about different spin techniques throughout the world. One of the gals showed me some new ways to do crocheting and I encountered another Harry Potter fan. Yah never know where one will meet someone who shares some similar interests, whether it’s a guy or gal.

Thursday evening, May 8th, the NYDoP CCR committee had a conference call to go over in detail the meeting we had with Yassky’s policy director, as well as plans and strategy going forward.

On Sunday, May 11th, I attended the 2nd Annual Mothers Day Peace March in Manhattan, which was organized by CodePink and Granny Peace Brigade. Like last year, everyone congregated at Columbus Circle, next to Central Park. I got there abit early, briefly chatted with Janey and was given a sign [“Waiting for Peace”] to carry throughout the march. Then this tall, cute guy [Tim] came up to me and inquired about what we were protesting. I enlightened him on that point and then we enjoyed a long, wonderful conversation about protests, City Council, Pedicabs, MySpace, TV and movies. We seem to have many things in common and he gave me his business card. The march started shortly after 11:15am with about 30+ people, plus some instrumental accompaniment. Not as many in attendance as last year, but that didn’t stop us from spreading the word. The march progressed up along Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues before making its first of two major stops at Museum of Natural History. Along the way we handed out flyers to pedestrians/shopkeepers/ motorists, sang out protest chants [see below], and flashed the peace sign to all.

VETS AT WALTER REED
[Tune: “My Little Playmate”] Lyrics by Nora Freeman of the Westchester Raging Grannies

Ain’t got no healthcare,
Say vets at Walter Reed.
Dubya supports the troops,
He makes them jump through hoops,
To get the benefits,
That they so sorely need.
Puts them out on the street,
And Shuts the door.

When it was his turn,
Of course he didn’t go.
His daddy pulled some strings,
Took care of everything.
Now War on Terror Vets,
May have PTSD – Severe brain injury,
Says he, “What’s that to me?”

They’re facing homelessness,
divorce and suicide.
Miz-ree is all around,
That’s what our vets have found.
So don’t let Dubya,
Play out his deadly game.
It’s Time we all stand up,
Its time we all stand up,
To shout NO MORE!!

Many folk were very receptive to us marchers shouting encouragement and applauding. Before heading across Central Park, with a very nice police escort, we lost some of our marchers. Several, including the musical accompaniment, had other commitments to attend too. 15 of us remained and we ended the march in front of the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on 5th Avenue. The Julia Ward Howe proclamation was read, we asked everyone to observe 2 minutes of silence for our dead US soldiers [plus Iraqi], and then more protest songs were sung. We were well received, much applause, and many “tourists” and locals took fliers. On the way to the subway, I purchased a print from a street artisan, and then it was homeward bound.

LATEST NEWS ON CYNTHIA McKINNEY’S PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN WITHIN THE GREEN PARTY

Cynthia's Statement on the Sean Bell Verdict
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/Statements/SeanBellVerdict

Exclusive Interview with Green Party Presidential Candidate Cynthia McKinney
Thadeus Greenson, The Times-Standard
http://www.times-standard.com/ci_9216109?source=rss

Black Women Vote Interviews Cynthia McKinney
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/node/337

Cynthia Speaks at May Day Rally with Dockworkers
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/node/346

Two Videos Of ILWU May Day "No Peace, No Work" Rally, Including Excerpts Of Cynthia's Speech, Now Available
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/node/348

Why the Republican and Democratic Parties and the Political Process are Obstacles to Real Democracy
Bruce Gagnon
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/node/349

PERSONAL NEWS #142

[Duchess Note – Greetings to all my loyal readers. Hope the spring weather has been delightful in your neck of the woods. Yes, it’s been awhile since my last personal news update, as I’ve been a busy bee at work and home. So the following is a condensed version for your reading pleasure.]

On Tuesday evening, April 1st, I attended the Knitting & Crochet meetup in Manhattan. My friend Linda G also joined me and we picked up new techniques from the other attendees. Plus admire some of the projects the other gals were working on.

On Saturday, April 5th, I headed up to Yonkers to do volunteer work at the ferret shelter. I hadn’t been up there since September 2007, as both Joanne and I had been so very busy with different projects.

I so miss the wee furballs and it was great socializing/grooming them. Many of their antics crack me up, plus it was good catching up on news with Joanne.

Next day, April 6th, I took MetroNorth up to South Norwalk [CT], where my dear good friend Katherine met me at the station. We hadn’t seen each other since October 2007. Went over to the bead shop in the SoNo section and made some purchases. Then we headed up to Bridgeport to have a delicious lunch at Red Lobster and I treated Katherine as a belated b-day pressie. [She turned 50 seven months before I do and I’ll be having a big b-day bash for mine.] This has been tradition with us since 1990. Afterwards we did some shopping at a few stores and then headed back to her house to meet Shane, her 1 ½ year old grandson. He’s a cute little fella and very much adored by my dear friend and her hubby Maurice. Shane’s mother, Aimee, is hardly ever around. I won’t smear my blog with thoughts on Aimee and her tarnished antics. The train ride back to NYC was uneventful.

On Tuesday, April 8th, after my foot doctor appointment, I traveled back to Brooklyn and made it in time for the monthly Community Board #1 meeting off of Graham Avenue. My first CB#1 meeting and it was packed. SRO! I kid you not! Didn’t stay for the whole meeting, as my foot was bothering me and there was no place to sit down. What I did observe was interesting and definitely a venue for a Dept of Peace campaign presentation. Need to do more research on community boards in general.

Thursday evening, April 10th, I participated in a conference call with two other NYDoP CCR committee members to discuss latest developments.

Sunday, April 13th, I volunteered with NYC MS Society at a “rest stop” in Brooklyn Heights at Cadman Plaza for the annual MS Walk. Weather turned out nice and we had a good turnout of volunteers, plus dozens of walkers. I did my first MS walk back in 1993 and since 1997 I’ve been volunteering my time. It’s for a worthy cause and I was representing two friends of mine who have MS. Pam passed away a few years ago and Gary still lives in Scotland.

Tuesday evening, April 15th, I participated in another conference call with NYDoP CCR committee members. We did prep work for an upcoming meeting with Yassky’s policy director.

Thursday, April 17th, was the monthly NYDoP board/core team meeting, which was held again at a conference room at my office. Unlike the previous month, this time around there was only 3 of us in attendance. That didn’t deter us and we had a productive meeting.

Saturday, April 19th, was “Earth Day” in NYC, and I attended an event geared towards this in McCarren Park near my home. Fortunately for all it was a lovely, warm spring day. Afterwards I purchased some goodies at the local farmers market, also located in McCarren Park. On the way home I stopped by the local florist/nursery for some gardening goodies. Need to take care of my house plants and purchased a few new plants. Around this time I made my first purchase of Isagenix products [ie: Ionix Supreme & Want More Energy] and been utilizing them every day since then. OMG!! This is great stuff, especially the Ionix Supreme, which gives me such energy, helps me sleep and staying more focused. One of these days I’ll do my first Isagenix cleanse, which I hear is so rejuvenating. To learn more about these wonderful products and the system, go to the link in the left hand column of my blog.

Tuesday evening, April 22nd, after my foot doctor appointment, I listened in on the monthly National DoP NVC conference call at 9pm.

On Wednesday, April 23rd, after work I attended the monthly PDA CD14 meeting on upper Eastside of Manhattan. Was invited to attend by former volunteers [ie: Alice & Jim] of NYC Kucinich Team. Some of those in attendance [ie: Bud, Al, Barbara, George] I know from other events, groups, campaigns and rallies. We caught up on news, which is mostly what is happening in the NYC political scene. What intrigued me most on the meeting agenda was a presentation on “Clean Money Clean Election” by Dan Jacoby.

Thursday evening, April 24th, after work I headed down to Brooklyn to attend my first Park Slope Knitters meetup. About 20+ were in attendance at Sweet Melissa’s Café on 7th Avenue. I learned there are two ways of knitting; there are the English and Continental variations. Because I’ve been crocheting for some time I learned I am more suited to the continental way. I spent an enjoyable evening chatting with the other members, admiring their work, eating delicious cheesecake and learning some tips of the trade. At one point I asked about the time and learned it was going on 9:30pm. OMG!! Packed my things, said goodbye to all, paid my bill and rushed out to get car service to head home. The bus and subway would have taken too long. I got home with 5 minutes to spare before a new episode of LOST came on TV. Whew!

On Saturday afternoon, April 26th, I attended the 5th Annual Brooklyn Peace Fair. NYDoP didn’t have a table this time around, so I brought my business cards with me to hand out while I networked all the tables. Handed out many business cards and talked about peace, DoP and the City Council resolution. I mostly hung out with Linda, Cielito and Max at their Share International table. As always Brooklyn Parents for Peace puts on a worthy event and never a dull moment. Overall it was a productive afternoon.

I took a vacation day on Tuesday, April 29th, so as to prep for the meeting with Tim Roberts at City Council member Yassky’s office. Kevin and Joe joined me, as we are part of the NYDoP CCR Committee working on getting DoP Resolution 627 passed. The weather that day was overcast, cool, abit rainy and windy. The half hour meeting went very well and it was quite informative. The three of us were very much jazzed by it all and have much planning work ahead of us.

SEVERAL BITS OF WEEKEND NEWS THAT ARE GREEN AND PROGRESSIVE

Kucinich Gets Amendment Passed to Help Areas with Rises in Vacancies
WKYC.com
http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=89109&provider=gnews

Kucinich Announces $14B Plan to Fight Foreclosure Crisis
NewsNet5.com
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/16216337/detail.html

Pro-Impeachment Candidates for the U.S. House, Senate & White House in 2008
David Swanson, After Downing Street
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/2008candidates

Greens Introduce a Plan for Environmental Action for a Green President’s First 100 Days in Office
Third Party Watch
http://thirdpartywatch.com/2008/05/09/greens-introduce-a-plan-for-environmental-action-for-a-green-presidents-first-100-days-in-office/

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Linda in Texas for sharing the above articles.]

NEWS FROM THE POLICE REUNION TOUR

The Police Are Still A Force
The Kansas City Star
http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/story/611540.html



Police Beat Nostalgia, Say Proper Goodbye to Fans
Jeff Elbel, Chicago Sun-Times
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/music/poprock/943863,police051108.article

The Police Coming to the End
http://music.moldova.org/stiri/eng/118398/

Obama’s Money Cartel: How Barack Obama Fronted for the Most Vicious Predators on Wall Street
Pam Martens, Black Agenda Report
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=613&Itemid=1
The candidate that claims to be the only presidential contender who doesn't take money from lobbyists is in fact the biggest recipient of lobby-related contributions. Barack Obama rakes in millions from law firms serving the interests of Wall Street, including the financial institutions that gave us the subprime lending crisis. Lawyers that work for firms that earn hundreds of millions of dollars for lobbying may technically not be lobbyists, but they share in their colleagues' earnings as influencers of Congress - a legal loophole that allows Obama to claim his hands are clean of lobby loot. "The top contributors to the Obama campaign are the very Wall Street firms whose shady mortgage lenders buried the elderly and the poor and minority under predatory loans."

[Duchess Note - Many thanks to Linda in Texas in sharing many articles (ie: politics and world events) over the past months.]

2008 Northeast Regional Conference for a U.S. Department of Peace Date: March 28-30 - Being the Change: Creating Peace at Home and in the World


[Photo: Several NYDoP Board and Core Team members Attended the Conference. In the photo they participated with DoP members from RI, VT, NH, CT, MA & ME]

Featured Speakers:
Dot Maver, Educator and Peacebuilder speaking on "Being the Change & the Global Peace Movement."
Dr. Ed Tick, author of "War and the Soul" speaking on "Healing the Soul Wounds of War".
Kathy Kidd, National Field Director, The Peace Alliance

NEWS FLASH! National Peace Academy! [Message from Dot Maver - Peace Partnership International]
We are pleased to announce that Peace Partnership International is part of a group effort to design and found a National Peace Academy in the United States of America. As we shared in our recent newsletter, last month a group met at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio to explore the idea of founding such an organization. It worked. From these meetings emerged a set of workgroups which have already begun to move forward with the planning process. A new Web site is online to facilitate the effort at http://www.nationalpeaceacademy.us/

In these challenging and hopeful times, we are the change that we are calling for. As Elise Boulding told the National Peace Academy vision/planning group last month, "This is the most important thing we can be doing right now." I invite you to take a moment to learn more about this historic endeavor. Please visit http://www.nationalpeaceacademy.us/

The Police Love NYC
Pollstar
http://www.pollstar.com/news/viewnews.pl?NewsID=10107
The Police , who reunited for a 30th-anniversary world tour last year, say their final concert will take place this summer in New York City. Sting, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland made the announcement today at a news conference with Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The Police say Their Final Concert will Take Place in NYC
The Charlotte Observer
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/200/story/612029.html
The Police, who reunited for a 30th-anniversary world tour last year, say their final concert will take place this summer in New York City. Frontman Sting, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland made the announcement Tuesday at a news conference with Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The Police say they have a special connection with the Big Apple.

LATEST IN POLITICS, PRIMARIES & ELECTION

Maryland Green Party to Send Diverse Delegation to Chicago
http://thirdpartywatch.com/2008/05/06/maryland-green-party-to-send-diverse-delegation-to-chicago/

Separate Oil & State – Follow the Oil Money
Oil Change International
http://oilmoney.priceofoil.org/faq.php

2008 Presidential Fundraising
Open Secrets.org
http://www.opensecrets.org/?gclid=CMfX2oaUkJMCFQ_NIgod7FcsUw

Campaign Finance News
CQ Money Line
http://moneyline.cq.com/pml/home.do

Clinton & Obama Fire Off Misleading Claims About Lobbyists & PAC Contributions
FactCheck.org
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/pac-ing_heat.html

Big Pharma Opens Wallet to Dems – Liberals Have Lost Their Reputation as the Long-Standing Foes to Drugmakers as Party Lines Become Blurred with McCain
Aaron Smith, CNNMoney
http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/04/news/companies/pharma_votes/index.htm

The Police Concert Review – Ottawa, Canada
Aedan Helmer, Sun Media
http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/P/Police/ConcertReviews/2008/05/02/5451041-sun.html

The Worst Food Crisis In 45 Years
Amy Goodman, King Features Syndicate
http://www.alternet.org/stories/84130/
If our government and large food and energy interests don’t change direction, the food riots in distant lands will soon be coming to their doors.

Truthers for McKinney
Third Party Watch
http://thirdpartywatch.com/2008/04/27/truthers-for-mckinney/

Cynthia McKinney: Bell Verdict Shows Dred Scott Reality
http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=606&Itemid=1

PRESS RELEASE: Kucinich To Introduce Legislation to Reduce Gas Prices
http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=90280

Straight Talk About Gas Prices
Brad, Sadly No!
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/84123/
America’s political leaders have no one to blame but themselves for skyrocketing gas prices.

QUOTE OF THE DAY … The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary. H. L. Mencken

In Iraq 70 Percent of People Lack Clean Water
Abigail Brown, Water for the Ages
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/84147/
The number of civilians in Iraq without water has risen from 50 percent to 70 percent during 2003 to 2007.

[Duchess Note: Commentary on the “Lack Clean Water” article from “thoughtcriminal” … The same corporation that gets your city water contract probably has an Iraq contract too. If not there, then in Afghanistan, check out http://www.corpwatch.org/ ... Also, many thanks to Linda in TX for sharing some of the articles today.]

Message from S.A.Cripps – Possible New Pearl Jam Album
"Mike McCready made two radio appearances in the last few days and talked, among other things, about Pearl Jam's new album: on April 25, Mike was on 107.7 The End to talk about the CCFA concert and mentioned that they were currently working on the new album. He didn't give up any more info except that they were working with their old producer (Brendan O'Brien). On April 30, he was on 104.9 FunkyMonkey and further confirmed Brendan O'Brien (right at the end of this interview). He also said the band is working on '5 ideas' so far." http://www.pearljamonline.it/newsENGversion.htm#newalbumstone

The sorting hat says that I belong in Hufflepuff!

Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot, and treat them just the same."

Hufflepuff students are friendly, fair-minded, modest, and hard-working. A well-known member was Cedric Diggory, who represented Hogwarts in the most recent Triwizard Tournament.

Take the most scientific Harry Potter Quiz ever created.

Get Sorted Now!

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable. H. L. Mencken

[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Judith in NYC in sharing the above quote.]