THE LATEST IN THE NEWS
The Obama Brand: Feel Good While Overlords Loot the Treasury and Launch Imperial Wars
Chris Hedges, Nation Books
http://www.alternet.org/media/145358/the_obama_brand%3A_feel_good_while_overlords_loot_the_treasury_and_launch_imperial_wars/
A Constitutional Amendment to Wrench Control Away from the Corporations
Jan Frel, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/rights/145361/a_constitutional_amendment_to_wrench_control_away_from_the_corporations
Americans Need Debt Relief – Is Obama Brave Enough to Make it Happen?
Danny Schechter, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/145377/americans_need_debt_relief_--_is_obama_brave_enough_to_make_it_happen
What Has Changed Under the Obama Regime? Not Much Really……………….
We STILL have two phony wars going on
We STILL have "rendition"
We STILL have the fictitious "patriot" act
We STILL have corporate personhood
We STILL have hopeless corruption at the highest levels
We STILL have no single-payer universal health care
We STILL have no effective EPA
We STILL have no programs to rebuild our infrastructure or a jobs program
Haiti 2010: An Unwelcome Katrina Redux
Cynthia McKinney, BAR
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/haiti-2010-unwelcome-katrina-redux
Why the US Owes Haiti Billions: The Briefest History
Bill Quigley, BAR
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/why-us-owes-haiti-billions-briefest-history
[Duchess Note: Many thanks to Judith and Carol in sharing the above articles.]
Sunday, January 24, 2010
IMPORTANT MESSAGE ON HAITI FROM “NY METRO PROGRESSIVES”
In part because of restrictions imposed by the U.S. military, aid is still not getting through quickly enough to people in Haiti who desperately need it. In particular, fresh water is not getting through to people who need it.
Established aid groups who have a long history of working in Haiti have suddenly found themselves unable to deliver urgently needed medical, water, and food supplies because the U.S. military will not grant them access to ports and airports. Doctors Without Borders reports that a “plane carrying 12 tons of medical equipment, including drugs, surgical supplies and two dialysis machines, was turned away three times from Port-au-Prince airport since Sunday night." Groups ready to deliver aid to Jacmel – the fourth-largest city in Haiti – were told they would receive no clearance to land there from the U.S. military, even though they already had both aid supplies and the means for distributing them. This aid is only just now beginning to be delivered – thanks to assistance from the Dominican Republic, NOT the U.S.
In Port-au-Prince, huge stockpiles of aid sit in warehouses while people wait for supplies that mean the difference between life and death.
The US has finally begun airdrops of water and food, but the program needs to be expanded.
Please write your Representative and Senators and ask them to press the Obama Administration to lift military restrictions preventing aid groups from bringing aid into Haiti and to expand airdrops of water, water purification tablets, and food.
Check out http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/act/airdrop
In part because of restrictions imposed by the U.S. military, aid is still not getting through quickly enough to people in Haiti who desperately need it. In particular, fresh water is not getting through to people who need it.
Established aid groups who have a long history of working in Haiti have suddenly found themselves unable to deliver urgently needed medical, water, and food supplies because the U.S. military will not grant them access to ports and airports. Doctors Without Borders reports that a “plane carrying 12 tons of medical equipment, including drugs, surgical supplies and two dialysis machines, was turned away three times from Port-au-Prince airport since Sunday night." Groups ready to deliver aid to Jacmel – the fourth-largest city in Haiti – were told they would receive no clearance to land there from the U.S. military, even though they already had both aid supplies and the means for distributing them. This aid is only just now beginning to be delivered – thanks to assistance from the Dominican Republic, NOT the U.S.
In Port-au-Prince, huge stockpiles of aid sit in warehouses while people wait for supplies that mean the difference between life and death.
The US has finally begun airdrops of water and food, but the program needs to be expanded.
Please write your Representative and Senators and ask them to press the Obama Administration to lift military restrictions preventing aid groups from bringing aid into Haiti and to expand airdrops of water, water purification tablets, and food.
Check out http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/act/airdrop
Thursday, January 21, 2010
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. . . . .
US Corporations, Private Mercenaries and the IMF Rush in to Profit from Haiti’s Crisis
Benjamin Dangl, Toward Freedom
In the midst of a colossal human disaster, Washingon is promoting unpopular economic policies and extending military and economic control over the Haitian people.
http://www.alternet.org/world/145279/us_corporations%2C_private_mercenaries_and_the_imf_rush_in_to_profit_from_haiti%27s_crisis/
How Bush/Cheney Policy Screwed Haiti
James Ridgeway, Mother Jones
http://motherjones.com/mojo/2010/01/us-policy-helped-keep-haiti-chaos
How Corporate Branding Took Over the White House
Naomi Klein, Fourth Estate
http://www.alternet.org/story/145218/naomi_klein%3A_how_corporate_branding_took_over_the_white_house
Avatar Half-Tells a Story We Would All Prefer to Forget
George Monbiot, Monbiot.com
The real story of what happened to Native Americans is a story NO one wants to hear, because of the challenge it presents to the way we choose to see ourselves.
http://www.alternet.org/story/145107/avatar_half-tells_a_story_we_would_all_prefer_to_forget
Robert Naiman: Blocking Doctors? Let the Aid to Haiti Go Through
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/20-11
Jane Hamsher: Dear President Obama: Time to Stop Letting Corporations Write the Health Care Bill
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/20-15
William Astore: A Very American Coup: Coming Soon to a Hometown Near You
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/20-13
US Corporations, Private Mercenaries and the IMF Rush in to Profit from Haiti’s Crisis
Benjamin Dangl, Toward Freedom
In the midst of a colossal human disaster, Washingon is promoting unpopular economic policies and extending military and economic control over the Haitian people.
http://www.alternet.org/world/145279/us_corporations%2C_private_mercenaries_and_the_imf_rush_in_to_profit_from_haiti%27s_crisis/
How Bush/Cheney Policy Screwed Haiti
James Ridgeway, Mother Jones
http://motherjones.com/mojo/2010/01/us-policy-helped-keep-haiti-chaos
How Corporate Branding Took Over the White House
Naomi Klein, Fourth Estate
http://www.alternet.org/story/145218/naomi_klein%3A_how_corporate_branding_took_over_the_white_house
Avatar Half-Tells a Story We Would All Prefer to Forget
George Monbiot, Monbiot.com
The real story of what happened to Native Americans is a story NO one wants to hear, because of the challenge it presents to the way we choose to see ourselves.
http://www.alternet.org/story/145107/avatar_half-tells_a_story_we_would_all_prefer_to_forget
Robert Naiman: Blocking Doctors? Let the Aid to Haiti Go Through
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/20-11
Jane Hamsher: Dear President Obama: Time to Stop Letting Corporations Write the Health Care Bill
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/20-15
William Astore: A Very American Coup: Coming Soon to a Hometown Near You
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/20-13
MESSAGE FROM THE "CODEPINK" LADIES TO PRESIDENT OBAMA - “Losing Hope, Taking Action”
Your administration and your party are in trouble. That is clear from the elections in Massachusetts and Virginia, from the drop in your approval rating, from the rise of conservative opposition groups.
This is a time when progressive forces in this country need to mobilize to prevent a backlash that will take this country further to the right. But progressives are disappointed and demoralized. Look at me.
In 2008, I was one of millions united for hope and change. As 2010 dawns, change looks to me like more of the same. Instead of peace, we got more war. Instead of healthcare reform, we have an industry win that requires Americans to buy health insurance without any real cost controls. On the environment, one of your top priorities, you came back from Copenhagen with yet another non-binding resolution and more clean coal, to boot. Instead of helping struggling homeowners and small businesses during the financial crisis, bank executives were rewarded and we have yet to see reform. Wall Street firms ended 2009 with record bonus and profits while unemployment remains in double digits.
Obama, I am losing hope. This is not the change I believe in. The change I believe in puts people and our planet before industry, it promotes peace, international law and human rights instead of militarism. As you are asking Congress to approve the largest Pentagon budget in history, plus another $33 billion to pay for your Afghan surge, the prophetic works of Dr. Martin Luther King sound a clarion call: A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.
Obama, we need renewed leadership, we need you to show us--not in words but in deeds--that you can stand up to corporate interests that are blocking us from real healthcare, environmental and financial reform. We need you to show us-not in words but in deeds-that you will stand up for the Constitution, for due process, for the rule of law. We need you to show us-not in words but in deeds-that you lead this country out of endless war to a nation that lives in peace with its neighbors.
In the meantime, I pledge to keep pushing your administration and Congress, and mobilizing others-not for partisan politics but for policies of social and environmental uplift.
May 2010 be a year of renewed commitment and movement toward the change we so desperately need.
Your administration and your party are in trouble. That is clear from the elections in Massachusetts and Virginia, from the drop in your approval rating, from the rise of conservative opposition groups.
This is a time when progressive forces in this country need to mobilize to prevent a backlash that will take this country further to the right. But progressives are disappointed and demoralized. Look at me.
In 2008, I was one of millions united for hope and change. As 2010 dawns, change looks to me like more of the same. Instead of peace, we got more war. Instead of healthcare reform, we have an industry win that requires Americans to buy health insurance without any real cost controls. On the environment, one of your top priorities, you came back from Copenhagen with yet another non-binding resolution and more clean coal, to boot. Instead of helping struggling homeowners and small businesses during the financial crisis, bank executives were rewarded and we have yet to see reform. Wall Street firms ended 2009 with record bonus and profits while unemployment remains in double digits.
Obama, I am losing hope. This is not the change I believe in. The change I believe in puts people and our planet before industry, it promotes peace, international law and human rights instead of militarism. As you are asking Congress to approve the largest Pentagon budget in history, plus another $33 billion to pay for your Afghan surge, the prophetic works of Dr. Martin Luther King sound a clarion call: A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.
Obama, we need renewed leadership, we need you to show us--not in words but in deeds--that you can stand up to corporate interests that are blocking us from real healthcare, environmental and financial reform. We need you to show us-not in words but in deeds-that you will stand up for the Constitution, for due process, for the rule of law. We need you to show us-not in words but in deeds-that you lead this country out of endless war to a nation that lives in peace with its neighbors.
In the meantime, I pledge to keep pushing your administration and Congress, and mobilizing others-not for partisan politics but for policies of social and environmental uplift.
May 2010 be a year of renewed commitment and movement toward the change we so desperately need.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
MORE “REAL” NEWS and INFO ON 2010 CENSUS
Matt Taibbi and RFK Jr on Obama’s Sellout to Wall Street
Go Left TV
http://www.alternet.org/story/145083/matt_taibbi_and_rfk_jr._on_obama%27s_sellout_to_wall_street
[Duchess Note: Obama sold his soul to the “center/right” long before he took up residence in the WH a year ago. Dig deep into research on his background, and you will see he never ever was a “true” progressive. You want true progressives, look to the likes of Kucinich and McKinney. They have always been there for “we the people”. Obama’s slick, majorly overpriced commercialized campaign told some truths, but there were also many “white lies” coated in sugar to make it palatable to the masses. Many of the masses “drank the Kool-aid” and went along with it. After 8 years of the Bush/Cheney regime, many were starved for “change”, and many desperately grasped onto Obama's slick campaign. Those of us who saw beneath the “slick campaign” and his “smooth, double speak speeches” were not deceived, and we voted our conscious (plus values) in November 2008. Were you deceived?]
Unemployment: The 2010 Time Bomb
John Nichols, The Nation
New figures show jobs were lost in December at ten times the expected rate.
http://www.alternet.org/story/145048/unemployment%3A_the_2010_time_bomb
Can They Do That? How You Get Screwed at Work
Liliana Segura, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/145035/can_they_do_that_how_you_get_screwed_at_work
[Duchess Note: Going forward, the “Personal News” segment will be posted once a month. Since receiving a digital camera for Christmas, a “Pix Gallery” will also be posted once a month displaying the "experimentation". Please stay tuned………..]
2010 Census to Begin – Basic Advice
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers
by Susan Johnson
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door; they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.
Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit the Better Business Bureau at http://www.bbb.org/.
Matt Taibbi and RFK Jr on Obama’s Sellout to Wall Street
Go Left TV
http://www.alternet.org/story/145083/matt_taibbi_and_rfk_jr._on_obama%27s_sellout_to_wall_street
[Duchess Note: Obama sold his soul to the “center/right” long before he took up residence in the WH a year ago. Dig deep into research on his background, and you will see he never ever was a “true” progressive. You want true progressives, look to the likes of Kucinich and McKinney. They have always been there for “we the people”. Obama’s slick, majorly overpriced commercialized campaign told some truths, but there were also many “white lies” coated in sugar to make it palatable to the masses. Many of the masses “drank the Kool-aid” and went along with it. After 8 years of the Bush/Cheney regime, many were starved for “change”, and many desperately grasped onto Obama's slick campaign. Those of us who saw beneath the “slick campaign” and his “smooth, double speak speeches” were not deceived, and we voted our conscious (plus values) in November 2008. Were you deceived?]
Unemployment: The 2010 Time Bomb
John Nichols, The Nation
New figures show jobs were lost in December at ten times the expected rate.
http://www.alternet.org/story/145048/unemployment%3A_the_2010_time_bomb
Can They Do That? How You Get Screwed at Work
Liliana Segura, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/145035/can_they_do_that_how_you_get_screwed_at_work
[Duchess Note: Going forward, the “Personal News” segment will be posted once a month. Since receiving a digital camera for Christmas, a “Pix Gallery” will also be posted once a month displaying the "experimentation". Please stay tuned………..]
2010 Census to Begin – Basic Advice
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers
by Susan Johnson
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door; they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.
Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit the Better Business Bureau at http://www.bbb.org/.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT – NEWS
Universal Healthcare? We Keep the Candy, but You Can Have the Wrapper. No, Wait, Give Us The Wrapper Too.
Bruce Dixon, BlackAgendaReport
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/universal-health-care-we-keep-candy-you-can-have-wrapper-no-wait-give-us-wrapper-too
Jesus Hated War – Why Do Christians Love it So Much?
Gary Kohls, Consortium News
http://www.alternet.org/story/144818/jesus_hated_war_--_why_do_christians_love_it_so_much
In his memoir, It Doesn’t Take A Hero, Schwartzkopf claimed that he kept a Bible at his bedside throughout the war. I cringed knowing that, according to the biblical Jesus, God is never on the side of the victors. The God of love that Jesus revealed was on the side of the victims, the oppressed, the starving, the sick, the naked, the meek who were victimized by unjust power.
The Global War on Stealth Underwear
Robert Scheer, TruthDig
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_global_war_on_stealth_underwear_20091230/
Welcome to Orwell’s World 2010
John Pilger’s ZSpace Page
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_global_war_on_stealth_underwear_20091230/
Robert Freeman The Real Top Ten Stories of the Past Decade
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/01-0
Marwan Bishara Neither Wars Nor Drones
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/01-2
John Nichols Good Riddance to Decade That Began With Theft of the Presidency
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/12/31-0
Sarah van Gelder Nine Ways Our World Changed During the '00s
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/12/31-3
The Fast Food Industries 7 Most Heinous Concoctions
Brad Reed, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/142237/the_fast_food_industry%27s_7_most_heinous_concoctions_
Senates Proposed Healthcare Tax Isn’t Aimed at the Rich, It’s Aimed at YOU
Bob Herbert, NYTimes
http://www.alternet.org/story/144909/senate%27s_proposed_health_care_tax_isn%27t_aimed_at_the_rich%2C_it%27s_aimed_at_you
Chris Hedges The Pictures of War You Aren't Supposed to See
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/04-1
Michael Pollan Food Rules: A Completely Different Way To Fix The Health Care Crisis
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/04-9
Jen Dalton Means and Ways to Build a Sustainable Food System
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/04-7
Why Are We so Blind to the True Horrors of War?
Chris Hedges, TruthDig
http://www.alternet.org/world/144929/why_are_we_so_blind_to_the_true_horrors_of_war/
Calling Greedy Wall Street Bankers Fat Cats is an Insult to Cats
Sarah Anderson, MinuteMen Media
http://www.alternet.org/story/144935/calling_greedy_wall_street_bankers_fat_cats_is_an_insult_to_cats
Geithner and the AIG Emails: Scandal is Only Tip of the Iceberg
Eliot Spitzer, William Black and Frank Partnoy, New Deal 2.0
http://www.alternet.org/story/145020/geithner_and_the_aig_emails%3A_scandal_is_only_tip_of_the_iceberg
Why Does the World’s Most Popular TV Show Feature a Misanthrope Who Gets Away with Everything?
Vanessa Richmond, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/media/145013/why_does_the_world%27s_most_popular_tv_show_feature_a_misanthrope_who_gets_away_with_everything/
Universal Healthcare? We Keep the Candy, but You Can Have the Wrapper. No, Wait, Give Us The Wrapper Too.
Bruce Dixon, BlackAgendaReport
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/universal-health-care-we-keep-candy-you-can-have-wrapper-no-wait-give-us-wrapper-too
Jesus Hated War – Why Do Christians Love it So Much?
Gary Kohls, Consortium News
http://www.alternet.org/story/144818/jesus_hated_war_--_why_do_christians_love_it_so_much
In his memoir, It Doesn’t Take A Hero, Schwartzkopf claimed that he kept a Bible at his bedside throughout the war. I cringed knowing that, according to the biblical Jesus, God is never on the side of the victors. The God of love that Jesus revealed was on the side of the victims, the oppressed, the starving, the sick, the naked, the meek who were victimized by unjust power.
The Global War on Stealth Underwear
Robert Scheer, TruthDig
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_global_war_on_stealth_underwear_20091230/
Welcome to Orwell’s World 2010
John Pilger’s ZSpace Page
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_global_war_on_stealth_underwear_20091230/
Robert Freeman The Real Top Ten Stories of the Past Decade
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/01-0
Marwan Bishara Neither Wars Nor Drones
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/01-2
John Nichols Good Riddance to Decade That Began With Theft of the Presidency
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/12/31-0
Sarah van Gelder Nine Ways Our World Changed During the '00s
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/12/31-3
The Fast Food Industries 7 Most Heinous Concoctions
Brad Reed, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/142237/the_fast_food_industry%27s_7_most_heinous_concoctions_
Senates Proposed Healthcare Tax Isn’t Aimed at the Rich, It’s Aimed at YOU
Bob Herbert, NYTimes
http://www.alternet.org/story/144909/senate%27s_proposed_health_care_tax_isn%27t_aimed_at_the_rich%2C_it%27s_aimed_at_you
Chris Hedges The Pictures of War You Aren't Supposed to See
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/04-1
Michael Pollan Food Rules: A Completely Different Way To Fix The Health Care Crisis
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/04-9
Jen Dalton Means and Ways to Build a Sustainable Food System
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/01/04-7
Why Are We so Blind to the True Horrors of War?
Chris Hedges, TruthDig
http://www.alternet.org/world/144929/why_are_we_so_blind_to_the_true_horrors_of_war/
Calling Greedy Wall Street Bankers Fat Cats is an Insult to Cats
Sarah Anderson, MinuteMen Media
http://www.alternet.org/story/144935/calling_greedy_wall_street_bankers_fat_cats_is_an_insult_to_cats
Geithner and the AIG Emails: Scandal is Only Tip of the Iceberg
Eliot Spitzer, William Black and Frank Partnoy, New Deal 2.0
http://www.alternet.org/story/145020/geithner_and_the_aig_emails%3A_scandal_is_only_tip_of_the_iceberg
Why Does the World’s Most Popular TV Show Feature a Misanthrope Who Gets Away with Everything?
Vanessa Richmond, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/media/145013/why_does_the_world%27s_most_popular_tv_show_feature_a_misanthrope_who_gets_away_with_everything/
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Reflections on Midlife
[Part One]
As we step into a New Year and decade, as well as make resolutions, I did some serious reflection on being a woman in midlife. I took some time to analyze my current status from several perspectives; as well as weigh the pros and cons. I find it helpful, important and beneficial to my wellbeing in doing this every so often.
Since 2003 I’ve been continually striving to be a better, more compassionate, pro-active and peaceful person. Not always an easy task, as I find this to be a 24/7 learning curve, and one that I undertake willingly.
You may be wondering what could have brought this on. That’s a good question, as I even wondered about that myself. When I am doing the laundry, or just riding the subway on my evening commute, I reflected on a variety of things. Back in December several interesting “thoughts” ran through my head, and instead of ignoring them, I decided it would be wise to go with the flow.
The first was a message from Marianne Williamson’s book “The Age of Miracles – Embracing the New Midlife”, which I highly recommend to all who are “50 something” like me. Marianne’s main message was that “midlife is not the end, but the beginning of a wonderful journey and many new experiences”. This was followed by a comment I’d read in past two years, “Marianne is right about midlife, if you let it, middle age can be the beginning of a rich and meaning filled experiences”. I reflected on several key phrases within those comments:
1] Beginning of a wonderful journey
2] Many new experiences
3] If you let it
4] Rich and meaning filled
Over the years I’ve been learning more and more to “listen to my inner voice”, because there are times when “society” and our own “egos” can do us more harm than good. Excuses and denial only hurt us in the end, plus we can [at times] be our own worst enemy. If you let it, i.e. the ego to dictate, well then, you won’t get very far. If you let it, i.e. allowing life’s experiences to blossom, then you will go far and become enriched, as well as empowered. With gentle, but firm resolve listen to, as well as act upon, your true inner voice. Listen to it with an open mind and a loving heart.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said … No one can make you feel inferior without your consent
[Part One]
As we step into a New Year and decade, as well as make resolutions, I did some serious reflection on being a woman in midlife. I took some time to analyze my current status from several perspectives; as well as weigh the pros and cons. I find it helpful, important and beneficial to my wellbeing in doing this every so often.
Since 2003 I’ve been continually striving to be a better, more compassionate, pro-active and peaceful person. Not always an easy task, as I find this to be a 24/7 learning curve, and one that I undertake willingly.
You may be wondering what could have brought this on. That’s a good question, as I even wondered about that myself. When I am doing the laundry, or just riding the subway on my evening commute, I reflected on a variety of things. Back in December several interesting “thoughts” ran through my head, and instead of ignoring them, I decided it would be wise to go with the flow.
The first was a message from Marianne Williamson’s book “The Age of Miracles – Embracing the New Midlife”, which I highly recommend to all who are “50 something” like me. Marianne’s main message was that “midlife is not the end, but the beginning of a wonderful journey and many new experiences”. This was followed by a comment I’d read in past two years, “Marianne is right about midlife, if you let it, middle age can be the beginning of a rich and meaning filled experiences”. I reflected on several key phrases within those comments:
1] Beginning of a wonderful journey
2] Many new experiences
3] If you let it
4] Rich and meaning filled
Over the years I’ve been learning more and more to “listen to my inner voice”, because there are times when “society” and our own “egos” can do us more harm than good. Excuses and denial only hurt us in the end, plus we can [at times] be our own worst enemy. If you let it, i.e. the ego to dictate, well then, you won’t get very far. If you let it, i.e. allowing life’s experiences to blossom, then you will go far and become enriched, as well as empowered. With gentle, but firm resolve listen to, as well as act upon, your true inner voice. Listen to it with an open mind and a loving heart.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said … No one can make you feel inferior without your consent
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
11 WAYS TO INSPIRE THE PEACE ALLIANCE
From David Hazen via the iPeace website
[NOTE: Comment by D.Hazen - Perhaps this list could be the starting point of a document that we all can work on. I feel it's incomplete.]
1. Share personal stories. Use them to build bonds and strengthen ties between tribe members, stories of what their life was like before and after joining the Dept of Peace campaign, any shifts in attitude they have experienced, what gratitude’s they have, what their core values are.
2. Introduce Members to “Each Other Teach” listening skills (we've forgotten how to listen!), use a talking stick, set time limits, encourage people to interview each other, using appreciative inquiry -- Listen, Learn & Introduce people to each other. Make connecting people a priority. One of the biggest fears in life is rejection. If you can help eliminate that fear you are helping somebody.
3. Educate your members to help them see things in ways they never imagined. Use simple concepts to help them understand complicated ones. Break things down and explain what is under the hood. Explain how social change and evolution actually takes place. Explain how not knowing and surrender to the process is essential lubricants to moving forward. They'll be forever grateful someone took the time to do this for them.
4. Process grief as Joanna Macy recommends; we cannot be truly motivated until we feel the full depth of our despair and stuckness as a species, the full terror of extinction, and then begin to question it, "Is this really true? Am I really complicit in the atrocities? How did I decide to not be part of the solution?" The inability of Western culture to unstuff their feelings and allow the grief to flow, erupt, explode and dissipate is a huge stumbling block. The energy we expend denying our grief only prolongs and magnifies the agony of its final expression. Our power to create derives from the release of our grief and guilt.
5. Create a sponsorship system, a buddy, mentoring, or co-counseling system that is entirely voluntary and self-selected. This is all about learning to trust somebody outside yourself, someone who can reflect you’re "trauma-drama" as well as your core values like a mirror, which can draw you out, who can keep you mindful of the big picture and the baby steps, which can track your progress and cheer you on. As excruciating as it may sound, it works best if a sponsor never call a sponsee, that the initiative rest with the sponsee. A sponsor never gives advice, either, but simply shares what has worked for them in their experience.
6. Be authentic, keep no secrets about yourself, your doubts and struggles, except when to do so would involve and damage others. There needs to be a standard of no gossip or criticism of each other.
7. Keep it simple and do-able Selling peace could become an extremely simple process of allowing individuals to respond to their own need for peace as they define it, and show by example how that can be done. ( "...better public policy might be forged from less--not more--government action." -- TIME, Barbara Kiviat, Monday, Jun. 29, 2009 ) What this means to me is to act "as if," to begin generating a local culture of peace at whatever level you can imagine doing it. We have begun to do so at the city level here in Eugene, and the first responses have been enthusiastic. Why not create a shadow (positive shadow) Department of Peace at the national level? "On the first day of operations for the new Dept. of Peace, the Secretary of Peace issued a statement, held a news conference, initiated a national poll of the public's definition of peace, met with the Secretaries of Defense and State, and directed the assistant Secretaries to address the following priorities... "
8. Create instant recognition Use imaginative and creative ways to display the beauty of the truth contained in the Department of Peace through symbols, sound bites, art, music, theater. Make it attractive, sidestep all the verbiage, and get to the image, the bottom line. People smile when they see a couple on a tandem bike because it is an icon of partnership, cooperation, and joy. In a parade, a giant white dove puppet with a green branch in its mouth gets smiles, too. No explanation needed.
9. Invoke the warrior-monk prototype in which participation in the campaign becomes a tool of self-development, of self-awareness and service for the highest common good. "Slowing down your internal voices, re-discovering who you really are, and relating to the world from a place of Being and Knowing." (http://www.warriormonk.org/Home.html) The warrior-monk does not fight unnecessary battles, but deliberately chooses the time and place to intervene with the minimum necessary force to redirect a conflict, creatively using whatever tools are lying about to draw forth negative energies into the light where they evaporate from exposure. The warrior-monk never gives up, never quits, never slows down, never speeds up, just finds the supportive pace that will last to tunnel through mountains and bring them down.
10. Crank it up, E-mail has become dull, noisy, and easily ignored. The verbiage on TPA website is too much, and the site has become overloaded, difficult to navigate. Audio/video communicates with more impact, should be the first thing people see, followed by a link to the DoPeace site. Webinars, audio conference calls, video conference calls, YouTube videos, all have more impact, especially when creative young people are making them. There is a clever Department of Peace Commercial by Jill Francke, posted on YouTube in February of 2007 that is now very difficult to find. And whatever happened to the good old phone tree? Word of mouth is powerful; we need to re-learn how to use it.
11. Use Appreciative Inquiry to focus on the solution, the solution, the solution, and not the problem. Ask the right and powerful questions to evoke strength, teamwork, hope, imagination, and genuine excitement. (read: peak performance) Get David Cooperrider into the middle of the room, no matter what it takes.
Twelve Festive Tolkien Facts - Did You Know
1. Born in South Africa, J.R.R. Tolkien's earliest recollection of Christmas was of a "blazing sun, drawn curtains and a drooping eucalyptus".
2. In 1895, a three-year-old Tolkien moved to England with his mother and brother and enjoyed his first wintry Christmas with a real Christmas tree.
3. As a young man Tolkien used to spend part of his Christmas holidays with his Incledon relatives, whose custom was to perform theatrical entertainments, some of which were written by him.
4. In December 1913 Tolkien announced to his friends his engagement to Edith.
5. On 9th December 1936 Tolkien delivered his lecture Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics.
6. Christmas 1920: Tolkien wrote his first illustrated letter as 'Father Christmas' to his children.
7. This first letter was written to Tolkien's eldest son, John, then aged 3, after him asking what Father Christmas was like.
8. Four days after being asked by his publisher, on 19th December 1937 Tolkien wrote the first chapter of the sequel to The Hobbit - it would eventually become the beginning of The Lord of the Rings.
9. Christmas 1943: Tolkien wrote his final letter as 'Father Christmas', to his daughter Priscilla.
10. On 3rd December 1953 Tolkien delivered the typescript of The Return of the King to his publisher.
11. A selection of Tolkien's Christmas letters was first published in 1976; a new paperback edition containing nearly all the pictures and letters is published in 2009.
12. The Hobbits' name for Christmas is Yule.
From David Hazen via the iPeace website
[NOTE: Comment by D.Hazen - Perhaps this list could be the starting point of a document that we all can work on. I feel it's incomplete.]
1. Share personal stories. Use them to build bonds and strengthen ties between tribe members, stories of what their life was like before and after joining the Dept of Peace campaign, any shifts in attitude they have experienced, what gratitude’s they have, what their core values are.
2. Introduce Members to “Each Other Teach” listening skills (we've forgotten how to listen!), use a talking stick, set time limits, encourage people to interview each other, using appreciative inquiry -- Listen, Learn & Introduce people to each other. Make connecting people a priority. One of the biggest fears in life is rejection. If you can help eliminate that fear you are helping somebody.
3. Educate your members to help them see things in ways they never imagined. Use simple concepts to help them understand complicated ones. Break things down and explain what is under the hood. Explain how social change and evolution actually takes place. Explain how not knowing and surrender to the process is essential lubricants to moving forward. They'll be forever grateful someone took the time to do this for them.
4. Process grief as Joanna Macy recommends; we cannot be truly motivated until we feel the full depth of our despair and stuckness as a species, the full terror of extinction, and then begin to question it, "Is this really true? Am I really complicit in the atrocities? How did I decide to not be part of the solution?" The inability of Western culture to unstuff their feelings and allow the grief to flow, erupt, explode and dissipate is a huge stumbling block. The energy we expend denying our grief only prolongs and magnifies the agony of its final expression. Our power to create derives from the release of our grief and guilt.
5. Create a sponsorship system, a buddy, mentoring, or co-counseling system that is entirely voluntary and self-selected. This is all about learning to trust somebody outside yourself, someone who can reflect you’re "trauma-drama" as well as your core values like a mirror, which can draw you out, who can keep you mindful of the big picture and the baby steps, which can track your progress and cheer you on. As excruciating as it may sound, it works best if a sponsor never call a sponsee, that the initiative rest with the sponsee. A sponsor never gives advice, either, but simply shares what has worked for them in their experience.
6. Be authentic, keep no secrets about yourself, your doubts and struggles, except when to do so would involve and damage others. There needs to be a standard of no gossip or criticism of each other.
7. Keep it simple and do-able Selling peace could become an extremely simple process of allowing individuals to respond to their own need for peace as they define it, and show by example how that can be done. ( "...better public policy might be forged from less--not more--government action." -- TIME, Barbara Kiviat, Monday, Jun. 29, 2009 ) What this means to me is to act "as if," to begin generating a local culture of peace at whatever level you can imagine doing it. We have begun to do so at the city level here in Eugene, and the first responses have been enthusiastic. Why not create a shadow (positive shadow) Department of Peace at the national level? "On the first day of operations for the new Dept. of Peace, the Secretary of Peace issued a statement, held a news conference, initiated a national poll of the public's definition of peace, met with the Secretaries of Defense and State, and directed the assistant Secretaries to address the following priorities... "
8. Create instant recognition Use imaginative and creative ways to display the beauty of the truth contained in the Department of Peace through symbols, sound bites, art, music, theater. Make it attractive, sidestep all the verbiage, and get to the image, the bottom line. People smile when they see a couple on a tandem bike because it is an icon of partnership, cooperation, and joy. In a parade, a giant white dove puppet with a green branch in its mouth gets smiles, too. No explanation needed.
9. Invoke the warrior-monk prototype in which participation in the campaign becomes a tool of self-development, of self-awareness and service for the highest common good. "Slowing down your internal voices, re-discovering who you really are, and relating to the world from a place of Being and Knowing." (http://www.warriormonk.org/Home.html) The warrior-monk does not fight unnecessary battles, but deliberately chooses the time and place to intervene with the minimum necessary force to redirect a conflict, creatively using whatever tools are lying about to draw forth negative energies into the light where they evaporate from exposure. The warrior-monk never gives up, never quits, never slows down, never speeds up, just finds the supportive pace that will last to tunnel through mountains and bring them down.
10. Crank it up, E-mail has become dull, noisy, and easily ignored. The verbiage on TPA website is too much, and the site has become overloaded, difficult to navigate. Audio/video communicates with more impact, should be the first thing people see, followed by a link to the DoPeace site. Webinars, audio conference calls, video conference calls, YouTube videos, all have more impact, especially when creative young people are making them. There is a clever Department of Peace Commercial by Jill Francke, posted on YouTube in February of 2007 that is now very difficult to find. And whatever happened to the good old phone tree? Word of mouth is powerful; we need to re-learn how to use it.
11. Use Appreciative Inquiry to focus on the solution, the solution, the solution, and not the problem. Ask the right and powerful questions to evoke strength, teamwork, hope, imagination, and genuine excitement. (read: peak performance) Get David Cooperrider into the middle of the room, no matter what it takes.
Twelve Festive Tolkien Facts - Did You Know
1. Born in South Africa, J.R.R. Tolkien's earliest recollection of Christmas was of a "blazing sun, drawn curtains and a drooping eucalyptus".
2. In 1895, a three-year-old Tolkien moved to England with his mother and brother and enjoyed his first wintry Christmas with a real Christmas tree.
3. As a young man Tolkien used to spend part of his Christmas holidays with his Incledon relatives, whose custom was to perform theatrical entertainments, some of which were written by him.
4. In December 1913 Tolkien announced to his friends his engagement to Edith.
5. On 9th December 1936 Tolkien delivered his lecture Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics.
6. Christmas 1920: Tolkien wrote his first illustrated letter as 'Father Christmas' to his children.
7. This first letter was written to Tolkien's eldest son, John, then aged 3, after him asking what Father Christmas was like.
8. Four days after being asked by his publisher, on 19th December 1937 Tolkien wrote the first chapter of the sequel to The Hobbit - it would eventually become the beginning of The Lord of the Rings.
9. Christmas 1943: Tolkien wrote his final letter as 'Father Christmas', to his daughter Priscilla.
10. On 3rd December 1953 Tolkien delivered the typescript of The Return of the King to his publisher.
11. A selection of Tolkien's Christmas letters was first published in 1976; a new paperback edition containing nearly all the pictures and letters is published in 2009.
12. The Hobbits' name for Christmas is Yule.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
PERSONAL NEWS #173
Wednesday, December 2nd, I attended a Peace themed event at the All Souls Church on upper eastside of Manhattan. There was singing, reading of poetry, slideshow and refreshment. I was invited by Susan Cushman and Mary Geissman who are part of the Peace Task Force.
Thursday, December 3rd, I joined other members of TGTSNBN meetup at IBM Atrium near East 56th Street. The theme of this meetup was the history and applications of Heraldry. I also brought some of my C of B Design earrings for sale, and sold many pairs, plus took two orders for custom designed pieces. Deborah brought the Inkheart series, which she is lending me to read.
Friday, December 4th, I attended the “Friday Nite Knits” meetup in Kensington at the Oak & Isis. This evening there was a live quartet playing Brazilian jazz.
Saturday afternoon, December 5th, I joined other members of TGTSNBN for Quidditch at Riverside Park. Since only 10 members showed up and the weather had turned horrible, we decided to head over to TOAST for a tasty brunch, and then some fun holiday shopping at MICHAELS on Columbus Avenue.
Sunday, December 6th, I headed out to Staten Island to attend the Tolkien Reading Day event hosted by SI OutLOUD. I haven’t been on the Staten Island ferry in several years and the terminals are all new, plus they don’t charge anymore on the return trip. Had some issues with the buses to the Greenbelt Nature Center, and then hitched a ride with Dennis the last part of the journey. On the way back to the ferry, I hopped a ride with an acquaintance of mine. Stephanie and I discussed politics during the ride. The Staten Island OutLOUD group performed in song, music and word the first four chapters of Tolkien’s Silmarillion. It was quite enjoyable, and the place was full with attendees. Anthony and Jessica were there as guests, plus as chairpersons of the Northeast Tolkien Society. During the raffle/quiz segment I actually got one of the questions right, and received a Tolkien book called “Words, Phrases & Passages in LotRs”.
Tuesday evening, December 8th, I joined other NYDoP CCR team members for a productive conference call.
Thursday evening, December 10th, I joined in the “World Can’t Wait” conference call at 10pm.
Friday, December 11th, I assisted a few other City Harvest volunteers at Union Square farmers market. Afterwards I jumped on the subway and head into Brooklyn for the “Friday Nite Knits” meetup at The Oak & Isis”.
Wednesday, December 16th, I had a foot doctor appt for much needed therapy on my left foot.
Thursday evening, December 17th, I attended the annual EY FSO holiday party at “Tavern on the Green”. Since I’ve switched to being Vegan, I had a feeling my buffet options would be limited at this event. Upon arrival to the event my surmises proved correct. I had two Cosmopolitan drinks along with hummus, grilled veggies and pita bread. As always the event was so crowded and loud. I ran into co-workers of mine and had several diverse, interesting conversations before leaving around 8:45pm.
[Tavern on the Green in December]
Friday evening, December 18th, I joined other NYDoP core team members for our annual holiday gathering, and this year it was held at “Spring Street Natural” restaurant in SoHo. This place is wonderful and I highly recommend it to all. There is a variety of food options for everyone’s palate, even us Vegans, plus lots of diverse drinks. I again had two Cosmopolitan’s along with a delicious Vegan appetizer and meal. This stuff called Seitan and the way it’s prepared, well, it reminded me of chicken. Everyone had a good time, lots of laughs, plus interesting discussions and we even did a gift exchange.
[NYDoP members enjoying our annual holiday gathering]
Saturday evening, December 19th, my friend Jackie came over for dinner, holiday gift exchange and to watch movies while it snowed outside. I rented two films for our entertainment ... the latest “Star Trek” and the second “Night at the Museum”. We very much enjoyed both films. I kept the living room curtains open, so we could gage the snowstorm progress throughout the evening. For dinner I whipped up tasty roasted root veggies, pasta with sauce, and garlic bread, plus we drank wine. For dessert we nibbled on some Vegan goodies from The Garden. Just after midnight I walked Jackie to the subway through the storm and 10 inches of snow on the ground. Wanted to make sure she arrived at the subway okay. The chap down the street selling Xmas trees was still there, even though no one was out, and almost a foot of snow covered everything.
Next day, December 20th, I went into Manhattan to check out the wonderful holiday bazaar shops at Bryant Park and picked up some nice last minute gifts.
[Bryant Park skating rink day after snowstorm]
Wednesday, December 23rd, I was treated to lunch by a co-worker [Angela] and we went to Simply Pasta on West 41st Street.
December 24th through 27th – I spent the Christmas holiday weekend with my family in upstate NY. Mom and Dad picked me up at bus depot on the afternoon of Xmas Eve. From there we spent the rest of Xmas Eve at Duane and Michelle’s home in Schenectady. After a delicious dinner, we drove around the neighborhood to check out all the homes decked out in assorted holiday splendor. I did some computer/internet work and also watched “Ace of Cakes” on cable TV. Love that show!
[The Duchess is getting into the holiday spirit]
[Holiday decor at my brother and sister-in-laws home]
After breakfast and opening gifties on Xmas morning; Mom, Dad and I headed back up to the homestead in Cambridge. We spent a leisurely afternoon at the homestead before heading to a relative’s home for dinner and play bowling on their Wii. I didn’t do too badly at the Wii and my highest bowling score was 142. Rest of the weekend did some shopping, hair salon, relax, and the computer. Mom and I watched “Shrek2” and the first “Night at the Museum” on cable TV, along with PBS and the wonderful Food Network. I headed back to NYC on Sunday via the bus.
Wednesday, December 2nd, I attended a Peace themed event at the All Souls Church on upper eastside of Manhattan. There was singing, reading of poetry, slideshow and refreshment. I was invited by Susan Cushman and Mary Geissman who are part of the Peace Task Force.
Thursday, December 3rd, I joined other members of TGTSNBN meetup at IBM Atrium near East 56th Street. The theme of this meetup was the history and applications of Heraldry. I also brought some of my C of B Design earrings for sale, and sold many pairs, plus took two orders for custom designed pieces. Deborah brought the Inkheart series, which she is lending me to read.
Friday, December 4th, I attended the “Friday Nite Knits” meetup in Kensington at the Oak & Isis. This evening there was a live quartet playing Brazilian jazz.
Saturday afternoon, December 5th, I joined other members of TGTSNBN for Quidditch at Riverside Park. Since only 10 members showed up and the weather had turned horrible, we decided to head over to TOAST for a tasty brunch, and then some fun holiday shopping at MICHAELS on Columbus Avenue.
Sunday, December 6th, I headed out to Staten Island to attend the Tolkien Reading Day event hosted by SI OutLOUD. I haven’t been on the Staten Island ferry in several years and the terminals are all new, plus they don’t charge anymore on the return trip. Had some issues with the buses to the Greenbelt Nature Center, and then hitched a ride with Dennis the last part of the journey. On the way back to the ferry, I hopped a ride with an acquaintance of mine. Stephanie and I discussed politics during the ride. The Staten Island OutLOUD group performed in song, music and word the first four chapters of Tolkien’s Silmarillion. It was quite enjoyable, and the place was full with attendees. Anthony and Jessica were there as guests, plus as chairpersons of the Northeast Tolkien Society. During the raffle/quiz segment I actually got one of the questions right, and received a Tolkien book called “Words, Phrases & Passages in LotRs”.
Tuesday evening, December 8th, I joined other NYDoP CCR team members for a productive conference call.
Thursday evening, December 10th, I joined in the “World Can’t Wait” conference call at 10pm.
Friday, December 11th, I assisted a few other City Harvest volunteers at Union Square farmers market. Afterwards I jumped on the subway and head into Brooklyn for the “Friday Nite Knits” meetup at The Oak & Isis”.
Wednesday, December 16th, I had a foot doctor appt for much needed therapy on my left foot.
Thursday evening, December 17th, I attended the annual EY FSO holiday party at “Tavern on the Green”. Since I’ve switched to being Vegan, I had a feeling my buffet options would be limited at this event. Upon arrival to the event my surmises proved correct. I had two Cosmopolitan drinks along with hummus, grilled veggies and pita bread. As always the event was so crowded and loud. I ran into co-workers of mine and had several diverse, interesting conversations before leaving around 8:45pm.
[Tavern on the Green in December]
Friday evening, December 18th, I joined other NYDoP core team members for our annual holiday gathering, and this year it was held at “Spring Street Natural” restaurant in SoHo. This place is wonderful and I highly recommend it to all. There is a variety of food options for everyone’s palate, even us Vegans, plus lots of diverse drinks. I again had two Cosmopolitan’s along with a delicious Vegan appetizer and meal. This stuff called Seitan and the way it’s prepared, well, it reminded me of chicken. Everyone had a good time, lots of laughs, plus interesting discussions and we even did a gift exchange.
[NYDoP members enjoying our annual holiday gathering]
Saturday evening, December 19th, my friend Jackie came over for dinner, holiday gift exchange and to watch movies while it snowed outside. I rented two films for our entertainment ... the latest “Star Trek” and the second “Night at the Museum”. We very much enjoyed both films. I kept the living room curtains open, so we could gage the snowstorm progress throughout the evening. For dinner I whipped up tasty roasted root veggies, pasta with sauce, and garlic bread, plus we drank wine. For dessert we nibbled on some Vegan goodies from The Garden. Just after midnight I walked Jackie to the subway through the storm and 10 inches of snow on the ground. Wanted to make sure she arrived at the subway okay. The chap down the street selling Xmas trees was still there, even though no one was out, and almost a foot of snow covered everything.
Next day, December 20th, I went into Manhattan to check out the wonderful holiday bazaar shops at Bryant Park and picked up some nice last minute gifts.
[Bryant Park skating rink day after snowstorm]
Wednesday, December 23rd, I was treated to lunch by a co-worker [Angela] and we went to Simply Pasta on West 41st Street.
December 24th through 27th – I spent the Christmas holiday weekend with my family in upstate NY. Mom and Dad picked me up at bus depot on the afternoon of Xmas Eve. From there we spent the rest of Xmas Eve at Duane and Michelle’s home in Schenectady. After a delicious dinner, we drove around the neighborhood to check out all the homes decked out in assorted holiday splendor. I did some computer/internet work and also watched “Ace of Cakes” on cable TV. Love that show!
[The Duchess is getting into the holiday spirit]
[Holiday decor at my brother and sister-in-laws home]
After breakfast and opening gifties on Xmas morning; Mom, Dad and I headed back up to the homestead in Cambridge. We spent a leisurely afternoon at the homestead before heading to a relative’s home for dinner and play bowling on their Wii. I didn’t do too badly at the Wii and my highest bowling score was 142. Rest of the weekend did some shopping, hair salon, relax, and the computer. Mom and I watched “Shrek2” and the first “Night at the Museum” on cable TV, along with PBS and the wonderful Food Network. I headed back to NYC on Sunday via the bus.
Monday, December 28, 2009
DECEMBER WAS A BUSY MONTH FOR “REAL” NEWS
Obama Officials Drop “Withdrawal” Ruse – US in Afghanistan to Stay
Tom Eley & Barry Grey, WSWS
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/dec2009/pers-d08.shtml
Drone Man Lectures on Peace
Bruce Gagnon Blog
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=214695521&blogID=521736240
Accepting Peace Prize, Obama Makes Case for Unending War
David Walsh, WSWS
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/dec2009/pers-d11.shtml
Peace Doesn’t Work, Obama Informs Nobel Committee
Jason Ditz, AntiWar.com
http://news.antiwar.com/2009/12/10/peace-doesnt-work-obama-informs-nobel-committee/
“The War in Afghanistan is a RACKET” – Kucinich on the Floor
http://www.docudharma.com/diary/17855/the-war-in-afghanistan-is-a-racket-kucinich-on-the-floor
Anti-War Protesters Gather Outside White House
www.wtop.com
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=596&sid=1838767
Bill Moyers: We have a Nobel Peace President Who Won’t Ban Land Mines
Bill Moyers & Michael Winship
The Nobel Committee said Obama won the prize for his respect of international law and his efforts at disarmament, yet he won't even sign on to end a barbaric weapon. To read more, go to…. http://www.alternet.org/politics/144525/bill_moyers%3A_we_have_a_nobel_peace_president_who_won%27t_ban_land_mines/
US House Passes Pro-Wall Street Banking Bill
Barry Grey, WSWS
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/dec2009/regu-d14.shtml
The Democrats – Why They’re Worse
The Distant Ocean Website
http://www.distantocean.com/2009/12/why-theyre-worse.html
Are Blacks Abandoning Obama?
Lloyd Grove, The Daily Beast
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-12-15/has-obama-abandoned-blacks/
Howard Dean: "Kill the Senate Bill"
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/12/15-6
Grayson, Kucinich Lead Charge to Halt War Funding
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/12/15-8
'We Don't Want Violence, We Want to Get Our Voices Heard' Say Protesters
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/12/15-2
Pat LaMarche Holiday Hit: The Five Lies of Congress
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/12/17-3
George Monbiot Mr Obama, Here's Your Copenhagen Speech
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/12/17
[Duchess Note – More December “real news” coming down the turnpike, as well as “personal news”. Stay tuned…………………]
Obama Officials Drop “Withdrawal” Ruse – US in Afghanistan to Stay
Tom Eley & Barry Grey, WSWS
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/dec2009/pers-d08.shtml
Drone Man Lectures on Peace
Bruce Gagnon Blog
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=214695521&blogID=521736240
Accepting Peace Prize, Obama Makes Case for Unending War
David Walsh, WSWS
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/dec2009/pers-d11.shtml
Peace Doesn’t Work, Obama Informs Nobel Committee
Jason Ditz, AntiWar.com
http://news.antiwar.com/2009/12/10/peace-doesnt-work-obama-informs-nobel-committee/
“The War in Afghanistan is a RACKET” – Kucinich on the Floor
http://www.docudharma.com/diary/17855/the-war-in-afghanistan-is-a-racket-kucinich-on-the-floor
Anti-War Protesters Gather Outside White House
www.wtop.com
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=596&sid=1838767
Bill Moyers: We have a Nobel Peace President Who Won’t Ban Land Mines
Bill Moyers & Michael Winship
The Nobel Committee said Obama won the prize for his respect of international law and his efforts at disarmament, yet he won't even sign on to end a barbaric weapon. To read more, go to…. http://www.alternet.org/politics/144525/bill_moyers%3A_we_have_a_nobel_peace_president_who_won%27t_ban_land_mines/
US House Passes Pro-Wall Street Banking Bill
Barry Grey, WSWS
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/dec2009/regu-d14.shtml
The Democrats – Why They’re Worse
The Distant Ocean Website
http://www.distantocean.com/2009/12/why-theyre-worse.html
Are Blacks Abandoning Obama?
Lloyd Grove, The Daily Beast
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-12-15/has-obama-abandoned-blacks/
Howard Dean: "Kill the Senate Bill"
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/12/15-6
Grayson, Kucinich Lead Charge to Halt War Funding
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/12/15-8
'We Don't Want Violence, We Want to Get Our Voices Heard' Say Protesters
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/12/15-2
Pat LaMarche Holiday Hit: The Five Lies of Congress
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/12/17-3
George Monbiot Mr Obama, Here's Your Copenhagen Speech
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/12/17
[Duchess Note – More December “real news” coming down the turnpike, as well as “personal news”. Stay tuned…………………]
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
PERSONAL NEWS #172
On Sunday, November 1st, I watched the NYC Marathon as it passed through my neighborhood in northern Brooklyn.
Friday evening, November 6th, I joined my friend Cielito at the cafe in MmoA for a drink, appetizers and to view a few exhibits [ie: Robert Franks and Art of the Samurai]. Seems like this particular museum is always busy on a Friday evening, and it doesn’t close until 9pm. Cielito and I agree it’s a nice way to close out a work week. Afterwards we hopped on a bus down 5th Avenue, stopped at a Starbucks for something refreshing to drink, then stopped by her office at L’Oreal. On our way to the subway, we stopped by The Mansfield hotel on West 44th Street to utilize the restroom facilities in the lounge. Cielito told me that she’s gone there with L’Oreal co-workers for drinks and appetizers, plus lounge in its sophisticated “club like” atmosphere.
Saturday afternoon, November 7th, I attended an event hosted by “World Can’t Wait” at The Art Club in Tribeca and featured a lecture by Andy Worthington. Saw clips from his new documentary called “Outside the Law: Stories from Guantanamo” and the lecture was based on that topic, as well as Iraq and Afghanistan. Nice turnout, good food, wine and fascinating, as well as an informative lecture and film.
Sunday afternoon, November 8th, I joined several other NETS members [ie: Anthony, Jessica, Dennis, Carole and Susanne] at the Tolkien manuscript exhibit at 133 West 60th Street. This was my second time viewing the exhibit. More interesting tidbits were explained about Tolkien and the manuscripts by Anthony and Jessica. Afterwards we purchased lunch items at WholeFoods and had abit of a picnic in Central Park, as the weather was so nice. Afterwards we all went our separate ways and I did abit of shopping at Borders before heading home.
Thursday evening, November 12th, I attended a most productive NYDoP “working” meeting with five other “core team” members.
On Sunday afternoon, November 15th, I joined other TGTSNBN members at Riverside Park for the first Quidditch match of the season. After abit of rain the day before, the Quidditch pitch was abit “soft and muddy” in certain areas, but as the weather was so nice, we just made the most of it. I was again score keeper, and assisting Jonathan [one of two refs] for three very energetic games. Newly created team, Downtown Dementors, won two of the three matches. Afterwards about 20 of us went to TOAST for a delicious late lunch and discussions on numerous topics. Once again I stopped at Borders, with my 30% off coupon, and picked up a book on Vegan cooking.
Tuesday evening, November 17th, I attended a free event at the Town Hall on West 43rd Street to hear RFK Jr speak about our environmental future.
On Thursday, November 19th, I joined other NYDoP CCR team members for a meeting at Kevin’s office to plan and strategize. It was an excellent and productive meeting.
Saturday, November 21st, I attended the “World Can’t Wait” workshop and panel discussion down in lower Manhattan. The main topics of discussion were on terrorism, Afghanistan & women’s rights, plus there were debates, video viewings, and strategizing. Oh, and yes, there were free goodies to nibble on.
Thursday, November 26th, I volunteered with “Project Find” at St Paul’s church on West 60th Street. This year I was teamed up with Jeffrey [driver] and Wendy [escort], plus ran into Kevin Fletcher. The latter I had volunteered with 2 years prior and we caught up on news. He’s working on the cable TV series “Nurse Jackie”. I had a nice time working with Jeffrey and Wendy. Our assignment was in Greenwich Village and out of 16 meals, we successfully delivered 14. One person wasn’t at home and the other had passed away a few days prior to Thanksgiving. Weather turned out nice and sunny, which we were thankful for.
November 27th through 29th I visited my parents and brother in upstate NY for the remainder of the holiday weekend. Helped Mom with taking down autumn and Thanksgiving decorations, plus take those containers out to the barn. Brought in containers with specific Christmas items and assisted in decorating. Worked on crocheting, knitting, reading, laptop, as well as shop at my fav bead place and get my hair colored and trimmed.
On Sunday, November 1st, I watched the NYC Marathon as it passed through my neighborhood in northern Brooklyn.
Friday evening, November 6th, I joined my friend Cielito at the cafe in MmoA for a drink, appetizers and to view a few exhibits [ie: Robert Franks and Art of the Samurai]. Seems like this particular museum is always busy on a Friday evening, and it doesn’t close until 9pm. Cielito and I agree it’s a nice way to close out a work week. Afterwards we hopped on a bus down 5th Avenue, stopped at a Starbucks for something refreshing to drink, then stopped by her office at L’Oreal. On our way to the subway, we stopped by The Mansfield hotel on West 44th Street to utilize the restroom facilities in the lounge. Cielito told me that she’s gone there with L’Oreal co-workers for drinks and appetizers, plus lounge in its sophisticated “club like” atmosphere.
Saturday afternoon, November 7th, I attended an event hosted by “World Can’t Wait” at The Art Club in Tribeca and featured a lecture by Andy Worthington. Saw clips from his new documentary called “Outside the Law: Stories from Guantanamo” and the lecture was based on that topic, as well as Iraq and Afghanistan. Nice turnout, good food, wine and fascinating, as well as an informative lecture and film.
Sunday afternoon, November 8th, I joined several other NETS members [ie: Anthony, Jessica, Dennis, Carole and Susanne] at the Tolkien manuscript exhibit at 133 West 60th Street. This was my second time viewing the exhibit. More interesting tidbits were explained about Tolkien and the manuscripts by Anthony and Jessica. Afterwards we purchased lunch items at WholeFoods and had abit of a picnic in Central Park, as the weather was so nice. Afterwards we all went our separate ways and I did abit of shopping at Borders before heading home.
Thursday evening, November 12th, I attended a most productive NYDoP “working” meeting with five other “core team” members.
On Sunday afternoon, November 15th, I joined other TGTSNBN members at Riverside Park for the first Quidditch match of the season. After abit of rain the day before, the Quidditch pitch was abit “soft and muddy” in certain areas, but as the weather was so nice, we just made the most of it. I was again score keeper, and assisting Jonathan [one of two refs] for three very energetic games. Newly created team, Downtown Dementors, won two of the three matches. Afterwards about 20 of us went to TOAST for a delicious late lunch and discussions on numerous topics. Once again I stopped at Borders, with my 30% off coupon, and picked up a book on Vegan cooking.
Tuesday evening, November 17th, I attended a free event at the Town Hall on West 43rd Street to hear RFK Jr speak about our environmental future.
On Thursday, November 19th, I joined other NYDoP CCR team members for a meeting at Kevin’s office to plan and strategize. It was an excellent and productive meeting.
Saturday, November 21st, I attended the “World Can’t Wait” workshop and panel discussion down in lower Manhattan. The main topics of discussion were on terrorism, Afghanistan & women’s rights, plus there were debates, video viewings, and strategizing. Oh, and yes, there were free goodies to nibble on.
Thursday, November 26th, I volunteered with “Project Find” at St Paul’s church on West 60th Street. This year I was teamed up with Jeffrey [driver] and Wendy [escort], plus ran into Kevin Fletcher. The latter I had volunteered with 2 years prior and we caught up on news. He’s working on the cable TV series “Nurse Jackie”. I had a nice time working with Jeffrey and Wendy. Our assignment was in Greenwich Village and out of 16 meals, we successfully delivered 14. One person wasn’t at home and the other had passed away a few days prior to Thanksgiving. Weather turned out nice and sunny, which we were thankful for.
November 27th through 29th I visited my parents and brother in upstate NY for the remainder of the holiday weekend. Helped Mom with taking down autumn and Thanksgiving decorations, plus take those containers out to the barn. Brought in containers with specific Christmas items and assisted in decorating. Worked on crocheting, knitting, reading, laptop, as well as shop at my fav bead place and get my hair colored and trimmed.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
IMPORTANT MESSAGE and POEM FROM "World Can't Wait"
World Can’t Wait has teamed up with military veterans and military family members on the “We Are Not Your Soldiers” tour to bring the truth about recruiters, the wars that they are recruiting for to high schools across the country and to unleash a movement of resistance against military recruiting.
The poem below was written by high school student Yoselin Torres at the Little Village Multicultural Art School in Chicago after hearing the “We Are Not Your Soldiers” tour.
“We Are NOT Your Soldiers”
You cannot control us,
So hard you try,
I have the power to make my own decisions,
Although you may lie,
Telling us what we wanna hear,
Only so they could take over control our power,
Brainwashing teenagers all around.
Recruiters are only going for the youngest generation,
Filling our head with false information,
Only to make us hurt innocent people,
Being accommodative won’t help us,
We must speak out!
We will not be silenced!
Peace must be restored,
War is no longer the answer.
The army has no purpose in terrorizing Iraqi and Afghan
Citizens any longer,
Eight years they have suffered,
Randomly being beaten and killed,
This war must stop,
And we each are speaking out to say,
“We are NOT your soldiers!”
[Duchess Note: Recently heard Sharon Adams speak on this topic [ie: Child Soldiers] via a radio program on WBAI. She also talked about how the recruiters go into schools, without parents consent, and glean info on students between age 15 to 17. Sharon strongly urged parents to contact their children’s schools to “opt out” and demand it in writing. Parents need to be pro-active and vigilant.]
World Can’t Wait has teamed up with military veterans and military family members on the “We Are Not Your Soldiers” tour to bring the truth about recruiters, the wars that they are recruiting for to high schools across the country and to unleash a movement of resistance against military recruiting.
The poem below was written by high school student Yoselin Torres at the Little Village Multicultural Art School in Chicago after hearing the “We Are Not Your Soldiers” tour.
“We Are NOT Your Soldiers”
You cannot control us,
So hard you try,
I have the power to make my own decisions,
Although you may lie,
Telling us what we wanna hear,
Only so they could take over control our power,
Brainwashing teenagers all around.
Recruiters are only going for the youngest generation,
Filling our head with false information,
Only to make us hurt innocent people,
Being accommodative won’t help us,
We must speak out!
We will not be silenced!
Peace must be restored,
War is no longer the answer.
The army has no purpose in terrorizing Iraqi and Afghan
Citizens any longer,
Eight years they have suffered,
Randomly being beaten and killed,
This war must stop,
And we each are speaking out to say,
“We are NOT your soldiers!”
[Duchess Note: Recently heard Sharon Adams speak on this topic [ie: Child Soldiers] via a radio program on WBAI. She also talked about how the recruiters go into schools, without parents consent, and glean info on students between age 15 to 17. Sharon strongly urged parents to contact their children’s schools to “opt out” and demand it in writing. Parents need to be pro-active and vigilant.]
Monday, December 07, 2009
MESSAGE FROM "United for Peace & Justice" - It's Obama's War, and We Will Stop It
The current escalation of the Afghanistan war comes at a new political moment. Unemployment is over 10%. Cities and towns are slashing basic services right and left. People are losing health care in droves, nothing is being done about the foreclosure crisis, and the U.S. is going to Copenhagen empty handed. We need to build a movement that can respond to these challenge,- because while this is not a new war, we need to fight it in a new way. We need to build new alliances into a movement that can bring this war and occupation to a rapid end, so that we can begin to make good on our real obligations to the peoples of Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as to the people of our own country who struggle to find jobs, health care, and climate justice.
We need to build a movement with roots in the labor movement, and among those struggling for economic rights, particularly among communities of color.
Congress hasn't given Obama a blank check for this war yet - not even a $30 billion check. And there's still time for us to make sure they don't.
Take Action
· Please call your member of Congress at 202-224-3121 with this simple, clear message:
Sign on to Barbara Lee's HR.3699 which prevents funding for troop increases. And vote NO on further funding for the war in Afghanistan.
It is long past time to bring home all our troops, and military contractors from Afghanistan.
· Next week, President Obama will go to Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize. Gather to watch the award ceremony at 7 pm Eastern time on December 10th, invite the press, and write letters to the editor and op-eds to protest the absurdity of giving a peace prize to a president who has tripled the size of the U.S. forces in Afghanistan during his ten months in office
· There is still a huge amount of confusion about Afghanistan. We need to keep doing basic education and outreach work. Show the film "Rethink Afghanistan", sponsor lectures and talks, and do vigils and creative protests to link the war to the economic crisis at home.
UFPJ's Synopsis: What Did the President Say in His Speech?
President Obama tried unsuccessfully in his escalation speech Tuesday night to sugar-coat a disastrous and unpopular strategy. In a new USA Today/Gallup Poll, only 36% said the decision to send 30,000 troops was right, and 73% worried that the costs of the war will make it more difficult to deal with problems at home. A national poll of young adults by the Harvard Institute of Politics found that 66% oppose sending more troops to Afghanistan.
Obama's red-meat rhetoric about how 9/11 was planned by terrorists in Afghanistan was a throwback to the Bush era, and he presented the goal of the Afghanistan project as to "disrupt, dismantle and defeat Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan." Yet he failed to acknowledge the generally shared view that there are fewer than 100 members of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Sending more than 100,000 U.S. troops and tens of thousands of NATO troops is not about hunting for these 100 people, but fighting for control of Afghanistan - against the Taliban and others opposed to U.S. occupation.
The President dropped any claim that the U.S. war was bringing democracy to Afghanistan, modernizing a backward country, or liberating Afghan women. It's understandable that Obama would drop those claims. Afghanistan ranks second to last in the UN's Human Development Index, and just two weeks ago UNICEF identified Afghanistan as one of the three worst places in the world for a child to be born. Obama did not use the words "exit" or "exit strategy" in the speech. He gave a July 2011 date for the "beginning" of transferring U.S. troops out of Afghanistan, but Secretaries Hillary Clinton and Robert Gates made clear in testifying to Congress the next day that the 18-month timeline is conditional. And most importantly, the speech lacked any indication how fast troops will be withdrawn at that time or any commitment to ever withdraw all U.S. troops or to close the enormous U.S. military bases now being constructed in Afghanistan.
The U.S. has more mercenaries in Afghanistan (104,101 in September) than troops; their number has been rising rapidly (40% just between June and September 2009), with no discussion of reducing these.
The President said that responsibility for security will be handed over to the Afghan army starting in 18 months. But riven by ethnic tensions, corruption, and warlordism, the viability of the Afghan government is seriously in doubt. Analysts on all sides are pointing out that the counter-insurgency strategy the U.S. is pursuing does not make sense without a viable Afghan government.
President Obama acknowledged a $30 billion cost in 2010 for the escalation but left unsaid that the total Afghanistan war cost for the year will really be $100 billion. $100 billion a year is enough to fund the entire health insurance reform program for tens of millions of Americans.
Together, we can and will stop these wars!
The current escalation of the Afghanistan war comes at a new political moment. Unemployment is over 10%. Cities and towns are slashing basic services right and left. People are losing health care in droves, nothing is being done about the foreclosure crisis, and the U.S. is going to Copenhagen empty handed. We need to build a movement that can respond to these challenge,- because while this is not a new war, we need to fight it in a new way. We need to build new alliances into a movement that can bring this war and occupation to a rapid end, so that we can begin to make good on our real obligations to the peoples of Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as to the people of our own country who struggle to find jobs, health care, and climate justice.
We need to build a movement with roots in the labor movement, and among those struggling for economic rights, particularly among communities of color.
Congress hasn't given Obama a blank check for this war yet - not even a $30 billion check. And there's still time for us to make sure they don't.
Take Action
· Please call your member of Congress at 202-224-3121 with this simple, clear message:
Sign on to Barbara Lee's HR.3699 which prevents funding for troop increases. And vote NO on further funding for the war in Afghanistan.
It is long past time to bring home all our troops, and military contractors from Afghanistan.
· Next week, President Obama will go to Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize. Gather to watch the award ceremony at 7 pm Eastern time on December 10th, invite the press, and write letters to the editor and op-eds to protest the absurdity of giving a peace prize to a president who has tripled the size of the U.S. forces in Afghanistan during his ten months in office
· There is still a huge amount of confusion about Afghanistan. We need to keep doing basic education and outreach work. Show the film "Rethink Afghanistan", sponsor lectures and talks, and do vigils and creative protests to link the war to the economic crisis at home.
UFPJ's Synopsis: What Did the President Say in His Speech?
President Obama tried unsuccessfully in his escalation speech Tuesday night to sugar-coat a disastrous and unpopular strategy. In a new USA Today/Gallup Poll, only 36% said the decision to send 30,000 troops was right, and 73% worried that the costs of the war will make it more difficult to deal with problems at home. A national poll of young adults by the Harvard Institute of Politics found that 66% oppose sending more troops to Afghanistan.
Obama's red-meat rhetoric about how 9/11 was planned by terrorists in Afghanistan was a throwback to the Bush era, and he presented the goal of the Afghanistan project as to "disrupt, dismantle and defeat Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan." Yet he failed to acknowledge the generally shared view that there are fewer than 100 members of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Sending more than 100,000 U.S. troops and tens of thousands of NATO troops is not about hunting for these 100 people, but fighting for control of Afghanistan - against the Taliban and others opposed to U.S. occupation.
The President dropped any claim that the U.S. war was bringing democracy to Afghanistan, modernizing a backward country, or liberating Afghan women. It's understandable that Obama would drop those claims. Afghanistan ranks second to last in the UN's Human Development Index, and just two weeks ago UNICEF identified Afghanistan as one of the three worst places in the world for a child to be born. Obama did not use the words "exit" or "exit strategy" in the speech. He gave a July 2011 date for the "beginning" of transferring U.S. troops out of Afghanistan, but Secretaries Hillary Clinton and Robert Gates made clear in testifying to Congress the next day that the 18-month timeline is conditional. And most importantly, the speech lacked any indication how fast troops will be withdrawn at that time or any commitment to ever withdraw all U.S. troops or to close the enormous U.S. military bases now being constructed in Afghanistan.
The U.S. has more mercenaries in Afghanistan (104,101 in September) than troops; their number has been rising rapidly (40% just between June and September 2009), with no discussion of reducing these.
The President said that responsibility for security will be handed over to the Afghan army starting in 18 months. But riven by ethnic tensions, corruption, and warlordism, the viability of the Afghan government is seriously in doubt. Analysts on all sides are pointing out that the counter-insurgency strategy the U.S. is pursuing does not make sense without a viable Afghan government.
President Obama acknowledged a $30 billion cost in 2010 for the escalation but left unsaid that the total Afghanistan war cost for the year will really be $100 billion. $100 billion a year is enough to fund the entire health insurance reform program for tens of millions of Americans.
Together, we can and will stop these wars!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT – News!
The Angst of a Liberal
William Rivers Pitt, TruthOut
http://www.truthout.org/1201093
[Duchess Note: The minor successes of this president were purchased at little political cost; such as stem cell research, family planning efforts in developing countries and certain changes in environmental policy. Issues that require real courage, change and effort; such as healthcare for all, holding investment banks accountable and demilitarization of the economy, there were barely addressed or done weakly. Regarding FDR, his boldness and sense of mission in helping the poor, well, Obama seems puny by comparison. To me, it seems like he has no concrete powerful vision. So he caves in to his opponents, shadow government, military complex to avoid conflict and promote amity. I am afraid it will be a very long time to wait before we elect a president that truly speaks for the poor, for the dispossessed, and for “We the People”. It’s way past time in taking it to the streets and protest big time.]
President Obama is Looking like Former President G.W.Bush with Afghanistan Plan
Mike Lupica, NY Daily News
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/11/30/2009-11-30_so_when_did_hope__change_become_bush_iii.html
The Angst of a Liberal
William Rivers Pitt, TruthOut
http://www.truthout.org/1201093
[Duchess Note: The minor successes of this president were purchased at little political cost; such as stem cell research, family planning efforts in developing countries and certain changes in environmental policy. Issues that require real courage, change and effort; such as healthcare for all, holding investment banks accountable and demilitarization of the economy, there were barely addressed or done weakly. Regarding FDR, his boldness and sense of mission in helping the poor, well, Obama seems puny by comparison. To me, it seems like he has no concrete powerful vision. So he caves in to his opponents, shadow government, military complex to avoid conflict and promote amity. I am afraid it will be a very long time to wait before we elect a president that truly speaks for the poor, for the dispossessed, and for “We the People”. It’s way past time in taking it to the streets and protest big time.]
President Obama is Looking like Former President G.W.Bush with Afghanistan Plan
Mike Lupica, NY Daily News
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/11/30/2009-11-30_so_when_did_hope__change_become_bush_iii.html
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
PERSONAL NEWS #171
Tuesday evening, October 20th, I had a foot doctor appt, and then attended the NYDoP speaker meeting held at the Hope Martin studio, and our guest speaker was Matthew Albracht from The Peace Alliance. Good turnout for the meeting, and I was quite surprised when Michael Jay came in halfway through. I haven’t seen him since 2003. Last time we spoke on the phone was a year ago, after he moved to NYC, plus we keep in touch via emails. It was a good surprise and he looks great.
Thursday, October 22nd, I had lunch with Sallie [ie: fellow activist] at Simply Pasta. We were catching up on activism news, plus continuing to celebrate my birthday. Sallie is one busy lady and involved with so many projects. It is really quite impressive.
On Friday evening, October 23rd, “New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace” celebrated their 5th Anniversary at Stout’s pub on West 33rd Street. NYDoPs actual 5th anniversary date is Sept 12th, and that is when I first connected with the group back in 2004. They held an event at the “Frying Pan” at Chelsea Piers and Marianne Williamson was one of the guest speakers. So much has happened with NYDoP over the five years, including attending three peace conferences in Washington DC, plus hosting several events to promote Dept of Peace campaign [HR808]. As you can see from the photos, those who attended the celebrations at Stouts had a good time.
On Saturday, October 24th, I joined fellow NETS member, Dennis, in viewing the Tolkien [FotR] manuscripts at Quinn Library [Fordham University at Lincoln Center]. It’s a small, nicely detailed exhibit. The Tolkien and LoTRs related books, also on display, were impressive. I wrote down in my notebook titles and authors, as I want to eventually purchase these books. Afterwards we did some shopping at Borders [Columbus Circle] and I picked up a book called “The Letters of JRR Tolkien”. From there we had a late lunch at Sushi A Go-Go. That evening I crocheted non-stop from 8pm to 11:30pm to finish a baby blanket. In the background I had WBAI radio station on and listened to the funky “Liquid Sound Lounge”.
On Sunday afternoon, October 25th, I journeyed down to Bay Ridge [Brooklyn] to attend Anni’s baby shower and present her the crocheted blanket. Nice turnout at a charming cafe, which Anni’s hubby David organized, and the food was delicious. [p.s. Anni had a healthy baby girl on November 5th.]
Tuesday evening, October 27th, I participated in the NYDoP CCR team conference call regarding R627.
Wednesday evening, October 28th, I participated in the NVC “To Be Peace” conference call
Friday evening, October 30th, I attended a birthday celebration at COVO [bar & restaurant] on West 136th Street. Margaret, whom I know via Fort Tryon Park medieval festival, celebrated her 32nd b-day and invited friends and acquaintances. Not an easy location to track down, but once you get there the drinks and appetizers are really good. Atmosphere is cool and funky. Everyone had a fun time chatting, socializing, drinking, eating and just plain ole getting into a cool groove. Poor Margaret had a wee bit too much to drink and later learned she got abit ill. But, overall everyone had a great time. Left Covo around 11:45pm and the long walk to 138th Street subway stop. I arrived just as the last train left and service on parts of the #1 line were down for the weekend. %@$&#%$@!! Got chatting to a young chap and we decided to take the bus down to 96th Street stop for the #2 or #3 express lines. We waited and waited, no buses, so Thomas offered to pay for a taxi down to 96th Street. A very nice young, college chap, who lives in Brooklyn Heights, and had just come from a party at City College. Once we got to 96th Street all was okay with other subway lines. I’d been up since 6am, as I had an 8:30am eye doctor appointment, plus it was a busy day at the office, so by the time I got home at 1:40am I was very tired.
On Saturday, October 31st, I volunteered with City Harvest at the Union Square farmers market.
Tuesday evening, October 20th, I had a foot doctor appt, and then attended the NYDoP speaker meeting held at the Hope Martin studio, and our guest speaker was Matthew Albracht from The Peace Alliance. Good turnout for the meeting, and I was quite surprised when Michael Jay came in halfway through. I haven’t seen him since 2003. Last time we spoke on the phone was a year ago, after he moved to NYC, plus we keep in touch via emails. It was a good surprise and he looks great.
Thursday, October 22nd, I had lunch with Sallie [ie: fellow activist] at Simply Pasta. We were catching up on activism news, plus continuing to celebrate my birthday. Sallie is one busy lady and involved with so many projects. It is really quite impressive.
On Friday evening, October 23rd, “New Yorkers for a Dept of Peace” celebrated their 5th Anniversary at Stout’s pub on West 33rd Street. NYDoPs actual 5th anniversary date is Sept 12th, and that is when I first connected with the group back in 2004. They held an event at the “Frying Pan” at Chelsea Piers and Marianne Williamson was one of the guest speakers. So much has happened with NYDoP over the five years, including attending three peace conferences in Washington DC, plus hosting several events to promote Dept of Peace campaign [HR808]. As you can see from the photos, those who attended the celebrations at Stouts had a good time.
On Saturday, October 24th, I joined fellow NETS member, Dennis, in viewing the Tolkien [FotR] manuscripts at Quinn Library [Fordham University at Lincoln Center]. It’s a small, nicely detailed exhibit. The Tolkien and LoTRs related books, also on display, were impressive. I wrote down in my notebook titles and authors, as I want to eventually purchase these books. Afterwards we did some shopping at Borders [Columbus Circle] and I picked up a book called “The Letters of JRR Tolkien”. From there we had a late lunch at Sushi A Go-Go. That evening I crocheted non-stop from 8pm to 11:30pm to finish a baby blanket. In the background I had WBAI radio station on and listened to the funky “Liquid Sound Lounge”.
On Sunday afternoon, October 25th, I journeyed down to Bay Ridge [Brooklyn] to attend Anni’s baby shower and present her the crocheted blanket. Nice turnout at a charming cafe, which Anni’s hubby David organized, and the food was delicious. [p.s. Anni had a healthy baby girl on November 5th.]
Tuesday evening, October 27th, I participated in the NYDoP CCR team conference call regarding R627.
Wednesday evening, October 28th, I participated in the NVC “To Be Peace” conference call
Friday evening, October 30th, I attended a birthday celebration at COVO [bar & restaurant] on West 136th Street. Margaret, whom I know via Fort Tryon Park medieval festival, celebrated her 32nd b-day and invited friends and acquaintances. Not an easy location to track down, but once you get there the drinks and appetizers are really good. Atmosphere is cool and funky. Everyone had a fun time chatting, socializing, drinking, eating and just plain ole getting into a cool groove. Poor Margaret had a wee bit too much to drink and later learned she got abit ill. But, overall everyone had a great time. Left Covo around 11:45pm and the long walk to 138th Street subway stop. I arrived just as the last train left and service on parts of the #1 line were down for the weekend. %@$&#%$@!! Got chatting to a young chap and we decided to take the bus down to 96th Street stop for the #2 or #3 express lines. We waited and waited, no buses, so Thomas offered to pay for a taxi down to 96th Street. A very nice young, college chap, who lives in Brooklyn Heights, and had just come from a party at City College. Once we got to 96th Street all was okay with other subway lines. I’d been up since 6am, as I had an 8:30am eye doctor appointment, plus it was a busy day at the office, so by the time I got home at 1:40am I was very tired.
On Saturday, October 31st, I volunteered with City Harvest at the Union Square farmers market.
An Extraordinary Man
http://powerofnarrative.blogspot.com/2009/11/extraordinary-man.html
Arthur Silber, webblog
[Duchess Note - Thanks to Mr Silber on speaking the truth about this extraordinary man. Since 2003 I proudly continue to support, vote for and honor this amazing human being in all he does in Wash DC. He is a rare gem in politics and very few in Congress, Senate or the WH can compare to him. Kucinich has always been there for "we the people" and is not bribed, like MANY others are, by the lobbyists of corporations, insurance, big pharma, etc. Won't you take a moment to read and share this article with others. Spread the word about DJK and push aside the lies of mainstream media, etc.]
http://powerofnarrative.blogspot.com/2009/11/extraordinary-man.html
Arthur Silber, webblog
[Duchess Note - Thanks to Mr Silber on speaking the truth about this extraordinary man. Since 2003 I proudly continue to support, vote for and honor this amazing human being in all he does in Wash DC. He is a rare gem in politics and very few in Congress, Senate or the WH can compare to him. Kucinich has always been there for "we the people" and is not bribed, like MANY others are, by the lobbyists of corporations, insurance, big pharma, etc. Won't you take a moment to read and share this article with others. Spread the word about DJK and push aside the lies of mainstream media, etc.]
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Youth PROMISE Act Subcommittee Markup Tomorrow! Watch it Live!
By Direction of the Chairman, the U.S. House subcommittee on the Crime,Terrorism, and Homeland Security will be holding a Subcommittee Markup of: H.R. 1064, the "Youth PROMISE Act" at 10:30 A.M. eastern time on Thursday, October 29th.
This will be the first step to moving the Youth PROMISE Act to passage in the U.S. House (already 231 co-sponsors)! After the Subcommittee Markup, the bill will go to the full U.S. House Judiciary Committee for consideration, and then to the House floor or suspension calendar for final passage.
You can watch the Markup live by http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/calendar.html and looking for the correct hearing date and title. Congressman Scott, the bills lead sponsor, expects a quick hearing at this stage, so be sure to log-in on-time.
Follow us on Twitter and we will keep you up to date: http://twitter.com/peacealliance
By Direction of the Chairman, the U.S. House subcommittee on the Crime,Terrorism, and Homeland Security will be holding a Subcommittee Markup of: H.R. 1064, the "Youth PROMISE Act" at 10:30 A.M. eastern time on Thursday, October 29th.
This will be the first step to moving the Youth PROMISE Act to passage in the U.S. House (already 231 co-sponsors)! After the Subcommittee Markup, the bill will go to the full U.S. House Judiciary Committee for consideration, and then to the House floor or suspension calendar for final passage.
You can watch the Markup live by http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/calendar.html and looking for the correct hearing date and title. Congressman Scott, the bills lead sponsor, expects a quick hearing at this stage, so be sure to log-in on-time.
Follow us on Twitter and we will keep you up to date: http://twitter.com/peacealliance
Sunday, October 18, 2009
PERSONAL NEWS #170
Thursday, October 1st, I attended the enjoyable TGTSNBN meetup at Cafe Metro. This month the topic was members talking about their experiences in “coming out to Muggles” regarding their love for the Harry Potter stories. It was such an entertaining evening and lovely chatting with other members, plus meeting new members to the group.
On Saturday afternoon, October 3rd, my friend Linda G came for a visit, plus had “two guys with a van” deliver a 27-inch television, entertainment unit and a chest of drawers. Linda’s sister and niece moved in with her, and they brought their newer furnishing, so Linda didn’t have need for certain items. She’d asked me back during Labor Day weekend if I’d like the items, and I said absolutely. After the movers removed my old items and then left, Linda and I arranged the items in my apartment, cleaned things up and then I whipped up some lunch. We spent the rest of the afternoon catching up on news. The first DVD I watched that evening on the 27-inch TV was LOTRs RotK.
Next day, October 4th, I volunteered at the 25th Annual Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park in NYC. I’ve been volunteering at this event for my friend Eileen Merle-Rao [performance director] since 2005, and it’s always interesting, plus alot of fun. Arrived shortly after 9am and made straight for the hospitality area near Tournament Field. The weather was great and a huge crowded made the festival a success. Throughout the day I mostly assisted and hung out with Becca, John, Kevin, Margaret and Veronica.
[The Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park in NYC]
[Viewing the joust at the Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park]
Throughout the course of the day I also ran into, and briefly chat with, members of TGTSNBN and they were all wearing wonderful medieval garb. Some members of NETS were also there, and try as I may, I just couldn’t locate them within that huge crowd. Can’t imagine how I could have missed Tim in his Gandalf the Grey costume. Overall I had a most enjoyable day and my foot held up nicely.
Tuesday, October 6th, I had a foot doctor appointment for therapy, which is now once every two weeks instead of every week. I am definitely feeling a vast improvement on foot that had surgery. It has been a little over two months since the surgery.
Wednesday evening, October 7th, I participated in the 2-hour NVC Academy “To Be Peace” telecourse.
Friday evening, October 9th, I joined my friend Cielito at a two-hour meditation with a few other members of Share International. This was held at a Share International member’s home on West 104th Street, and then afterwards Cielito and I headed down to West 33rd Street for a lite dinner at a Korean restaurant. Food was reasonably priced and very tasty. During our leisurely dining experience we were able to catch up on news and gossip.
Saturday afternoon, October 10th, I joined some members of The NYC Tolkien Society [ie: Dennis, Jo and Frodan] for abit of sightseeing along 5th Avenue, and then strolled over to 9th Avenue around 50th Street. They were attending a special dinner in which the honored guests were Howard Shore and Doug Adams. Other members of NETS and TORn were also in attendance for this event, which I later heard about from Dennis and saw pix on his digital camera. The Bilbo and Frodo birthday cake was very impressive and had been especially ordered by Timdalf. I ended up having a late lunch/early dinner at a nice Mexican place called Blockheads. Afterwards I raced home to change and freshen up for the special event ahead. Met up with members of NYC Tolkien Society [ie: Timdalf, Dennis, Kathy, Andi, Mary, Jo, Frodan, and Carole] at RCMH for the LotR FotR event. Even though my birthday was a week away, this was my own precious pressie to me. Outside RCMH people were taking photos of our group. Why? Ummm, maybe it was due to the fact that several members were in LotRs costume. Tim was dressed as Gandalf the Grey, Frodan as Frodo and Jo as Eowyn the shield maiden. Many attendees went in before 6:30pm, so as to hear Howard Shore and Doug Adams speak about the music and creating this type of event. Tim, Dan and Jo attended the event on Friday evening, and related that Elijah Wood and Billy Boyd [ie: Frodo & Pippin] were in the audience. Frodan even got to chat with Elijah’s and obtain his autograph! Very cool! Great hearing Howard and Doug speak about the music, but the main event was yet to come, and that started promptly at 7:30pm. What an experience! [Dennis, Tim and I sat in the second mezzanine, and the others were scattered around the first mezzanine and orchestra.] Seeing FotR on the big screen while listening [and viewing] to the orchestra, soloists and assorted chorales bring the music to glorious life was so thrilling. At times I had chills running up and down my spine and/or tears in my eyes for the beauty of it all. During the intermission, which is halfway through the film, tried to utilize the rest room but the lines were soooo long. Dennis and I chatted briefly with Tim, and I also read through the special program for the event. We learned that “The Two Towers” will be shown at RCMH around October 9, 2010. Awesome! We in the audience applauded certain segments, laughed in others and the biggest applause came at the end. I would gladly pay to see this type of event over and over again. It was that amazing. Afterwards I briefly chatted with my friends [NETS] before roaming the streets in search of a subway that was working to get my buttocks home. I eventually got home around 12:30am and in bed by 1am. Difficulty in getting to sleep with visions of a glorious evening bopping around my noggin, but blessed sleep did come. Amen!
Next day, October 11th, I caught the 11:07am train to Stamford; were my dear friend Katherine picked me up, along with her 3 year old grandson Shane. We hadn’t seen each other for quite some time, and had much to catch up on. We drove to Pound Ridge for the annual Art & Craft Show in Scotts Corners. Even though the weather was overcast and windy at least it didn’t rain, and therefore not spoil our day. With Shane in his little red wagon, we traversed the show and admired the artisans work, and I purchased a few items. Afterwards we drove to our ole elementary school to stroll about the grounds, peek in the windows, and reminisce about the ole days back in the 1960s. Shane spent some time at the playground and checking out the slides. Then we stopped by the Pound Ridge cemetery, so that I could pay my respects at Danny B’s grave site. From there we headed back to Stamford and dealt with Shane’s temper tantrum while driving. Not an easy experience, but somehow Katherine and I weathered the storm. Shane eventually calmed down, drank some water in his sippy cup and ate some chips. Poor dear didn’t have much of a nap and was feeling abit cranky. Caught the train back to NYC and another weekend is at an end.
On Monday evening, October 12th, I joined other TGTSNBN members at Tutuma Social Club to hear Travis Prinzi talk about the Harry Potter books. He’s also author of two books of essays on the HP series, plus webmaster of http://www.thehogshead.org/ site. Travis’ Halloween themed discussion was about Harry Potter, Dracula, and Frankenstein: Supernatural fear and the gothic in J.K.Rowling’s bestselling novels.
Wednesday, October 14th, I participated in the NYDoP CCR Committee conference call about taking Resolution 627 further and re-introducing it in 2010.
Friday evening, October 16th, I joined others at the weekly Friday Nite Knits, which is always held at “The Oak & the Iris” near Fort Hamilton Pkwy.
On Saturday evening, October 17th, I joined my friend Jackie for dinner at “Big Daddy’s Diner” near Union Square. We caught up on news and gossip while enjoying some tasty comfort food. Jackie treated me to the meal, as it was my birthday. We’re both going to switch gears and become Vegans in early 2010. Afterwards we headed to the southern part of Union Square and did some shopping at WholeFoods. The latter is okay, though abit pricey, and in future I’ll do more of my specialty shopping at Westerly’s on 8th Avenue. Earlier in the day Dana came by to clean my apartment, plus I did some veggie shopping at the local farmers market and got a much needed manicure. For my birthday I received “happy wishes” via Facebook and also cards in the mail.
Thursday, October 1st, I attended the enjoyable TGTSNBN meetup at Cafe Metro. This month the topic was members talking about their experiences in “coming out to Muggles” regarding their love for the Harry Potter stories. It was such an entertaining evening and lovely chatting with other members, plus meeting new members to the group.
On Saturday afternoon, October 3rd, my friend Linda G came for a visit, plus had “two guys with a van” deliver a 27-inch television, entertainment unit and a chest of drawers. Linda’s sister and niece moved in with her, and they brought their newer furnishing, so Linda didn’t have need for certain items. She’d asked me back during Labor Day weekend if I’d like the items, and I said absolutely. After the movers removed my old items and then left, Linda and I arranged the items in my apartment, cleaned things up and then I whipped up some lunch. We spent the rest of the afternoon catching up on news. The first DVD I watched that evening on the 27-inch TV was LOTRs RotK.
Next day, October 4th, I volunteered at the 25th Annual Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park in NYC. I’ve been volunteering at this event for my friend Eileen Merle-Rao [performance director] since 2005, and it’s always interesting, plus alot of fun. Arrived shortly after 9am and made straight for the hospitality area near Tournament Field. The weather was great and a huge crowded made the festival a success. Throughout the day I mostly assisted and hung out with Becca, John, Kevin, Margaret and Veronica.
[The Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park in NYC]
[Viewing the joust at the Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park]
Throughout the course of the day I also ran into, and briefly chat with, members of TGTSNBN and they were all wearing wonderful medieval garb. Some members of NETS were also there, and try as I may, I just couldn’t locate them within that huge crowd. Can’t imagine how I could have missed Tim in his Gandalf the Grey costume. Overall I had a most enjoyable day and my foot held up nicely.
Tuesday, October 6th, I had a foot doctor appointment for therapy, which is now once every two weeks instead of every week. I am definitely feeling a vast improvement on foot that had surgery. It has been a little over two months since the surgery.
Wednesday evening, October 7th, I participated in the 2-hour NVC Academy “To Be Peace” telecourse.
Friday evening, October 9th, I joined my friend Cielito at a two-hour meditation with a few other members of Share International. This was held at a Share International member’s home on West 104th Street, and then afterwards Cielito and I headed down to West 33rd Street for a lite dinner at a Korean restaurant. Food was reasonably priced and very tasty. During our leisurely dining experience we were able to catch up on news and gossip.
Saturday afternoon, October 10th, I joined some members of The NYC Tolkien Society [ie: Dennis, Jo and Frodan] for abit of sightseeing along 5th Avenue, and then strolled over to 9th Avenue around 50th Street. They were attending a special dinner in which the honored guests were Howard Shore and Doug Adams. Other members of NETS and TORn were also in attendance for this event, which I later heard about from Dennis and saw pix on his digital camera. The Bilbo and Frodo birthday cake was very impressive and had been especially ordered by Timdalf. I ended up having a late lunch/early dinner at a nice Mexican place called Blockheads. Afterwards I raced home to change and freshen up for the special event ahead. Met up with members of NYC Tolkien Society [ie: Timdalf, Dennis, Kathy, Andi, Mary, Jo, Frodan, and Carole] at RCMH for the LotR FotR event. Even though my birthday was a week away, this was my own precious pressie to me. Outside RCMH people were taking photos of our group. Why? Ummm, maybe it was due to the fact that several members were in LotRs costume. Tim was dressed as Gandalf the Grey, Frodan as Frodo and Jo as Eowyn the shield maiden. Many attendees went in before 6:30pm, so as to hear Howard Shore and Doug Adams speak about the music and creating this type of event. Tim, Dan and Jo attended the event on Friday evening, and related that Elijah Wood and Billy Boyd [ie: Frodo & Pippin] were in the audience. Frodan even got to chat with Elijah’s and obtain his autograph! Very cool! Great hearing Howard and Doug speak about the music, but the main event was yet to come, and that started promptly at 7:30pm. What an experience! [Dennis, Tim and I sat in the second mezzanine, and the others were scattered around the first mezzanine and orchestra.] Seeing FotR on the big screen while listening [and viewing] to the orchestra, soloists and assorted chorales bring the music to glorious life was so thrilling. At times I had chills running up and down my spine and/or tears in my eyes for the beauty of it all. During the intermission, which is halfway through the film, tried to utilize the rest room but the lines were soooo long. Dennis and I chatted briefly with Tim, and I also read through the special program for the event. We learned that “The Two Towers” will be shown at RCMH around October 9, 2010. Awesome! We in the audience applauded certain segments, laughed in others and the biggest applause came at the end. I would gladly pay to see this type of event over and over again. It was that amazing. Afterwards I briefly chatted with my friends [NETS] before roaming the streets in search of a subway that was working to get my buttocks home. I eventually got home around 12:30am and in bed by 1am. Difficulty in getting to sleep with visions of a glorious evening bopping around my noggin, but blessed sleep did come. Amen!
Next day, October 11th, I caught the 11:07am train to Stamford; were my dear friend Katherine picked me up, along with her 3 year old grandson Shane. We hadn’t seen each other for quite some time, and had much to catch up on. We drove to Pound Ridge for the annual Art & Craft Show in Scotts Corners. Even though the weather was overcast and windy at least it didn’t rain, and therefore not spoil our day. With Shane in his little red wagon, we traversed the show and admired the artisans work, and I purchased a few items. Afterwards we drove to our ole elementary school to stroll about the grounds, peek in the windows, and reminisce about the ole days back in the 1960s. Shane spent some time at the playground and checking out the slides. Then we stopped by the Pound Ridge cemetery, so that I could pay my respects at Danny B’s grave site. From there we headed back to Stamford and dealt with Shane’s temper tantrum while driving. Not an easy experience, but somehow Katherine and I weathered the storm. Shane eventually calmed down, drank some water in his sippy cup and ate some chips. Poor dear didn’t have much of a nap and was feeling abit cranky. Caught the train back to NYC and another weekend is at an end.
On Monday evening, October 12th, I joined other TGTSNBN members at Tutuma Social Club to hear Travis Prinzi talk about the Harry Potter books. He’s also author of two books of essays on the HP series, plus webmaster of http://www.thehogshead.org/ site. Travis’ Halloween themed discussion was about Harry Potter, Dracula, and Frankenstein: Supernatural fear and the gothic in J.K.Rowling’s bestselling novels.
Wednesday, October 14th, I participated in the NYDoP CCR Committee conference call about taking Resolution 627 further and re-introducing it in 2010.
Friday evening, October 16th, I joined others at the weekly Friday Nite Knits, which is always held at “The Oak & the Iris” near Fort Hamilton Pkwy.
On Saturday evening, October 17th, I joined my friend Jackie for dinner at “Big Daddy’s Diner” near Union Square. We caught up on news and gossip while enjoying some tasty comfort food. Jackie treated me to the meal, as it was my birthday. We’re both going to switch gears and become Vegans in early 2010. Afterwards we headed to the southern part of Union Square and did some shopping at WholeFoods. The latter is okay, though abit pricey, and in future I’ll do more of my specialty shopping at Westerly’s on 8th Avenue. Earlier in the day Dana came by to clean my apartment, plus I did some veggie shopping at the local farmers market and got a much needed manicure. For my birthday I received “happy wishes” via Facebook and also cards in the mail.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
PERSONAL NEWS #169
Sunday through Thursday, Sept 13-17, I was on vacation down at my beloved Cape May, NJ, and stayed at the Macomber hotel right on Beach Avenue. Sweet! Unfortunately, my favorite room wasn’t available, so I had to utilize a smaller room on the top floor with no view of the beach. The next day the hotel staff moved me to my favorite room after it became free. Hurray! It’s a charming room on the second floor with a lovely view of the beach, and a nicely landscaped miniature golf course. Next to the hotel is a bicycle rental place and I was so surprised to see Joe sitting there. [We’ve been friends since 1998.] He’d been working elsewhere since 2006, recently gotten divorced, and now “owns” Cape Island Bicycle. I rented a bike for the duration of my stay in Cape May and Joe gave me a discount. Great guy! Several of my favorite places to dine in central Cape May are Zoe’s, Depot Mkt Cafe and George’s Place. [Good food, service and their prices are quite reasonable.] Was unsettled to see my beloved “Seaside Sweets” had gone out of business. They made the best chocolate covered potato chips in all of Cape May. While on vacation I brought my laptop with me, as the hotel has free WiFi access. Used it mostly in the evenings from 8-10pm to surf the Net and work on transcribing interview with my father. The latter I eventually sent to Bonni Brodnick for her “Talk of the Town” column in the Record-Review. Also had my cell phone with me, plus I utilized it as an alarm clock to wake me up in the mornings.
[My toes are content in feeling the warm beach sand underneath]
[The sunsets are so lovely in Cape May]
While visiting Cape May, I make a point of hanging out at the southern end of Beach Avenue around 7pm to view the lovely, soothing sunsets. I’m not the only one enjoying this leisurely pastime. Over the course of my stay I pedaled around lovely Cape May, shopping at Washington Street mall, taking pix, hotel veranda, and sit on the beach with toes in the ocean. I also visited the Cape May lighthouse, Bird Observation & Sanctuary, nature walks, Sunset Beach, WW2 tower/museum, Queen Victoria garden tour, Angel of the Sea Inn tour, Emlen Physick house museum/gallery, Rug Hook exhibit at Chalfonte hotel, and the Cherry House tour. The latter was so enjoyable and fascinating. I highly recommend taking this tour when visiting Cape May.
[Views of the “Angel of the Sea” Inn – Cape May]
[Seaside plants in Cape May]
I also visited Regina, and her beloved dog [ie: Golden Retriever] Brandy, at Twin Gables on Columbia Avenue. [I’ve stayed there several times between 1998 and 2006. Regina’s cooking and baking is wonderful.] Was upset to learn that her husband, Harry, passed away in early 2008, and last time I visited them was September 2007. Overall I had such a nice, relaxing time during my vacation and it always saddens me when I have to head back to NYC. [NOTE: Stay tuned for photos.......]
Friday evening, Sept 18th, I volunteered with City Harvest at Union Square farmers market.
Tuesday morning, Sept 22nd, I assisted another EY BSC EA at a VPs apartment near Lincoln Center. We had to wait for furniture delivery and then tip the chaps from Macy’s. It’s a really nice apartment with lovely views of Central Park, Central Park South, Broadway and Eastside of Manhattan. After work I had a foot doctor appt, which included therapy for my foot. Afterwards I jumped on the #3 subway to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn to pick up new Pearl Jam CD at Target.
Wednesday evening, Sept 23rd, I am participating in a new telecourse by NVC Academy called “To be Peace” and it is hosted by Miki Kashtan. [Thank you so much, Joe A, as he assisted me with credit card.] Unfortunately I missed the Sept 9th call, which was the first of the series and this telecourse goes through to early December.
Thursday evening, Sept 24th, I attended the Park Slope Knit meetup held at Hanco’s. Great socializing with others who are into knitting and crocheting, plus eat some good food.
Friday evening, Sept 25th, I had dinner with a fellow PJ fan and friend [Andrea]. We’ve stayed in touch, via email / Facebook, over the years and last time we’d hung out together was to see PJ at Letterman in 2005. Andrea stopped by my office [EY] and I gave her a brief tour before we headed out to dinner. We enjoyed a tasty dinner at “Simply Pasta” on 41st Street near 6th Avenue, and while leisurely noshing on salads we caught up on news, PJ and gossip. We both adore PJs bass player, Jeff Ament, who we think is such a hottie.
Saturday & Sunday, Sept 26/27, visit Nadine and Peter’s weekend home up near New Paltz and Kerhonkson, which is on the border of the Catskills. The week before they had adopted a 4-year old dog from a rescue shelter and it was Sparky’s first time in visiting the New Paltz / Catskills region, as well as getting better acquainted with his new owners. Sparky looks to be part Beagle and Pointer, plus he’s a well behaved doggie. Met up with Peter and Nadine at 9am in Manhattan and from there we drove up in their car. We drove leisurely along the lovely Palisades interstate parkway, and then on to route 87N before getting off at New Paltz. We did some shopping at “Health Nutrition Center” and then lunch at “Karma Road Organic Cafe”. I highly recommend this cafe and the food was delicious. You can check out their website at http://www.karmaroad.net/. It was also health conscious weekend for me, as both Nadine/Peter are active Vegans. Got me to thinking about becoming a total vegetarian or vegan starting in January 2010. After settling into their charming weekend home, and taking a tour of the 7 acres, we headed over near Ellenville to do some hiking at Sam’s Point.
[Nadine, Peter and Sparky getting ready to descend into Sam’s Point Ice Caves]
[The rich, colorful beauty of an Autumn harvest]
My foot held up well, but my lungs and asthma was another matter, plus I also realized I am abit out of shape. Need to do more cardio, stretching, yoga, meditating and healthier eating. [It’s been a few years since I’d done all that 24/7; time to get back into the groove.] The vegan lifestyle is sounding more appealing to me every day. The hike around parts of Sam’s Point and the Ice Caves was really cool, plus the views are quite lovely. We spent the evening indoors eating a delicious healthy meal by Nadine, relaxing by the warmth of the fireplace, and watching movies on PBS until midnight. Next day woke up to overcast, foggy, wet weather. After a lite tasty breakfast Nadine and I enjoyed listening to Peter play the piano, plus we walked down to the creek at one end of their property. In the 2 ½ years they’ve seen deer and bear around their property, plus other smaller wildlife. Before heading back to Manhattan, we noshed on a late lite lunch of multi grain toast and soup by Nadine. Back in the city they dropped me off at the subway and I arrived home around 7pmish. Overall a very enjoyable weekend. [NOTE: Stay tuned for photos.]
Sunday through Thursday, Sept 13-17, I was on vacation down at my beloved Cape May, NJ, and stayed at the Macomber hotel right on Beach Avenue. Sweet! Unfortunately, my favorite room wasn’t available, so I had to utilize a smaller room on the top floor with no view of the beach. The next day the hotel staff moved me to my favorite room after it became free. Hurray! It’s a charming room on the second floor with a lovely view of the beach, and a nicely landscaped miniature golf course. Next to the hotel is a bicycle rental place and I was so surprised to see Joe sitting there. [We’ve been friends since 1998.] He’d been working elsewhere since 2006, recently gotten divorced, and now “owns” Cape Island Bicycle. I rented a bike for the duration of my stay in Cape May and Joe gave me a discount. Great guy! Several of my favorite places to dine in central Cape May are Zoe’s, Depot Mkt Cafe and George’s Place. [Good food, service and their prices are quite reasonable.] Was unsettled to see my beloved “Seaside Sweets” had gone out of business. They made the best chocolate covered potato chips in all of Cape May. While on vacation I brought my laptop with me, as the hotel has free WiFi access. Used it mostly in the evenings from 8-10pm to surf the Net and work on transcribing interview with my father. The latter I eventually sent to Bonni Brodnick for her “Talk of the Town” column in the Record-Review. Also had my cell phone with me, plus I utilized it as an alarm clock to wake me up in the mornings.
[My toes are content in feeling the warm beach sand underneath]
[The sunsets are so lovely in Cape May]
While visiting Cape May, I make a point of hanging out at the southern end of Beach Avenue around 7pm to view the lovely, soothing sunsets. I’m not the only one enjoying this leisurely pastime. Over the course of my stay I pedaled around lovely Cape May, shopping at Washington Street mall, taking pix, hotel veranda, and sit on the beach with toes in the ocean. I also visited the Cape May lighthouse, Bird Observation & Sanctuary, nature walks, Sunset Beach, WW2 tower/museum, Queen Victoria garden tour, Angel of the Sea Inn tour, Emlen Physick house museum/gallery, Rug Hook exhibit at Chalfonte hotel, and the Cherry House tour. The latter was so enjoyable and fascinating. I highly recommend taking this tour when visiting Cape May.
[Views of the “Angel of the Sea” Inn – Cape May]
[Seaside plants in Cape May]
I also visited Regina, and her beloved dog [ie: Golden Retriever] Brandy, at Twin Gables on Columbia Avenue. [I’ve stayed there several times between 1998 and 2006. Regina’s cooking and baking is wonderful.] Was upset to learn that her husband, Harry, passed away in early 2008, and last time I visited them was September 2007. Overall I had such a nice, relaxing time during my vacation and it always saddens me when I have to head back to NYC. [NOTE: Stay tuned for photos.......]
Friday evening, Sept 18th, I volunteered with City Harvest at Union Square farmers market.
Tuesday morning, Sept 22nd, I assisted another EY BSC EA at a VPs apartment near Lincoln Center. We had to wait for furniture delivery and then tip the chaps from Macy’s. It’s a really nice apartment with lovely views of Central Park, Central Park South, Broadway and Eastside of Manhattan. After work I had a foot doctor appt, which included therapy for my foot. Afterwards I jumped on the #3 subway to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn to pick up new Pearl Jam CD at Target.
Wednesday evening, Sept 23rd, I am participating in a new telecourse by NVC Academy called “To be Peace” and it is hosted by Miki Kashtan. [Thank you so much, Joe A, as he assisted me with credit card.] Unfortunately I missed the Sept 9th call, which was the first of the series and this telecourse goes through to early December.
Thursday evening, Sept 24th, I attended the Park Slope Knit meetup held at Hanco’s. Great socializing with others who are into knitting and crocheting, plus eat some good food.
Friday evening, Sept 25th, I had dinner with a fellow PJ fan and friend [Andrea]. We’ve stayed in touch, via email / Facebook, over the years and last time we’d hung out together was to see PJ at Letterman in 2005. Andrea stopped by my office [EY] and I gave her a brief tour before we headed out to dinner. We enjoyed a tasty dinner at “Simply Pasta” on 41st Street near 6th Avenue, and while leisurely noshing on salads we caught up on news, PJ and gossip. We both adore PJs bass player, Jeff Ament, who we think is such a hottie.
Saturday & Sunday, Sept 26/27, visit Nadine and Peter’s weekend home up near New Paltz and Kerhonkson, which is on the border of the Catskills. The week before they had adopted a 4-year old dog from a rescue shelter and it was Sparky’s first time in visiting the New Paltz / Catskills region, as well as getting better acquainted with his new owners. Sparky looks to be part Beagle and Pointer, plus he’s a well behaved doggie. Met up with Peter and Nadine at 9am in Manhattan and from there we drove up in their car. We drove leisurely along the lovely Palisades interstate parkway, and then on to route 87N before getting off at New Paltz. We did some shopping at “Health Nutrition Center” and then lunch at “Karma Road Organic Cafe”. I highly recommend this cafe and the food was delicious. You can check out their website at http://www.karmaroad.net/. It was also health conscious weekend for me, as both Nadine/Peter are active Vegans. Got me to thinking about becoming a total vegetarian or vegan starting in January 2010. After settling into their charming weekend home, and taking a tour of the 7 acres, we headed over near Ellenville to do some hiking at Sam’s Point.
[Nadine, Peter and Sparky getting ready to descend into Sam’s Point Ice Caves]
[The rich, colorful beauty of an Autumn harvest]
My foot held up well, but my lungs and asthma was another matter, plus I also realized I am abit out of shape. Need to do more cardio, stretching, yoga, meditating and healthier eating. [It’s been a few years since I’d done all that 24/7; time to get back into the groove.] The vegan lifestyle is sounding more appealing to me every day. The hike around parts of Sam’s Point and the Ice Caves was really cool, plus the views are quite lovely. We spent the evening indoors eating a delicious healthy meal by Nadine, relaxing by the warmth of the fireplace, and watching movies on PBS until midnight. Next day woke up to overcast, foggy, wet weather. After a lite tasty breakfast Nadine and I enjoyed listening to Peter play the piano, plus we walked down to the creek at one end of their property. In the 2 ½ years they’ve seen deer and bear around their property, plus other smaller wildlife. Before heading back to Manhattan, we noshed on a late lite lunch of multi grain toast and soup by Nadine. Back in the city they dropped me off at the subway and I arrived home around 7pmish. Overall a very enjoyable weekend. [NOTE: Stay tuned for photos.]
Monday, October 12, 2009
PERSONAL NEWS #168
[Duchess Note: Condensed version of "personal news”, as I’ve been abit busy lately and therefore lagging behind on my edits.]
Saturday-Tuesday, Sept 5th through 8th, I visited my parents in upstate NY for the long Labor Day weekend. I had a nice, relaxing time and even brought my office laptop with me. It was so nice to sit in a comfy recliner on their screened in porch in the evening and surf the Net.
[Exploring a corn field………..]
[A peaceful wooded area near my parent’s home]
Also, over the course of an hour or so, I interviewed my father in regards to his youth, which was spent growing up in Pound Ridge [NY]. This town of my own youth is situated north of NYC in Westchester County, about an hour via MetroNorth. Overall I had a lovely time visiting my family in upstate NY.
Wednesday, Sept 9th, I had a foot doctor appt, which included therapy for my foot. Afterwards I head up to West 26th Street to Revolution Book store to hear Chris Hedges talk about his new book called “Empire of Illusion”. The place filled up quickly and they used a PA system for about 20+ people outside to hear Mr. Hedges speak on a variety of topics, plus take questions at the end. It was an interesting evening and I definitely want to come back to check out the books in this store.
Thursday, Sept 10th, was another insane work day at the office and I didn’t get out of there until 8:30pm. Was suppose to do “phone banking” for Josh Skaller’s city council campaign, which was from 6-9pm, and then go home to jump on a conference call hosted by Congressman Kucinich on healthcare. I was too tired when I got home and simply crashed.
Friday, Sept 11th, is the 8th anniversary of the horrific events at WTC and Pentagon.
Saturday, Sept 12th, I attended an 11am press conference and walkabout at Doug Biviano’s City Council campaign headquarters in Brooklyn Heights. Congressman Dennis Kucinich [Ohio Democrat] endorsed Doug’s campaign and attended the press conference with his lovely wife Elizabeth. It was great seeing Dennis again and he greeted me with a hug, plus a warm smile, then introduced me to his wife. Press from several newspapers, including one from ole Greenpoint, was there to cover the event and also interview Kucinich and Biviano.
[Duchess Note: More "personal news" and photos to follow, along with a report on my vacation to my beloved Cape May, NJ.]
[Duchess Note: Condensed version of "personal news”, as I’ve been abit busy lately and therefore lagging behind on my edits.]
Saturday-Tuesday, Sept 5th through 8th, I visited my parents in upstate NY for the long Labor Day weekend. I had a nice, relaxing time and even brought my office laptop with me. It was so nice to sit in a comfy recliner on their screened in porch in the evening and surf the Net.
[Exploring a corn field………..]
[A peaceful wooded area near my parent’s home]
Also, over the course of an hour or so, I interviewed my father in regards to his youth, which was spent growing up in Pound Ridge [NY]. This town of my own youth is situated north of NYC in Westchester County, about an hour via MetroNorth. Overall I had a lovely time visiting my family in upstate NY.
Wednesday, Sept 9th, I had a foot doctor appt, which included therapy for my foot. Afterwards I head up to West 26th Street to Revolution Book store to hear Chris Hedges talk about his new book called “Empire of Illusion”. The place filled up quickly and they used a PA system for about 20+ people outside to hear Mr. Hedges speak on a variety of topics, plus take questions at the end. It was an interesting evening and I definitely want to come back to check out the books in this store.
Thursday, Sept 10th, was another insane work day at the office and I didn’t get out of there until 8:30pm. Was suppose to do “phone banking” for Josh Skaller’s city council campaign, which was from 6-9pm, and then go home to jump on a conference call hosted by Congressman Kucinich on healthcare. I was too tired when I got home and simply crashed.
Friday, Sept 11th, is the 8th anniversary of the horrific events at WTC and Pentagon.
Saturday, Sept 12th, I attended an 11am press conference and walkabout at Doug Biviano’s City Council campaign headquarters in Brooklyn Heights. Congressman Dennis Kucinich [Ohio Democrat] endorsed Doug’s campaign and attended the press conference with his lovely wife Elizabeth. It was great seeing Dennis again and he greeted me with a hug, plus a warm smile, then introduced me to his wife. Press from several newspapers, including one from ole Greenpoint, was there to cover the event and also interview Kucinich and Biviano.
[Duchess Note: More "personal news" and photos to follow, along with a report on my vacation to my beloved Cape May, NJ.]
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
LATEST IN US & WORLD NEWS
Street Report From the G20
Bill Quigley, TruthOut
http://www.truthout.org/092809R?n
"The G20 in Pittsburgh showed us how pitifully fearful our leaders have become. What no terrorist could do to us, our own leaders did. Out of fear of the possibility of a terrorist attack, authorities militarize our towns, scare our people away, stop daily life and quash our constitutional rights. For days, downtown Pittsburgh, home to the G20, was a turned into a militarized, people-free ghost town. Sirens screamed day and night."
Police Use Painful New Weapon on G20 Protesters
Allison Kilkenny, AlterNet
http://www.truthout.org/092909D?n
"Pittsburgh police demonstrated the latest in crowd control techniques on protesters when they used 'sound cannons' to blast the ears of citizens near the G-20 meeting of world economic leaders."
Iran Campuses Rocked by Student Protests
Iason Athanasiadia, GlobalPost
http://www.truthout.org/092909F?n
"Hundreds of students shouting anti-government slogans took to the streets of Tehran and other cities Monday in another sign that Iran's opposition is still active, despite arrests and allegations of state torture and rape."
Street Report From the G20
Bill Quigley, TruthOut
http://www.truthout.org/092809R?n
"The G20 in Pittsburgh showed us how pitifully fearful our leaders have become. What no terrorist could do to us, our own leaders did. Out of fear of the possibility of a terrorist attack, authorities militarize our towns, scare our people away, stop daily life and quash our constitutional rights. For days, downtown Pittsburgh, home to the G20, was a turned into a militarized, people-free ghost town. Sirens screamed day and night."
Police Use Painful New Weapon on G20 Protesters
Allison Kilkenny, AlterNet
http://www.truthout.org/092909D?n
"Pittsburgh police demonstrated the latest in crowd control techniques on protesters when they used 'sound cannons' to blast the ears of citizens near the G-20 meeting of world economic leaders."
Iran Campuses Rocked by Student Protests
Iason Athanasiadia, GlobalPost
http://www.truthout.org/092909F?n
"Hundreds of students shouting anti-government slogans took to the streets of Tehran and other cities Monday in another sign that Iran's opposition is still active, despite arrests and allegations of state torture and rape."
Monday, September 28, 2009
NEWS CLIPPINGS ON PEACE
Why Peace Is Such A Tough Issue
Lewis Diuguid, Kansas City Star Op-Ed
http://voices.kansascity.com/node/5952
See Peace, Especially Today
OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/See-Peace-Especially-Toda-by-Barbara-Bellows-Te-090921-116.html
Groups in Providence, RI Advocate for World Peace
Michael McKinney, Providence Journal
http://www.projo.com/news/content/PEACE_DAY_09-21-09_0HFPNRJ_v59.37d027b.html
Promoting Peace
Seacoastonline.com
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090922-NEWS-909220321
Woman Wages Campaign for Peace
By CINTHIA RITCHIE - September 17, 2009
When Seward banker Lori Draper sat down to surf the Web two years ago, she had no idea that the next Web site she visited would change her life. That’s what happened, though, when she inadvertently found herself on the Peace Alliance site. The organization, which promotes peace-building through personal, national and global interests, works toward the establishing of a U.S. Department of Peace.
"I read this and thought, 'Who would not want this?'" Draper said. She grabbed friend Kim Reierson and headed down to Washington, D.C., to the Peace Alliance National Conference. The experience was so inspiring that she became the state coordinator and district team leader of the only Alaska Peace Alliance branch. She also organized the Seward People for Peace earlier this year.
The group, which meets the second Monday of each month, lobbies legislators to pass laws dispelling violence and promoting peace.Members are currently concentrating on two bills: HR808, which would create a U.S. Department of Peace; and HR1064, the Youth Promise Act, which would provide community resources to youth who show violent or bullying tendencies. “The biggest dream is to get this legislation passed,” Draper said.
“Instead of always having to go to war and following the violent strategy, we can find nonviolent strategies that work.”The Peace Alliance was Draper’s first taste of a political action agenda. “When you go in to see the legislators and say you’re talking about peace, you can almost see them roll their eyes,” she said. “Once they see you aren’t going away, that you’re going to be there every year, they take you more seriously.”
Draper soon became frustrated at how long it takes to foster political change. “I say to myself, ‘This may not even happen in my lifetime,’ but I have to keep going,” she said. She hopes to spread optimism with the showing of the award-winning documentary “Soldiers of Peace” on Monday, which is also International Day of Peace. “I so often see hopelessness,” she said. “People say, ‘Oh, how can we make a dent in this? The violence is so big and beyond me.’ But by watching this movie they’ll see that small actions can make big differences.”
[NOTE: To learn more about the Dept of Peace campaign [HR808], go to www.thepeacealliance.org OR if you live in the NYC area and want to become more involved, take a moment and check out www.nyc-dop.com ]
Why Peace Is Such A Tough Issue
Lewis Diuguid, Kansas City Star Op-Ed
http://voices.kansascity.com/node/5952
See Peace, Especially Today
OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/articles/See-Peace-Especially-Toda-by-Barbara-Bellows-Te-090921-116.html
Groups in Providence, RI Advocate for World Peace
Michael McKinney, Providence Journal
http://www.projo.com/news/content/PEACE_DAY_09-21-09_0HFPNRJ_v59.37d027b.html
Promoting Peace
Seacoastonline.com
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090922-NEWS-909220321
Woman Wages Campaign for Peace
By CINTHIA RITCHIE - September 17, 2009
When Seward banker Lori Draper sat down to surf the Web two years ago, she had no idea that the next Web site she visited would change her life. That’s what happened, though, when she inadvertently found herself on the Peace Alliance site. The organization, which promotes peace-building through personal, national and global interests, works toward the establishing of a U.S. Department of Peace.
"I read this and thought, 'Who would not want this?'" Draper said. She grabbed friend Kim Reierson and headed down to Washington, D.C., to the Peace Alliance National Conference. The experience was so inspiring that she became the state coordinator and district team leader of the only Alaska Peace Alliance branch. She also organized the Seward People for Peace earlier this year.
The group, which meets the second Monday of each month, lobbies legislators to pass laws dispelling violence and promoting peace.Members are currently concentrating on two bills: HR808, which would create a U.S. Department of Peace; and HR1064, the Youth Promise Act, which would provide community resources to youth who show violent or bullying tendencies. “The biggest dream is to get this legislation passed,” Draper said.
“Instead of always having to go to war and following the violent strategy, we can find nonviolent strategies that work.”The Peace Alliance was Draper’s first taste of a political action agenda. “When you go in to see the legislators and say you’re talking about peace, you can almost see them roll their eyes,” she said. “Once they see you aren’t going away, that you’re going to be there every year, they take you more seriously.”
Draper soon became frustrated at how long it takes to foster political change. “I say to myself, ‘This may not even happen in my lifetime,’ but I have to keep going,” she said. She hopes to spread optimism with the showing of the award-winning documentary “Soldiers of Peace” on Monday, which is also International Day of Peace. “I so often see hopelessness,” she said. “People say, ‘Oh, how can we make a dent in this? The violence is so big and beyond me.’ But by watching this movie they’ll see that small actions can make big differences.”
[NOTE: To learn more about the Dept of Peace campaign [HR808], go to www.thepeacealliance.org OR if you live in the NYC area and want to become more involved, take a moment and check out www.nyc-dop.com ]
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
PERSONAL NEWS #167
Monday, August 17th, I had a foot doctor appt to remove the rest of the stitches. Progress has been slow and steady since the surgery end of July. The bruising seems to take awhile to go away. Since August 15th I did away with the special bootie and happily wearing sneakers or colorful Crocs.
Wednesday evening, August 19th, I attended a Healthcare forum and panel discussion at Doug Biviano’s City Council campaign headquarters in Brooklyn Heights. Two doctors, a history professor and a senior citizen talk about their dealings with healthcare and insurance companies. All four were pretty much in favor of “universal / single payer” for Americans. You may observe some of the video footage of the event at …
Friday, August 21st, I volunteered with City Harvest at Union Square farmers market.
Sunday afternoon, August 23rd, I volunteered with the Josh Skaller City Council campaign at the CBID HQ in Park Slope for several hours to “cold call” registered Democrat voters in Josh’s district. While there I chat with Josh, Chris, Dan and Bobby. Josh’s wife recently gave birth to their second daughter and conveyed my congratulations. Afterwards I took F train into the Manhattan and met up with TJ in Greenwich Village for an enjoyable leisurely date. After gifting me a lovely, long stem rose, we strolled around that area for abit and made our way, with occasional pit stops, over to Washington Square Park to observe the “scene”. The same brothers, whose act we’d observed in July were there again, so we stopped to view it. It was the same routine and still very amusing. We ended up in the East Village and had a tasty dinner at “Dallas BBQ” near St Marks Place. While in the restaurant it rained heavily outside, so we took our time eating, and by the time we left the rain had slowed to a spritz. Weather wasn’t as hot and humid as it had been the week or so before. The heat wave was winding down and we were thankful for that. I don’t mind a warm day, but can easily do without the friggin humidity. After awhile my foot was bothering me, so we jumped on the cross town bus on 14th Street to 8th Avenue to catch our respective subways. Had a terrific time with TJ and enjoy his company a lot.
On Monday, August 24th, I had a foot doctor appt to check status of my foot. Slowly improving and still can’t get a much needed pedicure. Afterwards, I jumped on a terrific, fascinating Peace Alliance conference call regarding the “rough draft” of the new Dept of Peace “strategic plan”. I still haven’t gotten around to reading the new plan, but from the comments of the other callers it sounds really cool, and would take Dept of Peace into a more energized direction. To learn more, go to www.thepeacealliance.org
Wednesday, August 26th, I had another foot doctor appt and this time started therapy, which felt good. Afterwards, I jumped on the #3 subway to Brooklyn and to lend my office/computer skills to Doug Biviano City Council campaign. The NYS Primary is coming up quickly on Sept 15th. I already received my “absentee ballot” from NY Board of Elections in the mail. I’ll do my voting that way for Sept 15th, as I’ll be on vacation the week of Sept 13th down at the NJ shore. Do not want to miss placing my vote[s].
Friday, August 28th, I volunteered with City Harvest at Union Square farmers market.
Saturday, August 29th, I volunteered several hours at Doug Biviano’s City Council campaign HQ in Brooklyn Heights. Lent my office and computer skills to the campaign; plus enjoy socializing with Doug, Henry and Wilson.
On Sunday, August 30th, I baked brownies and a carrot cake for Doug Biviano’s “roof top brunch & fundraiser”, which was held at One Grace Court in Brooklyn Heights. [This short block, near Montague Street in Brooklyn, is so pretty and charming.] The views of NYC harbor and lower Manhattan are awesome from the roof of this building. I brought my camera to take pix of the views and of course those attending the brunch. Speaking of the brunch, with a nice spread of assorted tasty edibles; there was water, wine, lemonade and ice tea, plus my desserts. I enjoyed the brunch very much, as well as chatting with those who attended about local/national politics and yes, even healthcare crisis.
Tuesday, Sept 1st, had a foot doctor appt [ie: therapy] and that evening I jumped onto a Peace Alliance conference call at 9pm. Really good call with discussions on “strategic plan”, volunteering, fundraising, DoPeace, grassroots media, Student Peace Alliance, spiritualism, Facebook, peace parties and so much more. It was a terrific call, productive and yes, even inspiring. I’d been feeling, within myself and in my surroundings, a sense of disconnect and frustration with regards to DoP and NYC R627. I don’t like feeling like this, I really don’t, and a good jump start is very much required. I am still devoted to the DoP movement, and these occasional small or large lulls can be abit of a downer.
Wednesday evening, Sept 2nd, I headed up to Columbus Circle, just inside Central Park, to participate in a healthcare event and vigil hosted by MoveOn organization. Really good turnout for this event and the loudest cheers were for recorded speeches by the late Senator Ted Kennedy. I ran into some Brooklynite acquaintances [ie: Margie, Daniel, etc] whom I hadn’t seen since a Skaller campaign fundraiser in the spring. We talked about Brooklyn City Council campaigns, NYC politics and naturally healthcare.
Thursday, Sept 3rd, was an insane work day, well, the whole week was like that and I managed to get out of the office by 8pm. Five hours of overtime in four days! Mon dieu! I attended the last hour of the TGTSNBN meetup at Cafe Metro, and chat with fellow Harry Potter acquaintances about latest film, plus look at the pro photos from recent Cosplay on Governors Island. Around 9pm I took mass transit home and jumped on the awesome “World Can’t Wait” organization conference call at 10pm. The organization, headed by Debra Sweet, is working towards energizing the anti-war movement, especially with regards to Iraq and Afghanistan. US soldiers and civilians are dying and being maimed every single day. This madness has to stop and soon.
Friday, Sept 4th, I volunteered with City Harvest at Union Square farmers market.
Monday, August 17th, I had a foot doctor appt to remove the rest of the stitches. Progress has been slow and steady since the surgery end of July. The bruising seems to take awhile to go away. Since August 15th I did away with the special bootie and happily wearing sneakers or colorful Crocs.
Wednesday evening, August 19th, I attended a Healthcare forum and panel discussion at Doug Biviano’s City Council campaign headquarters in Brooklyn Heights. Two doctors, a history professor and a senior citizen talk about their dealings with healthcare and insurance companies. All four were pretty much in favor of “universal / single payer” for Americans. You may observe some of the video footage of the event at …
Friday, August 21st, I volunteered with City Harvest at Union Square farmers market.
Sunday afternoon, August 23rd, I volunteered with the Josh Skaller City Council campaign at the CBID HQ in Park Slope for several hours to “cold call” registered Democrat voters in Josh’s district. While there I chat with Josh, Chris, Dan and Bobby. Josh’s wife recently gave birth to their second daughter and conveyed my congratulations. Afterwards I took F train into the Manhattan and met up with TJ in Greenwich Village for an enjoyable leisurely date. After gifting me a lovely, long stem rose, we strolled around that area for abit and made our way, with occasional pit stops, over to Washington Square Park to observe the “scene”. The same brothers, whose act we’d observed in July were there again, so we stopped to view it. It was the same routine and still very amusing. We ended up in the East Village and had a tasty dinner at “Dallas BBQ” near St Marks Place. While in the restaurant it rained heavily outside, so we took our time eating, and by the time we left the rain had slowed to a spritz. Weather wasn’t as hot and humid as it had been the week or so before. The heat wave was winding down and we were thankful for that. I don’t mind a warm day, but can easily do without the friggin humidity. After awhile my foot was bothering me, so we jumped on the cross town bus on 14th Street to 8th Avenue to catch our respective subways. Had a terrific time with TJ and enjoy his company a lot.
On Monday, August 24th, I had a foot doctor appt to check status of my foot. Slowly improving and still can’t get a much needed pedicure. Afterwards, I jumped on a terrific, fascinating Peace Alliance conference call regarding the “rough draft” of the new Dept of Peace “strategic plan”. I still haven’t gotten around to reading the new plan, but from the comments of the other callers it sounds really cool, and would take Dept of Peace into a more energized direction. To learn more, go to www.thepeacealliance.org
Wednesday, August 26th, I had another foot doctor appt and this time started therapy, which felt good. Afterwards, I jumped on the #3 subway to Brooklyn and to lend my office/computer skills to Doug Biviano City Council campaign. The NYS Primary is coming up quickly on Sept 15th. I already received my “absentee ballot” from NY Board of Elections in the mail. I’ll do my voting that way for Sept 15th, as I’ll be on vacation the week of Sept 13th down at the NJ shore. Do not want to miss placing my vote[s].
Friday, August 28th, I volunteered with City Harvest at Union Square farmers market.
Saturday, August 29th, I volunteered several hours at Doug Biviano’s City Council campaign HQ in Brooklyn Heights. Lent my office and computer skills to the campaign; plus enjoy socializing with Doug, Henry and Wilson.
On Sunday, August 30th, I baked brownies and a carrot cake for Doug Biviano’s “roof top brunch & fundraiser”, which was held at One Grace Court in Brooklyn Heights. [This short block, near Montague Street in Brooklyn, is so pretty and charming.] The views of NYC harbor and lower Manhattan are awesome from the roof of this building. I brought my camera to take pix of the views and of course those attending the brunch. Speaking of the brunch, with a nice spread of assorted tasty edibles; there was water, wine, lemonade and ice tea, plus my desserts. I enjoyed the brunch very much, as well as chatting with those who attended about local/national politics and yes, even healthcare crisis.
Tuesday, Sept 1st, had a foot doctor appt [ie: therapy] and that evening I jumped onto a Peace Alliance conference call at 9pm. Really good call with discussions on “strategic plan”, volunteering, fundraising, DoPeace, grassroots media, Student Peace Alliance, spiritualism, Facebook, peace parties and so much more. It was a terrific call, productive and yes, even inspiring. I’d been feeling, within myself and in my surroundings, a sense of disconnect and frustration with regards to DoP and NYC R627. I don’t like feeling like this, I really don’t, and a good jump start is very much required. I am still devoted to the DoP movement, and these occasional small or large lulls can be abit of a downer.
Wednesday evening, Sept 2nd, I headed up to Columbus Circle, just inside Central Park, to participate in a healthcare event and vigil hosted by MoveOn organization. Really good turnout for this event and the loudest cheers were for recorded speeches by the late Senator Ted Kennedy. I ran into some Brooklynite acquaintances [ie: Margie, Daniel, etc] whom I hadn’t seen since a Skaller campaign fundraiser in the spring. We talked about Brooklyn City Council campaigns, NYC politics and naturally healthcare.
Thursday, Sept 3rd, was an insane work day, well, the whole week was like that and I managed to get out of the office by 8pm. Five hours of overtime in four days! Mon dieu! I attended the last hour of the TGTSNBN meetup at Cafe Metro, and chat with fellow Harry Potter acquaintances about latest film, plus look at the pro photos from recent Cosplay on Governors Island. Around 9pm I took mass transit home and jumped on the awesome “World Can’t Wait” organization conference call at 10pm. The organization, headed by Debra Sweet, is working towards energizing the anti-war movement, especially with regards to Iraq and Afghanistan. US soldiers and civilians are dying and being maimed every single day. This madness has to stop and soon.
Friday, Sept 4th, I volunteered with City Harvest at Union Square farmers market.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
LATEST IN PROGRESSIVE NEWS
Tongue-tied Liberals
Doug Henwood, Word Press
http://doughenwood.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/tongue-tied-liberals/
[Duchess Note: Many of us knew during the primaries of 2008 that a lot of this would happen. Many thanks to Judith in sharing this article and commentary.]
Bill Moyers: Money-Driven Medicine & the Real Reason Healthcare Costs so Much
Bill Moyers, Maggie Mahar
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/142328/bill_moyers%3A_money-driven_medicine_--_the_real_reason_health_care_costs_so_much/
Obama Has Betrayed the Progressives Who Got Him Elected – So Now What Do We Do?
Allison Kilkenny, True/Slant
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/politics/142338/obama_has_betrayed_the_progressives_who_got_him_elected_--_so_now_what_do_we_do
Ralph Nader The Drive for Single Payer
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/09/01-0
Bill Moyers says Obama Must Fight, Not Finesse
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/08/31-2
Swift-Boating Healthcare: Facts Are First Casualty in Health Care Debate
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/08/31-0
Tongue-tied Liberals
Doug Henwood, Word Press
http://doughenwood.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/tongue-tied-liberals/
[Duchess Note: Many of us knew during the primaries of 2008 that a lot of this would happen. Many thanks to Judith in sharing this article and commentary.]
Bill Moyers: Money-Driven Medicine & the Real Reason Healthcare Costs so Much
Bill Moyers, Maggie Mahar
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/142328/bill_moyers%3A_money-driven_medicine_--_the_real_reason_health_care_costs_so_much/
Obama Has Betrayed the Progressives Who Got Him Elected – So Now What Do We Do?
Allison Kilkenny, True/Slant
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/politics/142338/obama_has_betrayed_the_progressives_who_got_him_elected_--_so_now_what_do_we_do
Ralph Nader The Drive for Single Payer
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/09/01-0
Bill Moyers says Obama Must Fight, Not Finesse
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/08/31-2
Swift-Boating Healthcare: Facts Are First Casualty in Health Care Debate
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/08/31-0