FRIDAY Jan 27, 6:30 to 8:00 pm ... Join BFP at the WORD Bookstore in Greenpoint!
The WORD on PEACE
Evening of music, poetry, and spoken-word performances
Presenting: Jan Clausen (Novelist, poet, and professor); Anya Skidan (Greenpoint musician); Rafiq Kathwari (writer/poet and member of Occupy Wall Street’s poetry group); and Susan Metz (poet and Latin America activist)
Location: 126 Franklin Street near Greenpoint Ave (short walk: see map on our website http://www.brooklynpeace.org/)
Sponsor: Brooklyn For Peace Arts & Culture Task Force
Train: G to Greenpoint Ave (at Manhattan) (Transfer from A/C at Hoyt Schermerhorn, from the F at Bergen St, or from L at Lorimer St/Metropolitan Ave)
Admission and Refreshments are Free
This will be a fun event, as well as a great time to support BFP burgeoning Arts & Culture Task Force! Event will be from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, after which you can enjoy the WORD bookstore, as well as check out restaurants and the general ambiance of Greenpoint.
Friday, January 27, 2012
QUOTE OF THE DAY … “When you take a bite of an apple that’s not ripe, perhaps even bitter, the problem isn’t with the apple; the problem is we didn’t wait for the tree to get to the place where the apple is ripe. It’s our timing that is the problem, not the apple itself, nor the tree. This is a powerful message for us, because it makes clear that the only real problem we have is that our process is not yet complete. That means we cannot beat ourselves up because we’re angry, sad or depressed, or because we haven’t reached our goals or benchmarks. We’re just a work in progress. We are the fruit not yet ripe for the picking. Would you cut down a tree because it gives unripe apples? No. You would be patient and have trust in the process.” - YEHUDA BERG
Monday, January 23, 2012
LATEST IN THE NEWS
The Corporate State Will Be Broken
Chris Hedges, Truthdig / Op-Ed
http://www.truth-out.org/chris-hedges-corporate-state-will-be-broken/1327331237
How Can Communities Defend Themselves From Corporate Interests?
Rose Aguilar, Truthout / Report
http://www.truth-out.org/how-can-communities-defend-themselves-corporate-interests/1327072431
Quote of the Day … “Voting will not alter the corporate systems of power. Voting is an act of political theater. Voting in the United States is as futile and sterile as in the elections I covered as a reporter in dictatorships like Syria, Iran and Iraq. There were always opposition candidates offered up by these dictatorships. Give the people the illusion of choice. Throw up the pretense of debate. Let the power elite hold public celebrations to exalt the triumph of popular will. We can vote for Romney or Obama, but Goldman Sachs and ExxonMobil and Bank of America and the defense contractors always win." - Chris Hedges [journalist & writer]
The Saga of Vermont Yankee – Nuclear Power in the US: a Rigged System
Karl Grossman, Counterpunch
http://www.counterpunch.org/2012/01/23/nuclear-power-in-the-us-a-rigged-system/
The Corporate State Will Be Broken
Chris Hedges, Truthdig / Op-Ed
http://www.truth-out.org/chris-hedges-corporate-state-will-be-broken/1327331237
How Can Communities Defend Themselves From Corporate Interests?
Rose Aguilar, Truthout / Report
http://www.truth-out.org/how-can-communities-defend-themselves-corporate-interests/1327072431
Quote of the Day … “Voting will not alter the corporate systems of power. Voting is an act of political theater. Voting in the United States is as futile and sterile as in the elections I covered as a reporter in dictatorships like Syria, Iran and Iraq. There were always opposition candidates offered up by these dictatorships. Give the people the illusion of choice. Throw up the pretense of debate. Let the power elite hold public celebrations to exalt the triumph of popular will. We can vote for Romney or Obama, but Goldman Sachs and ExxonMobil and Bank of America and the defense contractors always win." - Chris Hedges [journalist & writer]
The Saga of Vermont Yankee – Nuclear Power in the US: a Rigged System
Karl Grossman, Counterpunch
http://www.counterpunch.org/2012/01/23/nuclear-power-in-the-us-a-rigged-system/
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Quote of the Day ... "The biggest problem humanity faces isn’t the value of the dollar or the yen; it’s the value of the self. If we don’t think we are someone special, if we are too tough on ourselves, how can we ever expect to accomplish that which we were born to do? If we don’t realize how capable we are, how can we ever expect to make a difference in the world? Without knowing our true value, life is going to be full of chaos. Why? Because we are creating a self-fulfilling, self-limiting prophecy. Today, know you’ve been given everything you need to succeed." - Yehuda Berg
Sunday, January 15, 2012
THE LATEST IN NEWS
Tanks, SWAT Teams, Surveillance Helicopters – Cities Already Turning into Mini-Police States for the Political Conventions
Rania Khalek, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153730/tanks%2C_swat_teams%2C_surveillance_helicopters%3A_cities_already_turning_into_mini-police_states_for_the_political_conventions?akid=8115.9992.aqHOsM&rd=1&t=5
Barricades Come Down at Zuccotti Park, Protesters Re-Occupy
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/761266/barricades_come_down_at_zuccotti_park%2C_protesters_re-occupy/#paragraph4
Tumultuous Times for Democracy Compelled Moyers' Return to TV http://www.commondreams.org/view/2012/01/10-1
Why the New Hampshire Primary is an Elaborate Reality Show Designed for National Media
Adele M. Stan, AtlerNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153721/why_the_new_hampshire_primary_is_an_elaborate_reality_show_designed_for_national_media?akid=8105.9992.QmKeJW&rd=1&t=8
Quote of the Day … Some days we will be happier than others. And some periods of time we will be more successful than other times. The key to real success is to be the best you can be in any situation, and never assume you’ve arrived. – Yehuda Berg
The 20 Biggest Donors of the 2012 Election (So Far)
Dave Gilson & Gavin Aronsen, Mother Jones
http://www.alternet.org/story/153728/the_20_biggest_donors_of_the_2012_election_%28so_far%29?akid=8115.9992.aqHOsM&rd=1&t=8
America Isn’t a Corporation
Paul Krugman, NYTimes
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/13/opinion/krugman-america-isnt-a-corporation.html?_r=3&smid=fb-nytimes&WT.mc_id=OP-E-FB-SM-LIN-AIC-011312-NYT-NA&WT.mc_ev=click
Fracking on Shaky Ground – How Our Latest Fossil Fuel Addiction is Linked to Earthquakes
Scott Thill, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153717/fracking_on_shaky_ground%3A_how_our_latest_fossil_fuel_addiction_is_linked_to_earthquakes?akid=8105.9992.QmKeJW&rd=1&t=5
5 Founding Fathers Whose Skepticism About Christianity Would Make Them Unelectable Today
Rob Boston, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153727/5_founding_fathers_whose_skepticism_about_christianity_would_make_them_unelectable_today?akid=8109.9992.Q-Q0HM&rd=1&t=2
Why are Republican Prudes Still Desperate to Control Your Sex Life?
Tracy Clark-Flory, Salon
http://www.alternet.org/story/153731/why_are_republican_prudes_still_desperate_to_control_your_sex_life?akid=8109.9992.Q-Q0HM&rd=1&t=15
The WORD on Peace - Upcoming BFP Peace Performance Series
On Friday, January 27, 2012, the Arts & Culture Committee of Brooklyn For Peace will host "The WORD On Peace", an evening of music, poetry and spoken-word performances at WORD Bookstore in Greenpoint [Brooklyn].
"The WORD On Peace" is the second of the ongoing Peace Performance Series presented by the Brooklyn for Peace Arts & Culture Committee, of which I am a member and co-chair.
Where: WORD Bookstore, 126 Franklin Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222 ... www.wordbrooklyn.com
Time: 6:30 – 8:00pm
There will be snacks and beverages.
With the ongoing Occupy movement changing the focus and possibilities of the peace and justice movement in New York and around the world, the Arts & Culture Committee wants to encourage a culture of peace and creativity to flourish and grow in Brooklyn. We will celebrate the growing movement with an evening of performances, including novelist and professor Jan Clausen; Greenpoint musician Anya Skidan; and writer/poet and member of Occupy Wall Street’s poetry group, Rafiq Kathwari, plus two other performers.
Tanks, SWAT Teams, Surveillance Helicopters – Cities Already Turning into Mini-Police States for the Political Conventions
Rania Khalek, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153730/tanks%2C_swat_teams%2C_surveillance_helicopters%3A_cities_already_turning_into_mini-police_states_for_the_political_conventions?akid=8115.9992.aqHOsM&rd=1&t=5
Barricades Come Down at Zuccotti Park, Protesters Re-Occupy
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/761266/barricades_come_down_at_zuccotti_park%2C_protesters_re-occupy/#paragraph4
Tumultuous Times for Democracy Compelled Moyers' Return to TV http://www.commondreams.org/view/2012/01/10-1
Why the New Hampshire Primary is an Elaborate Reality Show Designed for National Media
Adele M. Stan, AtlerNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153721/why_the_new_hampshire_primary_is_an_elaborate_reality_show_designed_for_national_media?akid=8105.9992.QmKeJW&rd=1&t=8
Quote of the Day … Some days we will be happier than others. And some periods of time we will be more successful than other times. The key to real success is to be the best you can be in any situation, and never assume you’ve arrived. – Yehuda Berg
The 20 Biggest Donors of the 2012 Election (So Far)
Dave Gilson & Gavin Aronsen, Mother Jones
http://www.alternet.org/story/153728/the_20_biggest_donors_of_the_2012_election_%28so_far%29?akid=8115.9992.aqHOsM&rd=1&t=8
America Isn’t a Corporation
Paul Krugman, NYTimes
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/13/opinion/krugman-america-isnt-a-corporation.html?_r=3&smid=fb-nytimes&WT.mc_id=OP-E-FB-SM-LIN-AIC-011312-NYT-NA&WT.mc_ev=click
Fracking on Shaky Ground – How Our Latest Fossil Fuel Addiction is Linked to Earthquakes
Scott Thill, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153717/fracking_on_shaky_ground%3A_how_our_latest_fossil_fuel_addiction_is_linked_to_earthquakes?akid=8105.9992.QmKeJW&rd=1&t=5
5 Founding Fathers Whose Skepticism About Christianity Would Make Them Unelectable Today
Rob Boston, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153727/5_founding_fathers_whose_skepticism_about_christianity_would_make_them_unelectable_today?akid=8109.9992.Q-Q0HM&rd=1&t=2
Why are Republican Prudes Still Desperate to Control Your Sex Life?
Tracy Clark-Flory, Salon
http://www.alternet.org/story/153731/why_are_republican_prudes_still_desperate_to_control_your_sex_life?akid=8109.9992.Q-Q0HM&rd=1&t=15
The WORD on Peace - Upcoming BFP Peace Performance Series
On Friday, January 27, 2012, the Arts & Culture Committee of Brooklyn For Peace will host "The WORD On Peace", an evening of music, poetry and spoken-word performances at WORD Bookstore in Greenpoint [Brooklyn].
"The WORD On Peace" is the second of the ongoing Peace Performance Series presented by the Brooklyn for Peace Arts & Culture Committee, of which I am a member and co-chair.
Where: WORD Bookstore, 126 Franklin Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222 ... www.wordbrooklyn.com
Time: 6:30 – 8:00pm
There will be snacks and beverages.
With the ongoing Occupy movement changing the focus and possibilities of the peace and justice movement in New York and around the world, the Arts & Culture Committee wants to encourage a culture of peace and creativity to flourish and grow in Brooklyn. We will celebrate the growing movement with an evening of performances, including novelist and professor Jan Clausen; Greenpoint musician Anya Skidan; and writer/poet and member of Occupy Wall Street’s poetry group, Rafiq Kathwari, plus two other performers.
Monday, January 02, 2012
PERSONAL NEWS #203
Thursday, Dec 1st, I attended the monthly BFP board meeting at The Commons.
Friday, Dec 2nd, I was asked to assist with an important EY client meeting, and had to arrive on location by 6am. Due to being at an EY event so early, I was able to leave the office between 3pm and 4pm. I met up with Sam [photo below] at 4pm for a brief photo shoot around Bryant Park, and then dinner at El Rio Grande on 3rd Avenue.
Dec 3rd & 4th … wasn’t particularly exciting weekend for me, as I had to cancel plans due to continued illness and stay home. Dana came by Saturday morning to clean my apt, and I took care of a few errands. One of those errands was to rent some DVDs [Foyle’s War] for the weekend.
Tuesday, Dec 6th, I had another follow up appt with my lung specialist, as this friggin situation is just NOT going away. Grrrrrrrrrrrr It is time for alternative medicine and visiting an acupuncturist down in ole Chinatown.
Wednesday evening, Dec 7th, I did volunteer work at the WCW national office.
Saturday, Dec 10th, I attended a gathering at friend’s home, hosted by “NYC Friends of Tolkien”, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the UK premiere of FOTR.
[photo below]
Tuesday, Dec 13th, I took a vacation day and hung out with my friend Sheila in the afternoon. We had lunch and then did some holiday shopping at the GCS Holiday Bazaar. That evening I joined fellow BFP Peace Fair committee members for our monthly meeting at Charlotte’s place.
Thursday, Dec 15th, I did volunteer work at the WCW national office.
Friday, Dec 16th, I attended the annual BFP holiday gathering in Brooklyn
. [photo below]
Saturday, Dec 17th, I volunteered with other BFP members at the BSEC holiday event.
Sunday, Dec 18th, I had my first appt with Dr Tan down in Chinatown.
Wednesday, Dec 21st, I participated in the BFP A&C committee conference call in the evening. It was a really good call and very productive for our upcoming January event.
Thursday, Dec 22nd, I did volunteer work at WCW national office.
Dec 23rd – 26th, I visited my family in upstate NY for the Xmas holiday.
Dec 24th, turned out to be an interesting day, not just because it was Christmas Eve. Day started out with me getting my hair done at the local salon, then back at the house to get things ready to bring down to my brothers home for a nice meal and exchange gifties. Well, that was the plan, until I started coughing up blood into paper towels halfway to Schenectady. My parents and I turned around to head to Bennington hospital emergency room. Fastest time ever spent at an emergency room. Was there for 2 ½ hours and learned that I have a mild case [again!] of Pneumonia, plus that friggin Bronchiectasis was the cause of the blood issues. Thankfully all my vitals were good and I didn’t have to stay at the hospital for the holidays. Before leaving I had to take a new, stronger antibiotics and assured [we’ll see] that I would see results in 24 to 48 hours. Went to RiteAid to get my prescription filled and was told my insurance card was rejected. What?!? I had to pay full price for those nine friggin antibiotics and that came to $179!! Most annoying, and rest of the day was spent at my parent’s home relaxing, and watching cable TV.
Monday, Dec 26th, I had my second appt with Dr Tan down in Chinatown. I told him about what happened on Xmas Eve, utilizing the herbs and eating as he prescribed. He did an exam and told me that my system is slowly improving. No herbs for this week, but more acupuncture treatment on today and Thursday.
Wednesday, Dec 28th, I did volunteer work at WCW national office.
Thursday, Dec 29th, I had my third appt with Dr Tan down in Chinatown.
Friday, Dec 30th, started off with a much needed appt with my chiropractor, as it had been two months since last adjustment. Then I met up with Jackie in the afternoon to hangout, go shopping, enjoy a leisurely dinner and exchange holiday gifties.
New Years Eve, Dec 31st, I took care of errands, got a pedicure and rented several DVDs [ie: Ironman, Sherlock Holmes, 5th season of LOST].
Thursday, Dec 1st, I attended the monthly BFP board meeting at The Commons.
Friday, Dec 2nd, I was asked to assist with an important EY client meeting, and had to arrive on location by 6am. Due to being at an EY event so early, I was able to leave the office between 3pm and 4pm. I met up with Sam [photo below] at 4pm for a brief photo shoot around Bryant Park, and then dinner at El Rio Grande on 3rd Avenue.
Dec 3rd & 4th … wasn’t particularly exciting weekend for me, as I had to cancel plans due to continued illness and stay home. Dana came by Saturday morning to clean my apt, and I took care of a few errands. One of those errands was to rent some DVDs [Foyle’s War] for the weekend.
Tuesday, Dec 6th, I had another follow up appt with my lung specialist, as this friggin situation is just NOT going away. Grrrrrrrrrrrr It is time for alternative medicine and visiting an acupuncturist down in ole Chinatown.
Wednesday evening, Dec 7th, I did volunteer work at the WCW national office.
Saturday, Dec 10th, I attended a gathering at friend’s home, hosted by “NYC Friends of Tolkien”, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the UK premiere of FOTR.
[photo below]Tuesday, Dec 13th, I took a vacation day and hung out with my friend Sheila in the afternoon. We had lunch and then did some holiday shopping at the GCS Holiday Bazaar. That evening I joined fellow BFP Peace Fair committee members for our monthly meeting at Charlotte’s place.
Thursday, Dec 15th, I did volunteer work at the WCW national office.
Friday, Dec 16th, I attended the annual BFP holiday gathering in Brooklyn
. [photo below]Saturday, Dec 17th, I volunteered with other BFP members at the BSEC holiday event.
Sunday, Dec 18th, I had my first appt with Dr Tan down in Chinatown.
Wednesday, Dec 21st, I participated in the BFP A&C committee conference call in the evening. It was a really good call and very productive for our upcoming January event.
Thursday, Dec 22nd, I did volunteer work at WCW national office.
Dec 23rd – 26th, I visited my family in upstate NY for the Xmas holiday.
Dec 24th, turned out to be an interesting day, not just because it was Christmas Eve. Day started out with me getting my hair done at the local salon, then back at the house to get things ready to bring down to my brothers home for a nice meal and exchange gifties. Well, that was the plan, until I started coughing up blood into paper towels halfway to Schenectady. My parents and I turned around to head to Bennington hospital emergency room. Fastest time ever spent at an emergency room. Was there for 2 ½ hours and learned that I have a mild case [again!] of Pneumonia, plus that friggin Bronchiectasis was the cause of the blood issues. Thankfully all my vitals were good and I didn’t have to stay at the hospital for the holidays. Before leaving I had to take a new, stronger antibiotics and assured [we’ll see] that I would see results in 24 to 48 hours. Went to RiteAid to get my prescription filled and was told my insurance card was rejected. What?!? I had to pay full price for those nine friggin antibiotics and that came to $179!! Most annoying, and rest of the day was spent at my parent’s home relaxing, and watching cable TV.
Monday, Dec 26th, I had my second appt with Dr Tan down in Chinatown. I told him about what happened on Xmas Eve, utilizing the herbs and eating as he prescribed. He did an exam and told me that my system is slowly improving. No herbs for this week, but more acupuncture treatment on today and Thursday.
Wednesday, Dec 28th, I did volunteer work at WCW national office.
Thursday, Dec 29th, I had my third appt with Dr Tan down in Chinatown.
Friday, Dec 30th, started off with a much needed appt with my chiropractor, as it had been two months since last adjustment. Then I met up with Jackie in the afternoon to hangout, go shopping, enjoy a leisurely dinner and exchange holiday gifties.
New Years Eve, Dec 31st, I took care of errands, got a pedicure and rented several DVDs [ie: Ironman, Sherlock Holmes, 5th season of LOST].
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
DECEMBER NEWS
Revolutions Don’t Happen in a Day – 5 Ways OWS Can Stay Powerful and Truly Build a Movement
Yotam Marom, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153529/revolutions_don%27t_happen_in_a_day%3A_5_ways_ows_can_stay_powerful_and_truly_build_a_movement?akid=8033.9992.R1aP5x&rd=1&t=24
Our Rallying Cry Should Be, “We Own Wall Street and We Can Stop Corporate America’s Worst Behavior”
Eliot Spitzer, Slate
http://www.alternet.org/story/153535/eliot_spitzer%3A_our_rallying_cry_should_be_%22we_own_wall_street%2C_and_we_can_stop_corporate_america%27s_worst_behavior%22?akid=8033.9992.R1aP5x&rd=1&t=2
GOP Voter Suppression Plan – Seven Tactics to Block Your Vote in 2012
Steven Rosenfeld, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153509/gop_voter_suppression_plan%3A_seven_tactics_to_block_your_vote_in_2012?akid=8039.9992._LDQyk&rd=1&t=2
How Can the World’s Richest Country Let Children go Hungry? 6 Tricks Corporate Elites Use to Hoard ALL the Wealth
Les Leopold, AlterNet
America is filthy rich, but the money is hidden away by the 1% while poverty rises all around.
http://www.alternet.org/story/153531/how_can_the_world%27s_richest_country_let_children_starve_6_tricks_corporate_elites_use_to_hoard_all_the_wealth?akid=8044.9992.c3EnyH&rd=1&t=5
The 99% Versus Wall Street – Stephen Lerner on How We Can Mobilize to be the Greedy 1%’s Worst Nightmare
Sarah Jaffe, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153541/the_99_versus_wall_street%3A_stephen_lerner_on_how_we_can_mobilize_to_be_the_greedy_1%27s_worst_nightmare?akid=8044.9992.c3EnyH&rd=1&t=2
10 Winning Moments for the 99% in 2011
Sarah Jaffe, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153548/10_winning_moments_for_the_99_in_2011?akid=8055.9992.oU7047&rd=1&t=5
7 of the Nastiest Scams, Rip-Offs and Tricks from Wall Street Crooks
Dave Johnson, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153530/7_of_the_nastiest_scams%2C_rip-offs_and_tricks_from_wall_street_crooks?akid=8055.9992.oU7047&rd=1&t=2
The Dark Side of Reforestation Programs – Planting 7,000 Trees a Day in Brutal Conditions
Brittany Shoot, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153442/the_dark_side_of_reforestation_programs%3A_planting_7%2C000_trees_a_day_in_brutal_conditions?akid=8053.9992.E7w2Js&rd=1&t=27
Revolutions Don’t Happen in a Day – 5 Ways OWS Can Stay Powerful and Truly Build a Movement
Yotam Marom, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153529/revolutions_don%27t_happen_in_a_day%3A_5_ways_ows_can_stay_powerful_and_truly_build_a_movement?akid=8033.9992.R1aP5x&rd=1&t=24
Our Rallying Cry Should Be, “We Own Wall Street and We Can Stop Corporate America’s Worst Behavior”
Eliot Spitzer, Slate
http://www.alternet.org/story/153535/eliot_spitzer%3A_our_rallying_cry_should_be_%22we_own_wall_street%2C_and_we_can_stop_corporate_america%27s_worst_behavior%22?akid=8033.9992.R1aP5x&rd=1&t=2
GOP Voter Suppression Plan – Seven Tactics to Block Your Vote in 2012
Steven Rosenfeld, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153509/gop_voter_suppression_plan%3A_seven_tactics_to_block_your_vote_in_2012?akid=8039.9992._LDQyk&rd=1&t=2
How Can the World’s Richest Country Let Children go Hungry? 6 Tricks Corporate Elites Use to Hoard ALL the Wealth
Les Leopold, AlterNet
America is filthy rich, but the money is hidden away by the 1% while poverty rises all around.
http://www.alternet.org/story/153531/how_can_the_world%27s_richest_country_let_children_starve_6_tricks_corporate_elites_use_to_hoard_all_the_wealth?akid=8044.9992.c3EnyH&rd=1&t=5
The 99% Versus Wall Street – Stephen Lerner on How We Can Mobilize to be the Greedy 1%’s Worst Nightmare
Sarah Jaffe, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153541/the_99_versus_wall_street%3A_stephen_lerner_on_how_we_can_mobilize_to_be_the_greedy_1%27s_worst_nightmare?akid=8044.9992.c3EnyH&rd=1&t=2
10 Winning Moments for the 99% in 2011
Sarah Jaffe, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153548/10_winning_moments_for_the_99_in_2011?akid=8055.9992.oU7047&rd=1&t=5
7 of the Nastiest Scams, Rip-Offs and Tricks from Wall Street Crooks
Dave Johnson, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153530/7_of_the_nastiest_scams%2C_rip-offs_and_tricks_from_wall_street_crooks?akid=8055.9992.oU7047&rd=1&t=2
The Dark Side of Reforestation Programs – Planting 7,000 Trees a Day in Brutal Conditions
Brittany Shoot, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153442/the_dark_side_of_reforestation_programs%3A_planting_7%2C000_trees_a_day_in_brutal_conditions?akid=8053.9992.E7w2Js&rd=1&t=27
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
ABIT OF NEWS TO ROCK YOUR WORLD
Bail-Out Bombshell: Fed “Emergency” Bank Rescue Totaled $29 Trillion Over Three Years
Andres Felkerson, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153462/bail-out_bombshell%3A_fed_%22emergency%22_bank_rescue_totaled_%2429_trillion_over_three_years?akid=8002.9992.BHecgm&rd=1&t=2
Ehrenreich: The Truth Exposed by Occupy Shows that the Real Elites are the Thieves of the 1%, not the Liberals of Conservative Myth
Barbara & John Ehrenreich, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/story/153452/ehrenreich%3A_the_truth_exposed_by_occupy_shows_that_the_real_elites_are_the_thieves_of_the_1%2C_not_the_liberals_of_conservative_myth?akid=8002.9992.BHecgm&rd=1&t=5
NO, The U.S. is NOT Leaving Iraq
Justin Elliott, World News Daily ICH
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article30020.htm
The Best, Worst and Most Overlooked Food Stories of 2011
Ari LeVaux, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153473/the_best%2C_worst_and_most_overlooked_food_stories_of_2011?akid=8014.9992.ukud9C&rd=1&t=2
Obama Reverses Himself: Administration Won’t Veto ‘Global Battlefield’ Indefinite Detentions Measure
Steven Rosenfeld, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153450/obama_reverses_himself%3A_administration_won%27t_veto_%27global_battlefield%27_indefinite_detentions_measure?akid=8003.9992.F0X-Pw&rd=1&t=5
The Fracking Industry Has Bought Off Congress – Here are the Worst Offenders
Scott Thill, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153467/the_fracking_industry_has_bought_off_congress%3A_here_are_the_worst_offenders?akid=8014.9992.ukud9C&rd=1&t=8
6 Stories That You May Have Missed From the Occupy Movement
Lauren Kelley, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153472/6_stories_that_you_may_have_missed_from_the_occupy_movement_?akid=8014.9992.ukud9C&rd=1&t=5
Obama: A Disaster for Civil Liberties
Los Angeles Times Op-Ed
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-turley-civil-liberties-20110929,0,7542436.story
Bail-Out Bombshell: Fed “Emergency” Bank Rescue Totaled $29 Trillion Over Three Years
Andres Felkerson, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153462/bail-out_bombshell%3A_fed_%22emergency%22_bank_rescue_totaled_%2429_trillion_over_three_years?akid=8002.9992.BHecgm&rd=1&t=2
Ehrenreich: The Truth Exposed by Occupy Shows that the Real Elites are the Thieves of the 1%, not the Liberals of Conservative Myth
Barbara & John Ehrenreich, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/story/153452/ehrenreich%3A_the_truth_exposed_by_occupy_shows_that_the_real_elites_are_the_thieves_of_the_1%2C_not_the_liberals_of_conservative_myth?akid=8002.9992.BHecgm&rd=1&t=5
NO, The U.S. is NOT Leaving Iraq
Justin Elliott, World News Daily ICH
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article30020.htm
The Best, Worst and Most Overlooked Food Stories of 2011
Ari LeVaux, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153473/the_best%2C_worst_and_most_overlooked_food_stories_of_2011?akid=8014.9992.ukud9C&rd=1&t=2
Obama Reverses Himself: Administration Won’t Veto ‘Global Battlefield’ Indefinite Detentions Measure
Steven Rosenfeld, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153450/obama_reverses_himself%3A_administration_won%27t_veto_%27global_battlefield%27_indefinite_detentions_measure?akid=8003.9992.F0X-Pw&rd=1&t=5
The Fracking Industry Has Bought Off Congress – Here are the Worst Offenders
Scott Thill, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153467/the_fracking_industry_has_bought_off_congress%3A_here_are_the_worst_offenders?akid=8014.9992.ukud9C&rd=1&t=8
6 Stories That You May Have Missed From the Occupy Movement
Lauren Kelley, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153472/6_stories_that_you_may_have_missed_from_the_occupy_movement_?akid=8014.9992.ukud9C&rd=1&t=5
Obama: A Disaster for Civil Liberties
Los Angeles Times Op-Ed
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-turley-civil-liberties-20110929,0,7542436.story
Friday, December 16, 2011
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
LATEST IN THE NEWS
6 Shocking Revelations About Wall Street’s “Secret Government”
Les Leopold, AlterNet
Top officials willfully concealed the true extent of the 2008/2009 bailouts from Congress and the public.
http://www.alternet.org/story/153274/6_shocking_revelations_about_wall_street%27s_secret_government?akid=7928.9992.tbdq9Z&rd=1&t=2
Thanks to Nurses Union and Occupy Wall Street, Pressure for Wall Street Speculation Tax Grows
Sarah Jaffe, AtlerNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153276/thanks_to_nurses_union_and_occupy_wall_street%2C_pressure_for_wall_street_speculation_tax_grows?akid=7928.9992.tbdq9Z&rd=1&t=15
Our Right to Privacy has Been Systematically Shrunk. What’s Left?
Patricia J. Williams, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/story/153233/our_right_to_privacy_has_been_systematically_shrunk._what%27s_left?akid=7933.9992.eTUuFw&rd=1&t=8
What if They Sent in Social Services to Help Occupations Instead of Riot Cops to Bust Heads?
Joshua Holland, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153257/what_if_they_sent_in_social_services_to_help_occupations_instead_of_riot_cops_to_bust_heads?akid=7933.9992.eTUuFw&rd=1&t=15
GOP Eager to Squelch Student Voters
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/742938/gop_eager_to_squelch_student_voters/#paragraph3
Zuccotti Park’s Owners Owe New York City $139,000 in Back Taxes
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/743421/zuccotti_park%27s_owners_owe_new_york_city_%24139%2C000_in_back_taxes/#paragraph4
20 Ways the Obama Administration Has Intruded on Your Rights
Bill Quigley, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153283/20_ways_the_obama_administration_has_intruded_on_your_rights?akid=7939.82266.jXaZ8n&rd=1&t=15
6 Shocking Revelations About Wall Street’s “Secret Government”
Les Leopold, AlterNet
Top officials willfully concealed the true extent of the 2008/2009 bailouts from Congress and the public.
http://www.alternet.org/story/153274/6_shocking_revelations_about_wall_street%27s_secret_government?akid=7928.9992.tbdq9Z&rd=1&t=2
Thanks to Nurses Union and Occupy Wall Street, Pressure for Wall Street Speculation Tax Grows
Sarah Jaffe, AtlerNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153276/thanks_to_nurses_union_and_occupy_wall_street%2C_pressure_for_wall_street_speculation_tax_grows?akid=7928.9992.tbdq9Z&rd=1&t=15
Our Right to Privacy has Been Systematically Shrunk. What’s Left?
Patricia J. Williams, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/story/153233/our_right_to_privacy_has_been_systematically_shrunk._what%27s_left?akid=7933.9992.eTUuFw&rd=1&t=8
What if They Sent in Social Services to Help Occupations Instead of Riot Cops to Bust Heads?
Joshua Holland, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153257/what_if_they_sent_in_social_services_to_help_occupations_instead_of_riot_cops_to_bust_heads?akid=7933.9992.eTUuFw&rd=1&t=15
GOP Eager to Squelch Student Voters
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/742938/gop_eager_to_squelch_student_voters/#paragraph3
Zuccotti Park’s Owners Owe New York City $139,000 in Back Taxes
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/743421/zuccotti_park%27s_owners_owe_new_york_city_%24139%2C000_in_back_taxes/#paragraph4
20 Ways the Obama Administration Has Intruded on Your Rights
Bill Quigley, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153283/20_ways_the_obama_administration_has_intruded_on_your_rights?akid=7939.82266.jXaZ8n&rd=1&t=15
Monday, December 05, 2011
PERSONAL NEWS #202
Thursday, Nov 3rd, I had an appt with my foot doctor, and afterwards headed into Brooklyn for the monthly BFP board meeting.
Saturday, Nov 5th, I hosted a HP/LOTR/GofT gathering at Casa Charlene which started shortly after 3pm and ended around 9:30pm. Really good gathering and enjoyed it so much with Linda, Debbie, Margaret, Jenna, Carole, Beth and Sam. We partook of wine, delicious food, had a fun raffle and the diverse conversations were great. Some of them got abit passionate; especially regarding the “relationship” between Aunt Petunia and Harry.
Afterwards Sam stuck around to help me clean up the apt, and over tea we discussed photography and other interesting topics. Hum, if I’d been feeling 100% better, well, he’d never have left that night. [wink wink]
Sunday, Nov 6th, I watched part of the NYC marathon, which goes through my neighborhood as it heads towards Queens. Another sunny day though abit on the cool side. Early in the afternoon I headed over to WORD to talk with Jenn [event coordinator] about an event that BFP A&C committee will be hosting end of January 2012 at the bookstore.
Monday evening, Nov 7th, I did abit of volunteering at the WCW national office helping out with a large mailing.
Tuesday evening, Nov 8th, I hosted the 4th meeting of the BFP A&C committee at Casa Charlene, and it was quite productive.
Wednesday, Nov 9th, I took a personal day from work so that I could go to doctor appts in my neighborhood. The furballs were hurling fast and furious in the AM, but by the PM less so with new meds I am on. Was suppose to attend the BFP PF committee meeting in the evening at 7pm, but due to the side effects of the cough syrup with Codeine, well, I had to participate via conf call.
Thursday evening, Nov 10th, I did abit of volunteering at the WCW national office helping out with a large mailing.
Weekend of Nov 12/13 ... wasn’t particularly exciting for me, as I had to cancel plans due to continued illness and stay home. This meant I missed out on seeing the Quidditch World Cup #V at Randall’s Island, but the NYC HP team did really well. I did purchase the final HP film [DH2] on Saturday and watched it several times over the weekend, plus get a much needed pedicure and take care of BFP responsibilities.
Monday, Nov 14th, I took a vacation day from work so that I could go to doctor appts in my neighborhood. Had many tests done and the chest/lung X-ray came back not looking too bad, though Richheimer said Abbot would be able to make a better diagnosis during my upcoming Friday appt. We are still awaiting the test results for stomach sonogram, blood work and urine sample. I am now on Maalox and Omeprazole for this friggin “acid reflux”, which is wreaking havoc on my stomach. Need to suppress it or cure it, so that I can eat bland food and keep it down. How exciting ... not!
Friday, Nov 18th, I had a follow up appt with my lung specialist [Abbot] and learned the previous lung infection is gone, but has been replaced with a mild case of pneumonia, plus I am still experiencing acid reflux. So have new antibiotics to zap the pneumonia and stay indoors all weekend. Just as well, cause dang; it was a windy and cold evening. [Plus, stayed in over the weekend for some much needed R&R, plus had to cancel commitments due to health.] Around 9:30pm that same evening, I participated in the BFP A&C committee conference call regarding our upcoming event at BC on Dec 6th. It’s shaping up quite nicely.
Tuesday, Nov 22nd, I had a follow up appt with my lung doctor, and he said I was improving, but still needed to take it easy over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Friday – Sunday, Nov 25 / 27, I spent the remainder of the Thanksgiving weekend up at my parents homestead in upstate NY. Mom and I watched the “Indiana Jones” movie trilogy marathon on the 26th, plus a mini marathon of “The Big Bang Theory” episodes.
I got my hair done at salon, plus a wee bit of Xmas shopping at local, small businesses, plus, on the 25th, we visited my brother and sister-in-law in Schenectady. Other than that, the rest of the time there was very laid back and low key.
Thursday, Nov 3rd, I had an appt with my foot doctor, and afterwards headed into Brooklyn for the monthly BFP board meeting.
Saturday, Nov 5th, I hosted a HP/LOTR/GofT gathering at Casa Charlene which started shortly after 3pm and ended around 9:30pm. Really good gathering and enjoyed it so much with Linda, Debbie, Margaret, Jenna, Carole, Beth and Sam. We partook of wine, delicious food, had a fun raffle and the diverse conversations were great. Some of them got abit passionate; especially regarding the “relationship” between Aunt Petunia and Harry.
Afterwards Sam stuck around to help me clean up the apt, and over tea we discussed photography and other interesting topics. Hum, if I’d been feeling 100% better, well, he’d never have left that night. [wink wink]
Sunday, Nov 6th, I watched part of the NYC marathon, which goes through my neighborhood as it heads towards Queens. Another sunny day though abit on the cool side. Early in the afternoon I headed over to WORD to talk with Jenn [event coordinator] about an event that BFP A&C committee will be hosting end of January 2012 at the bookstore.Monday evening, Nov 7th, I did abit of volunteering at the WCW national office helping out with a large mailing.
Tuesday evening, Nov 8th, I hosted the 4th meeting of the BFP A&C committee at Casa Charlene, and it was quite productive.
Wednesday, Nov 9th, I took a personal day from work so that I could go to doctor appts in my neighborhood. The furballs were hurling fast and furious in the AM, but by the PM less so with new meds I am on. Was suppose to attend the BFP PF committee meeting in the evening at 7pm, but due to the side effects of the cough syrup with Codeine, well, I had to participate via conf call.
Thursday evening, Nov 10th, I did abit of volunteering at the WCW national office helping out with a large mailing.
Weekend of Nov 12/13 ... wasn’t particularly exciting for me, as I had to cancel plans due to continued illness and stay home. This meant I missed out on seeing the Quidditch World Cup #V at Randall’s Island, but the NYC HP team did really well. I did purchase the final HP film [DH2] on Saturday and watched it several times over the weekend, plus get a much needed pedicure and take care of BFP responsibilities.
Monday, Nov 14th, I took a vacation day from work so that I could go to doctor appts in my neighborhood. Had many tests done and the chest/lung X-ray came back not looking too bad, though Richheimer said Abbot would be able to make a better diagnosis during my upcoming Friday appt. We are still awaiting the test results for stomach sonogram, blood work and urine sample. I am now on Maalox and Omeprazole for this friggin “acid reflux”, which is wreaking havoc on my stomach. Need to suppress it or cure it, so that I can eat bland food and keep it down. How exciting ... not!
Friday, Nov 18th, I had a follow up appt with my lung specialist [Abbot] and learned the previous lung infection is gone, but has been replaced with a mild case of pneumonia, plus I am still experiencing acid reflux. So have new antibiotics to zap the pneumonia and stay indoors all weekend. Just as well, cause dang; it was a windy and cold evening. [Plus, stayed in over the weekend for some much needed R&R, plus had to cancel commitments due to health.] Around 9:30pm that same evening, I participated in the BFP A&C committee conference call regarding our upcoming event at BC on Dec 6th. It’s shaping up quite nicely.
Tuesday, Nov 22nd, I had a follow up appt with my lung doctor, and he said I was improving, but still needed to take it easy over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Friday – Sunday, Nov 25 / 27, I spent the remainder of the Thanksgiving weekend up at my parents homestead in upstate NY. Mom and I watched the “Indiana Jones” movie trilogy marathon on the 26th, plus a mini marathon of “The Big Bang Theory” episodes.
I got my hair done at salon, plus a wee bit of Xmas shopping at local, small businesses, plus, on the 25th, we visited my brother and sister-in-law in Schenectady. Other than that, the rest of the time there was very laid back and low key.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Interesting excerpt from H.G.Wells book “The Outline of History – Pt2” … Under the chapter called “The Renascence of Western Civilization” ... Which reminded me of how things are going, or not going, in today's world and the OWS movement.
It was in the preaching of John Ball [from 1360 to 1381] that England first listened to a declaration of natural equality and the rights of man. ‘Good people,’ cried the preacher, ‘things will never go well in England so long as goods be not in common, and so long as there be villeins and gentlemen. By what right are they whom we call lords greater folk then we? On what grounds have they deserved it? Why do they hold us in serfage?
If we all came of the same father and mother, of Adam and Eve, how can they say or prove that they are better than we, if it be not that they make us gain for them by our toil what they spend in their pride? They are clothed in velvet and warm in their furs and their ermines, while we are covered with rags. They have wine and spices and fair bread; and we oat-cake and straw, and water to drink. They have leisure and fine houses; we have pain and labour, the rain and the wind in the fields.
And yet it is of us and of our toil that these men hold their state.’ A spirit fatal to the whole system of the Middle Ages breathed in the popular rhyme which condensed the leveling doctrine of John Ball: ‘When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?’”
It was in the preaching of John Ball [from 1360 to 1381] that England first listened to a declaration of natural equality and the rights of man. ‘Good people,’ cried the preacher, ‘things will never go well in England so long as goods be not in common, and so long as there be villeins and gentlemen. By what right are they whom we call lords greater folk then we? On what grounds have they deserved it? Why do they hold us in serfage?
If we all came of the same father and mother, of Adam and Eve, how can they say or prove that they are better than we, if it be not that they make us gain for them by our toil what they spend in their pride? They are clothed in velvet and warm in their furs and their ermines, while we are covered with rags. They have wine and spices and fair bread; and we oat-cake and straw, and water to drink. They have leisure and fine houses; we have pain and labour, the rain and the wind in the fields.
And yet it is of us and of our toil that these men hold their state.’ A spirit fatal to the whole system of the Middle Ages breathed in the popular rhyme which condensed the leveling doctrine of John Ball: ‘When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?’”
Monday, October 31, 2011
PERSONAL NEWS #201
Monday evening, October 10th, after work I headed down to Liberty Plaza for 2 hours to be part of the “Occupy Wall Street” protesters, plus take pix. The movement is gaining momentum, not only here but around the country, and the energy felt was intense.
Tuesday, October 11th, I attended the second meeting for the BFP A&C committee in Brooklyn. Three new people [ie: Joel, Sandra & Emily] came onboard and the majority of the meeting was to flesh out the committee’s “mission statement”. Veronica is chair of the committee and I am co-chair.
Friday, October 14th, I had an appt with my lung specialist regarding this friggin lung infection that has been ongoing for 2 weeks. I've been put on strong antibiotics to combat it, and one of the pills has steriods in it.
Sunday, October 16th, I headed up to Goshen, CT to visit with my good friend Katherine and see the new house/barn she and Maurice purchased some time ago. Took the 2+ hour ride on MetroNorth up to Wassaic, NY were Katherine met me at the station. Weather was cool, windy and occasional sunshine. We had a nice, tasty lunch at a Chinese buffet near her Goshen home, plus a tour of house/barn, and then a hike along the “Fox Brook Preserve”, which is next door to their home. I really enjoyed the hike and terrain, plus took lots of pix.
Back at the house we enjoyed hot tea and toast in front of the fireplace, which Maurice stoked up for us. Then the ride back to Wassaic for the long train ride back to NYC.
Tuesday, October 18th, I participated in the monthly Peace Alliance conference call.
Wednesday, October 19th, I attended the monthly BFP PF committee meeting in Cobble Hill [Brooklyn]. Very productive meeting and we got alot accomplished. At each of our BFP PF committee meetings we get to enjoy Mukti's wonderful vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine.
Thursday evening, October 20th, I attended the monthly “Friends of Tolkien” meetup in Manhattan. Always enjoyable and we talked on assorted topics from Tolkien to Game of Thrones.
Saturday, October 22nd, I hosted a soiree at my humble abode called “Putting the Zen back into Citizen”. Been planning this soiree for about two months. Those who attended my soiree were Dawn, Bill, Kai, Charlotte, Kim, Robert, Howard, Eileen, Ed G, Stephanie, Rebecca, Kirby and Veronica.
Main buffet food was catered by Mukti Banerjee and it was delicious. Also, during the soiree, I hosted a raffle of several goodies, and little Kai picked the names out of a hat. Everyone had a terrific time, lots of diverse conversations, networking, and the party ended around 9:30pm. [Pix of Dawn with her son Kai.]
Monday, October 24th, I hosted the BFP A&C committee [i.e.: VN, SI, JC, ES & FM] meeting at my humble abode in the evening. For refreshment, I provided the leftover goodies from my soiree on Saturday. Productive meeting with the finalization of the "mission statement" and planning for the upcoming Brooklyn College event set for December 6th.
Tuesday, October 25th, I had a follow up appt with my lung specialist regarding this ongoing lung infection from end of September. He says my infection is almost gone and put me on a different set of antibiotics.
Thursday evening, October 27th, I attended the “Occupy Brooklyn General Assembly” meeting, which was being held not far from Pratt Institute.
On Saturday, October 29th, a Nor'easter blew through the NYC area leaving 3 inches of wet snow that eventually turned to slush.
Monday evening, October 10th, after work I headed down to Liberty Plaza for 2 hours to be part of the “Occupy Wall Street” protesters, plus take pix. The movement is gaining momentum, not only here but around the country, and the energy felt was intense.
Tuesday, October 11th, I attended the second meeting for the BFP A&C committee in Brooklyn. Three new people [ie: Joel, Sandra & Emily] came onboard and the majority of the meeting was to flesh out the committee’s “mission statement”. Veronica is chair of the committee and I am co-chair.
Friday, October 14th, I had an appt with my lung specialist regarding this friggin lung infection that has been ongoing for 2 weeks. I've been put on strong antibiotics to combat it, and one of the pills has steriods in it.
Sunday, October 16th, I headed up to Goshen, CT to visit with my good friend Katherine and see the new house/barn she and Maurice purchased some time ago. Took the 2+ hour ride on MetroNorth up to Wassaic, NY were Katherine met me at the station. Weather was cool, windy and occasional sunshine. We had a nice, tasty lunch at a Chinese buffet near her Goshen home, plus a tour of house/barn, and then a hike along the “Fox Brook Preserve”, which is next door to their home. I really enjoyed the hike and terrain, plus took lots of pix.
Back at the house we enjoyed hot tea and toast in front of the fireplace, which Maurice stoked up for us. Then the ride back to Wassaic for the long train ride back to NYC.Tuesday, October 18th, I participated in the monthly Peace Alliance conference call.
Wednesday, October 19th, I attended the monthly BFP PF committee meeting in Cobble Hill [Brooklyn]. Very productive meeting and we got alot accomplished. At each of our BFP PF committee meetings we get to enjoy Mukti's wonderful vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine.
Thursday evening, October 20th, I attended the monthly “Friends of Tolkien” meetup in Manhattan. Always enjoyable and we talked on assorted topics from Tolkien to Game of Thrones.
Saturday, October 22nd, I hosted a soiree at my humble abode called “Putting the Zen back into Citizen”. Been planning this soiree for about two months. Those who attended my soiree were Dawn, Bill, Kai, Charlotte, Kim, Robert, Howard, Eileen, Ed G, Stephanie, Rebecca, Kirby and Veronica.
Main buffet food was catered by Mukti Banerjee and it was delicious. Also, during the soiree, I hosted a raffle of several goodies, and little Kai picked the names out of a hat. Everyone had a terrific time, lots of diverse conversations, networking, and the party ended around 9:30pm. [Pix of Dawn with her son Kai.]Monday, October 24th, I hosted the BFP A&C committee [i.e.: VN, SI, JC, ES & FM] meeting at my humble abode in the evening. For refreshment, I provided the leftover goodies from my soiree on Saturday. Productive meeting with the finalization of the "mission statement" and planning for the upcoming Brooklyn College event set for December 6th.
Tuesday, October 25th, I had a follow up appt with my lung specialist regarding this ongoing lung infection from end of September. He says my infection is almost gone and put me on a different set of antibiotics.
Thursday evening, October 27th, I attended the “Occupy Brooklyn General Assembly” meeting, which was being held not far from Pratt Institute.
On Saturday, October 29th, a Nor'easter blew through the NYC area leaving 3 inches of wet snow that eventually turned to slush.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
OCCUPY by Congressman Kucinich [D-Ohio]
An Iraq War veteran who survived two tours of duty gets his skull fractured in ... Oakland! 53 activists arrested in Atlanta. SWAT teams deployed to boot out peaceful protesters.
Recent actions against Occupy protesters are irresponsible and tragic. They're an assault on our democracy. These protesters are bravely exercising their right to freedom of expression, to bring attention to a political and economic system that's rigged against most Americans. I stand with them; and, all Americans -- left and right -- should join me in protecting their freedom to non-violently create change.
This isn't a Democratic or Republican movement. It's not about one party or one policy. It's about standing up to a financial system that's completely backwards. Wall Street banks get billions in bailouts and emerge with massive profits. Most Americans see a program of austerity in a painful economic climate -- benefit cuts, high unemployment, declining wages, and crumbling infrastructure. Congress moved swiftly to "save" banks (something I strongly opposed), and now Congress is paralyzed, unable to create jobs and to save our middle class.
It's no surprise Americans are standing up. Our country's economic policies have consolidated and accelerated wealth to the top. One percent of Americans now control 42% of our wealth. It's not radical to think this is out of balance or to demand a government that is of the people and for the people. I've been to these protests, and I can tell you they're filled with honest, hard working Americans who are concerned with the direction of our country and our economic future.
I am deeply concerned. I'm concerned about an economic system which tethers job creation to China and big banks. We shouldn't have to borrow money from China -- or Japan or South Korea -- to get out of this ditch. We should stop the Fed from giving billions to the big banks. We have to take back the power to manage our own economy, to regain control over our monetary system, consistent with the U.S. Constitution. That's why, one month ago, I introduced the National Emergency Employment Defense (NEED) Act. The legislation would put the Federal Reserve under the Department of the Treasury, and it would help us recapture control of our financial system. As part of the NEED Act, Congress would use its constitutional power to invest in America, creating millions of jobs by putting billions of dollars directly into circulation. And since this money is adding real, tangible value to our national wealth, it will not generate inflation.
We need a financial system that is of the people and for the people. We need to take it back from the big banks. We need economic and social justice. I will continue to support the Occupy movement. I will continue to fight for legislation, including the NEED Act, that sets America on a path of jobs for all, health care for all, education for all, retirement security for all, and peace.
Let's keep this movement alive. Let's keep fighting for economic and social justice. Keep occupying Wall Street. And, with your help, I'll keep occupying Congress.
An Iraq War veteran who survived two tours of duty gets his skull fractured in ... Oakland! 53 activists arrested in Atlanta. SWAT teams deployed to boot out peaceful protesters.
Recent actions against Occupy protesters are irresponsible and tragic. They're an assault on our democracy. These protesters are bravely exercising their right to freedom of expression, to bring attention to a political and economic system that's rigged against most Americans. I stand with them; and, all Americans -- left and right -- should join me in protecting their freedom to non-violently create change.
This isn't a Democratic or Republican movement. It's not about one party or one policy. It's about standing up to a financial system that's completely backwards. Wall Street banks get billions in bailouts and emerge with massive profits. Most Americans see a program of austerity in a painful economic climate -- benefit cuts, high unemployment, declining wages, and crumbling infrastructure. Congress moved swiftly to "save" banks (something I strongly opposed), and now Congress is paralyzed, unable to create jobs and to save our middle class.
It's no surprise Americans are standing up. Our country's economic policies have consolidated and accelerated wealth to the top. One percent of Americans now control 42% of our wealth. It's not radical to think this is out of balance or to demand a government that is of the people and for the people. I've been to these protests, and I can tell you they're filled with honest, hard working Americans who are concerned with the direction of our country and our economic future.
I am deeply concerned. I'm concerned about an economic system which tethers job creation to China and big banks. We shouldn't have to borrow money from China -- or Japan or South Korea -- to get out of this ditch. We should stop the Fed from giving billions to the big banks. We have to take back the power to manage our own economy, to regain control over our monetary system, consistent with the U.S. Constitution. That's why, one month ago, I introduced the National Emergency Employment Defense (NEED) Act. The legislation would put the Federal Reserve under the Department of the Treasury, and it would help us recapture control of our financial system. As part of the NEED Act, Congress would use its constitutional power to invest in America, creating millions of jobs by putting billions of dollars directly into circulation. And since this money is adding real, tangible value to our national wealth, it will not generate inflation.
We need a financial system that is of the people and for the people. We need to take it back from the big banks. We need economic and social justice. I will continue to support the Occupy movement. I will continue to fight for legislation, including the NEED Act, that sets America on a path of jobs for all, health care for all, education for all, retirement security for all, and peace.
Let's keep this movement alive. Let's keep fighting for economic and social justice. Keep occupying Wall Street. And, with your help, I'll keep occupying Congress.
Friday, October 28, 2011
NEWS, NEWS AND MORE NEWS [Pt2]
Pearl Jam’s 20th Anniversary – Two Decades of Activism, Strong Spirits and Inspiration
Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/152728/pearl_jam%27s_20th_anniversary%3A_two_decades_of_activism%2C_strong_spirits_and_inspiration?akid=7719.9992.LmYGkK&rd=1&t=15
3 Ways Ben & Jerry’s and Other Companies are Supporting Occupy Wall Street
Lauren Kelley, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/152687/3_ways_ben_%26_jerry%27s_and_other_companies_are_supporting_occupy_wall_street?akid=7708.9992.X0dYYS&rd=1&t=24
Worst Food Additive Ever? It’s in Half of all Foods We Eat and Its Production Destroys Rainforests and enslaves Children
Jill Richardson, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/152848/worst_food_additive_ever_it%27s_in_half_of_all_foods_we_eat_and_its_production_destroys_rainforests_and_enslaves_children?akid=7769.9992.28qP2C&rd=1&t=15
Occupy Wall Street Goes Global – 900 Protests Around the World, Thousands in Times Square
Justin Elliott, Salon
http://www.alternet.org/story/152752/occupy_wall_street_goes_global%3A_900_protests_around_the_world%2C_thousands_in_times_square?akid=7722.9992.Sqt9QK&rd=1&t=15
Corporate Greed Alert – Wal-Mart Cutting Healthcare Benefits for its Workers
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/684007/corporate_greed_alert%3A_wal-mart_cutting_healthcare_benefits_for_its_workers/#paragraph5
How Much do Americans Really Know About Democracy? Turns Out We Could Learn a Few Things From Nature
Ellen Laconte, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/152680/how_much_do_americans_really_know_about_democracy_turns_out_we_could_learn_a_few_things_from_nature?akid=7722.9992.Sqt9QK&rd=1&t=24
Occupy Wall Street Update – Verizon Workers to March with OWS Today, Bank Transfer Day is November 5th
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/684006/occupy_wall_street_update%3A_verizon_workers_to_march_with_ows_today%2C_bank_transfer_day_is_11_5/#paragraph4
Maher on How the GOP Misunderstands Occupy Wall Street – Not the Counterculture, It’s the Culture
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/684509/maher_on_how_the_gop_misunderstands_occupy_wall_street%3A_not_the_counterculture%2C_it%27s_the_culture/#paragraph3
It’s Not Just Unemployment – New Data Shows Working Americans’ Pay Is “AWFUL”
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/684196/it%27s_not_just_unemployment_--_new_data_shows_working_americans%27_pay_is_%22awful%22/#paragraph5
OWS Protesters Aren’t Jealous, They Just Want Bankers to Stop Cheating
Matt Taibbi, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/685956/taibbi%3A_ows_protesters_aren%27t_jealous%2C_they_just_want_bankers_to_stop_cheating/#paragraph6
As Peaceful Occupy Atlanta is Also Evicted, Pondering the Connection Between Racist Criminal Justice and Unfair Economics
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/685600/as_peaceful_occupy_atlanta_is_also_evicted%2C_pondering_the_connection_between_racist_criminal_justice_and_unfair_economics/#paragraph7
Pearl Jam’s 20th Anniversary – Two Decades of Activism, Strong Spirits and Inspiration
Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/152728/pearl_jam%27s_20th_anniversary%3A_two_decades_of_activism%2C_strong_spirits_and_inspiration?akid=7719.9992.LmYGkK&rd=1&t=15
3 Ways Ben & Jerry’s and Other Companies are Supporting Occupy Wall Street
Lauren Kelley, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/152687/3_ways_ben_%26_jerry%27s_and_other_companies_are_supporting_occupy_wall_street?akid=7708.9992.X0dYYS&rd=1&t=24
Worst Food Additive Ever? It’s in Half of all Foods We Eat and Its Production Destroys Rainforests and enslaves Children
Jill Richardson, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/152848/worst_food_additive_ever_it%27s_in_half_of_all_foods_we_eat_and_its_production_destroys_rainforests_and_enslaves_children?akid=7769.9992.28qP2C&rd=1&t=15
Occupy Wall Street Goes Global – 900 Protests Around the World, Thousands in Times Square
Justin Elliott, Salon
http://www.alternet.org/story/152752/occupy_wall_street_goes_global%3A_900_protests_around_the_world%2C_thousands_in_times_square?akid=7722.9992.Sqt9QK&rd=1&t=15
Corporate Greed Alert – Wal-Mart Cutting Healthcare Benefits for its Workers
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/684007/corporate_greed_alert%3A_wal-mart_cutting_healthcare_benefits_for_its_workers/#paragraph5
How Much do Americans Really Know About Democracy? Turns Out We Could Learn a Few Things From Nature
Ellen Laconte, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/152680/how_much_do_americans_really_know_about_democracy_turns_out_we_could_learn_a_few_things_from_nature?akid=7722.9992.Sqt9QK&rd=1&t=24
Occupy Wall Street Update – Verizon Workers to March with OWS Today, Bank Transfer Day is November 5th
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/684006/occupy_wall_street_update%3A_verizon_workers_to_march_with_ows_today%2C_bank_transfer_day_is_11_5/#paragraph4
Maher on How the GOP Misunderstands Occupy Wall Street – Not the Counterculture, It’s the Culture
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/684509/maher_on_how_the_gop_misunderstands_occupy_wall_street%3A_not_the_counterculture%2C_it%27s_the_culture/#paragraph3
It’s Not Just Unemployment – New Data Shows Working Americans’ Pay Is “AWFUL”
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/684196/it%27s_not_just_unemployment_--_new_data_shows_working_americans%27_pay_is_%22awful%22/#paragraph5
OWS Protesters Aren’t Jealous, They Just Want Bankers to Stop Cheating
Matt Taibbi, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/685956/taibbi%3A_ows_protesters_aren%27t_jealous%2C_they_just_want_bankers_to_stop_cheating/#paragraph6
As Peaceful Occupy Atlanta is Also Evicted, Pondering the Connection Between Racist Criminal Justice and Unfair Economics
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/685600/as_peaceful_occupy_atlanta_is_also_evicted%2C_pondering_the_connection_between_racist_criminal_justice_and_unfair_economics/#paragraph7
