Wednesday, December 30, 2009

RFK, Jr. and Rep. Alan Grayson on Healthcare Reform - PT. 1/2

Two of my favorite people, Ring of Fire's Bobby Kennedy Jr. and Florida's Representative Alan Grayson speak out on Healthcare Reform, the Public Option, and SPEAKING OUT. Grayson is the GOP's #1 target for 2010. Please DONATE

Happy New Year Lift

As we end the first decade -- or almost end it, depending on your point of view, take a moment for a little LOL kitty humor -- quick and sweet.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

TImes Square Peace Rally - 12-2-09

With the World March for Peace and Nonviolence event at All Souls, I and a hundred or so others were conflicted from attending this event. It was great to be able to see THIS snippet from the OTHER peace event, thanks to Air America / Radio or Not's Nicole Sandler.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Celebration of World March for Peace by All Souls NY

The World March for Peace and Nonviolence was here in NYC last week and the march was celebrated at an event Dec. 2nd at All Souls in Manhattan, sponsored by their Peace Task Force and co-sponsored by other groups including Fellowship of Reconciliation, Peace Action for New York State, Metro New York Religious Campaign Against Torture, Code Pink, and Brooklyn For Peace. Joe Friendly filmed the event and made this composite video which portrays the good flavor of the evening's 2+ hour program in only 11:17 minutes. Thanks to All Souls Unitarian Church for hosting and Joe Friendly for filming -- and of course the World March for Peace and Nonviolence for marching!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Pumpkin soup


Pumpkin soup
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Easy to make soup from CSA organic pumpkin: delicious!

I was inspired from Tassajara Cooking by Edward Espe Brown. "The way to be a cook is to cook." The recipes in the book are sketchy but even sketchy recipes work as a recipe depends a lot on the flavors, size (relative, unless measured, and even then preference matters more), and intensity of the ingredients. The CSA season has ended and I had two small pumpkins which my share partner ceded to me. (She was pleased to be gifted with some of the soup!) I took one and dived in:

Ingredients:
Pumpkin, onion, (sea) salt, (olive) oil, water, cinnamon, nutmeg

After removing seeds and stringy stuff, cut pumpkin (unpeeled worked) into one inch or so chunks. take a onion (mine was large not huge), and saute for two minutes, add the pumpkin and saute five more minutes. Then add 1 cup of water and simmer covered (stirring occasionally) for about 45 minutes until soft and watery. Puree in blender or food processor, add a little more water if necessary. Heat. Add a little sea salt, then kiss each serving with some grated cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for a stormy night -- or a sunny day -- whenever you have an extra pumpkin. Not just for jack-o-lanterns or pie!


Friday, December 4, 2009

R.I.P. Liam Clancy

Liam passed today. So very special indeed -- thank God and modern creations that his music can live on. He has blessed us with many a song and has touched many a heart. To Liam! Together with his brothers and Tommy Makem again. 1935-2009

Senator Sanders: Bernanke Hold, Floor Speech

Listen to my hero Senator Bernie Sanders' floor speech on blocking Bernanke's reappointment to the Fed -- Bernanke's leadership has been disastrous. AND the Fed should be transparent. If you care about the economy and the middle class, Bernie should be your hero, too. Follow him on Twitter as @senatorsanders

Monday, November 30, 2009

Carrickfergus - Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem

Liam Clancy does this Irish song up proud and Tommy Makem provides an amusing coda. This is from their 1984 reunion tour when the lads were young and vibrant. (Don't wait for March 17th to hear it.)

Reporters Without Borders: Craig Aaron on Net Neutrality (Sous-titres en francais)

Why preserve net neutrality? Check out this excellent description of internet neutrality: Reporters Without Borders' interview of Craig Aaron. Thanks to Free Press for providing this easy to share little url on Facebook: http://bit.ly/4HoEdy. Craig is their Communications Director. (FYI, good way to practice your reading of French, as it is in English with French subtitles :-) Then you might be inspired to RT this: Let's reach 2 million for Net Neutrality! Save the Internet: bit.ly/4qMVWI #netneutrality (via @freepress) -- thanks!!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) vs. Sick Arkansans

Senator Blanche Lincoln says her first loyalties are with the people of Arkansas NOT the insurance industry -- oh yeah? This short FireDogLake.com video splices Blanche with Arkansans at the free healthcare day -- I hope she sees it and that it inspires primary opposition her insensitivity deserves.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

SARAH PALIN BOOK SIGNING - Interviews with Supporters

This is scary -- These folks in Columbus, Ohio, have drunk the koolaide and blindly follow Sarah Palin although they cannot articulate answers on her policies and positions. OMG deliver us from Sarah Palin and her supporters. (I lived in Ohio 14 years and fear for my family still living there.)

Senator Menendez for Health Care Reform and US!

On his Monday show, Thom Hartmann played an excerpt of NJ Senator Menendez speech for Healthcare reform which I found on YouTube. It contrasts the Party of NO with the party of the people that reaches for reform and progress. Let's hope Menendez and the American people win out against the healthcare industry and the Big Business lovers who prefer the status quo. We need a robust public option and so much more -- will we get anything of value after all are hard work for the 47 million uninsured and all those underinsured and weighed down by healthcare costs? Speak up NOW. Call/Write/Talk about it to our legislators, friends, newspapers, talk shows. Healthcare reform now.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Joan Baez - God is God

Just watched the PBS American Masters special on Joan Baez and had to google this Steve Earle song Joan sang. Found this easily, thanks to Faithful Progressive October 14th posting. Under five minutes, take a listen.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Sesame Street - Sing and Celebrate 40 years

Happy 40th anniversary to Sesame Street! The poster of this video NantoVision posts some great things, fyi. Now, let's make a donation to the Sesame Street Children's Television Workshop to keep the singing and counting and reading and laughter coming.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Quick Note to DCCC

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee sent a request for a donation. In their envelope was returned this note:

Donate to campaigns of BLUE DOGS?
Muzzle the BLUE DOGS -- the awful Stupak Amendment & Where is the PUBLIC OPTION & Real Healthcare Reform? SINGLE PAYER? Where is Progressive Change?!?
-- And PEACE PLEASE!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Made Theatre, post vigil


Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig give great performances in A Steady Rain. (It is good to do TWO things on a Sunday evening.)

Made Theatre, post vigil
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

More on Marriage Equality


Multimedia message
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
The 2nd photo from the marriage equality vigil at NY Senator Onorato's office. Folks were urged to call Senator Onorato at 518.455.3486 and leave a message with full name and address. "Say that you want a YES vote on marriage." This is more than marriage, however, it is a human rights issue

Multimedia message


Multimedia message
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Speaking out for marriage equality in NY at Senator Onorato's office.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Healthy barley risotto

My favorite CSPI's Nutrition Action Healthletter has recipe videos -- why didn't I see this before. Anyway, this healthy barley risotta looks sooooo yummy. Video is under five minutes.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Senator Sanders Unfiltered: Environment + Economy = Harmony

America's Senator Bernie Sanders speaks out on energy efficiency and the environment -- The latest weekly Sanders Unfiltered can be delivered to you on Facebook, email, Twitter, or podcast -- or seen on YouTube if you subscribe there. Go to "SandersUnfiltered.com for more info.

MSNBC's Maddow and Prof. Jonathan Turley - Legality of drone strikes

The return of Professor Jonathan Turley -- hurrah! -- and he and Rachel Maddow take on a serious discussion of US drone strikes on Pakistan. War and more war -- but wait, are we at war with Pakistan? Oh, the War on Terror. So that allows us to terrorize people in another country with whom we are not at war? OMG. What are we doing? And how can it be considered legal?

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

State Dept Diplomat Quits! Afghanis Fighting Because We're Occupying Their Country!

Video Thanks to http://MOXNews.com/
October 28, 2009 CNN

Blessings to you

"May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being."
~Apache Blessing♥ (via Valerie Ann Tuttle)

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Senate Healthcare Bill still too Weak




If you watched Rachel Maddow last night you may be feeling as uneasy about this as I. The opt out feature is not good (though Medicare had this same feature and no state opted out), but that individuals who have crappy insurance can't opt in to a better public plan is worse. And 2013 is too long to wait. As Senator Ron Wyden said, we progressives have to stay at this and demand to get more. Keep calling, writing. It's not over.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Senator Sanders Unfiltered: Return to the Gilded Age

"One of things that we have got to place on the table as progressives is to say, 'There is something profoundly and morally wrong when the top 1% earns more income than the bottom 50%, when the top 1% owns more wealth than the bottom 90%, when CEOs of large corporations earn 400 times what their workers make. This is not what America is supposed to be.'" -- Senator Bernie Sanders, October, 2009

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

GRITtv: Interview with Chris Hedges (1/2)

Laura Flanders interviews author Chris Hedges whose book Empire of Illusion is a riveting eye-opener. His message is a dire and important one for America and Americans. Watch this (and segment 2 of the interview) and buy his book. (And maybe I will see if I can at least get Barbara Ehrenreich's book Bright-Sided from the library and give it a change -- see other posting.)

GRITtv: Barbara Ehrenreich: "Bright-Sided" (1/2)

Interesting topic, it was also covered in Chris Hedges' Empire of Illusion. I think it is a question of degrees. Positive outlook can be a wonderful tool -- seeing the silver lining -- but taken to an extreme can be detrimental illusion. I believe in being positive but also recognize the right to grieve and to work out problems. That said, Barbara Ehrenreich's new book looks like a downer. She's done great stuff, please watch this and and segment two, but I think I'll give the book a pass. Anger doesn't feed my spirit to action. Vision and being positive in moderation does. Full title: "Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America".

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Peace to Liberty


Peace to Liberty
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Fellowship of Reconciliation holds its Peace on the River Cruise today.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Democracy Now: 61 Arrested Protesting War, Torture Outside White House

Eight years of a war with no meaning, much torture, too much blood shed for no noble cause. Elizabeth McAlistar, mother of another activist Frida Berrigan and widow of Phil, speaks up. Let President Obama know by phone and at whitehouse.gov: bring them home NOW -- and end torture and rendition. Thanks!!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Senator Sanders and Michael Moore

Love Senator Bernie Sanders -- he's in Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story opening nationwide today. Here, Michael asks him a questions as part of the SandersUnfiltered.com series. Watch this, and be sure to see Michael Moore's film. (Living in NYC has early-viewing benefits :-)

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Merry Christmas (?)

Came home tonight and found my packet of Christmas Seals from the American Lung Association. I LOVE Christmas seals and remember adding them to my mom's little angel Christmas cards as I was growing up. I do NOT remember getting them in September, however. Keep Christmas with you, all through the year! Okay. But it still seems strange. (And I have three 2010 calendars so far, and counting :-)

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Maddow Show: FDL's Hamsher - Putting spine into Democrats

FDL's Jane Hamsher was fantastic on MSNBC's Rachel Maddow show: articulate and strong regarding holding ConservaDems to the will of We the People. Call 'em out for what they are, more artfully and truthfully than Joe Wilson. This four minute segment says a LOT. For more on target information, see FireDogLake.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

CSA Pasta #1


CSA Pasta #1
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Kale, wheat fettucine, garlic, crushed red pepper, EV olive oil, oregano, sea salt, frozen veggie stock cubes to finish cooking -- yummy way to use up the CSA kale. Actually made something similar to use up swiss chard. Used rotini pasta -- fried garlic with some CSA onion in the EVOO but omitted oregano. Another version used some cherry tomatoes: nice touch.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Kitty at Pfish In


FW: Kitty at Pfish In
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Cosy Cat at South Bethany Beach -- my brother Greg's family cat, who joined us for our family reunion.

Kevin and Laura


Kevin and Laura
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
On South Bethany Beach.

At the Beach


At the Beach
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Finally, a beach day: baby Marco and his mother Ellie. South Bethany Beach, DE.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Marc Crawford Leavitt for Queens Borough President

My friend and neighbor Marc Crawford Leavitt is running in the Sept. 15th Democratic Primary for president of the Borough of Queens in New York City. Please watch his three minute statement and share with Queens Democrats. Thanks!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Yummy CSA Food


Yummy CSA Food
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Breakfast included delicious CSA cantaloupe. Marion Nestle would approve. I am currently reading her book What to EAT: An Aisle-by-Aisle Guide to Savvy Food Choices and Good Eating. CSA = Community Supported Agriculture -- see SunnysideCSA.com.

Literary Lion


FW: Literary Lion
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
I love the NY Public Library lions, as do the pigeons. This photo was taken July 8th and just rediscovered. (FYI, there are a lot of Leos in my life.)

Friday, September 4, 2009

Writing the White House On-Line

Not getting through on the White House Comment Line -- 202-456-1111, I've called through the White House line: 202-456-1414 and have been transferred. BUT, I also urge people to WRITE a progressive message at the WhiteHouse.gov comment page. I left THIS comment:

Be a Roosevelt -- NOT a Clinton.

People before Profits -- any healthcare reform must NOT benefit the greedy insurance industry. We need Single Payer -- an expanded improved Medicare for All, or at least all who WANT it. The only compromise is an affordable comprehensive STRONG Public Option WITHOUT the need for extra insurance polices.

NOTE: Any healthcare reform without at least a strong public option is UNACCEPTABLE.

Basic healthcare should NOT be a matter of profit but available to ALL.

DO NOT BETRAY YOUR BASE


I pray God that President Obama gets the message and speaks to this next Wednesday.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Why We Need Government-Run Universal Socialized Health Insurance

This is a cartoon explanation. It is simply brilliant -- well stated in a simple way, something to forward to your friends who are in the 25 per cent unsure about healthcare AND with points to use in calls/letters to our congress critters. WATCH IT -- 4 and a half minutes. THANKS.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

KKK leader disarmed by love and humor

There's a lesson here in the success of nonviolence. Great story: Former KKK leader Johnny Lee Clary speaks of his life changing encounters with Reverend Wade Watts, a brave and fearless NAACP leader, -- worth the 4 minutes of your time! -- Thanks to Cory Doctorow on BoingBoing.com via comedian Lizz Winstead.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Howard Dean addresses Netroots Nation

Watch Dr. Howard Dean speak eloquently and authoritvely on the need for healthcare reform. MonNewsDotCom on YouTube has divided his talk into 7 parts. This is Part One. Enjoy!

Maddow: End Game w/ George Felos

Rachel talks with the Schivo fmily lawyer about the end of life decisions that doctors and patients would have had covered under the healthcare reform bill -- except the misleading euthanasia discussion is muddying the waters. Well done -- only 8:49 seconds.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Fight back against health insurance lies

This is a real eye-opened about UnitedHealthcare CEO Stephen Hemsley -- He makes oodles of money and spends it extravagantly while people die from health coverage denial (and lack of any healthcare). This video juxtaposes healthcare stories and what portion of his salary would pay for the needed treatment. Spend 6 minutes and watch it -- Thanks!

Keith Olbermann Unmasks Those Killing Healthcare Reform

Here is another great Olbermann rant, thanks to mmflint on YouTube, Michael Moore -- so maybe unlike CSpanJunkie's great clips maybe, just maybe, it will remain up long enough to help save what's left of our democracy. When the rest of the corporate media isn't refuting the obvious lies while people are being deluged by far right commentary, what chance does are country have. Watch -- and speak up, folks!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Plastic Safety

"You are what you eat" -- and drink -- and we get exposed to a lot of plastics. Gifted with a plastic water bottle from my company, I pondered then googled its plastic information: 1 pete water bottle. Some results follow:

Less Leaching Plastic: #2, 4, & 5
More Leaching Plastic: #1, 3, 6, & 7
(The above with good information from Bonnie Penner posted at PattyCake.ca.)

The same article stressed not reusing commercial water bottles, advised not heating the plastic, and reminded that if you taste the plastic, you are drinking the plastic. (Makes me want to check the Brita Pitcher and a few other water bottles and thermal coffee cups to see if they are the less leaching plastic.) Stainless steel is best.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Rachel Maddow - outrageous corporate thuggery behind anti-health care 'activists'

The average middle class millionaires and lobbyists of RecessRalley.com ralleying people against healthcare reform are uncovered -- proving once more that this isn't grassroots but astroturf, and those little guys buying in and spreading the mission are crabgrass [thanks, Dan Jacoby!]. Outrageous indeed!

UPDATE: RecessRalley.com either got too many hits and/or has been shut down, thanks to Rachel Maddow shedding light on the average middle class millionaires behind the town hall hijacking. I've had fun googling RecessRalley.com. Thanks, FireDogLake.com for posting Rachel's video so quickly.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Taxpayers and Bank Bonuses

According to New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Citigroup, Merrill Lynch and 7 other US banks paid out $32.6 billion dollars in bonuses in 2008 while receiving $175 billion in taxpayer funds under the federal Troubled Asset Relief Program. Ouch!

World March for Peace, NYC

Please watch and share this very positive, upbeat, peace-full AND peace-bringing video with all its positive energy and great NYC scenes with its wonderful ethnic mix of people out for peace on earth. Hope many more people spread the song and feeling AND endorse the World March for Peace and Nonviolence, beginning Oct 2, 2009 thru Jan 2, 2010. THANKS!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Bill Maher - New Rules about Profit

Bill Maher aptly takes on the for-profit healthcare industry, the for-profit prison industry, war profiteering and the for-profit news industry. There are some places where the profit motive does not belong. Watch, consider, act. We're #50 in life expectancy and #1 in prisons and war? And is the news media making that point? Hmmmm.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

John (Torture Memo) Yoo Mocked In His Own Classroom

The Chasers War on Everything link reposted here with Kent Jones' and Rachel Maddow's great editorial comments.

Chasers War on Everything - John Yoo

Kent Jones aired this Chasers War on Everything segment on Rachel Maddow's MSNBC show last night. It aptly questions John Yoo about torture. Stunning political theatre -- and I love the final comment about Human Rights. Only a minute and a half -- please give a listen.

Several friends have taken the Facebook Universal Healthcare poll, Are you in favor of a government run healthcare system? Yes. No. Maybe.

The poll puts me in a quandary. I commented to a friend's voting yes:

Government run? Like the Veteran's system? I'm more in favor of government PAID healthcare: single payer -- an expanded and improved Medicare for all. And I would consider the public option as a compromise position. What I do know is I want insurance companies OUT. The profit motive has no place in healing. And the health industry is paying $1.3 million a day in lobbying that it keeps its greedy hold over peoples lives. If I take the poll I have to lie and say yes or my vote would likely be misinterpreted. We absolutely need affordable comprehensive healthcare for all -- and it really shouldn't be tied to jobs. Now let's all call Congress and tell them so including Blue Dog Dem Mike Ross from Arkansas. Thanks for caring, Brandon!

So now, do I take the poll to build momentum and misrepresent my position? I am not opposed to the Veterans Hospital system -- I don't think we need it over-all. Just expand and improve Medicare, congress! Now, to contact congress AGAIN. (And maybe I will call Mike Ross who needs to know his Blue Dog naysaying is affecting us all.)

Monday, July 20, 2009

To Read: Righteous Porkchop

I've just been listening to a great Ring of Fire podcast segment featuring an interview by Bobby Kennedy Jr. of vegetarian attorney activist Nicolette Hahn Niman, author of Righteous Porkchop, Finding a Life -- and Good Food -- Beyond Factory Farms. Did you know a chicken is not an animal, and therefore not entitled to laws about animal cruelty? Egg laying hens are cramped 6-9 hens per cage, live a gruesome life and when they are spent at 1 year of age they are vacuumed into a chopper while they are totally alive -- there is no attempt to make this painless or fearless.

Niman is now married to a humane cattle rancher where animals are treated relatively well. (Okay, I'm a vegetarian so I use the term relative) The disappearance of the family farmer by these large soulless corporate system should be a concern of all of us since our food supply is suffering as a result. There are hopeful signs of it shifting -- including CSAs and green markets -- but there is much to be done. Read the book or at least check out the podcast.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Add your name: WeWantThePublicOption.com

I did. And I donated, too. I want this add seen and the message out about these Democratic dunderheads who don't care about the health of We The People, only about filling their political coffers from the Insurance Industry -- and others. (Campaign Finance Reform SOON, too, please!)

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Beck Loses it, Screams At Caller: "Get Off My Phone You Little Pinhead!"

When Glenn Beck doesn't have the facts on his side regarding health care, he stoops to screaming and yelling. I hope people keep this soundbite handy and re-use his shrieking whenever appropriate -- what a nut case! He needs healthcare. Mental healthcare.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Turley: We Are Begining To Look Like The Countries We Despise!

More and more comes out about the shenanigans of the "Bush crime family". George Washington University Law Professor and Constitutional law expert Jonathan Turley and Keith Olbermann discuss the illegality and the Democrats not wanting to prosecute the blatant transgressions (warrantless wiretaps et al.). To prosecute is not popular, but to ignore is likely worse. Watch this July 10th excerpt and make up your own mind. (I'm contacting Congress -- again.)

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Tell Media: Include Single-Payer in Healthcare Debate

Tell Media: Include Single-Payer in Healthcare Debate

This is such an important issue -- the public option cannot be a realistic compromise without mention of Single Payer which is really the best solution to our healthcare crisis. The fact that this story is also slow on Diggs shows the effectiveness of the corporate media blackout. People aren't aware. This story so needs to be unburied. I've signed FAIR's petition (and I love their CounterSpin podcast, fyi). I firmly recommend you do likewise. Thanks!

Shared via AddThis

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

The Cost of Health -- Insurance vs The Public Option

This video provides food for thought. Think about it -- then call your Congressmembers -- House AND Senate. Thanks!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Marc Crawford Leavitt, Candidate at Flag Day Parade

Hey Queens friends, -- If you haven't seen this short piece about Marc Crawford Leavitt, Democratic candidate for Queens Borough president, please take a look. Learn more about his campaign at MarcCrawfordLeavitt.com and consider joining me in making a contribution. Thanks!

Sesame Street - One Little Star

YouTube holds treasures, this one a song One Little Star from Sesame Street, 1985, which could/should be part of a general repertoire. Subscribing to NantoVision brings gems from both Sesame Street and The Electric Company and brings cause for a smile, a sigh, admiration, a memory, much gratitude. Enjoy this and check out NantoVision and Nanto Vision2, which includes Zoom segments.

Friday, July 3, 2009

GRITtv: F Word: Dems Have the Majority: Where Is the Change We Believed In?

We've been asking Laura's question and we've been wondering why Dems have opted to go bi-partisan with Republicans who only know how to say no. We didn't vote for a stultified congress -- come on, Congress. We want Single Payer healthcare or at the very least a comprehensive affordable public option. (Sca-rew the health industry. They've sca-rewed US!)

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Sen. Bernie Sanders on Passing Healthcare Reform Legislation

Speaking of Senator Bernie Sanders, FireDogLake has posted this great segment from MSNBC's Countdown -- hey, Senators, get behind my/our hero of We the People, Bernie Sanders!!

Dems are Selling out on Healthcare!

Mike Papantonio gives it to Senator Max Baucus and the Democrats for being pawns to the filthy wealthy healthcare lobby. 72% of Americans want meaningful healthcare reform because they are getting that money from US. Democrats must stop being "triangulating gutless moderates". Hey you guys, listen to Senator Bernie Sanders!! Single Payer or at the very least a comprehensive affordable public option NOW!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Bill Maher Panel Highlights - June 19, 2009

HEALTHCARE is the main focus of much of this (followed by a great quotation by Paul Begala about 7 minutes in re Catholics and sex.) Why is the US spending so much more than everyone else to be #37 in healthcare? Blame the health INDUSTRY, including the AMA, which is only 25% of the doctors, mind you. SINGLE PAYER HEALTHCARE NOW -- the public option is the COMPROMISE -- and it must be affordable and comprehensive. NOTE: We should accept NOTHING LESS.

IRAN PROTEST 2009 MOVIE 0001

This Iran protest movie is haunting, with beautiful music adding to the message. Do give it a watch. The poster SURVIVORSofEVIL says, "This is a video i made for the Iranian people. I am very proud of you. Thank you for being real freedom fighters. This is dedicated to all of those that have lost their lives and all of those that risked losing their life. RIP NEDA AGHA SULTAN and the many others"

Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Mexie and Bumble Bee Diet

There hasn't been a tasty tidbit in a while, but instead let's document the Mexie and Bumble Bee Diet. Went into the store to pick up Hershey miniatures and horror of horrors they are now made in MEXICO. Back on the shelf they went. Down with non-Hershey PA Hershey miniatures! Gotta call and/or write and complain! Join me: 800-468-1714 and The Hershey Company, Hershey Pennsylvania 17093-0815, USA. As for the Mexie Chocolates, let 'em rot on the shelves! Calorie count: ZERO.

Then went to make cold Catholic Special and found that Bumble Bee tuna now comes in 5 oz. cans, not six. That'll save a few calories! Though in truth in cold Catholic special the amount is not critical but NOTICED. Did they think we wouldn't?!?!

FYI, make Cold Catholic Special by tossing together your favorite cooked pasta (I used tri-color 100% semolina this time), the tuna, some chopped celery, some chopped (red) onion, Hellman's mayonnaise, some salt and pepper. Sprinkle with paprika and top with some hard boiled egg slices and some celery leaf to make it pretty if you are taking it somewhere: Not diet food but YUMMY and a Tasty Tidbit -- I haven't forgotten you, my foodie friends (Yes, YUMMY, as is HOT Catholic Special, but that's another post.)

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Whip It Day 1 for Affordable Comprehensive Healthcare

HEALTHCARE ACTION NOW -- Call Congress (both houses) and tell them You want Single Payer, and if that isn't possible THEN the Public Option Effective Day One IS the COMPROMISE -- NOT a co-op plan. This video is 3 and a half minutes long. Congressional Switchboard Phone: 202-224-3121

Thanks!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Relaxing Music - Nature Scenes

The nature clips are from India, the music is ambient and peace-full, "Still" from Lunar Khandro by Jai Larkan, through Astronomy Records: breathe, release, relax.....

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Family 2


Family 2
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Gina, MD, Aunt Betty Murphy, cousin Pat Coyne, Kate Anne

Family 1


Family 1
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Aunt Betty Murphy, Barbara Pfister Miles, Uncle John Pfister, Pat Coyne in Erie.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Countdown-Dr. Howard Dean: On Healhcare

Dr. Howard Dean says the public should absolutely be allowed to have their choice of a public option, even Single Payer, if that is what the public demands. Single Payer would be based on an expanded improved Medicare. Any public option in the Healthcare bill should be as well -- and not some watered down insurance industry approved destined to fail "choice". (Healthcare should be about healing people, not profit!)

Countdown-Still Bushed!: tortured prisoner Lakhdar Boumediene of Red Crescent speaks

Keith Olbermann reflects on Lakhdar Boumediene statement's to ABC news and asks an important question on who should be imprisoned -- an innocent man or a man who started a war to start a war -- and make money for all those military contractors.

Lakhdar Boumediene statement on Torture to ABC news

An innocent man, Lakhdar Boumediene was held for over seven years in Guantanamo and subjected to various torture methods. Glenn Greenwald on Salon.com writes about how such treatment reflects on the state of our US policies.

Dennis Kucinich: It's Time To End This War! No More Funding!

Rep. Kucinich points out in this short video that the War Funding Supplemental bill does not address the concern of peace activists: withdrawing troops, transparency, and a stated exit plan (these additions to the bill were rebuffed). There is nothing in this funding bill to make it palatable to those who care abut peace. Let's tell our Congressmembers, "No more funding. Bring the troops home now."

Sunday, June 7, 2009

American SiCKO Donna Smith and Bill Moyers Give Max Baucus a One-Two Punch

One protestor aptly said to Senator Baucus, "Healthcare should be for Patients, NOT for Profits." We don't need to throw more money into the same broken system. We need Single Payer Healthcare, an expanded and improved Medicare. Thanks to Michael Moore for posting this Bill Moyers' segment. (17:35 min.)

Dr. Marcia Angell: Single Payer is the ONLY Option

WATCH THIS. Dr. Marcia Angell has the high regard of Senator Bernie Sanders, who recently said, "I think we will try to get a hearing in the HELP Committee. I think the importance of the hearing is not that it will change minds but that the American people -- and Congress -- should hear the facts about the enormous waste and bureaucracy and profiteering associated with private health insurance. Not to deal with that is mind-blowing."

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Senator Bernie Sanders for Single Payer

Senator Bernie Sanders: "How does it happen that after we spend twice as much per capita on healthcare as any other nation we end up being the only major country in the world that does not guarantee healthcare to every man woman and child in a comprehensive way? ...

"The way that we [should] move is to say:
  • Every American is entitled to healthcare
  • It has got to be comprehensive healthcare
  • The function of healthcare is not to make money for private health insurance company but to provide cost effective healthcare to all Americans....
"The only conclusion that you reach is that a Single Payer system is where we need to go as a nation....The function of health insurance companies is not to provide healthcare, it is to deny healthcare because every dollar they don't spend on healthcare is another dollar that they are making in profits."
-- [As heard on Ring of Fire Radio, May 30 and 31st, Air America Radio, available by podcast via iTunes, but current show playable here.]

Monday, May 25, 2009

Mancow Waterboarded

"Absolutely Torture" -- and waterboarding is only a part of what has gone on, thanks to the last administration's illegal behavior. This Chicago radio host, Erich Mancow Muller, was shocked to see how it affected him to undergo a "safe" waterboard, when he knows he could holler "uncle" and stop it. Think of the people who cannot get them to stop. They would say anything to make 'em stop. God forgive us.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Rachel Maddow: Indefinite detention? Shame on you... President Obama

Should we give to President Obama an authority we wouldn't trust to a President Bush or future Republican presidents? The policy of "preventive detention' is scary and leads us down a very slippery slope. I didn't vote for President Obama to have him legalize thought crimes or try to read my or anyone's mind. This is an outrage to traditional American values and sounds like something out of a scary science fiction movie. NO to preventive detention. (And how many people of color or liberals would be locked up by certain others following a variant of this policy??) No. No. No.

I have left the above comment on the White House comment form and urge others to do likewise and contact Congress, too. (Thanks, FireDogLake for the Rachel Maddow YouTube clip.) For more info, google and search Twitter, but also check out Glenn Greenwald here and here, especially and listen to his iTunes podcast with ACLU Attorney Ben Wizner on the subject. Also for clarity/focus/comments read Behind Blue Eyes' Obama Proposes Indefinite Preventive Detention without trial.   And remember to check for terms indefinite detention and prolonged detention. Bottom line: This is not peace-keeping, this is democracy erosion. I want my country back not a fascist America or a daddy state. Act, please.

Torture: Policy differences or high crimes?

Torture -- Is it just in the past? And should should such a past ever go unprosecuted as a "policy difference"? After Downing Street's David Swanson speaks out on TheRealNews (I just subscribed to this YouTube channel, fyi: stuff we need to hear.)

Monday, May 18, 2009

Ridgewood Democratic Club Dinner on June 10th

Please consider supporting the Ridgewood Democratic Club Dinner to be held June 10, 2009. (FYI, Kate Ann a/k/a Kate Anne is one of the honorees with a community service award.) Buy a journal ad and/or come. Download the form for details.

Thanks!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

AIDS Walk 2009


AIDS Walk 2009
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne
Leon and the Peoples sing at the post AIDS Walk concert as folks wait for the 2009 talley. Over $5.6 million was raised during tough economic times. Huzzah!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Traitor Dems Cause Foreclosure Bill to go Down

Bank lobbyists persuaded traitorous conservative Democratic senators to vote against American homeowners this past week in Dick Durbin's bill which would have allowed judges to have mortgages renegotiated for Americans facing foreclosure on their mortgages on their initial homes, just like the wealthy can have done on their mortgages on second homes. Huffington Post listed their names and contact info after Arianna Huffington appeared on Countdown with Keith Olbermann. Call and tell the senators what you think of their traitorous votes (and tell them you are donating to their primary opposition -- then do it!):

Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) (202) 224-2651
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) (202) 224-5852
Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) (202) 224-3954
Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE) (202) 224-2441
Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) (202) 224-2551
Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) (202) 224-5842
Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) (202) 224-5824
Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) (202) 224-4843
Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) (202) 224-6551
Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) (202) 224-2353
Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) (202) 224-4254
Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) (202) 224-2644

Reporting on Huffington Post, Ryan Grim documented the dollar amounts these traitors received from the banks -- in essence TAX payer stimulus money -- ARGH

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Attorney General Considers Outside Counsel To Investigate Torture

Please listen to this excellent piece by Rachel Maddow about torture and President Obama's hesitancy to prosecute it. If we are going to restore America's integrity, we must follow the law. Like it or not, President Obama, we must look back so we can look forward to a better future. See this and call the White House 202-456-1111.

We Should Be Able to Use Waterboarding? Senator Lieberman!

Lieberman lacks ethics and information if he believes that waterboarding isn't really torture and can work. When I see such interviews I gain some solace for Senator Al Gore's having had his presidential election stolen. We would have had Lieberman a heartbeat away from the presidency!!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

End the Death Penalty

"We should not waste one instant, one day, one cent, one dime serving death."
- Gov. Martin O'Malley, (D) Maryland

Gov. O'Malley spoke out on his stand on Rachel Maddow's show last night as he continues to work to end the death penalty. Rachel noted the governor is part of Celtic Rock band, O'Malley's March.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Rev. Lawson on Today's Economic Crisis

Laura Flanders of GritTV and Firedog Lake did an excellent interview of Civil Rights great Rev. James Lawson at the March on Wall Street this past Saturday. He contends that there is a link between plantation capitalism and our current economic crisis.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Sen.Sanders: Private Health Care Companies are NOT about Supplying Healthcare


Senator Bernie Sanders has this right. Insurance companies are about profit, not healthcare. They deny needed services and put road blocks in the way of those they purport to serve. We must get the profit motive out of healthcare. Make a living, yes, but not a killing!
"The function of healthcare is not to make insurance companies rich. It's to provide the best quality healthcare at the lowest possible price to all of our people." -- Senator Bernie Sanders, on Thom Hartmann, 03/27/09

Friday, March 27, 2009

Earth Hour and Twitter and Air America

As we get ready for Earth Hour 2009 --please make a powerful statement by powering down this Saturday, 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm -- I've been listening to Ron Reagan Jr. and Richard Greene speak about Twitter on Air America Radio. Ron is hesitant. Richard is diving in. Let's be adventurous and use Twitter as a positive organization and social tool, guys!

Richard Greene also interviewed someone from ElectromagneticHealth.org -- She made me more aware but the info gave me a headache. We are being bombarded by cell phone and wi-fi waves, especially here in NYC. Well, maybe we stopped one building in Queens Community Board 2 from hosting a rooftop of cell phone towers. We voted it down! (Did Bloomberg let 'em go ahead anyway. Must check with CB2 office.)

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Phil Donahue Spells Out A Few Things For Hannity pt.1

Phil Donahue speaks out for peace, against our being a warrior nation with bases in over 150 countries. THAT is where our money is really going, to feed the war machine. Even Hannity showed some respect to Donahue. PART 2, here. For more progressive insight, see video clips at http://earth2obama.org/ and http://votersthink.org/.

Friday, March 20, 2009

How dare he print exact quotations?

"The one thing that this enemy's list shows is that Bill O'Reilly's biggest fear. and all the folks at Fox, is accountability and fact based journalism."

-- Media Matters for America "chief character assassin" and president Eric Burns on Keith Olbermann's Countdown, 03-19-09, honorable mention in the list of Worst Left Wing Smear Merchants

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Monday, March 16, 2009

Irish Celtic Music

In the midst of birthday and St. Patrick's Day celebrations, I took some time for retrospection and created a playlist on YouTube. This is Irish music and/or Celtic music that speaks to my soul or perhaps my soul memory and feeds me, body, mind and spirit. Long -- with some deliberate repeats. Enjoy!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Olbermann: Blame for economic crisis goes beyond Washington

Keith Olbermann expounds on a report from Wall Street Watch which documents that much of the blame for our financial woes really reside with Wall Street who spent, indeed spends, billions to lobby politicians and in effect buy legislation. Under six minutes, please watch and then act for reform.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Earth Hour: March 28, 8:30-9:30 PM



VOTE EARTH! Watch, then go to EarthHour.org OR EarthHourUS.org to register for THIS year's Earth Hour, March 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. Commit to turn off lights (and as much electricity as feasible) for just one hour to make a statement. Other action ideas are suggested including following EarthHour and EarthHourUS on Twitter and joining the FaceBook page(s). And like Earth Day making everyday Earthday, let's make every hour Earth Hour by saving as much electricity as possible and by going as green as possible.

P.S. New York City is not listed as a sponsor/supporter, sigh, though a number of US cities have joined this international effort. FYI, there is an alternate intertwined site, VoteEarth2009.org.

Friday, March 6, 2009

A Dishy Must-Watch!

The Daily Dish posted Jon's Stewart's great take down of CNBC. (Thanks to my son Michael who posted it to Facebook!) As Michael said, "A must watch!"

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Twitter Mosaic Twitter Art

Twitter shirts, cups, and bags.... featuring your, or in this case MY, Twitter followers. If nothing else, it is fun to LOOK at them and consider the possibilities. Check out mine below, and check out the TwitterMosaic website to consider making YOUR art. (Remember, for following / friending purposes, I'm PeaceHugs on Twitter.)

Get your twitter mosaic here.