10 things Republicans do to hurt Americans

10 things Republicans do to hurt Americans:

1. Bring Back “Pre-Existing Conditions”

2. Kick Grandma Off Medicare & Give Her a Coupon

3. Hand Over Cash to the Wealthy

4. Rip Away Workers’ Rights

5. Prevent You From Voting

6. Declare War on Women

7. Shove Gay Soldiers Back Into the Closet

8. Launch Assaults on Sesame Street and Lake Wobegon

9. Let Consumers Fend For Themselves

10. Increase Taxes for Middle Class Families.

-- Astutely listed by Dan Jacoby

Words That Don’t Work | Common Dreams

In Words That Don’t Work George Lakoff talks about the importance of the Progressives [a/k/a Liberals!] using our OWN frames and NOT those put out by Frank Luntz for the GOP / Koch Brothers / Rightists. When we use the other guys' frames, we lose. [For example, they use Luntz's "death tax" instead of inheritance tax -- don't YOU ever use it!]

Progressives have a basic morality, which is largely unspoken. It has to be spoken, over and over, in every corner of our country. Progressives need to be both thinking and talking about their view of a moral Democracy, about how a robust Public is necessary for private success, about all that the Public gives us, about the benefits of health, about a Market for All not a Greed Market, about regulation as protection, about revenue and investment...

The Occupy Wall Street folk are emphasizing how we need an economy that works not just for the 1%, but also for the 99%, in essence then the 100% that Deepak Chopra talks about. We need a better world for ALL of us. Words can help heal. Read this article and use them wisely.

DeFazio on Postmaster General decision to close post offices

MUST LISTEN -- Love Oregon's Senator Peter DeFazio! He explains the Post Office mess AND reminds us to ACT. Especially those who have GOP legislators: tell them to get rid of the poison pill: no funding of PO pension funds 75 years into the future (no one else has to do that!) and return the current overpayment. Tell them to support of H.R. 1351. When will we act like the #1 we say we are?

Deepak: Be the 100

Interesting take from Deepak Chopra -- don't exclude anybody -- all of us need to be a part of the solution. Hmmmm. -- His message is an extension of the meme, "They drew a circle to keep us out". We of the 99% should draw a circle to draw them in. We are One.

Listen. Re-listen. Meditate. Deepak makes sense.

Together, let us seek the solution(s).

Deepak Chopra speak at OccupyLA 11 25 11 5 55pm

Deepak: "Love without action is meaningless. And action without love is irrelevant. What we are starting with the occupy movement is a movement of love in action.... Keep moving and occupying. Occupy yourself." Great to hear Deepak Chropra through the simplicty of the People's Mic -- November 25, 2011. (Or, per the video credits, Nov. 23, 2011 but posted on Nov. 25, 2011.)

Class Warfare

Jim Moran of the Miami Herald did an excellent animated editorial cartoon re the 99% vs the 1% -- under a minute and spot on.

Howard Dean at DFNYC fundraiser TUESDAY

Yes, Howard Dean is the special guest Tuesday 11/15/11 -- 

6:30 pm - 9 pm

Chelsea Manor

138 West 25th Street (between 6th and 7th Aves)

New York, NY

Democracy for NYC Celebrates 

The Rebirth Of The People's Voice

With Howard Dean and Jim Dean 

With Special Guest Norman Siegel. 

DFNYC Will Be Presenting A Special Award To 

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. 

More info at DFNYC.org and/or RSVP on Facebook.

Yes you can pay in advance and toss some $$$ in the kitty

even if you cannot make it.

This is a fundraiser for a good group. 

Hope to see you there!

Naomi Wolf Explains Our Constitutional RIGHT To Peacefully Assemble

Author Naomi Wolf speaks up for OUR rights - her arrest was unlawful and could happen to any of us. This clip was from Keith Olbermann's Countdown show.

Library Lion Patience says READ!

Love me the NY Public Library Lions and I don't want to leave Patience out of the picture -- or off the blog. The message is the same. Read books and support your local library. Fortitude was featured recently and it is Patience's turn:

Close Your Bank Account and Get Arrested!

After joining with Occupy Wall Street as they took Time Square [see my photos] last night, I woke up to THIS earlier event being featured on Chris Hayes' new MSNBC show, UP with Chris Hayes. It features members of the 99% being arrested for requesting to close their Citibank accounts, including one young woman who was dragged back into the bank by NYPD to be arrested. -- NOT so fine, New York's Finest! -- AFTER I found it on YouTube's nicadyme's channel, blogger extraordinaire Ms. ToniD at BlueRootsRadio.com posted a reference to it via blogger The Agonist (Sean Paul Kelley)'s excellent analysis. Good stuff all around, check it ALL out, starting with the video:

Occupy Wall Street Note

Still have more catching up to do after a busy work day, but I WAS down to OccupyWallStreet Sunday afternoon and evening. Was drawn into the Political and Electoral Reform working group moderated by Jack Rabbit and Tim and had hoped to return last night but work intervened. I bless those who can just drop everything and go down there. Have pix but need to find time to post them. Must be off on new day but must tell you it WAS a great energy to be down at Liberty Square / Liberty Plaza (I've heard both used) -- Dr. Helen Caldicott and Jeff Madrick spoke to the Sunday evening GA: awesome. (I was wearing a green sweatshirt with an orange cat on it WITH political buttons if you see some older lady in any photos fyi.)

~~ cross posted at BlueRootsRadio.com

Facebook Quick Take

Patricia [a Catholic school lay teacher]:

Why are we so judged when circumstances keep us from living up to everyone's expectations?

Kate Anne [moi -- and her girlhood friend]:

One of the nice things about getting older is that we become more lenient about expectations. Concentrate on the positive, where there has been success (probably lots of it), and let the rest go. Breathe, release, relax, and then as my sainted mother would say, "Let the asses bray."

President Obama: Ditch the Keystone XL Pipeline

Join me in writing the President to say NO to the Keystone XL Pipeline. Call him at 202-456-1111 AND Write him at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact.

Learn more at http://www.tarsandsaction.org/ BUT this is what I wrote:

Truly green CLEAN energy (NOT coal which is NOT clean nor green as it damages the environment) must be the focus -- NOT the Keystone XL pipeline which is an environmental disaster. Dirty heavy oil whose pipeline could leak and whose building would destroy forests and threaten CLEAN water could mean "GAME OVER", says one leading environmentalist. PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR PROMISES. Say NO to the Keystone Pipeline!!!

We need GREEN jobs, not LIFE-DESTROYING jobs. Please put the emphasis on truly green energy.

Please keep me apprised.

Most sincerely,
Kate Anne

THANKS!!

Library Lion Fortitude says: Read!

Read Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

Love the Lions at the Fifth Avenue Main Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building). Besides the regal Fortitude, this photo shows how lovely the building looks following the restoration. (FYI, the southern lion is Patience.)

Contact Speaker John Boehner re JOBS

Write Speaker John Boehner a simple note reminding him to remember the Republican promise to create more jobs. Easy to do, use the Speaker.gov/contact form. And follow up with a phone call to his office: 202-225-0600

This is what I wrote, a simple straightforward message:

Dear Speaker Boehner,

Republicans promised jobs, ran on it in 2010, and still we allow companies tax breaks for shipping jobs out of the country while more and more of us US citizens remain jobless. We need more good paying US jobs, not just McDonalds or Walmart jobs. HELP, Please introduce legislation that will promote middle class good paying jobs HERE in the USA. Things are getting desperate for lots of people and we do NOT want any riots in our streets. Maybe it is time for a US jobs program. (Our infrastructure needs a serious face lift, too.) Please remember your promise and provide JOBS.

Please keep me apprised.

Thank you and regards.

And thank YOU, for joining me in this important action.

IMPORTANT PS -- You might want to add environmentally FRIENDLY jobs. Speaker Boehner wants to pass some drill baby drill bill that will limit the EPA in protecting our environment. It will create jobs that produce environmental destruction: NOT a trade-off. "NO to that, Speaker Boehner -- if we're dead because of a terrible environment jobs won't matter."

Thom Hartmann & Robert Reich: Ransom Paid...

Thom Hartmann elicits more insight from Robert Reich on President Obama and the GOP debt ceiling fiasco.

Robert Reich's Words of Wisdom and Insight

Found on Twitter, from Robert Reich - @RBReich, former US Secretary of Labor under Clinton:

I continue to debate radical conservatives on mainstream media because the media thinks the truth lies halfway between right and wrong.

and

The greatest threat to democracy is the silence of thoughtful citizens in the face of extremists who will stop at nothing to get their way.

and

If you respond to what's happened in DC with more cynicism and apathy, the radical right wins completely. Instead: Organize and mobilize!

and

Make no mistake: We are still held hostage by radical right. Paying ransom always leads to more extortion.

and some observations:

Behind Tea Party lie Koch bros, Rupert Murdoch, & other right-wing billionaires bent on destroying US economy and removing O from office.

All stock gains of 2011 wiped out because debt deal has made it almost impossible for govt to boost economy. Beware Friday's job numbers.

The radical right has won a huge tactical and strategic victory. Democrats have proven they have no tactics and no strategy.

Anyone who characterizes the debt-ceiling deal as a victory for the Am people over partisanship understands neither politics nor economics.

The Am public will not blame Rs for the coming double-dip jobs recession, because the deal over the debt ceiling implicates the Ds as well.

It is not the case that "both sides" gave up "sacred cows." Rs linked the debt ceiling to their demand for smaller govt. They've got it.

The heinous deal is preferable to economic catastrophe. The outrage and shame is it has come to this choice.

The hostage crisis may be over but the US economy will now suffer insufficient demand and a govt incapable of boosting it.

Ds can no longer campaign on R's desire to Medicare and Soc Security, now that O has agreed it . A tactical and strategic defeat for Ds.

Defining the problem is 95 percent of the battle in Washington. O and D's have let GOP define the problem as the nation's debt.

No tax increases on rich yet almost certain cuts in Med and Social Security, and deficit cuts when joblessness is soaring. An insane deal.

If we restore jobs and growth, the ratio of debt to GDP drops, and the so-called "debt crisis" improves. If we don't, the opposite occurs.

All this talk about shared sacrifice to balance budget diverts attention from biggest issue -- getting Ams back to work & restoring growth.

I could go on and on and on -- You must check out Robert Reich's Twitter channel and follow him.

ToniD's Italian Fritata

Some friends have requested some zucchini recipes and voila, BlueRootsRadio.com's news editor extraordinaire ToniD posted an awesome sounding Italian Fritata. You ought to go check out the BRR blog, but let's also repost it here.

Everyone is talking cooking. So for dinner tonight I made myself a Fritata, Italian Omelet.

Sliced zucchini, baby portabella mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, sauteed in Olive Oil with a pat of butter for taste, spices are oregano, garlic powder, pepper, and pepper flakes, Enough eggs beaten to make a thick fritata after veggies are sauteed. Sprinkle with grated Italian cheese of your choice. Cover and cook on medium heat until eggs are cooked. Slice pizza style and serve.

Spinach Fritatas are good also.

If you have an oven safe pan, you can finish it in the oven. The eggs will rise more if you do that.

Then one of our fellow BRR bloggers, 60th Street, posted his similar meat version. Maybe you'd like to combine the two versions (red or green peppers, yes, but forget the meat for me):

@toniD: I had one of those for breakfast, this afternoon, only scrambled.

I used a lot of the same ingredients. Mine was sauteed zucc, onion, baby portabellas, red peppers in olive oil. Then I threw that in and scrambled it with 3 eggs, a crumbled corn tortilla, chopped turkey and pepperoni, italian seasoning, cajun seasoning, salt and pepper.

Ate with a side of buttered multigrain toast and a tall glass of V8

Hangover breakfasts are awesome!

Welcome, Elena Mary!

Congratulations to my nephew Christopher and his wife Ellie on the birth of their baby daughter, Elena Mary: Born on Friday, July 29th at 5:59 pm EDT, 6 lbs 13 ozs, 20 3/4 inches and a full head of black hair. Can't wait to meet her and see big brother Marco in person!

Thom Hartmann & Robert Parry: October Surprise Evidence Surfaces

Hartmann guest Robert Parry reported on information uncovered that Republicans will even stoop to treason, as candidate Richard Nixon did, for political gain - Lyndon B. Johnson knew but didn't tell because it would have so totally disillusioned the American people to politics. [On his show Thom Hartmann noted that when Nixon was pardoned for Watergate, the phrasing Ford used also pardoned him from this crime of colluding with the Vietnamese against LBJ's peace talks. -- Peace would have highly benefited the Hubert Humphrey campaign.]

Breakfast Recipe: Avocado Toast

Take a soft Hass avocado, add lemon juice, mix until smooth. Spread on tasty (whole wheat) toast, add slices of good Farmers' Market or CSA radish and a teeny bit of salt. ENJOY.

This is much healthier than butter and oh so yummy with a bit of crunch! Don't remember where I got it last year but certainly do NOT wish to lose this awesome recipe.

Open Message to President Barack Obama

President Obama -- This talk about your willingness to weaken important social programs like Social Security and Medicare to placate crazed Republicans is frightening! Shared Sacrifice means the WEALTHY people and corporations who benefited from the things that hurt our economy should be paying because, as Senator Bernie Sanders says, the rest of us already have. The GOP don't believe the wealthy need to share. Demand differently and stand firm for We the People.

[Change we CANNOT believe in.]

The above was left at the WhiteHouse.gov/contact page. Join me in leaving YOUR thoughts there as well as calling the White House comment line: 202-456-1111.

Petition / Letter - Shared Sacrifice: U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT)

America's Senator Bernie Sanders has followed up his hour and a half Senate Speech with a Letter to the President which YOU can sign. Join 98,464 others [current signature tally] and tell the President that we want TRUE Shared Sacrifice. Do not give in to Republican terrorism. Stand firm for the 90% of Americans who are NOT making it in today's economy. Furthermore, in Bernie's words:

...Mr. President, please listen to the overwhelming majority of the American people who believe that deficit reduction must be about shared sacrifice. The wealthiest Americans and the most profitable corporations in this country must pay their fair share. At least 50 percent of any deficit reduction package must come from revenue raised by ending tax breaks for the wealthy and eliminating tax loopholes that benefit large, profitable corporations and Wall Street financial institutions. A sensible deficit reduction package must also include significant cuts to unnecessary and wasteful Pentagon spending....Now is the time to stand with the tens of millions of Americans who are struggling to survive economically, not with the millionaires and billionaires who have never had it so good.

It is much easier to sign a Letter to the President then to have to hit the streets if the GOP have their way and massacre our 20th century Social Programs legacy.

Please at least READ THE WHOLE LETTER -- and if it speaks to your heart, sign it.

Thank you.

MDB - Day 17 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song that you hear often on the radio":

30 Day Song Challenge - day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio. I hear this... often? More like occasionally. But maybe only because I don't listen to much radio anymore. But I chose this because, whenever it comes on the radio, I stop what I'm doing and I listen.

Pink Floyd - Brain Damage, Eclipse (P.U.L.S.E. Live).



Some of the Facebook Comments:

MDB: And yes, both Brain Damage and Eclipse should be played. The one or two times I've heard it cut away without Eclipse were very disappointing. Both songs must be played together on the radio.
Hannah: I've come to the conclusion that Pink Floyd is really not a radio band. So many of their songs go together on their albums, so you always want to hear the next one when it is on the radio. I always think to myself, "Just play the whole freaking album, dammit!!"
Mark: On Sirius XM Classic Vinyl, they play from Us and Them through Eclipse. Sweet.
Christine: At work, my boss has the XM set to play 60s and 70s music. "What's new Pussycat" plays about 20 times a day and the song drives me insane. Whoa-a-Whoa-a-Whoa-oh. It's like friggin nails on a chalk board.

MDB - Day 16 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song that you used to love but now hate":

30 Day Song Challenge - day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate. I loved this song and this video when they came out. The band looked like they were having so much fun. But damn. I want to think of it as parody or satire, but the bridge verse about yearning to get over the border to collect welfare and the willingness to pimp out one's sister to make it happen is too much.

Genesis - Illegal Alien (1983)



Some the Facebook Comments:

MDB: Interestingly, the video skips the verse about the sister. Full song, verse about the sister willing to oblige starts at 3:13. http://youtu.be/AHaHKuwtQF
Kurt: Genesis, one of my all time favorites! They have one of the best live shows I have ever seen.
Mark: Naw, this is funny.
Christine: I need to start paying attention to lyrics. Seriously had no idea that is what they were saying. It's quite comical. Phil Collins does have a fantastic voice, though. I love that you're doing this song challenge by the way!
MDB: It is funny, and that's much of what's sad about it.
Chris: classic. too bad this song contradicts itself it many ways these days.

MDB - Day 15 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song that describes you":

MDB "is a signal turning green" I'll run with it:

Rush - New World Man ( Grace Under Pressure )

MDB - Day 14 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song that no one would expect you to love":

‎

30 Day Song Challenge - day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love. Lard was the hardcore industrial side project of Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) and Al Jourgensen (Ministry). I've loved this song since the first time I heard it.

Lard - The Power Of Lard with Lyrics



Some of the Facebook Comments:

Eric: "Young Guns (Go for It)" by Wham! (Really, anything by Wham!)

Mark: Yes indeed. You are now back on my good side after the Toby Keith debacle.

Cindy: Presidents of the United States - Kitty

MDB - Day 13 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song that is a guilty pleasure":

30 Day Song Challenge - day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure.

Toby Keith - As Good As I Once Was

Some of the Facebook Comments:

Julie: I went with "Friends in Low Places."
Mark: Oh, I'm so disappointed...
MDB: Perhaps 13 and 14 are interchangeable.
MDB: Or 12 and 13, because I don't care for Toby Keith, except for this one song.
Eric: "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)." Dance 'til you can't dance 'til you can't dance no' mo'! Doing shirtless pushups is optional. Local Color: Michael, Wilma Mankiller was a huge fan of Toby Keith.
MDB: In retrospect, I have a far guiltier pleasure: http://youtu.be/LOZuxwVk7TU -- I know I'm not alone, even Marillion covered this song.

MDB - Day 12 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song from a band you hate ":

‎

30 Day Song Challenge - day 12 - a song from a band you hate. I hate Nickelback, and merely dislike Aerosmith. There is not one Nickelback song I will post on my wall. This Aerosmith song is one of the few I like, so it will suffice for the song challenge.

Aerosmith - Janie's Got A Gun



Some of the Facebook Comments:

Mark: Never understood their appeal myself, although if I had to pick a favorite of theirs, this song would actually probably be it.

Chriatine: I hate, "Right Said Fred"! And, I'm too sexy to type in the name of the damn song! :)

MDB - Day 11 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song from your favorite band":

30 Day Song Challenge - day 11 - a song from your favorite band. This song embodies everything I love about Porcupine Tree. The dynamics, the textures, the musicality, the technical proficiency, the lyrics, the concert experience, and the balance between ambient and heavy rock, prog and metal, atmospheric keyboards and monster drums, soaring guitars and purposeful bass.

Porcupine Tree "Way Out Of Here" Live in Tilburg (HD)



Some of the Facebook Comments:

Mark: One of my favorite PT tracks, too.

MDB - Day 10 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "song that makes you fall asleep":

‎

30 Day Song Challenge - day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep. I respect this, but I don't enjoy it. I've heard this live and almost fell asleep standing.

Robert Fripp - Soundscapes (live)



Some of the Facebook Comments:

Rita: Agreed. Great background music. Not so much fun to watch though.
Christine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeYL3uhYv48 Enya Caribbean Blue
Mark: Christine, I picked "How Can I Keep from Singing?" by Enya for my choice for this day. As for Soundscapes, I think I would enjoy watching it more if I were Robert Fripp myself and knew the thought process as it was happening.
MDB: I like the idea of Enya better than listening to Enya.
Matt: Didn't the Bullet Boys write a tribute to her? Smooth Up Enya!
Mark: I actually do like Enya mostly. Just small doses of her.
MDB: And then it is naptime?
Dave: Never heard this... so far it's interesting to watch/hear. Really don't know why you chose it as zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
MDB: Dave -- I once heard Fripp do this for 40 minutes. It was the longest night of my life.

MDB - Day 9 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song that you can dance to":

30 Day Song Challenge - day 09 - a song you can dance to. But I can't/don't dance. I can, however, do this zombie walk thing the band does during the chorus.

Genesis - I can't dance (1991)

Facebook Comment:

Kate Anne: Loved catching up on some of the other songs, too -- Phil just got his millionth Facebook LIKE, btw.

MDB - Day 8 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song that you know all the words to":

‎

30 Day Song Challenge - day 08 - a song that you know all the words to. If you've ever been out at karaoke with me, then chances are you know that I know all the words to this song.

Prince - Kiss on Dailymotion [to see classic MTV video]

OR YouTube substitute:



Some of the Facebook Comments:

Hannah: I giggled so much when you sang this at karaoke!!
Anne: Your version of this is one if my favorite karaokes of all time.

MDB - Day 7 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song that reminds you of a certain event":

‎

30 Day Song Challenge - day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event. Geddy Lee's solo album came out during my divorce. I listened to this album a lot then, and hearing those songs still reminds me of that time. The album really spoke to me, and this song in particular, given how I was feeling then.

Geddy Lee - Slipping



A Facebook comment:

Chris: Absolutely my favorite song on this album. They lyrics r powerful and I love Geds vocal ranges. [sic]

#611NoNukes Demos this Past Saturday

On the third month anniversary of the Fukushima disaster this past Saturday June 11, 2011, people were out in the streets demonstrating. Narrated in English this video was found thanks to the #611nonukes tag on Twitter. On BlueRootsRadio.com, ToniD posted one shown on BoingBoing with too many pronuke comments saying nuke plants are safe and clean energy (WTF): http://tinyurl.com/3s6b7x7 -- According to the narrator Chie Matsumoto from LaborNetTV Japan, there were 129 demos in Japan and 11 countries on Saturday. This video is entitled 6.11脱原発・新宿デモ（2ヶ国語版）

MDB - Day 6 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song that reminds you of somewhere":

‎

30 Day Song Challenge - day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere. Alex Lifeson's solo album came out during my DOJ externship in DC. I'd listen to it on the Metro on my Discman (remember those?) Ever since, Victor reminds me of DC. Here is an instrumental from that album, "Mr. X."

Some Facebook Comments:

Jeffrey: oh man, what a great memory this invoked. great album. dark, but great. Thanks!
Mark: I always liked Shut Up Shuttin' Up for some reason.
Justin: I just pulled this one out and put it in rotation a couple weeks ago after Pinto posted a song, solid album!

MDB - Day 5 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB,"a song that reminds you of someone":

30 Day Song Challenge - day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone. This song reminds me of someone from college when we were in college. Interestingly, it could apply to several people. But the guy it applies to is one I've long lost touch with, even in the FB age. I'll leave it that. Yes, I'm vague-booking.

They Might Be Giants - Whistling in the Dark

Some of the Facebook Comments:

Mark: Since we are of a similar age, TMBG reminds me of some college pals, too.
MDB: A brand new record for 1990, They Might Be Giants brand new album "Flood."
Kate: Okay, jumping in with a song reminding me of someone which could fit in with my #1 and #4, Alan Parsons Project "Time" - http://youtu.be/nvwrSdMY7dQ -- Looking at the Rules to the challenge I would be stumped by some of the 30 Days. Good luck!
Michael: Huh. I thought I might know who you were thinking of, but if I did know who you were thinking of, I don't get the connection. Which probably means that I don't know who you're thinking of, and that's OK, 'cause we're all being vague.
MDB: hat's ok, Mike. What Mark wrote above is really more appropriate. TMBG reminds me of several college pals. I never even heard of TMBG until I got to college, and I listened to a bunch of it when I got there. So, TMBG naturally makes me think of college and of those days.
Andrew: One of my favorites! So bizarrely good!

MDB - Day 4 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song that makes you sad":

Day 04 - a song that makes you sad - there may be sadder songs, but maybe I blocked them from memory. Marillion wins, because they have so many songs you can slit your wrists to (and who hasn't thought about jumping off a bridge after listening to "Falling From the Moon") -- and this is "Sugar Mice."

Runners up: The Beatles, "She's Leaving Home" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4PFC6bIexo and Billy Joel, "Goodnight, Saigon" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6gZefW4yEA

This is about where the band also committed commercial suicide, but damn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-QwAw-Q4Gw

Some of the Facebook Comments:

Christine: Oh, no! You've let me down, today. These are my 2 picks for saddest songs on earth: Mad World (Michael Andrews) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3N1MlvVc4 and Hallelujah (Jeff Buckley) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIF4_Sm-rgQ
MDB: Those are good choices. I expect flak later from Gina as she detests "Sugar Mice."
Amy: Famous Blue Raincoat. That song just breaks me up.
MDB:Amy, I don't think I know that one. For all you John Wesley fans, his cover of Sugar Mice: http://johnwesley.bandcamp.com/track/sugar-mice-marillion-cover
Amy: It's Leonard Cohen. It makes you feel all heavy and sad.
Eric: Something by Jeff Buckley, anything. More sad is the fact that he's gone.
MDB: Speaking of Jeff Buckley, it has been said that Thom Yorke recorded the vocals to Fake Plastic Trees after hearing Buckley in concert, and that is good sad song too.
Matt: This song nearly breaks my heart every time I hear it: Boy George -- Il Adore

MDB - Day 3 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "a song that makes you happy":

Day 3 of 30, "a song that makes you happy." Joe Satriani sued Coldplay for stealing his "If I Could Fly" with their "Viva La Vida." Funny thing is, Alizee had "J'en Ai Marre" out a year before Joe. The chords really are that simple, and it is so upbeat and infectious, it brings a smile to my face every time. There are English editions, but it is better in the original French.

Alizee J'en Ai Marre HD ( High Quality Edition) Alizée - I am Fed up

Honorable mentions: "Jungle Love" by Morris Day and the Time; "Fish Heads" by Barnes & Barnes.

Jungle Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZCiLAqMQZY Fish Heads: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTpUVAcvWfU (with a young Bill Paxton!)

Some other Facebook Comments include:

Mark: Best version IMHO http://youtu.be/UrkP7OrrjNU
MDB: From Purple Rain to Jay and Silent Bob... http://youtu.be/JtyOMtuacMI
Mark: nice, just didn't want the talk over. "The best band in the land!"
Christine: You really are a music buff. Impressive. I have a lot of happy songs. Katrina and the Waves, "Walking on Sunshine", Bobby McFerrin, "Don't Worry be Happy", James Brown, "I Feel Good" The Beach Boys, "Kokomo". Anything bu UB40. My favorite happy song right now would be by Natasha Bedingfield, "Pocket Full of Sunshine"!

MDB - Day 2 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "your least favorite song":

Day 2 of the 30 Day Song Challenge. This insipid little ditty that passes off as a modern patriotic anthem makes me want to poke my ear drums out with knitting needles every time I hear it. I love my country, I hate this song. [Dis]honorable mentions for Day 2: "U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer (and stolen from Rick James), and "I've Never Been to Me" by Charlene Duncan.

God Bless The USA by Lee Greenwood

Facebook Comments include:

Suzanne: I agree. This sone is horrible!
Lucinda: Oh, I do hate this song. Had to sing it in high school choir. Cringed the whole time.
Jeffrey: I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free...to HATE THIS SONG.
Amy: I agree. We had to sing it 800 times for choir. A lot of patriotic songs choke me up - I ♥ America - but I hate this song.
Cindy: And I thought I was the only one...
Andrew: Hmmm...I actually like this one. I guess I'm in the minority today.

MDB - Day 1 of the 30 Day Song Challenge

From MDB, "your favorite song":

I went with an old favorite:
John Lennon -- Nobody Told Me [Remastered]

He added in his FB comments:

Here is an alternate video for the same song, if you get can get past the ad. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xct8ld_john-lennon-nobody-told-me_music

MDB takes the 30 Day Song Challenge

My son MDB has decided to take the 30 Day Song Challenge posted on Facebook. I wish him well in following the rules:

The Rules

day 01 - your favorite song
day 02 - your least favorite song
day 03 - a song that makes you happy
day 04 - a song that makes you sad
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
day 09 - a song that you can dance to
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep
day 11 - a song from your favorite band
day 12 - a song from a band you hate
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love
day 15 - a song that describes you
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
day 19 - a song from your favorite album
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play
day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty
day 29 - a song from your childhood
day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year

Weiner Follow-Up

For those not privy to my Facebook page or yet a fan of BlueRootsRadio.com, I just posted this Note on Facebook:

Amidst supportive and hateful comments, I just posted this into an open thread on the Facebook political page of Representative Anthony Weiner concerning the Conflicted Justice Clarence Thomas:

BlueRootsRadio.com compiled a lot of great Tweet retorts within the June 6th comments under the more compelling (for the American people) Wisconsin Tent City story which the corporate media will drown out by news of Weiner. See: http://bluerootsradio.com/?p=6330#comments - One of the consistent great tweeters was @theBradBlog who also retweeted another singular tweet: @DCdebbie: "BREAKING: A second dick picture emerges from #Weinergate revealing something the media has never before reported on http://yfrog.com/edk9p7j" Apt.

I then added this follow-up comment to my Facebook Note:

My thanks to Christopher Johnson and Toni DiPego and their bloggers for their work on BlueRootsRadio.com, a great home for roots music and progressive information and dialog.

Am saddened by the tragic flaw(s) of Representative Anthony Weiner but love me my BlueRootsRadio! It sustains my spirit when all else fails.

Unforgettable - Exclusive Preview

This video features my neighborhood in Sunnyside, Queens, NYC. The non-sister's body is found in a Sunnyside Gardens' walkthrough/alley and Bella's Pizzeria on 35th Street is really a pizzeria/coffee shop on Skillman between 46 and 47th. Marc Leavitt and Betsy Crawford's house/fence is by the crime scene. Enjoy. Our reward for losing parking for a few days.... And let's hope the show is as good as this preview.

Tax Day Protest, 2011

Tax Day Protest, 2011, a set on Flickr.

USuncut NYC was one of a number of groups at the steps of Farley Post Office (the historic main post office in NYC) greeting tax payers, reminding them they pay more taxes so Bank of America and other corporations like Exxon Mobil and GE can pay NONE. Here's a set of photos plus there is a short chanting video on YouTube.

"Who will it be, Congress? 16 Corporations or We the People?"

"I pay Taxes / I did NOT cause the Recession -- That is the difference between me and a corporation." Take 3:14 minutes to get inspired and ask your Congressmember: "Who will it be, Congress? 16 Corporations or We the People?" Congressional switchboard is 202-224-3121.

Open Note to President Obama re Economy and Budget Cuts

Note to President Obama re the Economy and Budget cuts:

I am outraged at the cuts to social programs while the wealthy and corporations get tax cuts -- WE get the pain THEY get the gain -- UNFAIR.

Are YOU the President of ALL of us -- or just the wealthy? We the People demand MORE benefits: salary, social programs, education, healthcare. Prove you are the man we voted for and earn our continued support. We the People have given more than enough. Get the money from the wealthy, the corporations and the bloated military spending [who caused the problem in the first place].

Join me in raising your voice leave a message and/or call the White House Comment Line: 202-456-1111.

Renaming Queensboro Bridge Isn't Groovy

Queens Borough residents are NOT happy about OUR bridge being named after a mediocre mayor. The renaming was pushed on us by Mayor Bloomberg and while the renaming is scheduled for next week, let's still call 311 to protest.

Open Letter to Mayor Bloomberg re Koch Bridge

Left this message at the Contact the Mayor form:

As a Queens Borough resident I am appalled at the renaming of our bridge to honor a mediocre mayor. Koch was never a favorite but in truth I love(d) RFK and don't like the Triboro being renamed. Koch Queensborough Bridge? NOT needed. NOT merited. NOT Kosher.

My thanks to my Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer for voting AGAINST the re-naming.

April 4 Day of Action

Support working families and our communities: Remembering Martin Luther King Jr., come out on April 4th to demonstrate. See WE ARE ONE Respect Our Rights. to find out where. Here in NYC these are some direct actions (mostly on April 4):

Workers' Rights Are Civil Rights
April 4, 2011 - 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Battery Park

Unite and Win: Stand Up for Workers' Rights
April 4, 2011 - 5 PM to 7:15 PM
City Hall Park

MLK Rally
April 4, 2011 - 4 PM to 6 PM
City Hall Park - Murray and Chambers Sts.

"We Are One" - Queens Solidarity Rally and March
April 4, 2011 - 4 PM to 8 PM
Hosted by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1056
Meet at the bus depot on Merrick Blvd across
from the Queens Library marching to Grace Church (by 6PM)

Protect Our Children Save Our Teachers and Schools
April 14, 2011- 4:30 PM to 6 PM
Queens Borough Hall - Kew Gardens

One Bronx Rally for a Living Wage
April 4, 2011 - 7 PM to 9 PM
Bronx Pentecostal Deliverance Center
1755 Watson Ave, Bronx NY

Living Wage NYC
April 4, 2011 - 6 PM to 9 PM
Bethel Baptist Church, Brooklyn NY

We Are One! We Are NY!
April 9, 2011 - Noon to 1 PM
Times Square (7 Ave @ 42nd)

Celebration!

Celebration!
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

Celebrating March birthdays is done with flowers and a smile.

Collective Bargaining Breeds Success

The presence of collective bargaining for educators impacts teaching and affects students, as does its lack, as demonstrated in this Facebook post by the Democratic Party of Wisconson:

"Only 5 states do not have collective bargaining for educators and have deemed it illegal. Those states and their ranking on ACT/SAT scores are as follows: South Carolina -50th/ North Carolina -49th/ Georgia -48th/ Texas -47th/ Virginia -44th. If you are wondering, Wisconsin is currently ranked #2."

NYC Planned Parenthood Support Rally

Head of Planned Parenthood
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

Cecile Richards, the head of Planned Parenthood, addressed the crowd gathered at Foley Square in NYC on Feb. 26, 2011, in support of PPFA and its funding. For many, Planned Parenthood provides their only access to healthcare. Planned Parenthood positively benefits so many lives. Its funding is essential.

NYC for Women's Repro Rights

NYC for Women's Repro Rights
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

Thousands gathered in Foley Square on Sat., Feb. 26, 2011, for a Rally for Women's Health in support of Planned Parenthood.  Speakers included Cecile Richards, Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressmembers Jerry Nadler, Anthony Weiner, Carolyn Maloney, Elliot Engel, and Yvette Clarke, actor Kathleen Turner, the Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper of Judson Church, blogger Amanda Marcotte [who asked folks to tweet their stories with #thanksPPFA], and various activists from NARAL and NOW, and PPFA. Nellie McKay, John Darnielle, and Kathleen Hanna performed and/or spoke. More Photos, Info and Video at Brooklyn Vegan.

NYC for Planned Parenthood

NYC for Planned Parenthood
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

Great weather, great support for the Rally for Women's Health -- for funding Planned Parenthood -- Foley Square, NYC, Feb. 26, 2011. More info above and visit Brooklyn Vegan for more photos and video.

Explaining Wisconsin, a FB comment repost

The governor and Republican legislators are not dictators and Wisconsin has a long labor history. What is happening in Wisconsin and Ohio, etc., most likely follows what was decided at the recent Koch weekend meetings. Kill the one supporter of the middle class working people and make it easier for Republicans to win. Meanwhile wi-fi has just been shut down in Wisconsin capitol area. And per Mike Elk the AFL CIO is debating releasing a poll done by Stan Greenberg showing Scott Walker's approval dropping by 20% in last week (from 58%). Over-reaching has its effects. The last election was colored by the outrageous Citizens United vs FEC decision allowing unregulated money to shower on elections (more over-reaching). People elected are supposed to represent the people not dictate. If Wisconsin plays out the way the governor wants welcome to the American oligarchy. The Democratic legislators follow in the tradition of Abraham Lincoln in escaping a very undemocratic vote in order to better represent the will of the people. (Lincoln escaped through a window.)

[And Republicans who protest about Walker/GOP being allowed to follow the will of the people who voted them in do not see the irony of their own impeding of the agenda / will of the people who voted for Obama and Democrats in 2008.]

Throwing Little Old Ladies into the Cold

Thank God and Vermont for Senator Bernie Sanders. He continues to speak up for the working people, for fairness, for equity. Bernie Sanders tells it like it is, making so much sense. He takes on the big money interests on our behalf. Thom Hartmann calls him "America's Senator" and he is. This is a 7:35 minute awesome video.

Playing tourist

Playing tourist
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

With Kat here I get to play tourist :)

We went to Madame Tussauds at Time Square -- more pix to Flickr.com/kateannenyc before too long.

Marching in NYC for a Free Egypt

Marching in NYC for a Free Egypt
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

Beautiful energy, spirit, and hope in this mass of people marching together for a Free Egypt over 42nd Street by Bryant Park and the NY Library (right)-- NYC March with the People of Egypt, Time Square to the Egyptian mission at 44th and Second Ave; Feb 4, 2011. Joining them after work was a small effort compared to theirs. Bless them in their effort to stay non-violent in the face of an abusive government. [One of 30 of my photos on Flickr - click pic to see larger and the others]

Iced.jpg

Iced.jpg
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

Post sleet storm

One to bookmark: comedian Paula Poundstone's Live Diner Cam. She and her family own 16 kittehs, in part because of her daughter working at a cat rescue center. Portland's Carl Wolfson of KPOJ Radio interviewed her the other day. Funny lady and cute kittehs. (She sometimes bends over sidewise to get into the picture to do a live show from the diner cam, with the cats getting in her way.) Enjoy:

Snowiest NYC January on Record!

Photo0488.jpg
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

Snow - view from kitchen window.

Reflection on US Debt

From the keen-eyed ToniD at BlueRootsRadio.com:

toniD says:
January 14, 2011 at 2:55 pm

US Civil Servant Retirement Fund (Public Employees)

Percentage of US Debt held: 6%

US Military Retirement Fund

Percentage of US Debt held: 2.1%

Social Security

Percentage of US Debt held: 17.9%

These are all the things that the GOP are working on weakening or getting rid of. If they did this, it would wipe out the amount of debt owed by the US to these programs. This chart proves that the Pensions and Unions of the Public Employees are on the chopping block, the same as Social Security.

This has to get out to the people, but will they believe it.

China holds 7.5% of our debt. But that’s okay because Big Corps are making money in China.

Yes -- this information has to get out there. (A lot of treasures at the BlueRootsRadio blog besides great music -- thanks to Chris Johnson a/k/a mb a/k/a Maggie's Boy and some great BlueRootsers assisting him.)