Saturday, January 03, 2009
Barbra Streisand Quote
"I love information, but I'm afraid of the information age - too much information and not enough spiritual growth to handle it. I'm still afraid our technology is more advanced than our hearts. There's something lacking now - this gap, this void between technology and compassion."
Friday, January 02, 2009
Thursday, January 01, 2009
You Go To My Head
Louis Armstrong/Billie Holiday
You go to my head
You go to my head,
And you linger like a haunting refrain
And I find you spinning round in my brain
Like the bubbles in a glass of champagne.
You go to my head
Like a sip of sparkling burgundy brew
And I find the very mention of you
Like the kicker in a julep or two.
The thrill of the thought
That you might give a thought
To my plea casts a spell over me
Still I say to myself: get a hold of yourself
Can't you see that it can never be?
You go to my head
With smile that makes my temperature rise
Like a summer with a thousand Julys
You intoxicate my soul with your eyes
Tho I'm certain that this heart of mine
Hasn't a ghost of a chance in this crazy romance,
You go to my head.
You go to my head
You go to my head,
And you linger like a haunting refrain
And I find you spinning round in my brain
Like the bubbles in a glass of champagne.
You go to my head
Like a sip of sparkling burgundy brew
And I find the very mention of you
Like the kicker in a julep or two.
The thrill of the thought
That you might give a thought
To my plea casts a spell over me
Still I say to myself: get a hold of yourself
Can't you see that it can never be?
You go to my head
With smile that makes my temperature rise
Like a summer with a thousand Julys
You intoxicate my soul with your eyes
Tho I'm certain that this heart of mine
Hasn't a ghost of a chance in this crazy romance,
You go to my head.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
I recieved Barack Obama's Dreams of My Father for my birthday and tonight I have delved into it, reaching the part where his father returns to Hawaii to visit him. This incredible, compelling story inspired me to seek out the faces of the characters being discussed...his stepfather, Lolo, his father, Barack, and also his mother. My quest to see pictures of Obama's family, took me to a family photo of he, his mother, sister, and stepfather. Looking at it, I was struck by his mother's image. What incredible strength,independence, integrity, and humanity. It inspired me to write a poem.
Rockstar Mother
radical and free
transcending boundaries
reaching through the layers to find love
mother goddess lion
shielding her cubs
touching their dusty faces
to wipe away tears
to comfort
to show love
and teach them how to live
with love and compassion
to grow strong and proud
to live with values
human values
child-like eyes gazing upward
into her sweetly smiling face
knowing love and guidance
in this incredible, awesome
mother-spirit.
Rockstar Mother
radical and free
transcending boundaries
reaching through the layers to find love
mother goddess lion
shielding her cubs
touching their dusty faces
to wipe away tears
to comfort
to show love
and teach them how to live
with love and compassion
to grow strong and proud
to live with values
human values
child-like eyes gazing upward
into her sweetly smiling face
knowing love and guidance
in this incredible, awesome
mother-spirit.
Jewish Opposition to Israeli Attacks in Gaza
American Jews Call for Immediate Ceasefire, End of Gaza
Blockade
by Robert Naiman
Huffington Post - December 30, 2008
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-naiman/american-jews-call-for-im_b_154353.html
Expressing views that are surely representative of
American Jews as a whole, here's what some American
Jews are saying about the violence in Gaza.
J Street has a petition demanding that the U.S.
intervene to bring about an immediate resumption of the
ceasefire between Israel and Hamas; the petition also
calls for lifting the blockade of Gaza.
The petition says:
I support immediate and strong U.S.-led diplomatic
efforts to urgently reinstate a meaningful
ceasefire that ends all military operations, stops
the rockets aimed at Israel and lifts the blockade
of Gaza. This is in the best interests of Israel,
the Palestinian people and the United States.
Brit Tzedek v'Shalom has an action alert asking folks
to write to President-elect Obama, insisting that he
speak out now and call for an immediate cease-fire and
humanitarian aid to Gaza, noting that he has spoken out
on other issues. As Representative Barney Frank pointed
out, "Obama says we have one President at a time, but
I'm afraid that seriously overstates the number of
Presidents we have right now."
Americans for Peace Now is asking its supporters to
write to President Bush and President-elect Obama in
support of a ceasefire and humanitarian relief for
Gaza.
Jewish Voice for Peace condemned the Israeli attacks on
Gaza, calling for an immediate end to attacks on all
civilians, whether Palestinian or Israeli, and noting
that the blockade of Gaza is a violation of
humanitarian law and has been widely condemned around
the world. Meanwhile they have been organizing support
for Israeli high school students who have been
imprisoned for refusing to serve in an army that
occupies the Palestinian Territories.
The overwhelming majority of American Jews voted for
Obama -- just as the overwhelming majority of American
Jews opposed the Iraq war. Let's pull for President-
elect Obama to heed Brit Tzedek v'Shalom's call to
speak out now.
[Robert Naiman is National Coordinator of Just Foreign
Policy, a membership organization devoted to reforming
U.S. foreign policy to reflect the values and serve the
interests of the majority of Americans. Naiman edits
the daily Just Foreign Policy news summary. JFP's web
site is www.justforeignpolicy.org ]
==========
Jewish Voices for Peace on Gaza Air Strike
Jewish Voices for Peace
December 28, 2008
http://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/
Jewish Voice for Peace joins millions around the world,
including the 1,000 Israelis who protested in the
streets of Tel Aviv this weekend, in condemning ongoing
Israeli attacks on Gaza. We call for an immediate end
to attacks on all civilians, whether Palestinian or
Israeli.
Israel's slow strangulation of Gaza through blockade
has caused widespread suffering to the 1.5 million
people of Gaza due to lack of food, electricity, water
treatment supplies and medical equipment. It is a
violation of humanitarian law and has been widely
condemned around the world.
In resisting this strangulation, Hamas resumed
launching rockets and mortars from Gaza into southern
Israel, directly targeting civilians, which is also a
war crime. Over the years, these poorly made rockets
have been responsible for the deaths of 15 Israelis
since 2004.
Every country, Israel included, has the right and
obligation to protect its citizens. The recent
ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza shows that
diplomatic agreements are the best protection for
civilian life.
Moreover, massive Israeli air strikes have proven an
indiscriminate and brutal weapon. In just two days, the
known death toll is close to 300, and the attacks are
continuing. By targeting the infrastructure of a poor
and densely populated area, Israel has ensured
widespread civilian casualties among this already
suffering and vulnerable population.
This massive destruction of Palestinian life will not
protect the citizens of Israel. It is illegal and
immoral and should be condemned in the strongest
possible terms. And it threatens to ignite the West
Bank and add flames to the other fires burning in the
Middle East and beyond for years to come.
The timing of this attack, during the waning days of a
US administration that has undertaken a catastrophic
policy toward the Middle East and during the run-up to
an Israeli election, suggests an opportunistic agenda
for short-term political gain at an immense cost in
Palestinian lives. In the long run this policy will
benefit no-one except those who always profit from war
and exploitation. Only a just and lasting peace,
achieved through a negotiated agreement, can provide
both Palestinians and Israelis the security they want
and deserve.
==========
Tell Obama: Your Strong Voice Is Needed In The Middle East NOW!
Brit Tzedek V'Shalom (Jewish Alliance for Justice & Peace)
The escalating warfare in Gaza and southern Israel demands the immediate attention of President-elect Obama. As President-elect, he must speak out about the escalating crisis between Israel and Hamas, call for an immediate ceasefire, and send a strong signal about his long-term objectives for Israeli-Palestinian peace.
In the last month, he and his advisors did not hesitate to release the outline of a large stimulus package and post-Inauguration economic plan in an attempt to contain the financial crisis. Similar action is warranted for the Middle East.
Take Action
Tell President-elect Obama that his strong voice is needed now. Ask him to call for an immediate ceasefire that ends the attacks by all sides and facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He must remind the entire international community of his commitment to Middle East peace and his intention once taking office.
President-elect Obama should also send informal envoys (advisors without formal appointments, members of Congress, etc.) to the region to meet with Israelis, Palestinians, government leaders, and others. Such action will send a strong message about the substantial shift in U.S. involvement he will oversee.
Israel's long-term security lies in a negotiated peace agreement with the Palestinians. As an ally to Israel, there is no more important step Obama can take than to make his positions and concern known immediately.
Please contact President-elect Obama and express your support for his active involvement. Take Action!
L'Shalom,
Sue Swartz, National Advocacy Chair
Deepa Domansky, Washington Liaison and Advocacy Coordinator
http://ga3.org/campaign/obama_your_voice_needed/b5dwg642j7bd37b?
==========
_____________________________________________
Portside aims to provide material of interest
to people on the left that will help them to
interpret the world and to change it.
Submit via email: moderator@portside.org
Submit via the Web: portside.org/submit
Frequently asked questions: portside.org/faq
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Unsubscribe: portside.org/unsubscribe
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����������
Blockade
by Robert Naiman
Huffington Post - December 30, 2008
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-naiman/american-jews-call-for-im_b_154353.html
Expressing views that are surely representative of
American Jews as a whole, here's what some American
Jews are saying about the violence in Gaza.
J Street has a petition demanding that the U.S.
intervene to bring about an immediate resumption of the
ceasefire between Israel and Hamas; the petition also
calls for lifting the blockade of Gaza.
The petition says:
I support immediate and strong U.S.-led diplomatic
efforts to urgently reinstate a meaningful
ceasefire that ends all military operations, stops
the rockets aimed at Israel and lifts the blockade
of Gaza. This is in the best interests of Israel,
the Palestinian people and the United States.
Brit Tzedek v'Shalom has an action alert asking folks
to write to President-elect Obama, insisting that he
speak out now and call for an immediate cease-fire and
humanitarian aid to Gaza, noting that he has spoken out
on other issues. As Representative Barney Frank pointed
out, "Obama says we have one President at a time, but
I'm afraid that seriously overstates the number of
Presidents we have right now."
Americans for Peace Now is asking its supporters to
write to President Bush and President-elect Obama in
support of a ceasefire and humanitarian relief for
Gaza.
Jewish Voice for Peace condemned the Israeli attacks on
Gaza, calling for an immediate end to attacks on all
civilians, whether Palestinian or Israeli, and noting
that the blockade of Gaza is a violation of
humanitarian law and has been widely condemned around
the world. Meanwhile they have been organizing support
for Israeli high school students who have been
imprisoned for refusing to serve in an army that
occupies the Palestinian Territories.
The overwhelming majority of American Jews voted for
Obama -- just as the overwhelming majority of American
Jews opposed the Iraq war. Let's pull for President-
elect Obama to heed Brit Tzedek v'Shalom's call to
speak out now.
[Robert Naiman is National Coordinator of Just Foreign
Policy, a membership organization devoted to reforming
U.S. foreign policy to reflect the values and serve the
interests of the majority of Americans. Naiman edits
the daily Just Foreign Policy news summary. JFP's web
site is www.justforeignpolicy.org ]
==========
Jewish Voices for Peace on Gaza Air Strike
Jewish Voices for Peace
December 28, 2008
http://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/
Jewish Voice for Peace joins millions around the world,
including the 1,000 Israelis who protested in the
streets of Tel Aviv this weekend, in condemning ongoing
Israeli attacks on Gaza. We call for an immediate end
to attacks on all civilians, whether Palestinian or
Israeli.
Israel's slow strangulation of Gaza through blockade
has caused widespread suffering to the 1.5 million
people of Gaza due to lack of food, electricity, water
treatment supplies and medical equipment. It is a
violation of humanitarian law and has been widely
condemned around the world.
In resisting this strangulation, Hamas resumed
launching rockets and mortars from Gaza into southern
Israel, directly targeting civilians, which is also a
war crime. Over the years, these poorly made rockets
have been responsible for the deaths of 15 Israelis
since 2004.
Every country, Israel included, has the right and
obligation to protect its citizens. The recent
ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza shows that
diplomatic agreements are the best protection for
civilian life.
Moreover, massive Israeli air strikes have proven an
indiscriminate and brutal weapon. In just two days, the
known death toll is close to 300, and the attacks are
continuing. By targeting the infrastructure of a poor
and densely populated area, Israel has ensured
widespread civilian casualties among this already
suffering and vulnerable population.
This massive destruction of Palestinian life will not
protect the citizens of Israel. It is illegal and
immoral and should be condemned in the strongest
possible terms. And it threatens to ignite the West
Bank and add flames to the other fires burning in the
Middle East and beyond for years to come.
The timing of this attack, during the waning days of a
US administration that has undertaken a catastrophic
policy toward the Middle East and during the run-up to
an Israeli election, suggests an opportunistic agenda
for short-term political gain at an immense cost in
Palestinian lives. In the long run this policy will
benefit no-one except those who always profit from war
and exploitation. Only a just and lasting peace,
achieved through a negotiated agreement, can provide
both Palestinians and Israelis the security they want
and deserve.
==========
Tell Obama: Your Strong Voice Is Needed In The Middle East NOW!
Brit Tzedek V'Shalom (Jewish Alliance for Justice & Peace)
The escalating warfare in Gaza and southern Israel demands the immediate attention of President-elect Obama. As President-elect, he must speak out about the escalating crisis between Israel and Hamas, call for an immediate ceasefire, and send a strong signal about his long-term objectives for Israeli-Palestinian peace.
In the last month, he and his advisors did not hesitate to release the outline of a large stimulus package and post-Inauguration economic plan in an attempt to contain the financial crisis. Similar action is warranted for the Middle East.
Take Action
Tell President-elect Obama that his strong voice is needed now. Ask him to call for an immediate ceasefire that ends the attacks by all sides and facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He must remind the entire international community of his commitment to Middle East peace and his intention once taking office.
President-elect Obama should also send informal envoys (advisors without formal appointments, members of Congress, etc.) to the region to meet with Israelis, Palestinians, government leaders, and others. Such action will send a strong message about the substantial shift in U.S. involvement he will oversee.
Israel's long-term security lies in a negotiated peace agreement with the Palestinians. As an ally to Israel, there is no more important step Obama can take than to make his positions and concern known immediately.
Please contact President-elect Obama and express your support for his active involvement. Take Action!
L'Shalom,
Sue Swartz, National Advocacy Chair
Deepa Domansky, Washington Liaison and Advocacy Coordinator
http://ga3.org/campaign/obama_your_voice_needed/b5dwg642j7bd37b?
==========
_____________________________________________
Portside aims to provide material of interest
to people on the left that will help them to
interpret the world and to change it.
Submit via email: moderator@portside.org
Submit via the Web: portside.org/submit
Frequently asked questions: portside.org/faq
Subscribe: portside.org/subscribe
Unsubscribe: portside.org/unsubscribe
Account assistance: portside.org/contact
Search the archives: portside.org/archive
����������
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Some Enchanted Evening- Barbra
From Back to Broadway
Some enchanted evening
You may see a stranger
You may see a stranger,
across a crowded room
And somehow you know
You know even then
That somewhere you'll see him
Again and again
Some enchanted evening
Someone may be laughing
You may hear him laughing
across a crowded room
And night after night
[ Find more Lyrics at www.mp3lyrics.org/stM ]
As strange as it seems
The sound of his laughter will
sing in your dreams
Who can explain it?
Who can tell you why?
Fools give you reasons
Wise men never try
Some enchanted evening
When you find your true love
Across a crowded room
And fly to his side
And make him your own
Or all through you may dream all alone
Once you have found him,
never let him go
Once you have found him,
never let him go
Some enchanted evening
You may see a stranger
You may see a stranger,
across a crowded room
And somehow you know
You know even then
That somewhere you'll see him
Again and again
Some enchanted evening
Someone may be laughing
You may hear him laughing
across a crowded room
And night after night
[ Find more Lyrics at www.mp3lyrics.org/stM ]
As strange as it seems
The sound of his laughter will
sing in your dreams
Who can explain it?
Who can tell you why?
Fools give you reasons
Wise men never try
Some enchanted evening
When you find your true love
Across a crowded room
And fly to his side
And make him your own
Or all through you may dream all alone
Once you have found him,
never let him go
Once you have found him,
never let him go
My Fickle Relatives
I was talking with my Aunt Betty the other day and, granted she is old and nearly senile, but that doesnt really explain the hell she is (in). Alas, at one point, she said--I had such a difficult birth (with my son). It almost killed me. But he turned out to be so sweet. Yes, he gave me problems, especially when he was born. But he wrote me the sweetest letter--I still have it in their somewhere. But when he was a little boy he wrote me a letter and said, 'Mama, I wish I had never been born.' So sweet.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
A Picture My Aunt Betty Recieved This Christmas
Top Row from l-r: Earnestine, Sadie,Archie, and Thelma.
Second Row l-r: Johnnie, Bertie, and Betty. -Missing is Lawrence.
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