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
Subscribe: portside.org/subscribe
Unsubscribe: portside.org/unsubscribe
Account assistance: portside.org/contact
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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.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
I Love Jazmine Sullivan's Voice
I Bust The Windows Out Your Car
I bust the windows out your car
And no it didn't mend my broken heart
I'll probably always have these ugly scars
But right now I don't care about that part
I bust the windows out your car
After I saw you laying next to her
I didn't want to but I took my turn
I'm glad I did it cause you had to learn
I must admit it helped a little bit
To think of how you felt when you saw it
I didn't know that I had that much strength
But I'm glad you see what happens when
You see you can't just play with peoples feelings
Tell them you love them and don't mean it
You probably say that it was juvenile
But I think that I deserve to smile
I bust the windows out your car
You know I did it cause I left my mark
Wrote my initials with a crowbar
And then I drove out into the dark
I bust the windows out your car
You should feel lucky that that's all I did
After five whole years of this bullshit
Gave you all of me and you played with it
I must admit it helped a little bit
To think of how you felt when you saw it
I didn't know that I had that much strength
But I'm glad you see what happens when
You see you can't just play with peoples feelings
Tell them you love them and don't mean it
You'll probably say it was juveniel
But I think that I deserve to smile
Bust the windows out your car
But it don't comfort to my broken heart
You could never feel how I felt that day
Until that happens baby you don't know pain
Ooh yeah i did it (you should know it)
I ain't sorry (you deserved it)
After what you did to me (you deserved it)
I ain't sorry (no, no, ohh)
You broke my heart (so i broke ya car)
You caused me pain (so i did the same)
Even though what you did to me was much worse
I had to do something to make it hurt yeahh
Ooh but why am I still crying
Why am I the one who's still crying
Ooh ooh you really hurt me baby
You really, you really hurt me baby
(Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
Now watch me Yule.
Now watch me
I bust the windows out your car
I bust the windows out your car
And no it didn't mend my broken heart
I'll probably always have these ugly scars
But right now I don't care about that part
I bust the windows out your car
After I saw you laying next to her
I didn't want to but I took my turn
I'm glad I did it cause you had to learn
I must admit it helped a little bit
To think of how you felt when you saw it
I didn't know that I had that much strength
But I'm glad you see what happens when
You see you can't just play with peoples feelings
Tell them you love them and don't mean it
You probably say that it was juvenile
But I think that I deserve to smile
I bust the windows out your car
You know I did it cause I left my mark
Wrote my initials with a crowbar
And then I drove out into the dark
I bust the windows out your car
You should feel lucky that that's all I did
After five whole years of this bullshit
Gave you all of me and you played with it
I must admit it helped a little bit
To think of how you felt when you saw it
I didn't know that I had that much strength
But I'm glad you see what happens when
You see you can't just play with peoples feelings
Tell them you love them and don't mean it
You'll probably say it was juveniel
But I think that I deserve to smile
Bust the windows out your car
But it don't comfort to my broken heart
You could never feel how I felt that day
Until that happens baby you don't know pain
Ooh yeah i did it (you should know it)
I ain't sorry (you deserved it)
After what you did to me (you deserved it)
I ain't sorry (no, no, ohh)
You broke my heart (so i broke ya car)
You caused me pain (so i did the same)
Even though what you did to me was much worse
I had to do something to make it hurt yeahh
Ooh but why am I still crying
Why am I the one who's still crying
Ooh ooh you really hurt me baby
You really, you really hurt me baby
(Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
Now watch me Yule.
Now watch me
I bust the windows out your car
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Do You Know I Just Realized The Message of This Song
Keep On Movin- Soul II Soul
keep on movin
keep on movin, don't stop like the hands of time
click clock, find your own way to stay
the time will come one day
why do people choose to live their lives, this way?
keep on moving
keep on moving don't stop no
keep on moving (x2)
it's our time, time today
the right time is here to stay
stay in my life, my life always
yellow is the colour of sunrays
i hide myself from no one
i know the time will surely come when
you'll be in my life, my life always
yellow is the colour of sunrays
keep on moving don't stop
keep on moving
like the hands of time click clock
keep on moving don't stop no
find your own way to stay
keep on moving
the time will come one day (all)
theme harmony x2
i know the time, time today
walking alone in my own way
extremely cold and rainy days
friends and i have fun along the way, yes we do
i hide myself from no one
i know the time will surely come when
you'll be in my life, my life always
yellow is the colour of sunrays
i hide myself from no one
i know the time will really come when
you'll be in my life, my life always
yellow is the colour of sunrays
keep on movin
keep on movin, don't stop like the hands of time
click clock, find your own way to stay
the time will come one day
why do people choose to live their lives, this way?
keep on moving
keep on moving don't stop no
keep on moving (x2)
it's our time, time today
the right time is here to stay
stay in my life, my life always
yellow is the colour of sunrays
i hide myself from no one
i know the time will surely come when
you'll be in my life, my life always
yellow is the colour of sunrays
keep on moving don't stop
keep on moving
like the hands of time click clock
keep on moving don't stop no
find your own way to stay
keep on moving
the time will come one day (all)
theme harmony x2
i know the time, time today
walking alone in my own way
extremely cold and rainy days
friends and i have fun along the way, yes we do
i hide myself from no one
i know the time will surely come when
you'll be in my life, my life always
yellow is the colour of sunrays
i hide myself from no one
i know the time will really come when
you'll be in my life, my life always
yellow is the colour of sunrays
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
From Barbra
The Kennedy Center Honors
Last weekend, I was in Washington DC to accept the Kennedy Center Honors, and I noticed that the kiss between me and the “soon to be former” President Bush created quite a stir. The Today Show even proclaimed that it was a sign of the apocalypse. The timing is ironic. After eight years of President Clinton and on the cusp of at least four years of President Obama, I get selected to receive this prestigious award…during the Bush Administration. I have never met George W. Bush, but for the past eight years I have been blogging about him and his administration on my web site. I have relayed my frustration at the direction he has taken our country in no uncertain terms. So it was just as surprising to me as it apparently was to the press that upon meeting President Bush and extending my hand to him, he said to me, “Aw c’mon, gimme a hug and a kiss,” and then he proceeded to embrace me. I must say, I found him very warm and completely disarming…even though I think he was kissing me hello as I was kissing him goodbye…
During the White House ceremony, the President described each honorees attributes. After he listed mine, he added, “She’s also been known to speak her mind,” to which the audience first laughed and then applauded. I genuinely thought he was very funny and very gracious.
During the Kennedy Center Honors, President Bush gave me his signature wink (which he must have passed on to Sarah Palin) and mouthed, “We showed ‘em.” I guess in some small way, he and I proved that we could agree to disagree, and, for that weekend, art transcended politics.
Last weekend, I was in Washington DC to accept the Kennedy Center Honors, and I noticed that the kiss between me and the “soon to be former” President Bush created quite a stir. The Today Show even proclaimed that it was a sign of the apocalypse. The timing is ironic. After eight years of President Clinton and on the cusp of at least four years of President Obama, I get selected to receive this prestigious award…during the Bush Administration. I have never met George W. Bush, but for the past eight years I have been blogging about him and his administration on my web site. I have relayed my frustration at the direction he has taken our country in no uncertain terms. So it was just as surprising to me as it apparently was to the press that upon meeting President Bush and extending my hand to him, he said to me, “Aw c’mon, gimme a hug and a kiss,” and then he proceeded to embrace me. I must say, I found him very warm and completely disarming…even though I think he was kissing me hello as I was kissing him goodbye…
During the White House ceremony, the President described each honorees attributes. After he listed mine, he added, “She’s also been known to speak her mind,” to which the audience first laughed and then applauded. I genuinely thought he was very funny and very gracious.
During the Kennedy Center Honors, President Bush gave me his signature wink (which he must have passed on to Sarah Palin) and mouthed, “We showed ‘em.” I guess in some small way, he and I proved that we could agree to disagree, and, for that weekend, art transcended politics.
Barbra--Somewhere From West Side Story
Someday, somewhere
We'll find a new way of living
Will find a way of forgiving
Somewhere...
There's a place for us
Somewhere a place for us
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere
There's a time for us
Someday there'll time for us
Time together and time to spare
Time to learn, time to care
Someday, somewhere
We'll find a new way of living
Will find there's a way of forgiving
Somewhere...
There's a place for us
A time and place for us
Hold my hand and we're half way there
Hold my hand and I'll take you there
Somehow...
Someday, somewhere...
We'll find a new way of living
Will find a way of forgiving
Somewhere...
There's a place for us
Somewhere a place for us
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere
There's a time for us
Someday there'll time for us
Time together and time to spare
Time to learn, time to care
Someday, somewhere
We'll find a new way of living
Will find there's a way of forgiving
Somewhere...
There's a place for us
A time and place for us
Hold my hand and we're half way there
Hold my hand and I'll take you there
Somehow...
Someday, somewhere...
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Creep-TLC
Yes it's me again
And I'm back
Oh I oh I oh I yeah
Oh I oh I oh I baby
Oh I oh I oh I yeah
The 22nd of loneliness and we've
Been through so many thangs
I love my man with all honesty
But I know he's cheatin' on me
I look him in his eyes but all he
Tells me is lies to keep me near
I'll never leave him down though
I might mess around it's only
'Cause I need some affection oh
[Chorus]
So I creep yeah
Just keep it on the down low
Said nobody is supposed 2 know
So I creep yeah
'Cause he doesn't know
What I do and no attention
Goes to show oh so I creep
The 23rd of loneliness
And we don't talk
Like we used 2 do
Now it seems pretty
Strange but I'm not
Buggin' 'cause I still feel
The same yeah yeah
I'll keep giving loving
Till the day he pushes me away
Never go astray
If he knew the
Things I did he couldn't
Handle it
And I choose 2 keep him
Protected oh
[Chorus]
I think about us baby all the time
But you know that I'm gonna need some attention
Yeah, yeah can you dig it
Love you forever baby soul & mind
And you gotta know if
You don't give it I'ma
Get mine
Oh I oh I oh I yeah
Oh I oh I oh I baby
Oh I oh I oh I yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
[Chorus]
I creep around because I need attention
Don't mess around with my affection
Oh I oh I oh I yeah
[Chorus]
And I'm back
Oh I oh I oh I yeah
Oh I oh I oh I baby
Oh I oh I oh I yeah
The 22nd of loneliness and we've
Been through so many thangs
I love my man with all honesty
But I know he's cheatin' on me
I look him in his eyes but all he
Tells me is lies to keep me near
I'll never leave him down though
I might mess around it's only
'Cause I need some affection oh
[Chorus]
So I creep yeah
Just keep it on the down low
Said nobody is supposed 2 know
So I creep yeah
'Cause he doesn't know
What I do and no attention
Goes to show oh so I creep
The 23rd of loneliness
And we don't talk
Like we used 2 do
Now it seems pretty
Strange but I'm not
Buggin' 'cause I still feel
The same yeah yeah
I'll keep giving loving
Till the day he pushes me away
Never go astray
If he knew the
Things I did he couldn't
Handle it
And I choose 2 keep him
Protected oh
[Chorus]
I think about us baby all the time
But you know that I'm gonna need some attention
Yeah, yeah can you dig it
Love you forever baby soul & mind
And you gotta know if
You don't give it I'ma
Get mine
Oh I oh I oh I yeah
Oh I oh I oh I baby
Oh I oh I oh I yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
[Chorus]
I creep around because I need attention
Don't mess around with my affection
Oh I oh I oh I yeah
[Chorus]
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Revelation
I just realized something. My father's mother had to quit teaching. I never realized that....it never registered in my consciousness. Only after listening to Cornel West speak about MLK and then reading that MLK's mother stopped teaching after she married and had children did it come to me. My grandmother married and proceeded to have thirteen children. School systems didn't allow married teachers to teach. Interesting. My other grandmother divorced..so I guess that was ok. LOL. Who knows. What messed up rules....
Monday, December 15, 2008
On Holy Ground-Barbra
When I walked through the doors I sensed his presence
And I knew this was a place where love abounds
For this is a temple the God we love abides here
And we are standing in his presence
On holy ground
We are standing on holy ground
And I know there are angels all around
Let us praise, praise God now, praise him anyhow
For we are standing in his sweet presence
On holy ground
In his presence I know there is joy beyond all measure
And at his feet sweet peace of mind can still be found
For when we have a need he is still the answer
Reach out and claim it for we are standing
On holy ground
We are standing on holy ground
And I know there are angels all around
Let us praise, praise God now, praise him anyhow
For we are standing in his sweet presence
On holy ground
And I knew this was a place where love abounds
For this is a temple the God we love abides here
And we are standing in his presence
On holy ground
We are standing on holy ground
And I know there are angels all around
Let us praise, praise God now, praise him anyhow
For we are standing in his sweet presence
On holy ground
In his presence I know there is joy beyond all measure
And at his feet sweet peace of mind can still be found
For when we have a need he is still the answer
Reach out and claim it for we are standing
On holy ground
We are standing on holy ground
And I know there are angels all around
Let us praise, praise God now, praise him anyhow
For we are standing in his sweet presence
On holy ground
Tell Him
Barbra and Celine
I'm scared
So afraid to show I care
Will he think me weak
If I tremble when I speak
Oooh - what if
There's another one he's thinking of
Maybe he's in love
I'd feel like a fool
Life can be so cruel
I don't know what to do
I've been there
With my heart out in my hand
But what you must understand
You can't let the chance
To love him pass you by
Should I
Tell him
Tell him that the sun and moon
Rise in his eyes
Reach out to him
And whisper
Tender words so soft and sweet
Hold him close to feel his heart beat
Love will be the gift you give yourself
Touch him
With the gentleness you feel inside
Your love can't be denied
The truth will set you free
You'll have what's meant to be
All in time you'll see
I love him
Of that much I can be sure
I don't think I could endure
If I let him walk away
When I have so much to say
I'll
Love is light that surely glows
In the hearts of those who know
It's a steady flame that grows
Feed the fire with all the passion you can show
Tonight love will assume its place
This memory time cannot erase
Your faith will lead love where it has to go
Never let him go
I'm scared
So afraid to show I care
Will he think me weak
If I tremble when I speak
Oooh - what if
There's another one he's thinking of
Maybe he's in love
I'd feel like a fool
Life can be so cruel
I don't know what to do
I've been there
With my heart out in my hand
But what you must understand
You can't let the chance
To love him pass you by
Should I
Tell him
Tell him that the sun and moon
Rise in his eyes
Reach out to him
And whisper
Tender words so soft and sweet
Hold him close to feel his heart beat
Love will be the gift you give yourself
Touch him
With the gentleness you feel inside
Your love can't be denied
The truth will set you free
You'll have what's meant to be
All in time you'll see
I love him
Of that much I can be sure
I don't think I could endure
If I let him walk away
When I have so much to say
I'll
Love is light that surely glows
In the hearts of those who know
It's a steady flame that grows
Feed the fire with all the passion you can show
Tonight love will assume its place
This memory time cannot erase
Your faith will lead love where it has to go
Never let him go
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The Fugitive: Why has the FBI placed a million-dollar bounty on Assata Shakur? By Kathleen Cleaver
Twenty-eight years ago, in a highly disputed trial, an all-White jury convicted former Black Panther Assata Shakur of the murder of a New Jersey state trooper. In 1979, while serving a life sentence, she escaped
from prison and eventually resurfaced in Cuba, where she was granted asylum and has lived ever since. But the U.S. government has continued to pursue Shakur, regularly increasing the bounty on her head and
classifying her as a “domestic terrorist.” Last May the Justice Department issued an unprecedented $1,000,000 bounty for the return of Assata Shakur, 58, who continues to maintain her innocence. Kathleen Cleaver, a law professor and former communications secretary for the Black Panther Party, talks about why we all need to know about Assata, and why she must live free: I was startled when I heard about the $1,000,000 bounty for the capture of Assata Shakur. What triggered this renewed interest in Assata? Why spend so much time and money to hunt her down when Osama bin Laden, head of an international terrorist enterprise, remains at large?
It turns out that FBI and New Jersey police officials revealed the million-dollar bounty on May 2 of this year, the thirty-second anniversary of the New Jersey Turnpike shootout in which State Trooper Werner Foerster and Black Panther Zayd Shakur were killed. Sundiata Acoli and Assata Shakur were arrested for the murders. Assata was severely wounded,
shot while her hands were up. She has always insisted—and expert defense testimony from the trial bears it out—that she did not kill anyone. But in separate trials, Sundiata and Assata were convicted of murdering Werner Foerster. In 1979, while incarcerated for life in the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey, Assata escaped. As the FBI circulated the wanted poster that called for her arrest, all over the New York–New Jersey area her supporters hung posters proclaiming “Assata Shakur is welcome here.” Cuba gave her political asylum several years later on the grounds that she had been subjected to political persecution and had never received a fair trial.
Apparently the million-dollar bounty has already been covertly offered by police to a relative of Assata’s for assistance in kidnapping her from Cuba. This bounty evokes the memory of those vicious slave catchers who were paid to capture and torment our runaway slave ancestors and return them dead or alive. This extraordinary bounty on the head of a Black woman inevitably brings to mind Harriet Tubman, that Underground
Railroad “conductor” whose ability to organize escapes earned a $12,000 price on her head from the state of Maryland. Outraged slave owners added $40,000.
Many freedom fighters I knew and loved, including Eldridge Cleaver, to whom I was married, were arrested and imprisoned because of our membership in the Black Panther Party. Our organization started in response to the gruesome war in Vietnam and the racism and injustice here that
drenched our lives in violence. Demonstrations, riots, rampant police brutality and political assassinations marked those years when I witnessed thousands upon thousands of people arrested and hundreds killed. Many turned into fugitives to save their own lives, including my husband, whom I joined in Algeria in May 1969. That was around the same time that Assata, then a bright New York City college student named Joanne Chesimard, joined the Black Panthers.
WE had a concrete ten-point program to end racial inequality. The Black Panther Party demanded the power to determine our own destiny. We insisted on decent housing, appropriate education, economic justice, an immediate end to police brutality, and other rights our people had been fighting for since slavery ended. We were not patient, we were not
passive, and we were willing to defend our principles with our lives. Since Panthers couldn’t be bought off or scared off, the government made the decision to kill us off.
Back in 1968 we became prime targets for law enforcement and intelligence agencies, particularly after J. Edgar Hoover, then FBI director, labeled us the “greatest threat to the internal security” of the United States. We were young and passionately determined to secure the freedom of our people in our lifetime. Joining the Black Panther Party at the height of this assault, Assata saw our leaders imprisoned and killed. Both Black Panther Party founders Huey Newton and Bobby Seale faced the death penalty, and Fred Hampton and Mark Clark, leaders of the Illinois chapter, were murdered in a predawn raid while they slept. Assata reported that she was beaten, tortured and denied medical attention after her arrest, then continually threatened by police and prison guards while in their custody. There was no question that she felt her life was in danger.
Under international law and Cuban law, Shakur is entitled to the protection and freedom of asylum. There are no legal grounds for her return to the United States because no treaty of extradition exists between the United States and Cuba, which has been subjected to a U.S. blockade and trade embargo for more than 40 years.
Despite this, the U.S. government and the state of New Jersey have repeatedly called for her capture. The meaning of this new million-dollar bounty is to encourage and finance what amounts to a kidnapping, one that could end with Assata’s death. Our memories are haunted by stories of fiercely independent Blacks whose dignity and pursuit of freedom won
the hatred of enraged White men who sometimes murdered them, riding publicly in lynch mobs that no law restrained.
The government has elevated this barbaric conduct to the diplomatic level as a way to reimprison one Black woman who dared fight for our freedom. The FBI and the state of New Jersey must be forced to obey the law. We cannot allow them to engage in lynch-mob diplomacy.
WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
For more information about Assata Shakur’s case and what you can do to support her, please visit assatashakur.org or handsoffassata.net, or call the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement at (718) 254-8800
from prison and eventually resurfaced in Cuba, where she was granted asylum and has lived ever since. But the U.S. government has continued to pursue Shakur, regularly increasing the bounty on her head and
classifying her as a “domestic terrorist.” Last May the Justice Department issued an unprecedented $1,000,000 bounty for the return of Assata Shakur, 58, who continues to maintain her innocence. Kathleen Cleaver, a law professor and former communications secretary for the Black Panther Party, talks about why we all need to know about Assata, and why she must live free: I was startled when I heard about the $1,000,000 bounty for the capture of Assata Shakur. What triggered this renewed interest in Assata? Why spend so much time and money to hunt her down when Osama bin Laden, head of an international terrorist enterprise, remains at large?
It turns out that FBI and New Jersey police officials revealed the million-dollar bounty on May 2 of this year, the thirty-second anniversary of the New Jersey Turnpike shootout in which State Trooper Werner Foerster and Black Panther Zayd Shakur were killed. Sundiata Acoli and Assata Shakur were arrested for the murders. Assata was severely wounded,
shot while her hands were up. She has always insisted—and expert defense testimony from the trial bears it out—that she did not kill anyone. But in separate trials, Sundiata and Assata were convicted of murdering Werner Foerster. In 1979, while incarcerated for life in the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey, Assata escaped. As the FBI circulated the wanted poster that called for her arrest, all over the New York–New Jersey area her supporters hung posters proclaiming “Assata Shakur is welcome here.” Cuba gave her political asylum several years later on the grounds that she had been subjected to political persecution and had never received a fair trial.
Apparently the million-dollar bounty has already been covertly offered by police to a relative of Assata’s for assistance in kidnapping her from Cuba. This bounty evokes the memory of those vicious slave catchers who were paid to capture and torment our runaway slave ancestors and return them dead or alive. This extraordinary bounty on the head of a Black woman inevitably brings to mind Harriet Tubman, that Underground
Railroad “conductor” whose ability to organize escapes earned a $12,000 price on her head from the state of Maryland. Outraged slave owners added $40,000.
Many freedom fighters I knew and loved, including Eldridge Cleaver, to whom I was married, were arrested and imprisoned because of our membership in the Black Panther Party. Our organization started in response to the gruesome war in Vietnam and the racism and injustice here that
drenched our lives in violence. Demonstrations, riots, rampant police brutality and political assassinations marked those years when I witnessed thousands upon thousands of people arrested and hundreds killed. Many turned into fugitives to save their own lives, including my husband, whom I joined in Algeria in May 1969. That was around the same time that Assata, then a bright New York City college student named Joanne Chesimard, joined the Black Panthers.
WE had a concrete ten-point program to end racial inequality. The Black Panther Party demanded the power to determine our own destiny. We insisted on decent housing, appropriate education, economic justice, an immediate end to police brutality, and other rights our people had been fighting for since slavery ended. We were not patient, we were not
passive, and we were willing to defend our principles with our lives. Since Panthers couldn’t be bought off or scared off, the government made the decision to kill us off.
Back in 1968 we became prime targets for law enforcement and intelligence agencies, particularly after J. Edgar Hoover, then FBI director, labeled us the “greatest threat to the internal security” of the United States. We were young and passionately determined to secure the freedom of our people in our lifetime. Joining the Black Panther Party at the height of this assault, Assata saw our leaders imprisoned and killed. Both Black Panther Party founders Huey Newton and Bobby Seale faced the death penalty, and Fred Hampton and Mark Clark, leaders of the Illinois chapter, were murdered in a predawn raid while they slept. Assata reported that she was beaten, tortured and denied medical attention after her arrest, then continually threatened by police and prison guards while in their custody. There was no question that she felt her life was in danger.
Under international law and Cuban law, Shakur is entitled to the protection and freedom of asylum. There are no legal grounds for her return to the United States because no treaty of extradition exists between the United States and Cuba, which has been subjected to a U.S. blockade and trade embargo for more than 40 years.
Despite this, the U.S. government and the state of New Jersey have repeatedly called for her capture. The meaning of this new million-dollar bounty is to encourage and finance what amounts to a kidnapping, one that could end with Assata’s death. Our memories are haunted by stories of fiercely independent Blacks whose dignity and pursuit of freedom won
the hatred of enraged White men who sometimes murdered them, riding publicly in lynch mobs that no law restrained.
The government has elevated this barbaric conduct to the diplomatic level as a way to reimprison one Black woman who dared fight for our freedom. The FBI and the state of New Jersey must be forced to obey the law. We cannot allow them to engage in lynch-mob diplomacy.
WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
For more information about Assata Shakur’s case and what you can do to support her, please visit assatashakur.org or handsoffassata.net, or call the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement at (718) 254-8800
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Making Peace
Denise Levertov
A voice from the dark called out,
"The poets must give us
imagination of peace, to oust the intense, familiar
imagination of disaster. Peace, not only
the absence of war."
But peace, like a poem,
is not there ahead of itself,
can't be imagined before it is made,
can't be known except
in the words of its making,
grammar of justice,
syntax of mutual aid.
A feeling towards it,
dimly sensing a rhythm, is all we have
until we begin to utter its metaphors,
learning them as we speak.
A line of peace might appear
if we restructured the sentence our lives are making,
revoked its reaffirmation of profit and power,
questioned our needs, allowed
long pauses. . . .
A cadence of peace might balance its weight
on that different fulcrum; peace, a presence,
an energy field more intense than war,
might pulse then,
stanza by stanza into the world,
each act of living
one of its words, each word
a vibration of light--facets
of the forming crystal.
copyright 1987, from _Breathing the Waters_ and _What Could It Be_, Levertov
copyright 1982 from _Candles in Babylon_, Levertov
NY: New Directions
A voice from the dark called out,
"The poets must give us
imagination of peace, to oust the intense, familiar
imagination of disaster. Peace, not only
the absence of war."
But peace, like a poem,
is not there ahead of itself,
can't be imagined before it is made,
can't be known except
in the words of its making,
grammar of justice,
syntax of mutual aid.
A feeling towards it,
dimly sensing a rhythm, is all we have
until we begin to utter its metaphors,
learning them as we speak.
A line of peace might appear
if we restructured the sentence our lives are making,
revoked its reaffirmation of profit and power,
questioned our needs, allowed
long pauses. . . .
A cadence of peace might balance its weight
on that different fulcrum; peace, a presence,
an energy field more intense than war,
might pulse then,
stanza by stanza into the world,
each act of living
one of its words, each word
a vibration of light--facets
of the forming crystal.
copyright 1987, from _Breathing the Waters_ and _What Could It Be_, Levertov
copyright 1982 from _Candles in Babylon_, Levertov
NY: New Directions
The Rich Man's House
Well I went down to the rich man's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I went down to the rich man's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Landlord's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Well I, went down to the landlord's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Welfare Office I took back
what it stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I, went down to the welfare office I took back
what it stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now it's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Governor's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I, went down to the governor's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I went down to the rich man's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Landlord's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Well I, went down to the landlord's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Welfare Office I took back
what it stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I, went down to the welfare office I took back
what it stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now it's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Well I, went down to the Governor's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
well I, went down to the governor's house and I took back
what he stole from me
took it back
took back my dignity
took it back
took back my humanity
Now he's under my feet, under my feet, under my feet
Ain't gonna let the system walk all over me!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
I'll Be Loving You For Always
Stevie Wonder
As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That I'll be loving you always
As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing will grow older every day
Just as all is born is new
Do know what I say is true
That I'll be loving you always
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky---ALWAYS
Until the ocean covers every mountain high---ALWAYS
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea---ALWAYS
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Did you know that true love asks for nothing
Her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day
Just as time knew to move on since the beginning
And the seasons know exactly when to change
Just as kindness knows no shame
Know through all your joy and pain
That I'll be loving you always
As today I know I'm living but tomorrow
Could make me the past but that I mustn't fear
For I'll know deep in my mind
The love of me I've left behind Cause I'll be loving you always
Until the day is night and night becomes the day---ALWAYS
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away---ALWAYS
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4---ALWAYS
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Did you know that you're loved by somebody?
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left---ALWAYS
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
I'll be loving you forever
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through---ALWAYS
Until the day that you are me and I am you---AL~~~~~~WA~~
~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky~~~~~AA~~~~
~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~YS~~ALWAYS
We all know sometimes lifes hates and troubles
Can make you wish you were born in another time and space
But you can bet you life times that and twice its double
That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed
so make sure when you say you're in it but not of it
You're not helping to make this earth a place sometimes called Hell
Change your words into truths and then change that truth into love
And maybe our children's grandchildren
And their great-great grandchildren will tell
I'll be loving you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky--Loving you
Until the ocean covers every mountain high--Loving you
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea--Loving you
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream--Be loving you
Until the day is night and night becomes the day--Loving you
Until the trees and seas up, up and fly away--Loving you
Until the day that 8x8x8x8 is 4--Loving you
Until the day that is the day that are no more--Loving you
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left--Be loving you
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself--Loving you
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through--Loving you
Until the day that you are me and I am you--
Now ain't that loving you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Ain't that loving you
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
And I've got to say always
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea~~AL~~~WA~~~AYS
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream-Um AL~~WA~~AYS
Until the day is night and night becomes the day-AL~~~~WA~~AYS
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away-AL~~WA~~~AA~~~~~
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA
Until the day that is the day that are no more-AA~~~~AA~~AA~~~AYS
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left-AL~~~WA~~~A~~~AA
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself-~~AA~~~AA~~~AA~~~AYS
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through-AL~~~WAYS
Until the day that you are me and I am you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Until the day is night and night becomes the day
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through
Until the day that you are me and I am you
As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That I'll be loving you always
As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing will grow older every day
Just as all is born is new
Do know what I say is true
That I'll be loving you always
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky---ALWAYS
Until the ocean covers every mountain high---ALWAYS
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea---ALWAYS
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Did you know that true love asks for nothing
Her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day
Just as time knew to move on since the beginning
And the seasons know exactly when to change
Just as kindness knows no shame
Know through all your joy and pain
That I'll be loving you always
As today I know I'm living but tomorrow
Could make me the past but that I mustn't fear
For I'll know deep in my mind
The love of me I've left behind Cause I'll be loving you always
Until the day is night and night becomes the day---ALWAYS
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away---ALWAYS
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4---ALWAYS
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Did you know that you're loved by somebody?
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left---ALWAYS
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
I'll be loving you forever
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through---ALWAYS
Until the day that you are me and I am you---AL~~~~~~WA~~
~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky~~~~~AA~~~~
~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~YS~~ALWAYS
We all know sometimes lifes hates and troubles
Can make you wish you were born in another time and space
But you can bet you life times that and twice its double
That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed
so make sure when you say you're in it but not of it
You're not helping to make this earth a place sometimes called Hell
Change your words into truths and then change that truth into love
And maybe our children's grandchildren
And their great-great grandchildren will tell
I'll be loving you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky--Loving you
Until the ocean covers every mountain high--Loving you
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea--Loving you
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream--Be loving you
Until the day is night and night becomes the day--Loving you
Until the trees and seas up, up and fly away--Loving you
Until the day that 8x8x8x8 is 4--Loving you
Until the day that is the day that are no more--Loving you
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left--Be loving you
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself--Loving you
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through--Loving you
Until the day that you are me and I am you--
Now ain't that loving you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Ain't that loving you
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
And I've got to say always
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea~~AL~~~WA~~~AYS
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream-Um AL~~WA~~AYS
Until the day is night and night becomes the day-AL~~~~WA~~AYS
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away-AL~~WA~~~AA~~~~~
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA
Until the day that is the day that are no more-AA~~~~AA~~AA~~~AYS
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left-AL~~~WA~~~A~~~AA
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself-~~AA~~~AA~~~AA~~~AYS
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through-AL~~~WAYS
Until the day that you are me and I am you
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Until the day is night and night becomes the day
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through
Until the day that you are me and I am you
Two Unsung Pioneers of Hollywood
Nina Mae McKinney--I had almost forgotten who she was. I had to reach way back in the recess of my mind to remember who she was.
Fredi Washington-- Another pioneer, she starred in the first Imitation of Life. She quickly became disgusted with Hollywood.
That's All
Dorothy Dandridge
I can only give you love that lasts forever.
And a promise to be near each time you call.
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That's all,
That's all...
I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall;
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter's night
That's all,
That's all.
There are those I am sure who have told you,
They would give you the world for a toy.
All I have are these arms to enfold you,
And a love time can never destroy.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it's me that you'll adore,
For now and evermore
That's all,
That's all.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it's me that you'll adore,
For now and evermore.
That's all,
That's all.
I can only give you love that lasts forever.
And a promise to be near each time you call.
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That's all,
That's all...
I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall;
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter's night
That's all,
That's all.
There are those I am sure who have told you,
They would give you the world for a toy.
All I have are these arms to enfold you,
And a love time can never destroy.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it's me that you'll adore,
For now and evermore
That's all,
That's all.
If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.
Say it's me that you'll adore,
For now and evermore.
That's all,
That's all.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Recovering From the Election
I still haven't recovered from the election. I have to pinch myself everyday and I seem to be in some sort of euphoria--I barely pay attention to the news...and it all seems to have no relevance.... Protests in Greece? It's ok, Barack is the president now....desperation in Haiti? It's going to be alright, Barack is our president now.... Really? What bliss?!
Could Blagojevich be the Victim of a Vendetta?
Could Governor Blagojevich be the victim of a vendetta? He has long been a supporter of progressive causes. Might this criminal taint be payback for his support of the Chicago workers who have taken over their factory? Corruption runs in both ways....
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Workers Take Over Factory in Chicago
Workers Occupy Factory! Need Your Immediate Support!
[Photo: http://tinyurl.com/6abbb6]
CHICAGO
Yesterday, Friday December 5th, the workers of Republic
Windows and Doors occupied their factory, which was due
to close at 10:00 AM. The workers are fighting for pay
for their lost vacation days and for the 75 days notice
that they are guaranteed under Illinois law. This is
the first time in many years workers have taken the
bold, militant strategy of occupying their place of
work to demand justice. The plan to occupy the plant
until the hear the results of the next round of
negotiations Monday afternoon. They need to know they
have our support!
A prayer vigil has been planned for 12:00 Noon,
Saturday December 6th. Please attend. But we should
organize a constant presence of community members
picketing outside the factory! Bring food and coffee
for the workers. It is our presence and the press that
is the workers best defense against the police raiding
the factory.
These workers are fighting for all of us!!! As the
economic crisis deepens we need to launch a working
class fight back. These workers are the starting point
and deserve our full support.
Go to:
Republic Windows & Doors 1333 N. Hickory
On Goose Island, near the intersection of Division &
Clybourn
(Message written by Jerry Mead-Lucero,
www.laborexpress.org)
FROM UNITED ELECTRICAL, RADIO AND MACHINE WORKERS OF AMERICA:
UE Members in Chicago Occupy Plant in Struggle for
Justice
December 6, 2008
Chicago, IL
National television news networks CNN News and Fox are
running reports on the following story involving the UE
members in Chicago...
Members of UE Local 1110 who work at Republic Windows
and Doors in Chicago have been forced to resort to
drastic action to try to force their employer to meet
its obligations to the workforce.
Several national news media outlets have covered this
fast-developing story; several links are provided
below. More news to follow as it becomes available...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-workersoccupyfact,0,1928458.story
http://www.france24.com/en/20081206-laid-off-workers-furious-bank-pulls-chicago-plants-credit
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/republic-windows-doors-120508.html
Several Chicago television stations have covered the
story also, and you will find these stories by visiting
the web pages and local news sections of WGN and CBS2.
BACKGROUND
Idled workers occupy factory in Chicago
By RUPA SHENOY | Associated Press Writer
Chicago Tribune
December 6, 2008
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-workersoccupyfact,0,1928458.story
CHICAGO
Workers who got three days' notice their factory was
shutting its doors voted to occupy the building and say
they won't go home without assurances they'll get
severance and vacation pay they say they are owed.
In the second day of a sit-in on the factory floor
Saturday, about 200 union workers occupied the building
in shifts while union leaders outside criticized a Wall
Street bailout they say is leaving laborers behind.
About 50 workers sat on pallets and chairs inside the
Republic Windows and Doors plant. Leah Fried, an
organizer with the United Electrical Workers, said the
Chicago-based vinyl window manufacturer failed to give
60 days' notice required by law before shutting down.
During the takeover, workers have been shoveling snow
and cleaning the building, Fried said.
"We're doing something we haven't since the 1930s, so
we're trying to make it work," Fried said.
Organizers of the action said the company can't pay
employees because its creditor, Charlotte, N.C.-based
Bank of America, won't let them. Crain's Chicago
Business reported that Republic Windows' monthly sales
had fallen to $2.9 million from $4 million during the
past month. In a memo to the union, obtained by the
business journal, Republic CEO Rich Gillman said the
company had "no choice but to shut our doors."
Bank of America received $25 billion from the
government's financial bailout package.
"Across cultures, religions, union and nonunion, we all
say this bailout was a shame," said Richard Berg,
president of Teamsters Local 743. "If this bailout
should go to anything, it should go to the workers of
this country."
Outside the plant, protesters wore stickers and carried
signs that said, "You got bailed out, we got sold out."
Larry Spivack, regional director for American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees,
Council 31, said the peaceful action will add to
Chicago's rich history in the labor movement, which
includes the 1886 Haymarket affair, when Chicago
laborers and anarchists gathering in a square on the
city's west side drew national attention when an
unidentified person threw a bomb at police.
"The history of workers is built on issues like this
here today," Spivack said.
Representatives of Republic Windows did not immediately
respond Saturday to calls and e-mails seeking comment.
Police spokeswoman Laura Kubiak said authorities were
aware of the situation and officers were patrolling the
area.
Workers were angered when company officials didn't show
up for a meeting Friday that had been arranged by U.S.
Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a Chicago Democrat, Fried said.
Union officials said another meeting with the company
is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
"We're going to stay here until we win justice," said
Blanca Funes, 55, of Chicago, after occupying the
building for several hours. Speaking in Spanish, Funes
said she fears losing her home without the wages she
feels she's owed. A 13-year employee of Republic, she
estimated her family can make do for three months
without her paycheck. Most of the factory's workers are
Hispanic.
[Photo: http://tinyurl.com/6abbb6]
CHICAGO
Yesterday, Friday December 5th, the workers of Republic
Windows and Doors occupied their factory, which was due
to close at 10:00 AM. The workers are fighting for pay
for their lost vacation days and for the 75 days notice
that they are guaranteed under Illinois law. This is
the first time in many years workers have taken the
bold, militant strategy of occupying their place of
work to demand justice. The plan to occupy the plant
until the hear the results of the next round of
negotiations Monday afternoon. They need to know they
have our support!
A prayer vigil has been planned for 12:00 Noon,
Saturday December 6th. Please attend. But we should
organize a constant presence of community members
picketing outside the factory! Bring food and coffee
for the workers. It is our presence and the press that
is the workers best defense against the police raiding
the factory.
These workers are fighting for all of us!!! As the
economic crisis deepens we need to launch a working
class fight back. These workers are the starting point
and deserve our full support.
Go to:
Republic Windows & Doors 1333 N. Hickory
On Goose Island, near the intersection of Division &
Clybourn
(Message written by Jerry Mead-Lucero,
www.laborexpress.org)
FROM UNITED ELECTRICAL, RADIO AND MACHINE WORKERS OF AMERICA:
UE Members in Chicago Occupy Plant in Struggle for
Justice
December 6, 2008
Chicago, IL
National television news networks CNN News and Fox are
running reports on the following story involving the UE
members in Chicago...
Members of UE Local 1110 who work at Republic Windows
and Doors in Chicago have been forced to resort to
drastic action to try to force their employer to meet
its obligations to the workforce.
Several national news media outlets have covered this
fast-developing story; several links are provided
below. More news to follow as it becomes available...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-workersoccupyfact,0,1928458.story
http://www.france24.com/en/20081206-laid-off-workers-furious-bank-pulls-chicago-plants-credit
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/republic-windows-doors-120508.html
Several Chicago television stations have covered the
story also, and you will find these stories by visiting
the web pages and local news sections of WGN and CBS2.
BACKGROUND
Idled workers occupy factory in Chicago
By RUPA SHENOY | Associated Press Writer
Chicago Tribune
December 6, 2008
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-workersoccupyfact,0,1928458.story
CHICAGO
Workers who got three days' notice their factory was
shutting its doors voted to occupy the building and say
they won't go home without assurances they'll get
severance and vacation pay they say they are owed.
In the second day of a sit-in on the factory floor
Saturday, about 200 union workers occupied the building
in shifts while union leaders outside criticized a Wall
Street bailout they say is leaving laborers behind.
About 50 workers sat on pallets and chairs inside the
Republic Windows and Doors plant. Leah Fried, an
organizer with the United Electrical Workers, said the
Chicago-based vinyl window manufacturer failed to give
60 days' notice required by law before shutting down.
During the takeover, workers have been shoveling snow
and cleaning the building, Fried said.
"We're doing something we haven't since the 1930s, so
we're trying to make it work," Fried said.
Organizers of the action said the company can't pay
employees because its creditor, Charlotte, N.C.-based
Bank of America, won't let them. Crain's Chicago
Business reported that Republic Windows' monthly sales
had fallen to $2.9 million from $4 million during the
past month. In a memo to the union, obtained by the
business journal, Republic CEO Rich Gillman said the
company had "no choice but to shut our doors."
Bank of America received $25 billion from the
government's financial bailout package.
"Across cultures, religions, union and nonunion, we all
say this bailout was a shame," said Richard Berg,
president of Teamsters Local 743. "If this bailout
should go to anything, it should go to the workers of
this country."
Outside the plant, protesters wore stickers and carried
signs that said, "You got bailed out, we got sold out."
Larry Spivack, regional director for American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees,
Council 31, said the peaceful action will add to
Chicago's rich history in the labor movement, which
includes the 1886 Haymarket affair, when Chicago
laborers and anarchists gathering in a square on the
city's west side drew national attention when an
unidentified person threw a bomb at police.
"The history of workers is built on issues like this
here today," Spivack said.
Representatives of Republic Windows did not immediately
respond Saturday to calls and e-mails seeking comment.
Police spokeswoman Laura Kubiak said authorities were
aware of the situation and officers were patrolling the
area.
Workers were angered when company officials didn't show
up for a meeting Friday that had been arranged by U.S.
Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a Chicago Democrat, Fried said.
Union officials said another meeting with the company
is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
"We're going to stay here until we win justice," said
Blanca Funes, 55, of Chicago, after occupying the
building for several hours. Speaking in Spanish, Funes
said she fears losing her home without the wages she
feels she's owed. A 13-year employee of Republic, she
estimated her family can make do for three months
without her paycheck. Most of the factory's workers are
Hispanic.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
The Financial Savvy of the U.S. Government
George Bush first exercised his veto power in budget matters to deny health insurance for underprivileged children. He later gave $700 billion dollars to trashy bastards on wall street.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Duffy -Mercy
Yeah Yeah Yeah x4
I love you
but i gotta stay true
my morals got me on my knees
I'm begging please stop playing games
I don't know what this is
cos you got me good
just like you knew you would
I don't know what you do
but you do it well
I’m under your spell
Chorus
You got me begging you for mercy
why won't you release me
you got me begging you for mercy
why won't you release me
I said release me
Now you think that I
will be something on the side
but you got to understand
that i need a man
who can take my hand yes i do
I don't know what this is
but you got me good
just like you knew you would
I don't know what you do
but you do it well
I’m under your spell
You got me begging you for mercy
why wont you release me
you got me begging you for mercy
why wont you release me
I said you’d better release yeah yeah yeah
I'm begging you for mercy
yes why wont you release me
I'm begging you for mercy
you got me begging
you got me begging
you got me begging
Mercy, why wont you release me
I'm begging you for mercy
why wont you release me
you got me begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
Why wont you release me yeah yeah
break it down
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
What I Know For Sure-Oprah
O Magazine November 08
From Oprah Magazine November 08
What I Know for Sure - by Oprah Winfrey
Since the day the late Gene Siskel asked me, “What do you know for sure?” and I got all flustered and started stuttering and couldn’t come up with an answer, I’ve never stopped asking myself that question. I’ve never stopped asking myself that question. And every month I must find yet another answer. I looked back and came up with my all-time top 20.
1. What you put out comes back all the time, no matter what. (This is my creed.)
2. You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.
3. Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power.
4. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.
5. Worrying is wasted time. Use the same energy for doing something about whatever worries you.
6. What you believe has more power than what you dream or wish or hope for. You become what you belive.
7. If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that will be enough. (From the German theologian and humanist Meister Eckhart.)
8. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give.
9. Failure is a signpost to turn you in the other direction.
10. If you make a choice that goes against what everyone else thinks, the world will not fall apart.
11. Trust your instincts. Intuition doesn’t lie.
12. Love yourself and then learn to extend that love to others in every encounter.
13. Let passion drive your profession.
14. Find a way to get paid for doing what you love. Then every paycheck will be a bonus.
15. Love doesn’t hurt. It feels really good.
16. Every day brings a chance to start over.
17. Being a mother is the hardest job on earth. Women everywhere must declare it so.
18. Doubt means don’t. Don’t move. Don’t answer. Don’t rush forward.
19. When you don’t know what to do, get still. The answer will come.
20. “Trouble don’t last always.” (A line from a Negro spiritual, which calls to mind another favorite: This, too, shall pass.)
I find truth and wisdom in these words from Oprah’s column. Here are a few others that I try to remember and live by:
- Treat others the way you would like to be treated. (Do unto others....)
- Treat everyone with respect, until they prove they don’t deserve it.
- Be gentle (with others).
When I was working at Dallastown, I reminded myself (and my colleagues when they felt stressed) of the following:
- We can only do our best.
- We are all in this together.
From Oprah Magazine November 08
What I Know for Sure - by Oprah Winfrey
Since the day the late Gene Siskel asked me, “What do you know for sure?” and I got all flustered and started stuttering and couldn’t come up with an answer, I’ve never stopped asking myself that question. I’ve never stopped asking myself that question. And every month I must find yet another answer. I looked back and came up with my all-time top 20.
1. What you put out comes back all the time, no matter what. (This is my creed.)
2. You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.
3. Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power.
4. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.
5. Worrying is wasted time. Use the same energy for doing something about whatever worries you.
6. What you believe has more power than what you dream or wish or hope for. You become what you belive.
7. If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that will be enough. (From the German theologian and humanist Meister Eckhart.)
8. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give.
9. Failure is a signpost to turn you in the other direction.
10. If you make a choice that goes against what everyone else thinks, the world will not fall apart.
11. Trust your instincts. Intuition doesn’t lie.
12. Love yourself and then learn to extend that love to others in every encounter.
13. Let passion drive your profession.
14. Find a way to get paid for doing what you love. Then every paycheck will be a bonus.
15. Love doesn’t hurt. It feels really good.
16. Every day brings a chance to start over.
17. Being a mother is the hardest job on earth. Women everywhere must declare it so.
18. Doubt means don’t. Don’t move. Don’t answer. Don’t rush forward.
19. When you don’t know what to do, get still. The answer will come.
20. “Trouble don’t last always.” (A line from a Negro spiritual, which calls to mind another favorite: This, too, shall pass.)
I find truth and wisdom in these words from Oprah’s column. Here are a few others that I try to remember and live by:
- Treat others the way you would like to be treated. (Do unto others....)
- Treat everyone with respect, until they prove they don’t deserve it.
- Be gentle (with others).
When I was working at Dallastown, I reminded myself (and my colleagues when they felt stressed) of the following:
- We can only do our best.
- We are all in this together.
Wow
Dick Cheney and Alberto Gonzales have been indicted for prisoner abuse in federal prisons. God is not dead.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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