Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Gone Too Soon....A Good Soul Gone...Eric Slocum....


Today while on Twitter I learned that Eric Slocum died. He died on Feb 25th, his KOMO family were the first to releaase the news on Twitter and on the web. He was only 54, he was a wonderful part of Seattle's Broadcasting family, on the air on KOMO for many years, leaving the news family to do radio years back and then leaving radio over 3 years ago to work on his memoir. He was an accomplished broadcaster, journalist, anchor and radio man, and yes a poet. If you lived in Seattle in the 1990s you would know his stories and broadcast work well.

Please do read the posts linked below and also do watch the KOMO video below, and do go to his blog and read his poems. His friends do know that he wrestled with Depression and also in the past with his battle with alcoholism and OCD, and life as a gay man. He was living in South Seattle with his partner and the Pit Bulls that they lovingly rescued and gave a good home...He was a kind man...a good soul. I send his friends and family much Light and hope that he is at Peace now....

(1) KOMO's beautiful post about him.
(2) From the Seattle PI has more about him, his work, his life.
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(3) Eric's Beautiful Blog, http://eslocum.blogspot.com/, shows a glimpse into his tortured, sad soul....The Poem below is what he posted on his final day, and the other posts of this month clearly show that depression was overwhelming and painful..too painful. His Blog is beautifully written, and clearly shows his pain, his agony....


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Dan-Eric Slocum ( Off facebook)
When I was a gay teenager - I tried to commit suicide. I'm 54 now - so it was not an accepting time for gay teens. My short poem 'oleander' recalls a moment with my father in a psych ward. I, still in late middle age, battle major depression and suicide every day. People don't like to talk about it. But we, as a culture, MUST deal with mental illness. I will fight like a bear to get a message of NO-STI(GMA out there for those who suffer chronic depression. STAND UP. SUPPORT THOSE WHO BATTLE TO STAY ALIVE. Brain disease is no different - in lethal nature - than cancer. http://eslocum.blogspot.com/
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Why I remember Eric....
In Seattle from 1988 to 1998 I worked caring for AIDS Patients, as a Nurse this work was a huge part of my life. And it was complicated as we lived on Capital Hill, so I was caring for Patients and neighbors and friends...I worked at the First AIDS Hospice in the Country, Rosehedge and also did Home Infusion Therapy and was an AIDS Coordinator for the Biggest AIDS Home Infusion Program in the Country and I also worked at the Needle Exchange and ER at a Local Downtown Seattle Hospital. The Nineties in certain cities were an AIDS Battlefield...Seattle was one such city.

In the Nineties I met Eric at two different Patient's Houses...And both times he was lovely, a gentle soul who gave to his friends....He was the type person who would bring soup and lattes late at night for the Caregivers. He had an easy smile and gentle spirit, he was calm and helped without asking, making eye contact and saying just the right thing. He was good to his friends....He had very sad eyes, I remember that, but in those times many had pain in their eyes. In both settings I met him he was Kind and unassuming. ( Not all Broadcast personalities are so gentle and so giving...it is a rare thing). He was the type friend who "Showed Up". I last saw him at a Funeral many years ago....I remember what he said and how kind he was.

His Poems are so haunting...and show he was in so much pain. In many ways, this has been a week about Pain and Endings....

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I dedicate this song to Eric....He loved the Beatles....

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I wrote a post earlier in the year about Suicide and Suicide Prevention Tips....If you know someone hurting and in pain make sure you are there for them....

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. ~Walter Winchell

Women Now Face More Hurdles to get Basic Health Care and Reproductive Care.....



Uploaded by NWLCmedia on Feb 28, 2012
In 2011, states across the nation enacted 92 new restrictions on abortion, the highest number ever. Today, overreaching politicians are continuing to jeopardize women's health by trying to force them to undergo invasive and unnecessary transvaginal ultrasounds and giving fertilized eggs legal rights. This dangerous trend is echoed in Congress, where lawmakers are trying to erect dangerous hurdles for women to jump over to get the reproductive care that they need and require.

About NWLCmedia

The National Women's Law Center, based in Washington, D.C., has been working since 1972 to expand the possibilities for women and girls in this country. For more info, visit our website at http://www.nwlc.org.

The National Women's Law Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. Contributions to the Center are tax-deductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code as allowed by law.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Day after the Shooting.....


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It has been sad here in Ohio, yet I know folks all over are watching Chardon and again asking why we have kids killing kids......So so sad.....Hug your kids...tell them they are loved..make sure they know that they can talk to you about anything....let them know that you are grateful that they are in your life...that they are needed....and that even if Times Are Bad....Things will and do get better.....

John Fugelsang Speaks out on Bullying on GritTV, What it is and Is Not...and why it matters...Profound Video


Due to the recent wave of kids -- especially gay teenagers -- who've been bullied to the point of taking their own lives, the U.S. media's begun talking about bullying & teen suicide. It's so horrible that Americans have finally begun to do what we do best - fight with each other over what to do and never accomplish anything. Distributed by Tubemogul.
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John poignantly and profoundly points out that Bullying is not really being confronted in the right manner, that it is truly Brutal Harrassment. And that people get hurt....that it is indeed dangerous.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Shooting at Chardon Highschool in Ohio


Photo enlarged of Boy in the Warning Photos from the weekend.
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IS this the same boy as the boy in the warning photos ? that is the question ? Also please do see the Photos in the post below.
This photo is TJ Lane from Facebook taken on Feb 16th
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Originally reports 12 noon...updated at 4PM

from Huffington Post ( Photos posted to Social Media and Twitter over weekend)
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These were photos shared on Channel 19 news at 11am
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This morning there was a shooting here in Ohio at a local Highschool. This information is gathered from Twitter and local news that broadcast story most of the morning on the air. Shooting began at approximately 7:30 to 7:45 AM at Chardon Highschool. ( Chardon is a small community approximately 20 miles NE of Cleveland). The High school is part of a complex of Educational building including a Highschool, middle school and elementary school. It is located across the street from a Walmart. Five students were shot, apparently in three separate locations in the school.

The school did immediately go into Lock down after first shots. First Shootings were in Cafeteria. Students did barricade themselves throughout the school after first announcements over the PA, they also began texting and trying to call parents. ( apparently Verizon failed due to too many calls). This is a high school with approximately 1200 students. Per Students that called in to local stations. One Teacher, Mr.Hall did chase the student out of the building. Shooter was armed with Hand gun or guns. ( The concern was that he was still loose in the educational complex). Buses that were still arriving at the schools with students made the decision to turn around and take students home ( before they were unloaded. ) 5 Students were shot in 3 separate locations in the Highschool. Once the shooter left the building apparently he did turn himself into Authorities.

As of 12 Noon it is reported that one of the Students has died from their wounds. 2 students , a male and a female are in serious but stable condition at Hillcrest Hospital and two are still at Metro, no word on their condition. The Deceased student is supposedly a male. ( Students were removed for medical care flown by Lifeflight from Walmart parking lot across the street.)

Most students were removed from the Highschool and taken to the Middle School where parents were brought in to pick them up, in groups of five. The parents were shown waiting outside quietly and orderly. ( Some of the reports on the local news were from phone in interviews from with parents and even some students.)

The Photos above are supposedly from the shooter, allegedly posted on Twitter and on a Social Media site. In one photo he supposedly is wielding a knife and on another photo he clearly is brandishing two handguns. Who took and posted the photos is unclear. And again there are questions about the photos, did People know about these photos. The One photo clearly posts a Warning about a pending/ planned massacre. There are many questions about what was posted on social media

1PM Update:

Daniel Parmentor per Channel 3 news is the young man that has died from gunshot wounds. ( He was supposedly brought to Hillcrest via Ambulance. ) Family issued statement at 1:30PM.

TJ Lane or Thomas Lane ( per Channel 3) is the name of the Shooter or the young man who did turn himself into the Authorities ( Geauga Safety Center), apparently the surrender was without incident. Apparently he turned himself into a relative's home that was close to the school.
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LINKS :::
(1) BBC reports on the shooting
(updates 10am to 12noon)
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(2) MSNBC updates
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(3) CNN reports
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(4) Newsnet 5 or WEWS updates
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Local Channel 19 News
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4:30 PM the Local news are reporting more. TJ Lane is the Identified shooter who surrendered to authorities. His Facebook has a haunted post that is down below, a post that really does reveal deep sadness. Yet there are some questions is the Shooter the same as the boy in the Warning Photos that were posted on Twitter. I have enlarged them both to compare.
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There was no further follow up of the photos above by local news, although a local FOX station also raised questions about the photos, but there was no further information.
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5PM Tuesday....
Over night two more students that were shot did die. I will post about them later.

More Photos coming forth...re. Shooting in Chardon

4PM Updates :::

Posting on Facebook Page by TJ Lane
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2-4PM
Facebook photos emerged once Shooter's name was released on air. The Shooter, TJ Lane was identified on air by two that witnesses. {{HERE SAY Reports by/from students }} >> TJ was living with his grandparents, as there was instablity at home, he was also apparently bullied on the bus ( and perhaps online) and that he just went through a difficult break up during Valentines day. TJ was identified as the Shooter, one of the students interviewed live on air ch 19 and ch 3,was grazed by a bullet, and had mark on ear, he and other students did identify TJ as the shooter.

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Concerns have emerged that the "Warning " photos posted on Twitter (see post above) do not match exactly the Facebook photos of TJ Lane, so this is raising new questions.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Sunday Thoughts.....


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Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.~~ Shel Silverstein
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The Sun is trying to poke through frosty morning clouds here....I think all of us are seeking Warmth...and Light...for me that comes in strange ways...a lovely gift of an unexpected weekend phone call from a friend...SNL and fresh home made ( UN-Burned ) cookies with 6-6...watching the Birds at the feeder lined up ready for the day....and there is snuggling with a warm dog who snores as she sleeps next to her favorite cat....or laying in bed watching videos with a giant mug of tea....It is the small things, the little things that sooth the soul....

Friday, February 24, 2012

The 99 Report Radio Show for Friday 2/24/12 : More on the GOP War On Women...


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Listen to internet radio with 99 Report on Blog Talk Radio

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This Episode does focus on the current GOP war on Women and their insufferable attempt to turn Women into their New Minority Target of Choice. The Message that is being sent to Women and our Girls and young women is that their health and well being and their bodies are merely Baby or Sperm Vessels. It is a deplorable, pathetic Power Play, it is yet another way for them to Hate Monger and Fear Monger, it shows that they don't respect Women or our Bodies or our Minds or Well Being.I am concerned why our Health and Self Esteem should not be given some serious Consideration.But the language and disrespect that is being shown is not like anything that we have seen in our lifetime.
I wrote a longer post over at Watergate Summer, About Why Women Matter that has more on this issue and why maybe we really need a March On DC for Women. Two weeks ago I did focus on the need for Planned Parenthood to be defended for the Medical Care they provide, yet now the insanity has reached new lows as the Congress held a special hearing on Contraception last week with Religious leaders. As a Nurse I am horrified by the ignorance that is being displayed and peddled as to the health needs of Women and our Bodies.

(1) What happened to Separation of Church and State ? And why is no one even mentioning that issue.
(2) What is the message that we are sending to young women and girls about their worth and their bodies ?
(3) Why is the Media being allowed to frame this as a Religious Issue, when it is about Women's Rights and Our Health ?

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CLIP OF THE WEEK THAT THE MSM MISSED AND THE 99% NEEDS TO HEAR:::
The Contraception "Religious" Hearing in Congress last week 2/17/12

(6Min)
Elijah Cummings and Ms. Mahoney speak out about the "Contraception" hearing with the Religious Leaders. ( Mr.Cummings part got very little airplay, and I want him heard, as he speaks out beautifully about the importance of Contraception in our History. Why the Congress is allowed to have such a hearing as it clearly violates Church And State Integrity, and why they are allowed to have hearings about Women's health and Medical care with Religious leaders is beyond me. I keep waiting for a Hearing on the Benefits of Leaches and Witch Doctors.) The audio for this is included in the program 4 minutes.

DO read William Rivers Pitt's Post called "To My Mother" in Truthout, it is an excellent read and so well spoken about the latest GOP antics....
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The wonderful Lee Camp's Moment of Clarity this week is really special. "“The Right Wing Is Taking Rights Away From Women, But Were They Really Using Them?” – M.O.C. #118( 4min) You must see more on his website and his link is in the Sidebar.
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POWER OF TEN: SHARING 10 WONDERFUL PEOPLE & SITES WITH YOU
The Next part of the Show I try to give OCCUPY and 99 Percenters doing amazing work a Shout and some attention. It is also a way of Occupying Compassion, sharing and helping each other.

(1) VET NEWS NOW, http://www.veteransnewsnow.com/
(2) FREAK OUT NATION BY JANE DOE- @anonmaly100
(3) Tim Corrimal Show, @timcorrimal on Twitter
(4) David Pakman Show, @davidpakmanshow ( His latest with Interview of Elizabeth Warren is a Must See. )
(5) Denise Romano 's Book is called the HR Toolkit and is available via McGraw Hill and is written to help people be empowered when battling Workplace Issues.
Please do follow her on Twitter @deniseromano
(6) 7 Habits of Highly Frugal People.
(7) Really beautiful post about 43 yr old Anthony Shadid's death last week in Syria. We have lost a wonderful journalist.
(8) Local Cleveland @mildlyrevelant does a great news segment -do check him out.
(9) @KeithSmooth ( Keith Balmer ) his latest post, Really insightful post, "Down The Lonely Dark Road Of Addiction" ( and yes it is about Whitney Houston and her death.)
(10) Paul Krugmans'Post at Alternet about the Europe's leader's tanked it's Economy through moralizing and the austerity Fantasy...
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OCCUPY UPDATES :::

(1) On Facebook : Do see the "Occupy Wall Street Online Family
(2) In a 325-Page SEC Letter, Occupy's Finance Gurus Take on Wall Street Lobbyists
motherjones.com. Think the Occupy movement is just a bunch of dirty hippies? Well, keep reading.

(3) I have a very sad, frustrating update to read regarding Arturo Lo Santos, I will read the latest update. ( Occupy LA and Occupy Riverside and other Occupy Groups in CA are trying to fight Chase and Freddie Mac are trying to help this ex marine keep his home).
(4) OCCUPY FOCUS THIS WEEK:'
College Campuses are starting to focus on Tuition Strikes, and that is including schools all over including Florida, California, Oregon and Canada. Also Certain States are looking at Strikes and Protests focused on Our Profitable Prison System. So check with your area and see what is going on....

(5) #OccupyCompassion of the Week:
Hope4Women Org,that is helping women in impoverished nations, so it is about women helping women, but is also about helping little girls as well. They have started a project making dresses from pillowcases, really inspiring story and it's helping women and little girls in other countries have Self Esteem.
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Ninety Nine Ways to Give:::
(1) Support Work for Americans, This is an American company that makes only American products, shipping here and also hiring American Workers, Manchester Wood is focused on its workers and it's products.
(2) Beagle Freedom Project is saving dogs from being Pharmaceutical Guinea pigs. Learn more, and give if you can.

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This Week's guest at 2:30PM is Reverend Ladonna Baylock a known,loved respected figure here in Cleveland. She is working to improve lives here in Cleveland and has many projects ongoing that are focusing on Women and their living conditions and self esteem. In light of the recent ongoing attacks on Women's Rights I am having her on to discuss Women, as well as ongoing projects of her organization of GBG. ( The organization is Goddesses Blessing Goddesses is working to improve lives of women and help them reclaim and refocus their lives.
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Music for the Show::
Music at the Start of the Show is by MamaShine 99%" For What it is Worth" ( remake/remix for the 99% of the Classic Buffalo Springfield song.)

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Music this week is by TruNDeed and Sanara. I know Sanara Pippins and she offered this song, as it's inspiring , hopeful, truthful. "Gotta Believe".
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Political Song of the Week " Mutt Romney Sings the Blues" (Brave New Films)
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Mitt Loves Trees...Political Humor...Not Wisdom
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Art : "Woman Looking in the Mirror" by Faith Ringgold 1966
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And a Special Message to Mr.Foster Freize, I am too ladylike to tell you where you can stick your Aspirin.
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Occupy Amazing....


Occupy is still waking people up, making them think, work for change, create change...it is still a global movement...And yes, Winter in some ways has quieted the movement on some fronts...But Spring is Coming....Really Beautiful video...share it. Occupy Compassion.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Saturday Thoughts.....About Women and Why We Matter....



I have been thinking a great deal about women this week, about how we see Ourselves, how we value Ourselves. There is a War On Women going on right now in this Country. It's Ugly and unconscionable and unforgivable. I have been watching the rhetoric of the GOP and how they speak in demeaning terms about us and our Bodies. I have been watching how they laugh and make inappropriate jokes about our bodies and about our Greatest Gift, Our Greatest Power....we produce Children, we are giving our world the next generation. And yet, it should be our Choice , when and if we want to have Children, not rumpled ill mannered white men in suits in DC. And these same wretched shortsighted men should not be deciding how we receive Health Care for OUR Bodies. No One is taking away their Viagra, and may be someone should. And No One is taking away their Prostrate Exams and maybe someone should.

First they cloaked their attacks in their own Abortion Fears and fetal concerns, cloaked in their phony Right to Life Rhetoric, and they could manipulate facts about Planned Parenthood. And not ONE News Media Station came forward and disputed them or dared to actually interview Medical Professionals who care for women at the Planned Parenthood Clinics. And now the GOP has taken their absurd antics one step further, now they wish to deny Women even basic Reproductive Care and Contraceptives. They fail to realize that our reproductive organs do need care and attention, and that our Bodies need PRIVATE medical care. It is quite simply NONE of their damn business, and how dare they cloak it now as a "RELIGOUS" issue, another outrageous outright LIE. The sad truth is that for millions of women Planned Parenthood provides much needed Medical Care, and they want to take that away. So is it an attack on Women or just Poor Women ?

Batshit Crazy even reached new Highs this week when certain lawmakers in certain states now wish to propose vaginal probes and ultrasound for women that have assaulted or raped. They also are examining laws that effect sexual and domestic abuse victims. As a woman I am profoundly embarrassed and disgusted that these old ignorant white men wish to return us to an era when Women were not protected by Laws. We are living in 2012, not 1950 or 1850 and someone should set them straight.
Maybe us as women should set them straight. I strongly feel we as Women should March on DC.

So to the Shortsighted Ignorant Men in DC I say this, ALL Women need love, care and support. We are your mothers, your sisters, and wives. Our Bodies do need proper Medical Care, not just parts of our bodies, our WHOLE bodies. I encourage all women speak up and speak out......Loudly.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Awopradio Show for Sunday Feb.19th 6:30PM EST Guests : David Pakman of the David Pakman Show and Sara Robinson of Alternet


Welcome to the Awopradio Show Blog, The Show is now 6:30PM EST and runs to 9PM EST on Sunday Evenings. It is now on USTREAM and also if you can't join us, you can now listen to the Show on iTunes ( see the Sidebar for the Link). Please also do check out the Sidebar as there are links to the A World of Progress Video Channel ( great place to see some of the fine Music and Interviews, including John Clark, The HoneyCutters, and Lyric). Also there is the Links to the 99 Report and the blogs of Kim G ( The AWOP Publisher @awop or @awopradio ) and @Mommapolitico ( Perry) , as well as my Blog "Watergate Summer". Kim G. is our fearless leader, she is the person who you see on the USTREAM screen and is the one who has been working so hard to improve the audio of our show. At 6:30PM she does the Intro to the Show, and then I follow with the #99Report at 7PM, and then at 7:30PM we have @Mommapolitico ( Perry) our resident political wonk brings us the goodness of #KitchenTablePolitics. Our First Guest joins us at 8PM. We Strive to have two guests every week.
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8 PM This week our first Guest is David Pakman of the David Pakman Show. You can read more about him and his show on his Website here. His Website is has everything, his videos and podcasts and much more. ( http://www.davidpakman.com/)

Via Wikipedia::

"The David Pakman Show is a radio, internet, and television talk show hosted by David Pakman, currently airing on over 100 radio and television stations, DirecTV and DISH Network through Free Speech TV, YouTube, and via internet podcast. The program first aired in August 2005 on WXOJ-LP ("Valley Free Radio"), located in Northampton, Massachusetts, as "Midweek Politics with David Pakman", and has since been nationally syndicated. Midweek Politics is a political talk program, focusing on the politics and news of the week, with regular interviews of both liberal, conservative, and non-political guests. As a weekly show, it airs throughout the week on both radio and television affiliates around the US and across the world."

His Bio is here, is a great read about Who he is and really tells the story of this rising Media Star. Whose show you can catch on Radio, Internet and YouTube. His sharp wit and intellect are watching and dissecting an array of events at this time, and he truly has his finger on the political pulse right now. Do check out his insights on this week's show on CPAC, Bachman and Romney and more.

Here is just one sample of David's Wisdom . Here is a Recent Video of David Discussing "Fox View of Women in the Kitchen During SuperBowl". ( His Wing Man is Lewis...)
With Dry Humor and Wit, he carefully exposes Fox for what they are....( 3 Minutes).

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Our 2nd Guest is Sara Robinson of Alternet is coming on to share about Alternet and the Visions Page, which is a hug of forward thinking and thought provoking articles that range from Occupy Issues to financial issues to Education.We are thrilled to be able to talk to her about this Page and where it's going and it's impact. She is a thoughtful profound writer, and one of her main articles that is getting much Buzz and notice right now is " New Rules For Radicals: 10 Ways to Spark Change in a Post Occupy World" ( and recieved recognition and praise from Bill Moyers this week. You can read the article here and learn more.


Here is More about Who Sara Is:

Sara Robinson is the Senior Editor of the Visions page at Alternet.org. The page's mission is to track emerging trends, issues, and solutions that expand progressives' awareness of the ways our shared vision of the next America is coming into being.

Sara is one of the few trained social futurists in North America. Her skill set includes trend analysis, scenario development, futures research, social change theories, systems thinking, and strategic planning. She holds a MS in Futures Studies from the University of Houston, and a BA in Journalism from the USC Annenberg School of Communication. Sara's particular area of interest is the role religion, culture, and other deep cognitive frameworks play in the way individuals and societies imagine the future and choose their strategies for approaching and managing change.

Before joining Alternet, she was a Senior Fellow at the Campaign for America's Future. Her work has also appeared online at The New Republic, The Huffington Post, Daily Kos, Firedoglake, Crooks & Liars, and many other websites, as well as in print; and she makes frequent media and in-person appearances speaking on issues related to long-range planning and policy. She lives in Seattle.


Other Must Read Sara Robinson Articles :::
(1) Does College make us less Equipped to Change The World ?

(2) Why Going back to Normal is no longer an Option for the American Economy, and where we are headed now "

99 Report Radio Show for Friday Febuary 17th : Guests Lee Camp and Kristina English , Focus Homelessness in America


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Listen to internet radio with 99 Report on Blog Talk Radio

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Photo This Week From Occupy Canada.......
On Twitter many nights I say " Be good To each other...Occupy Compassion..We Are all we've got". Part of this Show is to get us all talking to each other and Dialogue can help heal and work towards Solutions for the 99 Percent. If you want to call in I would be happy to take your call. Listener Dial In Number: 646-564-9906.

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Todays Show has 2 Guests :
Lee Camp at 2:10 PM to talk about his Work, Website and New Book.( as well as we will be talking about his segments being added to the show... Please do see the post below about Lee, his Comedy and work.)

And at 2:30PM Kristina English of American Family's Housing in California is coming on to share about their Program. And maybe all of us, no matter where we live can share some of this Programs fine ideas with our own Communities.

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Welcome to the 99 Report for Valentines Week 2012 ( you can listen in on BlogTalkRadio Link on Sidebar). This week I am focusing the show on Homelessness, that is why the Show is called Home is Where the Heart is. I currently live in Cleveland where the Foreclosure Crisis has hit particularly hard leaving 30,000 Homes empty. Yet we also have a Homeless Problem just like many other cities and towns in the United States. The estimates for Homeless here are 6-10,000 per night.

This includes all kinds of people Elderly, young, VETS,Working Poor and even families. The Occupy Site downtown has been working hard to try to educate people about Foreclosure issues and Homeless issues, by helping to Re-Occupy Homes and also seeking empty Buildings to Claim and re-occupy. Here in Cleveland some of the other focus has also been on what the Foreclosure Crisis has done to entire neighborhoods leaving structures empty, increasing crime rates and even leading to Vandalism of properties to take Pipe for the Metal. ( We call them Metal Men and they have flourished here for years.) The danger is that the Empty Buildings then pose new risks of hazards including risks of fires and explosions.

Families can not stay in most shelters as they are Gender Specific, so you will see families sleeping in cars at the end of the Street or in Church Parking lots. By talking to these families, I really began to realize that we need better transitional housing and also Shelter for Families. If you are part of a Church I do encourage you to find ways to get others in the Community Involved. There is a Church near me that every year holds Free Rummage Sales -where families can get Coats in Winter and also School Supplies and Clothes. Some of these same churches hold Pancake and Fish and Spaghetti Dinners and ask for Donations of Clothing, Toys and other items. This creates a circle of giving.



Homelessness The Stats :::
This This Crooks and Liars Article will take your breath away, but is a Must read.... 3.5 Million Homeless and 18.5 Million Vacant Homes in the US. ( And if the Homeless Stats are correct, that also does mean that the 600,000 to 900,000 Vets Homeless on the Streets at night may indeed be accurate.) Do read the Crooks&Liars article by Diane Sweet, it is sobering....And if OCCUPY in in your town is working on Foreclosure Issues, or Occupying Banks etc, give them a hand. Or also give help to your local Homeless Shelters....and Soup Kitchens. As my neighbor said, " This is like the 30's only there should be Soup Kitchens."

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...About Our American History.....
If we look at our own History of our Country, in times of War and Economic Hardship we still managed to Create Jobs, Infrastructure and take care of our own. This is the First time in our History, due to Gross Greed and bloated Corporate Profits that the Rich have been so coddled by Government Leaders ( GOP etc) and the Media. And it is time to start Truthtelling. Do read this Telegraph Article that has photos from the 30's and 40s showing growth in spite of Economic Plight.
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(Video made in 2008) Homelessness.... I made this with Agit-Diaries Mandt in 2008, after years of watching Bush Pillage our Economy.At this point it bears repeating we don't just have Hungry People we have Homeless people and people who need Shelter. 600-900,000 VETS on the street per Night. We also have up to 3.5 Million Homeless per year in our Country, while 18.5 Buildings and Homes are EMPTY.

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VET Issues related to Homelessness
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(1) VET Issues : Homelessness and Foreclosure Issues ( and Help that they need to know about and needs to be shared). Many of the Occupy Sites are focusing on Homelessness and the Foreclosure Crisis. Some of the Sites are also looking at the Questionable Tactics being used against Homeowners in the Foreclosure Process. I am bringing up an Added Interest to share with Occupy Sites that needs Closer Scrutiny, including Our Military Members Serving overseas facing Foreclosure and coming home to Lost Homes. One of the first Occupy Cleveland people I met was a Vet who had lost his home while serving Overseas. So tonight I am presenting some data on this issue, as it needs closer Examination and News Coverage.

According to the Data and Articles located the stats vary widely,but 25,000 Serving Vets lost their homes due to Foreclosure in 2010,and of that Number 5,000 while serving, meaning they came home to NO HOME. The past five years 10-25,000 lost homes per year. That means during the last 5 years of Battles being fought in 2 war zones, that anywhere from 90-120,000 Vets lost Homes during the Foreclosure Crisis.And I think it is fine that Congress should be aware and working on this situation, but I am clueless why the DOJ and Holder are not working on it. I encourage folks to write to BOTH for the sake of our Military serving and VETS, and their families. It is estimated that there are over 600,000 Vets sleeping on the streets every night. I am encouraging people to write to their County and City reps and encourage that Housing be made available to them, via Empty Buildings and Homes.
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(1) Help for VETS is availabled at this site, National Coalition for the Homeless VETS, the stats on this site are not accurate, but there is help listed there, as well as workshops, job fairs etc.
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(2) More than 8% of all Homeless are Vets, and the stats may even be higher as the VETS are not known for accessing services, from food to shelter, and PTSD also may be limiting who is getting services and care. This PDF does have some worrisome numbers though.National Homeless Org is trying to track their numbers.
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(3) More from Think Progress on Homeless VETS, again more on the actual numbers and needs and what needs more focus.
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I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor. Do you know your next door neighbor?~~Mother Teresa
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Organizations that are Providing Relief and Services for the Homeless:::
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(1) "Way Back Inn" in King County WA is doing amazing work helping Homeless Families get back on their feet. They help with the Basics, even including bedding, hygiene and kitchen ware. They also help the families to regain their footing and the housing provided is for up to 90 days, while employment and more permanent housing is sought.

(2) Shelter for the Homeless another organization that works with Homeless Families in California. American Family Housing is another Organization that is helping families with Housing and Home needs. Their Contact Info : Call 714-897-3221 or email info@afhusa.org

Our 2nd Guest on the Show today at 2:3PM EST is Kristina English of this fine Organization, American Family Housing ( founded in 1985) sharing about their work with Homeless and how their Organization working with their County in California is working to help the Homeless and Working Poor. Their Work could be a template for other cities and towns around the country....

(3) This Website, called Don't Almost Give.Org has lists of Organizations that are helping families with Food and Shelter.

National Center on Homelessness is a fine organization that is trying to track and also work on finding solutions for Homeless. Their particular Focus is also on Children. Last year alone 1.6 Million children were homeless in the United States ( that they were able to track). ( On another note if you think you could work to help this fine organization they are hiring.
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Budget Saver for the Week:: Food for the week from @SethP23 on Twitter and his Vegan Blog -Vegan ESP, has a wonderful Bean and Rice Recipe from Wed. 2/15 do check it out....
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Music for this Week's Show :::
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Music by MamaShine "For What It's Worth"

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And the Fine new song by Sharon Bautista, a Nurse, Singer, Songwriter, who supports OccupyLA ( and a fine New Yorker too) and her song " I Sold My Guitar Today". She has a lovely voice, she reminds me of so many fine singers, her ballad quality reminds me of Janis Ian, and yet her voice reminds me of Wendy Waldman or Karla Bonoff. I am grateful she said I could play her song on this show. You can find her on Twitter at @sassysongstress.
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"Way Back Inn" by James P.Morrison ( off his CD "Son to The Boy"). You can find him on Twitter at @JamesPMorrison . You may know him as a fine actor ( and yes he was on 24), but he also is a fine Musician, Artist and very insightful. You can see more at his Website and also order his CD. His website has more about his projects work and you can order his CD. I thank him, he did graciously give permission for me to play the song on the show, and I did tell him why I chose this song for this week.
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"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."~Mother Teresa

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Awopradio Show for Sunday February 12th, 6:30PM EST

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Welcome to the Awopradio Show Blog, The Show is now 6:30PM EST and runs to 9PM EST on Sunday Evenings. It is now on USTREAM and also if you can't join us, you can now listen to the Show on iTunes ( see the Sidebar for the Link). Please also do check out the Sidebar as there are links to the A World of Progress Video Channel ( great place to see some of the fine Music and Interviews, including John Clark, The HoneyCutters, and Lyric). Also there is the Links to the 99 Report and the blogs of Kim G ( The AWOP Publisher @awop or @awopradio ) and @Mommapolitico ( Perry) , as well as my Blog "Watergate Summer". Kim G. is our fearless leader, she is the person who see on the USTREAM screen and is the one who has been working so hard to improve the audio of our show. At 6:30PM she does the Intro to the Show, and then I follow with the #99Report, and then at 7PM we have @Mommapolitico ( Perry) our resident political wonk brings us the goodness of #KitchenTablePolitics. Our First Guest is at 7:30PM EST.

And yes, in light of Valentine's Day the Theme of this Show is LOVE....All Kinds and why it matters.
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The 99 Report is now a Show on Fridays at 2PM on BlogTalkRadio, and is an expanded version that has interviews. This week on Friday Feb10th the Show is focused on Breast Cancer and also Womens' Health Stories ( Including WHY Planned Parenthood is Needed, a reminder to KOMEN of Real Women's Stories and Health Issues.) I will also include the LINK here so that people can hear that week's show.
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Jordan Capatano is on to share Valentines Cocktail with us. ( She is also the writer of This Girl Walks Into a Bar, which has more cocktails and drinks and goodies. Tonight she joins us to help get ready for Valentines Day, and hopefully has a special cocktail for us... ( You can hear her at approximately 6:45PM).
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Inlaws Outlaws Film , DO go to the Website and learn more about this beautiful film...about Love...all Kinds...



Drew Emory is our First Guest at 7:30PM EST (4:30PM Pacific Time) has an extraordinary biography, with a really creative Writing, Producing.Directing Resume. He loves Story telling and crafting works based on Oral Histories. He is on the show to talk about his Film "Inlaws Outlaws", it is an amazing film and timely with so much going on with Marriage Equality across the Country.

Snippet about Inlaws Outlaws::
When Inlaws & Outlaws premiered to sold-out houses at the Seattle International Film Festival, Drew was chosen as a runner-up for Best Director. The film has since gone on to win the Grand Jury Award at the deadCENTER Film Festival, Best Local Film at the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival and was chosen Best of Fest at the Palm Springs Film Festival. The final version of the film received it's theatrical premiere at the Seattle Cinerama in 2007 and went on to an extended run at the Uptown Theatre. In 2008, Drew was honored by the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), receiving a Special Recognition for Social Change Through the Arts.

From the DVD About Inlaws Outlaws::
from the film’s website to explain what it was about:

"At the top of the film, you meet real people one on one. You don’t know who’s gay or straight or who’s with whom. As their stories unfold and stereotypes fall by the wayside, you won’t care because you’ll be rooting for everybody. With candor, good humor, great music and real heart, “Inlaws & Outlaws” gets past all the rhetoric to embrace what we have in common: We love."


How to Order your own DVD of the Film.
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Next Jeni Decker comes on at 8PM EST to talk about her book, "My Life Engulfed in Flames " that explores her life as a mom of two Autistic Sons. Here is the link to buy the book on Amazon. Jeni has been on before to talk about her book and the book " Waiting for Karl Rove" that she wrote with Kat Nove. She is an amazing mom and writer, and bravely sharing her life,humor and insights with us. Truly a book written with much love...

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If there is time at approximately 8:30PM EST I will discuss my Book "Silent Fallout" which is really about how when one loves their family, community and home you fight for it....and sometimes you don't win, but the battle must be fought. The Book is an environmental tale that is in some ways like Erin Brockavich, it has lessons about Corporate Crimes, and also how citizens can fight back. Yet it is important to remember that Corporations should be accountable for their Mess, Mistakes, and Damage. The Book was written because I loved my son, my home, and the North West.
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And don't forget Lester and Charlie's POLL and do check out their amazing website, so much goodness there....

Monday, February 06, 2012

What Cancer Is..A Message from a Breast Cancer Survivor to KOMEN

It's Half Time in America.....Clint Eastwood.....


Usually Super Bowl Ads are well cute or sweet....this one is Different....The Right Wingers are spinning off their rockers on this....let them..since they seem to not even notice how hard it has to be able to climb out of the Bush Depression that they and the GOP helped create....

Saturday, February 04, 2012

Awopradio Show for Sunday February 5th, 2012 : Guests Progressive Radio Goodness Nicole Sandler and Gitmo Lawyer Barry Wingard


Welcome to the Awopradio Show Blog, The Show is now 6:30PM EST and runs to 9PM EST on Sunday Evenings. It is now on USTREAM and also if you can't join us, you can now listen to the Show on iTunes ( see the Sidebar for the Link). Please also do check out the Sidebar as there are links to the A World of Progress Video Channel ( great place to see some of the fine Music and Interviews, including John Clark, The HoneyCutters, and Lyric). Also there is the Links to the 99 Report and the blogs of Kim G ( The AWOP Publisher @awop or @awopradio ) and @Mommapolitico ( Perry) , as well as my Blog "Watergate Summer". Kim G. is our fearless leader, she is the person who see on the USTREAM screen and is the one who has been working so hard to improve the audio of our show. At 6:30PM she does the Intro to the Show, and then I follow with the #99Report, and then at 7PM we have @Mommapolitico ( Perry) our resident political wonk brings us the goodness of #KitchenTablePolitics. And then our First Guest is at 7:30PM EST and then our second guest is approximately at 8 PM EST. The 99 Report now has it's own blog with information and updates about the 99 Percent and OCCUPY sites and issues. And starting on Friday I did my First 99Report Radio show with an Interview with Mom Ann Fuller, and you can also listen to the podcast on BlogTalkRadio.
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Nicole Sandler is our First Guest at 7:30PM EST and we are delighted to have her on the show to discuss Women in Progressive Radio. ( We are trying to have Progressive Radio Women on atleast once a month as our goal ). Nicole is a known and loved Radio Host with a long powerful history, we are so honored to have her on our show to share her wisdom, insights with us and our Listeners. She is a really busy lady with Radio or Not, Randi Rhodes, and New Progressive We Act Radio in DC, and she is on Twitter @NicoleSandler .
WE ACT RADIO every night 10-11PM Nicole Sandler
Radio Or NOT every morning 10-12Noon
WE Act Radio Schedule ,New Progressive Radio in DC
Nicole Sandler's Amazing BIO,
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We are having Barry Wingard on our show at 8PM EST to discuss his work with GITMO detainees. We also hope that we have an opportunity to discuss NDAA with him as well. ( From Huffpo) Barry D Wingard is a Lieutenant Colonel representing Fayiz al-Kandari. He began his career in the Army as an enlisted infantryman and then an infantry officer. Currently he is a Judge Advocate General (JAG) in the Air Force, has served 26 years and is a veteran of both Bosnia and Iraq conflicts. The views expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components.

This article by Barry, The War On Terror : Beyond the Military ( Huffpo July 2010)

Article about Barry's Work and Writings (TPM)
WIKI bio on Barry and his work as VET and an attorney.

Really Stunning Interview with Barry regarding his GITMO work in CagePrisoners. A Must read into the extraordinary work of this fine Military Lawyer.

More on Faiz his client from the NYT Gitmo Docket....

Fayiz Mohammed Ahmed Al Kandari's Facebook Page, is the Kuwaiti Prisoner that Barry Wingard represents, please share it and his story. He is at GITMO for over 10 years, basically because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time....doing charity work.....Sitting in Prison...Our Prison..based on hear say of hear say...It's Unfathomable...please get the word out.

Andy Worthington's article on Fayiz is a must read....

Here is the Facebook page of Abdul Ghani the other client that Barry Windgard represents.
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#OccupyMusic for the Week

#Occupy Tribute by @SethP23

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Don't Forget to head over to Lester and Charlie and their Weekly Poll....