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Twittering Mel

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    Monday, October 19, 2009

    Calling All Purchase-Pricing Whining Winos

    THIS IS TOO BLUSH-WORTHY & BLOOMING NOT TO SHARE

    I have to confess. I am a serial e-news subscriber, and I'm not just talking left-wing/socialist political activism; there's also fashion, and more fashion, and more fashion, the bright side project, healthcare and patient advocacy, neuro and spinal chord injury news, human rights activism, IVIg news...

    and Daily Candy - best described in their carefully copywritten words - "a handpicked selection of all that's fun, fashionable, food related, and culturally stimulating in the city you’re fixated on (and all over the Web)."

    This sweet, daily (multi-daily depending on how many versions you subscribe to) e-newsletter often provides yet more proof why I should be and stay in Philadelphia - despite the fact that I'm alone (not a loner) with my neuro fisticuffed fracas and the rock, rolled, and ruffled ruckus of my internal knock-down-drag-out, organ head-bumping, quibbling spine, nervousy[sic!] nervous system.

    With the 1/2 exception of Seattle (I did have a 4-hour layover there and took a cab to the nearest place - a mall (whoopee)), I can testify of the existence of all the Daily Candy cities listed below, having lived in two of them, been an artist-in-residence in one of them, got allergy shots twice a year for 8 hours a day in another (hint - CSI: [FILL IN THE BLANK]).



    Pictured Above: hottie Adam Rodriguez AKA Eric Delko


    [Disclaimer: The following paragraph contains verbosely gigunda sentences. Read and breathe at your own risk.]
    Of course, if I could take my mainly east coast family with me, as well as my Philadelphia docs, neuro soul support mates, Tria's Three Cheese Panino, and somehow make my disability income stretch like Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum or that nostalgic 90's favorite, Bubble Tape, into a month-long, all bills covered, carpets vacuumed, all-inclusive (ehhh ummm....poolside drinks with umbrellas) fest...(big breath), I'd return to my former London digs or settle in San Fran...



    ...Or, if I became a famous AND bequeathed, "enriched," and/or lavishly subsidized multi-talented visual artist and/or author and/or auteur, or simply a damn good creator of all things damn good, I'd take up residence in the lushly organic, gorgeous, mountainous Marin County (pictured left with pre-TM-me and friend standing at the top of a mountain that overlooks just about anything Marin) where incidentally my fashionista designer friend, Mary Margaret Stewart (pictured right on the right), owner of Iman B lives in bliss. Being close to her and her fabulous clothing line (of which I proudly own quite a few shirts and dresses) is reason enough to switch sides.



    Westward ho!
    (Or, perhaps that could mean that I'm a Westward ho)

    But location, location, location is important for all things non-virtual, and here is the virtual climax, the last swig, the forward finish, the big nose at the end of the lengthy Phylloxera...


    CHECK THIS OUT...(and gift it to....me?)

    The Accidental Wine Company.


    Need I say more?

    No. Because Daily Candy already has:

    "Every once in a while a mistake can lead to something awesome and brilliant (potato chips, LSD, penicillin).Add to the list The Accidental Wine Company."

    Monday, March 9, 2009

    Lynn Cullen is Back...from Cousin Jonathan

    (The following is from an email I received today from my cousin Jonathan Wander)

    Jonathan Wander is a contributing editor for Pittsburgh magazine. His work has appeared in in Men's Health, among other publications, and he writes for a variety of news media, including broadcast and Web, as well as for local advertising agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations.
    (Jonathan's Bio Courtesy of Pittsburgh Magazine. Read an article by Jonathan.)

    *********

    Hi everyone...

    Lynn Cullen, the woman who is, in my opinion, the best talk show host in Pittsburgh (and, personal bias here, someone I'm proud to call my friend) returns to the airwaves today, Monday, March 9. "Pittsburgh's Lone Liberal" (yes, she's a Democrat and she's actually allowed on radio!), Lynn hosts a show that features mostly politics, but with forays into plenty of other topics including entertainment, sports--anything on her listeners' minds. She discusses the local and national scene with wit, passion, compassion, and extraordinary intelligence, and because of this she's developed a large, loyal following of listeners over the past 20 years.

    Lynn's show is interesting, thought-provoking, and always entertaining...and she has terrific callers. If you're a fan, you're already thrilled to know Lynn's returning to the air. If you haven't heard her before, please tune in and give her a try.

    Here are the details:

    Radio station AM 860
    Monday thru Friday 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
    Listen live at: http://www.wamoam.com/

    Studio call-in: 412-333-9133

    If you enjoy Lynn's show, please spread the word that Lynn is back!

    Thanks so much,
    Jonathan Wander

    *********

    Friday, March 6, 2009

    Our Voices Are Needed in Harrisburg

    As a member of the ACLU, I received this email about two important opportunities to shout out for liberty. Since I can't travel, maybe you'll go in my or someone else's honor. I wish I could stand up and shout out for everyone who needs a voice...one day:


    A message from the state capitol


    Dear friends of liberty,

    March is the month to be in Harrisburg. You are needed at the capitol!

    It’s legal in most of Pennsylvania to fire someone from his or her job simply because he or she is gay. On Tuesday, March 17, the ACLU of PA will team with the Value All Families Coalition for a lobby day and rally at the state capitol for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality. It’s long past time for Pennsylvania’s non-discrimination law to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity or expression." To pass this legislation, your legislators need to hear from you! Learn more online.

    Two weeks later, on March 31, ACLU–PA will gather with Pennsylvanians for Responsible Sex Education (PARSE) for a lobby day for healthy youth. In recent years, the commonwealth’s teen birth rate and teen abortion rate have risen. The folly of abstinence–only-until-marriage education has come home to roost. Join us on March 31 to lobby for legislation requiring comprehensive sex education in PA’s schools. Learn more online.

    Buses from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are available for both events.

    Let’s rock the dome!

    See you in Harrisburg.

    Sincerely,
    Andy Hoover
    Legislative Director
    ACLU of PA

    Tuesday, January 13, 2009

    Activism In Philladelphia and how you can Help! in Protesting the atrocities in Gaza

    Although....
    • I said I'm on hiatus from this blog while focusing my energies on battling transverse myelitis (which you can read about at http://neurodetour.com)
    • And many of my Jewish relatives will hold me in contempt for this
    • And some of them also live in Israel and have their own experiences to share
    But...
    • I'm sleepless,
    • and as a dedicated member of WILPF servingon both theMiddle East Committee and the National Development Committee, I'm doing what I can to spread the word...
    • copy...paste...publish.

    Before you begin reading, I grabbed this interesting
    fact from the ADC Website:
    • Famous Arab Americans include: Ralph Nader, Salma Hayek, Casey Kasem, Doug Flutie, Shakira, Paula Abdul, Spencer Abraham and many more (click here to see an illustrated brochure) The Arab American market is considerable. Arab American consumers have a buying power of $104 billion.

    It's always fun to start with fame, fortune, and fantastic cleavage. But on t
    o the less fortunate we go.

    ************

    The following newsletter was sent to me from my dear friend and Philadelphia WILPF president (Libby forgive me if I've gotten your title wrong). Please note, copy and paste leads to whacky formatting. But activism isn't about formatting, it's about doing.



    Dear Members and Supporters,

    The
    American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee--ADC Greater Philadelphia reiterates its horror at Israel ’s ongoing military attacks on, blockade of, and massacres in Gaza. As the world calls for an immediate ceasefire and protection for civilians as enumerated by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1860, Israel's overwhelming attacks on Gaza resulted in over 919 Dead and 4150 Injured-- 46% Women and Children.

    We need to let our voices be heard.
    We need an end to th
    e Israeli massacres in Gaza.

    As vital as it is to keep up the public protest, and as important as it is that we make sure our elected officials in Washington hear from us, this is also a crucial moment to bring our message to the mainstream media.

    There are many ways you can help:
    1. Attend the events planned in the Philadelphia Area this week (Below).
    2. Make your voice heard in the media! (Write to local papers, Talking points)
    3. Contact your Representatives and President-Elect Obama
    4. Help the Victims in Gaza by Donating to United Palestinian Appeal, Inc. (UPA)
    5. Help the Victims in Gaza by Donating to ANERA
    6. Thank The 5 representatives that voted "against" and 22 representatives that voted "present" on a resolution that framed Israel's disproportionate attack on Gaza as "self-defense". IF you know ANY constituents of any of these representatives, then please urge them to let their voices be heard.
    7. You can view the actual resolution here.

    THIS WEEK’S, PHILADELPHIA ACTION FOR GAZA EVENTS
    Don't hesitate to get in touch with questions.

    • Monday 1.12.09- ADC National Wear-Your-Kaffiyah day
    • Tuesday-1.13.09- ADC day of fasting
    • Fri 1.16.09 @4:30pm- Mourning Vigil for Israel's Massacre of Civilians in Gaza and demanding immediate cease fire--Gathering at Israeli Consulate (1880 JFK Blvd) and March to City Hall planned by Arab community [contact Linda Hannah, aridfishing@verizon.net or Nehad Khader, nehadk262@gmail.com]
    • Monday 1.19.08-Tables at Gallery, Rittenhouse, 69th Street, ect. [contact Betsy, bpiette@hotmail.com]
    • MLK Day Candlelight Vigil focused on impact on Women and children, 5:30, Israeli Consulate: [contact SUSTAIN at sustainphilly@gmail.com]

    RECENT EVENTS OF NOTE

    Last week, ADC held a town hall meeting where various ideas and strategies were discussed and considered. In response to direct community input, ADC NATIONAL Office extended its hours of operation (Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm) and community members are encouraged to volunteer.

    - To volunteer, contact: organizing@adc.org

    - For all media inquiries, contact: laila@adc.org

    - For legal matters, contact: legal@adc.org


    Last Thursday, ADC held a workshop on “Nonviolence Demonstrations and Actions”, which was conducted by Nonviolence International. Participants learned:

    • basic communication techniques
    • history of nonviolent action
    • principles of nonviolent action
    • campaigns for social change
    • direct action techniques, and
    • coalition building

    On Friday, January 9, the House of Representatives passed a resolution that framed Israel's disproportionate attack on Gaza as "self-defense" and failed to hold Israel either responsible or accountable for its role in causing Palestinian civilian casualties and injuries, and extensive damage to Palestinian
    civilian infrastructure.

    While the resolution contained substantial language that was "one-sided", it also contained language in support of "a just and sustainable resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict", making it appear "balanced" enough to many
    members of Congress to obtain their support. You can view the actual resolution for yourself here.

    While 390 representatives voted for the resolution, 5 representatives voted against the resolution and 22 representatives voted present on the resolution. The names, phone numbers and fax numbers of those representatives are below.

    If you are or KNOW a constituent of one of these representatives, then we ask you to take 5 minutes to follow up and thank them for their votes. We want to demonstrate to these representatives and to their colleagues that, if they stand for an equitable U.S. policy, then we will stand with them.

    VOTED "NO"
    • Rep. Maxine Waters (D), California, District 35 -- Phone: (202) 225-2201 / Fax: (202) 225-7854
    • Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D), Ohio, District 10 -- Phone: (202) 225-5871 / Fax: (202) 225-5745
    • Rep. Ronald Paul (R), Texas, District 14 -- Phone: (202) 225-2831 / Fax: (202) 226-6288
    • Rep. Nick Rahall (D), West Virginia, District 3 -- Phone: (202) 225-3452 / Fax: (202) 225-9061
    • Rep. Gwen Moore (D), Wisconsin, District 4 -- Phone: (202) 225-4572 / Fax: (202) 225-8135

    VOTED "PRESENT
    "
    • Rep. Raul Grijalva (D), Arizona, District 7 -- Phone: (202) 225-2435 / Fax: (202) 225-1541
    • Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D), California, District 6 -- Phone: (202) 225-5161 / Fax: (202) 225-5163
    • Rep. George Miller (D), California, District 7 -- Phone: (202) 225-2095 / Fax: (202) 225-5609
    • Rep. Barbara Lee (D), California, District 9 -- Phone: (202) 225-2661 / Fax: (202) 225-9817
    • Rep. Fortney Stark (D), California, District 13 -- Phone: (202) 225-5065 / Fax: (202) 226-3805
    • Rep. Sam Farr (D), California, District 17 -- Phone: (202) 225-2861 / Fax: (202) 225-6791
    • Rep. Diane Watson (D), California, District 33 -- Phone: (202) 225-7084 / Fax: (202) 225-2422
    • Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D), California, District 47 -- Phone: (202) 225-2965 / Fax: (202) 225-5859
    • Rep. Henry Johnson (D), Georgia, District 4 -- Phone: (202) 225-1605 / Fax: (202) 226-0691
    • Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D), Hawaii, District 1 -- Phone: (202) 225-2726 / Fax: (202) 225-4580
    • Rep. Donna Edwards (D), Maryland, District 4 -- Phone: (202) 225-8699 / Fax: (202) 225-8714
    • Rep. John Olver (D), Massachusetts, District 1 -- Phone: (202) 225-5335 / Fax: (202) 226-1224
    • Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D), Michigan, District 13 -- Phone: (202) 225-2261 / Fax: (202) 225-5730
    • Rep. John Dingell (D), Michigan, District 15 -- Phone: (202) 225-4071 / Fax: (202) 226-0371
    • Rep. Betty McCollum (D), Minnesota, District 4 -- Phone: (202) 225-6631 / Fax: (202) 225-1968
    • Rep. Keith Ellison (D), Minnesota, District 5 -- Phone: (202) 225-4755 / Fax: (202) 225-4886
    • Rep. Donald Payne (D), New Jersey, District 10 -- Phone: (202) 225-3436 / Fax: (202) 225-4160
    • Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D), New York, District 22 -- Phone: (202) 225-6335 / Fax: (202) 226-0774
    • Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D), Oregon, District 3 -- Phone: (202) 225-4811 / Fax: (202) 225-8941
    • Rep. Peter DeFazio (D), Oregon, District 4 -- Phone: (202) 225-6416 / Fax: (202) 225-0032
    • Rep. James Moran (D), Virginia, District 8 -- Phone: (202) 225-4376 / Fax: (202) 225-0017
    • Rep. James McDermott (D), Washington, District 7 -- Phone: (202) 225-3106 / Fax: (202) 225-6197


    ABOUT THE ADC

    The American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), a non-sectarian & non-partisan Civil rights organization, is the largest grassroots Arab-American movement in the United States committed to protecting the rights of Arab Americans by being at the forefront in combating defamation and negative stereotyping. ADC welcomes people of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnicities as members.

    For more information on the ADC's Philadelphia Chapter, visit www.adcphiladelphia.org.
    For the main ADC Website, visit www.adc.org