I Dreamed I Saw Grace P. Last Night

Viola Davis: "...Dream Big and Dream Fierce."

2012-01-30T17:31:00.000-08:00

I am rooting for Viola Davis to win as many awards as possible.

Central Falls is the smallest city in Rhode Island, possibly in the whole US. One square mile.

Fun way to support Jessica Ahlquist ~

2012-01-27T15:30:00.001-08:00

And Jessica has Not stopped attending Cranston High School West...and has every intention of graduating from there.
.
There have been rumors spread which suggest otherwise.

There is a facebook group, Support the Removal of the Cranston High School Prayer.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/179298715436387/

and another: I Stand with Jessica Ahlquist.

Happy Birthday, MarShon Brooks !

2012-01-26T07:02:00.000-08:00

I am not worried about comparisons with Kobe or anyone. MarShon is bringing joy to many fans, in and out of Rhode Island.

Wishing MarShon many healthy wonderful Birthdays ~ ! ~ and love to your Family (the non-athletes...), too .

And ! I just realized that today is Angela Davis' Birthday -- thank you, Mark Anthony Neal -- !

Was Joe Paterno molested as a child ?

2012-01-25T14:09:00.000-08:00

Years ago, in a training that addressed symptoms of children who have been sexually abused, the trainer said, once you have started learning this material, you cannot unlearn it.

"You cannot unring a bell".

I am passionate about baseball and baseball history, and increasingly am informed about basketball, and especially the Providence College Friars Mens' Basketball. I can tell you which college basketball coaches have the most wins in their records.
Football, college or professional, has been completely foreign to me.

The issue of sexual abuse of children, however, is one I have been schooled in professionally (academically and not)for over 20 years.

When I was first told how many girls and boys experience sexually inappropriate behavior by caregivers, sometimes family members, and by other adults, I was shocked.
As I became prepared to hear adults share their histories, I found that many women and men did have traumas to refer to.

In some of my work, I have taken very quick histories, the kind where you ask about family background, illnesses, and "dysfunctions/abuses"....and we did not ask for many details, but we asked people to be truthful or to let us know, if they preferred not to answer...We asked people not to give us an answer they thought we were looking for.

I learned that survivors of sexual abuse do not offer any one image as adults. Some became very religious and/or spiritual, some not. Some had many partners as adults, some not. Some married, some not. Some developed alcoholism, other addictions, depression, etc. Some were healthy in every way.

Was Joe Paterno molested as a child ?

I have no idea.

I no longer assume that any one is free of that experience.

Outside of professional settings, I have found friends, and in one instance, the parent of a friend, have survived different forms of abuse. Sometimes, it was "just" being groped, or "just" related to pornography. Some were touched "just" once, and someone entered the room, or they were able to avoid that relative for the rest of their lives.

I hope that Joe did not experience any form of child abuse. That is what I hope for everyone.

I know that some who survive never tell anyone. They are not interested in hearing about others' experiences.

They find ways to forget.

I believe that he regretted doing the minimum when he was given McQueary's report.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ALL persons in Rhode Island are required by law (RIGL 40-11-3) to report known or suspected cases of child abuse and/or neglect to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families within 24 hours of becoming aware of such abuse/neglect.

Call the Hotline at 1-800-RI-CHILD (1-800-742-4453) to report child abuse and/or neglect!

The bold italicized text above is copied from the DCYF site.

the "Happy face"

2012-01-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

This is the first Face, in a series of four, offered by my neighbor in a patient response to my request.

He is very close to 18 months old and has no lack of expressions.

A Dragon lives forever ?

2012-01-23T08:45:00.000-08:00

Since, I was unsuccessful in posting the link with the video.....

Happy Year of the Dragon!

2012-01-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

I am not sure when (or where) this was recorded, but I think it was when I was very young or even not yet around!

What a sad and small audience.

I love Peter, Paul & Mary, am so grateful to have enjoyed them in concert on many occasions....

Edit: 1966 ! But what month ? I was a toddler ! My mother played their records for (to?) me and my brother....

Hoping my attempt at sharing the wikipedia link to their article on *Puff, the Magic Dragon* works.
.

I had forgotten the racist use of this song...

On a lighter note, my Mom and I attended a P,P & M "Reunion" at Lincoln Center in the 1980's, and heard this song, and they joked about the rumor it was referring to mj. Ironic, that Mary Travers was a cigarrette smoker then.. She spoke in later concerts about her giving that up for her grandchildren....

CHIMERAS: Mapping HIV-human protein to protein interaction r...

2012-01-23T04:06:00.000-08:00

CHIMERAS: Mapping HIV-human protein to protein interaction r...: HIV has a small genome (roughly 9,000 bases) and it survives by using the host's proteins and DNA. Understanding how these proteins come in...

I won't pretend to understand thos well, but it looks like progress....

Rhode Island Council of Churches leader supports removal of prayer banner - Warwick Beacon

2012-01-21T02:53:00.000-08:00

Council of Churches leader supports removal of prayer banner - Warwick Beacon

Thank you, Reverend Anderson !

There was a time when I worked closely with members of the Rhode Island Council of Churches in the interest of protecting our immigrant / refugee communities from harm. Also, the Roman Catholic Diocese & the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) were active in pure humanitarian work.

No one evangelized me. We were united by practical tasks.

Ironically, I learned this good news, thanks to someone in (from?) New Zealand (!! ) sharing the link on a facebook page...

Mazel Tov, Jennifer Ahlquist !

2012-01-19T21:05:00.000-08:00

FFRF announces “Atheists in Foxholes Support Fund” - Freedom From Religion Foundation - FFRF.org

It is sad to see so much anger, especially the promises to hurt her or remove her from school, directed at her....

It is heartening to find so much goodwill from all over this country & from Canada and Latin America and overseas....

Muhammad Ali at 70: What he meant, what he means

2012-01-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

Muhammad Ali at 70: What he meant, what he means

As a non-boxing fan, almost anti-boxing really, and young, I grew up not appreciating Muhammad Ali. There were no boxers I appreciated, although I could name a few.

Was it serendipity or the wisdom in choosing my sweetheart, but I was invited to see the documentary, When We Were Kings, when it was first playing in Manhattan. I was enchanted by Eric. What documentary would I have turned down ?

Watching the film, I still covered my face when the punches fly and especially when they landed, but it opened my eyes to his tremendous history... It's a great film, I will find a link later....or in a day or two.... It gave me a fresh awareness of George Foreman, and of others, too...

Happy Birthday, Muhammad Ali ! Thank you for your clarity and courage.

Thank you, Dave Zirin, for this essay, and for many others....

Remembering King: Classmates, colleagues recall influence | ajc.com

2012-01-16T03:11:00.000-08:00

Remembering King: Classmates, colleagues recall influence | ajc.com

If you read this article, you will find a sweet quote about egg nog....and more...

a Song for Jessica Ahlquist!

2012-01-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

Jessica Ahlquist, teen advocate of Separation of Church & State, has received some disturbing threats, far beyond the realm of disagreement or criticism.

She has also brought many freethinking, Constitution respecting, eclectic people together.

One grateful person shared this Song...

Hoping the link works...

This Atheist Sympathizer is honored by Jessica's courage and good humor....

10 Years On, 10 Reasons Guantanamo Must Be Closed

2012-01-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

10 Years On, 10 Reasons Guantanamo Must Be Closed

My Mom introduced me to Amnesty International when I was about 10 years old, perhaps, 8 or 9.

I am grateful for their research and publicity of human rights' violations.

I am grateful for activists witnessing and agitating for Justice and Compassion.

How does our (US government) treatment, of people in these ways, bring us any security ?

I have seen no initiative from Congressmen Langevin and Cicilline and Senators Reed and Whitehouse on this matter ?

If I am wrong, and one of these men has spoken up or published a paper or co-signed a bill, Please, let me know.

Jessica Ahlquist Has Won Her Lawsuit!

2012-01-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

Jessica Ahlquist Has Won Her Lawsuit!

This makes me happy !
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
The Rhode Island news reaching national attention does not always give me joy, but this certainly does.

It's a small state, I have faith (oops, yes, I do!) that I will meet this young woman some day, and let her know I'm grateful for her courage and clarity.

Here's a link with a few details....

How do you measure love? Thoughts on Teachers, Teaching ...

2012-01-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

NewBlackMan: Where is the Love? Thoughts on Teachers, Teaching ...: Where is the Love? Thoughts on Teachers, Teaching and Assessment by Mark Naison | special to NewBlackMan I have bee...

I *met* Mark Naison on facebook thanks to Friends there & Wow, am I grateful for his comprehension & generosity....

And I cannot say enough good things about the blog, New Black Man, which might be where I first read Mark's work.

Thank you.

Marriage Equality Rhode Island to Senator Reed: 103 days is not ‘very shortly’

2012-01-09T10:33:00.001-08:00

Take action for marriage equality in Rhode Island: http://gotaf.socialtwist.com/redirect?l=2r22c

Senator Reed, please take a stand.

Clearly saying Nothing is Saying Something.

Sweet Marsha Z. West ! Look What I Found !

2012-01-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Thinking about Marsha Z. West, and imagining listening to her thoughts on The Help and on the greater world of Theater and Love and Many things,

I found this amazing site, African Amerhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifican Playwrights Exchange

I don't have the time now to check out all the links on the side, but I see Rites and Reason, of course, and I recognize some of the names.

And it is a treat and a joy to see many names that are new to me....

I don't doubt for a second that if I searched, I would find Marsha's name in an earlier post, and that she probably knew artists involved with almost all of those theaters and websites. She was "Mama" to many !

I am so grateful to have witnessed her on the stage and to have been directed by her.

As Marsha, wrote in her notes: "Smooches" . . .

How Grace Paley influenced one writer

2012-01-07T04:33:00.000-08:00

I have just found this today, and greatly appreciate it.

Near the end, Summer Wood writes,

". . . the one time I met her in person I was overwhelmed with her warmth and kindness toward me."

That was precisely my experience & I have written those words almost verbatim. ! !

The internet has its failings & flimsiness, but I am grateful for the connections & awareness it offers....

Nonviolent Basketball Attendance ? Help, please.

2012-01-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

Just over a week has elapsed, since I attended a championship basketball game which was the most tense in my (growing) experience.

The players were all about 13 and 14 years old. The teams were evenly matched. It was a game played with great Heart and skill, and there was not excessive heat on the court.

The issue was growing tension between adults. Coaches and fans did more than glare at each other. There was yelling. I was not close enough to hear most of it, but it started and stopped at intervals. There was a security guard present, later one or two police officers. It was more than unnerving.

I am haunted by my misbehavior, my absence of intervention.

My first trainings in nonviolence were when I was 18. That's nearly 30 years ago.

In a different context, I think I would have tried to use humor or music or distraction or all of the above.

This kind of scene is one I have read about. I posted a few comments on Facebook, and received almost no reaction.

Ironically, the report from one athlete was that during and after the game, thanks to conversations with a few opponents (with whom there was some history), their friendships grew a few strides.

If anyone reading this has any links or experience -- not necessarily with basketball, but with any youth sporting violence-- or comments, I would be very grateful. I think my blogger profile has my email, so that's another way to respond.

These two teams will be playing each other again in February.

Thanks, in advance.

Paul Goodman Changed My Life movie review --

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Paul Goodman Changed My Life movie review -- Paul Goodman Changed My Life showtimes

If you read this review, you will find Grace Paley in the middle !

This film looks fascinating, and I hope it makes it to Rhode Island....

Alice Walker: Democratic Womanism

2012-01-03T01:14:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled yesterday to find these poems on Alice Walker's blog.

Her writing teaches me so much.

Thank you, Alice Walker, for Everything !

Tomgram: Rebecca Solnit, Occupy Your Heart | TomDispatch

2012-01-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

Tomgram: Rebecca Solnit, Occupy Your Heart | TomDispatch

Bishop George Packard recommended this and, Wow, I can see why.

Thank you, Bishop.
Thank you, Rebecca Solnit.
Thank you, Occupy Friends...

like one book being a long row of books -- Carl Sandburg

2012-01-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

This poem sings to me.

I found this blog serendipitously...

MarShon Brooks ! Way to Represent Providence College

2011-12-31T18:06:00.000-08:00

MarShon Brooks is bringing Joy to Providence College 'Friars' Fans !

Thank you !

I grew up listening to the Nets on the radio. Now, I mostly root for the Celtics, but I will be cheering for Marshon wherever he plays.

Happy New Year, Everyone !

From Facundo Cabral

2011-12-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

The morning Facundo Cabral was murdered, I barely knew who he was. I was moved by the grief a friend of mine in Guatemala conveyed, and her shame at the violence so endemic.

In facebook and online, I found many others grieving the loss of this man, who had so much love for so many, and such wisdom and humor, and, of course, his music....

Here is one saying attributed to him:

Se gana y se pierde, se sube y se baja, se nace y se muere. Y si la historia es tan simple, ¿por qué te preocupas tanto?

Here is my very quick unedited translation:

One wins and loses, one is up and down, one is born and dies. And if the history is so simple, why do you worry so much ?

I am a gifted worrier, a talent both inherited and learned, and sometimes I 'worry' about this blog, not doing justice to my beloveds above: to Rhett S. Jones and Marsha Z. West, to Harold Rogovin and to Grace Paley....

Then I find a comment or a link, find someone who responds to one article or one quote, and the worry evaporates.

How Grateful I am for this community of commenters, bloggers, readers and writer.

Thank you, each and every one.

I celebrate the lives of many who have died, and bring their names and stories to the babies and children and teenagers....

Thank you, each and every one.

Mazel Tov, Mayor Taveras !

2011-12-31T05:53:00.000-08:00

Providence, RI's Mayor Angel Taveras has shared some splendid news:

"Today, we welcomed a wonderful blessing into our lives!

Farah Rose Escamilla-Taveras was born at 5:36 A.M., weighing 7 lbs, 11 ounces!

Mom and baby are doing great!

Thank you to all the nurses, doctors and our fantastic midwife, Lynnette, who have been absolutely great!"

Slow Love Life: IN MEMORIAM: ELISABETH YOUNG-BRUEHL

2011-12-31T05:02:00.000-08:00

Slow Love Life: IN MEMORIAM: ELISABETH YOUNG-BRUEHL: On Thursday night I went to a performance of Philip Glass' opera Satyagraha, about the early life of Gandhi. I left in a trance, spellbound ...

Through some searching for Hannah Arendt, I found the above, and it is so rich in detail & emotion.

How wonderful a gift some have: to find words (or theater or music or design) to share one's relationship with Others.

Wind and Ducks: Leora Skolkin-Smith

2011-12-28T08:20:00.000-08:00

The Quivering Pen: My First Time: Leora Skolkin-Smith: My First Time is a regular feature in which writers talk about virgin experiences in their writing and publishing careers, ranging from ...

Grace Paley led me to Leora....

and I am Grateful.

Jacob's blog ~ Or I ♥ my cousins

2011-12-26T07:38:00.000-08:00

The blogroll here is undergoing very deliberate revision.

Jacob's Scraps

is the newest addition.

Jacob Hodes is my cousin. Ok, perhaps once removed; our moms are First Cousins.

The Rhode Island connections are these: J. grew up in Massachusetts or the vast RI Metropolitan Area.

J.'s mom went to RISD, and was among the first to discern the Henry and Carol Reagan Shelton romance..

Amy Kochâ€™s Next Press Conference?

2011-12-26T03:50:00.000-08:00

Amy Kochâ€™s Next Press Conference?

I like the cartoon !

Flight home a nightmare for parents of dying boy | New Hampshire NEWS07

2011-12-25T22:45:00.000-08:00

Flight home a nightmare for parents of dying boy | New Hampshire NEWS07

What love is greater than that of parents for our children?

This kind of experience creates activists.

Thank you, Activists…

♥

Peter, Paul and Mary - Light One Candle

2011-12-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

I love this song....

Happy Solstice & Chanuka & Festivus !

Please, let me know if the link doesn't work...

John Medeiros is from Rhode Island !

2011-12-23T01:07:00.000-08:00

If you visit the internets, which, of course, you do or you would not be here, then you may well have seen this Apology published first in a Minnesota paper.

Yes, John Medeiros lives in Minnesota and directs his apology to one local politician (or ex-politician? ).

John is from Rhode Island!

I can say that through his work at the International Institute of RI & mine at John Hope Settlement House, we became friends.

He is a wonderful person & I am happy this letter is receiving acclaim.

John is truly a mensch & his brother is a gentleman, too.

Israeli travel ban cuts studies short for Palestinians - World Wires - MiamiHerald.com

2011-12-22T04:06:00.000-08:00

Israeli travel ban cuts studies short for Palestinians - World Wires - MiamiHerald.com

Do Rhode Island Senators & Representatives care about women in the Middle East?

They help send $$$ to support our "allies".

Imagine women in RI being prohibited from traveling to Aquidneck Island ?

One Gift of the Occupy -- Empathy among Rivals (or teenagers in RI have heart).

2011-12-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

The game was not close. By half-time there were 20 points separating the teams, or nearly that. It was played passionately by both sides and all players had their moments.

When it ended, there were the customary hand shakes (opposing players and coaches form a receiving line of sorts) and the kids gather their belongings and catch their breaths. The coaches take some time to give their closing lessons to the players.

My affection is for all of these boys, not solely my son. It is an honor to be trusted by them, their siblings, and cousins and parents. Basketball is the force which unites us, more than many others. There are two practices a week, sometimes more; the games began in September and will continue until February. I have no idea when the play-offs are. My son's team is making a habit of winning, so I have hopes of finding out!

One boy said to me,

" I felt really bad -- I elbowed this other kid in the face... I didn't mean to. I hope he isn't hurt."

The elbower told me that he had apologized during and after the game to the victim.

They don't know each others' names and may not play against each other again.

Then again, in Rhode Island, they might end up classmates or teammates or regular rivals, and of course, brothers-in-law....

I missed that moment in the game, though I saw many stumbles and tumbles and bumps and whistles blown (fouls) and there were foul shots taken by both teams.
There was a tense moment early in the game, but I am saving that for another post.
The two teams are part of a Catholic Athletic League.

I am seeing reflections of the Occupy Wall Street Movement.
The Gifts of the Occupy are vast and yes, vague, and far from fully determined.
Empathy and activism are nothing new, and still I celebrate.

I see people, who thought they had little in common, finding powerful and intricate kinships. I see people who are truly from foreign places, finding moments of concern, over the elbows and the heads getting bumped.

"If this means, I'm soft," said the athlete, "well, then I'm soft."

One collision in one game may mean nothing.

The space we Occupy is awkward and caring.

RI's Jessica Ahlquist is right.

2011-12-20T03:23:00.000-08:00

The Battle Over a Public High Schoolâ€™s Prayer Banner Continuesâ€¦

It is beyond ironic that some of those, who *defend* this prayer banner, are trying to bully this young woman.

Thank you, Jessica Ahlquist, for courage and leadership.

Here's where our Governor Chafee could meaningfully support the separation of church and state.

Blossom S. Kirschenbaum detested injustice.

2011-12-17T04:49:00.000-08:00

Blossom S. Kirschenbaum : The Martha's Vineyard Times

Blossom was so full of opinions & appreciation ~ I still expect to see her at school board meetings.

Rhode Island is a better state thanks to her gifts.

There is an event today at The Mediator celebrating Blossom & Steve DuBois.

I will try to find the link.

http://www.facebook.com/events/181772848584760/

Jesus' General: ACTION ALERT: Stop Lowe's from using Arabic Numera...

2011-12-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

Jesus' General: ACTION ALERT: Stop Lowe's from using Arabic Numera...: Lowe's may have bowed to God's will and pulled advertising from TLC's "All-American Muslim," a show with the gall to depict Muslimolibs as...

Thank you, Dear General J.C. Christian,

for Eternal Vigilance ~ Just step away from the Numerals.

Oy vey.

Apologies for being so slow to spread the words.

Voces Heroicas de Olneyville, Rhode Island !

2011-12-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

Venga sabado 17 de Diciembre a las 4 de la tarde a 122 Manton ave. Providence en la oficina de ONA y sea parte del lanzamiento
del libro de Historia de Voces Heroicas que la organizacion ha trabajado junto con 10 miembros de ONA. Tambien celebraremos
Navidad y graduaciones de Barrio Digital, nuestra programa de capacitación de computación.

Be part of the launch of the book Stories of Heroic Voices Saturday 17th. of December, 4 pm at ONA office, 122 Manton Ave. Providence that the organization has worked with 10 members of ONA. Also we will celebrate Christmas and graduations from Barrio Digital, our computer training program.

Se vende el libro - $12, o 3 por $30 - que lindo regalo para la Navidad!

The books will be for sale - $12, or 3 for $30 - makes a nice Christmas present!

Historia de voces heróicas available in English and Spanish versions, is a paperback collection of ten oral histories from ONA members, directly transcribed from interviews, describing the conflicts that immigrants face in their decisions to leave their countries, the transnational ties that remain after migration, and the importance in their lives of sending remittances.

From the introduction by Rosario Pren:
Each one of us carries with us an enormous quantity of lived experience that remains recorded in our mind, our spirit, our heart, and not uncommonly, our flesh.
In fact, reading the following stories we realize that each one of them is different, that for some it was and has been more difficult than for others. That the process of adaptation for some has been quick, and for others has taken so much time that the memory of previous ways of acting and of being has been lost. And still we can say that for many immigrants, they killed their dreams, illusions and feelings by crossing the border.
And so it is that this small collection of stories is presented as an offering to all those who never made it, to those lost along the way; whether we call it desert, river, mountain, or jail.

Historia de voces heróicas disponible en edición de espanol y una de inglés, es un conjunto de tapa blanda que consiste en diez historiales orales de miembros de ONA, transcrita directamente de sus entrevistas, en las cuales hablan de los conflictos que enfrentan los inmigrantes por sus decisiones salir de sus países, las enlaclaces transnacionales que quedan despues la migración, y la importancia del envío de remesas en sus vidas.

de la introducción por Rosario Pren:

Cada uno de nosotros lleva cargando una cantidad enorme de vivencias que han quedado grabadas en la mente, el espíritu, el corazón y no pocas veces en la carne física.
Realmente al leer las siguientes historias nos damos cuenta que cada una de ellas es diferente, que en algunos fue y ha sido mas difícil que en otros. Que el proceso de adaptación en algunos ha sido breve pero en otros ha tomado tanto tiempo que se ha perdido en la memoria la conducta y las maneras de ser anteriores. Y aun podemos decir que a muchos inmigrantes les mataron sus sueños, ilusiones y sentimientos al cruzar la frontera. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Así es como este pequeño conjunto de historias son presentadas como una ofrenda a todos los que no pudieron llegar, a todos los que han quedado en el camino; llámese desierto, río, montaña o carcel.

Substantial support for this project comes from

the RI Council for the Humanities.

This text above is from an email sent by Shannah Kurland, my colleague and neighbor (!!) and I have changed the fonts slightly, added italics and bold, etc.

El texto arriba viene de un email mandado por mi colega y vecina, Shannah Kurland y he cambiado la forma un poquito....

Richard L. Grossman on the train to New York

2011-12-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

Years ago, I traveled from Providence to New York fairly often, and always by train.

One day, at least 20 years ago, there was a man sitting near me, who, I think had been on the train since Boston, and his comment about the litter we observed prompted a lengthy conversation about the state of the world.

That man was Richard L. Grossman, and as I type this, I recall, his daughter might have been a college student in RI, and he might have been leaving Providence for NY, as well. Or possibly, he was on his way to visit her....

We talked for an hour about economics and this country, and he mentioned very casually his writing and leadership.

Weeks or months later, I developed an inkling over who he was. This was before the internet was in my daily use. He had, I think, given me a phone number or an address on a scrap of paper....

I called him or sent him a note, and he sent me a package with about 5 copies of one of his publications . It was a generous gift, and I treasured it.

Yesterday, I learned of his recent death.

Here is The Nation's piece about Richard L. Grossman.

I am really glad that I met him and send my condolences to his loved ones....

Grace Paley’s Birthday is December 11 (born in 1922, she died in 2007) by Judith Arcana 12/8

2011-12-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

Grace Paley’s Birthday is December 11 (born in 1922, she died in 2007) by Judith Arcana 12/8

When I learn of the creative, gentle, persistent, unapologetic activities of the OCCUPYing folks, I picture Grace Paley in the middle or on the outskirts, holding signs, sharing food, asking questions & so much more.

In legal precedent, Israel court stops demolition of unrecognized Bedouin village - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

2011-12-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

In legal precedent, Israel court stops demolition of unrecognized Bedouin village - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

This is Big.

Five arrested at Morning Glory Community Garden site

2011-12-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Five arrested at Morning Glory Community Garden site

There's a video in this article of the alleged *blocking pedestrian traffic* including the journalist who apparently lacked a press pass (!) and was arrested.

Being a Journalist While Black ! ?

I don't know any of these people or their ethnicities...

There is a large puppet of the Statue of Liberty which I like.

Thank you, gardeners, witnesses, baby sitters, videographers, puppet makers, and holders.

Thank you, friends I haven't met, kindred spirits, neighborhood lovers.

Gus, a very friendly neighbor.

2011-12-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

This lovely friend once brought me a picture book to read aloud.
Honestly.
I was so moved and impressed, I can not recall the title of the book (or the author and illustrator).
You see when a dog grows up surrounded by love and literature, this can happen.

Maura Clarke and Companions, a Gift Person essay

2011-12-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

Maura Clarke and Companions, a Gift Person essay

Maura Clarke

Jean Donovan

Ita Ford

Dorothy Kazel

Four Women whose Love and Courage inspire me, and remind me of an element of the Church which is creative and generous, and knows no boundaries of fear or unkindness.

Beginning (in 1982) to learn about El Salvador and the role of the U.S. government in maintaining a dictatorship, was/is the opening of a door that led me to Nicaragua and my beloved Niquinohomo.

Niquinohomo es la cuna del Sandino.

AIDS, Frank Jump & the Ninjanurse

2011-12-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

I think it's been a year ( or perhaps 2) since I was searching the internet for blogs touching on AIDS in ways that might touch Rhode Island, and I found a New Yorker's blog,

Fading Ad Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

"vintage mural ads and other signage" !!! Oh, I have met dozens of RIers http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif(ok, many, like myself adopted RIers) who could spend hours studying this kind of thing.

Frank, the blogger, and I became facebook friends, and I am happy to share http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifthat he has book out! Fading Ads of New York City and there is a wonderful piece in The New York Times about it !

I hope these links work.....

The Ninjanurse has a post in Kmareka about AIDS.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The Ninjanurse is a true Rhode Islander, although she doesn't have the strong accent so many project. She is a tremendous writer and friend and nurse, and I have been honored to share a workplace with her.

The recent column about Blossom S. Kirschenbaum is worth reading, as are all of her posts.

AIDS is still here and schools are still silencing lessons about condoms.

I would rather we devoted resources to HIV research than to chemical weaponry.

Who Killed Joel ?

2011-11-29T09:52:00.000-08:00

Mayor seeks public's help solving teen's slaying

This is so heartbreaking.

I don't know what to say. I don't think the person (or persons) responsible should be executed, but I do think there can be investigation and prosecution....

This address is only blocks away from where my son spent many hours in a home-based day care, a neighborhood which is home to many of my friends, and not far from my own.

An 8th grade boy murdered in his home in front of his family...

Jesus' General: Gov. Brownback, a Prostitute, and a Dead Cat

2011-11-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

Jesus' General: Gov. Brownback, a Prostitute, and a Dead Cat: Craig Denny President, Shawnee Mission School District Shawnee Mission, Kansas cc: Karl Krawitz , Principal, Shawnee Mission East High Scho...

Moments like this lead me perilously close to joining Twitter.

If you read my General's heterosexually crafted letter, I also encourage finding the comments which are helpful poetry of the most therapeutic sort.

Bronx Students Occupy Public Education, Release 10-Point Plan - COLORLINES

2011-11-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

Bronx Students Occupy Public Education, Release 10-Point Plan - COLORLINES

I may be an expat, but I am one Proud New Yorker, yup.

And happy for Wally Backman & the Buffalo Bisons, too.

Matt Paknis understands the Penn State Tragedy

2011-11-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

I heard Matt Paknis speak on Mike Francesa's program on WFAN yesterday.

Here is his blog post, Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely

I was trying to choose a paragraph to post, but I recommend clicking on the link and you will see that every word is well-chosen ...

While many of the comments are grateful, there are a few very hostile ones (perhaps they will be removed by the time you see this...at least they aren't profane or racial....)

I have a comment (# 70?) which is longer than many of my blog posts here....

Thank you, Matt, for leadership.

The Importance of Being Cecilie on Yom Kippur.

2011-10-07T17:22:00.000-07:00

Getting banished by the Jewish Federation on Yom Kippur.

You can disagree with Cecilie. I am clearly a supporter of Jewish Voice for Peace; see that
big image on the right...

But making her nomination disappear is helping no one...

Shana Tova...

Happy New Year...

Apologies to Oscar Wilde...

Blood Drive for Providence Police Officer Stephen Shea | City of Providence

2011-10-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

Blood Drive for Officer Stephen Shea | City of Providence

What I don't know, and will research, is whether someone in Massachusetts or Illinois or Michigan can donate blood and have it be credited to this drive....

I think most of my readers are not in Rhode Island.

I know Stephen Shea, only slightly and largely due to his wife and sons.....On one occasion about two years ago, when I was lost in Providence, I called his home and he very patiently gave me directions. When I still had trouble, and called back, he calmly re-directed me. They changed the name of the school and a few of the streets....

Jesus' General: Department of Book Reports: Banned Books Week

2011-09-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

Jesus' General: Department of Book Reports: Banned Books Week: Image via ABFFE For the past thirty years, the last week of September has been Banned Books Week, a celebration of the Freedom to Read an...

And yes, it is F. Scott Fitzgerald's Birthday today !

" Empathy is a Wave..." -- Alice Walker

2011-09-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have never met Alice Walker, but I was influenced by her poetry and fiction way back in high school, and I love her non-fiction and activism, too.

Here is a brief essay that she wrote for the Middle East Children's Alliance:

Empathy is a Wave: The Banning of Palestinian Children's Art (From the Museum of Children's Art in Oakland)

The Good News is that the Exhibit will take place tomorrow!

" Empathy is a wave that need never be stopped." ~ Alice Walker, 2011

Isn't Executing Folks a form of Terrorism ?

2011-09-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

The International Day of Action for Troy Davis was yesterday, but there are still a few days left.

Here is the link to one of the Amnesty International Pages...

These few numbers and addresses are from a recent article by Peter Rothberg in The Nation:

Call (404.656.5651), e-mail (Webmaster@pap.state.ga.us), and fax (404.651.8502) the Board of Pardons and Paroles and voice your support for Davis.

My heart breaks for the mother of the policeman who was killed, and for all of his loved ones, but executing Troy Davis, or anyone, will not bring him back.

Inca Zombie Boy

2011-09-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

My hobby of collecting old science fiction pulp magazines has brought some curious works of fiction my way, and I'd like to talk about one of them. The cover above is from the March 1951 issue of Famous Fantastic Mysteries, a pulp devoted to reprinting classic science fiction and fantasy stories. The March 1951 issue featured the 1925 mystery novel The Threshold of Fear by Arthur J. Rees, an Australian mystery writer who was a comtemporary of Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie.

Most British mystery novels from the interwar period focused on middle and upper-class English people, and featured sleuths who were from those social classes. This was also true of The Threshold of Fear, but with a twist. The story's narrator, Richard Haldham, was born into the English upper crust, but his father made a series of bad investments while Richard was serving in the trenches during World War I, and after the war Richard found himself forced to support himself. By the time the story opens in September 1922, Richard Haldham is just about out of money. He answers a classified ad in the Times for a chauffeur-mechanic, and the lawyer who placed the ad reluctantly hires Haldham, who travels to a country house in Cornwall to take up his new employment.

Mystery novels set in English country houses are a dime a dozen, but it's not often that you find one told from the chauffeur's point of view. Rees uses Haldham's depressed social standing to good effect; as a lowly servant, it's not Haldham's place to inquire about the unusual goings-on at the isolated estate of Charmingdene. The house's owner, Colonel Gravenall, has two relatives, a niece and a nephew, staying with him. The nephew, Edward Chesworth, is suffering from some sort of nervous disorder, and his sister Eleanor is acting as his nursemaid. Haldham's job is to drive the two of them to the coast near Cape Cornwall every night, where Edward spends about an hour walking agitatedly back and forth by the cliff edge before returning to Charmingdene.

Despite his current low circumstances, Haldham is still a member of the Chesworths' social class; like Edward, he was an officer during the war, and his uncle was the C.O. of Edward's regiment. This connection is enough to persuade the Chesworths to take him into their confidence. In a long story-within-a-story, Edward tells of his experiences with the Musard expedition to Peru two years earlier. The rest of the expedition perished in an avalanche, and Edward found his way to a lost Inca village on the shores of a small inland sea in the midst of the Peruvian Andes. He was taken in by Munyeru, an Inca priest whose hobby was reviving dead men. Edward tried to leave the village by swimming across the sea, but he lost consciousness during the attempt. Munyeru tells him that he drowned in the attempt, and was dead for four days until Munyeru revived him. This has made the Death God Ah-mbwa-zovu very angry, and in due course He will come hunting for Edward, beating His drum as He approaches.

This experience has haunted Edward since his return to England; he is convinced that Munyeru did indeed bring him back to life and that the Death God is indeed coming for him, and this has left him a broken man. Haldham is inclined to dismiss the story except for one thing: he himself heard the sound of the drum the evening before from his bedroom above the garage, so he knows it isn't all in Edward's head.

The novel takes an odd turn two-thirds of the way through when Rees introduces a new character out of the blue: Colwin Grey, a lawyer-turned-private investigator and a friend of Haldham who has come to Cornwall looking for him. Haldham tells his story to Grey, who is able to solve the mystery in short order.

Rees went on to write more mystery novels and short stories narrated by Haldham and featuring Colwin Grey. He was a fairly popular writer in his day, but is pretty much forgotten now. I'd never heard of him before reading this story, but it turns out you can read four of his early novels on Project Gutenberg, though The Threshold of Fear isn't one of them. If you're consumed with a sudden desire to read the novel, Amazon has copies starting at $3.97; or you can get this issue of Famous Fantastic Mysteries (which also has Lovecraft's "The Music of Erich Zann") starting at $10.

BTW, if you're looking at the cover illustration at the top of the post and wondering who the bosomy blonde woman in the strapless gown is, it's not Eleanor Chesworth, who is actually a slim brunette; nor is the Indian with the spear Munyeru, who is actually very old. So who are they? Nobody in particular, really. It was common practice for pulp magazines to have cover art unrelated to the stories; the SF pulps were unusual in using covers that illustrated scenes from the stories.

LA ISLA DE SAN BORONDÓN: BATALLAS DE AMOR. GRACE PALEY

2011-09-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

LA ISLA DE SAN BORONDÓN: BATALLAS DE AMOR. GRACE PALEY: "(...)Me han comentado cientos de veces que mi padre era un latino verdaderamente impresionante. Con mucho savoir-faire , jo..."

I have been searching for Grace Paley in Spanish for years.

Leora has sent me some information which I will be sharing anon.

Please Say Good Night to the Guy, Irene by Ziggy Talent

2011-08-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

I just found this.

Please say Good Night to the guy, Irene.

Blueberries On T (mi vecinito)

2011-08-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

Providence En Español - Muere el concejal Miguel Luna

2011-08-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

Providence En Español - Muere el concejal Miguel Luna

I thought that Miguel had been in Rhode Island longer than I or for the same length of time. Now I realized that I did arrive about a year or so ahead of him....

In recent years, I did not see Miguel as often as I did in the '80s and '90s, simply because I went to fewer rallies and protests, and even when we worked in the same building, he was very busy serving his part of the city.

Miguel was a wonderful person, but I am surprised to see no mention of Shannah Kurland, with whom he lived (I do not know if they were married) for many years. Shannah is also an activist, a leader, a fighter against injustices. Shannah is the mother of the three children. She told me once that they were still friends although no longer "together" as a couple.

Miguel Luna was a mensch.

He was warm and approachable and honorable.

Miguel identified as Black and Latino, as Latino and Black. He worked with poor people of all backgrounds and, I'm pretty sure he supported Gay Rights and many other Civil Rights' Movements.

There is irony in some of the comments certain leaders have made about him, when they do not acknowledge how sharply differing their votes were on many issues.

I will not say we were close friends, but our politics were very close. We went to Washington, D.C. on the same buses.

It is not easy for me to imagine Providence without him.

Miguel Luna, Presente ~ !

Not The Nine O'Clock News

2011-08-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

And now for something completely different:

Try this.

Or a string of characters signifying mysteries.

Technical Confusion

2011-08-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

I have been blogging now for nearly 3 years, and am simply a little slower at grasping the techniques than I would like to be.

I was hoping to share a serious, nudge, nudge, clip relating to Monty Python.

Not a Parrot Sketch, but homage to it......

I will be posting about Miguel Luna very soon.

• • • Special Request to Kind Commenter, BBB: please, send me an email, short is fine,...• • •

Ami's Safe Space Project

2011-08-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ami Angelwings is a Toronto blogger who writes about feminism, trans issues, comics, and the various intersections thereof. In real life, she works as a consultant to various social services organizations in order to help them create more trans-positive and intersectional policies. She works with rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters, among others.

Since most of the victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are cis women, these organizations tend to focus on helping them, sometimes exclusively. However, "most" does not mean "all". Sometimes victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are trans men and women, or genderqueer people, or even cis men. And Ami has found that even social service organizations that are open to trans and genderqueer people aren't able to serve them, for the simple reason that potential clients are afraid to approach them for fear of being turned away for not being cis women.

So Ami has decided to do something about it. As Ami puts it:

So this is my Project, and what I want to try to start, and I know I'm not a v big blogger and I'm going to try to pull in more ppl, but I want to start a "Safe Space Project".

I'm starting with cis and trans men, trans women and genderqueer ppl, for now because those are the groups that typically worry about how agencies will treat them, and the general stereotype is that there AREN'T agencies, esp related to abuse and rape that will help them. And I want to create a (hopefully comprehensive) list of agencies (wherever in the world you live that you know of some) that are supportive of these groups, regardless of if they have "woman" or "man" in the title. :] Because I want a resource where ppl can look at it and know that there IS support in their area and that they CAN go to these places. So I want ppl to submit agencies that they KNOW (whether thru working w/ them, working FOR them, going to them, having friends go to them, calling them up and asking comprehensively, etc) are supportive and accepting of trans women, trans men, genderqueer individuals and cis men.

Nomi's friend Johnny Pez has already compiled a list of domestic violence shelters in Rhode Island, along with their admissions policies, so I won't repeat his work here. What I will do is urge the readers of this blog to spread the word. If you blog, write your own post about Ami's project. If you live outside of Rhode Island, call around your area, and post the results on your blog (if you have one), or post them in Ami's comment section, or email them to her at ami_angelwings at hotmail dot com.

It's a worthy endeavor, and the more people who respond to Ami, the more comprehensive and useful her list will become.

SLAM ONLINE | » Video: Dennis Rodman’s 2011 Hall of Fame Speech

2011-08-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

SLAM ONLINE | » Video: Dennis Rodman’s 2011 Hall of Fame Speech

What would Rhett S. Jones say ?

2011-08-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Rhett S. Jones was first my professor and later, a mentor and friend, and I miss him.

His birthday was yesterday, and the date of his death was July 30, 2008.

He was a scholar and always thoughtful of the context of events, always curious, always questioning.

Our conversations were as often about local politics and history as about global ones.

Sometimes I shared my disillusionment with him, and he respectfully and firmly gave me a perspective. He helped me find humor too. He was unfailingly kind and patient and when my son (going back several years now) would abruptly wake (sometimes noisily) from a nap, he never chastised me for the interruptions. . .

I don't know what Rhett would say about this economy or about what is happening in England now or about the football collective bargaining agreement.

We can watch and listen to a clip of him grading the United States' character on the topic of racism thanks to this video.

When I watched the video above ( I hope that link works !), it ended abruptly... There is another one recorded by the same journalist which I have not yet seen.

I think I shared this document once before,
but here is a little biography and photo of Rhett...

Happy Birthday, Bryan Principe ! My [city] Councilman !

2011-07-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

It's Bryan's Birthday, and I thought I would post his little bio...

This is from the Official Website of the Providence City Council.

Bryan is my neighbor, and though I forget the names of his daughters and the very friendly large poodle who lives with them, I see them not infrequently.

I am most aware of his advocacy on behalf of local schools and children...

Bryan is not, I think, one of the readers of this blog ( the number is small enough that I can almost name everyone ), but no matter...

Can I post a link to the image of the Ward 13 ? Here's my attempt.

Norway: Democratic Defiance Amid Devastation | Human Rights Now - Amnesty International USA Blog

2011-07-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Norway: Democratic Defiance Amid Devastation | Human Rights Now - Amnesty International USA Blog

If I can find these quotes in their original language, I will post them.

Perhaps, some one can post the full quotes and names of these speakers in the comments here.

My Mom first introduced me to the work of Amnesty International when I was about 9 or 10 years old.

A.I. does wonderful work...

Leora Skulkin-Smith's essay about Grace Paley

2011-07-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

The “Legacy” of Grace Paley

When I first read this wonderful critical text, I thought: this writer would prefer that my blog and even DeeDee's not exist.

I nonetheless wanted to save it, to read again & to share.

Recently thanks to Facebook, I have begun to become friends with Leora. . .

It's a small world. Sometimes I misread people in a big way. Seems to happen despite demographic commonalities !

Leora, thank you for this excellent piece. I am going to share it with some of my English Teacher Friends.

Culinary Caution from my General

2011-07-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Jesus' General: Travel Channel Tempting Men into Homosexualism and...: "Bryan Fischer Ed Vitagliano American Family Association Dear Mr. Fischer and Mr. Vitagliano , I saw the most disturbing thing on televisi..."

I initially posted a different, also worthy link, but I am aiming for something lighter today.

"You gotta get that mike in close." -- It's Rich Kincaide's Birthday !

2011-07-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

I have never met Rich Kincaide. We have not even spoken on the phone. Thanks to the wonders of the internets, I have "known" him for a few baseball seasons, and then some.

Everybody Wants To Read My Blog

was one of the first blogs to link to this one.

His posts about his family are unfailingly poignant. Who says Hockey Players Have No Feelings?

His baseball blogging is splendid in every sense; he knows that there is no Met infielder named Robinson Tejada.

Here is an excerpt from Rich's blogging of a Mets/Tigers game. Or if you prefer, Tigers/Mets game. June 16, 2011.

7:58 I think we are in for it tonight. I think Jim Leyland is going to be mad as Hell and won’t be taking it anymore after this one. It has already been a very, very interesting week in terms of the media–of whom I am one–and relations with the Detroit manager. On Monday after he got thrown out of the game, when we showed up at his office door he was sitting at his desk in street clothes and he screamed at us, “Don’t come in here! Don’t you come in here! Go talk to (Tigers Hitting Coach Lloyd) McClendon!” So, we went to talk to McClendon only to find out he had made the smartest move of the night. He was taking a shower. A nice, long shower. So, we all retraced our steps and went into the main locker room to interview players. All the time I was keeping watch on the door to Leyland’s office out of the corner of my eye. Sure enough, after ten minutes or so, the Tigers PR guy said he’d talk to us. Because I’d been watching just in case Leyland relented, I was first man in so my microphone placement was perfect. That’s half the battle in the post-game game. You gotta get that mike in close. The first thing Leyland says is, and actually he more yelled it than said it, is, “Don’t ask me about that (expletive deleted) play!” So, we don’t and I manage to get some halfway decent material about how it had been a “character win” for the Tigers what with them rallying in the 8th and whatnot. Reporters began heading for the door. I dawdled, a bit. Jason Beck of mlb.com, who as an aside does a great job covering the Tigers, told Leyland he a question about the rules and after some hemming and hawing, Leyland says to the three of us left in his office, “Okay, I’ll talk to you about it. But, (expletive deleted) it’s off the record.” He proceeds to give us his entire version of events. We can’t use it, but the big thing to me was that he trusted me enough to let me in on the story. And the next day he talked about it on the record. But me and those other two reporters, we had it first.

In case you missed the play in question, here’s what I wrote on the blog as it happened here a couple of nights ago:

8:15 Let me see if I can explain what just happened. Andy Dirks bunted and was called safe at first. The umpire asked the home plate umpire for his thoughts on the play, and the home plate ump said Dirks was out. Which he was. The first base umpire kicked the call. But once a man is declared safe, he’s safe. That’s how this game works! But they changed the call, Dirks was declared out and let’s just say Tigers manager Jim Leyland got his money’s worth arguing the reversal. He was, of course, run (baseballese for when one is excused by the officiating staff from further participation in a game). The only good news is that Raburn’s at second with one out. It should be men on first and second with none out. What a show. b-7: Detroit 2, Toronto 2.

The paragraph above describes as stunning a thing has I have ever seen in a big league game, and as it says on the masthead, I’ve been going to big league games for 47 years–48 next month. And what Leyland said–off the record the night of the game and on the record the following afternoon was, “In my 48 years in baseball, I’ve never seen that. Once you make the call, you live with it. He was telling me he’d missed the call. I was telling him, ‘You should be saying that to the Toronto manager!’”

The thing I couldn't stop thinking about was poor Armando Galarraga losing his perfect game a year ago this month with two out in the ninth on the exact same thing: a blown call at first base. My most vivid memory of that night, of that moment, is the feeling of utter helplessness that washed over me when first base umpire Jim Joyce spread his arms palms down, calling Cleveland’s Jason Donald “safe”. I knew the perfect game was over. I knew there was no appeal. That’s how baseball works. Once the call is made, it doesn’t matter if you have Edward Bennett Williams defending you, that call stands. And now, on a play of relatively little importance when compared to that one, the umpire who kicked the call is asking another umpire for help, and for the first time I’ve ever seen, for the first time I’ve ever even heard of, they change the call. As Leyland said, “In a thousand years of baseball, they’ve never done that.” (He may have been exaggerating the “1,000 years part, I don’t know.)

Rich, I will think of you tonight when I am at Fenway.

Thank you, for being a Blog Brother, and a Kind Funny Person, and I sure hope that I meet you and your wife and daughter some day !

Have a Wonderful Day and Many, many more!

In the photo below. . .

2011-07-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

. . . are my grandmother, Tillie [ Miller ] Frank & Eric S. Richardson, the father of that baby my Bubbe is holding.

And Eric's birthday was on Saturday...Tillie's birthday was in June.

Before that baby was born, they had developed an affection for each other. . For years Tillie saved the pile of cards and letters he'd sent her.

Until this moment, I haven't pondered that their deaths were only months apart.

The baby is thriving and will clearly be taller than Eric, and it's better if I write very little about him.

Blogs did not exist in my teenage years.

Remembered and Loved...

2011-07-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

Solo le pido a Dios - - I only ask of God

2011-07-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

sundries re:blog: Solo le pido a Dios: "Solo le pido a Dios Que el dolor no me sea indiferente Que la reseca muerte no me encuentre Vacio y solo sin haber echo lo suficiente Solo ..."

This blog I found by serendipity as I heard this song on the radio this morning, and have loved every interpretation of it.

I hope that my agnostic and atheist friends will not find this to be proselytizing.

Friends, I treasure you. All of you.

homenaje a FACUNDO CABRAL

2011-07-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

homenaje a FACUNDO CABRAL

I first learned of Facundo Cabral's death through a facebook message of a grieving friend in Guatemala.

An average of 17 people a day are dying due to the violence there now. That is a terrible number for any country, but Guatemala is not that big, really.

Facundo Cabral was a person who survived and thrived despite powerful challenges. His poems and songs and example lives forever....

James Taylor - Shower the People (Live/1988)

2011-07-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

I love this song, I love this version of it; I don't understand some of the hostile comments about the photos of some audience members.

and I wish I could Shower some Love on the Folks trying to Deliver Supplies to Gaza.
Here's a link to a petition worth supporting.

Thank you, the well-known and unknown, of different ages and backgrounds and political orientations.

Please visit the Jewish Voice For Peace site....and many others.

Good Bye, Dear Tree....

2011-06-14T09:08:00.001-07:00

Spelling Bee Approaches

2011-06-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

From the deeply creative and productive, Matthew L, I am reminded that it's time for an important ritual:

Spelling Bee Monday!

Fifth Anniversary Competition!

Not About The Buildings' biggest event of the entire year is less than a week away. Yes, folks, it's once again time to revisit your childhood glories (or traumas) at the Not About The Buildings Spelling Bee, held once again at AS220 (115 Empire Street). This year marks the fifth anniversary of the bee, so we think it's going to be a big one!

It costs $8 to spell but it's free to watch, so bring a cheering section. Signups start at 8:30 and once again we are limiting the number of spellers to 36. There are no advance signups, so you'll need to be punctual if you'd like to spell. Once the spellers are all signed in and lined up, the bee should start at 9.

As always, you are also encouraged to support the folks on stage (and your own interests) by betting on the winner. There are fabulous prizes in store for those who gamble on the winning speller. Funds from Monday night go directly towards supporting Not About The Buildings for the rest of the year, so the more money we make, the more programming we can do. And since Not About The Buildings will be turning five in July, we'd like this year to be bigger and better than ever.

Prizes this year have been generously provided by the likes of the Providence Athenaeum, Tiny Showcase, Craftland, and more!

Keith Mascoll as Ms. Roj..From the play The Colored Museum at The Provid...

2011-05-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

I have just discovered this video excerpts of The Colored Museum [Geoerge Wolfe] at the Providence Black Repertory Theater from November of 2006.

This was, I believe, the last play Marsha Z. West was in before the illness struck her.

It was an amazing production, and my plan was to bring my son the following week, but that was when he had appendicitis.

Here is a review by Channing Gray.

The entire cast was spectacular. The night I saw it there was not one slow moment.

Marsha Z. West, I love you. Smooches .

Simply Left BehindThe Non-Rapturist's Guide To The Galaxy: Rapture Advice

2011-05-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Simply Left BehindThe Non-Rapturist's Guide To The Galaxy: Rapture Advice

Although Carl removed this blog from his blogroll, for a long time he had a link here, and, in fact, was one of the first bloggers to do so...

I realize it's wimpy to post this in place of something original, but I think it's more helpful than nothing.

Birthday Doubts

2011-05-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Helloooo...... Mr. President, are you listening??: Those damn birthers!!!

I think it relevant to note that the hospital I was allegedly born in no longer exists, apparently, and it was (I'm told) in New York City, but oddly I have no recall of the event or location.

Grace Paley and the Clamshell Alliance

2011-04-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the beginning:
~ ~ ~

“What the hell are we doing here?” asks an old friend, who was young in years not so long ago, when I was only slightly middle-aged. “For Christ’s sake, we cut right through the fences at the Pentagon.” We were in Seabrook, New Hampshire, sitting in a parking lot outside the site of a proposed nuclear power plant along with 2,000 other protesters organized by the Clamshell Alliance.

“No! No!” says a young listener, full of the joy of common discipline.

“But look, it’s a goddamn parking lot!”

“Things don’t have to go the same,” I say. I am very tearful. “We don’t have to defend our lives by repeating them. Anyhow, the parking lot is the heart of America. You close down the parking lots and industry is wrecked. A decent car wouldn’t have any place to go. Of course, those bubbling asphalt lots will be hard to occupy in summer.”

Here is the Clamshell Alliance link to read the entire piece.

I am grateful to the Clamshell Alliance, and to activists and artists everywhere...

Disagreement is one thing. Threats and Violence will be deleted.

2011-04-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

This blog receives few comments and I have occasionally kept the spam when it is polite and doesn't take up a page.

I have no quarrel with disagreement and someone sharing information (as someone did recently) which she thinks is relevant. Or he.

Profanity does not always bother me any more than religiosity, although both can be off-putting.

When someone's comment is explicitly violent -- whether the violence is directed at me or at someone else makes no difference -- I will delete that comment.

This little blog is not a place for threats against anyone.

Some profanity will be removed promptly too.

There are certain insults I have a low tolerance for.

When I find a site deeply objectionable, I find it exceedingly easy to remove it from my screen, easier, in fact, than it is to change a radio station or tv channel.

On a funny note:

Years ago I shared an office with a friend who favored a radio program of a famous right wing commentator. We were both in and out of the office quite often. If I returned, and she was listening, I never asked her to turn it off, but sometimes I did ask her to lower the volume. Our desks were adjacent. She did ~ our friendship never suffered ( at least not to my knowledge and truly she helped me get that job, and I won't forget that kindness ). This was in 1989 !

I have been searching for this friend on facebook and not found her (she moved to Boston some time ago) and do not know if her last name has changed....

"What did my daddy do wrong?"

2011-03-31T11:34:00.001-07:00

Abusisi’s First Public Words at Hearing: ‘I am a Simple, Innocent Man’

2011-03-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

Abusisi’s First Public Words at Hearing: ‘I am a Simple, Innocent Man’

I cannot recommend strongly enough the website, Tikun Olam, and this series of articles about an engineer whose rights have been violated by possibly people from not one, but possibly three countries, definitely two. Israel and the Ukraine.

The fact that human rights are abused in many (all?) countries is no justification for "detaining" someone indefinitely without charges.

My heart is with this man's family and loved ones.

Grateful for the Parents Circle --

2011-03-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

I cannot imagine what it is like living in any part of the Middle East, and definitely not in Palestine / Israel.

There is an amazing group of parents who share their bereavement and their vision for a peaceful life.

The Parents Circle.

I have recently found a very moving blog, Bethlehem Blogger, which I recommend and will be adding to the links here....

RI has a Peace and Justice Rally Happening on Saturday

2011-03-17T10:51:00.001-07:00

I tried 4 times to download the flyer, but without success...

Here is the info from a recent message about the speakers and schedule...

Speakers list announced! Down Town Meet up pointed added!

Saturday, March 19th: TWO DAYS AWAY

1:00 PM: Rally at Armory Park/Dexter Field: Music, Poetry, Speakers (Located at the corner of Division St. & Dexter St.)

2:00 PM: March For Peace from Armory Park to downtown: Anti Weapons Manufacturing Demo at Textron, Inc!

3:00 PM: Meetup point at City Hall: "Money for Teachers Not For War Demo!" Then to Recruitment Center for Victim's Of Occupation/Bradley Manning Vigil.

4:00 PM: Community Dinner at DARE Community Action Center *(Located at 340 Lockwood Street)

5:15 PM: Workshops: “From Activism To Organizing” with Camilo Viveiros! “Boycott, Divest, Sanction" with Students for Justice in Palestine!

6:30 PM: “Know Your Rights” Legal Clinic with members of the National Lawyers Guild and the D.A.R.E. Behind The Walls committee *Childcare available during workshops & clinic.

Note: Those who wish to attend the Armory Park rally but not the march are welcome to meet at DARE (340 Lockwood Street) for the Community Dinner at 4:00 PM.

RIMC has released the following updated list of speakers:

*Alysha Aziz: Brown Students For Justice In Palestine

*Shaun Joseph: Rhode Island Mobilization Committee to Stop War and Occupation

*Mary Kay Harris: Lead Organizer at Direct Action for Rights & Equality

*Dia Barghouti: R.I. Student raised in occupied Palestine. "Dia has lived through the immediacies of occupation of a people and her current work supports all movements that reinstate human dignity in the face of injustice."

*Rev. Duane Clinker: Open Table of Christ

*Steve Rabson: Brown Coalition Against Special Privileges for R.O.T.C. / Retired Brown University Professor / U.S. Veteran of War

*Chris Murphy: International Socialist Organization

*Joyce Katzberg: RI folk legend / singer-song writer

*Roz Raskin: 2010 Best Local Act in Providence Phoenix Music Polls

*Laura Brown-Lavoie: 2010 Brown University College National Slam

*Fatimah Asghar & Amina Sheikh: WORD Poetry Crew

*Additional anti-war / peace poems from Brown University WORD crew & the Providence Poetry Slam

MARCH ROUTE (From Dexter Field)
*Left down Cranston St., Right on Fricker, Left on Broad St., Over Highway to Weybosset, Downtown, Left to Kennedy Plaza, Left to City Hall, Straight on Washington St., Left on Empire, Right on Weybosset, Over the highway, Straight on Broad Street, Left on Lockwood to D.A.R.E.

The chief sponsor is
the Rhode Island Mobilization Committee to Stop War and End Occupation.

Remembering Rhode Island's Robert Peabody -- an important post from Cranston's Kmareka

2011-03-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

It is heartbreaking and overwhelming to contemplate what is happening in Japan and so many places right now...

I am Grateful for the testimonies of Survivors and Artists and Veterans and, yes, Long-haired Hippies and short-haired and bald ones, too.

Here is a little essay about a man whose life was taken due to a nuclear accident.

If this link does not work, please let me know, via a comment here or facebook or hey, even a phone call or email....Thank you !

I encourage people to read the comments afterwards.

There will be a vigil, No More Nuclear Victims, today in Providence.

The Frome-In

2011-03-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

I was confused and thought that I had missed this. March is so full of madness.

Matthew Lawrence is brilliant.

Here's his site for Not About The Buildings. He has many splendid endeavors.

Culture Stops.

2011-03-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

Witness a world devoid of creativity, imagination and thought.

Sojourner Truth -- Thank You -- Every Day and EveryWhere.

2011-03-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

Aint I a Woman?

Aint I a woman?
A found poem from Sojourner Truth's most famous speech, adapted into poetic form by Erlene Stetson

That man over there say
a woman needs to be helped into carriages
and lifted over ditches
and to have the best place everywhere.
Nobody ever helped me into carriages
or over mud puddles
or gives me a best place. . .

And ain't I a woman?
Look at me
Look at my arm!
I have plowed and planted
and gathered into barns
and no man could head me. . .
And ain't I a woman?
I could work as much
and eat as much as a man--
when I could get to it--
and bear the lash as well
and ain't I a woman?
I have born 13 children
and seen most all sold into slavery
and when I cried out a mother's grief
none but Jesus heard me. . .
and ain't I a woman?
that little man in black there say
a woman can't have as much rights as a man
cause Christ wasn't a woman
Where did your Christ come from?
From God and a woman!
Man had nothing to do with him!
If the first woman God ever made
was strong enough to turn the world
upside down, all alone
together women ought to be able to turn it
rightside up again.

I did not realize that Sojourner Truth lived in Massachusetts...
There is a page with the above poem and some links which no longer work.
One of the links on the right side of the page, or heehee, let me say Stage (Page) Left, does work, and it leads to a photo of a Sojourner Truth Statue and a page with information about a scholarship and much more...

Special thanks to TCP for bringing this version of these Sojourner Truth words to light....

My Mother's Play -- Opening Soon in Connecticut !

2011-03-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

Is this cheerful unabashed nepotism ? Or simply daughterly pride? I have not seen it, although I have read the book which inspired it. My mother adapted it into a theatrical form.

Thank you and Break a Leg (or a bunch of them) to The Hartford Children's Theatre.

Department of Book Reports: Mexico

2011-03-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

Department of Book Reports: Mexico

Thank you, Dan and Tammy, for the above and, my great devotion to The General.

I am reading currently my aunt Suzanne's novel and will write a short and biased review quite soon !

Also my Mom has turned one of her books into a play and it will soon be performed in Connecticut by the Hartford Children's Theater....

My cousin Ted had an op-ed in a New York newspaper and I will be sharing it here. I disagree with it, but it is well-written and he's linked to me in the past despite our vast political differences....

Also, my very dear friend Terry had an op-ed piece published in The Providence Journal this week. I assume it to be a syndicated piece, but perhaps not...

I will be posting a link to that soon, too...

And the Annual Frome-In will be taking place in Providence this approaching Wednesday.... sponsored by the beneficent Not About The Buildings.

There is a link below for his site...

Les Misérables protest song in Madison capital (Flash mob)

2011-03-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Joyce Katzberg, brought this to my attention...

Celebrate Curt Flood on Jackie Robinson Day

2011-02-25T14:12:00.000-08:00

Firstly, my apologies for posting too infrequently. My new reason is that something very odd has happened to our computer (as of yesterday), and we have not discerned how serious the matter is, but I am using a public library computer ( thank you, Providence Community Library)...

Curt Flood's birthday was in January and here it is nearly March... and this little announcement does not represent my gratitude to him for his contribution to baseball and as a leader for the rights of athletes ...

If you have a facebook account, I strongly encourage you to join the group,
Put Curt Flood in the Hall of Fame

This is the description:
"A group designed to lobby support for Curt Flood's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his major contributions on the field (2 World Series Championship Titles, 7 Gold Gloves) as well as off the field (he challenged baseball's reserve clause in the Supreme Court, paving the way for modern free agency not only in baseball but in all professional sports)."

Then take a little time to read the wall and see some of the stories posted and photos and, I think there is a video or two.

Jackie Robinson Day is April 15 and there will be a special Event at Dodger Stadium.

Perhaps we can organize an event in Pawtucket ? At a Paw(tucket Red)Sox game ?

Rhode Islanders Will Rally in Solidarity with Wisconsin on Tuesday 2/22

2011-02-21T10:52:00.000-08:00

I am grateful to the activists -- of all ages and descriptions -- in Wisconsin who are setting a tremendous example for everyone...

There is a Rhode Island Solidarity Rally scheduled for tomorrow.

If you visit the sites under "Extended Family" on the side of this blog, you will find some helpful information, and some, such as Jack and Jill Politics, and Pam's House Blend are updated much more frequently.

The blogroll has some new names and I am slowly removing some blogs (mostly due to dormancy)....

Still time to nominate for Grace Paley Award at UMass Boston

2011-02-19T05:32:00.000-08:00

I have just discovered this award, but hope that if you know someone doing the work at UMass Boston, you can nominate until March 1.

Here's some of the information:

As part of our ongoing commitment to social and political engagement, The William Joiner Center for the Study of War and Social Consequences has established an award in honor of the late Grace Paley, activist and writer. Grace was one of the inspirational forces at the Center, her enthusiasm and commitment inspiring. It is in her spirit that we seek to award a like-minded UMass Boston student the Grace Paley Award in the amount of $500.00. There are no restrictions on the use of the award.

Eligible students must be nominated by a faculty, staff member, or fellow student familiar with the student’s contributions to his or her community, whether that community is on- or off-campus. Eligible students must demonstrate diligent work in the fields of social, communal, or political activism. These can include, but are not limited to: literacy and advocacy programs, Veteran services, rehabilitation programs and centers, elderly services, immigrant services and assistance, community centers and service, churches, cultural centers, shelters, and after-school programs. Both undergraduate and graduate students in good standing are eligible. A faculty, staff member, or student may nominate more than one student.

Nominations are accepted January 1- March 1, 2011. For more information, please contact the Joiner Center at 617-287-5850, or email joinercenter@umb.edu.

When I lived in Needham, Massachusetts, I knew someone who taught on that campus, but that was 26 years ago ! Here's the link to the William Joiner Center page with the Grace Paley award info, including past winners...

Pastor Duane Clinker testifies for Marriage Equality in Rhode Island

2011-02-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

If I remember correctly, Duane Clinker was a union organizer when I first met him. It was a long time ago, and he might have been an organizer for a community group.

I think this little video is worth viewing -- and I am not a Christian nor a Biblical Scholar --

Thank you, Duane Clinker, for this testimony and for many other kind and creative acts.

There is a short and powerful little essay about Grace Paley's presence in a New York City hearing which addressed gay rights. Apparently there were some Orthodox Jews testifying in a way comparable to Orthodox Christians. Not appreciative of gay rights. According to the writer, Grace Paley stood up and spoke in Yiddish loudly and clearly in response to the bearded men.

I get tearful just imagining it. If I can get permission or find an internet link to the Grace Paley memory (possibly it is part of the PEN issue which was published after her death), I will certainly post it.

Gay Rights = Civil Rights.

An Injury To One Is An Injury To All.

“Our weapon was our dream”: Music Video Created In Tahrir Square, Egypt

2011-02-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

“Our weapon was our dream”: Music Video Created In Tahrir Square, #Egypt

I found this at Jack and Jill Politics and no, I do not understand Arabic, and I am posting this based on its sound, and imagery and the translation at Jack and Jill, which they credit to someone else.

I did learn an Arabic word today.

Mabrouk = Congratulations.

Mabrouk and mazel tov to the people of Egypt.

“Wouldn’t you wish that everyone be equally blessed?” -- Equal Rights for Rhode Islanders

2011-02-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

I have been friends first with Nancy and now John Green for many years. When my son was an infant, they watched him on more than one occasion when he couldn't accompany me ...

He has shared on kmareka his testimony at the Rhode Island State House this week.

Today, let us be mindful of the many things we often take for granted. I’m asking all of you here, for whom this applies–to just consider for a moment– your material comforts, your health care, education– all the rights, privileges and protections under the laws you enjoy by simple virtue of the fact that you live in a great state–within an even greater country. I would ask that you give thanks for being married to someone you love and for having that union and family legally sanctioned everywhere by the powers that be. If all this applies to you, the only question I have is–“Wouldn’t you wish that everyone be equally blessed?”

My answer is yes–because there isn’t anything good and fine in my life that I wouldn’t want everybody to have. So I am here today, happy to lend support in favor of marriage equality. I came of age down South in the sixties. And for better and for worse, that experience imprinted me with an indelible awareness of boundaries. Racism, like all forms of bigotry, has a way of doing that–to its victims and benefactors alike, by purposely creating an unequal and unjust caste system of ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’. I share with gay people– firsthand experience –of what it means and how it feels– to be on the outside looking in.

One thing I believe that sets America favorably apart in the eyes of the world–is the spirit of our laws, which over time not only champions the individual and recognizes our diversity, but does not overlook and wisely safeguards the legal and civil rights of minorities too. One’s sexual orientation, like the color of one’s skin, is not something over which any of us has a choice. I don’t believe it’s fair or reasonable to exclude anyone on this basis. I am also disheartened whenever I see otherwise bright, well meaning people– misusing religion and science to justify bigotry and the denial of rights to others–which is, after all, the real issue here.

I have 5 sisters and 3 brothers. Many summers ago when I was a boy, we were out playing when our Dad unexpectedly showed up. He asked, “Who wants ice cream?” Of course we all said we did. So Dad was off to the store. Upon his return, we eagerly crowded about him as he led us inside to the kitchen table. As he reached into the bag, he told us there were only 2 half-gallons left in the whole store. We were dumbfounded when we realized Dad had only brought back 1 carton. Reading our faces, he simply smiled and told us that, “On a hot day like this, I figured somebody else might want some too.” I remember feeling a little chagrined, then I smiled, thinking to myself about somebody out there we didn’t even know, who like us, was benefitting from Dad’s thoughtful gesture and from the importance he placed on sharing. And isn’t that what inclusion is all about?

It’s always the right time– to stop behaving as if compassion, fairness, and equality are finite natural resources, to be doled out bit by bit and then– only to those of a select status. Our state’s motto is HOPE. I choose to believe– that this expectation is meant to apply equally to every soul living within its boundaries.

Thank you, John Green, and everyone who testified on behalf of civil rights.
Thank you, kmareka.

I Dreamed I Saw Grace P. Last Night

Viola Davis: "...Dream Big and Dream Fierce."

Fun way to support Jessica Ahlquist ~

Happy Birthday, MarShon Brooks !

Was Joe Paterno molested as a child ?

the "Happy face"

A Dragon lives forever ?

Happy Year of the Dragon!

CHIMERAS: Mapping HIV-human protein to protein interaction r...

Rhode Island Council of Churches leader supports removal of prayer banner - Warwick Beacon

Mazel Tov, Jennifer Ahlquist !

Muhammad Ali at 70: What he meant, what he means

Remembering King: Classmates, colleagues recall influence | ajc.com

a Song for Jessica Ahlquist!

10 Years On, 10 Reasons Guantanamo Must Be Closed

Jessica Ahlquist Has Won Her Lawsuit!

How do you measure love? Thoughts on Teachers, Teaching ...

Marriage Equality Rhode Island to Senator Reed: 103 days is not ‘very shortly’

Sweet Marsha Z. West ! Look What I Found !

How Grace Paley influenced one writer

Nonviolent Basketball Attendance ? Help, please.

Paul Goodman Changed My Life movie review --

Alice Walker: *Democratic Womanism*

Tomgram: Rebecca Solnit, Occupy Your Heart | TomDispatch

*like one book being a long row of books* -- Carl Sandburg

MarShon Brooks ! Way to Represent Providence College

From Facundo Cabral

Mazel Tov, Mayor Taveras !

Slow Love Life: IN MEMORIAM: ELISABETH YOUNG-BRUEHL

Wind and Ducks: Leora Skolkin-Smith

Jacob's blog ~ Or I ♥ my cousins

Amy Kochâ€™s Next Press Conference?

Flight home a nightmare for parents of dying boy | New Hampshire NEWS07

Peter, Paul and Mary - Light One Candle

John Medeiros is from Rhode Island !

Israeli travel ban cuts studies short for Palestinians - World Wires - MiamiHerald.com

One Gift of the Occupy -- Empathy among Rivals (or teenagers in RI have heart).

RI's Jessica Ahlquist is right.

Blossom S. Kirschenbaum detested injustice.

Jesus' General: ACTION ALERT: Stop Lowe's from using Arabic Numera...

Voces Heroicas de Olneyville, Rhode Island !

Richard L. Grossman on the train to New York

Grace Paley’s Birthday is December 11 (born in 1922, she died in 2007) by Judith Arcana 12/8

In legal precedent, Israel court stops demolition of unrecognized Bedouin village - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Five arrested at Morning Glory Community Garden site

Gus, a very friendly neighbor.

Maura Clarke and Companions, a Gift Person essay

AIDS, Frank Jump & the Ninjanurse

Who Killed Joel ?

Jesus' General: Gov. Brownback, a Prostitute, and a Dead Cat

Bronx Students Occupy Public Education, Release 10-Point Plan - COLORLINES

Matt Paknis understands the Penn State Tragedy

The Importance of Being Cecilie on Yom Kippur.

Blood Drive for Providence Police Officer Stephen Shea | City of Providence

Jesus' General: Department of Book Reports: Banned Books Week

" Empathy is a Wave..." -- Alice Walker

Isn't Executing Folks a form of Terrorism ?

Inca Zombie Boy

LA ISLA DE SAN BORONDÓN: BATALLAS DE AMOR. GRACE PALEY

Please Say Good Night to the Guy, Irene by Ziggy Talent

Blueberries On T (mi vecinito)

Providence En Español - Muere el concejal Miguel Luna

Not The Nine O'Clock News

Technical Confusion

Ami's Safe Space Project

SLAM ONLINE | » Video: Dennis Rodman’s 2011 Hall of Fame Speech

What would Rhett S. Jones say ?

Happy Birthday, Bryan Principe ! My [city] Councilman !

Norway: Democratic Defiance Amid Devastation | Human Rights Now - Amnesty International USA Blog

Leora Skulkin-Smith's essay about Grace Paley

Culinary Caution from my General

"You gotta get that mike in close." -- It's Rich Kincaide's Birthday !

In the photo below. . .

Remembered and Loved...

Solo le pido a Dios - - I only ask of God

homenaje a FACUNDO CABRAL

James Taylor - Shower the People (Live/1988)

Good Bye, Dear Tree....

Spelling Bee Approaches

Keith Mascoll as Ms. Roj..From the play The Colored Museum at The Provid...

Alice Walker: Democratic Womanism

like one book being a long row of books -- Carl Sandburg